Early this year, I was looking at a photograph of a muslim mosque. The sun was setting in the background. And the bright orange colors of the sunset lit the background and over took the photo. I saw this and the thought came to me, even in the midst of evil the beauty and glory and power of God is evident. He has not left Himself without a witness. The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it.
I think this is important to remember as we are pilgrims in this world corrupted by sin. May we make a stand and make His glory evident in this evil generation and in all places.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Make disciples
Written Tuesday, September 04, 2007
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This is the Great Commission, the dear words Jesus left with us before He ascended. Wow, you can hear these words reaching from the moment that they were spoken to the end of the age. It is for me to live and to lay my life down for. I don’t want to be at fault in taking His words and running with them in vain. I have often made it my goal in evangelism to bring “converts” to “ascent” to the Gospel. But in truth, I only reduced the Gospel and the calling of Christ.
Jesus said, “make disciples”. And in these words He made the Gospel something very personal. We cannot “make disciples” and not be involved in peoples lives. It requires that we pour out our lives for others. This is not merely getting someone to “ascent” to the Gospel, for a “decision” does not save you. It is bringing someone to live (to obey) the Gospel that saves. The Gospel is something that is very hands on and intimate. Our attitude is to be as Christ’s who came and became flesh and was involved in our lives. Paul in his ministry proclaimed the Gospel in this manner. He preached the Gospel and poured his life into those who came to faith in Jesus Christ. And when he taught he did not reduce the gospel, but taught “them to observe all that” Jesus commanded. We see this throughout Acts and in the Epistles, the pouring out of their lives to carefully nurture the gospel in the lives of those with whom they witnessed to.
I am not saying that we wait for an opportune time to preach the Gospel. We are to make the most of every opportunity. In Proverbs, “Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks”. We must preach the Gospel. We are the fragrance of Christ, everywhere. And there is grace for those moments when the encounter with a person is short. However, we do not want to run in vain. We want to walk with them to make sure that their election and salvation is sure. And we want to walk with them as they grow in the faith.
I believe that if our pursuit is to obey Christ in making disciples unto salvation and not just merely speaking the Gospel, we will not run in vain, even when our encounter with a person is short, for Jesus said, “behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This is the Great Commission, the dear words Jesus left with us before He ascended. Wow, you can hear these words reaching from the moment that they were spoken to the end of the age. It is for me to live and to lay my life down for. I don’t want to be at fault in taking His words and running with them in vain. I have often made it my goal in evangelism to bring “converts” to “ascent” to the Gospel. But in truth, I only reduced the Gospel and the calling of Christ.
Jesus said, “make disciples”. And in these words He made the Gospel something very personal. We cannot “make disciples” and not be involved in peoples lives. It requires that we pour out our lives for others. This is not merely getting someone to “ascent” to the Gospel, for a “decision” does not save you. It is bringing someone to live (to obey) the Gospel that saves. The Gospel is something that is very hands on and intimate. Our attitude is to be as Christ’s who came and became flesh and was involved in our lives. Paul in his ministry proclaimed the Gospel in this manner. He preached the Gospel and poured his life into those who came to faith in Jesus Christ. And when he taught he did not reduce the gospel, but taught “them to observe all that” Jesus commanded. We see this throughout Acts and in the Epistles, the pouring out of their lives to carefully nurture the gospel in the lives of those with whom they witnessed to.
I am not saying that we wait for an opportune time to preach the Gospel. We are to make the most of every opportunity. In Proverbs, “Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks”. We must preach the Gospel. We are the fragrance of Christ, everywhere. And there is grace for those moments when the encounter with a person is short. However, we do not want to run in vain. We want to walk with them to make sure that their election and salvation is sure. And we want to walk with them as they grow in the faith.
I believe that if our pursuit is to obey Christ in making disciples unto salvation and not just merely speaking the Gospel, we will not run in vain, even when our encounter with a person is short, for Jesus said, “behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Written March 2005
The waves crashed
The thunder roared
Unabashed the lightning seared the sky
The billows soaring
Wind writhing
This was a wonderful time
For the little girl in her Father’s arms
As He held her close
His voice gently speaking to her
That day they had seen the sun rise and set,
Built castles and sought the treasures of the deep
They danced and walked, laughing
As they explored the tide
As He held her in the storm
His eyes sparkled as He talked
And told her of the beauty around her
Her knowing all the while His delight was in her.
The waves crashed
The thunder roared
Unabashed the lightning seared the sky
The billows soaring
Wind writhing
This was a wonderful time
For the little girl in her Father’s arms
As He held her close
His voice gently speaking to her
That day they had seen the sun rise and set,
Built castles and sought the treasures of the deep
They danced and walked, laughing
As they explored the tide
As He held her in the storm
His eyes sparkled as He talked
And told her of the beauty around her
Her knowing all the while His delight was in her.
Quote by Will Metzer Tell the Truth, CH.4, p.88
"Our desire is must be nothing less that to see the whole individual converted. We are looking to God for changed persons, not just a response from one segment of a personality. God regenerative work is a thorough renewing that involves all the faculties of the mind, emotions and will. Scriptural language calls this a 'new creation', a 'new birth'. People or either saved or lost. To weaken this radical but scriptural cleavage of mankind by suggesting a third category for people is an attack on the biblical doctrine of regeneration. There is no such thing as being a half Christian- for instance, being a 'Christian' but not a Spirit-baptized Christian; being a 'Christian' but not accepting Christ as Lord; being a 'Christian' but living a life continually characterized by being carnal (spiritual adultery)."
"Our desire is must be nothing less that to see the whole individual converted. We are looking to God for changed persons, not just a response from one segment of a personality. God regenerative work is a thorough renewing that involves all the faculties of the mind, emotions and will. Scriptural language calls this a 'new creation', a 'new birth'. People or either saved or lost. To weaken this radical but scriptural cleavage of mankind by suggesting a third category for people is an attack on the biblical doctrine of regeneration. There is no such thing as being a half Christian- for instance, being a 'Christian' but not a Spirit-baptized Christian; being a 'Christian' but not accepting Christ as Lord; being a 'Christian' but living a life continually characterized by being carnal (spiritual adultery)."
Quote by Will Metzer Tell the Truth, CH.7, p.104
"It is possible to encourage unbelievers to arrive at decisions from false motives. They 'become Christians' for what they can get out of it, such as coveting the speaker's experience or happiness or success in life. The true reason for becoming a Christian is not that we may have a wonderful life but that we may be in a right relationship to God."
"It is possible to encourage unbelievers to arrive at decisions from false motives. They 'become Christians' for what they can get out of it, such as coveting the speaker's experience or happiness or success in life. The true reason for becoming a Christian is not that we may have a wonderful life but that we may be in a right relationship to God."
Sunday, November 18, 2007
I have lost what I wanted and loved most in this world (atleast that is what I feel) and I know that the Lord has been good to me. He is my shepherd and He leads me well. And He leads me in His intimate care. And I know I can trust Him and I would follow Him anywhere.
When peace, like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Tho Satan should buffet, thow trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hat regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
If you know the story behind how these words were pinned, you know that this is not just a trust of someone gritting their teeth saying "God is good", but the words of a man who intimately knew the love of God in great loss.
I pray that you will know this love, the depth, length, width, and height. He loves us so much. And cares for us so tenderly.
When peace, like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Tho Satan should buffet, thow trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hat regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
If you know the story behind how these words were pinned, you know that this is not just a trust of someone gritting their teeth saying "God is good", but the words of a man who intimately knew the love of God in great loss.
I pray that you will know this love, the depth, length, width, and height. He loves us so much. And cares for us so tenderly.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Beauty
written in 2005
I listened as a man told a story on the radio about him and his wife on their honeymoon. His wife had just gotten out of the shower in the morning and as she looked at herself in the mirror she began to point out parts of her that were unattractive. Her husband walked up to her and placed his arms around her and faced her towards himself. He told her that she was insulting his wife; he would not have that. Then he gently said, “Look into my eyes.” She looked into his eyes; it was obvious in his eyes that there was no woman more beautiful. As she looked at him he said, “Let my eyes be your mirror.” He would go on to tell her that throughout their marriage.
After hearing this story, I could hear Christ saying, “Look into my eyes, Let my eyes be your mirror.” I thought about this and I questioned whether or not I wanted this. I don’t want to just be told that I am loved. I want to face my sin. I want to have victory over it. I do not just want to be told that I am wonderful and still be left in my sin. Then I thought about Jesus’ gaze, the gaze that penetrates the deepest parts of the heart, leaving nothing unsearched. How it is stern and loving. Jesus says, “Look into my eyes.” I realized that His gaze not only searches the inmost being, but it also purifies the deepest sin.
As we look into His eyes we see such great love, as He holds us in His arms and tells us that we are lovely. How could this be? A gaze so piercing and yet it contains such an enravished and gentle love, one drop being more than all the poems could contain. One drop bringing healing to our hurting heart. Such a love that makes you forget about yourself and abandon all as you are enraptured in romance of the Beloved. Now, all that matters is being with Him.
I also came to realize, if our eyes are on Jesus then we will be doing what Jesus is doing as Jesus did what the Father was doing. When we trust Him fully with our hearts we will go where He goes. Romance is at the heart of sanctification and holiness.
So let us, look into His eyes and let Him be are mirror. “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” This is not a gaze into our idea or concept of who Jesus is. But it is the gaze of a broken and contrite heart that trembles at God’s word and allows His truth to run wild and rule as a lion, without compromise. It is a humble walk before our Creator and Lord. It is a gaze that lets Christ be who He is and a gaze that allows us to be who He is creating us to be.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His Marvelous light . . .” 1 Peter 2:9
I listened as a man told a story on the radio about him and his wife on their honeymoon. His wife had just gotten out of the shower in the morning and as she looked at herself in the mirror she began to point out parts of her that were unattractive. Her husband walked up to her and placed his arms around her and faced her towards himself. He told her that she was insulting his wife; he would not have that. Then he gently said, “Look into my eyes.” She looked into his eyes; it was obvious in his eyes that there was no woman more beautiful. As she looked at him he said, “Let my eyes be your mirror.” He would go on to tell her that throughout their marriage.
After hearing this story, I could hear Christ saying, “Look into my eyes, Let my eyes be your mirror.” I thought about this and I questioned whether or not I wanted this. I don’t want to just be told that I am loved. I want to face my sin. I want to have victory over it. I do not just want to be told that I am wonderful and still be left in my sin. Then I thought about Jesus’ gaze, the gaze that penetrates the deepest parts of the heart, leaving nothing unsearched. How it is stern and loving. Jesus says, “Look into my eyes.” I realized that His gaze not only searches the inmost being, but it also purifies the deepest sin.
As we look into His eyes we see such great love, as He holds us in His arms and tells us that we are lovely. How could this be? A gaze so piercing and yet it contains such an enravished and gentle love, one drop being more than all the poems could contain. One drop bringing healing to our hurting heart. Such a love that makes you forget about yourself and abandon all as you are enraptured in romance of the Beloved. Now, all that matters is being with Him.
I also came to realize, if our eyes are on Jesus then we will be doing what Jesus is doing as Jesus did what the Father was doing. When we trust Him fully with our hearts we will go where He goes. Romance is at the heart of sanctification and holiness.
So let us, look into His eyes and let Him be are mirror. “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” This is not a gaze into our idea or concept of who Jesus is. But it is the gaze of a broken and contrite heart that trembles at God’s word and allows His truth to run wild and rule as a lion, without compromise. It is a humble walk before our Creator and Lord. It is a gaze that lets Christ be who He is and a gaze that allows us to be who He is creating us to be.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His Marvelous light . . .” 1 Peter 2:9
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
All sufficient
Written Thursday, September 6, 2007
We don’t believe that God can satisfy us and so we find our satisfaction in other things. "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water" (Jeremiah 2:13). Spurgeon wrote about this spiritual madness, "Men are in a restless pursuit after satisfaction in earthly things. They will exhaust themselves in the deceitful delights of sin, and, finding them all to be vanity and emptiness; they will become very perplexed and disappointed. But they will still continue their fruitless search. Though wearied, they still stagger forward under the influence of spiritual madness, and though there is no result to be reached except that of everlasting disappointment, yet they press forward. They have no forethought for their eternal state; the present hour absorbs them. They turn to another and another of earth's broken cisterns, hoping to find water where not a drop was ever discovered yet." Men have no forethought of their eternal state. They are madly, desperately, like ravaged animals, trying to find satisfaction, not full satisfaction, only satisfaction for the moment. They abandon all for the momentary delight, but do not find it, not even a drop. Oh! What madness that they even teach others, ‘This is the way of satisfaction and delight.’ Christ calls to this world, mad and blinded in their pursuit, and says, “I am the way, the truth, and the Life. I am more than satisfaction. Come to me all those who are weary. Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good and delight yourselves in rich food.” And so we must abandon all things and all things and come to Him, “the author and finisher of our faith”. And though we may not see the full fulfillment of the promises as did Abraham, we still believe.
We don’t believe that God can satisfy us and so we find our satisfaction in other things. "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water" (Jeremiah 2:13). Spurgeon wrote about this spiritual madness, "Men are in a restless pursuit after satisfaction in earthly things. They will exhaust themselves in the deceitful delights of sin, and, finding them all to be vanity and emptiness; they will become very perplexed and disappointed. But they will still continue their fruitless search. Though wearied, they still stagger forward under the influence of spiritual madness, and though there is no result to be reached except that of everlasting disappointment, yet they press forward. They have no forethought for their eternal state; the present hour absorbs them. They turn to another and another of earth's broken cisterns, hoping to find water where not a drop was ever discovered yet." Men have no forethought of their eternal state. They are madly, desperately, like ravaged animals, trying to find satisfaction, not full satisfaction, only satisfaction for the moment. They abandon all for the momentary delight, but do not find it, not even a drop. Oh! What madness that they even teach others, ‘This is the way of satisfaction and delight.’ Christ calls to this world, mad and blinded in their pursuit, and says, “I am the way, the truth, and the Life. I am more than satisfaction. Come to me all those who are weary. Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good and delight yourselves in rich food.” And so we must abandon all things and all things and come to Him, “the author and finisher of our faith”. And though we may not see the full fulfillment of the promises as did Abraham, we still believe.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Lord, You know me. You have examined my heart. You know my coming and going. You know my deepest motivations. Lord, you know my desires. Break anything that is not of You. Confront my heart and let truth, authenticity, and itegrity stand. Father, you know that my heart is yours, show me how to follow after You.
Lord, you have asked me to step out where I know I will be hurt. I am willing. God I trust you and I surrender all. Oh God, thank you that in the midst of what is hard You are there. And you are good to me. Help me to obey. Uphold me in your love and truth and integrity. Don't let me go my own way. God my desires are before you and I lay them at your feet, all I want is obey you.
Lord, I have nothing to bring. You are my strength and refuge. You set the paths straight before me, so that i may run after You.
Lord, you have asked me to step out where I know I will be hurt. I am willing. God I trust you and I surrender all. Oh God, thank you that in the midst of what is hard You are there. And you are good to me. Help me to obey. Uphold me in your love and truth and integrity. Don't let me go my own way. God my desires are before you and I lay them at your feet, all I want is obey you.
Lord, I have nothing to bring. You are my strength and refuge. You set the paths straight before me, so that i may run after You.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
loving others
A close married friend of mine was talking with me, today. And he said that when you get married you marry for "better or for worse" and sometimes that "worse" is you hurting because you know that you are not the man you want to be for your wife. You don't always know how to be there for her or give her what she needs. And you want so much more for her. But you don't back away. And you are not to be afraid of being her husband. You continue to be her husband and to walk with the Lord in loving her. You are her husband for "better or for worse", even when that "worse" is you.
This convicted me because I don't always feel adequate to be there for others and I always want to give so much more than I seem able to. I don't need to hide because I feel inadequate or because I hurt so much because I do not know how to be there. Sometimes you have to realize, regardless of you adequacy, it does not stop you from being a friend. And sometimes that is all you know how to be "for better or for worse".
This convicted me because I don't always feel adequate to be there for others and I always want to give so much more than I seem able to. I don't need to hide because I feel inadequate or because I hurt so much because I do not know how to be there. Sometimes you have to realize, regardless of you adequacy, it does not stop you from being a friend. And sometimes that is all you know how to be "for better or for worse".
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Written Tuesday, August 28, 2007
God did not come to save us from hardship, but from the Wrath of God. . . .He called us to count the costs. . . .What He does promise is that He will be with us, Emanuel. That He will be near. He will walk with us. There is no other greater treasure and no greater freedom. So let us abandon all, to come to Jesus.
God did not come to save us from hardship, but from the Wrath of God. . . .He called us to count the costs. . . .What He does promise is that He will be with us, Emanuel. That He will be near. He will walk with us. There is no other greater treasure and no greater freedom. So let us abandon all, to come to Jesus.
Godly boasting
On Sunday, I was with a community group at our church and I listened as the men would boast about their wives. They couldn't help it. You could tell it was a common, natural tendency and that these men were passionate about their wives. It felt good to be among men who highly valued their wives. The boasts that these men made came from their heart and the character that God was putting in them. It was a picture of the Proverbs 31 woman, the one where the husbands heart trusts in her and where the husband praises her. It was very beautiful. And I believe this is a characteristic of a godly husband, one bursting with thankfulness and good things about his wife. A gody husband boasts about his wife. God commands the husband to love his wife and I believe that should be evident and burst forth to the world.
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