Heart of Ezra

There's a NEW Heart of Ezra

2007-09-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Please visit the NEW Heart of Ezra now hosted by Word Press!

Launch of New Podcast

2007-02-21T06:32:00.000-08:00

If you would like to listen to my new podcast, called Preach the Gospel, you can check it out here.

If you would like to subscribe to the podcast here is the feed.

1 Cor. 9:16 (ESV)
For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

Quote from Richard Sibbes

2006-11-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

I read this quote from The Bruised Reed by Ricard Sibbes a few days ago.

"What the heart likes best, the mind studies the most."

I find some Christians are usually better able to quote the most recent movie, lyrics from a song, news story, political strategy or specifications on the latest car than they are able to quote the Bible.

So what does your mind study the most? It might give you an honest evaluation of what your heart treasures.

Quote from John Piper

2006-10-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

I thought this quote was interesting from John Piper. It is from his message The Supremacy of Christ and Joy in a Postmodern world.

"The point is to simply affirm precious truth of doctrinally based joy over against the postmodern debunking of propositional revelation and biblical doctrine and expositional preaching—as though there were some other way to attain Christ-exalting joy."

A Conference in the Comfort of Your Own Home

2006-10-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

In April I attended the Together for the Gospel Conference (T4TG) in Louisville, Kentucky. While I was there I heard about another conference that was to take place this fall. It was John Piper’s Desiring God Conference. At T4TG I had been given a DVD which previewed the conference and the speakers who were to be there. On the DVD John Piper announced the national conference would be based on a book written by David Wells. After I heard this, I knew I had to read the book. Any book that had a conference based on it must be some book. I picked up Above All Earthly Pow’rs: The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World in the bookstore at T4TG. There were a few other books I read before I finally got a chance to pick it up and read it. As I began to read I could see why John Piper would want to have a whole conference deal with this issue. David Wells does a masterful job of explaining where we are in the current age of postmodernism and how we as Christians should respond and live in such an age. While quite deep, I also found it to be very instructive and thought provoking.
Even before I had read the book I knew the Desiring God National Conference would be worth attending, but after I read the book I had a new perspective as to why such a topic was important. Unfortunately, I was not able to fly up to Minneapolis, Minnesota to attend. I did find Tim Challis live blogging of the event helpful, but I still wanted more. Then a few days after the conference was over they put the audio of the sessions on the internet which can be downloaded for free. I quickly jumped at the chance and downloaded all of the sessions, including the panel discussion. It was like Christmas that day. “You mean I can have them all for free?” How I wish more conferences were like this! Now I had seven hours of audio just waiting to be listened to, but when would I get a chance to?
I decided this would be a great chance to listen to the conference with my wife. She had known my interest in the conference and had heard me talk about the book. I have truly enjoyed these times. We currently have listened to two of the sessions, but it takes us two sittings to listen to one session. So far we have listened to Voddie Baucham and Mark Driscoll. Both have been edifying and uplifting. Christ is a postmodern world is a serious issue for us as we seek to continue in ministry. What a joy to have the Desiring God National Conference in the comfort of our own home. I look forward to the rest of the sessions and the great biblical insight I am my wife can gain from the conference speakers.

Golden Ball Disgrace

2006-07-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I enjoyed watching the second half of the World Cup Final. The whole world cup had been great up to this point and so I sat back with anticipation to see the final outcome. Personally, I was hoping Italy would win. It had been a while since they had won the World Cup and I like the way they played as a team. France had some powerhouse players, like Henry (pronounced "Onry") and Zinedine Zidane, who I thought might be able to boost them to a win. (As a side note Zinedine Zidane has become a familiar name in our house with it being one of the three soccer players my wife knows. Can you guess the other two?) With the 90 minutes ending at a one-one tie, the world sat on the edge of its seat hoping for a spectacular set of extra time. What would happen would shock all spectators.
With only a short time remaining before penalty kicks the captain of France, Zinedine Zidane was red carded. He was ejected from the game for head butting one of the Italian players in the chest. Zidane has become known as one of the best soccer players in the world at this time. What was even bigger was the fact that he had announced his retirement from the international scene after this World Cup. He would not get to see his dream lived out of ending on the top of the world. As Zidane walked off the pitch he passed by the World Cup trophy, which would never end up in his grasp again as Italy won the match in penalty kicks. What a huge disappointment for all France fans.
A day after the World Cup final they announce the winner of the Golden Ball. This is the MVP of the World Cup. Who did they choose? Zinedine Zidane, a player who had been sent off in the World Cup final because of a disgraceful action taken toward another player. What was remembered from Zidane that night was not his skillful ball handling but his unsportsmanlike conduct. Whether he was taunted or not by another player should not matter. At his level of play, if you are taken out of the game that easily by another player all the talent in the world does not matter. Zidane's heart displayed his real need, which wasn't a World Cup trophy, it was a Savior. Zidane, who is known as a great soccer player, ended up not looking like a great man. The true fruit of his life was displayed for the whole word as he walked off the international scene. It was not fruit of the Spirit (especially self-control), but was rather the rotten fruit of the flesh.
How could they give the Golden Ball to someone who did not deserve it? Yes, he might have played well, but his vicious should have disqualified him from such a reward. Are we watching our own lives so that we will not be disqualified? Are we able to exercise self-control in all things? Zidane had spent countless hours buffeting his body to play the game of soccer and in the heat of the game his discipline failed. He did not play in such a way to receive a prize, but in our sin twisted world he received a prize. It will not be so the Christian. We must run the race of life in such a way to obtain the prize. To lay hold of the reward. Our pursuit in this life is holiness, to be like Christ in everything. Do we pursue in through the tough times or do we let the tough times get the best of us. Let us discipline ourselves in the understanding and application of God's Truth to our hearts.
1 Cor. 9:24-27 (ESV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. [25] Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. [26] So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. [27] But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

FBCLA Summer Camp 2006

2006-07-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the great honor and privilege to speak at a Junior High Summer Camp. My friend Derek Brown invited me out to his church, where he is currently the high school director, to teach on the book of Philippians for a week to 23 middle schoolers. I was "psyched out of my mind" to be able to do this. God truly blessed my time there and my prayer is that He will use that camp to strengthen and grow the lives of all that attended for His glory and honor. It was also a great time of fellowship. Being able to talk about ministry with Derek was an encouragement to my heart. How amazing it is to experience the Word of God lived out in the lives of others. Derek truly emulates Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." I was sharpened by Derek last week. His knowledge and love of our Lord and Savior impresses me every time. The wisdom the Lord has given him also is a blessing to all he comes into contact with. His leadership is a great example of Christ and I know GOd will use him to be a great leader of the church. We all need sharpening. Derek sharpened me last week. Who has sharpened you recently? Maybe it was a sharpening which caused friction and exposed sin in your life. Make sure you put it to death. Maybe it was sharpening which encouraged you with the power of Christ when you were feeling weak. We need brothers and sisters to build us up in the most holy faith and push us toward Christlikeness. Thanks Derek for sharpening me.

P.S. I also want to announce my new family blog! You can visit it here. Make sure you save it on your favorites as major events are taking place all the time!

A Pet Peeve

2006-02-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, almost two months since I've been on this horse. To my readers (if there are any left) my apologies. There are many excuses and not enough space or interest to list them all. If you can't read this blog though I would suggest checking this one out. I have found it to be a great dialogue and a helpful resource.

For this blog I thought I would simply share a pet peeve of mine. I am completely open for discussion on this topic. The pet peeve concerns Matthew 18:20, which says, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." I often find that people like to use this verse for encouragement when they are gathered in a church service or Bible study. The context of the verse would suggest it is not talking about general gatherings at all but about church discipline. The encouragement comes from knowing Christ is with us in the midst of dealing with the difficulties of church discipline. When two or three are gathered in Christ's name they are there to confront someone’s sin. I do not think we should use this verse in the midst of church services or Bible studies. It is not a promise we can claim while sitting in a church service. It is a promise given to those who engage in church discipline.

One last thought. If this is something we claim in church services or Bible studies, where does the omnipresence of God fit in? Is He only present when two or three Christians are gathered together? Read Psalm 139 (below) and you will be reminded of God's omnipresence.

We must keep this verse in context and use it how Christ used it. I have seen the problem of misquoting this verse across the board, whether it is a "charismatic" church or a "Calvinistic" church. Let us think rightly about God and use His Word with caution and care.

As I said before, I am open discussion on this issue. Please, as Bill O'Reilly says, "Tell me where I'm wrong." I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Psalm 139:1-17 (ESV)
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
[2] You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
[3] You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
[4] Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
[5] You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
[6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
[7] Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
[8] If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
[9] If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
[10] even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
[11] If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
[12] even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
[13] For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
[14] I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
[15] My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
[16] Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there were none of them.
[17] How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

Christmas Contemplations

2005-12-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel
(which means God with us).”
Matthew 1:23
Most would agree Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. What makes it great for them could be memories, traditions, family, friends, presents, or even a good sale. I am looking forward to Christmas because I will see family and friends and reminisce about memories from the past. All of these things are not necessarily bad, but it is important to remember Christmas is not based on these things. Christmas is focused on Christ, who is more extraordinary than anyone or anything else. Let’s look at a few aspects of why Christmas is so amazing.
First, it is astonishing to think that Christ left His heavenly glory to come to earth and humble himself by “being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). He came as a baby, helpless and completely dependant on His mother and father. Christ’s humility is for our sake, so we are the beneficiaries of His submission to God. His earthly life began in a manger which is far from the throne he left in heaven. Christ the King came as a servant, and it is this servant who gave us His life.
Leaving His throne, Jesus came be with us. His name, after all, is Immanuel. We are not left to our own devices because God reached out to us by sending His Son into the world. It is a comfort for us to know God is with us. He is the only one who is almighty, all-knowing, and sovereign. There is no one we should trust more than our Lord and Savior. How incredible God’s grace is that He would care for sinners like us by coming to earth and dying for us. Jesus Christ, Immanuel, is wonderful.
Understanding the purpose of Christ’s coming is extraordinary. Christ came to do God the Father’s will. Jesus said in John 8:29, “And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” It pleased God for Jesus to die on a cross for our sins. It was His will Christ should suffer for us and take the punishment we deserved. His life, death, and resurrection brought us into fellowship with God. How wonderful Christ’s saving power is. Let us remember the greatness of our Savior is as we celebrate His birth.

The Easy Button

2005-11-29T14:02:00.000-08:00

Being in the American culture we are constantly bombarded by advertisements. You can’t escape them. They are on billboards, the internet, the radio, and television. They come in the mail, they are packed in the newspapers and magazines. (I am sure I have just scratched the surface of where one might find advertisements.) One of these advertisements has caught my attention. On television there is an advertisement for Staples. The point of the ad is they are the easy way to accomplish all your office needs. Usually in the ads a person is in a difficult situation. Instead of dealing with the situation the person has a way of escape, the easy button. All the person has to do is press the easy button and all the problems go away, everything is fixed.

I find this to be a fascinating commentary on today’s American culture. That is what we are all about. If there is an easy way out of something in life we take it. If marriage is too hard we get a divorce. If work is too hard we quit and find one that is more “interesting” to us. If parenting is too difficult, find a church or school or other organization to take care of them. If that doesn’t work try letting your child raise his/her self. Preposterous? Unfortunately, you do not have to look outside the walls of the church to see these things happening today. In our quest for comfort we put off the things that take blood, sweat, and tears. Little endurance is required and our own strength becomes good enough.

I do not think this is what James had in mind when he said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

In my own life I have seen the effect of the easy button. Often it takes the shape of not doing anything. It is easy not to do anything. We think ignoring problems make them go away. One might even say, “I don’t mind the trials God gives me, I just let them take their course.” These trials are tests of our faith. We cannot ace the test if we never pick up the pencil. The problem is if we take the easy way out by not doing anything we will soon find that it wasn’t as easy as we thought.

So the next time you reach for the easy button. Stop. The antonym of the easy button is the Word of God. It instructs us on how to deal with the difficulties of life. Reach for it instead and live by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The blood, sweat, and tears will pay off in the long run. We will find joy knowing that we ran the race with endurance all the way to the end. More importantly, we will find joy in our Lord and Savior who enables us to live a life pleasing to God.

All I Know About Parenting

2005-11-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

I has been a long time since my last blog and I am truly sorry. I will strive to be more consistent. The title of this post may sound interesting as I have no children of my own. Therefore I am not a parent and I have never had the experience of parenting. So if I took the title of this post and made it a book it would probably last about two pages. Although my book might be short I have read many books on parenting. My book might be a little longer if I regurgitated the little wisdom I have gleaned from these works. I am by no means an authority on parenting.

What makes this more interesting is that I am a youth minister. The good news about this is I was not hired to be a parent. My authority and responsibility for the young people I minister to is limited. Don’t get me wrong, I greatly love them and desire their best. My purpose though, is not to act as another parent for them. I do desire to support the parents in their ministry and help strengthen and encourage the students in their spiritual walks.

It is exciting for me to learn and understand more about parenting through God’s Word. Even while I am not a parent I see the Lord refining my life and preparing me for that day when I will hold my son or daughter in my arms for the first time. It will require total dependence on God and hard work on my part, but it is encouraging to see God’s Word transform my thoughts about what parenting truly is.

In thinking through this post, honestly it is not as much about parenting as it is gaining the wisdom and knowledge of God. There are things which we might not experience in life. Perhaps we will experience these things (marriage, parenting, old age) in the future. We don’t have to wait gain insight about these situations, we can have a biblical perspective on them now. God gives wisdom to those who ask. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6 What kind of wisdom are we asking for? “But the wisdom from above is first pure, the peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:17,18. It is not a wisdom of experience, or a wisdom governed by the world. It is spiritual wisdom; it is God’s wisdom. Experience is good and offers much credibility to someone who is giving advice. I am not suggesting we throw off the importance of experience, I am suggesting that experience is all not there is.

So start digging into God’s Word and see the vast wisdom that is there for your life. It will prepare you for the future. Then you are not starting from scratch once you are married or when you are a parent. You are anticipating those times and are prepared so you can make much of the experience you gain. Daily ask for the wisdom of God to be poured into your life and ask by faith knowing God gives good gifts to His children.

The Glory of God in Christ

2005-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

"He is the radiance of the glory of God." Hebrews 1:3

I cannot think of a higher calling than to proclaim the greatness of Christ. To have a life that reflects Christ and His glory is the best aim we can have as a Christian. Understanding who Christ is and what He has done brings this reflection out in our lives. By the writer of Hebrews beginning His book with a beautiful description of Christ, he lays a foundation for the supremacy of Christ. It is this description that I desire to focus on for the next few posts. I pray that as we behold Christ our passion for Him would increase to the point where we cannot keep it contained.

Christ is the radiance of the glory of God. Seeing Christ means looking into the beautiful glory of God. It is Christ who makes that glory radiant. When contemplating that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory I perceive that He is the brightest spot in that glory. Nothing is more lovely or prominent than Christ. In Him the glory of God is manifested for us to see.

To catch a glimpse of the radiance revolutionizes our life. Beholding His glory and greatness instills within us a desire to put forth the name of Christ in all we do, even to the extent where we take His name upon ourselves as we are called Christians. Passion for the gospel and His will than pours out of our hearts so that we live by faith, walking in obedience to Him. Do we stand in awe of His glory? Let us not reduce the glory of Christ to the brightness of a flashlight. Rather let us understand its intensity, like the intensity of a spotlight.

Jesus In Isaiah

2005-09-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple weeks I have been reading through the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is an amazing prophet who prophesied to the nation of Judah from 739-680 BC. What has made this exciting is not to only understand the time in which he was writing but in the content which he wrote about. This prophet, who prophesied 700 years before Christ was born, speaks of the Christ who was to come. As I have read, I have seen that the majority of the subject matter revolve around the person and work of Christ. The picture painted by Isaiah of the Messiah is a beautiful one.

As I gave intently into this picture, every detail sparks new interest and insight into the person of the Savior. Approaching Isaiah I find myself estatic to learn more about Jesus and what he has done for my life. In every page I see the good news of the gospel which transforms my thoughts and encourages my faith. I have had the priviledge to share this study with the Bible Classes I teach. The last class I taught we talked about Isaiah 61:10 which reads,

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robes of righteousness."

What initiated the rejoicing and the exalting? No doubt it was the salvation and righteousness. So it should be with our lives. Rejoice and exalt in the Lord for we were once naked, only covered by guilt and shame, yet Christ left His glorious abode above to come to earth. And taking our sins upon Himself, He became the propitiation of our sins. His death makes it possible to be given the righteousness of God. Once naked, now clothed in a beautiful kingly garment. Once in darkness, now in His marvelous light. Once a prisoner in the deepest darkest dungeon, now called a child of God and an heir. If this doesn't make us rejoice and exalt I don't know what will. So what keeps us from displaying this joy, excitement and worship in our lives. If our God is great enough to accomplish our salvation is not He great enough to accomplish His plan for our lives?

A challenge to you then. Read through the book of Isaiah and discover what is revealed about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Receive a perspective on Him that you might not receive from the New Testament alone. Be ready and willing to see how His life and work will impact your own life. Get ready to rejoice and exalt in the Lord! Keep your eyes fixed on the person of Jesus Christ!

Highway of Holiness

2005-09-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

(For all those who have patiently waited for a new post, I thank you.)

"And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness." Isaiah 35:8a

What highway are you on? Many lives in America are very busy. They are going from one thing to the next thing to the next thing without a chance to breathe in between. I wonder to myself, what these people will say they have accomplished over the course of their life. It is interesting to here people say that they are just here to make the world a better place and as long as they strive for that while they are alive, they have done their job. Unfortunately, the world will burn up and so will all of their so called "good deeds."

As a Christian though, I am on a different fast track. I am on the fast track to holiness as a person who has been redeemed. Jesus Christ, has opened my eyes, my ears, my mouth. He has given my streams when my life was a desert. Christ has paid the price for me so I might have eternal spiritual life. When all is said and done this is what really matters.

Along with being given spiritual life, I have also been put on the Highway of Holiness. It is a road that leads to Christ, the Holy One, and His throne. Because of Christ's holiness, I am now able to be holy. I am able to be perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect. I am not only able to be holy, I desire to be holy. I want to be completely pure as Christ is, and I know the Highway of Holiness I am on is secure. Even though I may be a fool I will be kept safely on the highway by the good and gracious hand of the Lord. There is no other highway for me.

When difficulties come the Highway of Holiness provides stability and assurance. It is something for us to rest in as we live in a world of hardships and suffering. I marvel at God's amazing grace given to me. May you rest in the Highway of Holiness.

Aromatherapy

2005-08-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

aromatherapy: aro·ma·ther·a·py - noun - The use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.

Aromatherapy is one thing that I completely do not understand. Even the definition leaves me with many questions like: "Who determines which plants are volatile?" "What are essential oils?" "Do you just smell these oils or do you apply them to your physical body?"
In my limited understanding, it seems absurd to think that just by smelling an aroma you will fix psychological or physical problems. It is here that I would like to introduce a different aromatherapy.

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's Word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

God uses aromatherapy. He uses Christians to spread the fragrance of Christ everywhere. In fact it says that we are the aroma of Christ. It is our life in Christ that releases this sweet smell. We are giving a knowledge of Christ, the gospel, to everyone. Whether they are saved by hearing the good news or not, we have a commission by God to speak the truth.

Are you constantly speaking the truth? Is the aroma of Christ pouring out of your life, so that others might take it in? For those who gain eternal life from it, it is a beautiful smell. To those who do not accept it, it is putrid. God is the one who has qualified us to preach the gospel, so it is to this end that we strive. Is the aroma of Christ wafting from your life and your speech? God will use His fragrance to bring spiritual life to people and truly heal their lives. Our responsibility to Him is to continually bring His life giving aroma to all that we meet!

No Ground

2005-08-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

"For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting." 1 Corinthians 9:16a

For the countless number of messages the world provides there are a countless number of people looking for a message. These messages are supposedly instructions on how to order one's life and live. Their range is broad and seemingly unending. One might be structured around self-esteem as it says to build yourself up. Another might focus on your needs so that you make sure you get what you want. We could go on and on with various views of life and how one does the act of living. Even though many different philosophies come and go they all come to an end once you understand the gospel.

The gospel is God's message. It is the good news! With the revelation of Jesus Christ, the gospel becomes the center of our life. We understand who we are before a mighty God and our need for the Savior. It culminates in our repentance from sin, our belief in Jesus Christ, and the commitment we make to Him because of the faith given to us. As Christians, it is this message that we proclaim to the world. Unlike the philosophies of the world, which stumble and fall. The gospel stands tall because of its divine creator. While the world might see it as foolish we see the wisdom God placed in it so that we have no room to boast. This wisdom is what we speak to the nations.

Who are we that we should get to speak God's gospel to the nations? It is only by the grace of God that He uses us as His instruments. The gospel strips us down so that we see we are nothing more than miserable sinners in need of Christ, the Son of God. We cannot say look at us, but instead we must say look at Him. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Our fingers point to Him and Him alone as the only way to have true eternal life.

Does our boasting pervert the way our fingers point? Would we rather say look at me, look how talented I am, look at how eloquent I speak, be impressed with me? Is our pride a stumbling block the our preaching of the gospel? God saves souls through His good news. Should we not be focused toward that end, instead of our own benefit? May we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and in no way seek to boast in ourselves.

Fine China

2005-08-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Life is very precious. Let’s compare it to something else we consider precious, fine china. Fine china is expensive, yet beautiful. It is practical, yet delicate. We eat on it only for special occasions. We never put it in the dishwasher, but instead wash it by hand. When carried we use the utmost of care. Someone would not let their three year old child carry the china to the table. Gentleness and caution are always given to it. Perhaps people painstakingly guard their china for fear of it breaking. We give so much care into these plates, cups, and bowls because of their delicateness.

Do we view our life as delicate? Do we let anybody ensure our safety? Do we let anybody care for our souls? As I look at my life I want the best for my life. I am not going to live any old way. I am not going to let complacency set in. I am not going to let in vile things into my life. I am not just going to let anybody attend to my soul. No, my life is more precious than that. I am going to seek to walk in the Light of Christ. I am going to strive to live with God’s wisdom. I am going to be careful of what influences my life. Only those who have been tested and have passed the test will I allow to care for my soul. Sin will not be allowed to remain. I will not play frisbee with my fine china.

Yet why do so many people do just that? People need to take the advice of Paul given in Ephesians 5:15. It says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.” Do you live as if your life is fine china?

Splendor of Holiness

2005-07-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

“Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth!” Psalm 96:9

When was the last time you thought great thoughts about God? Did you paint a picture in your mind of all God’s attributes? Have you ever taken a good look at the holiness of God? I think of Isaiah, a prophet chosen by God, who saw the holiness of God. His response is amazing.
“Woe is me for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
The Almighty’s perfection threw this man to the ground and revealed his utter wretchedness. Yet, even in his humiliation praise comes forth to God. He is the King! Who better to have as your King that the all-powerful Lord. He is the Lord of hosts! For the Hebrews this is the highest name they could have used for God. Knowing this, who else is there to worship? What else is there to worship? Nothing can compare to Him.

A comparison cannot be made because there is no thing pure like He is pure. God’s radiant holiness makes us fall down. It shines in our life showing us the dark spots of sin. How transcendent He is! We tremble before this great holy God. Rightly so, we tremble because seeing His holiness displays our imperfection. What a cavern we can never cross to be holy like He is holy.

It is by the blood of Christ, though, that we can come to this holy God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross made it possible for us to approach this magnificent God so that now we can strive for holiness. What a work Christ has done for us and is doing for us as He brings us close to the throne of grace. He is the only way that leads to perfection like our heavenly Father is perfect. This opportunity is one of great importance to our lives. It isn’t one to be forgotten about or looked over. Instead, run after the holiness of God each and every day.

We run because we understand His holiness and worship pours from our life to God. With the Psalmist, we must say “ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts!” Realize that we give all the credit to Him. Everything is for His glory. Everything is done by His strength. Who are we but helpless people in need of an awesome, holy God. Ascribe to the Lord all people and worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

Together for the Gospel

2005-07-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17

These verses are some of my favorite verses in the Bible. What a declaration of faith and proclamation advocating the power of the gospel. The gospel is central not only to what we teach but it is central to our lives. To us there is nothing more relevant. We proclaim the gospel. We must boldly proclaim with Paul, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, the whole gospel, and nothing but the gospel."

The vision of this verse is being put into action next April. Pastors from all over the country will gather in Louisville, Kentucky to be strengthened by the gospel so that they, in turn, can strengthen their sheep. Together for the Gospel is shaping up to be the conference for pastoral leaders of 2006. The masterminds behind this conference are four major evangelical leaders of our time. These men (Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, C.J. Mahaney, Albert Mohler) are all deeply committed to the gospel. It is not only the passion of their own lives, it is also the passion of their ministries. It is encouraging to see these men (who notably do not agree on every area of theology) come together for the cause of the gospel. The passion and power of the gospel is what is needed in many churches today in America. These men understand this and are dedicated to put the cross of Christ at the center of everything they do. To help them in their conference they have invited three other major pastors to help them in building pastors up to preach and teach the gospel. John MacArthur, John Piper, and R.C. Sproul have been asked to come instruct on their passion and teaching of the gosepl.

In a day when there are so many differing opinions and views it is great to have the gospel. It stands firm in the truth of God's Word. It brings salvation! It brings eternal life! It brings faith! To catch the influencial vision of what it means to be together for the gospel check out the Together for the Gospel video website. May we be together for the gospel of Christ and faithfully proclaim it with boldness!

Psalm 43

2005-07-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

"Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling!" Psalm 43:3

What guides your life? For many people it can be their "feelings," the fear of other people, their stomachs, their fantisies, or self-willed determination. The list could be endless. One quickly finds, though, that the thing that guides their life can quickly become their master and they its slave. Pure guidance then is our desire. Guidance that takes us down the right path. This is not always the easiest or most comfortable path. Yet, I believe that in the end it is the most satisfying path.

There are many situations in life where we need guidance. In fact, we could say that we always need guidance as wretched sinners. The psalmist here is in one of those situations where he recognizes his need for guidance. He feels oppressed and needs someone to defend his cause. He needs God to be his refuge. The guidance then requested by the psalmist is one of God's light and truth. These two leaders never waiver and never fail. God's light shines on the path so that one knows where to go and how to reamain on it. The light reveals the darkness of sin, which can easily take us off the path, it exposes sin for what it really is. The truth keeps one from deception so that they are not led of the path by anything else. How we should cherish the light and truth of God, which faithfully guide us.

Where do they lead us? God's light and truth lead us directly into the presence of God. Whatever the circumstance or difficult situation we might be in, however bad we might feel, we can hope in God and in being close to Him. He is the one who brings salvation! He is the one who saves us! May we continually ask God to send out His light and truth to lead us in the everlasting way!

"Why are you downcast, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, and salvation and my God." Psalm 43:5

What Verb are You?

2005-07-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Is your life a life of action? What actions in life do you plan on taking? Where are these actions leading you? What actions describe your life? What verb are you?

Christians have a life of action. So what actions describe us? Over the past week, I have been thinking about this question. Two answers have stuck in my mind.

First, we are pursuing. "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with all those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22) Obviously, we are pursuing the right things, those things which are godly. Pursuing not only should determine our present life action, but should also shape our perspective as we look forward to be what we are pursuing. While we pursue godliness we know that we will not be completely godly until we see Christ face to face. "But we know that when He appears we will be like Him because we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2b) Yet, we can pursue these qualities now. We must set our sights on them and strive after them, so that we might be an honorable vessel, "set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21)

Second, we are dedicated. Our lives are dedicated to Christ and continually faithful to Him. What an example the Thessalonians were as we read, "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." They held on to the Word of God and never let it go. Their unswerving dedication became an example to others. It encouraged others and spread the gospel. Our dedication sets us apart from the world. The only dedication the world knows is to temporal things. Our dedication is to the eternal father who is our source of life, everlasting life!

How are these actions being lived out in your life? Are you pursuing those things that honor the Lord and bring you closer to Him? Are you dedicated to Him the way you should be, so that you become an example to others? I want my life to be a life of action for God as He leads me, guides me, and uses me to the futherance of His kingdom. May He do the same with your life.

Delight!

2005-07-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

"In the way of Your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches." Psalm 119:14

I am amazed over and over again at the blessings given to me by the Word of God. Its well never runs dry, but is constantly quenching my thirst. All that I have learned from it, all that I am learning from it, and all that I am to learn from it displays its never ceasing flow. Oh to bathe myself in it is the best thing for my soul! Where else can I turn to gain this instruct? Where else could I seek and find the very thoughts and intentions of the Lord? Where else could I go to hear the ever powerful gospel, which transforms my soul? The answer is no where!

Everyday, I see how it impacts my life so as to draw me closer to my Lord. It is a necessity for my life. Taking this miraculous book for granted is a greivous err, which only pains my heart. I could not delight in this book if it just a textbook filling my head with knowledge. How much more it is! Not only does it teach me, but it spurs me on to live a life disciplined in godliness. Each and every day should be a joy as we take hold of God's Word, soak it into our minds, and live it out through the faith given to me. To delight in the Lord's testimonies as much as in all riches shows that we have that which truly satsifies all areas of life.

REVEALED: The Mystery of Godliness

2005-07-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

"Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:16

How great it is to have the mystery of godliness revealed to us in Jesus Christ. It is because of Him that we can have salvation and righteousness. It is because of Him that we can be holy. It is because of Him that we know what godliness looks like lived out. It is because of Him that we have an abundant life now. It is because of Him that we have an eternal life. Praise God that the mystery of godliness has been revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ," Ephesians 1:7-9

May we then pursue righteousness and godliness, the righteousness of Christ and His godliness, so as to be like Him. We know this great mystery, so why would we want to live as if we are still in it. Life of amazing abundance awaits us now because of Christ. WE are able to taste and see that the Lord is good. Keep desiring the Lord and a life that is bound to the life He gives.

Everlasting Light

2005-07-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

Yesterday our country celebrated Independence Day. It is a day when we remember the greatness of our nation and the benefits we receive because of the freedom we have. It is a day for barbecues, eating hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad, and watching fireworks. While my fourth did not include a barbecue, hot dogs, corn on the cob, or potato salad; it did include fireworks. My wife and I had to find a fireworks display somewhere to watch in order for it to feel like the fourth of July. We decided to go to one near our house, which was located on an airforce base.

As we sat and watched the fireworks last night, we were surrounded by the "oohs" and "awes" of people around us. The display lasted for about a half of an hour, which I thought was decent for a fireworks display. I was amazed though, at how enthralled we are by something that only lasts a few seconds. Think about it. Last night I watched as little explosives were launched into the air. Upon explosion little flashes of light flew forth and then vanished. One firework would maybe last 5 seconds . . . if you were lucky. Both the sound and the sight of a firework would last a few measly seconds. Then we waited, watching the black sky night for the next firework to go off. We saw way more darkness then we did of the light given off by the fireworks last night. As I thought about the light I was watching, I was reminded how short the light from the fireworks was, but how the everlasting light of Christ shines. It shines brightly in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Christ is the light of the world and His light is an everlasting light. His light also now characterizes us as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). We are in Him and in His light. This great light exposes the darkness and brings forth the truth. When things are exposed to this light, everything is seen. Nothing can be hidden from the light. We who are then of the light, come to it so that it may be clearly seen that our deeds have been carried out in God (John 3:21). We need this light in our lives and have to live according to the light of Christ. His light isn't a short burst of colorful light, instead His light penetrates into the heart and soul of men and transforms them. As we walk in the light we practice the truth. We then know what it truly means to have fellowship with one another and to be cleansed from all sin (1 John 1:7). This light is more powerful than anything I can imagine. The lasting light of Jesus Christ is the light I want to characterize my life and I desire to continuously walk as a child of the Light.

Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Ephesians 5:8b-10

Restoration Hardware

2005-07-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." Galatians 6:1

Yesterday we talked about counseling to another's soul. There are many different situations in life where you would need to counsel someone. One of those situations of upmost importance is the area of sin. Sin is what hardens our hearts it is what breaks our fellowship with God. (Hebrews 3:12-13) Sins effect on our life is one of ugly consequences. It is very easy for us to point out the shortcomings and downfalls of other people's lives. We say, "So and so did this and this and this, isn't that awful!" While it might be easy to point out other people's sin, it is a different thing to restore that person back to a faithful and firm walk with the Spirit.

A guy I meet with every week at Taco Cabana, his name is Ben, made a good point about this verse. He said that we often think of a spiritual person as one who goes around with a "more holier that thou" attitude. The spiritual person in our verse though, has to remain humble, displaying the fruits of the Spirit in his life. The restoration of life should come from a love and a care about the other person. The spiritual person has to understand not only the damage and destruction that sin does in ones life, but he also has to understand Christ, who restored us with love, grace, mercy, and gentleness.

The spiritual "restorer" also is sobered and reminded by the fact that he himself is not above sin and is temtped just like everyone else. The person who is restoring has to watch over his own life so that sin does not creep in and destroy him or his ministry to the other person. Paul is telling us to consider our own life. We must not fall into temptation.

I am encouraged by this verse to look at my own life in the midst of reaching out to other people. Sin is destructive and it has to be dealt with. It is not easy, it is not fun. But in dealing with sin and restoring people in a spirit of gentleness we find that even during hardships a life that is walking by faith and centered on the gospel will produce the best life -- an abundant life! We serve a great God, so never stop serving!

Counseling of the Soul

2005-06-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." Proverbs 27:9

As Christians, Christ wants us to have deep meaningful realtionships with each other. He has designed us to desire this companionship and friendship of other people. These people are more than just people with whom we have common interests. In fact deep meaningful relationships are based on one, and only one, commonality. That commonality is Christ. Since we are in Christ, those people who are also in Christ are the only people with whom we can have a deep meaningful, God glorifying relationship. Now I am not saying that we should not or even cannot be friends with non-believers, but I am saying that friendships with non-believers cannot go deep spiritually because they are spiritually dead. Does that mean we are not to show them love? No. Does that mean we don't share the gospel with them? May it never be! Does that mean that we shouldn't spend time with them? No, spend time and show them Christ through your life.

As far as deep meaningful relationships go, Christians can only provide the biblical encouragement that we need, they can only provide the biblical confrontation we need, they can only share the hope and the life that we have, they can only know what it means to say, "to live is Christ to die is gain!" These types of friendships provide biblical counsel to each other. Their counsel is one that digs down deep and effects the soul. The Spirit uses this counsel to transform lives and grow faith. How sweet is the counsel of a friend? It is sweetness that goes all the way down to the soul. Only this kind of sweetness is truly satisfying. The reason why it is truly satisfying is because of the source. The counsel of a true friend, who speaks the truth in love, comes from God. It is God's wisdom that he imparts to his friend. No matter how difficult it is to communicate that counsel, the godly friend will do it because of the love for His friend.

In this way then the friend is exemplifying Christ himself. He lays aside his own pride and security for the benefit of his friend. It is something also that has a lasting impart in the heart and life of the other person, as the Holy Spirit works.

As I continue to understand this verse it makes me want to be a counselor of the soul to my friends. Anybody can shoot the breeze and talk about the whether or the news, or politics, but as our friendships are in Christ we can and must go deeper. We have to give earnest counsel in accordance with God's Word. Friendships are real life, these are the people you interact with often and live life with. Counseling of the soul isn't a one time punchline, but it is a continual sharpening, encouraging, and admonishing to the glory of God. May we find the sweetness of friends in the earnest counsel we give and receive.

A Dangerous Love

2005-06-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

"Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:25

As my wife and I are working our way through the book of John this passage arrested my heart. It made me think about the fact that Christians are often arrested by many things besides the Bible. A well-delivered story, a powerful political speech, an interesting news report, or the lifestory of a person on Oprah can all too easily consume the Christian's heart and mind. All of those things though, cannot compare to the transforming power of God's Word in our lives. What else should seize our hearts like the Word of God?

The Bible is the revealed word of God to us, and it tells us the truth about life. In this verse Christ instructs us on how we are to view life. We find that those who love life will lose it. People naturally love their life. Christ isn't talking about an optimism or a giddiness toward life. Rather, He is talking about a love for a life bound by sin and completely separated from God. This love of life is indulged in fleshly pleasures and is centered on self. Loving life in this way means there is no spiritual life. So, instead of living life to the fullest (as they might think they are) they are only losing their life.

I am amazed at how different this view is from worldly wisdom, which tells us to "live it up" and make sure that our "self" is satisfied. It is this with which we battle. The world tells us that the way to really live is one way and Christ tells us the way to live is a completely different way. Loving life according to the flesh and by the worlds standard only results in the loss of true spiritual, eternal life. How dangerous a love is this then?

Christ has called us to a life that is totally different than that. Our view of life has to be His view because His view is the Truth. We cannot meet these two views of life half-way. We cannot try to hold on to these two views at the same time. Being diametrically opposed, one cannot be in the light and darkness at the same time. The eternal life that Christ gives us is infinitely better than any life we can love here on earth. When we understand the eternal life, which is secured for us in Christ, we see this life for what it really is. Our longing and desire for this eternal life, will mean that we will have to hate the life that this world portrays. May our view of what true life is be based upon the truth of Jesus Christ who gives us this eternal life.

Forgiven, Free, Fulfillment

2005-06-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

"Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses." Acts 13:38-39

Jesus Christ has risen from the dead! How do you respond to that? Do you say, "Yeah, Yeah, I know that, Resurrection Sunday, Easter, alright let's move on." Hopefully, this is not your attitude, but instead whenever you here this our response must be, "YES! PRAISE THE LORD!" For us as Christians Christ resurrection of the dead has huge implications on our life. Since it has huge implications on our life it also has huge implications on our living. It is because of Christ that I am what I am.

It is through Christ that I am forgiven. This is another statement that should make us stand up and rejoice in the Lord. When I realize how much I have been forgiven. Christ has forgiven all my sin past present and future. It is through his life, death and resurrection, which proclaims the forgiveness of sins to men. I would not know forgiveness if it were not for Christ. Meditate on the immensity of this forgiveness. Think about what his forgiveness entails and what response flows from your heart as you see how immense it is. The greatness of forgiveness also rises as see truly realize how sinful we are. Luke 7:47 "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."

Faith in Christ is freedom! The first thing I thought about Acts 13:38-39 was that it would also fit well in the book of Galatians. "For freedom Christ has set us free," Galatians 5:1a. In Christ we now have freedom. We are free to live a life that pleases God, which we are able to do because Christ pleased God. We are free to present ourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life and to present our bodies to God as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). Freedom does not come from the law. It does not come from a set of rules to which you must hold in order to be saved. No! Salvation is all of grace. It is the grace of God, which comes through Jesus Christ, given to us so that we are forgiven and free.

As we continue to understand this may it result in a life of joy that never ceases and never wanes.

Who is Hungry?

2005-06-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6

I like food. There is nothing like sitting down to a great meal and enjoying the food set before me. The food tastes even better though when I am super hungry. The satisfaction I feel after a good meal, which not only tasted great but filled my appetite, is a great feeling. I have found that those times when I am the most hungry, I am the most satisfied at the end of the meal. Just like when my mouth is parched the water has never tasted so good or been so refreshing.
When I am hungry and when I am thirsty all I can think about is getting food and water to satisfy them.

God has designed our bodies to naturally hunger and thirst for food and water. All we have to do is wait a little while and these cravings will impact our bodies. Since we all understand what it means to hunger and thirst, what a great picture for how we are to desire righteousness. It isn't a weak desire either, it is intense as it consumes what you think about and results in a behavior to get what you want. How intense is your desire for righteousness? Will you be satisfied if you don't get it? How strong is your desire for it?

What is this that we have a craving for? It is the righteousness of Christ, which He gives to us. We know that we are not perfect and that we fall and sin. But because of the righteousness of Christ we can "Purse righteousness" (1 Timothy 6:11) in our life now! We are able to do what is right in God's eyes because of the righteousness given to us by Christ. We cannot make ourselves righteous. We can set rules over our lives and have strict boundaries, yet we will be no better than the Pharisees. We need Christ's righteousness given to us.

How sweet it is to also know that we will be completely satisfied because of our hunger and thirst for righteousness. It will not disappoint us. When we realize that this truly satisfies we are blessed. Many people look to many different things to try to bring satisfaction to their lives. Even Christians seem to look other places for their satisfaction and they waste their desire on those things they think will bring it. C.S. Lewis relates the problem not to the fact that our desire for other things is too strong, but that our desire for God is too weak.

Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? Where is the desire for righteousness, which produces successful living and a satisfied life? Isn' t that what you want? Isn't that what I want? You bet it is and there is no place else I need to look for it other than to the Bread of Life Himself.

The Good ol’ Days

2005-06-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Say not, "Why were the former days better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Eccles. 7:10

Do you ever think about the past? If your life is like mine, I am sure you have no problem calling to mind many good memories. Maybe you can recall a happy memory from your childhood, or from college, or from marriage, or from parenthood, or so forth and so on. These memories bring comfort and joy to our lives. They cause us to smile and to daydream about those days where we were content and at ease. How often do we take these happy memories and compare them to the days we are living in? It is quite easy to get caught up in the nostalgia of the past and to be pounded down by the pessimism of today.

When comparing the past to the present one is effortlessly drawn to the joy of the past, and to the hardships of today. Life as we see it now can always be found with difficulty. In our minds though, those difficulties plagued in the past can sometimes fade or be forgotten altogether. We say to ourselves, “Remember that time, wasn’t it great? Not like it is now.” What a common err we can fall into.

Why is it a common err? Solomon explains in his book of Ecclesiastes. Even three thousand years ago people still dealt with this. They looked to the prosperity of the past and the trials of their present day. It wasn’t just a remembrance, it was a longing for those former days. God instructs us that in asking why the former days were better than these, we are not being wise. We are not being wise because thinking this way distracts us from living in the present. God wants us to live for Him today. He has things He wants us to do today. He has ways He wants us to grow today. He has given us the gospel, which spurs us on to live each day with joy and with the reality of Christ in our lives as new creatures. He does not want us to be paralyzed by the past. In thinking this way we are not living skillfully, as God intended us to live.

Luke 9:23
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (emphasis added)

It is a daily thing to live in light of the gospel as we deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Christ. It is not dependent on the past, but is persistent in the present. Life often changes. Positions change, relationships change, locations change, our lives do change with time. In those changes we are called to continue doing what God has wanted us to do all along. Even if the changes are tough, even if there are difficulties in life. God never changes and His goodness is constant so we can rest assured that living for Him will provide goodness in the present.

Preach Christ Crucified

2005-05-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

“But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,” 1 Cor. 1:23

It is very interesting to watch the national news every evening. One doesn’t have to watch it very long to see what the world displays as wisdom. In fact, one could say that the news projects what it thinks is wisdom every time it reports anything. Every view and perspective has to start somewhere, and it is no different with the “news” we receive. There seems to be an endless supply of “experts,” “analysts,” and “researchers,” who are put forth to share their wisdom and insight, which you will find often coincides with what is “true.” The wisdom that the world has to offer though is not really wisdom at all. Compared to the all-wise God, the world’s “wisdom” is exposed as foolishness. In 1 Corinthians one we see the twisted reality as the world’s wisdom is foolishness, and God’s wisdom called foolishness by the world. The world cannot understand God’s wisdom, because they lack the Holy Spirit who helps us understand that which is spiritual (1 Cor. 2:14-16).

The wisdom of God is made manifest in Jesus Christ. His life, death, burial, and resurrection demonstrate the wisdom of God. To the world it seems to be foolishness. They cannot see God’s perfect plan, but instead see His life wasted. Paul said that we preach Christ crucified. People don’t understand the implications of His crucifixion. They don’t comprehend why this “good” man would die on a cross and then why people would go around and proclaim that. No one would want to talk about that, it is disgraceful, it is harsh, it is embarrassing. For us though, it is life! We proclaim it because we understand the eternal life it brings, the forgiveness of sins it provides, and the freedom in Christ it brings. The world may see it as foolishness and they may get hung up on the fact that Christ died on a cross. We see it as God’s wisdom displayed. As a song entitled The Glory of the Cross begins, “What wisdom once devised a plan where all our sin and pride was placed upon the perfect lamb who suffered bled and died.”

Christ is the wisdom God (1 Cor. 1:24, 30). Are we proclaiming Christ, the wisdom of God? Are we proclaiming Him crucified? Do we remember the cross throughout our days and the hope it brings? The cross is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). If it is so powerful, then we should proclaim it. We must proclaim it. Never stop declaring Christ crucified. You need not be ashamed, because in declaring Christ, you are declaring the wisdom of God. Be bold then in your affirmation of the gospel.

Making It Our Aim

2005-05-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9

I like people to be pleased. Often I will even go to great lengths so that people are pleased. I find it easy for myself and others to get caught up in pleasing others and forget about pleasing God. When our focus is drawn toward pleasing people, we lose our focus on pleasing God. Pleasing God does not always means pleasing man. But it must still be our first goal. Paul says that we should, “make it our aim to please Him.” We have to strive after it and be ambitious for it. When our world praises people for being ambitious with their lives, our goal is to be ambitious for the pleasure God. It is no longer about ourselves then, but about God.

Wherever I am, and whatever I do must be done with this fact in mind, that my aim is to please Him. It will bring many difficult decisions. There will be a tug-of-war between pleasing myself, pleasing other people, or pleasing God. In the end though, going after the pleasure of God is the only worthwhile pursuit of our lives. Nothing can compare to pleasing God.

We have to be devoted to that end though. Devotion requires a commitment to striving after His pleasure each and every minute of each and every day. Those who fear God, make it their aim to please Him. We do this not to gain more salvation, more grace, or more love, but rather to be found a faithful servant in the end because we understand the salvation, grace, and love which has been given to us.

Make it your aim to please Him and please Him alone today. When the difficult decisions come, please Him. When the easy times are here, please Him. Do not let how you feel determine whether you please Him or not. When you have your aim set on pleasing God, never let it move to the left or to the right, never let it fall. It is the aim of our lives, so strive for the pleasure of God today.

Home with the Lord

2005-05-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

Do you ever think of something that you would rather be doing or of a place where you would rather be? Recently, I have been thinking that I would like to be at the coast. I grew up by the coast and would go there often. Right now, though, I live a longer distance from the coast and have never even been to the coast by where I live. I enjoyed the times I had at the coast in Washington. Remembering the times of being by the water, walking along the beach, building bonfires bring back happy memories.

Christians have someplace that they would rather be. We realize that to be in the presence of the Lord is the best place anyone could ever be. That is what we desire for ourselves. Knowing the pain and the hardship we go through in this earthly body helps us look forward to that time when we will be with the Lord and be free from these burdens and pain. Understanding that this day will come provides us hope and courage. We know that the time we have to endure is nothing compared to the eternity that we will spend with the Lord.

Being with the Lord is truly being at home. This earth is not our home. What we seek is not found in this world. We cannot be eternally satisfied in this world. Our perspective is a heavenly one. To anticipate this is to anticipate being in the glory of the Lord forever, seeing His purity and us ourselves being made pure. What we look forward to is incomparable to anything that we can imagine. Yet, many have their eyes so fixed on the world that they forget the hope we have in eternity. 1 John 2:17 says, “And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” This verse ties into 2 Corinthians 5:9, which states that we, “make it our aim to please Him.” Wherever we are it is our goal to do the will of God, which pleases Him. We can go to great lengths to please people and can even be consumed with pleasing people, but what is truly important is pleasing Christ. It is the highest aim we can shoot for. I believe this can be attained, but it requires that we have an eternal perspective and have an assurance of a life in heaven.

May our perspective today be on the eternity we will spend with Christ. It has been promised before the ages began and is a surety because God, who promised it, never lies. Contemplate on the eternity we have to look forward to. Be of good courage, knowing that whatever comes your way today you can endure because you endure for such a short time compared to the eternal life you will live with Christ. “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

Review: Stop Dating the Church

2005-04-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

In his new book Stop Dating the Church, Joshua Harris does a masterful job of communicating the importance of the church to our life in Christ. What I found very helpful in the book was the observations made by Harris about the attitude of the church. Too many people approach church with a "consumer" mentality (going for what pleases them and seeking to receive what they are due) instead of going to church with a "communer" mentality (seeking to have their focus on God and stir up love and good works through ministering to others). As Harris points out, many Christians do not realize the important role church plays in their life. This can be seen by the lack of loyalty Christians have for their local church. How heartbreaking it is to see Christians be more committed to their local hunting club, or running club, or political club, or health club, or sports club or whatever club it might be than they are to their local church. Harris takes a hard stand on being committed to the church and the role it has in the spiritual growth of the believer. God has designed the church to be the body of Christ, working together in unity. God has designed the church to mature people in Christ. (Ephesians 4) I really believe that a person's heart for the local church shows their heart for Christ. Harris' instruction to the reader about the church hits home with the mentality we see in America today. One part I found valuable in the book was the instruction on how to choose a church. Harris gives 10 questions to ask when looking for a church, which will help you to discern if a church is following God's design.

I would recommend this book to all Christians. It helps bring light to the Scriptures about how church should impact our lives and the neccessity of it in the believer's life. Is it time for you to stop dating the church?

Learning the Fear of the Lord: Part 5

2005-04-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

“then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:5

Many people in our culture are looking for that secret way to get rich quick. People have written dozens and dozens of books on the subject and have produced many hours of infomercials on the subject. Isn’t it ironic that these people make millions of dollars by selling people an idea of how to get rich quick? One maybe should be advised to write a believable “get rich quick” book in order to get rich quick. Whatever the case, people are searching for those steps they can take in order to produce the desired outcome. We have been looking at certain steps that God has instructed us to take as people seeking the Lord. The outcome we receive though, is not a monetary one. Instead, it will have an eternal effect upon our lives. The result of the Spirit-led actions in our life is not one that we can hold in our hands, like money. On the contrary, it is one that pierces heart, transforms life, and grows the God-seeking man into the image of Christ. Its effect has an impact on every area of life. It might not make us rich according to the world’s standards, but spiritually we are the wealthiest people alive.

Our series in learning the fear of the Lord finally reaches its peak with the first word in verse 5, “then.” Looking back to the previous verses we will see the word, “if,” used three times (if you receive my words, if you call out for insight, if you seek like it for silver). The writer has set up a beautiful conditional clause, and we see the result of this clause in verse five. We have been given a responsibility, in the first four verses, to act upon our faith and now we see the result of our actions. The outcome is understanding the fear of the Lord and finding the knowledge of God. These two results are paralleled, meaning the coincide with each other or go hand in hand. Until we understand the impact that these have in our life, we might be prone to quickly look over the verse. We need to take the time to think about how these are defined and how they radically transform our lives.

What is the fear of the Lord? My first thought after asking that question is, “there is no way I can answer that question in a couple paragraphs, it would take a couple books to do that.” So I will try my best to be concise, but yet trying to do it justice in the explanation. Jerry Bridges, in his book The Joy of Fearing God, helps us define the fear of the Lord when he says, “a profound sense of awe toward God is undoubtedly the dominant element in the attitude or set of emotions that the Bible calls ‘the fear of God’” (18). From this stand point we have to associate a reverential awe with the fear of the Lord. We need to see God for who He truly is in order to have this reverential awe. Our God is then not a God to be approached flippantly, but a God to be respected and glorified. In order to fear the Lord we need to understand the greatness and the transcendence of the Lord. He is the only awesome One. We behold Him in amazement because of who He is and what He has done. This reverential awe is known by having eyes that are fixed upon our Lord. Because we are in awe, we should not be able to take our eyes off of Him.

The fear of the Lord also plays an essential part in our life because it effects what we do. When we fear the Lord we obey Him. We obey Him because there is a fear in us that He is the One who judges our lives. He judges for eternity. He has the power to destroy both body and soul. We have no choice, as For us who fear the Lord we need to make it our aim to please God (2 Cor. 5:9). As one of my professors at college told me though, on one side of the coin is the fear of the Lord and on the other side of the coin is the love of the Lord. Those who fear the Lord truly love the Lord. In our obedience to the Lord we demonstrate our love for Him. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). People might say that they love the Lord, but if they are unwilling to obey Him what kind of love do they really have? If we listen to God’s Word, internalize it, call out for it and search for it we will know who God is, what God expects of us, and the judgment upon us if we fail to obey.

Also remember that the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God go hand in hand. In order to fear God we have to know God. The way we know God is through His Word, which gives godly wisdom. This is what verses 1-4 have been saying that we need to seek after and listen to. Our aim is to know God, because as we know God we will see His greatness and our finiteness, which will lead to a reverential awe and a desire to obey.

It has been a whirlwind trip through understanding the fear of the Lord. But if anything, I pray that it will spur you on to dig into God’s Word and see what more He says about the fear of the Lord. May you be a person who fears God all of your days and who remembers the Spirit-led actions depicted in verses 1-4 so that you might understand the fear of the Lord and know Him. It will continually transform your life and mold your heart in the likeness of Christ. One last point of clarification, I am not saying that you have to work for your salvation. Salvation is given to us totally by God’s grace through faith. But it is this grace that spurs us on to live for the Lord. All of this seems like a tall order, but we can rely on the power of Christ working in our lives and the Holy Spirit who is the one molding our hearts. Be a person known for your fear of the Lord.

For further study:
Job 1:1
Psalm 19:9; 34:11; 111:10
Proverbs 1:7; 19:23
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Acts 9:31
2 Corinthians 5:11
Revelation 14:7

Learning the Fear of the Lord: Part 4

2005-04-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

“if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,” Proverbs 2:4
Everyone is searching for something. People are searching for some satisfaction, something with all the answers. In this satisfaction they hope to find lasting happiness and peace. No more hardships or trials. They search the world high and low, they try many different religions or experiences to try to attain it, but always fall short. Sure they might say they have satisfaction for a little bit, but then they have to start searching again once that satisfaction wears out. It is just a cycle of endless searching, pointless searching. What are you searching for?
In my search I am glad that I have to look no further than the Bible. God’s wisdom has all the answers and brings complete and perfect satisfaction. God’s Word has everything I need to live the way that God wants me to. His way is the one that brings satisfaction. I have found the source, but I do not perfectly know the source. Even though I know where to go for the answers, I don’t have all the answers now. As I dig deeper and deeper into God’s understanding, the more I understand about life.
The reader of Proverbs is instructed to search for God’s wisdom like he would silver. Silver was not an easy metal to mine in Ancient times and was even prized higher than gold by the Egyptians. I found that much of the jewelry of the Ancient Near East was made of silver. An interesting thought about this, then, is that they mined so hard for a metal to adorn themselves with just was we mine God’s Word so that we are able to make our life look beautiful before our God. It is not always an easy task to dig into God’s Word, but as we put forth the blood, sweat, and tears we will see the fruit of our labor in our lives. God’s people should value the Word and be in it for themselves, studying it, meditating on it, and memorizing it. God’s wisdom does not just come to us. We have to seek it out all the days of our life. We can rest assured though that we need to go no further than God’s Word to find the answers to life.
The search of God’s Word is also compared to a hidden treasure. The one thing that always intrigues me about treasure seekers is that they become consumed with the treasure they are after. Soon it is all they can think about and all they live for. They might even find a piece of the treasure and then they are even more driven to find the rest. In viewing the Word of God do you seek it like you would a hidden treasure? Do you become consumed with God’s wisdom? Take it all in, soak it up? There is no other treasure like it on earth. Live to glorify God by living out His word. Don’t be satisfied just by hearing the Word, but only be satisfied in putting the wisdom that you find to use in your life. What good is the treasure if once it is found it is never used? Don’t leave God’s wisdom on the pages of His Word, but let them come to life in you. The hard work and digging will pay off if you do this.
It is the treasure hunt of your life, never ending until you see Christ face to face. Commit each day to denying the things your flesh tell you will satisfy and set your heart to dig into God’s Word, so that you will live a life that is truly satisfying. Only when you search for the wisdom of God will you begin to understand the fear of the Lord.
Stay tuned for the conclusion of “Learning the Fear of the Lord” series. To read the whole text of the series click here Proverbs 2:1-5.

Learning the Fear of the Lord: Part 3

2005-03-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

“yes, if you call our for insight and raise your voice for understanding”
Proverbs 2:3

Have you ever been lost? I remember as a little child getting separated from my mom in Sears. I was quite young at that time, so it is hard to remember everything, but I do remember the frantic feeling that came over me. One second it seemed like she was right next to me and then I turned around and she was gone. When a little child gets lost, one of the first things they start to do is call out for mom or dad. “Mom! Dad! Where are you, help I’m lost!” What a relief came over me that day as I started to call out for my mom and she came to the rescue. Why do little children call out for their parents when they are lost? Because they are scared, they have no direction, and, the bottom line is, they want their parents. Do you still call out for things in your life? Maybe you don’t literally call out loud, but are there things that you long for? If so what are they, and how significant are they?

Our verse instructs us as believers to call out for insight or wisdom. Why would we want wisdom? Wisdom makes it possible to live life skillfully for the Lord. It also brings us to be able to fear the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the consequence of receiving wisdom. If you want to be a person who fears the Lord you have to value wisdom and seek to attain it. We have seen how we need to listen to wisdom, internalize wisdom, but now there is a more emphasized need. This is why we call out and raise our voice. We can’t be satisfied with it just coming to us. We call out to find where it is so that we might go there. We have the attitude that where God’s wisdom is, that’s where we need to be also. Do you realize that without God’s counsel you are lost? Call out for His wisdom and understanding so that you might have God’s wisdom and so live skillfully for the Lord. What glorifies God more that a life lived skillfully for Him? It is a life that has purpose and direction. It is a life that enjoys God to His fullest.

Are you continuously calling out for wisdom? Are you raising your voice? Don’t be satisfied with anything less than God’s insight. It will lead you to fear Him. May you fear the Lord all the days of your life. Raise your voice to God and ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5-8).

The Goodness of This Friday

2005-03-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

“‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.”
Luke 23:46

Today we remember the death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, He who died upon the cross for you and for me. He took our place and gave His life for ours. We now know life because of His death and resurrection. The pain and the agony Christ went through not only physically, but spiritually is difficult, if not impossible, to imagine. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:21) Christ came to this earth as the grace of God. He gave to us what we did not deserve; His righteousness. What makes it so amazing is not just the fact that He gave it, but it is the way that He gave it. Christ gave His life for ours. What more was there left to give? “And from his [Christ’s] fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16) God’s grace has been lavished upon us who have received and trusted Him.

I encourage you to meditate on the cross of Christ this day. Spend no little time contemplating His death. Go to the Scriptures and read of His death. Read what Christ did for us. Ponder what His death means for our life. God has given us the inspired account of what Christ did, which is written in His Word. Remember the death of Christ, but also remember the hope in Christ. Christ is the One who conquered death, so that for us there is no longer fear or pain of death for those who believe. We now can have life in Him and anticipate the day when we will be with Him forever. Think great thoughts about the cross and resurrection of Christ today!

Scriptures on the Cross and Resurrection:
Isaiah 52-53
Matthew 27-28
Mark 14-16
Luke 23-24
John 18-21
Acts 1
1 Corinthians 15:1-28

(The 5 Part Series on “Learning the Fear of the Lord” will resume on Monday)

Learning the Fear of the Lord: Part 2

2005-03-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

“Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding.”
Proverbs 2:2

(For full text of series READ PROVERBS 2:1-5)

How long is your attention span? Hopefully it will last to the end of this essay. I would say that my attention span differs depending on the subject I am engaged in. I read somewhere that the average adult attention span is somewhere between 14 and 20 minutes. That’s not too long, but it is better that then average teen attention span, which usually lasts 7 to 10 minutes. People often have a great attention span for those things they enjoy and that they think are exciting. Once we think something is boring or unimportant our minds start to drift on other subjects to entertain our minds. What are those things or subjects that make your ears perk up? Does God’s Word make your ears perk up?

Our verse tells us to make our ears attentive to wisdom. Many people might claim to be wise and give logical advice, but only listening to godly wisdom will make a difference in our life. In fact this verse is expanding the thought of verse one. In order to receive the words of wisdom you have to have a listening ear. Give God’s wisdom your full attention. Don’t try to look for other wisdom because only wisdom from above will mold us into strong people for the Lord. We have to be ready to hear the Word of God and we have to soak in what we hear. How else are we going to learn how to fear the Lord? If we don’t hear godly wisdom we will not understand the purpose God has for our lives, the standards He holds us to, or His greatness and holiness. Pay close attention to the wisdom of God and soak it up like a sponge.

Our ear has to be attentive but our heart also must be inclined to understanding it. Preparing your heart for godly wisdom and the Word of God is a necessity for spiritual growth. Your heart has to be ready to change upon the instruction and wisdom that you hear. It isn’t enough just to hear God’s Word because He calls us to hear and act upon what we hear. (James 1:22) The idea of “inclining your heart” is one of applying your heart or turning your heart to understanding. I thought of it as your heart desiring to go one way but you turn it toward God’s truth. Your heart has to be turned to God’s truth and applying it.

A person who fears the Lord applies God’s Word to their life because they are dedicated to obeying Him and pleasing Him. They know that He perfectly searches their heart and judges them according to the fruits of their deeds (Jeremiah 17:10).

So are you making your ear attentive to God’s wisdom? Are you inclining your heart toward understanding? Stay diligent toward these ends. God knows your heart, may your heart be one that longs to be like God. In order to have a heart that longs to be like God, you have to fear Him and remember His judgment and righteousness, which He is displaying and will display in the ages to come. Never let you attention span fall short on the Word of God.

Learning the Fear of the Lord: Part 1

2005-03-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you” Proverbs 2:1

Do you like to get advice? It probably depends on what the advice is. I have to be honest, sometimes I like advice and sometimes I don’t. I like advice when I think it is helpful and profitable. I don’t like advice that is more focused on preferences. Let me try to illustrate. I did some odd jobs during the summers between my college years. All of the jobs were physical, manual labor jobs. They required me to get dirty and sweaty. While they were tough physically, they were often not tough mentally. On one of these jobs we were repairing a drain. In order to repair it, though, we had to dig a whole around the drain. So I started digging a hole around the drain. It was at that time one of the other workers offered my some “advice” on digging. Now, I know how to dig a hole, his advice was nothing more than his preference on how I should dig the hole. I would much rather have advice that is helpful in getting to the end goal rather than advice that wastes time on the way towards the goal. I am thankful that the advice the Word of God gives is always profitable and helpful. It teaches us what we need to know to live. It shows eternal life!

The book of Proverbs is a great book of wisdom. Much of the book is written by King Solomon to his son. It was important that Solomon’s son knew how to live life before God, as one who was wise and feared God. In order to gain this knowledge Solomon’s son had to receive Solomon’s godly counsel. He had to be willing to listen to this advice. If he wanted to learn how to fear the Lord, he had to receive his father’s words. After all, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (1:7). It was a necessity that Solomon’s son feared the Lord, and it was the key to living successfully.

Not only, was the son to receive his father’s godly counsel, but he was also told to treasure his commandments up in his heart. It was one thing for the son to hear Solomon’s words; it was quite another thing for the son to internalize the counsel. Once it was brought into the heart it would start to have a transforming effect. Godly counsel has to take root in one’s heart for it to truly be effective.

So how to you receive godly advice? Do you let that advice take root your heart? Do you treasure it and learn from it? God’s Word has to be received by us. God’s Word has to be internalized by us. God’s Word is THE Godly counsel we need to hear. We need to hear it everyday, all the time, continually. Another similar thing you could ask yourself is, “Am I teachable?” Are you willing and wanting to learn the Word of God and not only have the knowledge of it, but to let that knowledge penetrate your heart and change you. Let the Word do its sanctifying work in you. It is part of being a person that fears the Lord. It is part of glorifying and honoring God. May we receive God’s Word and take it into our hearts.

One Heart and Soul

2005-03-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul”
Acts 4:32

Unity is an important aspect of many things you do in life. If you have ever competed in a team sport you know the importance of unity. A team full of pre-Madonna’s will not do well because each thinks of himself as the most important player. Even if a few of the members of the team are not unified it can effect the play of the team as a whole. When one thinks that he can support the whole team and that success will follow, ultimately he will become frustrated. Pride and unity cannot exist together. Unity is often broken when people become arrogant. What brings unity and causes unity? For a sports team it might be the goal of a championship. What is the cause of unity among believers though?

As the church began in Acts we see that the people who believe in the Lord were unified. Their unity did not start with outward actions, but with their inner person. The reason they could be unified was because of their similar status before God. Believers are new creations in Christ, the old has passed away and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). God designed the church so that it would be unified. The unifying factor is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the one who changes our heart and lives and, because it is His doing, the believers hearts would be changed in the same way, toward the same end. Believer’s hearts are moving toward the heart of Christ, their hearts are becoming more like His heart. Their hearts were so unified that they were seen as one, no longer separate. Believers must be unified. In fact they cannot help but be unified because they have the same desire and goal. We have the same “founder and perfecter of our faith,” who is strengthening us so that we can endure trials and lay off the sin that clings so closely to us (Heb. 12:1-2).

Are you seeking this kind of unity with other believers? Do you have unity in the Spirit and do you seek to eagerly maintain it? What are some steps toward unity? Read Ephesians 4:1-16 it gives us great help in being unified in the body of Christ. The early church stuck together as they lived out their faith in Christ. As Christians we need to have the same heart within us to be unified, striving toward the same end, with the purpose of spreading the gospel to those who are lost.

Heart Guarding

2005-03-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23

There is a war continually waging against the fortress of our heart. Everyday there are strong attacks put forth against its walls. The enemy seeks to get in and level it. These attacks against it, though, are often sugar coated and made to look good. Although, just like the Trojan horse of Troy, once it is inside the heart all destruction breaks loose. The danger might be evident to the unbiased bystander, but to those in the city their decision seems to be the best. What a surprise is in store for them.

How seriously do we take our heart? It is one thing to be able to control our actions and what people see, but it is something completely different to control and guard our heart. Christians can tend to rely on those outward actions to mean something. “I read my Bible everyday, I pray everyday, I go to church every Sunday, what’s the problem?” Just because these actions are evident doesn’t necessarily mean that one’s heart is following God. Don’t get me wrong these are definite results of one who would have a heart that follows God, but these things of themselves aren’t always necessarily stemming from a pure heart. They can easily become things that the Christian has to do in order to meet certain requirements. Our first concern should be what characterizes our hearts, and what we are letting into them. In doing this then, those disciplines that stem from our life are backed by a heart that is panting after the true and living God.

One of the most dangerous sayings we can say as a Christian is, “I can handle it.” “I can handle what I watch on TV. I can handle what I watch on the movie screen. I can handle what music I listen to. I can handle where I go on the internet. I can handle what I do in my spare time. I can handle where I go shopping. I can handle those people around me who influence me.” When we say these things we are really saying, “Yeah, they aren’t the greatest things in the world, but they are not going to have an effect on my life.” If we are not going after what is the greatest, then what point is there in going after it at all? The list mentioned above is not an exhaustive list of those things we think we can handle, but they are common ones that I find myself, and many other people dealing with. These are things that have an effect on our heart. More often then not they have a negative effect on the heart. We need to realize that they are serious and we have to ask, “Are these things pushing me towards God or away from Him?” Are they making my heart want to be like Christ’s heart?

Proverbs is telling us to put a guard over our heart. It is a precious thing that has to be protected because from it flows the springs of life. Do you want “your best life now?” Then guard your heart. That’s what the Bible says. What does this mean? It means to be careful about those things you allow into your heart. What message are these things giving your heart? Are they prompting you to sin? Are they even prompting temptation? We have to deal with the sin in our lives and put it to death. Throw your sin out of your heart, evict it, so there is no more destruction. Instead, there is the wisdom of God’s Word to keep in your heart, which leads to life. We also have to dedicate our hearts to the Lord. He knows our hearts perfectly, and He knows what is best for them. Jeremiah 17:9-10 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give to each man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

Don’t forget about your heart today, and guard it with diligence! May we remember that the Lord looks on our hearts and may we also be like David who was a man after God’s own heart. The enemy wants your heart, be on guard because from it flow the springs of life!

Results of the Lord's Work

2005-03-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

“. . .so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” Joshua 4:24

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Joshua. He is also one of my favorite characters. What I like about Joshua was the leadership he provided for Israel after Moses (those were some big shoes to fill). His leadership is a great picture of Christ. In fact Joshua means “savior.” Joshua’s main role was to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land. We think that might be an easy task, but one can easily remember the trouble that Moses had in the wilderness with Israel.

Just as Moses started the Exodus of Egypt by walking the nation through the Red Sea on dry land, so Joshua finished the Exodus and started their conquest by walking on dry land through the Jordan River. God’s mighty hand truly was on His people. His faithfulness and guidance made the nation of Israel rise above the other nations. The pagan nations would be able to look at Israel and see that there was something different about them. The difference was they had a living and true God on their side. The Lord worked greatly and preserved them the 40 years they had wandered in the wilderness.

His work was done for two reasons. First, as I have already mentioned, God worked as a testimony to the other nations. The Lord had dried up the Jordan River so that they could enter the Promised Land. What a demonstration of God’s might! People of the pagan nations could see how the Lord worked greatly, and see His mighty hand. It prepared the way for Israel to come in and take over the land because the people knew that God fought for them and that nothing was too difficult for Him.

God’s work also benefited the people of Israel. They are told to fear the Lord forever. Seeing firsthand the work of God, should have instilled in them a fear of awe and reverence. The fear they then had would have resulted in a life of obedience. Not only was obedience required of that generation who crossed the Jordan River, but what had happened was to be passed down from generation to generation so that the fear of the Lord would have been implanted in their children.

Do you have a fear of the Lord? Proverbs says that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Meditate on what the Lord has done and who He is. Cultivate a fear of the Lord so that you may please the Lord and so that you are dedicated to walking in His way of righteousness.

Joy Inexpressible

2005-02-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

“I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.” 2 John 4

What causes joy in your life? I find that sometimes in my life the things I think cause joy are things that are temporal. The joy that these things may bring doesn’t last. It is a fleeting joy. Many people pour their lives into attaining this “surface joy,” which makes them feel happy or content for a few minutes. After the joy fades, though, the quest is back on to try to find similar joy or better joy. Why settle for a joy that only lasts a few minutes when you can have a joy that lasts an eternity?

The only joy that lasts forever is the joy that is found in Christ. It is a steady, consistent joy that will never fade away. Joy is found by abiding in Christ. He is the one we are committed to and live for. John 15:11 says, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” By keeping Christ’s commandments you will abide in His love. What great, lasting joy this brings. It is a joy that never needs to be satisfied. Think about your joy being complete and full in Christ. The picture here is of a cup that has been filled to the brim. No more joy can be put into the cup. Not only that, but it is Christ’s joy. His joy is perfect and sufficient. We have His joy in our lives when we are committed to living in Him and following all His ways.

Walking in the truth not only brings an inexpressible joy in our own lives, but it also brings joy in the lives of those Christians around us. A father seeing his son walk in the truth has joy. A minister seeing his sheep walking in the truth has joy. We share the joy with those around us as we follow the guidance of the Lord. Being able to share this joy makes it unique and powerful. To see other people fully devoted Christ should evoke a joy that we can’t hold in. So we shouldn’t hold it in! Joy has been given to us to express. As you see someone walking in truth rejoice, and convey your joy to them and to the Lord. In order to be able to do this though, you have to know the joy that comes from abiding in Christ for yourself.

Don’t settle for a joy that doesn’t last. Know the joy of the Lord and communicate it to others. It is an encouragement to see other believers walking in the truth and to see their hearts long to be like the Lord’s heart. Praise the Lord that we can abide in Him and know His joy completely! May you have this joy in your life and may it be a realization each and every day. The God whom we serve is living and true, entirely different than we are. He is holy and just. Be obedient and joyful! Rejoice with those who you see walking in the truth as you walk in the truth. May we continually keep our eyes on the Savior, whose joy fills us and sustains us.

For further thought and study read John 15:1-17 here.

The Ministry of Life

2005-02-24T12:20:00.000-08:00

“But I do not account my life of any value not as precious to myself, if only I may finish the course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Many people remember what they were doing during a, “history making event.” There are those who remember the day Pearl Harbor was bombed or when Kennedy was shot. In my lifetime the one major event that I will remember is September 11th. I will have that day ingrained in my memory forever. If it was an ordinary day I would never have remembered the particulars of that day. One of the memories that has stuck in my mind is a feeling I felt of terror. As I contemplated the events that had gone on and thought of the future possibilities I found that I was scared to lose my life. I valued my life. I counted it as precious. As I thought about going into ministry at that time, it was an eye-opening experience to see what I truly believed about my life.

What would bring Paul to this point, in the verse above, where he is able to say that he does not account his life of any value? I saw that I needed to have his attitude towards life. Paul was a minister of the gospel, a servant of God. His ministry was worth more than his life. His ministry was his life. God had given him a ministry and he just wanted to see that ministry completed. Paul didn’t know if he had an hour to live, a day to live, or a year to live. He just desired to be strong in the ministry of Christ to the end. Finishing life strong in the ministry of Christ was his aspiration.

How inspiring it is to see Paul, a minister, pouring his very life into the work that he was doing. He didn’t hold back, but committed himself to the work, no matter how hard it would be. It was hard for Paul. There was no place that he was safe. Yet, while in constant danger, he boldly proclaimed the gospel of God. Nothing could stop the mission Paul had been given by Christ. He gave all of himself to the ministry.

Hopefully, you have a ministry that you are apart of in your church. Are you able to say with Paul that you give your all? Are you able to say that you do not count your life as precious? Paul was able to say this because he found his life in Christ. If his life was Christ’s then no one was able to truly take away his life. He knew no one could take away the eternal life that God had given him. This is the same eternal life that he proclaimed to the world so that they might be saved. What commitment Paul showed to his ministry. Is this the kind of commitment you show to ministry? As Christians we are all called to be ministers. We are all called to be ministers of the gospel. Some people are called in different ways than others, but all are to be committed to the ministry of Christ. May we all say that we count our lives as nothing, just as long as we see the gospel go forth in the world. May we see the seriousness of ministry and the importance of it in our lives each and every day. Finish strong the ministry that Christ has entrusted to you, so that you may be found faithful before Him.

Once in an Eternity

2005-02-23T06:53:00.000-08:00

“But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God,” Hebrews 10:12

There might be times in life where we have the opportunity to do something only once. I will go out on a limb and say that one would usually do those, “once in a lifetime opportunities.” Can you think of a, “once in a lifetime,” activity that you have done? The few I have done are accompanied with fond memories. As we think about these opportunities we have experienced, I have to ask, “What do these once in a lifetime opportunities really accomplish?” Do we jump at these chances just to have the experience? Do we do them just so we are able to say that we have done them or do we do them because we see a purpose behind them? If we do have the chance to take part in a, “once in a lifetime opportunity,” and it does have a purpose and an effect on other people, how long does the effect last? Just a lifetime?

Christ accomplished more than just a, “once in a lifetime opportunity.” What He did on the cross was done once and for all. He offered a single sacrifice, which made it possible to put away the sin of mankind. Up to the time when Christ died upon the cross, the temple sacrifice was relied upon to be the atonement for man’s sin. A major day in the Jewish calendar is the Day of Atonement, where a sin offering is offered for the whole nation of Israel. This day happened once every year and was the only day when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies. Rather than have this continue, it was God’s will that Christ come and sacrifice Himself once and for all. His single sacrifice made no other sacrifice necessary for us to be atoned. The death of Christ is sufficient to take away our sins, to cleanse us, and to give us the righteousness of Christ so that we are now able to be at peace with God. The one sacrifice that Christ gave transcends time. It did not just last for His lifetime, or for the lifetime following His death, but it still has a life changing effect on us. The one time sacrifice of Christ has brought salvation to many and will continue to bring salvation to many. By the shedding of His blood we can have our sins forgiven. Praise the Lord that His one time sacrifice has secured for us, who have committed out life to Him, an eternal redemption.

We can’t forget that not only did Christ sacrifice Himself for us, but He also rose from the dead. Christ is more than just a man who came to earth, He is God. The position of Christ shows us that He is God. Our verse says that He sat down at the right hand of God. He has the power of God, and He has the authority of God. What a wonder it is to see Christ, who had been taken so low on earth (being beaten and spit upon and crucified), being exalted above the earth in all His greatness and majesty. May we always remember that one time sacrifice Christ made for us so that we might have eternal life. Meditate on the greatness of Christ in all that He has done, and in all that He is still going to accomplish. Remember that we serve a living, risen Savior, who gave His life for us. May we show our love to Him by giving our lives to His purpose and will.

Looking Unto Jesus

2005-02-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

“. . .but we know that when He appears we will be like Him because we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2b

Have you thought about the return of Christ today? His return is a great reality we can depend on and look forward to. What an awesome day that will be, when we will actually get to see Christ! Picture seeing Him with your very own eyes! All that we can imagine about Christ, all the word pictures the Scriptures give us about Him, will be before you and I to see for ourselves. We will finally know what true holiness and perfection looks like. Knowing that Christ is always with us is an encouragement, but having the assurance that Christ will appear before us so that we are able to see Him gives us something to anticipate and hope in. That is a hope far beyond what the world has to offer.

Looking on the glory of Christ brings joy to our lives. The limited amount of glory we are able to see through the Scriptures is amazing, but just think of it when we will be able to see Christ in His complete glory. Think about being able to look into the eyes of Christ. As you look upon Him, you can remember the forgiveness He has given to you, taking your punishment and place on the cross. You can realize His holiness and purity, which far outreaches what we little we have accomplished on earth. You can relinquish your thoughts of personal greatness, falling to your knees in complete awe, worship, and humility. You shall see Him as He truly is. Lord may we see you soon!

Christ will appear, we will see Him, but we will also become like He is. Our bodies will be new and perfect. Our nature will be free from sin. We will be purified. In the days of wanting to be free from any clinging sin that might hold on to us, what a day that will be when we will be completely pure and holy. The goal of being like Christ will finally reach completion. The striving will be over, we will have a perfect body and nature, no more dealing with the effects of sin on our life. The struggle will be gone as we see our beautiful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May you purify yourself now waiting for the day you will see the Pure One. Hope in this. It is a hope you can only have in Christ, and it will be a hope like you have never known before. It is a living hope that is sure and firm. Perhaps today Lord that hope will finalize as we see You and all that You are!

The Nearness of God

2005-02-18T05:19:00.000-08:00

“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to us as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call upon Him?” Deuteronomy 4:7

The nation of Israel had a unique position. There was something that made them stick out and stand apart from the other nations on earth. In fact, they stood head and shoulders above the rest with no one being able to reach the heights they reached. Israel didn’t get this way because they were the largest nation or the strongest or the best looking or they had the best attitudes or they had tremendous skills or because they had many possessions and riches. What set them apart from everyone else was the living and true God who was active and imminent among them. The way God used the nation of Israel and took care of them is amazing. Reading through the Old Testament we can see that they were not the easiest to watch over. But God had chosen them to be His people and He used His people in mighty ways. He also revealed Himself to His people in mighty ways so that the world would know He is the Lord of all.

The greatness of God is truly incomprehensible. While we can try to grasp all that He is, we will never be able to fully process all that God is. The infiniteness of God displays his transcendence. He is so far above us that we cannot even comprehend all that He is. How amazing is it then that this transcendent, perfect, holy God is personable with us? We can have a relationship with Him. Just as He was near to the Israelites, so also He is near to us. As His sons and daughters weare now able to call Him “Abba, Father.”

Knowing that the Israelites could call on God and He would answer them was a sign that the Lord God is a personable God. All the false gods of the other nations could not do what Israel’s God did. They were a special nation, a blessed nation, because of the God who heard them when they called. What a testimony to those around them. Israel should have been encouraged because of the unique position they held. Not only was it a unique position, but it was a privileged position. To have that kind of communion with the God of the universe was not something to be taken lightly, and it meant obedience for them.

It is great to know that there is the living a true God near to me so that whenever I call on Him He hears and answers. Prayer is a thing of privilege. As believers we have a unique position in that God is near to us and hears us when we call. It is not something to be taken for granted or done as an afterthought. Our lives should be a testimony to God and one way that is done is through a life that is dedicated to praying continuously. To be able to communicate with the transcendent God of the universe and to know that He cares for me, personally, should build a desire to pray always to Him. Do you desire to pray and pray continuously? Is the Spirit seen in your life because you want to pray, you can’t help but pray? Take comfort and have assurance knowing that there is a living God who is near and hears us when we call. He does not leave us, but is with us and wants us to always call on Him. Take advantage of the privilege you have and continuously call on Him today.

What can Man do to Me?

2005-02-16T16:08:00.000-08:00

"The Lord is on my side, I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Psalm 118:6

A common saying we hear is, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!" It is amazing how many fears can arise in one's life. We have become a phobia culture, where there is someone who is afraid of just about anything. I imagine there might even be a phobiaphobic out there (that would be one afraid of being afraid). As a Christian, though, what do we have to fear?

It would be beneficial to discover what the fear of the Lord is, but that discussion will have to be had later. In the context of the verse, there is obvious trials, distress, and hardships going on, which are mainly external having an effect on the internal. These are pressures from the world, or maybe more specific, pressures from people. The pressures are so severe that it is causing fear. Other feelings often associated with fear are dread and anxiety. People can be so afraid of something or someone that they totally freeze up and have a hard time even living.

The one things the Psalmist brings to mind though in the midst of this fear is that the Lord is on his side. What more is needed? What is more reassuring? Who else would we want on our side? No one. The Lord, He alone is sufficient and takes away all my fear. He is my Rock and my Salvation. He is my refuge. The most dependable thing I could ever trust in is Him. To know that the Lord is on my side and by my side brings comfort and joy. His presence dashes all my fears, because He is sovereign and all powerful. With Him on my side what could anybody do to make me fear?

As you and I think about what we really fear, how much does our fear directly come from other people? Sure we can be fearful of physical harm from others. Israel had to deal with that as they battled other nations. Fear here can go deeper than just of what might happen to us physically. We can so easily be fearful of what others might say about us or to us. We can be fearful of what others think. In this fear we then, often, determine how we live.

What an encouragement it is to know that the Lord is on our side and that we are in His hand. What can man really do to us? If the Lord is for us who can be against us? Whatever power they might have (or we imagine they have) it can never match the Lord's. Being on the Lord's side casts off fear and unstableness, replacing it with The ROCK, Christ Jesus our Lord who is our firm foundation, who is trustworthy and faithful. Our life is then lived for the Lord. It is also lived in light of eternity. The fear we might have of people is reflected in what they can do to us in the here and now. With our eternal mindset though, no man can do anything of significance against us.

Don't let men determine how you live, but let God be the final factor of how you live as He has instructed us through His Word. This might be why some are afraid to evangelize as they fear what others might think or say. One might be afraid of taking a stand for what is right because of how it will seem to others. The Lord is on our side, let us stand tall and not be afraid of anything that men can do to us. We have committed our lives to the Lord and our life is found in Him. May He be the reason why you live the way you live. And may you remember what God has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5

Seeing God's Power

2005-02-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

"Behold, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him?" Job 36:22

Do you find yourself being renewed as you think about God? Do you think about God? I mean, do you often contemplate who God is and what he does? I find it refreshing to bring my thoughts to God as He has been revealed in the Bible. Reminding myself who He is and learning about who He is impacts my life, in that, I want to then live how He wants me to. Not only this but I find that I am filled with joy.

In the book of Job, a younger man named Elihu paints a beautiful, but powerful picture of God. He does so as to correct Job and his friends view on who God is and why God does what He does. Elihu points to the fact that all that God does is powerful. God is in complete control and has complete power. All that he does is powerful because it exalts Him as God. How could God do something and not do it powerfully?

His power puts Him in a place far above us. We can not have the kind of infinite power that God has. His power sets him apart from us. It exalts him and praises Him as the only true God. As He continually displays His power, He is continually being exalted. Do you exalt God in His power? Have you seen God's power?

Part of what makes God's power awesome to us is that we can see His power. We can see the sovereign God work in this world and control everything. And then we can exalt Him in His power. When we realize that God is in control and is all powerful, we can trust that what is going on in our life and in the world has a purpose.

As you meditate on this verse think about how God's power is displayed and how He is exalted in it. It is great that He is our teacher and that He doesn't need anyone to teach or guide Him. He perfectly knows all and is in control of all. How much power does that display to us. What rest we can have in Him knowing that God is exalted in His power!

How Do You Love?

2005-02-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

". . .for the Lord reproves him whom he loves. . ." Proverbs 3:12

No fuzzy feelings. No kisses and hugs. No flowers. No candy in heart shaped boxes. No cards with sweet sayings that make one swoon. No candelight dinner. No stuffed animals. What's left?

How do you think about love? The forementioned items are what we think one would deserve on a day like today. We think we deserve these because we can easily equate many of these with love. Unfortunately, how we view love today is usually based upon one's self. The danger behind this is in the thinking that we assume we deserve something. We might even take it to the extreme where we make it our right to be loved. Or we make it our excuse to be loved. It is so easy to throw around the term love, but to never really know what it means. Often we have a vague term associated with the things we see around us in the world. And we are quick to apply this idea of love to ourselves.

In his book Instruments in the Redeemers Hands, Paul David Tripp makes the observation that people often create expectations in their lives. These expectations then grow into needs. When these needs are not met then an attitude of depression or sadness ensues. Finally, these attitudes result in anger. All of this is because of selfishness. The struggle is with making ourselves the center of the universe and expecting everything to revolve around us. We hear from the world we have rights and it is important to get those rights (sometimes at any cost).

What does the Bible say though? The Bible says that as sinners we deserve death, but God has freely given us the gift of eternal life (Rom. 6:23). He didn't do this because He was obligated to, He did this to demonstrate His great love and grace. Now as His children we are in His love and nothing can separate us from it (Rom. 8:37-39). God's love is manifested to us in the fact that He disciplines us. How often do you think you deserve discipline? I think back to the times I was a child and was disciplined by my parents. Many times it took some convincing to help me realize that I deserved to be disciplined because I had done something wrong. It is a hard thing to associate discipline with love, but that is why parents discipline their children. As sons and daughters of God, we have to see that His love is not warm and fuzzy all the time but that it is marinated in discipline because He cares so much about us that He wants us to walk in His ways. Obeying Christ is loving Christ. Discipline is tough and painful, but it is loving. God's discipline is also an assurance of His love. In being disciplined we can know that we are His children and that His love rests upon us.

"For they [earthly fathers] disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he [God] disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11.

God's love means being able to share in His holiness. How great it is to be able to partake of something like that, when I realize my own sinfulness. What love it is to know that God will discipline me to make me more like Himself. God's love on me glorifies Himself. How do you view love? It is just getting what you want and being able to do what you want? Or do you see God's love as discipline in your life so that you are brought closer to the light and radiate the light to those around you? Take time and meditate on the love of God and what it really is as stated in the Word of God. I think you will be surprised by how God's love is different than the world's idea of love. And I believe you will find it to be much more meaningful and deep than anything else.

Review: God's Greater Glory

2005-02-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

God's Greater Glory: The Exalted God of Scripture and the Christian Faith
God's sovereignty has been a big issue over the past few years. With the Open Theism Controversy many have said that God is not truly sovereign. They say that God does not really know what will happen until it happens. Bruce Ware, a professor of theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has lead the way in exposing this belief as a denial of the sovereignty of God and a denial of what the Bible teaches. God's Greater Glory is Ware's second book on the issue and is materfully written. Not only does he do a great job at promoting the sovereignty of God, he also is able to put it on an applicable level for the reader. Reading the book spurred me on praise God for His sovereignty and His control of everything. Ware deals with the question often asked by many, "Why did this have to happen?" He also revolutionized my thinking on how men choose what they do and how we reconcile that with the fact that God is always in control. I am thankful that Ware has stood up for this issue and has written on the subject. I was impressed by his theological teaching, but I was also impressed by his applied theology. It was a great reminder that the theology we hold is lived out in our lives, and the sovereingty of God impacts our daily walk with Christ. I recommend this book by any seeking to see God and his attributes more clearly so as to worship Him with their life.

These Feet are Made for Walking

2005-02-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" Ephesians 4:1

Life was made for living. The sad fact of the matter is that many people never know what it truly means to live. Often times people think that truly living is having as many extreme experiences as you can to feel satisfied. Others say that how one really lives is by acquiring a bunch of stuff. They continue to strive after these things, but never really live. Trading real life for a "pseudo-life." It is hard to see those around you pursuing things that will never really satisfy and desiring that which only will be undesirable later on. How I live is not just important for my life, it is also important for those around me. More importantly is that my living glorifies God, in that it is living how He wants me to live. This is something I have to remind myself of daily. What is God's design for the life that I should live?
At this time where did Paul's living get him? It has landed him in jail! By living the way that God wanted him to live he has ended up being a prisoner. The world did not like the way that he lived. Imagine the names people might call Paul today. "Bible-thumper." "Radical." "Zealot." "Intolerant." What mattered the most to Paul was making sure his life, his walk was in step with Jesus Christ. Being unified with Christ was the reality in which he lived. As a prisoner for the Lord he is an example of walking in a manner worthy of the calling to which you were called. Paul has placed this influential reminder at the beginning of the verse to urge us, all the more, to Godly living.
So are you living in a manner that is worthy of your calling? Are you conducting yourself so as to glorify Christ and not shame Him? Walking in a manner worthy means to walk in step with Christ. Again, walking the way He wants you to walk. I love this word walk and how it is linked to the idea of living. Walking is an action and accomplishes a goal. As Christians we walk on the path of the straight and narrow. This is comparable to living our life for Christ. Where we walk what we do, displays who we are and who we follow. It is so easy to get caught up in living the way we want to live. Look at the struggle this has been for the world throughout history. Because, as the world denies God, they have to create their own way of living. Now their way of living is saying, "Do whatever you want, live for yourself, make yourself happy . . .If you can." For us there is a better way, a perfect way, God's way. His way not only impacts us, but it impacts those around us. It builds unity in the body of believers and encourages us to remember the faith we have in Christ, which determines how we live. We have been called in holiness and should strive after that holiness set out before us in the life of Christ. No matter what the world around us thinks, no matter what they might try to do to us. The bottom line is that being unified with Christ is far better than anything we could imagine on our own or anything the world has to offer. It is time we follow Paul's example and walk in a manner worthy of our calling to which we have been called. Are you settling for a life of pseudo-living or are you realizing the eternal life that you can have in Jesus Christ? Remember the calling of salvation that revolutionized your life, and turned you toward Christ, how the Holy Spirit changed your heart so that now you are able to walk in a manner that pleases our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sheeping Behind the Wheel

2005-02-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

" that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd" Number 27:17

The end of Moses' life was apporaching. The leader of the Israelites had endured the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness with these stiff-necked people. Now was the time to turn over his leadership to another. That man, Joshua, was filled with the Spirit and appointed by God. I am fascinated by Joshua and his life before God. He was one of the few that stood up for the Lord and was obedient to the Lord. The commitment he displayed in the early years of his life, led to his leadership later in life. He was now going to be the shepherd that led the sheep and his journey would lead them into the promised land. Sheep without a shepherd accomplish nothing. They only wander in their own direction with no purpose and no protection. While the sheep might think they know what is best, they are oblivious to the danger and harm that lies just around the bend. How often do we think we know what is best? We might desparately try to lead ourselves, but in the end go nowhere. Joshua was to be the shepherd of the Israelites. He was a picture of the Great Shepherd who was to come, Jesus Christ. David gives us a beautiful picture of the Great Shepherd in Psalm 23. Consider how the Shepherd leads us. His leading is always perfect, always protecting, always providing, and always persevering. Jesus in John 10:1-18 gives us a picture of Himself as the Shepherd. The best part about Christ being our Shepherd is that he laid down His life for us. What lengths our Shepherd endured so that we might have life and have it abundantly. The tender care of our Lord is all that I need. No longer do I desire to be the sheep that wanders aimlessly, but desire that the Lord lead me so that I can follow His voice all the days of my life. Contemplate our Shepherd and how He leads perfectly, and our need for Him constantly. What more could I want?

Setting Your Heart

2005-02-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Heart of Ezra! What is Heart of Ezra, you ask? It is a blog designed to facilitate your thoughts about Jesus Christ through the Word of God. The name Heart of Ezra comes form Ezra 7:10, which says,"For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." What an impact Ezra had on his people! My goal in writing this blog is to set our hearts to study the Bible, to live out the Bible, and teach the Bible. Ezra had the good hand of God upon him to lead him and guide his heart. As I have studied Ezra's life I have been influenced by this man's zeal to know the Word and to share it with those around him. He knew the benefit the Bible provided and the transformation it could bring upon a person's life. So, I have to ask myself, "Where is my heart set?" My heart always should be established in the Word of God. As I share my humble thoughts about the Word, may they encourage you and help you fix your eyes upon Christ. May your thoughts be stirred to the Savior, and may you continually know where is your heart set.