Leeward Hope

God's Love for the Church in Human Form

2011-10-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

I wrote a poem, and versified some Scripture that could be put to music eventually. The Scriptures were Psalms 8 and 19, Romans 1, and Ephesians 5.

Also, my Sunday School lesson this Sunday is from Song of Solomon. We have two Sunday School quarterlies per quarter, one for the teacher (me), and one for the student. Each is written by different authors. Normally the authors complement each other. This time, however, they took different paths.

The author of the student book took the approach of comparing the love of the two people in Song of Solomon to the love of Christ for His Church. The authors of the teacher book took a literal approach, and wrote about sex. Which is correct? Probably both.

At first, the idea of human romantic love being a picture of Christ and the Church, especially based on Song of Solomon, seemed forced to me, but the more I read, the more this idea "resonated" with me. In the versified Scriptures mentioned above, and in my last post about the Lord's Supper, this idea shows signs of promise. It's "growing on me."

I plan to do more study and writing on the subject of comparing the subject of God's love for the Church with that of the relationship between husband and wife. I recall reading somewhere that the reason a man and woman should get married is for their marriage to be a testimony of Jesus' love for the Church. Interesting idea. Stay tuned for more on this general subject. (But I'm not saying when).

Biblical Word Study

2011-10-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

I like words. I'm a literary person and a writer. Yesterday I did a Biblical word study. Check out 2 Timothy 3:3. A word is translated "trucebreakers" in the KJV, and "irreconcilable" in the NASB. The root of this word is "spendo" in the Greek. Of course, the verse above contained its negative form.

The gist of this word is that a person is unwilling to sacrifice by spending himself or spilling his blood for someone with whom he had made a life-and-death covenant. Given this meaning, "trucebreaker" is appropriate. He didn't keep his covenant.

Sometimes I chastise myself for not being willing to sacrifice more for others, which is why I was doing the word study in the first place. I thought through my current relationships to see if I have just cause for chatising myself. I don't have any "covenants," other than contracts with employers (I'm an independent contractor) and church membership.

Then I thought of Communion. The word sacrament comes from "sacramentum" in the Latin. Apparently this word was originally used for an induction of soldiers into an army or cause (I've lost track of my source for this information).

Then I looked up the word "communion" in 1 Corinthians 10:16: sharing the body and blood of Jesus also carries the connotation of fellowship, participation, and partaking. I suspect this word has nuances of which English knows nothing. I'm recalling a preacher who once said that sexual intercourse was communion on the physical level. And he said it wasn't blasphemy to say that. It does point to an intimacy with Christ that we don't normally associate with Communion.

So I suspect Communion could be some kind of covenant commitment to Jesus that we are binding ourselves to die with Him.

Black and White

2011-10-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I read a newsletter by Gary Kah's ministry, Hope for the World. He probably could be called a modern day prophet. He specializes in end-time event, especially from the economic, social, and political perspective. He's not a theologian, but is solidly Biblical. You can find him and his ministry online.

What struck me the most yesterday was how "black and white" Gary is. No shades of gray in what he says and lives. This is unusual and commendable in the grayness of today's theological perspectives. Not only is it commendable, it is probably also essential for survival spiritually.

Considering what writers said in his newsletter, especially about the emergent church, it is going to be increasingly difficult in days to come to stay on "the straight and narrow." Religious leaders are becoming masters of deceit. Now is the time to "be diligent to make your calling and election sure," to learn to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and follow His leading, to depend on the Lord completely, to exalt Jesus, and to think Biblically.

Stick with the traditional interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. Live it out with all "black and white" courage, no matter what the sacrifice. Be immersed in the Word. Fellowship with others who think like this.

These are perilous times, as the Scriptures predicted (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Note that the exhortation to avoid people such as are outlined in this passage refers to all that are mentioned in verses 1-5, not just the one in verse 5. Note also that "lovers of self" tops the list of why the times will be dangerous.

Don't assume anything. Know Whose you are. Be black and white, even if it means death. You'll never regret it.

1 John 3:9

2011-10-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

9 "Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.(NKJV)"

Have you ever puzzled over this verse (and its context)? Scholars really debate this one. Now, I am not the ultimate scholar, but I did some research, and this is what I found. The Greek word for sin in this passage is hamartia (there are many different words for sin in the Bible). Hamartia means to miss the mark.

So read that verse with this in mind. "Whoever has been born of God does not miss the mark, for His (God's) seed remains in him (us), and he (we) cannot miss the mark, because he is (we are)born of God." Well, what does that mean?

I offer this poor morsel: Can God miss the mark? Of course not! He's the standard. Do we have the Holy Spirit? Yes, if we are His children. Don't we sin alot? Yes. But if we're justified (born again) we belong to Him. We have His (spiritual) seed in us, just as flesh and blood children have the "seed" of their father in them.

That was to illustrate the concept of the seed. If we are in Christ, we don't miss the mark (even though we sin), because we belong to the Father. We are saved because of His seed. What?

I probably shared this story before, but it illustrates what I'm trying to say. A small child sees his father working outside in the hot sun. The child wants to help his father, so he grabs a dirty glass, and smudges it in the process. He pushes a chair up to the sink, climbs up, and fills the glass with lukewarm tapwater. He climbs down and spills part of it in the process. He spills even more of it carrying it outside. He gives the glass to his thirsty father, and looks up to him with adoring eyes.

Does this child's gift miss the mark of what the father likes as a refreshing drink? Absolutely! Does the child himself miss the mark in the eyes of the father. Absolutely not! Why not? Because the father's seed is in the child (to use the Biblical analogy). Also because the child gave the best he could at his stage of development. But maybe that's getting into other territory.

What Did Jesus Mean?

2011-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Jesus had just been sentenced to death. As He is led out of the city to be crucified, women are weeping as they watch Him. He turns to them and tells them to weep not for Him, but for themselves, and warned of worse times to come. Then He said something very strange: "For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"(Luke 23:31 KJV).

What did He mean. In the lesson I've been studying in my Sunday School quarterly, the author of the student book said perhaps it had to do with how we apply the Truth in our lives. Given the context of Luke 23, I doubt this interpretation. Normally that writer is pretty good, so perhaps he didn't look at the context before making that comment.

Jesus is saying that if people do the things they were doing, i.e. sentencing Him to death in a kangaroo court, and putting Him to death without just cause, what would people do to His followers when He is not around bodily? The argument is from the lesser to the greater. So if they treated our Lord this way, we will be treated much worse.

Are we ready? Are we prepared to suffer? Some say that Christians won't have to suffer. This is not true from Scripture, or from history (including current history).

18 "Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:18-24). This is the Truth. Let's expect it and live it.

Theological Perspectives

2011-09-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Lord has exposed me to the various evangelical theological perspectives in a major way throughout my life. This has given me a broader perspective than I would have if I'd stayed within one denomination all of my life. It has helped me see the nuances of each perspective.

This is not the same as church-hopping. I firmly believe that where I worship is not for me to decide, and endeavor to follow the Lord's leading in this. I am firmly Arminian, and believe this is the Lord's will. And my love affair with theology has revealed some surprises.

I have found that the United Methodist Church has given me a good idea of what Arminianism is as a whole. Nazarenes and Wesleyans tend to get lost in the trees, and misses the big picture. The UMC looks more at the big picture, and could do well to look more at the trees. Many Arminians practice their faith like Calvinists, and need to have a better look at what it really means to be Arminian.

One discovery of mine has been how relevant the Bible is for today, and how Biblical concepts are not to be seen just as something for those people in Bible days. They are to be lived out today in much the same way they were lived out then. Ruth, for example. As I've said in a previous blog. I am Ruth. A friend and I are an illustration of how redemption should be worked out in practical living.

Ruth, Final Chapter (4)

2011-09-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of this chapter, Boaz goes to the city gate immediately and finds the other kinsman-redeemer he had told Ruth about. He invites him and ten elders of the city to sit down as a kind of court (common in those days), and consider the matter before them. Here the character of the two redeemers is made obvious.

Boaz had told Ruth that he would settle the matter of marriage, but in the beginning of the debate, he doesn't mention her. He talks about Elimelech's property, which Naomi is offering for sale (and she had a right to, even in those days), and invites the other redeemer to consider buying it. The unnamed redeemer bites. This is a good deal, the property and an old woman who couldn't bear children presented no risk.

Then Boaz throws in the kicker. Whoever buys the property gets Ruth in marriage, and raises up an heir for the dead man. The redeemer backs out of the deal, saying it would ruin his inheritance. What did he mean? He now knew that the property wouldn't ultimately be his. It would belong to the heir of Elimelech. The benefit he would gain from the property would be only temporary.

What was he thinking? Wouldn't it ruin Boaz's inheritance, too? Would God actually make a law that would ruin the one who kept it? The man was revealing his character. He had a secular mindset. He was unwilling to sacrifice for someone else. For him, God had no part in this deal. He was in it for the money. He was a redeemer in name only. It was probably a good thing that Ruth didn't end up having to be married to him. (But the people didn't follow what the Law prescribed to shame him publicly).

But Boaz had an eternal and godly perspective. He was willing to sacrifice for Ruth. And he did. This deal was about giving oneself for another with no thought of what he would get out of it. Boaz's and Ruth's firstborn son became the grandfather of King David and part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

What about the women? It is clear from chapter four, that this child was a redeemer of Naomi (verse 14). And the son was said to have been born to her (verse 17). What about Ruth? Wasn't he the son and redeemer of Ruth, too? Yes! Ruth gave herself for Naomi and her deceased father-in-law, and found herself redeemed (in the social sense). She was already redeemed by God, under Whose wings she had come for refuge (Chapter 2 verse 12). The women of the town said she was better to Naomi than seven sons (4:15). This was the ultimate compliment for a woman in Israel at that time. No woman in Israel was considered better than even one son, let alone seven. And Ruth the Moabitess became Ruth the Israelite. Can you see why this is my favorite story in all of the Old Testament?

Ruth, Chapter 3

2011-09-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

Naomi is so encouraged that she begins to play matchmaker. She tells Ruth what to do, and Ruth does it.

She goes to Boaz's threshing floor after dinner, and after Boaz has lain down to sleep. She lies down at his feet, uncovering his feet. There is nothing sexual in this encounter. She is claiming her rights as a widow in Israel.

Boaz awakens in the middle of the night and sees a woman lying at his feet. He demands to know who she is. She answers that she is his maid Ruth, then said, "...spread your covering over your maid, for you are a redeemer." This is a proposal of marriage. She is challenging him to do his duty as kinsman-redeemer.

Boaz blesses her for doing and saying this, and agrees to take the matter in hand immediately. However, he told her there was a redeemer closer than he, and he must settle it with him first.

Before daybreak, Boaz fills Ruth's cloak with barley, and she goes home to Naomi. Naomi is pleased with Ruth's report, and assures her that Boaz will settle the matter that day.

Naomi is really the one to be redeemed here, as you will see in the last chapter, but see how the Lord does this.

Ruth Chapter 2

2011-09-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

In chapter 2, Ruth shows her character. She's industrious, and full of initiative. She doesn't sit around and wait for someone to do something for her. She takes advantage of one of the Law's provisions for the poor, that of gleaning.

The Lord leads her to a field of one of the kinsman- redeemers. Ruth asks permission to glean. She doesn't assume she should be allowed. Her hard work attracts attention.

When Boaz comes to visit the workers, he asks about her. After learning her identity, he speaks to her, calls her "my daughter," encourages her, offers protection and work opportunities through for the duration of the harvest (which could have been months), orders his servants to leave extra grain for her, and gives her privileges not normally given to gleaners. He invites her to drink from the water jars, and invites her to lunch! This is "way over the top" in regard to behavior of landowners toward gleaners. Boaz has amply displayed his godly character.

When Ruth went home and told Naomi about her day, hope begins to arise in Naomi's heart, and she feels encouraged.

Ruth Chapter 1

2011-09-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1 gives the setting, and explains Naomi's dilemma. Her husband had moved them to Moab due to famine in Israel. Then he and their sons died. Widows, especially childless widows, in that day and culture faced destitution. They were totally dependent on a male provider, with few exceptions. They could own property in some situations.

The Law provided that if a woman's husband died, the husband's next of kin, usually a brother, was obligated to marry her, and raise up a son to the deceased brother's name. He would have to buy the property of the deceased, knowing that the firstborn son born to the union of him and the widow would inherit it when he came of age. So there was nothing in this for the brother who married the widow. He could use the property until the son inherited it, but that was all. Everything was done for the widow and her deceased husband.

Naomi was aware of this provision, and we see later in the Book of Ruth, how this came into play. Naomi suspected that her foreign daughter's-in-law would not fare well in Israel, which is why she tried to persuade them to return to Moab. Ruth chose to stay with her. Orpah did not. Naomi was bitter due to her circumstances, and doesn't seem to harbor any hope at the beginning of the story.

The fact that we are told they arrived in Israel at the beginning of the barley harest, tells us that the Lord is up to something. So far in the Book of Ruth, the story is about Naomi, but that is about to change.

Keeping the Spring

2011-09-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

I've been teaching Sunday School in the Book of Proverbs lately. This week we dealt with Proverbs 4. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for from out of it flow the springs of life."

The author of the lesson used his cat for an illustration. He told of how his cat sits on a perch in the yard and takes in everything going on there, never missing a thing. We need to have our spiritual antennas up at all times. Everything "out there" is bent on doing us in spiritually. Nothing is neutral spiritually.

How do we do it? Immerse ourselves in the Word. Read it with the intention of obeying it. Obedience solidifies our relationship with the Lord. Obedience is not about legalism. It's about relationship. Use Scripture as a filter to keep all the spiritual poison out. If we don't immerse ourselves in God's Word, we won't know what poison is. Alot of professing Christians are going astray today, and this is one reason why.

Stay in a solid Bible-preaching and teaching church. Pray daily, as often as you can. Keep that relationship open. Ask the Lord to protect you from all the spiritual poison, and to give you spiritual discernment.

People say they can handle it. If you think that, you are already off track. You can't handle it. That's why you need a Savior. All the time. We're in a war. We can't take a vacation from spiritual diligence. Don't even try it.

Ruth

2011-09-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ruth was written during the time of the Judges. If you remember anything about that time period, you will understand that the story of Ruth was a refreshing contrast to everything that was going on when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

Israel went astray from the time of the Exodus until the time of their captivity. Ruth, on the other hand, was a foreigner who turned to God, behaved faithfully and came under the protection and blessing of the Almighty God. Her reward was to be redeemed eternally as well as socially.

Boaz also showed himself to be righteous, by his trust in God and faithful obedience to God's Law, when he redeemed Ruth. He did a very Christlike thing in redeeming Ruth, though it could have cost him alot to do so. His action reflected a God-centered worldview, in contrast to the unnamed next-of-kin who was interested only in financial gain.

Naomi was also righteous, in spite of her bitter attitude, and showed faith in God through the circumstances of her life.

I have already given you a practical application in a vignette from my own life. Where are the faithful Christians who will do whatever it takes to bring redemption to others spiritually and socially, no matter what the cost?

Questions

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ruth is all about redemption. Jesus redeemed us, and expects us to redeem each other. Why do we not need kinsman-redeemers in our society? Or do we? There are alot of people who fall through the cracks. No human system succeeds every time. I am one who fell through the cracks in more ways than one. But God sent me a "kinsman-redeemer" who redeemed my situation in many ways. This did not include marriage, as the Biblical human redeemers did, but it has been everything I needed. Praise God.

How About Some Application

2011-09-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

In some ways I'm like Ruth. Ruth went to a people not her own with the Lord's leading and was immensely blessed. In a way, I have too.

My family is distant, mostly emotionally. I have 22 households of relatives in my hometown and surrounding communities, and I seldom see any of them. One brother is in Pennsylvania, but even if he and his wife are here, they are distant, so to speak. My two brothers are like the unnamed kinsman redeemer in the book of Ruth. He didn't want to redeem Ruth. My brothers keep me at as much of a distance as they can. In fact, one of my brothers actually said that I chose to be single. Now I was on my own. But this is not the Biblical attitude.

The unnamed kinsman redeemer in Ruth was more interested in economics than in God or people. He was afraid he'd ruin his own inheritance if he married her. But would God make a law that would ruin those who kept it? No. The man wasn't living by faith.

I can't read the minds of my family, but I think money is part of the problem between them and me. There is some evidence. Caring for someone who is poor is very costly. But lest you think I'm having a pity party, let me tell you where I'm going.

There have been people (church leaders) who have criticized my brothers for not taking care of me. That doesn't help anyone. But instead of forcing my brothers and sisters-in-law to do something they should, but obviously don't want to do, the Lord simply gave me another brother who has more than made up for all of my relatives combined. My life has been transformed in every conceivable way, but it is clear the Lord doesn't intend to make me rich.

As I look at my "distant" family, and this new brother the Lord has given me, I don't need an interpreter to understand that this arrangement is God's wonderful and perfect will for my life. So I don't miss my family. God has replaced them. I don't fuss about what they don't do. I rejoice over the spiritual abundance the Lord has lavished on me, and am thankful for the financial improvement, too.

If anyone out there is in a similar situation, don't fret over what or whom you don't have. If you had them, you might regret it. Remember Adam and Eve. We're still dealing with the results of their desire to have something more than what God gave them, and we will until Jesus comes. Treasure what you have.

Ruth, Continued

2011-08-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

Ruth includes an example of the practice of levirate marriage. In this type of marriage, if a man died, his brother, or next closest male relative was required to take her as wife (even if he was already married). The first male to be born from that union would be reckoned to be the son of the dead man, and would inherit the dead man's property.

If he didn't take her, there would be a ceremony whereby the widow would publicly take off his sandal, spit in his face, and say, "Thus shall it be done to the man who will not build up his brother's house." His house would be called "the house of the man who had his shoe loosed." By the time of the Judges, this ceremony was no longer practiced, you you can see in chapter 4 of Ruth.

Another example of levirate "marriage" i in Genesis 38, when Judah failed to follow the law of levirate marriage for his daughter- in-law Tamar. She then posed as a prostitute, and tricked Judah into impregnating her. She was not punished. He was the guilty one for not providing for her as he should have. This is still introductory to Ruth. Stay tuned for Ruth.

Ruth

2011-08-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

I have been teaching Ruth and have become more hooked than ever before. Next to Jesus, the story of Ruth is the most powerful account of redemption in the Bible. It makes very clear how redemption is to be applied in daily life.

This will be introductory. Boaz, as redeemer, embodied a Biblical worldview, and grace, and put everything on the line to fulfill his duty as next of kin, or kinsman-redeemer and to trust God with the results. He bought his deceased relative's property and took Ruth to be his wife in order to raise up an heir for the deceased man, not for himself. Isn't this how we, as Christians, should live?

The unnamed next-of-kin in chapter four, by contrast, declined to take Ruth as his wife for fear of ruining his own inheritance. What he meant was that he knew that if he married Ruth, a resulting male heir would inherit the deceased man's property. The children he already had would not gain anything from it.

This man revealed a purely secular outlook. He was interested only in economic gain. He had no thought that God might bless him for his obedience. He didn't seem to think, "Do God's laws really lead to economic ruin?" He thought only of what he might lose. Does this attitude sound contemporary to you? (A man was required by Biblcal Law to take his deceased brother's wife and raise up an heir for the deceased man). Stay tuned.

New Insight on the Lady Mentioned on 7/11/11 & on Grace

2011-07-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

It turns out that the driven older lady I mentioned about two weeks ago has good reason not to be around her husband all the time. His negativity pulls her down. Now that's a problem.

But why don't people understand that God's grace is not limited to salvation? It encompasses all of life. Like our daily stresses.

I'm not necessarily suggesting the lady stay at home. But I'm wondering why she's driven to this fast-paced way of living to get away from him. And I'm wondering why her husband, who embraces God's grace for his salvation, does not also embrace it for his day-to-day problems. I'm also wondering why the family doesn't point him to Jesus and challenge him to take a Biblical approach to suffering, and instead depends on elaborate and stressful man made solutions to the stress of caring for him.

Praise God, He has taught me, through trials, to depend on His grace for everything. Are churches not teaching this? Apparently not. Why not? We need to tell the whole story. Jesus' yoke is easy, and His burden is light. His grace is sufficient for absolutely everything.

Shall I Step on Some Toes

2011-07-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Regarding my two preious blogs, is it that people are being taught that we will be raptured before any trouble hits us in America? If we're not going to be here when all the trouble hits, why worry, and why pray for national repentance? Why get ready for something we won't have to endure? But isn't it better to be ready for trouble and not have it, than have it and not be ready? Pre-tribulation rapture theory breeds complacency. It's not true that we won't have to suffer. Read 1 Peter 2:19-23. We are called to suffer with Jesus, and encouraged in the Book of Hebrews to go with Jesus, and suffer outside the camp.

A Different Level

2011-07-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

I'm going to take my previous post to a different level briefly. In light of what some of the Christian prophetic types are saying about the current scene, I wonder greatly why we Christians don't stop everything we're doing that's not absolutely necessary, and have a national day of prayer, fasting, and repentance. Pastors are not saying anything prophetic, not getting people ready to suffer. If most Christians understood today's happenings seriously, we might be able to slow down this downward spiral. The Lord never intended for us to sit around and let bad things happen without doing something about it. We can make a difference. But we just go along like everyone else, business and pleasure as usual. We'll pay for it.

Is This What the Lord Really Wants?

2011-07-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

So many of us are busy beyond belief. Sports practice and events. Music lessons and events. Pampered Chef. Scouts. Civic organizations. "We meet ourselves coming and going," as my mother used to say. Do we Christians ever stop to ask whether this is really what the Lord wants for us? Where is the precedent for these things in the Bible? Is this really what the Christian life is all about?

I challenge you to believe that it's not. I'm not saying these things are wrong. I'm saying they have taken over, and they govern our lives. One of my prayer partners is way too busy, and she knows it. So why doesn't she stop, or at least slow down?

I know a woman in her mid-70's, who is still actively teaching in the public schools, and is engaged in many church activities, clubs, committees, etc., pushing herself to the point of collapse all the time. Now her husband's health is seriously declining, which challenges her on a different level, and she's talking about getting him back to a functional level before school starts. Does she ever ask herself why she drives herself like this?

I am reminded of a retired college president whom I heard speak at a missionary conference. His first wife had Alzheimers Disease. She would walk back and forth between their house and his office multiple times a day to try to find him. One night, as he was helping her get ready for bed, he saw that her feet were bloody. It was a moment of truth. He said, "The college can get a new president, but my wife cannot get another husband." He resigned immediately to stay home with her, and care for her until she died. This is the Christian response. This man had his priorities in the right order.

Remember the saying, "No one on his/her deathbed ever wishes they'd spent more time at the office." If my teacher friend in her 70's goes back to teaching school,leaving her husband languishing at home, she'll collapse in the doing, and regret her choices later, if she even lives to regret it. Does the school really need her more than her husband does? Of course not!

If we are so busy that we have to push people away, we are wrong, no matter what else is going on. Something even worse scares me. Are we trying to earn merit with God? Do we fear being thought of as lazy? Most evangelical Christians would assert to the contrary. Really? They need to think again. Scripture says, "Many will say in that day, 'Lord, Lord! Didn't we do many wonderful works in your Name.'" And He could say He doesn't know them (intimately). That's what I fear the most.

I would rather be thought of as lazy in the eyes of people, and be intimately known by God. Wouldn't you? Frenetically busy people don't take time to be intimately known by God. I think they're wrong.

And the Lord Breaks In

2011-06-24T05:15:00.000-07:00

I am about to move. It's not your ordinary move. The Lord is leading. It is probably the only time I've sensed the Lord leading in regard to housing. I wonder why I haven't sensed this before. I haven't asked Him before, I'm sorry to say.

There have been a number of times in recent years that I have moved out of a sense of desperation. And most of the housing I ended up with came accompanied by harassment. This time I am not moving out of a sense of desperation. Praise God!

I wasn't thinking of this when I chose to go to where I am moving. But the Lord broke in and showed me His choice. I was already on a waiting list for some other senior housing. I had no peace about it, though. Then someone called me, then someone else. And the Lord's will became clear. It's beyond me, just a bit. OK, more than a bit.

This move will be a major step forward, getting me out of a rut, but beyond my comfort zone. Another step forward out of the victim lifestyle. The Lord is like that. Often, all I have to do is stop and ask, "Is this what a victim would do, or a victor?" And with that, the Lord shows me the way of victory.

Worldwide Ministry

2011-06-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

For most of my life as a believer, I have prayed daily that I would have a part in preaching the Gospel to the whole world as a witness to all nations (Matthew 24:14). Last year in July, I became an online missionary, and this prayer of mine began to be answered. The Lord has blessed me with 681 evangelistic contacts in 57 nations. All the glory goes to Him. You could be involved in this ministry, too.

Sunday School Is Not Just for Children

2011-06-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

I am incredibly amazed at how the Lord leads me. Twenty two and a half years ago I was reading in my personal devotions (Numbers 14)about how the Lord consigned the Israelites to the wilderness for forty years for their disobedience and unbelief. He spoke to me through that passage, saying that I myself would go through a wilderness experience until I came to the end of myself. The wilderness has been extremely challenging, but I've grown in almost indescribable ways.

Fast forward until now. I've been teaching Sunday School(adults)in the book of Joshua. The Israelites are poised to enter the promised land. I myself am poised to go into a promised land of my own, a "land" that is more than a little beyond my capabilities. But the Lord is clearly leading me through these lessons I am teaching, as well as other means.

And this is not an isolated situation. The Lord leads me like this all the time. The Lord can lead any Christian like this. Is He leading you this way? If not, why not?

Insights from Sunday School

2011-06-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

Many people struggle with the fact of God-directed war in the Bible. This week's Sunday School in the Book of Joshua lesson shed some light on that issue. Rahab sided with the spies from the start, and became a believer. She said all of Canaan trembled in fear of the conquering Israeli army. Everyone in Canaan had the same information as Rahab, and could have become believers, too, but only Rahab and her family believed, and were spared. The rest were annihilated.

So war could have been avoided if the people turned to God as Rahab did. They did have a choice.

Challenges

2011-06-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I started having knee trouble. It has become rapidly worse. An MRI is scheduled next week. Since one knee is very unstable, I suddenly saw a need to move out of the tri-level house where I live, lest I fall on the stairs and a worse thing befall me.

I began searching online for senior apartments. I had applied for one several months ago, but had no peace about it. Some options came up, and it became clear that the Lord was leading.

The option I chose has its own caregiver agency, since these are apartments, not a facility where long-term nursing care is available. The option came with the offer of three specials, and the timing of these was truly amazing! I could choose two out of the three. I applied, and am waiting to hear whether or not I've been accepted.

I also applied and was accepted to work for the caregiver agency. I need the work, and don't intend to quit, even if it requires getting an electric scooter. Almost everyone I talk to recognizes the Lord's leading and has more faith than I do that my application will be accepted.

A member of my Sunday School class, however, thinks now might not be the right time to move, considering my new physical challenge. But the opportunity came up because of the challenge! I can't allow a challenge to keep me from an opportunity! That would be letting the challenge control me! Opportunities are often accompanied by challenges. And I think I have Biblical support.

9 "...for a door to me hath been opened -- great and effectual -- and withstanders [are] many" (1 Corinthians 16:9 Young's Literal Translation).

Leeward Hope Revisited

2011-05-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I began reviewing my earliest blogs, editing some, and deleting some others. Much has changed since the beginning of this blog, including the nuts and bolts of putting together a faith-based non-profit ministry. We have sifted more to online ministries, but also assist refugees locally. We are now called Shelter of Hope, Inc. Another change, and a more important one, I think, is the change in me, the founder.

My earlier blogs noted much harassment of which I was the victim. During the gap in my blogging activity (2005-07), this increased in intensity and form, which I'll not describe here. Then two years ago the Lord showed me how I got myself into being victimized. A childish decision to be the chief sufferer in our household, because the family member who suffered the most got the most attention, set me on the path of the perpetual victim. As soon as I accepted the Lord's assessment, and chose not to be a victim anymore, the power of victimization was broken, to the glory of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

The task of unlearning the habits of a victim, and learning better habits has so far been successful, and demonstrates both the grace of God and the power of strong, godly relationships, even one godly relationship. The grace of God is beyond description by any mortal, and is better embraced than explained.

The power of relationships is, I think, tragically underrated. There is a reason the Lord told us to disciple others. We learn best by seeing an example and by putting precept into practice. Much discipling has failed, because it is reduced to a system, rules to follow, and lists to check off. Anyone who has learned to tap in to the power of a personal, vital connection with Jesus Himself, and with the discipler, is truly blessed.

The one godly relationship I mentioned above, has rubbed off on me in a major way, and many people who knew me even a few years ago would recognize that such a change cannot be brought about on a merely human level. The Lord so clearly worked through this relationship, by this friend simply being who he is in Christ, with God's anointing so powerfully on him.

How many of this type of disciplers exist, I don't know. But I have another concern. Are we, especially as Americans, so fiercely independent that we would not submit to such a relationship? I suspect so. We can't do this by ourselves! We need a vital dependence on God, and strong connections with godly brothers and sisters in Christ.

Microchips and False Gods

2011-05-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

I recently had a discussion with a supporter of the pre-tribulation rapture view. This blog will not argue for or against that. My concern is that many supporters of this view say that it's ok to take a microchip if the opportunity (& necessity) arises, because it wouldn't be the real mark of the beast since we're not supposed to be here when the anti-christ is here. It is very dangerous to put this level of importance on the pre-tribulation rapture, as it could lead many unsuspecting people to take a micro-chip that is indeed the mark of the beast. The varying views of the rapture (which term is not even in the Bible) have proponents who make a very good case for them. It is good not to put much emphasis on these, because the Lord tells us to simply be ready and watching, not spending so much time preoccupied with when things will happen.

The person with whom I had the discussion mentioned above answered my concern by saying there are many types of micro-chips, and he differentiated between a micro-chip for buying and selling, and one for worship. The Bible does not make this distinction!

15 "The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666...14:11 And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus"" (Revelation 13:15-18, 14:11-12). This passage clearly equates the mark for buying and selling with the mark for the worship of the ant-christ, and realtes dire consequences for all who take it!

Think of the implications of the micro-chip. It gives the government of the anti-christ a counterfeit omniscience and omni- presence, clearly putting this government in the place of God, knowing where you are at all times. Whatever your view of the end times, please don't take a micro-chip.

Legal and Personal

2011-03-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Francis Schaeffer, in True Spirituality, wrote that there are both legal and human aspects to divine and human institutions. For example, a husband and father is legally responsible to provide for his family, but if that's all he does, if he is not personally involved with them, he is totally missing the mark.

In the Church, the legal aspects are doctrine, governance, and organization. But the world is looking for them to have a quality of love for each other and for the world, that is not found anywhere else. And it is right for them to be looking for this.

Dr. Schaeffer speaks of the necessity of demonstrating to the world (both seen and unseen) the wisdom of God. If all we demonstrate is the legal aspect, the world is going to see the Church as legalistic and oppressive, and rightly so. The world needs to see something supernatural, something that can't be explained other than by having a relationship with God.

God is obviously supernatural. Our relationship with Him should be supernatural.

Why an Arminian Can Like Francis Schaeffer

2011-03-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer was an ordained Presbyterian minister, which makes him a Calvinist officially. He had to pass muster with a Presbyterian ordaining council. Nevertheless, in some of his writings, he sounds Arminian.

For example, in True Spirituality, he says that a person can respond to God by saying "no" to what He requires. It is one option among others that he discusses. This seems to indicate that he believed in free will and resistible grace. Calvinism teaches that God's sovereignty trumps free will, and that grace is irresistible.

Schaeffer also commends Wesley for addressing the concept that Christians can and should have a conscious awareness of their relationship with God, actually knowing that they are Christians. Calvinists shy away from this, and teach that a Christian cannot know whether he or she is elect until death. Faith, for them, is based on the written Word only, though the Word is also a Person.

When Schaeffer wrote True Spirituality, he was addressing, at least in part, what he thought to be a lack in Reformed theology, and indicated that he had gone through a spiritual crisis before writing it. I guess if anyone could critique Reformed theology, it would be a Calvinist.

Naturalist or Supernaturalist?

2011-03-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Francis Schaeffer never ceases to amaze me - how he really nails the issues in the Church. He and I seem to share similar concerns.

I have been concerned about dead orthodoxy, and have been exhorting people to learn to know Jesus better through experiencing (i.e. applying) what He taught. The Word is a Person, and so often today's Church completely misses this relational aspect of Christian living. But it's so powerful! That is probably why the devil keeps so many eyes closed to this.

Schaeffer uses other terminology, naturalist and supernaturalist, for example. He says most Christians live as if there is no supernatural. He says we should live supernatural lives, since we are connected to the supernatural. In the Bible, it's a given.

He warms up to this idea by discussing the Holy Spirit. He says we should let the Holy Spirit do things through us, rather than relying on our own effort. Then this surprise: He explains how the Holy Spirit connects us to the eternal (supernatural and Heavenly)realm. We are connected all the time.

He asserts that the letter of the Word is not enough. There must be a demonstration before the watching world, and before the the beings in heavenly realms. 9 "God sent me to reveal the secret plan that had been hidden since the beginning of time by God, who created everything. 10 God’s purpose is now to show the rulers and powers in the heavens the many different varieties of his wisdom through the church" (Ephesians 3:9-10 Common English Bible).

Now I'm putting my "two-cents worth" in. How do we learn to communicate in this realm without dipping into the type of spirit communication that is forbidden? One thing we do is cultivate a strong relationship with Jesus, Who is the Living Word. We do this by approaching the Bible, not as a collection of proof-texts, but a book about relationship with Him. We view the Bible as a means of grace, through which God speaks to us and empowers us through His Holy Spirit, not as a check-list of things we have to do. We should approach worship, prayer, and the Lord's Supper, all in this way.

We should approach all of these with an obedient heart, and a willingness to apply all that He says, in every area of our lives. The Holy Spirit leads the way in this. Trust Him. It takes time to cultivate a relationship with Him, so be patient. Avoid going after supernatural manifestations. That ensnares (traps) people. It's not about signs and wonders, but about relationship with Jesus. Seek the Giver for Himself, not the gift. He is worthy.

My Bible study guide would help. This approach isn't for the faint-hearted or lackadaisical. Only the dead serious need apply.

Ascended with Christ, and Glorified

2011-03-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

I am reading Francis Schaeffer's book, True Spirituality. Many people will expound on the crucified and resurrected life for all in Christ to live right now, but in my many years of being a Christian, I have never read or heard anyone expound on our living the ascended and glorified life right now.

Schaeffer started by recalling Paul's experience of being caught up to the third heaven "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter" (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Then Paul, or this other man of whom Paul speaks, returned to earth and continued his ministry.

Schaeffer goes on to say that after this experience, Paul could never be the same. Nothing moved him, except to fulfill the calling Jesus had laid on him. He was harassed, beaten almost to the point of death more than once, stoned, shipwrecked, and much more, and nothing moved him. He considered his life of no value, except to fulfill his ministry.

Recall Jesus. 1 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2). Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him, the joy in Heaven awaiting Him.

We have this joy waiting for us, too. And so did Paul. That's why he could endure what he did. "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). I'm quoting verses that Schaeffer didn't quote.

If we are in Christ, we are already ascended with Him. 4 "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-7). So we are already seated in the Heavenly places with Him.

But we are still here, too, obviously. Once we are crucified, raised, ascended, and glorified with Him, we still have work to do. It's like the transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17 and Mark 9. After the three disciples had seen Jesus in His glory, they still had to go down the mountain and minister to people.

Schaeffer tells his readers that it's like we've been to Heaven and seen unspeakable things. Nothing could ever be the same. Like Paul, nothing should move us, no cost be too great, no sustaining joy greater. Think how powerful our ministry would be.

I have been applying this in terms of sustaining joy, considering all the trouble that's coming on the world, and the prospect of persecution (piled on top of what I'm already going through). And I was reminded of two original songs, one that has to do with this very thing, and the other with what I'll see in Heaven after I die, or am caught up to be with Him forever. I'll not quote the songs here since this blog is already too long.

But I refer you to 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: 17 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal".

Fasting During Lent

2011-03-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

What is the significance of abstaining from meat during Lent? When I was a child, I had a Roman Catholic friend who, along with her whole family, abstained from meat on Fridays. My friend explained that they abstained from meat on Fridays (and probably during Lent), because if you don't, you might be eating Jesus. Where did this belief come from? This seems strange to me. Why would eating meat be cannibalistic? There is no connection between eating a piece of meat and Jesus Christ. Or was my childhood friend completely without understanding?

Some Protestants fast from meat during Lent. Why always meat? Or is it not always?

Fasting is good. Scripture commands it. But fasting during Lent is a Church tradition not found in the Bible. In fact, the concept of Lent is not found in the Bible.

I read somewhere that giving up something for Lent was intended to set aside something that would distract you from focusing on the Lord. Why wouldn't you want to do that ALL the time?

I know someone who abstains from meat during Lent. She is kind of new at her church, and I'm not sure she had a tradition of doing this previously. She makes no change in her lifestyle during Lent, and I can't see that this practice is helpful to her spiritually, though there might be some physical benefit. It would seem to me that to give up a bad habit, not only for Lent, but forever, would be better.

This person I just mentioned above watches violent and/or immoral movies while she is fasting from meat during Lent. She watches these types of movies all through the year. To me, giving up TV-watching would have a much better impact on her spiritual life than abstaining from meat. Why this huge disconnect between one's spiritual practices and one's lifestyle, and even one's relationship with Jesus?

We need to examine our practices to be sure they are in line with Scripture, and with Christ-centered living.

A Big Disconnect

2011-03-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, the international director of Christian education for a large denomination noted that there was a huge disconnect between precept and practice of Christian teaching. Then he promptly applied an academic "solution" to the problem.

This issue is not academic. As I've noted before, the key to knowledge in one's relationship to God is obedience (John 7:17). The willingness to obey always precedes spiritual understanding. And this is the bridge across the disconnect.

To address this issue partially, I am writing a Bible study guide which teaches the student to interpret the Bible in light of its overall context, and to interpret his or her life events and situation in light of Scripture. Though it is not a proof-text approach, the guide will include some Scripture references.

It is my conviction that Scripture has to be lived out in order to be fully understood. A totally intellectual approach leads to legalism and powerlessness. Christians need to learn to think critically when applying Scripture. So many are being led astray. This contextual guide should be of tremendous help.

Readiness, Continued

2011-03-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I blogged about the wise and foolish virgins, and likened the lamps to watchfulness, and world evangelization. Another aspect of readiness would be stewardship.

45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 24:45-51).

This passage clearly states that those who squander what God has given them, spending it on themselves, won't be ready when Jesus comes again. Those who will be ready are those who are faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to them. It is so clear that I'll let it stand without further comment, though some might have questions about eternal security or loss of salvation.

Ever Wonder About This One?

2011-03-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

You all probably know the story of the wise and foolish virgins. Speculation abounds as to what the oil in the lamps is. I'm more interested in the lamps.

35 “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; 36 and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching" (Luke 12:35-37). Lamps can symbolize watchfulness.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

The lamp can symbolize our witness. "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).

10 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.[c] 11 "Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:10-13). Looking for and hastening the day of the Lord. That word "hastening" has come to refer to the preaching of the Gospel to all nations so as to hasten the coming of the Lord, as shown above, in Matthew 24:14.

So the lamps in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins can refer to being in an attitude of expectation about Jesus' return, and being active in evangelism. This would be the state of readiness.

Traditionally, the oil has been identified as the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is necessary for preaching the Gospel, and for watchfulness, for that matter.

And by the way, just for a contemporary touch. Environmentalists teach that we must save the earth. Imagine a god that can't save you, but rather that you must save. However, since God is going to burn up this old earth (to make way for His new one), how is anyone able to save this old earth?
.

What Kind of Revival Do We Need?

2011-03-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

First, we need a revival of Truth. Many in the Church today are abandoning Biblical orthodoxy. Some might question whether or not my theology is Biblically sound, since I write so much about experience. I will get back to that, but my theology is firmly rooted in Biblical Truth. I am thoroughly evangelical.

Christians whose experience is not firmly established on God's Word tend to look for spiritual reality elsewhere, but the Bible is the only source of spiritual Truth. Many people who are fascinated by supernatural power tend to look for it in the wrong places, but nothing is more powerful than God's Holy Word when rightly understood and applied. God never intended for His Word to be merely assented to or intellectually grasped. That leads to legalism, deadness, and bondage. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Second, we need a revival of the application of Scriptural Truth i.e. a revival of obedience. Many Christians live in the realm of theory, and have no idea how their beliefs work out in practice. People who don't know how their faith works are easy prey to those who would lead them astray. Many people can demolish Christian arguments on an intellectual level, leaving Christians confused.

Christians who have worked out their faith on a practical level (Philippians 2:12-13), however, are another story. My brother has a coworker who is in a cult. This coworker has an answer for anything my brother says about this cult, but is silent in the presence of a testimony, and a life lived out in dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Reading God's Word with the intention of obeying it will help Christians establish the habit of applying God's Word in every area of life, and will open their hearts to understanding what is really True, and what is false (John 7:17). Christians with these habits and this understanding are unstoppable in the arenas of witness and service. This leads to a third point.

We need a revival of the heart. "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them” (John 14:21). Obedient Christians are really the only ones who love the Lord. You can see in this last reference a reinforcement of the Truth that obedience leads to understanding. Obedience leads to a deepening of one's relationship with Jesus. Christian living is not a list of rules. Christian obedience flows out of a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. And that testimony is irresistible!

What's Wrong with Evangelicalism?

2011-03-01T05:01:00.000-08:00

Do you listen to the critics? Sometimes they are right. Evangelicals have been criticized as being selfish. We want Jesus only for what He can give us. Is the accusation true?

In many cases, yes. I've been in churches where complacency reigns. They are on the road to Heaven (they think), and that's all they care about. Is this really what the Gospel is all about? I think not. Jesus did not die on the cross for that. The Gospel is not about what I can get out of it.

The Gospel is for the glory of God, and about taking the message to the whole world. Complacent people don't seem to want a personal relationship with Jesus, the most beautiful Person in the whole universe. It takes too much work. It can be risky. But doesn't Jesus deserve it? He deserves all our love.

Why not look at it this way. Focus on having a glorious relationship with Jesus, and you'll get salvation too.

A Biblical Way to Understand Theology

2011-02-28T06:06:00.000-08:00

"If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority" (John 7:17). Obedience is the key to understanding Biblical Truth. It's not a cognitive thing in God's economy. God starts with an obedient heart.

It makes sense, doesn't it? God is not going to waste time sharing His Truth with someone who doesn't intend to obey. He communicates with those who listen.

Obedience helps you move your knowledge of the Truth beyond the theoretical. Many believers live in the realm of theory. They haven't put their theology to work in real life. "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13). An example from everyday life is that a child doesn't really know what "hot" is until he/she touches something hot. So the experiential enhances knowledge.

Many intellectual unbelievers can run circles around Christians when it comes to discussing our theories. In fact, unbelievers aren't interested in faith as theory. They need to see how it works. I believe we would win more people to Christ, and save more people from error if we knew how to really apply what we believe to real life. People can dismantle theories, but they can't argue with a living example of faith applied.

Of course, our theology has to be Biblical, or it won't work out in real life, but that's the subject of another blog.

Theology Applied

2011-02-25T07:02:00.000-08:00

I am amazed at the number of Christians who operate in the realm of theory. Even the pros (pastors and seminary professors). In fact I have a friend who says that when he was in college, he had a sociology professor who always lectured about "what the studies show." My friend says he frequently had knowledge that proved "what the studies show" hadn't worked out in practice. He used to have discussions with that professor about it, but they finally had to agree to disagree.

I'm finding that this is a serious problem among Christians. Many are totally unaware of how their theology works out in practice. Many of these same people are trying to evangelize others or turn them from theological error.

I can assure you that the unsaved, and people caught up in theological errors, are not interested in theories. They want and need to see how Truth works. Theoretical types among the unsaved and otherwise errant can argue circles around our Christian theories. My Japanese "atheist" friend Yuki is a case in point. But they can't argue when they see how Truth actually works out in real life.

It's almost comical to hear people argue (or read their arguments) that Christians will always be in bondage to sin, as in Romans 7. (That's the concurrent theory, for you theoretical types). But you can read in Romans 5, 6, and 8 that if you are in Christ, you are freed from sin. Can people be in bondage to sin and freed from at the same time? No, they cannot.

Or imputation vs. impartation (of God's righteousness) when we become Christians. In modern translations "imputed" is often translated "credited." If someone credited money to my bank account, have they not by that very fact imparted the money to me? If not, the concept of credit is meaningless, and even ridiculous.

It's the same with God's righteousness. It's still God's righteousness, which I fully acknowledge is given through no merit of my own. Nevertheless, when God credits it to my account, it becomes "mine" to draw on throughout my life, though it is given as a gift. Surely a person can know in actual practice whether he or she has been given a gift or not.

When someone gives you a gift, it is yours just as much as if you earned it. If you are a Christian, you have received something from God! You don't have to assume.

Romans 5:18-19 says that just as through one man's disobedience, many were MADE sinners, so through one Man's obedience (through His death on the cross)many will be MADE righteous. No Christian can seriously challenge the fact that many were MADE sinners. The Bible says so, and we can see abundant evidence all around us. But the Bible also says that many will be MADE righteous through Jesus' obedience. The way this is written, if you believe that through one man's disobedience many are MADE sinners, then you have to believe that through Jesus' obedience, many will be MADE righteous (with a righteousness not their own, of course). But many will argue with this.

Is the evidence not obvious that many lives have been changed by the righteousness of Jesus? Undoubtedly many lives have been transformed. But we become uncomfortable with this, because often the changes are not in line with society's norms, or they are not in line with our theories. And they don't have to be! The Gospel has always been counter cultural.

But it is dangerous to assume our theories are correct when things happen in unexpected ways, and to try to squeeze God and people into our mold. The Pharisees did this. God's ways are not our ways. It would be well to take this to heart, and step out of the theologically theoretical, and learn how God's ways actually work out in real life.

Dangerous Attitude

2011-02-23T04:57:00.000-08:00

Recently I slipped into the attitude that God owes me something when I serve Him. That's dangerous. It's almost as if I thought that I can earn merit with God. I cannot. Salvation is totally by grace through faith, and so is Christian living. Bargaining is not allowed. God is fully sovereign. Obedience is a sign that I love Him (21 "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” {John 14:21}), and it shows whether my faith is living or dead ("As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" {James 2:26}). Are there rewards for the believer? Absolutely! Doesn't He make conditional promises? Yes, but life with Christ is still totally by grace through faith. Do I want Jesus for Himself, or do I want Him only for what He can give me? That's the big question.

Sports Revisited

2011-02-16T04:43:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me yesterday after talking with a friend about my thoughts on sports, that for many children and youth, the athletic team or coach has become a substitute for family, parenting, and church. Things ought not to be this way, but in reality, many parents, even many Christian parents, don't know how to be parents, and instill positive and godly values in their children. For the Christian coach, this is a wide-open ministry opportunity. Nevertheless, parents need to spend more time being parents rather than chauffeurs. Extra-curricular activities are not required, and wise parents would do well to spend quantity time with their children while they have a chance. Benefits are many, both for parents and children. You know the old saying, that no one reaches the end of his or her life and wishes he or she had spent more time in the office. I have a friend whose wife home schools. Next school year, their oldest child will attend a Christian high school, which is a major sacrifice for the parents. In fact they really can't afford it. One of the reasons for the transition is to protect their children from the harassment of non-Christian children. But why not teach the children that persecution is a normal part of being a Christian, and help them to counter by being a powerful witness? This is the Biblical way to confront that problem. This world needs the Gospel. God charges the parents with teaching Christian values to their children, and He charges especially the father with the protection of his family. The sacrifice the world needs to see is the sacrifice of suffering for the sake of the Gospel. This sacrifice has won many to the Lord. The financial sacrifice of sending your child to a Christian school comes nowhere close. I am not saying there is no place for a Christian education, but I think we need to recognize ministry opportunities, both with our families and with others, and we might be rewarded with stronger family ties, and even save money in the process.

Sports

2011-02-15T04:55:00.000-08:00

I am not a sports enthusiast, but recently I have had an opportunity to do some driving for pay. The person I have been driving generally listens to 1070 The Fan while en route. Sometimes I'm annoyed, but sometimes I find food for thought, such as a discussion of role models and heroes. There was an amazing lack of these in my younger days. My college voice teacher, Patricia Thomas Scheuer, is/was the only teacher/role model I remember with any fondness. She helped me over some some of my fears. For me, fond memories "took off" when I was in Africa for seven and a half years, surrounded by people who loved me unconditionally. This atmosphere was the incubator for God's major transformation of me while I was there. Now, though, fondness languishes somewhat, though not entirely. Most of the time I think sports are overrated. But then there is the building of fond memories for many, the discipline, the camaraderie and learning to persevere through pain for a common goal. My parents protected me from pain. I learned to protect myself from it eventually. Now, physical pain has pretty much taken over, though the Lord has helped me overcome emotional pain. The lessons and memories mentioned above can be picked up from other things, such a godly families, church life, music and theater. They had to be, since God's people in the Bible didn't seem to be athletically inclined (though sports were mentioned by way of example). God did not enjoin sports in the Bible. Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, spoke of the "law of antagonism," i.e. the necessity of war, and how everything outside of us, i.e. negative things, or even natural things, will put us to death unless we fight them off (my comment - or harness them for use). The lesson for me in this is that I need to learn not to be afraid of those (negative or natural) things, i.e. view them as a victim would, but instead approach and view them as a victor would.

"What Hath God Wrought?"

2011-02-09T04:57:00.000-08:00

I have been watching someone grow through trial. For a long time, I didn't believe this person was a Christian, but the Lord rebuked me. Her behavior didn't seem to fit a profession of faith in Christ. But the Lord showed me how to love her. Since then there have been some changes, and she has even warmed up to me. Her father is at death's door, if he hasn't died by now. This woman has been a witness to her family throughout it all, and not long ago, her father asked to be baptized. Since then, her mother and sister have also been baptized. Everyone thought he would die sooner, but the extra weeks or few months have enabled them to come together as a family. The woman is a Lutheran (Missouri Synod - conservative). Stories like this abound. The Lord is in the "business" of reconciliation, restoration, and regeneration, and He brings it about in His own way and time. He has all kinds of children, and the basics of salvation are really very simple. Can't we be all about what God is doing?

Day of Grace

2011-02-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

My pastor canceled services for today, and I thought of going to a certain former church home. Then I started having anxiety due to some unresolved extremely bad experiences there. I haven't figured that the thing would ever be resolved for a variety of reasons. Memories often trigger these negative feelings. So I decided I'd listen to a sermon tape instead. The tape was from a conference that I'd attended. I'd listened to this tape before. The label didn't include a sermon title, and I thought the message was about Ezekiel 48. It was about betrayal. Certainly the staff of that former church home betrayed their trust, and me, in their dealings with me. I had forgiven the staff already. The point of the message that hit me this morning was that we should extend grace to those who have betrayed us. It's one thing to forgive, but to show them kindness is very different. Do those people need me to show them grace? Absolutely! I attended that church today, with no negative feelings. Praise the Lord! I don't know whether or not the Lord will ask me to do anything more in this regard, but I need to be obedient.

Perfection

2011-02-03T05:53:00.000-08:00

This week, for reasons I'll not go into, I haven't been in a frame of mind to reflect on much of anything. I thank the Lord that He is patient, that "He knows our frame; He remembers that we are but dust" (Psalm 103:14). It certainly relieves pressure to know that the perfection He requires is heart perfection. "Be perfect" was written in the context of loving ones enemies (Matthew 5). I appreciate how He works with my weaknesses, while at the same time expecting me to grow and overcome sin. I'm very thankful that He helped me overcome perfectionism of a destructive sort. His love for me is not based on my performance. Praise God! I'm thankful that what He requires of me He also gives me grace and strength to do. He bids me take His yoke upon me and learn from Him, because His yoke is easy and His burden light. This was written to those who are burdened, which includes most of us. God bless the burdened, for they (we)have a Savior Who never gives up on them (us).

Condolences

2011-01-31T11:07:00.000-08:00

I'm finding it interesting what I think about after people die. Last week I went to a viewing. I didn't know the lady (age 57), but I know her youngest sister. I went in support of the sister. Someone reminded me of something the now deceased lady said to her mother shortly before SHE died. She told her that she had lived a pretty good life and could expect to go to Heaven. When I heard it, I went to the hospital and preached Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected, and Salvation by grace through faith. The lady was comatose, but people in comas can hear. I don't know how she responded, of course, though someone told me that I'd said that the lady relaxed after I spoke to her. I don't remember that. Then the same day of last week's viewing, I received a card in the mail from a retired missionary, that a long-time prayer warrior for her mission agency died last week. I'd been in prayer groups with her. But that night I didn't reflect about her. I reflected about another lady (couple, really) in the group who has since moved from the area. The lady (Mary) I reflected about called me one evening several years ago and said she wanted to give a testimony. She told me about a sordid part of her past and about how recently (at that time) the Lord had worked and made a blessing out of it. I learned later that she hadn't shared that with anyone in the prayer group, fearing disapproval. I don't have any fond memories of anyone in the group except Mary. The lady who died last week was in the group, and many have fond memories of her. I do remember a couple of nice gestures from her, and that's all. I wasn't very well connected with people for most of my life, so much of the blame for that falls on me. But the Lord has built some fond memories for me in relation to other people, the telling of which would fill a whole book.

Another Reason

2011-01-27T05:22:00.000-08:00

Another reason people dislike doctrine is that they think it is boring. They are telling on themselves. Anyone who really practices true Biblical doctrine could not be bored. If their belief in a certain doctrine is merely intellectual, then yes, that's boring. But Truth applied, and accompanied by a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ, is the most exciting thing around. To see how Jesus transforms my life, and how He changes me and situations all around the world through prayer, is incredibly interesting. I can and do evangelize and disciple people all over the world, sharing my testimony in the process. Challenges abound in my daily life, helping me grow. Jesus is real, and He hears me! God's Word comes alive as I study and apply it, and write about it. Come on board! You'll never regret it.

Why Doctrine

2011-01-25T04:59:00.000-08:00

Many are abandoning Christian doctrine these days, thinking it's not important. These folks tend to focus on the experiential. Doctrine is vital, though. It makes a vast difference in one's life. It's important what you believe. It's not faith in faith. It's faith in a Person, the Person of Jesus Christ, Who is God, the Son. And it's faith in God's written Word. "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:3). That sounds like a description of our times. "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" (Titus 1:9). Sound doctrine is so important that we must refute those who oppose it. "You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). Why are people turning away from sound doctrine? Perhaps they don't want to live up to its demands. The Book of Hebrews was written to Christians who were considering turning back to avoid persecution. So was the Book of Galatians. False teachers were trying to avoid being persecuted (Galatians 5:11). That's probably still true today. There's no easy road to Heaven. I'm not saying we work our way to Heaven. But I point you to 20 "But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:20-21). We are called to suffer with Christ. Shall we try to put ourselves above our Master? "The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master" (Matthew 10:24). And that was said in the context of persecution. Perhaps those who don't think doctrine is important haven't lived it. There is a vast difference in theological systems and religions. Any works-based religion (most of them) leads to bondage & oppression. If you went from a relationship with Jesus to a works-based system, and really practiced it, you would notice a difference. A relationship with Jesus leads to joy, freedom (not license), and peace. If you don't notice a difference, you are in a very dangerous place. Learn how to practice what you believe. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). It's the Truth! Practice it! It makes a big difference!

Women and Headship

2011-01-21T06:18:00.000-08:00

I appreciate the freedom I have in Christ, and the attitude our Lord had about women. He treated women with the same respect He did men, and in the first century AD, that was refreshing for them. Of course, the Bible teaches that women are to submit to their husbands. Men are to love their wives the same way that Christ loves the church (sacrificially), and to honor them as fellow heirs of Christ. That certainly would have been different from the status quo in the first century as well. 22 "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless"(Ephesians 5:22-27). 7 "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers" (1 Peter 3:7). This is generally accepted in evangelicalism. However, the way these teachings are applied varies. Christians in the Reformed tradition tend to emphasize the aspect of the submission of women more than those in the Arminian tradition. I'm referring to emphasis, not acceptance of it as Truth. When I was a member of an independent church in the Reformed tradition I observed this especially in the baptism service. Men were allowed to baptize their children, or other family members, if they chose. In the case of a widowed or divorced mother, however, a man was assigned to do that for her. I appreciate the aspect of this that implies that the leaders of the church should care for the unattached women. I never checked to see if this extended to the man also teaching and leading that woman's children, rather than the woman herself doing that. 1 Corinthians 7:34-35 says "An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord." One day when I was studying Biblical counseling, and we were on the topic of marriage, home, and related authority, I asked my professor about Biblical headship in the case of the single woman. He said there were two opinions, one being that the single woman would have to be under the headship of a Christian man. However, his opinion was that she would be under the direct headship of Jesus, the same as a man would. That is my opinion as well, based on 1 Corinthians 7:34. And this is how the Lord has dealt with me. In the independent, Reformed-leaning church mentioned above, if I asked someone for advice, they would open their Bible, and tell me what to do. Contrast that with an African Pentecostal church elder of whom I asked advice when I was a missionary. He said, "I can't answer that for you. You must rely on the Holy Spirit within you to guide you." You can see which one was more likely to help me learn how to rely on the Holy Spirit in the absence of a man. The first example would result in my always having to be dependent on a man. I believe this reflects a low view both of women, and of the Holy Spirit. I often was treated in a condescending manner in that church, and seldom felt like I had any dignity (though I was older than almost all of the leaders). And the only time the former pastor raised his voice in the pulpit was when he preached about women. Yet, I believe God places godly men in authority over me, and works powerfully through them. In fact, when He wants to do something significant in my life, he always connects me with a godly man who serves as an authoritative umbrella. Under his umbrella, I move about freely under the direct leadership of the Holy Spirit. This umbrella also serves as spiritual protection. This gives me dignity in Christ and is vastly different from the institutionalized condescension that was my lot at that Reformed-leaning church. It also has implications for women in ministry, but I'll reserve that for another time, since this blog is already too long.

Watershed Events Revisited & Knowing God's Will

2011-01-19T05:25:00.000-08:00

If you haven't read yesterday's blog, please do so. There was some confusion about what my concerns actually were. My only concern was to determine whether or not the Lord was/is leading me to attend the retreat I mentioned. The multitude of details I included in the blog were simply an aid to understanding the many issues I face in making the decision, and for my prayer partners, an aid to praying. I have actually worked through all of the issues, and am fully convinced that the Lord is more than adequate to handle them. Another possible scenario occurred to me yesterday when I was away from the computer. It was the test case scenario. The more I considered it, though, the more I realized that my "test" occurred on Christmas Eve. That was when I "laid my idol on the altar," demonstrating to the Lord, that I really loved Him first. The Lord won't repeat test case if He has already achieved the desired outcome. Before I close, I thought I'd tell you how I determine the Lord's will in a given situation, if it isn't specifically spelled out in the Bible. I write it down in great detail, including all possible scenarios and outcomes. I'm a writer, so this method works well with me. It clears my mind, and gets my worries outside of me, where I can look at them objectively and unemotionally. The Lord guides my thinking while I'm doing this, and eventually, through His enabling, I see the situation as He sees it. I find it amazing that the Lord uses the unique gifts and abilities He has given me as tools to guide me.

Watershed Events

2011-01-18T05:35:00.000-08:00

Recently I've been trying to determine whether or not the Lord wants me to attend the all-church retreat May 1-2. Why is it such a big deal? I'm recalling a church staff retreat MANY years ago, when I was a very young Christian. This retreat was truly a watershed event in my life, but I didn't know it in advance. I was a church intern preparing for missionary service. The church staff was having a retreat, and I didn't think I should go due to a certain health issue. This health issue was minor, but I didn't know it at the time. My supervisor did some research, then told me I had to attend the retreat or forfeit my internship. I went, but with a huge attitude. After the retreat my supervisor yelled at me, and told me I was stubborn and rebellious, but I didn't see it. Then another staff family took me home after church, and the wife gave up her restful afternoon to listen to me and ask me questions. Before long, I told her I was rebellious. A major spiritual transaction took place at that moment. For the first time, I stepped off the throne of my heart, and enthroned Jesus. The difference was noticeable. And the Lord completely and forever healed me of that health issue. Fast forward to now. The similarities are the retreat and some health issues. Everything else is different. My attitude is: I want to go to the retreat if I'm sure the Lord is leading me. If He's not leading me, I'm setting myself up for a big fall. The health issues are big, and though not fatal, can be very debilitating. The retreat would challenge me physically in a number of ways, which really mess things up when I try to make even slight changes in diet, balance of activity and rest, etc. So if the Lord wants me to attend the retreat, the results could be glorious. If He doesn't, they could be disastrous. So the big question is: does He want me to attend? When I'm feeling really good physically, my attitude is: Yeah! Go for it! When I'm feeling really horrible physically, I can barely muster the strength to do the normal things I do, and think I'd be really crazy to attend a retreat. Part of the challenge is that everything has to be chiseled in stone three months before the retreat, including paid in full. Anything can happen (bad or good!) in three months! In addition, the Lord has recently shown me that my health has been an enormous idol, and with His help, I'm taking steps to do something about it. I've also been thinking of a camp for mentally challenged adults eight years ago. When I signed up to be a camp companion, I told them that I had diet issues, and asked for some accommodations. They said I'd have to cook my own food. I didn't think I'd have time to do that and be a companion. So I told them I'd eat anything. And I ate many forbidden foods with no problems. Praise the Lord! But this healing was not permanent, and there were no spiritual breakthroughs like when I was a church intern. So I ask: What does the Lord want me to do about the retreat that is before me right now? What does the Lord plan to do as a result of my decision? I don't know. But one thing I do know is that the Lord wants me to trust Him one way or the other.

Counseling from the Bible, Relying on Jesus

2011-01-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

I am an advocate of counseling from the Bible, but I know of no system of Biblical counseling that is perfect. The imperfection lies not only in the people who counsel, but in methodology and theological assumptions as well. I have dealt with this in depth in my E-book, An Exquisite Grace. So I will not repeat that here. Recently I re-learned from experience that counseling issues are never black and white. Many Biblical counselors tend to treat them that way, but this is dangerous. Many of them contain elements of health issues, social history and many other factors. Reliance on the Holy Spirit as a Person is vitally important. Taking Bible verses out of context and using them in a cut-and-dried way is inappropriate and harmful. God's Word is written, but the Word is also a Person. Many people THINK they have the written part down pat, but they often don't know how to relate personally with the Person of Jesus Christ. Don't assume. Learn to relate to Him Person to person. Moses did. "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend" (Exodus 33:11).

Agendas Revisited

2011-01-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

If you read yesterday's post, you may think I'm too hard on my prayer partner. She is the sort of person who deals with herself, so maybe she will let the Lord help her with this issue sometime. I was just seeing an idol in her her life, and since the Lord and I are dealing with some huge idols in my life at this time, they ave been very much on my mind. If you are guessing that I think this friend's idol is her agenda, you are correct. From my perspective, she doesn't control her agenda. It controls her. She deals with alot of anxiety, and seems harried often, which usually accompanies idolatry. I speak from experience. I'm determined to keep her anxiety and harried demeanor out of my life. Such things cling to me easily. But I don't want to push her away, so I need the Lord's great wisdom and grace. He is capable. I'm not. I keep this relationship, but not because I like it (though I appreciate her prayers). I don't like it. I keep it because I see the Lord doing something here. I already said this prayer partner deals with herself. That's an encouragement. Maybe the Lord is giving me a picture of what I used to be like, and of the patience it has taken to deal with me, so that I will be patient with my prayer partner and others.

God and Our Agenda

2011-01-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

I have a prayer partner who lives a very regimented life. Their (her and her husband) agenda rules. She has devotions, is very active in serving God, opens her home for hospitality, has a strong desire to get the Word of God out, is very evangelistic, and they are very generous in giving to certain ministries and in buying literature to distribute for free. But almost every time I talk with her, I get the impression that she is looking at the clock, and have felt pushed away by her in many ways. (Any time we have to push people away in order to follow our agenda, there's something wrong with our agenda). Because of some of her involvements that I have mentioned above, I have tried to get her/them involved in helping me build a non-profit ministry called Shelter of Hope, Inc. (which is located in Indianapolis, IN, and is unrelated to any other agency by the same name in North America). She seems to struggle with this, and her response never reflects the generosity that I witness in their other giving. At times she says something about seeing what they can afford. I know they can afford much more than their giving to Shelter of Hope reflects. The reason I know this is that they travel alot, attend conferences, and stay in hotels, dropping hundreds of dollars at each occasion. I was puzzled until it occurred to me that maybe the key to understanding this has to do with how they keep books. I don't know, but I suspect, that when they budget, they allocate certain amounts of money to certain categories every month. And if they run low in a certain category, they "can't afford" anything more, even though they may have hundreds or thousands of dollars elsewhere. And they don't take money out of an area of abundance in order to replenish one that is low. This is how the Government, and most businesses keep books, and they have to, of course. And I'm not saying that things like savings or retirement accounts are not ok. I'm just referring to general, day-to-day household needs. I don't keep books this way. I can't now, because I don't have enough money with which to do it. But even when I made more money, I didn't do it that way. And I'm not saying that everyone has to do it the way I do. I just see some red flags in the way my friend does things. The Pharisees had everything and everyone in categories, and they missed the Son of God Himself when He came. God doesn't fit Himself into our categories or agendas. We have to fit ourselves into HIS agenda. And I don't believe God fits people into categories. My prayer partner and her husband are generous with poor people sometimes. I have envisioned this scenario, though. What if a poor person comes to them for help, and they have no more money in that category? Would God accept bookkeeping practices as an excuse for not giving to the poor person? No, the Word of God says that if we have this world's goods, and see our brother in need, and close our hearts, the love of God is not in us. Period. I'm not sure what these people would do. They might actually give. But then there's another question: why are they not generous with me? Obviously I am not a priority with them, and I don't have to be, I guess. But because I see a lack of commitment there, I recently downgraded that relationship from a friendship to prayer partner. A prayer partner is important, of course, and I appreciate her prayers, but that is not the point I'm making here. Should I look in the mirror? Maybe, but here's something else. Yesterday, I had a change of plans, because a certain older lady who wanted a visit had a change of plans, and wanted me to visit her yesterday instead of Friday. I was feeling concerned that I hadn't had my usual extended prayer time for the day, and the Lord's response was that He wasn't interested in my usual extended prayer time, and that visiting the lady was more important in His eyes. So, I have to deal with my agenda, too. And even my beloved devotional times are not beyond the Lord's scrutiny. All is subject to Him.

Allah and God

2011-01-12T06:18:00.000-08:00

I have been an online missionary with Campus Crusade for six months. Today, for the first time, I had someone who asked me a question about God and Allah. I had never had to answer this question until now, and thought I didn't know enough about Islam to answer it. Then concepts and Scriptures began to come to mind. I told how Jesus died to pay for our sins and forgive us, and then rose again. Allah does not forgive. I mentioned Jesus as God and Son of God, and that Allah has no son. Salvation comes through trusting in Jesus alone, but with Allah, there is a system of merit, and even then you're not sure. I also mentioned that Allah hates God's chosen people. I also supplied Scripture passage (written out). Never think it's too hard to be a witness. The Lord will help you.

Small Things

2011-01-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

God loves small things. "The widow's mite." David, in conjunction with Goliath. Children. Yesterday I noted to a friend that some things I cheer about many people would not consider worth it. He said the small step I related to him was actually huge. I already knew that. God knows it. And I appreciate that I have a friend who also understands. I've already blogged about "little is much." This is different, though. Anyone with a handicapped child knows you really celebrate and appreciate the little things. Last year I wrote an E-book. The same friend mentioned above helped proof-read it. He said that most readers wouldn't understand why I would write about events that most people would consider normal, as if they were something special. I revised to create more understanding. At the time those events took place, normal was special. I hadn't done those things before. But even if no one else understands, God does, and all Heaven celebrates at these small victories. From a heavenly perspective they have enormous significance. Don't ever be afraid or ashamed to celebrate and proclaim what God is doing. His opinion is the only one that matters. We'll see it when we are finally granted eternal perspective.

Fulness of Joy

2011-01-07T07:11:00.000-08:00

Picking up a thread from yesterday's blog, when God zeroes in on our sin, He is not trying to be hard on us. He is trying to bring us to a point where we can be useful to Him, and where He can bless us. Obedience to God is always about Him and His purposes first. But if we obey, there will eventually be blessings for us (in His time, not ours). If He directs us to do something hard, he wants us to fulfill His purposes, and be a blessing to someone else. But He also wants to bless us. God is not a killjoy, ready to pounce on us the moment we sin. He wants us to have fullness of joy in Him.

The Saga of Healing Continues

2011-01-06T05:07:00.000-08:00

Last night, the Lord showed me that I was desiring healing for its own sake, and not desiring Him whether I am healed or not. (The Lord gave me a promise of healing in 1989). So I laid it all on the altar again, and prayed out loud. Alot of times I just pray in my heart. I prayed very specifically about fears and dreaded outcomes (of not being healed), and put them on the altar, telling Him that even if I'm not healed, and if the dreaded outcomes occurred, He is still worthy of all my love and devotion. And I meant it. I was also dealing with something I'd dealt with before, (but not often) a sense of intense pressure and dread. I know this isn't from the Lord, and it isn't a psychological problem. It's spiritual warfare. This sort of thing is from Satan. I experienced it first 7 years ago. So I prayed until it subsided. I recalled that when the Lord leads me, and particularly when He brings me to a "crisis" time, usually when I must give up something, He does so in a very calm and peaceful manner. So I determined not to take bold steps of faith until they are presented to me in a calm and peaceful manner, and when I am calm within. In regard to desiring the Lord more than healing, or even life itself, persecuted Christians live like this all the time. They can't be wimpy and all worried about their health all the time. Jesus has to be absolutely supreme, and worth all cost of their serving Him. If they were not so devoted, they would never emotionally or spiritually survive the persecution, because they are harassed and tortured all the time. In the Book of Daniel, there is a passage about the end times which says that the antichrist will wear out the saints of the Most High. When I get to Heaven, the Lord is not going to ask me about my health! I believe the Lord is preparing me for persecution, and so His working on me so hard about my deficiency of devotion is actually a labor of love. It is also why the devil is working so hard to scare me and turn me away from this. I can't be double-minded. My heart must be united to fear the Lord. May it be so, no matter what the cost.

Musings from My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers)

2011-01-05T05:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, in my reading My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers), something he wrote "jumped out at me." He said not to do anything on impulse (like Peter), or you will be trying to undo the consequences for a long time. Instead, he recommended to wait for the Lord to work things out perfectly in His time. But we don't like to wait, do we? Someone might actually think we are lazy. Maybe the glitches in my healing are because I want to start doing something the Lord has said (something not specifically written in the Bible), but not waiting for Him to give me specific directions. Today this "jumped out:" "No matter what changes God has performed in you, never rely on them. Build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives." Maybe I was relying on an experience of healing that I had not yet fully received. Instead I should be relying fully on Jesus. Regarding this healing, I think I need to "regroup" and approach it differently, relying on Jesus

How Important Is Having Fun?

2011-01-03T06:47:00.000-08:00

I have abundant opportunity to observe how important entertainment is to some. Hours spent in front of the TV, frequently listening to music, eating out often. ( For many people, sports is the obsession). You would have to know the full context to get the impact of the level of devotion to which I am referring. I'd be almost offended if I went to visit someone and they offered to take me out for some kind of entertainment. Are you kidding? Profoundly adventurous living, with a supernaturally ordered agenda, immersed in His indescribably glorious Presence, in a specially created setting, resulting in astonishingly beautiful transformations, at a frightfully sacrificial cost (for both Jesus and me. My physical survival is not guaranteed), enabled by His powerfully abundant grace, underwritten by my lavishly generous Provider, for His eternal glory, and for me, life abounding forever. All of this, and you talk about some need for entertainment? Entertainment is boring. Copyright 2011 Kathryn M. Lee

Faith on the Line

2011-01-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

Today I read of a doctor who recently began working with The Voice of the Martyrs. He has struggled with the suffering of the people he now helps. Yet he came to realize that we really need these persecuted Christians because of how strong and deep their faith is, and how readily they forgive. In our country, we do all the things good Christians are supposed to do, and we may even have alot of Bible knowledge, but is our faith all that deep? Many persecuted Christians don't know anything about the tenets of Calvinism or Arminianism. But when someone threatens them on the way home from work and tells them that if they recant, they'll be set free, but if they don't, they will be cruelly tortured or killed, they say, "No, I will not. Jesus is Lord." That's deep. They know what matters, and they are willing to pay the price, and forgive their persecutors. Christianity in the United States is too easy - for now. Are we prepared to suffer and die for our faith? I don't know. Thinking about it really scares me. One thing I do know, though, is that God's grace is stronger than we can imagine. Persecuted Christians know this by experience.

Little Is Much

2010-12-31T05:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was looking at the Biblical concept of God using "small" people and things to accomplish great things for Him. Examples abound: David and Goliath, the widow's mite, the jar of oil that never quit, Mary's jar of ointment, small lunches that fed multitudes, Gideon, and concepts like God not choosing the wise and important, as in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, and revealing spiritual truths to babes in Matthew's Gospel. A friend of mine recently said I was the poster child for destitute people helping the destitute. I was talking to another friend yesterday about the same thing. God still creates something out of nothing. I'd rather be doing something with the very little I have than sitting around doing nothing, and feeling sorry for myself about my lot in life. A number of years ago, I saw this message on a church marquee: "Whatever your lot in life, why don't you try to build something on it?" That message helped knock me out of a time of reverse culture shock (recently returned from missionary service), and it's still relevant today. Destitution is a state of mind. I do not advocate the prosperity gospel, which is no gospel at all. What I do advocate is trusting the Lord with everything you have, and seeing what He can do with it. I call it investing. Little Is Much may be a good theme for Shelter of Hope, Inc., a non-profit ministry the Lord helped a friend and me start two years ago. Some of you May remember the old Gospel song "Little Is Much." Yesterday the Lord gave me new verses for it (leaving the chorus intact). Happy New Year. God bless you all.

Healing Postscript (For Now)

2010-12-30T05:18:00.001-08:00

I enlisted people to pray about the step of faith mentioned in the last blog. The conclusion I reached was that quitting the medication in question did not fit the pattern the Lord was using to heal me at this time (He has been healing me first, then directing me to quit medication, or not to quit). Therefore, I resumed the medication and am awaiting for direction and healing from the Lord. Not that the Lord can't break His own pattern. Nevertheless, that is the decision for now. And if I'm wrong, I know the Lord forgives me.

Healing Personalized

2010-12-29T05:24:00.000-08:00

An update on my healing. Yesterday, and even before, I felt the Lord wanted me to quit taking hormones, so I did last night. The result was a difficult night, which raised some interesting questions. What does the Lord want to accomplish? Does He want to heal me of all post-menopausal symptoms? Or does He want to strengthen me in the "inner man," so that I have complete victory over crabbiness, sleeplessness, mental confusion and lack of focus, without removing the outward symptoms? What about the doctor? If I don't cooperate with her, how can I expect her to cooperate with me? If I just quit my medicine, and continue to struggle with symptoms, what kind of witness is that? (Of course, there is always the possibility that the Lord will do a complete, but delayed, healing). Can this be done in a way that makes the doctor a partner, and the recipient of a witness? If so, how? Does the Lord want to completely remove the need for a doctor? If so, does that justify alienating the doctor? This healing is not just about me. How is what happens going to affect not only the doctor, but others also? What does the Lord want to accomplish in their lives? How long do I wait before concluding that maybe I was mistaken in my perception of what the Lord wants to do, and wants me to do? Ideally, I would like satisfying answers to these questions before I continue down this road. But I also want to trust and obey the Lord completely. So, what next? Such are some of the challenges of total commitment to the Lord. And in reflection on the televangelist in my previous blog, the above questions need to be seriously addressed by persons who seek and do not receive healing. It's not always a matter of faith. It's also what the Lord wants to accomplish. To dismiss such questions (which, by the way, do not have pat answers), or to answer them superficially and stereotypically, can be damaging to the one who was not healed, and it reveals the heart of the human instrument of healing.

Healing

2010-12-27T04:59:00.000-08:00

Until this year, I had only one memorable Christmas in my entire life, the Christmas I had in Rwanda, Africa in 1982. This year's Christmas includes an ongoing gift, the fulfillment of a promise the Lord made to me almost 22 years ago. He had promised that I would go through a time of wilderness wandering (cf. Numbers 14) until I came to the end of myself. Then I would be healed. I almost gave up, almost forgot the Lord's faithfulness. Then last week, He showed me through a Tozer book that I had turned my health into an idol. Before long, I could really see it. I repented and laid that idol on the altar once and for all. Soon I began to see signs of healing. Praise the Lord! My health has really been a can of worms. (This healing is going to be gradual). My hope is revived. Some issues in my life are being dealt with. I don't really know how to function without this idol, but the Lord is teaching me. How I praise His Name, not only for what He has done and is doing, but also for how He is doing it, and for Who He is. This is going to be a big adventure, one that I can really get into. I'm excited! This morning, just as I was leaving, my roommate's TV was tuned in to a controversial televangelist's show, and a healing was taking place. I began to think about faith healers, and to wonder if some of them are missing the mark (aside from the veracity of their claims of healing). I reflected on my healing, and on how much the Lord has had to do in my life to make me ready to live as a healed person: how much sin He has had to deal with, how much baggage I've had to put down, and how much my thinking has had to change. And I often wonder about these healers who focus on instantaneous healings. Instantaneous healings can bring notoriety, which Jesus avoided. The healings that take years, like mine, don't carry with them any sense of impressing the crowds. Jesus did some instantaneous healing, but He also, at times, dealt with the sin of people who wanted to be healed. Surely the reason He told people not to spread the news of their healing, was that His mission was primarily to be our Savior from sin, and that He didn't want people to get the idea that He was about physical healing only. The time to tell was after He had died and risen from the dead, for then people would understand what He really came to do, and what kind of Savior He really is, a suffering Savior. He didn't come to end all suffering in this life. He came to suffer for us on the cross to take away or sins and rise from the dead. Then after He rose from the dead He would suffer WITH His disciples in every period in history, as they suffer for spreading the good news about Jesus and His forgiveness.

Christian Growth and the Mind

2010-12-24T05:50:00.000-08:00

1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2). I have recently said yes to the Lord in taking a gigantic step of faith. I have found that when the Lord wants to make a big change in my life, He starts by changing my thinking about whatever it is He wants to change. With my thinking changed to a more Biblical point of view, He can guide me more easily by the Holy Spirit. That is why reading is very important for the Christian (as opposed to visual media). A lot more could be said about this, but I will leave it for now.

Loss of Salvation

2010-12-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

The debate will ever swirl about whether or not a person can lose their faith in Christ. I just read a story about a man who claims to have renounced his faith after much agonizing. I know that many will say he never was really a believer. But that is something no mere mortal can ever know, and it sounds flippant to even say. We need to mourn, not say things flippantly. The story struck terror in my heart. The guy is crazy. We need to take his decision very seriously. It's the worst decision a person could ever make, because Hebrews six says He can never be restored, and the eternal consequences are horrible and irrevocable. God does not waste words. Why would He have written Galatians and Hebrews if this weren't a real possibility? And think how many people this man can influence, especially his family. Many will also say Arminians teach that God throws people away. Mark this down: ARMINIANS DO NOT TEACH THAT GOD THROWS PEOPLE AWAY, BECAUSE GOD DOES NOT, IN FACT, THROW PEOPLE AWAY. People make choices. Four of the five points of Calvin and Arminius are about free will versus determinism. People are not able to fall away accidentally They choose to do so. That's what loss of salvation is about. Christians who believe they can't fall away are more in danger of doing so, because they're not guarding against it. Christians who believe they can fall away will be guarding against it. The Christian life is a fight from start to finish. The Enemy of our souls is out to destroy us in any way he can. We need to be vigilant all the time. Christians who persevere strengthen other Christians. Christians who do not persevere can weaken other Christians, but we can fight this weakening by keeping our focus on Jesus by His grace. Praise Jesus that He is strong enough to keep us and wants to keep us.

Wrestlings

2010-12-17T05:33:00.000-08:00

You know those things we wrestle with. The wrestlings are really painful. But in the end, when we finally pass the crisis, we often find that the solution is simple. One obvious, and even silly example in my experience was a wasting time waiting for a certain person to get to the office. He seldom came when he said he would. I'd get all impatient and worked up. Then it hit me. If you don't want to waste time waiting for someone to get to the office, don't waste time waiting around for him to get to the office! Get up and and leave. Get busy doing the next thing. Wasting time is my responsibility. His lateness is his responsibility. Some things are simple! (Mine is self-employment, not an hourly situation). Not everything is that easy, but many things are. More than we'd like to admit. If I let people upset me, then I'm letting them control me. My emotions are my responsibility. Don't let others control your emotions. That's more than half the battle.

Friend or Acquaintance?

2010-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the Lord gives me opportunities to adjust my expectations. Friendship, to me, implies a certain amount of commitment (not measured, but you know when they're committed or not). We Americans use the term "friend" rather loosely. Acquaintances are not friends. Even acquaintances we really like. No one can force a person to be a friend. They either are or aren't. If things aren't working out in a relationship, an adjustment of expectations may be in order. Maybe they aren't really a friend. I recently adjusted my expectations for an individual. People will be who they are no matter what you do. Your/my job is not to change others. Our job is to deal with ourselves.

Contentment

2010-12-15T05:32:00.000-08:00

My life is really a bummer from the world's perspective, but from God's perspective it is beautiful. Many Christians don't even see it. But the Lord has given me a great ministry and a glorious inheritance! All praise be unto to Him! I'm actually content, though I struggle in a couple of major areas. The contentment, I think, comes partly from the fact that the Lord has shown me His purpose for my being in the situation I'm in. Yesterday I looked up the Biblical meanings for "contentment" and "content." The meaning in the New Testament is pretty much the same as in our modern English. The Old Testament meaning carries the idea of bringing beauty out of difficulty. The New Testament and English meanings are passive, being satisfied and accepting. By contrast the Old Testament meaning is active, involving us in bringing beauty into or out of a bad situation. I like this. It is what the Lord has led me to do. I have seen how this has affected others. I still share my struggles with a few people for prayer support, making it clear that I want prayer, not sympathy. But a poignant example of a big change is that I used to share the bad things alot with my family, and that was hard on them. Now I don't. And one of my brothers sometimes shares his and his wife's struggles with me. I was with them last month. The subject of my challenges never came up. It's as if they assume everything is ok since I'm not talking about any problems. They seemed more relaxed with me. And I like that. In a sense, everything IS ok. It's like the older man who was asked how he was. He replied, "I'm doing very well. This tent I'm living in is becoming dilapidated, and may soon need to be replaced, but I myself am doing very well." Amen. Everything is ok between God and me. And that's what matters.

What Do Atheists Sing About?

2010-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday someone sent me a video clip called, "Atheist Ain't Got No Songs," by Steve Martin. It was hilarious, but I wonder where the compassion is for the lost. A line in the clip was "atheists just sing the blues." Well, what do atheists sing about? Themselves? They have nothing in their lives, no one to look up to, nothing grander than themselves to sing about. Seems kind of lonely to me. And self-centered. Maybe that's why they're atheists. They want to be their own god. Shades of Eden. A fatal perspective, if there ever was one. I have an atheistic friend. At least she says she is. I have doubts about that. I love her. she doesn't see. She's a nice person. She loves beauty, music, nature, galaxies. She loves me, too. Said I was her mother away from home. She has heard the Gospel from me and many others, but persists in her unbelief. I pray for her, but laugh at her unbelief? Never.

Undermining the Gospel

2010-12-09T04:50:00.000-08:00

Few Christians know how dangerous are the special interest groups that try to make exceptions for themselves, push their agenda, and even try to enact laws and policies to protect themselves. Those who claim they were born the way they are and can't help it are really striking at the heart of the Gospel. This isn't a political issue. We are all born sinners. That's why we need a Savior. For someone to make him/herself an exception strikes at the heart of the Gospel. It's really saying that Jesus can't save them, making the Gospel message, and the whole Bible a lie, and removing them from God's saving grace. Evolution is the same way. Evolution also strikes at the heart of the Gospel. Evolution has animals dying long before man sinned. The Bible says that death is the wages of sin. Thus, any system that puts death before sin is wrong. It says the Bible is false, and makes Jesus' death and resurrection appear unnecessary. Christians need to think critically, and not just except any idea that comes down the pike. The consequences can be serious.

Whose Kingdom?

2010-12-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

How does God build His Kingdom? His methods are totally different from the methods used by the world. God builds His Kingdom through prayer, preaching, evangelism, and discipling. Alot of Christians are involved in social and political programs. God does not build His Kingdom through political, social, and environmental programs or means, that is, programs or means which support political, social, and environmental causes. Christians are finding and will continue to find it difficult to preach, pray, evangelize, and disciple in the context of political, social, and environmental programs. If we as Christians try to do God's work from within these arenas, we will be forced to make major compromises. If a Christian has a job in these arenas, he or she will have to understand that compromise does not further God's Kingdom. If he or she wants to make a Kingdom impact from within social, environmental, and political programs, great suffering can be expected. The Bible says that all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus, will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). If we compromise in order to avoid persecution, we sin. That's the message of the Book of Hebrews. Jesus said His Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Scripture says that the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are divinely powerful(2 Corinthians 10:4). I know professing Christians who are following and supporting some or all of the above worldly causes through ungodly organizations, and sincerely think they are doing God's work. But those ungodly organizations would persecute them if they stood up for the Truth. If you are one of those Christians, get out! The price of staying could be spiritually fatal! It seriously matters whose kingdom you are building.

What Is the Bible About?

2010-12-07T05:06:00.000-08:00

Many Christians use the Bible as a fix-it manual to fix things in their lives or in the lives of others. People who use this approach are given to proof-texting. I have read the Bible through numerous times, and have not found support for this approach. It is legalistic and self-centered. We couldn't fix anything before we were saved (works), and we can't fix anything afterward. We think that if we plug in the right spiritual (Biblical) formula, the right results will come out. This is a form of legalism. It likens the Word of God to a piece of machinery and makes the Christian life simplistic and mechanical. God isn't required to fix things for us. To think so is a very self-centered expectation. The Christian life isn't about us. And it isn't about fixing anything (works). It is about trusting God and having a relationship with Him. It is about God fulfilling His purposes in and through us. And He will "break" things, if necessary, in order to fulfill His purposes for us, and through us, to fulfill His purposes for the world. Many believers aren't taught that when they trusted in Jesus for their salvation, they became HIS soldiers for HIM to use in HIS enterprises, at a price HE sets. And our physical survival is not guaranteed. The Bible, then, is about having a relationship with the suffering God, through Jesus Christ, Who suffers with us through all the vicissitudes of life. We focus on that relationship, and as we do, He shines His light on the areas He wants us to work on, and works with us, sanctifying us and empowering us to become more like Him, and to serve Him as suffering solders.

Christmas Blessings

2010-12-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

Since I don't know if I'll be back here before 12/24/10, I am leaving you a Christmas message now. My mind goes to the book of Ruth, which is my favorite Old Testament book. To me, it shines like a bright light in the Old Testament. Why? When God's people are going astray from Numbers through the last prophets, here is a story about a woman, who was also a foreigner (two big strikes against her in that culture and time), who left her foreign gods, and came to dwell in the shadow of the One True God (Israel should have stayed there!). One of her rewards was to become the great-grandmother of Israel's most famous king, David, and an ancestor of the Messiah, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is really what the Gospel is all about. Need I say more? God bless you richly this Christmas season, which is a reminder of the dawn of redeeming grace at Jesus' birth.

In Our Own Strength

2010-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Those who follow this blog regularly know I teach an adult Sunday School class. I have received spiritual help through many of the lessons. A point that this week's lesson makes is that we often repent of our idolatry, then resort to pulling on our own bootstraps when God doesn't answer in our time frame. Some of the examples in the lesson really hit home! I deal with alot of health issues, and have tried many home remedies. I don't like to take pills, though I use three prescription drugs. (Mostly I don't like the side effects and expense). On numerous occasions my remedies have caused some trouble, but I'm not sure that they have caused more trouble than the ones prescribed by my doctor. The Lord often brings temporary healing in response to the prayers of my prayer partners, but has so far chosen not to heal completely. Many would say God always heals in response to the prayer of faith. This idea contradicts the testimony of all of Scripture regarding suffering, and places an unnecessary burden on people to work up the required amount of faith for healing. Trophimus and Timothy are two Biblical characters who were not healed miraculously. Jesus healed, but He was not mostly about healing. He was about forgiveness and restoring our relationship with God. We should be about that, too. Since Paul declined to heal Timothy, and told him to take wine (medicine) for his stomach, and frequent ailments, I think that people of faith can take medicine without sinning. The problem comes when we try to take matters into our own hands, or trust the remedy more than we trust God. This requires alot of discernment. And it is a lesson I should take to heart.

Evangelism

2010-12-02T05:19:00.001-08:00

I have a friend who claims to be an atheist. I don't believe it's true. I think that she simply doesn't have any other frame of reference for herself, having been raised in an atheistic culture. She has been presented with the Truth many times and chooses not to accept it. I've shared the Gospel with her. Others have, too. I pray for her daily, but I don't keep presenting the Gospel or pressuring her about trusting Jesus. I believe it will take something supernatural in order for her to believe, not more words. This is true in many cultures around the world, and my friend isn't American. My friend understands the Gospel. More explanations won't help. One thing I do is to live out the Gospel. People need to see it in actual experience. I always go back to the golden rule. I try to do unto others what I would have them do unto me. If people try to change my opinion after I've made a decision, it offends me. I don't make snap decisions. I deliberate carefully. I look into matters from all angles, and make thoughtful decisions. Pushing me is counter-productive. My friend comes from a culture that makes decisions in the same way. So I feel I have to respect that. I want people to respect me. Do I want my friend to be a Christian? Passionately so! But I believe that now I must get out of the way, and let the Lord work. I have another friend who keeps on pressing the issue. In response, my non-American friend has told her firmly that she is sorry, but she is an atheist. In light of that, I cringe when my other friend keeps on pushing.

Another God

2010-12-02T04:41:00.000-08:00

Public school students are bombarded with environmentalism. This is part of a new age agenda to train citizens for a new world order. They are taught that recycling is the answer to a multitude of problems, such as global warming, ozone depletion, extinction of species, and climate change. This is not based on solid scientific evidence. In fact, the process of recycling uses more energy than it saves. The agenda is to push the idea that these alleged problems are man-made (which they are not), and that the solution is man-made (which it is not). This kind of teaching leads to despair (there are documented incidences of that), and places a burden on people that God never intended for them to carry. Anything that leads to despair is not from God. Climate change is cyclical, a normal part of the history of the earth. Those in charge of the agenda won't tell you that. That we should not trash the earth is obvious, but human beings can't save it. Environmentalism makes the earth a god, a god that we must save! The earth can't save us. Jesus saves us. We don't have to try to save Him. The thought of trying to do it is ridiculous. The prophet Isaiah talked about idols that we make, that can't save (Isaiah 44:6-20). We need to trust Jesus completely to forgive our sins. And He has a plan for the earth.

Thanks

2010-11-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

In giving thanks, it would be helpful to remember that most of the New Testament was written to believers who experienced persecution as a "normal" part of life. So when the Apostle Paul wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" in Philippians 4:4, and "Rejoice always" in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, he was speaking to people who were on the receiving end of alot of determined opposition. Not to mention that he experienced plenty of it himself. And to say that our forefathers, who were the first to set aside a day of thanksgiving, were rugged survivors, would be to make a grand understatement. So when we gather in our homes, or in each other's, and sit down in comfort to a huge banquet, it would be well to remember that thanksgiving is expected to be done in rough times. And just maybe, the hard times help us to be grateful for even the small blessings, all of which are undeserved, and which we have received from the gracious hand of a generous God. God bless you all this holiday season. I will be distant from this blog for most of the next three weeks.

Minding My Own Business

2010-11-18T06:55:00.000-08:00

After I blogged about human frailty, I found out I had an illness which definitely affected my mood. It doesn't diminish my need to work on my sins, but illness does play a part in our struggle against sin. Part of my struggle this week has had to do with keeping my hands off, and trusting God to work on my behalf. Medical interpreting is one of the things I do as an independent contractor. I have been involved with the same clients through volunteer work with refugees, and through them became aware of interpreting opportunities that were being assigned to others. I really need the money, and was toying with the idea of telling the clients I knew, that they could actually request a specific interpreter they wanted. The Lord was displeased with that, so I backed off. Soon after, a client asked me specifically whether I could interpret for him and his family. It was as if the Lord was saying, "Slow down, Kathryn. I can do this." Subsequently, that opportunity fell through due to the client being assigned to another clinic. However, the door is open for my agency to honor that request and assign that client's interpreting needs to me in the future. And I suspect the client might tell others in the Swahili-speaking community that they can choose their own interpreters. The African grapevine is like no other. So who knows what opportunities I might get (or not)? It's really up to the Lord, not me. Then yesterday, a Swahili-speaking friend asked me to take her to get an immunization. What should have taken about an hour took 4.5 hours (and 54 miles), due to us being shuffled from one clinic to another (sometimes in very slow and frustrating traffic due to construction)before we reached a clinic that actually performed the requested service. But we had quality and quantity time to fellowship with each other and laugh together. It's really fun to enjoy a time of laughter with someone in another language. Was time and gasoline wasted? I think not. God had a purpose for the two of us that could be fulfilled in no other way. I also helped this friend confirm medical appointments for two of her kids for today. Today it appears that this interpreting opportunity may not be assigned to me. But in God's eyes, that's none of my business, and He can provide for me.

Human Frailty

2010-11-15T05:17:00.000-08:00

The Lord has been getting on my case. "Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies" (1 Corinthians 8:1) as Scripture says. Causes of pride abound, however. I am ever mindful of my need for a Savior, and thankful that I have Him. "He knows our frame. He remembers that we are but dust" (Psalm 103:14). I need to remember that other people are dust as well as I, and exercise patience and love, as well as rely on Divine wisdom. "Thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Then Who Can Be Saved?

2010-11-12T05:22:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about yesterday's blog. It brings up another question. If I don't believe the things expounded upon in yesterday's blog, am I ipso facto condemned? An illustration might help answer that question. I've been a believer for forty years. Jesus just now opened up this specific Truth to me. Does that mean I wasn't really saved before? No, I'm saved by faith in Jesus' blood and righteousness alone(which faith He gave me as a gift). Then why does it matter what we believe? "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Salvation comes through the vehicle of the Truth. Our knowledge of the Truth is progressive. None of us could contain the whole of God's Truth in a lifetime, let alone in the moment we are born again. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus death and resurrection alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). But it really matters what we believe. That's why we have to stick to the Holy Scriptures. I would supply this caution. When the Lord reveals more Truth to us. we'd better obey it. Obedience doesn't save us, but it reveals our hearts. And it also helps us build a strong relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Have I totally confused you?

To What Extent Forgiveness? The Price of Unforgiveness

2010-11-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

I volunteer as an online missionary with Campus Crusade for Christ. The other day, an inquirer asked a question about forgiveness. I directed her to Matthew 18:23-35, about the servant whose master forgave him and canceled an impossible debt. But the servant would not, in turn, forgive and cancel the debt of a fellow servant who owed him a small debt. I pointed out that forgiveness is not just about saying that you forgive someone. It is about canceling their debts against you. I have been hurt many times and in various ways. A number of years ago, the Lord taught me this Truth about forgiveness and debt cancellation, because I was expecting my friends to pay me back for the hurts done to me by others. The Lord pointed out that this is not fair, since my friends had not sinned against me. Making them pay was wrong. He also reminded me that when He forgave me, He didn't just SAY He forgave me. He canceled my debt (Colossians 2:14). And I was to do the same. So I did. In addition, I believe that debt cancellation is what the Word means when it says that we are to forgive from the heart. At that time, the Lord also showed me that the basis for my forgiving anyone is His death and resurrection, which paid not only for my sins, but for the sins of all who sinned against me. (A Truth which a Calvinist cannot say, because they don't believe that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world). So Jesus paid for the sins of all who sin against you and me. AND THAT'S ENOUGH! We need to accept that and move on from our hurts. God's grace is enough for that. But as I reviewed this passage in order to help that inquirer the other day, the Lord showed me something I hadn't seen before. In Matthew 18:34, the master reinstates the servant's debt, and the punishment for it. And in verse 35, verse 34 is applied to us. I suspect his refusal to forgive and cancel the debt of another revealed that his heart had not been changed by his master's forgiveness, because it wasn't received by faith. But the point I am making here is that to fail to forgive another, shows that we reject the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, and treat it with contempt. And we dare not do that, for that is the unforgivable sin!

Wrong Focus

2010-11-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday someone gave me a quote. I added a 3-word postscript. "Blessed is the man who does not consider himself better when he is praised and promoted by men, than when they look on him as vile, stupid, and contemptible. For what a man is before God, that he is, and no more"...and no less. The main part of the quote is by Francis of Assisi. I'm interested in this for several reasons. One is that I often find myself in the minority, and have been harassed, emotionally abused, rejected, and the general underdog. Another reason is my ongoing concern about the popularity of self-esteem theories among Christians. One of the main problems about such theories is that they start from the wrong place. You do not build people up by teaching them to focus on themselves. Another problem is it puts the basis of a relationship with God on oneself. Loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself is not about loving yourself first. They say, "You can't love God if you don't love yourself." That's not true. This is basically saying that God hasn't given you enough grace with which to love Him. No, God's grace is enough for you, as the Scriptures say. God never tells you to do anything that He doesn't give you the grace to accomplish. No exceptions! Focusing on yourself first keeps you going in circles of inadequacy, and contributes to the problem. This teaching also assumes that love is mainly a feeling. It is not. It is a commitment. Take Proverbs 13:24, for example 24. He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly" (NKJV). Now, does that mean the man feels hatred for his son? No. It means he is doing his son a disservice if he doesn't discipline him. It's a lack of commitment, not a feeling. Or take Proverbs 19:8, "He who gets wisdom loves his own soul." (NKJV). This is not about feelings. It is about commitment to yourself and your relationship with God. "He who disdains instruction despises his own soul"
(Proverbs 15:32 NKJV). The one who really hates himself is the one who is not committed to living a disciplined life and building a strong relationship with the Lord. Also, "Love thyself" is the cardinal doctrine of the new age movement. Stay away from it. When Job said 5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. 6 Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes” in Job 42:5-6, God didn't correct him and tell him he should love himself. In fact, God didn't get off his case until he said it! Clearly, something else is going on in Scripture besides teaching us to focus on ourselves. Jesus did not die and rise again to make us feel good about ourselves! He died and rose again to save us from eternal damnation and to make us servants of His to proclaim His glory even if it kills us! We need to focus on God, His estimation of us, and build on our identity with Him. You might be surprised at the results.

It Doesn't Work

2010-11-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

Don't believe anything Calvinists tell you about Arminians. They aren't authorities on the subject, and don't know whereof they speak. They'll do anything to get to get you to believe theirs is the only legitimate position. Don't take their word for it. Check it out for yourself. The Society of Evangelical Arminians website is a good place to start. You'll find writings from the Arminian experts there. Take it from those who know what they're talking about, and make up your own mind. I've put both Calvinism and Arminianism severely to the test in practical experience. Not only did Calvinism fail me in a huge crisis, it added more burdens than I already had! Calvinism, in its logical outworking in practical living, is oppressive, burdensome, and bankrupt. It sounds great in its scholarly theory, but doesn't deliver. Arminianism is Biblical and straightforward. It works, and gloriously so! Would you like some specifics? For starters, check out what I've written on the subject in earlier blogs (the last week of September through early October of this year). Then move on to the Society of Evangelical Arminians website. Arminians are not about losing your salvation. We are about freedom in Christ. You'll be glad and relieved you looked into it.

Control vs. Cause

2010-11-02T04:52:00.001-07:00

It's important to distinguish between God being in complete control, and God causing everything. Calvinists take it to such lengths that it makes God responsible for evil. Man has no choice. God foreordained everything. But Arminians believe that God is completely in control, but man's will is free. This makes man responsible for evil choices. "Elect from the foundation of the world." "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:" (Ephesians 1:4). "Whosoever will may come." "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). God's sovereignty gives me great comfort when I am struggling with great challenges. It gives me a sense of purpose. He takes my circumstances, and my wrong, free-will choices, and declares to me in the midst of them. "I am in control. Fear not. There is a purpose in this." Before the foundation of the world He planned to make this horrible mess, conform me more into His image, glorify Himself, and use me to further His Kingdom. And His purpose, and the outcome of all of this is glorious!

What Really Scares Me

2010-11-01T04:41:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who is hyper busy. She gets so busy that she pushes people away emotionally in various ways. She is the type of person who seems to think that if there is a need that's not being met (in her estimation), she is the one who ought to fill it. She and her husband add to this problem constantly by taking frequent get-away trips for relief from all the stress of their too-busy lives. My friend even acknowledges that things pile up more and more each time they are gone, but they never get off the merry-go-round. So around and around they go. Not only do they spend so much time running away from their responsibilities, but it costs them a lot of money, too. I really feel pushed away often, and think that there are much better ways to spend their money. Their agenda and schedule are more important than people. And that's a problem! I know another lady who is also hyper busy, but in a different way. She repeatedly pushes herself to the point of collapse. She's over 70, still works full time, and engages in a multitude of other activities. She even goes at it on Sunday, taking no day of rest. (For the record, taking a weekly day of rest is one of the Ten Commandments). All of this woman's activity is by choice. She doesn't have to do any of this. In her case, I think she's trying to make up for the lack of approval she experienced as a child, by impressing people now. She gets the approval she wants from people. Most are duly impressed. But I see real danger here. In the case of the first friend I mentioned above, she and her husband obviously have the wrong priorities. Jesus was never too busy for people. And by always being the one to fill an alleged need, my friend keeps others from assuming responsibilities and growing in Christ. The second woman really scares me, though. “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1). Jesus said that those who try to impress people "have received their reward in full" (Matthew 6:2, 5). She's robbing herself of her rewards in Heaven. Not to mention the fact that Jesus commended Mary, who sat at His feet and listened to Him, and chided the busy Martha. And I am going to shift away from my friends, and speak of myself. I cannot judge any of my friends' relationship with the Lord. I cannot know whether or not they are trying to earn merit before God with their works. We all have different resources to use in serving God. We all fall far short of God's glory, need His grace, and must depend entirely on Jesus' blood and righteousness in order to be saved. I have become increasingly aware of that as I grow in Christ. And, yes, "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). Nevertheless, I often think of the following passage: 22 "Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" (Matthew 7:22-23). And to me, that's the scariest thing of all! It is hard even for many Christians to get away from the notion that our works are important in the eyes of God. And no one should condone laziness. But "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" in the eyes of God (Isaiah 64:6 KJV). It's the relationship that's all-important. That's the main reason why I spend so much time alone with God, making sure He really knows me. (The other reasons are lack of resources, and health issues). And He has given me challenging work to do!

Psalm 63

2010-10-27T04:48:00.000-07:00

I was noticing yesterday while studying Psalm 63 that King David's desire for God was almost physical. "My soul thirsts for You, my flesh faints for You in a dry and weary land where there is no water" (verse 1). Likewise, His satisfaction with God was almost physical as well. "My soul is satisfied with marrow (literally "fat") and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips" (verse 5). Another translation uses the words "rich foods." Can you imagine loving God like that? In another place, King David said he desired God more than his necessary food. That's certainly something to meditate on, and to emulate. And God desires this from us more than our activities. Remember Martha and Mary.

Back to the Bible

2010-10-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

A friend and I were talking about our church's current stewardship campaign. (The plan is to remodel, due to insurance requirements). This friend told me that the church paid at least $17,000 for a stewardship consultant to help us in our endeavor. Really, an individual in the church underwrote that entire consultant fee. Apparently studies have shown that when a church hires such a consultant, more money is raised than without one. It made me stop and think. We actually paid someone to get more money out of us! We paid someone to tell us to sacrifice! Isn't there something wrong with that? People can prove anything they want with studies. Years ago, during another church stewardship campaign, a pastor said that studies had shown that church building programs do not take away from missions giving. They increase it. Well, more recently, someone said that the Church has lagged behind subversive groups in indoctrinating our children. The Church spent so much money on buildings, church campuses, and entertainment that we have neglected to teach our children what is necessary to be overcomers in this evil age. That's a study I can believe. Another thing I believe is that people will use studies to justify anything they want to. We should just stick with the Bible. It's adequate!

What Do the Destitute Give?

2010-10-25T04:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my pastor preached from 2 Samuel 24, especially verse 24, "I will not give to the Lord that which costs me nothing." Of course he related his message to our stewardship campaign (we are remodeling). The Lord has been speaking to me about what He wants me to contribute, financially challenged as I am. We've been given brochures about stewardship. One cited the widow and her mite. "1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. 2And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. 3And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; 4for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on." (Luke 21:1-4). The author of the brochure said that the value of the widow was not in the money. The value of the money was in the widow. She gave her all. She gave herself. Therefore her gift was worth more than all the others. I teach an adult Sunday School class. Our next lesson is on Psalm 63. 1 O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory. 3Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You. 4So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. 5My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. 6When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, 7For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. 8My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." (verses 1-8). In his commentary, the author of the lesson quotes someone who says that the Psalmist longed for God and loved Him more than his own life. He said that martyrs likewise value the Lord more than their own lives, and therefore would rather die than deny Him. How many of us love the Lord like that? Don't most of us value our lives more? Maybe that's why Christians deny their Lord. Back to stewardship. I won't say specifically what the Lord has directed me to do in regard to our campaign. But in my situation, it represents putting the prospect of financial independence (which I don't now have) on the altar. Add to that our unstable economy, and you have a recipe for exquisite pain. Will I do it? Yes. Because I value Him above all.

Psalm 62:11

2010-10-22T04:29:00.000-07:00

Once God has spoken;
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God; Please cover this election in prayer and spiritual warfare. And remember, power does not belong to government, or special interest groups, or politicians, or the rich, or to any race. Power belongs to God.

What's Going on Here?

2010-10-21T04:30:00.001-07:00

I've said previously on this blog that I'm not an adherent or supporter of the TEA party movement. And it's still true. Nevertheless I wish to address a recent rumor. It is rumored that the TEA party is made up of white racists with a racist agenda. This isn't true. They are about ideology and taxes. That's what TEA means: Taxed Enough Already. Minorities are more than welcome to join, if they choose. White people are attracted to certain causes, and minorities are attracted to others. But there is no racist agenda. I have concerns about the TEA party movement, but I have more concerns about people who jump to conclusions and assign labels. The coming election is not about politics as usual. Don't begin to think that voting the bad guys out or voting the good guys in, whoever they are to you, will solve the issues we face in our society. I invite you to look at Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, Ezekiel 38 and 39, Daniel 8 and 12, the books of Thessalonians, and Revelation for clues to what is going on. I also refer you to Gary Kah, an end-time specialist from the social, political, economic and Biblical perspectives. Just google his name. I'm mainly concerned that many look to Government to solve all our problems. That will lead only to trouble. Only Jesus is our Savior. Scripture says we should be "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus" (Titus 2:13).

The Somali Woman Applied/Miracle Needed

2010-10-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I wrote that a Swahili-speaking woman in my home town was my neighbor. She's a single mom and has several kids. Now I have another family. Two households, with a total of sixteen persons. I now have the responsibility of supplying Christmas gifts for these neighbors of mine, not to mention a Christmas tree and ornaments for each household. Well, anyone who knows my situation knows that this is totally impossible. But not with God, of course. So here goes.

Sequel to the Somali Mother

2010-10-19T04:50:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine told me that the Somali mother who locked her children in the closet is going to have to do time. I don't think this will help her, nor will it rid society of a dangerous person. She isn't dangerous, though what she did was wrong. Refugees are bewildered by all the things they must learn when taking refuge in a new country. They're overwhelmed, even in the best of situations. Imagine what it's like to be in a new land, and your husband abandons you, the neighbors won't get involved, two of your children die, the rest of them are taken away from you, and you land in prison. She doesn't need retribution. She needs restoration and respite. May God help her and us.

What Difference Does It Make?

2010-10-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

I'm amazed at the number of Christians who don't seem to know what difference doctrine makes in their life. They can give you all the points of their specific theological bent, but when it comes to applying that to their life, they don't go beyond that. For example, because Arminians believe that man has free will, they can know that this leads to great freedom in their lives. Because Arminians believe that sanctification is a matter of heart purity, rather than adherence to the letter of Scripture, they can know God's power, love, forgiveness, and assurance in a way that many others can't. Because we Arminians believe that God not only imputes His righteousness to us, but also imparts it, we can know we have an abundance of resources with which to live the Christian life (I have blogged previously on this subject - late September to early October - so I am not going to go over it again here). Because we believe that we can live victoriously, rather than in bondage to sin (see my commentary on Romans 5-8), we can live lives of joy, freedom, and power. We believe we can know we are God's children before we die, so we can have assurance and peace throughout our lives. We do not believe God throws people away, as many insist on believing. We just believe we have choices. I've gone over much of this from a Scriptural standpoint in the time frame shown above, so I won't reiterate it here. What we believe makes a vast difference in our outlook on life, in what we can do, and in the way we do things.

Galatians 2:20

2010-10-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" (NASB). In the original, "faith in" is rendered "faith of". But what is the faith of the Son of God? In the original, the Greek word for "faith" also means "faithfulness." "...and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Saving faith is necessary, but it is a gift from God through His prevenient grace. However, my salvation rests on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ in His death on the cross and resurrection. My faith may waver. His faithfulness never can. It is finished. My faith is trusting in His faithfulness.

Open and Closed Doors

2010-10-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

This past summer the Lord blessed me with the opportunity to be an online missionary with Campus Crusade. Now He has blessed me with a new opportunity to be a missionary to Swahili-speaking refugees locally, thus enabling me to use my knowledge of Swahili and African culture to minister in His Name. Today I learned that I've been granted membership in the Society of Evangelical Arminians - an opportunity to work online with Arminian scholars. Mind-boggling to say the least. Not long ago, doors were slamming in my face all the time (some still do). Right now I'm thinking of 1 Corinthians 1:25-27: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." To anyone who really knows me, this certainly fits. There have been folks in the past who have thought that because of how that passage plays out in my life, the Lord would never entrust the "true riches" to me.

11"Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?
12"And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?" (Luke 16:11-12).

But the Lord obviously has entrusted the true riches to me. I appreciate His perspective, and His trust. May He enable me to be faithful. He will.

God's Blessing on My Lfe

2010-10-12T04:57:00.000-07:00

If anyone could lay claim to non-denominational fame, it would be me. I've worshiped with Calvinists, Arminians, United Methodists, Pentecostals (mainly in Kenya, for several years), Christian and Missionary Alliance, and Wesleyans on a regular basis throughout my life, and others (Baptists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Anglicans,and non-denominational, including a variety of people of African heritage) to a lesser degree. I thank the Lord for such broad exposure to different types of Christian thinking. It has helped me study the Bible from a broad spectrum of perspectives, and to love a variety of God's people. My theology has been molded through a lifetime of suffering of many kinds, as well as by immersing myself in Scripture. I have found that debating theology has also helped me to solidify my beliefs, and appreciate my Wesleyan heritage. I am utterly amazed, and more and more stand in awe of the Lord Who clearly engineers and designs the circumstances and direction of my life. This aspect of the Lord's care of me has reached an exciting level lately. The Lord blessed me with several years of missionary service, after which He told me I would not be returning to Africa. Yet, through my work as an interpreter with Swahili-speaking refugees in my home town, the Lord is bringing Africa to me! This work is about to expand. A very observant friend of mine has said that perhaps my earlier work in Africa was a training ground for my present mission field. I agree. My one priority in life is to know God intimately and be known just as intimately by Him. With this ever in focus, life is never boring.

It Really Comes Down to TwoThings

2010-10-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

In the debate between Calvinists, it really comes down to only two things. Four of the five points are really different versions of whether or not God can be fully Sovereign and man's will fully free simultaneously. Arminians say yes. Calvinists say no. Calvinists seem to believe letting man have a free will is a threat to God's sovereignty. But their God is too small. Nothing man does is a threat to God's sovereignty. (Both Calvinists and Arminians agree on one point - total depravity). The other basic point is whether or not God gives man anything (imputation vs impartation). Calvinists say it's imputation only. Arminians add impartation. If it's imputation only, you end up with nothing. If someone credits (imputes) money to my bank account, hasn't he/she "imparted" money to me, though it came from a source not my own? Yes! To say otherwise makes imputation a big joke, and God is not a joker! Just so with imputed righteousness. God credits righteousness to my account, and I have it. Otherwise, it's only theoretical, and God is mocking me. Faith is compatible with possession. Assuming is not faith. Assuming is guessing. My faith is not based on guesswork. And God actually gives me His righteousness (and a whole lot more). Praise His Name! "For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous" (Romans 5:19).

Arminian Point. Also My "Somali Woman"

2010-10-08T04:53:00.000-07:00

I do not believe that God actively predestines people to hell, as Calvinists believe. The reason for this is simple. The Bible doesn't teach it. "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). Clearly, man brings condemnation on himself because of his choices. Recently I have been telling you about the Somali woman who locked her children in a closet, and two of the children died. Then I told you the Lord was leading me to be a "neighbor" to a certain Congolese woman and her children, whom I met through interpreting opportunities. This week I connect with an local immigration group at a career fair where I was representing another company. This immigration group referred me to Catholic Charities, because my family of concern came under their auspices. I called CC and set up an appointment with them for next Tuesday. CC is happy to learn of my interest, and will gladly connect me with the family to whom the Lord directed me (my "Somali Woman"). Praise the Lord! "I was a stranger, and you welcomed me" (Matthew 25:35). "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:17, 20, and 26).