Tag Archives: struggle

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

God’s Math: 1 No + 1 No + 1 Yes = All YES

Is there a particular area you are embarrassingly bad in? For me, when I get past fourth grade math I freeze in a petrified surrender. Any math beyond my ability to balance a checkbook, add, subtract and stick within the boundaries of simple multiplication and division quickly becomes an enigma. So, you can imagine when in times of prayer God’s math can also be confusing to my understanding?

Perhaps it is one part God’s Word, another part logic and a good dose of wishful thinking that causes me to develop formulas that create the expectation my math must always be correct? To demonstrate let me provide you with a simple example:

No doubt you have heard the saying, “Two Wrongs Never Make a Right.” It’s true that two incorrect actions do not equal a correct outcome; and part of what helps us understand this saying boils down to a simple math equation.

‘If two wrongs don’t make a right, how many does it take?’

But what happens when we try to formularize God’s Word in an attempt force His will into our math? Let me present you with a series of personal and real-life examples:

Roughly three years ago I applied for a position I was highly qualified for. My work experience, character references, background checks all cleared the necessary hurdles. I passed both physical and educational exams and completed two rounds of interviews. I was even given a number, in cue,  that all but guaranteed I would be given one of the open positions. Furthermore, in that particular season, I needed the work; and the financial influx would have provided an ideal answer to a growing need. Throughout the process I committed myself to prayer, fasting and every day I drove to the work location and anointing the building thanking God for the opportunity. I spoke God’s Word of positive affirmation over the job and just waited for the phone call. Well, the call never came and I later learned they passed over my number three times! 

Simply put, I was devastated when my math didn’t work out. For the first time in my life I was mad at God, with God and couldn’t make sense of what did and didn’t happen. After all, I followed the formula and didn’t have the slightest doubt God was involved in every step of the process. Throughout that venture every door was opening and everything was trending in a positive direction while I was faithfully committing to the spiritual “heavy lifting” of faith, prayer and thanksgiving….it should have worked…..right?

No doubt I am not alone in such experiences and I have read more than enough stories, from Scripture to the great men and women of faith, that remind me God’s math and my math don’t operate the same way. After that disappointing season it took me a while to “make up” with God and I plummeted into a depression. For a few months I just existed between sadness, dismay, anger and sleep and the last place I desired to visit was my prayer closet. I had been in that room and even wrote a book on fasting; I had listened and quoted all of the faith preachers to no avail and even when casting my cares on God I felt as if He just dumped them back on me.

If you are expecting my story to suddenly shift to an amazing “WOW Factor” you would be wrong….sort of. Eventually, I repented and pulled myself out from underneath the bed sheets. I slowly re-gathered myself and started the gradual climb back toward prayer, work and patience. Since those three years have passed it feels as if  have met with more failure than success; but this brings me back to the title of today’s blog: God’s Math: 1 No +1 No + 1 Yes = All Yes!  
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Recently, my family made a huge moved from our home of thirteen years and a church where I pastored for eight. The circumstances of life necessitated a change and despite our best efforts to remain where were enjoyed life, family and community 2017 began in entirely new surroundings. While the year was still young I was excited with the prospects of several ministry opportunities that showed potential of opening a new season for me as well. It was a welcomed change especially as I reflected on the events of three years ago; but here again comes that tricky “math thing.”

With each new prospect I found myself adding all the factors up, just as before, and doing all the same things I knew to do. I attacked each venture with a new found hope and expectation one of these opportunities was going to open and, to the best of my ability, kept God in the center of it all. So, what happened? 

This week, as I was praying, working (doing my natural part) and waiting for the Lord to open the doors of His choosing I was met with “Two No’s” and “One Yes.” In fact, the “One Yes” was for somebody else as I was praying for God to heal their body….which He faithfully and miraculously did! And guess what? The “Two No’s” were for items I was personally asking God to performed in my life.

But something amazing happened throughout this process. As I received the Two No’s and One Yes, all on the same day, I heard the Holy Spirit tell me, “It is all YES!” All of the no’s in my life, and places where I felt as if I had been passed over, are irrelevant to the one yes God has yet to speak. For the person who had just received the great report of healing they were no longer giving thought to the despair of the “no” because they were rejoicing in the “yes!” It was in this moment, where I might default into despair, I was greatly comforted  because I finally understood Jesus was not concerned about the “no” or “yes” because He cares about my responses throughout the process.

My math dictates all the known factors must equal an outcome of my choosing. However, God’s math allows for many known and unknown factors that confound logic, and even defy math, but result in answers of His will. Honestly speaking is my life about, My will be done on earth as it is Heaven  or Thy will be done? I often reflect back on the events of three years ago and wonder, What if and the only answer is in every season God’s “No” is charting my course toward His “Yes!” The challenge facing me, and everyone who can relate to today’s post, is not surrendering the call of God throughout the process and becoming unfaithful while waiting for God’s next. 

In life it may be true we are faced with many more closed doors and no’s than open doors and yes’. But I also believe it is true when God provides us His yes all of our past failures and missed opportunities fade into distant and forgotten memories. God is developing a far greater person throughout this journey and it is for us to choose to trust the process and believe that His math will always reveal the correct answers at the right time.

Blessings – JOSHUA

 

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

ARE YOU RESILIENT? (Exodus 17)

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Resilience_2Have you ever owned a motivational poster? Perhaps you have seen them hanging on an office wall or have given one away to a graduate? Most posters usually capture your attention with a confident picture followed by a bold title such as Teamwork, Strength or Courage. I have owned and given away my fair share of such pictures and often drawn from an abundance of histories, legends and tall tales that stir me. One theme that not only inspires but challenges my ordinary of life is: RESILIENCE. When I hear the word resilience I conjure images of strong warriors, tough pioneers and irrepressible people. Whether I draw such examples from men like William Wallace, Lewis and Clark or the colonial patriots labels such heros and famous battles begin to dot the historical landscape of my thoughts. For most, stories of resilience encourage and motivate us to not surrender despite the struggle, hardship or insurmountable odds. Resilience is the ability to work with circumstances, often adverse, in such a way that one comes through the change and transition better for the experience. Resilience means facing life’s difficulties with courage and patience – using one’s training and refusing to never give up. Resilience is discovered in the quality of character that allows a person, or group of people, to rebound from misfortune, hardships and traumas.

Resilience is also rooted in a tenacity of spirit—a determination to embrace all that makes life worth living even in the face of overwhelming odds. You will find examples of resilience from great to small and written in and on the lives of men and women who possess a clear sense of identity and purpose; and with identity and purpose we all become more resilient because we can hold fast to our vision of a better future, a greater hope and a glorious return.

Much of what we understand as resilience is learned from community before it is ever personally experienced. Stories you pick up along life’s journey teach you how to develop and trust in certain relationships that allow you to lean on others for added support when it is needed most. Resilience forces everyone to actively apply their training so as to face the awkward and uncomfortable while expecting, by faith, God is for us and with us!

While resilience, for most, falls too conveniently into a discussion on willpower and strict focus to live resilient is not solely dependent on determination and heart. Some of the most acute thinkers give up too easily when faced with the slightest adversity. Examples of gifted athletes waste their skill preferring to approach their training in an undisciplined and casual manner and even the most dedicated use of willpower can be dogged by addictions, fears or insecurities. Therefore, the pursuit of any man or women being trained to live, behave and develop into disciples of Jesus cannot rely on willpower, focus and self-help to equip them for a resilient faith. Rather, the secret of the Christian’s resilience is never in us but in Jesus! Our success is a result of a life deeply rooted and trusting in Him.

Think about your own story and ask when was the last time you faced a circumstance, transition or change? When was your last or current encounter that seemed impossible? What set-back or failure sent you reeling? Yet, after all the difficulties of transition, change, circumstance and impossibilities you still got back up, pressed on and refused to give up on your God-given vision. If you have or are currently journeying through a similar path as the one I have outline above, and you are not giving up, then you have planted a mustard seed of faith and resilience for this season and the next to come.

Of course any set back can slow the most determined for a time. I equate such moments like the athlete who gets the wind knocked out of them after a big hit. Maybe you are a student who unexpectedly fails a big test, the musician that blows an audition, a professional who doesn’t get the promotion or even the pastor that feels stuck in the grind. Yet, the resilient athlete will be back on the field expecting to make the next big play. The resilient student will study better for the next exam, the resilient musician will practice more efficiently, the resilient professional will continue to pursue that next opportunity and the resilient pastor will go back to the drawing board knowing God has a better and best.

resilience_1Even with a mustard seed of resilience you have a tree of great faith and hope growing inside of you! Given time, and opportunity, that “tree” establishes you in such a place where you are able withstand storms, trails and even broken limbs. But let me ask you to consider a question: Is any tree able to withstand all of the adversities of life and grow just because it is a tree? Or does the tree require assistance? I have seen the mightiest of trees felled by even stronger storms and I have planted a few trees knowing in those early stages they would need stakes and ropes to help them withstand the seasons ahead. To the naked eye the tree’s only support is in how deep its roots are able to extend but Scripture reveals it is not in the tree or its roots but where the roots draw their life that guarantees its future. (See Jeremiah 17:8, Psalm 1:3, Matt 12:33)

What if I told you after the Red Sea crossing and before the Jericho stand off the children of Israel would encounter 15 key transitions over 40 years. Forty years of failures, wars, disappointments, delayed promises, betrayals, financial set backs, moral failures, spiritual blindness but also lasting friendships, faithful friends, disciples, God’s presence, signs, wonders, miracles and eventually victory. Willpower and focus couldn’t prepare them to endure the roller coaster of events for such a long and tumultuous period of time. Likewise, if you are attempting to work through such tough times with a few self-help manuals, a favorite podcast and a little Jesus on the side you also may loose your resilience. Why? Because you may have missed the key source of what makes you resilient and why you are called to live resilient.

Two Questions: Who makes you resilient? And, Why Remain Resilient?

Exodus Chapter 17 records an amazing story of faithfulness, miracles and most of all resilience (read Exodus Ch.17). Many will read this chapter and either focus on the Lord allowing water to be drawn from a rock or the events surrounding Israel’s victory over the Amalekites. But the multiple themes of resilience that are dispersed throughout this chapter can easily be overlooked if you don’t consider what the Lord was depositing into the fabric of His people for the journey ahead.

Resilience Test #1 Can You Trust the Lord for Every Step of the Journey?

Exodus 17 opens with, “The whole community of Israelites left the desert of Sin and traveled from place to place as the Lord commanded them.”

It is difficult to imagine a Red Sea miracle followed by bitter waters turned drinkable and a journey through a wilderness could be part of the over-arching plan of God. Most would conclude in some way Israel, and Moses, must have missed a divine cue and were now wandering without any quick resolution in plain sight. Yet, the Scriptural evidence is clear Israel was travelling from place to place as the Lord had commanded them. Can you trust the Lord for every step of the journey even when it seems you may be off course, in a desperate season or completely out of options? This is the first battle line when resilience is tested. The “Exodus 17 moments” have a way of crashing reality into our theoretical and when such moments occur all one is able to due is hang on to God’s direction or look for a way to escape back to our Egypt. Some might claim it is in the circumstances of life we learn how to live resilient but I would counter that opinion with it is God who makes us resilient and He allows the circumstances to test our trust of His character, faithfulness and love.

Resilience Test #2: When Relief Comes and You Are Still Attacked.

Despite their complaining God allowed water to come from the barrenness of the wilderness and, for the moment, Israel was resupplied. But the temporary respite from adversity was only long enough to catch their breath when they soon discovered the Amalekites were planning to attack them. I have certainly been guilty of complaining to God about my seasons of circumstance and I have even more loudly objected when I felt my eventual deliverance was cut short by and unexpected, and a far greater, challenge. Do you recall I mentioned earlier when you pass a challenging season God deposits a mustard seed of resilience for the next season? It may be hard to imagine but the faithfulness of God’s provision, despite the complaining, placed enough of seed of resilience for an even greater test ahead. Thankfully Israel was up to the challenge and not because they were now well supplied but because they saw God was their faithful supplier and He could be trusted in this next battle as well.

8 The Amalekites fought Israel at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men. Then fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill. I will hold in my hand the staff God told me to take along.” 10 Joshua did as Moses told him and fought the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel would win, but as soon as he put his hands down, the Amalekites would start to win. 12 Eventually, Moses’ hands felt heavy. So Aaron and Hur took a rock, put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron held up one hand, and Hur held up the other. His hands remained steady until sunset. 13 So Joshua defeated the Amalekite army in battle.” [1]

Hur_1The battle sequence of events is nothing short of spectacular and filled with resilience throughout. From Joshua, and the men who fought the physical battle, to Moses standing in intercession and Aaron and Hur who held Moses’ arms upright throughout the battle everyone was committed to resilience and the victory was guaranteed. We often think our battle is just between us and whatever we are up against, but this is not true. The community of faith that knows where their true source of victory resides will always be able to rely on one another for support, encouragement and prayer.

When your relief comes and you are still under the attack remember your deliverance will not be in rocks, staffs and whatever you can grab hold of. Certainly God can, and often does, use a variety of tools to deliver His people but the answer is always Him. Blessed are the individuals who have the community that prays, trusts, loves and even fights for one another when facing adversity. Blessed is the community that understands where their resilience comes from, because that community will survive and thrive with God’s favor and blessing.

Question #1: Who Makes You Resilient? The answer is God!
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Finally, let me answer the last question: Why Remain Resilient? To understand the why we do not need to skip past the closing verses of Exodus 17. 14 “The Lord said to Moses, “Write this reminder on a scroll, and make sure that Joshua hears it, too: I will completely erase any memory of the Amalekites from the earth.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord Is My Banner. 16 He said, “Because a hand was lifted against the Lord’s throne, he will be at war against the Amalekites from one generation to the next.”[2]

Our circumstance is always experienced in real, deep and profound personal ways. When we are struggling through any season it is reasonable to think we are walking through that particular battle alone. While it may feel like our circumstance is, “Me versus them” the reality is many others are in this battle with you. You are not alone! There may be family, loved ones and friends who are emotionally and spiritually invested in your circumstance and standing with you for your support and hope during such times. This is important to remember because any circumstance tends to create tunnel vision when, during such times, we should ask a deeper question as to why we remain resilient.

Exodus 17 reveals God’s master plan at work in not only planting the seeds of resilience within His people but also allowing Israel to face an adverse circumstance for the greater vision of the future Kingdom and future generations.

Forgotten in the journey, miracles and tests of resilience was the great sin of the Amalekites against God. As a people, and even from their decedents, they had “gone on the record” as being against God and His Kingdom. Furthermore, God had now raised His hand against them, for every generation, and was going to use Israel to deliver His divine judgment. Do you see what is happening? God allowed Israel’s journey through the Wilderness of Sin, Rephidim and now the battle with the Amalekites to extend the Kingdom plan beyond the immediate circumstances facing Israel. This is the opposite of tunnel vision by seeing your seasons through the lens of God’s vision. Exodus 17 reveals the final and greatest reminder of victory for every person who actually sees it and remembers: Jehovah –Nissi, the Lord my banner.

Battles as well as blessings mark the course of a believer’s pilgrimage. Sometimes the Lord fights for his people (IE: The Red Sea), and sometimes through his people. In any case believers can be confident that He who is in their midst is greater than any enemy which may be encountered. How often do we try to fight alone, suffer alone and think we won the day by ourselves? Our life is greater than the here and now; and while the struggle is very real the larger plan unfolding is even more real. The individual that develops the God-based resilient life will live greater in this life and in the life to come when they comprehend and trust:

  1. God Makes You Resilient
  2. Your Resilience is For Kingdom
  3. Your Circumstance Establishes the Lord is Your Banner

Let me close today’s reflection with two remarkable stories of resilience and I pray these true stories will plant and nourish the seeds of resilience in your life.

Live resilient and stay resilient!

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

STORY #1

Dan Crawford, the successor to David Livingstone, carried a copy of the New Testament in the pocket of his jacket. At the time of his death someone found the following verses penned on the flyleaf of that well-worn Book: “I cannot do it alone! The waves dash fast and high; the fog comes chill around, and the light goes out in the sky. But I know that we two shall win in the end—Jesus and I. Coward and wayward and weak, I change with the changing sky; today so strong and brave, tomorrow too weak to fly. But He never gives up, so we two shall win—Jesus and I!”[3]

STORY #2

One evening Lord Radstock was speaking at a meeting in Woolwich, and afterwards nearly missed his train home. He had just time to jump in as the guard blew his whistle. But a young army officer had followed him to the platform and, running up to the carriage window, said to Lord Radstock, “Sir, I heard you speak tonight, but tell me, how can a fellow keep straight?” The train began to move. Lord Radstock pulled a pencil from his pocket and laid it on the palm of his hand. “Can that pencil stand upright?” “No,” said the young officer. Lord Radstock grasped the pencil in his hand, and held it up in an upright position. “Ah!” said the young fellow, moving beside the train, “but you are holding it now.” “Yes,” said Lord Radstock,” and your life is like this pencil, helpless, but Christ is the hand that can hold you.” As the train rounded the curve and was lost to sight, the last thing the young officer saw was Lord Radstock’s outstretched hand holding that pencil upright. Twenty-five years later the same officer met Lord Radstock in India, and told him that all those many years ago, on that railway platform, he had trusted his life to Christ, who had upheld him and kept him ever since.[4]

 

[1] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Ex 17:1–16). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[2] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Ex 17:1–16). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[3] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 523). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

[4] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 523). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

Inspirational

“TRAINED, BEING TRAINED & TRAINING OTHERS” PT. 2

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Not to long ago the heating unit in my house quit working. Fortunately I purchased a service warranty that included labor, but the contract didn’t cover replacement parts. After a phone call, my best attempt to explain the issue and a visit from the repairman the furnace was once again working and soon warming my house. As I reflect on this story I am reminded that a few tools, a Youtube video and a general idea of what a problem sounds like doesn’t make me a trained HVAC specialist. I could have tinkered, tested and attempted to fix the problem but even if I was able to restore my heating unit to a working state I still could not advertise myself as a licensed professional.

Everyone possesses several sets of transferrable skills that enable them to accomplish quiet a bit of work in a pinch. Sayings like, jack of all trades and master of none come to mind when I think of a person who can do just about anything but doesn’t have the professional training to qualify them as being able to teach others. My brother, Don, is an excellent example of the type of person that can repair, jury rig and even invent anything. But if you were to ask my brother if he considered himself an expert in any one of these “fixing” areas he would have to say no. Like me, my brother, has spent a life time being trained in ministry and his training has matured through seasons of Bible college, pastoring as well as serving in a variety of ministry vocations for over forty years. So, while Don may be able to partially repair anything he is far better trained to minster Jesus to a broken soul.

While few would accept an untrained individual to fix their HVAC unit, do a repair on their house, present  financial advise or care for personal items of great value we tend to overlook the need for essential training in places most necessary… and especially in the ministry. Somehow it has become vogue to present oneself as an optimistic spiritual mystic that between God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit possess enough skill and training to carry the full work and burden of the Kingdom. While God does call everyone from seasons of immaturity some choose to avoid the tried and true journey of preparation, testing and training that equip them for ministry and the holy work of God’s business. The results of personal laziness and spiritual / cultural acceptance have couched false doctrines, accepted strange redefinitions of theology and even adopted pseudo – Christian behaviors in a new meta-narrative that ebb and flows on the tides of cultural and spiritual syncretism. While the truth of God’s Word has always been the shield and sword against such attacks, on Biblical Orthodoxy, another strong line of defense has resided in the personal commitment to anchor oneself in proper training. Therefore to commitment to being trained, re-trained and training others is essential for the effectaul work of the Kingdom.

“It (the Word) trains us to avoid ungodly lives filled with worldly desires so that we can live self-controlled, moral, and godly lives in this present world.” [1]

In my last post I quoted examples of men and women who can attribute their success toward a commitment to training. From Queen Elizabeth II to Herschel Walker or Arnold Schwarzenegger the dedication to being trained, re-trained and training others is not just a principle for good business, or successful living, but a very Biblical method that has been repeated time after time with remarkable Kingdom success.

Peter_1THE VALUE OF TRAINING

While it might make for a fun sermon illustration or clever way to present Jesus, and His twelve disciples, the Biblical and historical facts have never supported a Messiah, and His followers, that were simple, uneducated or untrained. From Jesus and throughout the development of the church the call for trained individuals has always been a repeating mantra of the “Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.” A very brief exploration into the lives of the men and women of our faith reveal:

Jesus: A trained general contractor, for close the thirty years, and skilled carpenter.

Peter: A trained fisherman, business partner and owner in a successful fishing business within the heart of an ethnically diverse community of Jews and gentiles.

Andrew: A trained fisherman and business partner with Peter.

James and John the sons of Zebedee: Trained fishermen and business partners with Peter and Andrew.

Matthew: A Roman sanctioned tax collector.

Luke: A physician

Paul: The greatest theological mind of his age trained by the greatest rabbinical thinker of his generation (Gamaliel).

Apollos: A wealthy Alexandrian born Jew with an education in philosophy and law.

Priscilla and Aquila: Wealthy Roman – Jewish tent makers in an age when the tent industry and trade was essential to 1st century living and commerce.

Lydia: A wealthy merchant in fine and expensive fabrics.

Philemon: A wealthy land owner.

This list goes on……

While one may search long and hard for the solitary individual that has somehow avoided the rigors of training it is evident the Bible reveals an ongoing process to live as one trained, being re-trained and committed to training others. Here are some additional Scriptural examples that present the value of being trained for a season of Gods larger vision:

“When Abram heard that his nephew had been captured, he armed his 318 trained men, born in his own household, and pursued the four kings all the way to Dan.”

“The descendants of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 soldiers ready to go to war. They were skilled fighters who could carry shields and swords and shoot arrows.” [2]

“They, along with their relatives, were trained, skilled musicians for the Lord. There were 288 of them.”[3]

“Send me a man who has the skill to work with gold, silver, bronze, and iron as well as purple, dark red, and violet cloth. He should know how to make engravings with the skilled men whom my father David provided for me in Judah and Jerusalem….He was the son of a woman from the tribe of Dan, and his father is a native of Tyre. Huram knows how to work with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, wood, purple, violet, and dark red cloth, and linen. He also knows how to make all kinds of engravings and follow any set of plans that will be given to him. ⌊He can work⌋ with your skilled workmen and the skilled workmen of His Majesty David, your father. [4]


 Jesus-and-PeterTHE VALUE OF RE-TRAINING

In a rapidly evolving economy industry changes, business’ adjust their best practices and anyone seeking gainful employment pursues education….and in some cases re-education. At the turn of the twentieth century the horse and buggy was still a booming business. From the horse breeders, carriage makers and drivers it would be hard to imagine the new demand for faster transportation could outpace the horse and carriage. Nevertheless, technology inspired locomotive, later the automobile, and within a few decades the horse and buggy disappeared. Have you stopped to consider what happened to all of the artisans, breeders and laborers in this once thriving industry? In one word….Re-Training!

If the industries of the world  are willing to embrace re-training why are we slow to incorporate such an attitude within the community of faith? Too often we make the mistake believing since we are skilled in one particular field we become instantly trained for another field. Again, while some skills are always transferrable the reality is to become successful, in any new field, you must embrace an ongoing approach of re-training; and so, in the ministry of God’s work, it should not be any different.

Peter and the other disciples were certainly trained in the industry of their upbringing and for the time. But trained fishermen, tax collectors, doctors, thinkers, captains of industry and theologians will not immediately transfer into effective Kingdom disciples unless they are re-trained by a master teacher. Many of Jesus’ parables drew from the events that surrounded everyday life and everyone  understood these examples relative to their paradim. Therefore, Jesus chose an amazing tool of parables to communicate and re-train the hearers to the principles of the Kingdom. Jesus wasn’t just talking in theory or idealistic opinions; rather He was applying the real “nuts and bolts” of how the Kingdom of Heaven really lives, moves and has purpose in the same way their world moved around them. Even still, these multi-purposed parables had the ability to penetrate the understanding of untrained individuals with the express intent to invite them on a journey of discipleship or re-training. It could not have been easy re-training professionally trained people but within roughly a three-year window the disciples were trained enough to  advance the Great Commission beyond Jerusalem and into the far reaches of the known and unknown world.

“So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua, son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit, and place your hand on him. Make him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community, and give him his instructions in their presence. Give him some of your authority so that the whole community of Israel will obey him… Moses placed his hands on Joshua and gave him his instructions as the Lord had told him.”1 

“So Jesus said to them, “That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure chest.”[5]

gathering3TRAINED AND TRAINING OTHERS

Throughout any person’s journey they will encounter circumstances where training is the difference between success and failure. While failure is not final we would all agree success leaves a far better taste in our mouth than the sour memories of failure. Even the best-trained person can, from time to time, encounter a well-trained adversary and when this occurs a committed, and trained, professional will re-train so as to  move past their adversary. This past week I watched a 30 for 30 documentary featuring the story of two great female tennis athletes. Their rivalry, commitment to success, training and re-training pushed the other to compete, all the more, so as not to loose. The result of their professional rivalry  gave both athletes long and highly successful careers with the added bonus of a deep and meaningful personal friendship. But their journey hasn’t drifted into retirement because they still apply their experience, skill and training to training future tennis athletes.

The years Jesus spent with His disciples was not for “hanging out” and trying some new ideas. These critical years of re-training were for Kingdom purpose and a time soon coming where these disciples would need to train others. It should come as no surprise to us Jesus’ twelve (and there were many more) did exactly what they were trained to do…keep the great commission and make disciples! Just look at some of Peter’s early examples of leadership,  teaching and training others:

  • After the ascension of Jesus Peter was the main leader of the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 1:13–14).
  • He initiated the replacement of Judas (vv. 15–26), showing by this that he was in some sense aware of the future mission of the apostles (v. 22).
  • When the Church’s growth was initiated by Pentecost, he stepped forward as interpreter of the event and the preacher of the Gospel to the crowd that assembled (ch. 2).
  • Peter played a significant part in the Church in Israel. He healed people (3:1–10; 5:15–16; 9:32–43), preached to crowds (3:12–26; 5:21, 42), was jailed (4:1–3; 5:17–18, 26; 12:3–5) and miraculously released (5:19–20; 12:6–17), as well as spoke to government authorities about Jesus (4:5–12; 5:27–32).
  • Peter played a central role in some of the events that took the Church beyond its original limitation to Judean Jews (8:14–25; 10:1–11:18; cf. Gal. 1:18–19). At the Apostolic Council, which took place after Pete_Cornhe could safely return to Jerusalem, Peter took a leading part in the defense of evangelism of Gentiles, which did not require conformity to Judaism (Acts 15:7–11; cf. Gal. 2:8–10).
  • Peter, after Antioch, (Gal. 2:11–14) went on missionary journeys farther into the Gentile world (1 Cor. 1:12; 3:22; 9:5).
  • According to strong evidence from the early Church, Peter went to Rome (“Babylon” at 1 Pet. 5:13) and died as a martyr there under Nero.
  • He was later called a founder (with Paul) and a bishop of the church in Rome, but it is unlikely that he was recognized as either during his lifetime.[6] 

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We can all learn from the valued lessons of being trained, open to re-training and committed to training others. The full authority of Scripture is committed to the process of training and always discourages the lack of training which is why one of the key purposes of Scripture is to train and equip us for the days we walk with Kingdom purpose. “Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God’s approval.”[7]

Sadly some try to avoid Godly training as much as possible partly because they are bogged down with training for everything else life presents them with. Family, work and even recreation all take a measure of dedication to do it well, and by the time we split our life into four or five different paths of training it is Kingdom training that tends to fall into that optional “thing we do on any given Sunday.” The end result? The mission of the Kingdom is stunted and our spiritual purpose / identity suffers most. Unfortunately, if we are relying on our pastor, or occasional pursuit of Godliness, to get us through life we will soon be frustrated and disappointed when our spiritual development is underdeveloped and lacking due to a lack of training.

There is no quick way around training. It takes time, commitment, vision and purpose. But when you set your heart to the heart of the Kingdom, first, God has a way of making life fall into perfect order and timing. Our aversion to training is best explained by the author of Hebrews, “We don’t enjoy being disciplined. It always seems to cause more pain than joy. But later on, those who learn from that discipline have peace that comes from doing what is right.”[8]

Seasons of training, re-training and training others are deliberate, take time, resources, valuable energy and patience. The need for training is essential not just in the ordinary of daily life but also in the call of the Kingdom. Everyone falls into one of three categories of training and whatever particular season you are in set, in the forefront of your mind, you will always be living in seasons of training. Let us learn from history, Scripture and the process of Kingdom development so we may also be useful and satisfied in this life and for the age to come.

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

 

[1] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Tt 2:12). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[2] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (1 Ch 5:18). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[3] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (1 Ch 25:7). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[4] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (2 Ch 2:7–14). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[5] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Mt 13:52). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[6] Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (p. 818). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

[7] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (2 Ti 3:16). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[8] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Heb 12:11). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

TRANSITION THAT COMES FROM CIRCUMSTANCE AND CHANGE BORN FROM TRANSITION

Two weeks ago the opening round of the NFL playoffs provided the perfect canvas to present the idea of The Oddity of Circumstance? In what appeared to be the “random” event of every visiting team winning (a NFL first) was corrected, this past week, with every home team winning the following round. It was as if the anomaly of chance and circumstances transitioned into a scenario of what was supposed to happen all along.

dm_150102_nfl_live_predictions_cardinals_panthers

There is nothing odd in circumstance because all circumstances have the unique ability to trigger transition and everyone is need of change at some point in time. Most people like the idea of change but seldom are they truly open to what change will really do to their status quo. For example, we would gladly welcome a positive change in our financial circumstances; but nobody would want a change, for the worse, in their health. Obviously everyone wants a change for the better but it is also in how we presently view any circumstance do we color the seasons of transition as “good” or “bad.”

Steve jobs“For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” – Steve Jobs

At some point your life will require a series of circumstances, to occur, that will initiate a season of transition and eventual change. We have all looked in the mirror and said, Today will be different…it needs to be; but just when we are prepared to break from our established mold we discover the familiar patterns and mindsets are to entrenched to break free.

shaw3George Bernard Shaw said, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Shaw’s changing of the mind is what needs to be challenged and it is during the moments of circumstance God initiates a transition that, if followed through to the end, will lead to a necessary and lasting change for God’s best.

Consider the life of Abraham, before he was father of our great faith, the intercessor for his nephew Lot or even the man of Mt. Sinai; Abraham was first Abram. Remarkably it is in what we learn about Abram that helps us discover a pattern for every man and woman. Stephen (see Acts 7) fills in the “missing history” of Abram’s Genesis calling and the unfolding of a man who had “the right kind of God stuff.” But Abram was also a man of his age, culture and un-renewed mind every bit trapped by his circumstance, as you and I, until God initiated seasons of transition.

Genesis recounts the story of God’s invitation for Abram to join in covenant, with God, and even after his initial agreement it still took over twenty years for Abram to first settle in Canaan. Why did it take Abram so long to travel from Ur to Canaan with temporary stops in Paddam-Aram (Haran) and Egypt? I would suggest God knew the life that was familiar and acceptable to Abram required a series of circumstances and transitions to prepare Abram for the future calling of Abraham.

While Abram is a derivative of the name Abraham the two names carry very different weight, authority and promise. Originally the name of this patriarch was Abram (Heb. ˒aḇrām; e.g., Gen. 11:26; 12:1), but God subsequently changed it to Abraham (Heb. ˒aḇrāhām). According to Gen. 17:5 the latter name is composed of Heb. ˓aḇ “father” and hmn “multitude,” thus meaning “father of a multitude.” As a variant Abram can signify “love of the father, he is of good ancestry” or simply “exalted father” (Clements, pp. 52–53); but Abram was not the best name for a man who was the father of many nations.

From Abram’s family upbringing, culture, way of life, obligations, personal wealth and comfort it would have been next to impossible for Abram to carry his part of the covenant agreement unless God allowed circumstances to push Abram into seasons of transition. Here is a simple, yet brief, outline of Abram’s early transitions and major life changes.

  1. Leaves Ur due to the political and economic stresses caused by the Amorites and Elamites.
  2. Settles in Paddan Aram with wife, brother (Nahor) and father Terah.
  3. Following the death of Terah, Abram becomes the patriarch of his family and departs for Canaan.
  4. Settles in Canaan with his family and nephew Lot but famine drives them further south into Egypt.
  5. Forced by Pharaoh to leave Egypt Abram re-enters Canaan and after a dispute with Lot, a war in the region surrounding Sodom and the birth of Ishmael he will be given his new name, Abraham.

abraham-journeying-into-the-land-of-canaan-1866It would be easy for most to quickly move from Abram to Abraham or from Ur to Canaan without considering all of the transitions and changes God allowed to refine a man who established generations of God’s covenant people. Still we can’t gloss over how difficult every transition and change must have been for Abram along the way; as well as what each transition did in shaping the man. CS Lewis said, “It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.” For change to occur we need to be willing to be hatched or risk going bad; and that is why God will always use circumstances to encourage us in the pursuit of His will and purposes.

It should come as no surprise that growing up in the Boston area has made me a dedicated New England Patriots fan and so this weekend I will be fixed on the game hoping “my team” will have another chance at winning the Superbowl. But I also know a game, on paper, is very different than a game tpatriotsbroncoshat must be played. An entire week of experts picking their winners and fans best guesses will boil down to a game that still must be played out and rest assured there will be some series of circumstance(s) players and teams will have to overcome if they want to emerge victorious. Circumstance will always initiate a transition and it is my prayer we all remain open to the changes that follow. “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill.

winston_churchill

As I close today’s post I want to leave you with a short story that I feel best illustrates the this point:

In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many others never understand. Every obstacle (circumstance) presents an opportunity to improve one’s condition or change.

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy

1 “Everything has its own time, and there is a specific time for every activity under heaven:

2             a time to be born and

a time to die,

a time to plant and

a time to pull out what was planted,

3             a time to kill and
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a time to heal,

a time to tear down and

a time to build up,

4             a time to cry and

a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and

a time to dance,

5             a time to scatter stones and

a time to gather them,

a time to hug and

a time to stop hugging,

6             a time to start looking and

a time to stop looking,

a time to keep and

a time to throw away,

7             a time to tear apart and

a time to sew together,

a time to keep quiet and

a time to speak out,

8             a time to love and

a time to hate,

a time for war and

a time for peace.”[1]

 

[1] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Ec 3:1–8). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

Living on the Edge of Expectation

Star_Wars_Episode_VII_The_Force_AwakensThis past December 2015 ended, for the film industry, with a blockbuster bang that is still carrying momentum well into 2016. From the first summer trailer until its winter release national, as well as global, anticipation grew for the newest installment of Star Wars. Opening in the 1970’s the Star Wars franchise has always jumped onto the screen backed by the iconic John Williams score and trademark scrolling text which never lacked in building fan anticipation; but anticipation can also set a high level of expectation. So, when George Lucas’ early 2000 prequels failed to meet expectations many were hoping for the best, while also bracing for the worst, from this newest film. From swirling internet rumors ranging from casting, to plot and direction everyone waited to see if the December release would surpass expectations and, most of all, if the newest Star Wars would create enough anticipation for a sequel.

Have you ever lived on the edge of expectation? Or, have you found yourself anticipating the weeks, days and even hours drawing close to a certain “something?” Perhaps such a question sounds a bit melodramatic but everyone has lived, is living or will soon live on the edge of anticipation and expectation. Perhaps you first remembered this feeling when you were counting down the seconds for the final school bell to ring? Maybe you recall anticipating your first car, blind date, wedding, vacation or new job? Whatever moment(s) created anticipation, one thing is certain, you hoped your expectations would be met. But, the reality is, there are certain events that fail to meet expectations; and if you combine enough missed expectations you can unknowingly become a person of disbelief and hopelessness.

The day following Christmas can be an interesting event to witness. At any given store you will discover a blend of shoppers anticipating after Christmas sales while other shoppers are returning gifts that failed to meet their expectations. But there is also another post- Christmas phenomenon, in progress, and that is the New Year’s resolution shopper. From the elliptical machine to the treadmill and all of the complimentary gadgets that accompany the New Year’s fitness quest many will once again try to tackle their extra five pounds, rediscover their swimwear figure or just try to set some new healthy habits for the New Year.

US News and World Report reported that by the second week of February, some eighty percent of resolutions will have fallen by the wayside and according to Dr. Markman, the author of Smart Change and a professor of psychology and marketing at The University of Texas at Austin, the reason resolutions don’t succeed is because “people don’t put in enough effort to allow them to succeed.”

If one of the greatest challenges, everyone encounters, is the emotional swing we experience when we go from great anticipation to missed expectations we may, purposely or not, set our target achievements to low. Why do we do this? Perhaps it can be best understood in how we “feel in the moment” and after we have undergone feelings of disappointment we try to protect ourselves from further failure, hurt and loss? For me, parts of 2014-2015 were marked with several very large missed expectations; and what began as a year of tremendous hope, and opportunity, was greeted with one set-back after another, closed doors and befuddling silence to my downward spiral of circumstances. It was during my heaviest moments, of frustration, I began to set my bar of expectation so low I felt I could manage my set-backs; but in doing so I was also robbing myself of the anticipation and expectation God had better plans for my life.

In my particular situations I hadn’t arrived at this point because of Dr. Markahm’s “lack of effort”; but I had arrived at a new crossroads and at every crossroad I, as with all of us, will face choices between managing disappointment or expecting God’s good, better and best.

From Star Wars to the ordinary of life anticipation, expectation, failure and resolutions will always be apart of our journey; and if you look to Scripture you will also discover how much anticipation and expectation is built into the character of God’s people as well as the rich fabric of our deep faith. Here are just a few examples that remind us to live on the edge of anticipation and expectation even in the shadows of adversity and missed opportunity:

“The hope of righteous people ⌊leads to⌋ joy, but the eager waiting of wicked people comes to nothing.”[1]

 “Delayed hope makes one sick at heart, but a fulfilled longing is a tree of life.”[2]

 “I consider our present sufferings insignificant compared to the glory that will soon be revealed to us. 19 All creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal who his children are. 20 Creation was subjected to frustration but not by its own choice. The one who subjected it to frustration did so in the hope 21 that it would also be set free from slavery to decay in order to share the glorious freedom that the children of God will have. 22 We know that all creation has been groaning with the pains of childbirth up to the present time.

“However, not only creation groans. We, who have the Spirit as the first of God’s gifts, also groan inwardly. We groan as we eagerly wait for our adoption, the freeing of our bodies ⌊from sin⌋. 24 We were saved with this hope in mind. If we hope for something we already see, it’s not really hope. Who hopes for what can be seen? 25 But if we hope for what we don’t see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”[3]

 “If Timothy comes, make sure that he doesn’t have anything to be afraid of while he is with you. He’s doing the Lord’s work as I am, 11 so no one should treat him with contempt. Without quarreling, give him your support for his trip so that he may come to me. I’m expecting him to arrive with the other Christians.”[4]

 “Joshua told the people, “Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy because tomorrow the Lord will do miracles among you.”[5]

 “Therefore, you, too, must be ready because the Son of Man will return when you least expect him.” [6]

“If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them. 6 When you ask for something, don’t have any doubts. A person who has doubts is like a wave that is blown by the wind and tossed by the sea. 7 A person who has doubts shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 A person who has doubts is thinking about two different things at the same time and can’t make up his mind about anything.”[7]

If in the feelings of deflated anticipation we  feel “safe” in lowering our expectations we accept an approach, and world-view, that is neither Biblical or God’s best for our lives. Merriam Webster’s definition of expectation is: a person who is anticipant, expecting, open-eyed, openmouthed; hopeful; eager; alert and watchful. Just the definition alone is enough to stir some sense of excitement while the opposite, of an expectant individual, is one who is apathetic, indifferent, uninterested; unconcerned, unimpressed and unmoved.[8] Both types of people remind me of Dickens’s Great Expectations where we read about the many lives of people who live on the edge of anticipation and expectation.
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Micah 7:7 [widescreen]

Charles Dickens’s classic story led me to think on another early Christian disciple, Titus, who lived the expectant life and had to anticipate a great many challenges throughout his life, calling and mission. While Paul’s letter to Titus doesn’t reveal too much about the recipient’s personal life other areas of Scripture fill in the unknown of Titus’ life of great expectation. Titus was a Greek, apparently from Antioch, and converted to Jesus through Paul’s ministry. Throughout Titus’ next years of ministry we find him serving in many roles beginning as the Apostle Paul’s secretary, interpreter, courier and eventually serving as an administrator, mediator, teacher and even apostle in his own region of ministry. From the years 51-56, Titus had accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, Ephesus, Corinth, Crete, Nicopolis and even Dalmatia with his entire life being known as a peacemaker, administrator and missionary.

Did Titus experience difficulties, setbacks and struggles? Of course! But could Titus have overcome such challenges by accepting setting his bar of expectation too low? No! Titus chose a life of anticipation and expectation, through the Holy Spirit, and became a man who saw the opportunity in every difficulty rather than the difficulty in every opportunity.

As January 2016 marks a new calendar year I want to encourage you to set a resolution, before any other personal goals and resolutions, to grow deeper and stronger in your Christ-centered faith. We will always encounter difficulties and trails; but the life that anticipates and expects God’s next, and best, is the life that will also experience the journey of success, joy, happiness and fulfillment.

Imagine if there was not a visionary to consider another Star Wars film after the critics considered the franchise finished and completed? If so, than a film that cost $200 million to produce would never had reaped the reward of $1.5 billion. The expectant life, with and for Jesus, will always result in the fulfilled and successful life.

What will the year 2016 look like for you? Will you live determined, anticipating and expecting God’s next? Will you change? Transition? Face challenges? Certainly! But will there be fulfillment and expectation as you pursue God’s best for your life? CERTAINLY!

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

[1] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Pr 10:28). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[2] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Pr 13:12). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[3] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Ro 8:18–27). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[4] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (1 Co 16:10–11). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[5] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Jos 3:5). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[6] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Mt 24:44). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[7] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Jas 1:5–8). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[8] Merriam-Webster, I. (1996). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate thesaurus. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

Rebuild…Renew…Restore…Revive

John 2:19 [widescreen]Pastor Joshua’s Two Minute Blog:

Several years ago, in my neighborhood, there was a beautiful home that caught fire and burned throughout the night into the early morning hours. While fire crews had the situation well in hand by the next day it was evident the structure would be a total loss. Over the following months the house continued to decline as legal parties debated what would happen to the property and eventually the house was demolished. Two years later all that remains is an empty lot where a beautiful house once stood.

How often do things get torn down without any hope of ever being rebuilt? Daily you can find old buildings being restored, new subdivisions built and towering structures pressing up toward the sky; but what should you do when, in your life, something is torn down and you can’t see any way it will ever resurrect?

Set backs, failures and burn downs are hard to overcome but they are not impossible. In fact, nothing is impossible with God! Imagine Jesus speaking in front of accusers, skeptics and supporters when He shares the words of John 2:19. Most agree Jesus was speaking prophetically as to His identity and soon coming passion, but do genuine people of faith doubt that God could have also done the naturally impossible supernaturally?

When we experience the tearing down process the last thing on our mind, or in our will, is to imagine rebuilding. In fact, Scripture shares the responses of shock and disbelief at the very idea of rebuilding a structure that took centuries to build. But Jesus’ revelatory words, then, speak to our short sightedness and shortcomings today.

In a world of decay it is accepted that all things will fail at some point in time. But Jesus, and His Kingdom, is not of this world while He is very present in the world. Scripture affirms His Kingdom has no end, will endure throughout every generation and will even usher in a new age that will look, feel and behave nothing like the world we live in or comprehend.
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What a promise we have in knowing our citizenship gives us residency in an everlasting Kingdom and under the loving care of a King who is always renewing and reviving. Therefore, while most of us may feel as if our plans and purposes have been torn down, by the fires of circumstance, don’t forget what is true of the King is also true of the King’s people.

If God meant to resurrect, for the glory and restoration of all things unto Himself, then part of His Kingdom culture is to also resurrect, restore and revive the Kingdom dream in your life. Don’t allow a negative and skeptical world to leave your “lot” empty without any hope of rebuilding. Rather, accept the remarkable promise that God means to restore you to place of honor so your life may glorify the King.

Perhaps some things, in your life, needed tearing down to make room for Jesus’ rebuilding project in you? Many of us have great structures waiting to be launched for the Kingdom so don’t allow a temporary loss to rob you of hope; and don’t allow and your lot to sit empty…it is meant for a new structure! Be a person of great faith and ask the Holy Spirit to breath on your emptiness, once again, and help you rebuild. It’s time to rebuild and revive with Jesus as your chief architect.

Blessings – Pastor Joshua

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Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

Purpose in Your Heart…Don’t Give Up…He Will Deliver

Daniel 6:16 [widescreen]Pastor Joshua’s Two Minute Blog:

There is nothing fun about a lion’s den, that is unless your the lion. The wild, powerful and predatory instinct of a lion kills without mercy or remorse and yet Daniel found himself locked away with these massive cats awaiting a certain death. Or was he?

Often we hear people say, “God would never…” but for Daniel God had placed him face to face with very real and deadly lions and for one reason: “That your God, whom you continually serve may deliver you.” 

For some it may seem as God sort of made His point backwards. But we cannot loose site of the fact that God didn’t place Daniel in the lions den, Daniel’s uncompromising faith, in God, put Daniel in the den of lions…and God delivered him!

I often look at my own circumstances and wonder, “How did I get here?” Or “What have I done wrong to find myself in this trap?” Certainly, at times, we can all make poor life choices that place us in challenging circumstances. But not every adversity is because of something negative you have done; nor have you arrived in such a place because God has put you there.

Again, consider Daniel…he was placed in the den of certain death because He loved God with all of his heart, soul and being. It was known to Daniel’s enemies, friends and earthly king Daniel continually worshipped and served God above all others. The result? He was now face to face with lions. Was this a test of faith? Certainly! Was it a personal bad decision followed by worsening situation? Certainly not!

I tend to think everyone knew (except the lions), from Darius to Daniel, somehow Daniel’s God was going to deliver Him. Do you know why? “Because I was found blameless before him.” Like Job, despite how bad the situation became, Daniel didn’t give up on God’s deliverance. You may have questions, doubts and even lion like struggles but never give up on God’s love for you and His desire to deliver you from all adversity because you are committed to a life that is blameless before Him.

This amazing testimony of uncompromising faithfulness, a blameless heart and God’s miraculous work should encourage us to better understand our own “lion’s den” moments and remember the conclusion of our story can read like the king’s decree, when we are delivered,

“I decree that in every part of my kingdom people should tremble with terror in front of Daniel’s God, the living God who continues forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed. His power lasts to the end of time. He saves, rescues, and does miraculous signs and amazing things in heaven and on earth. He saved Daniel from the lions.”

May God deliver you from your lion’s den and allow the fame of His name be spread far and wide!

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Da 6:26–27). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

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Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

Seize the Moment! Don’t Let Go! You Have a Promise!

Proverbs 4:13 [widescreen]We have all experienced the adventurous, fun, foolish and even rebellious pre-teen/ teen years where often the best thought of the day was created in our own mind and greatly influenced by whatever made us feel good at the moment. I know this to be true because I am often trying to instruct my sixteen-year-old son through some of his random life choices, and whenever I try to walk him through his odd thought process his reply often sounds something like, “Every time you talk to me it is like a life lesson.” It is as if my son believes I am incapable of seeing far beyond the snapshot of life, he is passing through, when I am try to share my insights.

Just when I want to get frustrated with my teenage son I remember I also ignored more wise instruction, and warning, than I took in. At the time I honestly believed the counselors in my life had never been a youth, made mistakes, learned from their past and, from a heart of genuine love, were trying to save me from my own immaturity.

Despite best efforts the fool-heartiness of youth pressed on and throughout the journey I, like many of you, collected my own tales of setback, disappointment, failure and loss; adventures I could have avoided if I had just listened to wise instruction. Unfortunately we are all guilty in allowing seasons of personal failure to dominate our journey when Jesus offers an alternative path.

What is Jesus’ alternative path? Cling to instruction and don’t let go! In all of Solomon’s wisdom, also learned through failures, he encourages us to, “Cling to discipline (instruction). Do not relax your grip on it. Keep it because it is your life.”[1] Said another way Solomon, like a wise and loving parent, tells the reader to be strong, hard and even harsh when seizing instruction and wisdom; and once you have a firm grip on that counsel don’t relax your grasp because the words will keep (preserve) your life and promise!

Our best journey is the one when we allow Jesus to set our life to listening, learning and retention mode. We have all been guilty of hearing but not listening, given answers but not learning and having the best solutions but never applying them. Jesus is not some killjoy grump that wants to ruin your years of purpose and enjoyment. In fact, it is just the opposite…Jesus wants to impart into all the years of your life and fill them with growth, maturity, blessing, joy and purpose. How does He do this? By speaking into our life daily and providing us with loving instruction so we learn how to navigate the foolish and dangerous challenges of life. The end result? If we will cling to instruction and not let go then His guarantee is our life will be preserved with great promise. After all are not Jesus’ promises, “Yes and Amen” to those who believe?
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Therefore, “Seize the Moment! Don’t Let Go! You Have a Promise, from Jesus, on the line and His love desires for you experience all of it!

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

#SeizetheMoment#DontLetGo#YouHaveaPromise

[1] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Pr 4:13). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

The Honor of Being in Debt…to Jesus!

GoodDebt-BadDebt1When I was a young man fresh out of school, and working in ministry, I discovered very quickly the ministry doesn’t pay but life quickly demands payment. The exciting prospect of just you, God and the Call, was hit with the reality of a wife, children and expenses that soon proved my few pennies couldn’t stretch far enough to cover my needs.

What began as “infant” steps of crawling debt soon grew into a full blown “teenager” that devoured my life, family and calling. The long road to living debt free took a tremendous amount of time, family cooperation, opportune blessings and careful planning; but the life lessons that followed forever taught me there is such a thing as “bad debt” and “good debt.”

There are some who believe in “good debt” and while I am not a savvy financier I do understand certain investments, such as owning a home, can often require you to carry a level of debt before you reap its long-term rewards; and we have all lived with the bad debt we continue to pay Visa or Master Card for purchases we no longer own or on meals we can’t even remember. Therefore, while good versus bad debt can be debated there should be little discussion in considering the honor every Christian possesses being “in debt” to Jesus.

 The Apostle Paul often wrote of his indebtedness, to Jesus, and modeled his entire life by sharing about this honor with others. Often we sing songs on the amazing grace or mercy that flows from Jesus into the lives of His faithful; but having such grace and mercy should compel us to appreciate a higher sense of indebtedness to Jesus. Certainly when we investigate the “good debt” we owe Jesus we would not dare compare it to the burden we experience when paying a credit card or car note. Rather I would encourage us to reflect on the unquenchable gratitude we feel for Jesus’ ongoing labor of love manifest in the salvation of any soul, beginning with our own!

As Christians we need to recapture the honor of living our lives worthy of the great price paid for our souls. We can all remember those exciting days when freedom and joy flooded our loneliness and we began to comprehend what a genuine relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit behaved like.
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So let me ask? What are you doing to pay back “the debt?” While our sin is paid in full are we not obliged to live fully for Him? Of course Jesus is not some heartless collection agency harassing you for a payoff; but He is searching for those intentional moments when we “pay it forward.” Perhaps the reason we share less, or privatize our faith, is because we are ashamed of carrying debt? Nobody boasts about what they owe unless they wish to look like a fool or long to demonstrate their personal gratitude for the gift of the Spirit alive in them. When the Spirit is alive, in the life of the Christian, our sense of indebtedness to Jesus becomes a place of honor.

Again, the Apostle Paul referred to himself as one who was not a superior Christian, among men, but a bond slave indebted to Jesus. “You are not your own” Paul wrote as he explained his life as one gladly in debt and sold back to Christ. The result? Paul now became “a debtor to everyone on the face of the earth because of the Gospel of Jesus; I am free to be an absolute slave only.”

Earlier I considered there might be such a thing as “good debt” and I believe, in matters of faith and the Spirit that is absolutely true. As Christians we need to live, and be encouraged to demonstrate, a life that possesses the characteristics of a life of honor. While we all go to great lengths expressing our love for His mercy, grace and new found freedom let us remember there is an even greater honor in taking your freedom and becoming His bond slave, forever in debt to Jesus.

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Motivational

The Uncomfortable Reality of Persecution in America and How We Can Spiritually Prepare.

UnknownGrowing up in the era of the 80’s and 90’s the very thought of Christians being persecuted seemed remote, distant and foreign to me. Of course I read about persecution from the Scriptures, historical accounts, such as Foxes Book of Martyrs or Jesus Freak, and through foreign missionaries who would always share and harrowing tale or two. However for me, and most of America, the reality of being a Christian and facing persecution was unimaginable bordering on hysterical fantasy.

Yet since 2001 the global community, and certainly the United States, has experienced a series of social, economic and spiritual shifts that have also ushered in a cycle of  cause and effect that is reshaping the lives of Christians globally. What were once considered isolated and remote accounts of people being persecuted for their Christian faith has spread like an uncontrollable wildfire across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and now is smoldering within Europe and North America.

In light of the changing circumstances facing every person, who consider themselves part of the global Body of Christ, is the question of how do we prepare? While Christians in heavily persecuted regions have long ago learned how to prepare spiritually, and naturally, for such a difficult and dangerous reality we, in the United States, must also spiritually adjust for such changes and the uncomfortable reality of persecution within our own land.

“But I say unto you, whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:39)

Over many years of study, and debate, some have interpreted Jesus’ words as a call for pacifism while others have understood His words within a different context. Either way the reality of being insulted, mocked and persecuted is an expectation every Christian must live with. Therefore, when we face such trials and tribulations we must also make such occasions to exhibit Jesus, with us, and His Holy Spirit illuminating our witness.

Oswald Chambers once said, “Matthew 5:39 reveals the humiliation of being a Christian.” [1] and naturally when faced with hardship we must consider appropriate counter actions to off-set  great injustices. But let me challenge us to reflect on what is at the heart of Chamber’s thoughts by considering the following approach:  Before we take any action we must allow the Holy Spirit to first spiritually prepare our hearts, minds and wills so our actions will be pure, blessed, just and reflect Jesus’ Kingdom heart.

These viagra fast shipping things generally give rise to erectile dysfunction. When a man has the inability to reach an tadalafil buy canada erection, or he may not be able to sustain his erection enough to ejaculate. The rise of online pharmacies has ensured that viagra for sale india people can conveniently purchase prescription drugs and medications from the comforts of your home without anyone disturbing you. Whiplash injuries are the tragic cheap levitra tablet result of front or rear-end collisions. When you consider Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount He doesn’t just address a list of do this and not that. Jesus powerful address compels His disciples to adopt the attitude, and action, of going the second mile. Any Christian would be hard pressed to find Jesus’ words saying, Once you have fulfilled this checklist you don’t have to concern yourself with anything more. When we insist upon addressing any social, moral, political issue, concern, adversity or persecution, in our own will and spirit, we will always get in the way of the Jesus’ Kingdom plans and purposes.

The purpose of this reflection is to address and answer the question, How can we spiritually prepare for the uncomfortable reality of persecution? My conclusion? Every Christian must advocate for a Christ-centered response, and approach, that resists self and embraces the Holy Spirit’s guidance for Jesus’ will and purposes.

Every Christian is called to resist evil and speak boldly by standing strong, in the faith of Jesus’ Word, when we are met with evil and persecution. But to stand strong also means we have first spiritually prepared for the challenging seasons ahead. We cannot assume we will be able to naturally stand, or have the equipping tools, to resist such adversity unless we commit to actions that are designed to honor to Jesus and His glory. This was part of the powerful testimony the early church lived and realized the Lord’s honor is what was at stake in their lives, not their own honor.

While Christians, in our nation, face the unsettling reality of persecution we must spiritually prepare by not looking for other people to do what we are responsible to do for ourselves. Every Christian, of every age, is looking for justice; and while we contemplate what are just and righteous responses, to persecution, let us commit to the spiritual “heavy lifting” of prayer, fasting and holding firm to the truth of God’s Holy Word. These tried and true approaches are the foundational pieces that will prepare us for the days ahead as we address and rebuff any persecution we may encounter.

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

[1] Chambers, O. (1986). My utmost for his highest: Selections for the year. Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering.

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

Evangelism on the Flip Flop

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My son is fond of saying, as he leaves the house, “Catch you on the flip-flop Daddy-O!” I’m not quiet sure where or what the flip-flop is but I know, when I see him next, something new will have happened or is getting ready to happen. So, since I wanted share with you some reflections on evangelism, and community, I thought we may need a “flip-flop” conversation since I know something new is about to happen.

It all started at the beginning of this year when my wife, Jeannette, shared two messages on communion and the importance of the love feast. In both instances these teachings were designed to invite and draw us back to the table of thanksgiving with Jesus and then with one another. Like a frog hopping from one lily pad to another our community of faith, at Maranatha, leapt “back the future” and started repairing, as well as revisiting, some of our broken bridges from our ancient to present faith. The weeks that followed brought us through a series of teachings where we re-examined the value of living in a community, like a little house on the prairie, that shared in a unique nature of  faith, hope and love, in Jesus, and whose expressions were very different than the language or culture of our current age. Did this mean we were out of touch with the people we hoped to reach with the Gospel message? Far from it!  In fact, what we discovered was we were part of exclusive mission, vision and purpose. A plan in which we can be those who carry the sole message of Truth to a people searching for lasting truth in their lives.

For me, and for those who were committed to this journey, it also meant we needed to comprehend our ancient faith was so much older than the 1st Century. As Christians we have given little thought to a term we often say in passing, as if it is understood by everyone, when in reality we seldom preach or teach with such beliefs and conviction. The term? “Judeo-Christian.” Our Christian journey is unique and  exclusive, in part but not limited to, the reality of our  Judeo-Christian roots. And once you reset your Biblical worldview in Hebraic holism then you better understand the words and nature of Jesus, His Great Commission, evangelism every Biblical principle.

And so here is the point: From communion to discipleship the local church is in place to help you discover your gifts, mature in Jesus and go out making disciples in His name. In it’s simplest form this is what is meant when we are to proclaim the Good News (Great Commission). But before we actually have a discussion about evangelism we need to comprehend what is happening in our present, and future, to help us better understand the world around us.

Today’s society lives in a paradox. Actually we all live with some kind of paradox around us everyday. We are encouraged to save but the government spends out of control. We are told to eat and live healthy but the majority of what is offered are unhealthy options. It is said we should develop our “spiritual persona” but the spiritual menu is often endless and with more customizable options than what you would expect to see in a buffet line. And this sums up society. People live secular, Christians included, but everyone is influenced by some type of spirituality. So while people are open to exploring their spiritual nature, and solutions, they are not necessarily open to exploring exclusive answers. So for Christian evangelism to really hit the target, effectively, we need to understand this paradox and begin to work through it.

It is at this point I want to also make you aware of a remarkable parallel today’s church shares with the historic church of the first three centuries. If we were to travel back in time we would find a church living in an array of spiritual alternatives ranging from the mythological to the mysterious and even familiar, for their time, pagan cults. Tucked away in this sea of spirituality was also Judaism and the growing community of people identified at Christians. And despite the early church being considered a cult the Christian faith grew primarily on three natural factors, and this is not to excluded the power of the Holy Spirit.

What were the 3 Natural Factors for Church Explosion and Growth?

#1 The Christian Community was Open: Remove from your mind the way we define open and accepting. In the ancient world an open group had a very different meaning and practice (as you will soon see) and in most instances the ancient world was not as open as some like to think. In fact, most cults were secretive and so heavily regimented by rules they excluded the simple, slaves and women. So, in a sense, spiritual communities of the past behaved and operated like country clubs today. And so while it may have been difficult, if not impossible, for some to find a spiritual place of belonging the Christian community was considered open and welcoming to those who lived life on the outside.

#2 The Christian Community was Open but Exclusive: While other cults and pagans practices were  willing to compromise their beliefs to adapt or include other worldviews, such spiritual “wishy-washiness” only contributed to a world already sinking in uncertainty. Enter Christianity with an exclusive  and certain message that cut right to the heart of the spiritual mosh pit. While it was not widely accepted, at first, for those who believed it must have felt like a welcomed glass of cold water on a hot and desperate day. The exclusive message and reality of Jesus was then, and remains so this day, a reassurance of hope in times of hopelessness.

#3 The Christian Community was a Close Family, Organized and Disciplined Disciples: Of course we will read of debates within the early church community (the Book of Acts) as well as other Ecumenical Councils that discussed the Scriptures and theological challenges. And while their world did not have some of the structures of today they knew how to live in accountability, as a family, and even     shared in needs, risks, dangers and hope. Unlike what most experience when today’s church doesn’t work in cooperation with one another the early Christian community was a true family that met the needs of the Christian family first, and then was able to better meet the needs of the seeking world around them. I wonder what our world would look like if the church really behaved like a genuine family in Christ?

So, borrowing from some of our ancient church roots, and knowing they were able to extend into the world around them, we can only conclude they did so with the paradox also surrounding them. Let’s take a page from the second century church’s rich history. Though hardly strange to them, but perhaps odd to us today, the early church saw themselves as citizens who shared things with others but endured all things as foreigners. They saw their entire world as a mission field and not their place of citizenry. Perhaps this is one subtle reason why evangelism is largely ineffective in America today? Could it be too many Christians have misplaced passports?  Have we become so use to”the world” that it is now our home and we have forgotten our divine residency?

The early church was far more hospitable and looking for opportunities to out do one another in kindness, to the church first, and then their world in need. Furthermore, just like today, the church existed in a very real social world. Of course they did not have Facebook or Twitter but the early church was very willing to invade and create a social paradox by sharing their faith with friends, co-workers and family. The church saw their “social web” as an opportunity to influence people through their world and invite them into the Christian community. Long before large churches and fellowship halls the church met in homes and lived as a community that gathered as well as ate around the table.  As for so many of us, growing up, the table always presented a central opportunity to share and live life.
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Consider portions of Jesus’ earthly ministry and you will discover much of His ministry was done around tables, weddings, feasts and dinners. Why?  Because the table has always been a safe place to engage one another in love, charity and hospitality.  Whether Starbucks knows it or not the church is operating a lot of ministry and evangelism through their doors. Question? What would happen if you opened your home, one night a week, to somebody in your community, for the sole purpose of ministering to them, discipling them and sharing your faith? What might happen in your neighborhood?

But…Back to the Secular / Spiritual Paradox:  We cannot forget the paradox exists and because it is alive it also presents dangerous poisons to the community of faith that work will against us.

Three Enemies to the Christian Community: Individualism, Isolationism & Consumerism.

#1 Individualism has become the father and mother of the selfie generation. You need only know that individualism is alive and well when last year’s “word of the year” was selfie.  Truthfully I have also contributed a few selfies and most likely the majority us have taken atleast one picture while, others are minored in a degree in photography on self. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with taking a picture but the very idea of a world where “selfie” exists sums up the dangers individualism at it’s best (or worst).  Sadly, individualism has also become a firm set piece within the Western church culture because it encourages a community that says proudly: I think what I want, I do what I want, I go where I want and I am responsible to only myself.  Whereas our early church community was about reaching out, hospitality and sacrifice our individualism of today encourages “ME FIRST” over “OTHERS FIRST.”  When we become a “Me First” generation, and church, then it becomes impossible to have a common creed, common language or common culture.

#2 Individualism has Spawned Isolationism. How so? Consider this: If you can earn enough money or control enough of your surroundings then you really do not need anything or anybody else.  We have become a generation that has been encouraged to be ourselves and form our own controllable community while not worrying about the world we are attached to. I once knew a fellow Christian that said, “If I could just wall off the world and live with my family, by myself, that would be ideal.”  Looking at his specific circumstances, his job, earning potential etc… his personal desire was the epitome of individualism that leads to isolationism. Sadly, this same man and his family never joined our community and soon disappeared behind their self-created walls of isolationism.  I thought about my mothers stories of growing up, on Sand Mountain, and while I am certain there were individuals that wanted little to do with other people (called hermits) they missed out on what others enjoyed in the development of the community church, community festivals, weddings, funerals, jobs and the blessing of being with other people.

Let me ask us again to reconsider if we were a genuine community what might we look and behave like?  What if we were not a community of a programs driven church, that operates like an corporation,  but a community within a deeper community that invites people to believe, behave and belong to something bigger than themselves, their money or their personal wants. What if we were a community that actually was changing our world through our language and culture while also helping converts become disciples?

You see this will never be accomplished through what is called linear relationships where we are disconnected and don’t stick. The ancient church, and the church for many generations, lived on what was known as the Parish principle and that resulted in generations, that lived in a neighborhood, where the local church was the focal point of that community and served the church family as well as the city searching for hope. We need to get back to living this concept.

#3 The Final Enemy: Consumerism. As Robbert E. Webber said so wonderfully “Consumerism  encourages your rights over your responsibility.” By its very nature consumerism undermines the community and always keeps us focused on ourselves and not others.

So with our enemies now defined if we want to be effective evangelist of the “good news” then the obvious question is how do we build that ancient community? Again, the secular / sacred paradox comes into play because it has proven that certain approaches no longer work as they once did. For example statistics have proven .5 percent of people come into a church community through crusades. Crusades are wonderful and still have a place in making the broad appeal for Christ. But the crusade can never do what the missional relationship can do best. Looking back to the ancient church, and their approach, they saw their focus was missional. For the early church missional meant the community you lived, and interacted with, was the same community you shared your Christ-like language, culture and beliefs with. Literally the missional Christian verbalized the Gospel message and sought to meet the seeker and connect with them and their journey. Statistically speaking 79% of people who are converted enter into a church community, and discipleship, because of personal contact with a relative or friend.

Our dynamic faith, life-style and witness will speak volumes more than a media blitz, fancy building or flashy style because our life, in Jesus, is one that has been renewed from the inside out. And while the cosmetic changes are great they are just superficial and people today are in search for the real thing! Someone who lives on displayed and is alive, in Jesus, can not be argued away. The Christian witness must either be accepted or rejected; and that is the power behind you as the evangelist and your witness. When you are the display of Christ people have to accept you or reject you just as they will have to do with Jesus.  This becomes a powerful truth that, when done with the right Spirit and filled with the Holy Spirit, invigorates the community of faith and fuels our evangelism from the awkward and stale to the bold and life changing.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA 

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

WILLPOWER

3814841_300There was a time, not too long ago, I would have been considered a gym rat. I was the kind of person that was in the gym six days a week, clean eating, strict work-out regimens and owned a variety of books, magazines, supplements etc…to transform my body. I even developed a routine that allowed me the allotted time so as not to be interrupted…one might even say I was “religious” about it. On the one hand I enjoyed the satisfaction of physical transformation but on other hand I disliked the entire process. For me, it was a love / hate relationship that required a tremendous level of willpower to overcome self and press toward some natural goals.  After a while the pace became too difficult to maintain; and each new goal required more time, more effort and more struggle that, at a certain point, forced me to stop. While I didn’t want to forfeit my physical gains I had outrun my strength to the point where even my own willpower wouldn’t let me continue.

What happened? I don’t remember when it occurred but when I finally recognized it I couldn’t ignore it. What was once a very small lingering back pain had grown into an identifiable discomfort that hindered my sleep, work and just about everything else. Going to the gym was brought to a halt and just standing or walking for any length of time could become painful. The break in my routine became a frustrating decline that finally ended in surrender, of my will, and acknowledgment I needed help beyond what I was able to accomplish.

God has a way of using everyday life to bring us back to spiritual truths that reset our understanding of Jesus. My physical set back was bigger than a question of will and determination; because, in my downtime, I had to reexamine some larger questions of balance, moderation and my will versus His? This was bigger than the gym, or my commitment to physical exercise, in fact my necessity of needing healing was beyond rest and a few stretches. The gym was a small slice of my life in which God was challenging me to consider some deeper questions that, unknowingly, were preparing me for trials that soon awaited.

We all face challenges, set backs, missed expectations and disappointments and while we are certainly living under a sovereign God we also have a hand in the role we play in our response to His plans and purposes. His vision, for you and me, far exceed what we may have dreamed for ourselves and yet, we seem determined to consider alternatives to achieve a happiness and satisfaction that is already in Him.  You see it is not a question of whether God is willing to sanctify us but more of a question of am I willing to let God do in me all that is possible through His atonement?

Are we willing to lay down our will and let the life of Jesus be manifested in our life? My “gym rat” days were representative of a personal desire, of self-will, to transform the outside while still believing everything was safe and secure on the inside. The small back-pain was God’s way of trying to get my attention that something was not right but I was determined to will my way past Him and trust it would all just work out in the end. Well, it all worked out when my doctor shut down my gym days, set me on new routine of treatments and, over time, helped correct the damage I had done to my back.

Self-will, willpower, determination whatever you may want to call it is a wonderful gift God has given humanity. We can either misuse our will, and choice, by glorifying ourselves, or we can submit our will and surrender our choice to glorify Him and discover our true humanity in Him. Christ has always been, and was made, sanctification to those who believe in Him by faith. For those who believe the miracle of atonement is alive in you; and Jesus made all of this possible by offering the free loving gift of Himself on the Cross.
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Our attitude, as those who are sanctified and redeemed, should be of profound humility and holiness. This is why St. Paul encourages the church when he says, “One final word, friends. We ask you—urge is more like it—that you keep on doing what we told you to do to please God, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance. You know the guidelines we laid out for you from the Master Jesus. God wants you to live a pure life.” (1 Thess. 4: 1-3 MSG)

I have been told I can return to the gym and resume certain exercises. However there are other exercise that will forever remain strictly prohibited, that is unless I want to reinjure my back. And as I cautiously return I have also had to reset my expectations and priorities because in my downtime I was forced to develop what was on the inside more than what I wanted to build on the outside.

I was faced with a very small, but painful, life lesson that confronted my will, and willpower, with His will and power. It was a lesson I hope to never repeat and also trust, in some way, encourages you to recheck your priorities, submit your will Him and live fully alive, as well as humble, in His sanctification and atonement.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

WHAT IS THE LOVE OF JESUS?

Blue wall“Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible. They’ve made a full report back to the church here, a message about your love. It’s good work you’re doing, helping these travelers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself! They set out under the banner of the Name, and get no help from unbelievers. So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.“ (3 John 1:5-8)

Recently I read an article written by a bishop within the Episcopalian denomination titled, Christians, You’re Not Victims. The provocative title matched exactly what you may imagine was expressed throughout his commentary. Perhaps some would be surprised to read such opinions within Christian thought? However, when carefully reading the article, one would soon discover the bishop has a very different understanding of love, and more important how the love of Jesus should be expressed today, through a post-Christian worldview.

Try to define love and you will arrive at a myriad of definitions that range from the clinical, to the expected standard displays of affection. When you consider how difficult it can be to define love, from a natural perspective, then it shouldn’t surprise Christians that we may also struggle to define and express love. So, I have a question? Where do we turn to best understand Biblical love and or show the love of Jesus?

To best answer my question I needed to understand the concept, definitions and applications of love are not just limited to the synoptic Gospels in the same way Jesus is not limited solely to the New Testament. In the same way Jesus is revealed throughout the entirety of Scripture also the Father’s love gives us an understandable and complete picture of what love is and is not.  Within the Gospels we read how love manifests itself when He instructs, Do you love Me? Feed My sheep. Did you notice Jesus frames the idea of love not in His sheep, as a starting place, but in Him?

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In many future discussions of who and where to demonstrate love, Christians will engage in, I am reminded of John’s words in his small letter (quoted above). In his correspondence he reminds Christian’s of how, where and with whom love begins. In fact, John even goes as far as to say this type of Biblical love is worthy of God Himself! While we may express the love of God to many in need I would also like to challenge us to consider, How can we love those, who are not His sheep if we cannot love one another within His Holy family? Simply put how can any of us express the love of Jesus with the seeking, searching and lost when we don’t share His love with fellow Christians first? Furthermore what does such a disconnect, between Christians, say about our love for Jesus?

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE “KEY” TO JESUS’ NATURE OF MISSIONS

mission_t_nvDaily I am amazed by the ability of the church to rally people, funds and great efforts toward local and global missions. Initiatives to the Caribbean, Oriental, Africa, South America and throughout the US routinely provide relief to some of the greatest places of need where few rarely consider going.  While I am seldom opposed to missions I have also arrived at a place of continuing maturity where I am more prone to reexamine the “why’s” of our ministry efforts within the context of what Jesus said and did as revealed through the entirety of Scripture.

Most would agree missions were never meant to be another church program, church initiative (like a large NGO) or pet project. And yet most people, today, approach missions from such perspectives. Mostly mission outreaches are understood as “add-on’s” that are partially designed to encourage us in responding to what we should do, and part to make us feel better about who we are. The result of such an approach are limitless missions to infinite areas of need with little lasting change in those places we have visited. While I have no issue with mission trips to Haiti, for example, I am left perplexed with the amount of money, building projects and teams that yearly visit that island country, from churches and ministries across the United States, and yet the island continues to steadily decline with each passing year.

Could it be our nature of missions is different from Jesus’? What if when we think about modern mission movements we may be missing the most important area of need? To properly answer such questions one cannot just look to the life and work of Jesus alone; but one must look at the context of Jesus’ world, teaching and overall Gospel message…which included the commitment to missions. And to properly understand Jesus’ teaching one has to reestablish the ancient bonds, from the fullness of Scripture (both Testaments), and reexamine the nature of missions that Biblically focuses on the true missionary focus…a problem of the spirit.

Too often we first approach missions with the unspoken and perhaps unobserved question that presupposes the solutions to our global and local problems are more efforts and further resources. But clearly money and manpower has never been the answer to Spirit-birthed missions when we consider the life of the Apostles who operated with limited resources and even fewer ministry partners. The real key to the missionary problem is not work, money or people but prayer! Beginning with prayer, the Christian gains spiritual understanding and perspective for our actions. However, I would not want one to assume I am advocating the position that prayer is the only effort we must apply in our response to missions. On the contrary, while prayer is the starting point the Christian must follow God ordained direction with action. It is a careful balance, necessitating direction from the Holy Spirit, that helps us maintain an equilibrium of labors and prayer; but only in prayer, and not labor, can one constantly place our concentration on God.

The “key” to understanding Jesus’ nature of missions is not through common sense, medical solutions or educational drives. The key to understanding the nature of Jesus has always been revealed in and through prayer. Certainly, in prayer, He may instruct us to minister to the needs of any people through medicine, education or in other ways. But we must be careful not to “put the cart before the horse” in thinking any humanitarian effort must be sanctioned by God. The only way such an answer can be arrived at, in any mission initiative, is through prayer.

Naturally, prayer is not practical, it is inconvenient and takes away from the limited time we cherish so greatly.  Yet, in prayer, we arrive at the certainty we have made our appeals to the Lord, inquired of Him, and waited for His direction in all things.  When it comes to the passion we, as Christian’s, have for helping a hurting world we need to avoid looking at our world through our eyes and desires.

In the eyes of Christ there are no nations but the entire world. Oswald Chambers asks the question, “How many of us pray without respect of persons, and with respect to only one Person, Jesus?” Jesus instructed, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest…” Jesus has always owned the harvest and when we are instructed, by Him, to go into the fields of His mission we must bring with us, primarily, the conviction of man’s need to break from their sin and reconnect with Him!

Again, I fully support Christian missions. But what I have observed is more people are engaged in active work while the world remains ripe unto harvest. As Christians we live and share a message of being called Jesus’ own. Throughout the ages, and continuing to this day, this great communication of hope remains far more powerful than any one thing we can give to the needy and helpless. Yes, we are to care for the widows, clothe the orphans, tend to the sick and feed the hungry; but we should never do so at the cost of depriving them of the literal message of the King and the Kingdom that changes lives where there is the greatest of need.
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Jesus reminded His disciples, the poor you will always have with you; but I am only with you a short while. While some may choose to view Jesus’ words and cold and uncaring, within context, Jesus was placing Himself as the central reality for everyone. Time and time again Jesus lived and shared with the rich and poor, suffering and safe because everyone was in need of Him for salvation, healing and reconciliation.

Therefore, when you read Jesus speaking: “He came to Nazareth where he had been reared. As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place. When he stood up to read, he was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written, God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free, to announce, “This is God’s year to act!” He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the place was on him, intent. Then he started in, “You’ve just heard Scripture make history. It came true just now in this place.” (Luke 4:19-21 MSG) His command is not for a greater response to the poverty of Israel but the fulfillment of prophecy that He is the answer for the spiritual breech between man and the Father. The new mission facing Israel continues to face us today. What will we do with Jesus’ words that demand we act upon the reality of who He is as Christ and Lord and how we will share that massage with the world?

Consider one final passage, from which Jesus was drawing from in the Luke’s Gospel. “The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace— a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory. They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They’ll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new. You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields, But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,” honored as ministers of our God. You’ll feast on the bounty of nations, you’ll bask in their glory. Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever.” (Isaiah 61)

Could the key to the nature of Jesus’ view of missions be greater than our local church, our favorite non-profit or place of local charity and need? Could the “key” be Him and a His nature one we will only see revealed through prayer?

It is something to consider as we reexamine missions and what we, as Christians, decide to share with a world in genuine and desperate need.

Grace & Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

Discouragement? Yes…But Fire is in My Bones!

mosesUnderdogs, Cinderella stories and Rudy (from Notre Dame football lore) all share a common thread: discouragement. Perhaps it is a critic, well-meaning friend or just reality but at some point in time we will all face the challenge of discouragement. We don’t like to think about discouraging seasons and are often told not to dwell on them since they only further depress our circumstances; but the fact of the matter is, in life, a series of situations can grow too far beyond us and discouragement will not be too far behind.

As long as I can recall my mom has pushed 100% beyond the breaking point of most people. Physically speaking she stands no taller than 5ft and her heart has never cooperated with the goals she set for herself. Like most women, of her generation, she experienced life through a different paradigm, a distinctive work-ethic and a certain stoicism that would make ancient Greek philosophers proud. This is not to say my mom is cold, indifferent or uncaring; in fact just the opposite is true. She knows how laugh when something is funny, cry when there is a need for grief and reflect when there is room for pause. She has travelled the world, several times over, often with a Bible in one hand, a harpsichord in another and a case of books or music in tow. And everywhere she went she brought the hope of Jesus to the needy, hungry and desperate.

As she has aged her seasons have also matured and transitioned into other giftings, but she has never forfeited her divine purpose for being on this earth: to proclaim Jesus to people. In many ways my mom has lived the life of an underdog and so it shouldn’t be surprising, though it is difficult the see, she now faces another serious challenge. By the beginning of 2014 my mother began to experience a series of weak spells coupled with some lingering health issues from her youth. Over time these “spells” worsened and eventually my mom just gave out. Literally flattened by the circumstances I saw another foe soon visit her, the enemy of discouragement and while my mom may be one of the strongest people I have ever known I saw discouragement was taking its toll on her physically and spiritually.

I recall the story of Moses and how he saw the oppression of his people and knew God had appointed him to be the instrument of deliverance. While a sudden victory would have been impressive, and sent a resounded shockwave through the world’s greatest empire, at the time, God allowed Moses to experience a prolonged season of discouragement. It wouldn’t be through Moses’ court favor, family ties or elite training that God would choose to deliver His people. No, victory would come through forty years of discipleship, while herding sheep in Midian. Perhaps Moses thought he had settled into a quiet life and that past hope of delivering his people would some how just “work out?” But after forty years of learning to be a shepherd God called him out once again and placed a fire in his bones.

Keep cheap viagra overnight in mind following things while buying a drug which is 100% safe, FDA approved and 100% natural also. Some viagra without prescription among the key ingredients used for the preparation of herbal male fertility pills include shilajit, loh bhasma, vang bhasma, mucuna pruriens and asparagus racemosus. As the proverb says, use it buy cheap sildenafil or lose it. The kiss that Priyanka Chopra shares with John, or the skin that she flaunts with other men, in plenty, not without a reason, as if to bare her soul, Priyanka sinks her teeth into this character she get viagra overnight has obviously invested so much in, a character, unlike her What’s Your Rashee’s cardboard cutout imagery, is shaped with perplex moods she has fittingly grasped within her periscope. “We may have the vision of God and a very clear understanding of what God wants, and we start to do the thing; then comes something equivalent to the forty years in the wilderness, as if God had ignored the whole thing, and when we are thoroughly discouraged God comes back and revives the call —‘Oh, who am I!’ We have to learn the first great stride of God—“I AM THAT I AM hath sent thee.” (Chambers)

While discouragement is a part of life’s experiences it should never overtake our world-view of Him. He is still working great and mighty Kingdom exploits through those who patiently wait on Him, learn the cost of discipleship and in their time of trouble call on the Name of the Lord! I know, given some time, my mother will “bounce back” because there is still Kingdom work left in her bones. But what about you? Have you allowed a season of discouragement  to sideline you and try to tell you Cinderella teams never win, underdogs fail and Rudy will never score a touchdown? Perhaps you are in a season of discipleship and training where God is preparing you for enlargement? Or perhaps you have run out ahead of God and fallen into a temporary trap? Either way don’t allow discouragement to rob you of His Kingdom reality and remain close to His Word, and Spirit, because He is always speaking and when He says, I AM is who sends you!…then it is time to press on with the fire of God in your bones!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Motivational

“I AM WHAT I AM THROUGH GOD’S EYES…NOT MY OWN”

in_the_eyes_of_god_by_rainacornasusgirl-d652cziThe other night I was channel surfing and settled on a station where a popular TV preacher was sharing, with his audience, his belief that “God knows who you are and if you are going to sin. And He has already forgiven you. So don’t concern yourself with your sin. God’s love is greater than your personal failure.” Perhaps you have already heard, or read, some versions of this contemporary teaching? As a teacher and pastor I have the luxury of spending my time studying the Bible as well as any variety of teachings and doctrines being advocated today. This was not the first time I have heard some variation of the gospel of “hyper-grace” and universalism, and to be honest there was something about the entire approach that appealed to me.

Who wouldn’t cherish the idea of relegating our personal sin to some corner of “Oh well…God knows therefore…” Such a motto for life would seem to take the pressure, concern and responsibility off one’s shoulders and firmly set them of the broad shoulders of Christ. But then I started to develop an “itch” that I couldn’t quiet satisfy. As much as I wanted to trust this opinion I found myself bothered by the thought of my personal indifference to “my sin”; and this soon created another itch that begged to be scratched, “Is my continual speaking of my own inability and weakness possibly an insult to the Father?”

The certainty of personal sin highlights our need for an eternal redeemer and someone greater than ourselves that bridges the gap for redemption and sanctification. While we may struggle with our fallen nature, the flesh, the continual deploring of our own incompetence is a defamation against God for having overlooked us or created us so weak and feeble that He must do everything for us because we are incapable of even responding to Him. When He calls us to love Him does not require a response from us? And when He commands for us to live according to His holiness are we not asked to reply? To consider God, in His infinite wisdom and omnipotence, created us and then thought so little in His master design that our human condition necessitates our personal berating for failure, provides us with an incomplete and unloving portrayal of the Father. However, if we swing the pendulum so far as to believe God’s love is so big and compassionate He doesn’t care about your sin then such an approach, from us, rejects His holiness.

At the center of this issue is what lies at the heart of many problems we encounter when we discuss matters of human nature, faith and how we relate to a Holy God. Like with most things we tend to view our world around us and not Him. We think life and events revolve around our existence and not according to His centrality within the story of creation. As we mature in His Word, and with the aid of the Holy Spirit, we need to develop the practice of examining our lives as God see’s us, and the human condition as God is aware of its darkness and need for restoration. How do we know how God see’s and understands our struggle? He has revealed His divine character and nature from Genesis through Revelation. So by turning to His own words we discover the Biblical Jesus revealed, and the depth of His words and actions, from before the foundations of creation, can be grasped by even the simplest of children.

Furthermore, we need to reject the natural and spiritual hypocrisy of our incessant need to sound humble before men, and yet be disrespectful to God. Many people live their spiritual walk advocating how humble they are, before others, without considering if their shows and sounds of humility ever reach the heart of Jesus? “Again, the things that sound humble before God may sound the opposite before men.” (Chambers) If Jesus is the center of all things in our life, and we are truly abandoned to Him and His purposes, then we should be less concerned by what sounds humble before men while always remaining genuinely humble before God.

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Today I want to encourage, as well as challenge you, to let everything else go but maintain an intimate relationship with God at all costs. It is through the eyes of how God see’s you, and not how you see yourself, can He fulfill His purposes. But never assume how He see’s you is some type of “exemption” for your need to respond to His holiness as well as His love.

“But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven’t I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn’t amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it. So whether you heard it from me or from those others, it’s all the same: We spoke God’s truth and you entrusted your lives.” (1 Corinthians 15:10 MSG)

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Motivational

THE “GOSPELS” of “JESUS?”

th (1)The more I scan the blogosphere, listen to teachings / sermons and am passed a variety of “you need to read this!” I can’t help but have a growing concern for the wide variety of “gospels” being advocated that carry the seal of approval of “Jesus.” Just the other day somebody shared a Facebook video of a man filming, via his Iphone, a three minute rant that sounded, and looked, something like an old time Baptist preacher mixed with a charismatic hipster. With his hat on backwards and couple of earrings in place he carried on about “His Bible” and “My Jesus” within the context of a current hot-button social issue. By about the first minute I thought, to myself, this was a joke, right? But the joke was on me when I scanned all his fans and friends that supported his opinions in the thousands. I wasn’t really stunned or shocked but disappointed for what I can only conclude is such a dismantling of the Christian faith we are now willing to accepted any gospel that fits our definition of Jesus.

The Iphone preacher, as I call him, is an easy target for much of the confusion and noise coming from the today’s Western Christianity. But one only has to go to Amazon and match today’s top Christian authors, with their respective churches, ministries and doctrines, to wonder how we have arrived at so many different views and opinions on sin, grace, love, forgiveness, Law, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, repentance, etc. I know of several prominent church leaders that teach from St. Paul’s letters while others dismiss them altogether. There are those who advocate James, Peter and Paul were engaged in an ongoing dispute, against one another, in their letters; and others still that have divided the Old and New Testaments in such a neat and precise manner that our Biblical contexts make no sense.  If that was not confusing enough there are an abundance of teachers who promote some version of modern psychology, mixed with the Bible, that passes for “sound doctrine” and yet another branch of teachers that scream a “one-note” message: as if the Bible is only about one thing such as love, grace or sin. Last, but not least, there are those who are convinced the only way to reset our loose moorings is to return to a refreshed Roman Catholicism while others would prefer we go even further back and embrace some version of Rabbinic Judaism.

But that is the problem isn’t it? Today’s Christianity has adopted our own “Jesus” and specific “gospel” because it seems to resonate with a culture that is more interested is spiritual (spirituality) fiction and not fact. The social media and mass marketing, of Church USA, looks, feels and brands just as good Madison Avenue and we, the church, are too easily impressed by our superstars, blog stars, rock stars and millionaire ministers…but not the Biblical Jesus and His Gospel. Could it be few would even accept Jesus and His exact words, in context, if they heard them?

Now here is where you no doubt expect me to advocate “my Jesus” and why I am right and you are wrong?  But I am not taking today’s post down that rabbit trail. Rather I would like to ask one simple question, “Have you ever read and studied what Jesus said about Himself from the Scriptures?” Your immediate response to such a challenge should be, “Of course.” But if that was true then you would have already encountered a Jesus that is very uncomfortable to the generation of His age and your current age / world-view.

Everybody loves the Jesus who kicks against the religious system, corruption or loves the sinner. But we skip the language of the Jesus who called for repentance, from sin, confronted adulterers, liars, gossips, cheats, hypocrites, drunkards and the spiritually blind. We share the stories of the “miracle Jesus” as if they were a myth cut from some scene of Lord of the Rings and even doubt if the blind really saw, thousands were fed, He walked on water, raised the dead or cast our demons. And while we are challenged with the supernatural how do explain the deep theological questions of His identity? Jesus seemed to have little issue claiming to be none other than God Himself. He told His disciples, He quoted Isaiah many times to His doubters and even shared His identity with Rome. If Jesus is who He said He is than how could He possess a contrary nature from the Father (God) as revealed in through the entire Word of God? Logically and Scripturally we can conclude such divisions, of a Triune God, cannot exist (Read the Athanasian Creed); and such support of this belief is further confirmed in ALL the writings of the apostles, John the Baptist (the last of the great prophets) and most early church fathers.

You need only scan the history of the early church to discover any doctrines contrary to such a view of Jesus, as God, was considered heresy and an anathema (two words that have been dropped from our lexicon in favor of tolerance). Here again, just as it was in Jesus’ day, so we experience, today, the counter-cultural message of Jesus as Christ; and such an exclusive declaration runs contrary to today’s comfy preaching, soft Jesus and softer doctrines. Sadly because we have been unwilling to teach the whole Word of God, and hold each other accountable, we have accepted a familiar contemporary standard that has given us a new status quo.

THE NEW STATUS QUO: There was a time, say twenty plus years ago, when denominations, ministers and church associations only allowed like minded people “at the table” to debate theology, and positions of the organization, for the sake of unity and rubber stamping agendas. As the church slipped further from the social and spiritual consciousness of the nation there was a backlash to such practices and the call to allow diverse opinions a seat at the table. As the doors were opened and more chairs pulled up an honest and open discussion helped Christians understand why we believed, behaved and belonged to this faith, and how we can communicate this message to the seeking and searching. For a time this went a long way in reshaping our church traditions and teachings and today Christianity has developed, looks and behaves much different than its past.

But now a new status quo has replaced the old and the once radical firebrands, who were screaming from the outside to be let in, are now the elder statesmen holding the keys to newly, locked doors. Today the suits and ties have been replaced with the skinny jeans and muscle shirts.  Pastors no longer act like fathers but big brothers and just like the “old guard” they too have filled the room with like-minded people. And, once again, there is a new crop of people left screaming on the outside wanting to come in and have a seat at the table. What we hear, from the outside, are terms such as celebration of diversity and invitation to discuss and wrestle with the Scriptures but in reality there are no seats available unless you think, look and act like Agent Smith from the Matrix.
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ONE OF THE SEATLESS,  NAMELESS AND FACELESS MANY. For the record I wear jeans, t-shirts, try to stay fit and have half my head shaved. I’m not part of a major denomination even though I am part of an association of ministers. I have multiple degrees but never wear them on my chest. I’ve written a book but it’s never been published. I have traveled and ministered across the world, several times over, but never been interviewed on my experiences. I drive a car that was totaled and rebuilt because that is all I could afford. I do have a house on a hill, but it can fit in the garage of most houses around me. I do get paid for pastoing, but just enough to classify me as the working poor. This post is not about me but about the thousands like me, and those who have it more challenging than me, that remain seatless, nameless and faceless. The reason I shared a little about me is not to solicit your pity, or to play on your emotions, but to remind you why I, and many others, am okay with or lot in life while other people are offered a seat at the table of discussion.

In an age where there are so many gospels and different Jesus’ there are still those who are willing to live, serve and preach the Biblical Jesus, and His Gospel message, from the whole Word of God. We didn’t all begin our journey this way because at some point we also saw the potential for big money, popularity and social acceptance. But over time we also learned these trappings came at a heavy price. So, we cast our lots with Him (Jesus) and held on through all the roller-coaster ups and downs. Admittedly we haven’t hit the target square in the middle all the time. But increasingly we realized that compromise, in an age of “big tent” Christianity, doesn’t guarantee you a seat at the table or access behind locked doors.

You see we came to a realization we are on this earth for such a short period of time and life is not about what you can “name and claim” but life is about Jesus, as God, and Him crucified to reconcile a fallen world back to Him and Him alone. Yes, the message of the Biblical Jesus is an unpopular reality because it forces everyone to consider the whole Jesus, as God, revealed in all of Scripture. Certainly such a commitment can be a hindrance to developing a large viewing audience, building a massive congregation or landing a plum book deal. But of all the gospels being preached we are the seatless, nameless and faceless advocates that remind the world of Jesus’ suffering, martyrdom and consecration that trumps all superficial doctrines. Everyone I know, with this commitment, will do anything and everything for Jesus but we will never humiliate ourselves to the level of world acceptance, and recognition, that avoids the gift of salvation through Christ alone!

I learned, some time ago, I cannot earn or win anything from God; but I must either receive it as a gift or do without. The greatest blessing is the knowledge that we are destitute! Until we get there everything we do is always measured in our own strength, not His. Jesus will not do anything for us if we think we are self – sufficient.  Like Jesus we have to possess His Kingdom through the door of hardship and when we hunger spiritually, for Him, the Holy Spirit is close by.

There are too many noises and distractions in today’s Christian faith. There are too many gimmicks and smoke and mirrors being passed off as reality. There are too many gospels and too many Jesus’. There are too many preachers and teachers that haven’t obeyed His great commission: “…teaching everything I shared and instructed you.” It really isn’t that hard to know Him and preach all He said; but it is hard to be hated as He was, reviled, mocked and abused. And I guess I can see why some preach “the other Jesus” because after all who would really want to share in the sufferings of the real Jesus?

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Motivational

WASTED ENERGY / SPIRITUAL ENERGY

imagesI was about six years into my ministerial journey and serving in my second church when I was called into the Senior Pastor’s office for a one on one meeting. In the several years that followed, working with this man and serving this ministry, we spent many times chatting, having lunch or passing some funny stories. Of his many gifts he always had an amazing story to tell, he was bigger than life and possessed that special knack that made everybody seem to like him. He was the kind of man who, when entering the room, absorbed all the attention and had a generous nature that was shared without any strings attached. Sounds perfect, right? Well, the longer I served with him I also experienced some of his more “challenging” sides. My pastor’s emotions could swing wildly on a dime. When he was good he was great; but when he was down it was difficult to manage around him. Of course, I didn’t do myself any favors because in my youth, and own arrogance, I was more than willing to lock horns with this bull; and looking back we both wasted a lot of energy. Now I don’t want to give you the impression there were major battles in public; because there were not. But behind closed doors we debated, and even argued, theology, politics and race vigorously. As time has advanced I’ve had the opportunity to revisit those years and come to the conclusion there were far more effective ministry moments than wasted ones; but, there were many lessons to come I would soon have to discover, on my own, that I wish I learned while serving him.

About six years later, when Jeannette and I planted Maranatha, I managed to discover how to waste energies I wasn’t even aware I had. In an attempt to not make the same mistakes I witnessed others make I was convinced I had a “better way” of doing ministry. Through inexperience and pride I managed to stumble through five years of Maranatha ministry with more than my fair share of parishioners willing to trip me, fight with me and drag me through the proverbial mud. All the while I asked, is this what ministry is all about? As I too learned how to sling mud with the best of them. Ugh….

Two years ago ministry forever changed for me, and our entire community, when I decided to stop building a church and start building a family. By concentrating on God, as the center of our teaching, worship and living collectively we all began to grow up! The wasted hours and energy on arguing, competing and trying to keep up with the “Jones’” salted away in favor of those who wanted to mature in Christ and learn how to reach their community with what really mattered…Jesus.

You see when the energy we waste, through fighting, competing, gossip, offense, etc… is energy we use to focus on Jesus, as the center of all things, we began to experience community invigorated with spiritual energy. The result: evangelism, conversion and the road to discipleship. This has proven to be, time and time again, the best expenditure of one’s energy, focus and attention. Though we still have to battle with self and the urge to waste our spiritual energy, on the divisive, if we collectively focus our energy on Jesus, the Cross and the Kingdom we cannot help but experience the radical move of His Holy Spirit in our midst.

Doctors prescribe generic drugs but it is the chemists that promote branded medicines for profit. ordering levitra from canada Acute gastritis is a term covering a cheap viagra broad Spectrum of stinks. After getting informed tadalafil cialis with the points, you can order the medicine from the same site you have advised to visit. Age factor, chronic diseases and smoking are also closely related cheap cialis mastercard to erectile dysfunction in men. Ineffectiveness and hypocrisy, in the church, are often points of criticism today; and that assessment does possess some merit. One reason for the church’s weakness is the wasted energy and lack of teaching, on the Biblical Jesus, in our communities of faith. Without Him, living as the center of His church, the Holy Spirit will never visit our communities and revive us into Him. The “in Him” people of God are the body of Christ universal and that is very different from those who claim to be His but have little intention of knowing Him better, deeper or more intimately. Here too even the “shallow” and those who continue to waste their precious energies have been given the gracious invitation to experience His presence if they will commit to sharing Him without shame or apology; but such a commitment cannot live in the shallows for long because such a journey starts one on the road toward discipleship in Christ alone.

Many years after I left the ministry, I referenced earlier, I went back to that pastor and apologized for my behavior and role in wasting valuable energies. In a wonderful moment of reconciliation we reconnected with the things we most admired in each other. We shared in the celebration of our passion for Jesus and blessed one another as we continued to serve God in our respective callings. Of my many ministry experiences this one remains a powerful testimony of maturity and reunion that set us free to effectively minister to people without hurt, offense or frustration. I hope today’s post will serve to encourage you to stop wasting valuable energy and pursue the development of spiritual energy that will glorify the King and enrich the Kingdom.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

WHAT ARE YOU FIXED ON?

bretonnian_battle_Standard_bearer_golden_demonOne of my favorite British TV series’ features Sean Bean, in a rare good guy role, titled Sharpe’s Rifles. The long mini-series follows the life of Richard Sharpe and his service to England’s imperial drive during the Napoleonic wars. Based on historical events the fictional Sharpe fights with honor, grit and cunning while also representing the lowest class of man in England’s colonial social structure. As the series progresses Sharpe is able to rise in rank, gain honor and eventually lead his own regiment of the Britain’s best and worst. As you may imagine Sharpe’s regiment is only as good as the men who serve his command; and though they all lack the social standing to sit at a dinner table they are more than capable of holding their own in a battle.

Every good expedition, or regiment, needs a compliment of team players and this theme is often visited throughout Sharpe’s journey. In one battle, while Sharpe and his men were fighting overwhelming French numbers, it seemed defeat was immanent. While French victory was certain Sharpe managed to rally his men, restore their courage and snatch triumph from the jaws of defeat. How did Sharpe’s regiment survive the day and capture the French standard? They kept their eyes fixed on their leader.

What or who are you fixed on? In the middle of crises or the depths of great despair where are your eyes fixed? The prophet Isaiah tells us that when our eyes are set on the Father our knowledge of His countenance is gained (Isaiah 53:1). Admittedly we quickly loose our courage when our eyes are not set on Him. The very purpose of a battle standard or war drums was to keep the soldier fixed on the lead. Therefore, as long as the flag was still raised or the drum still beating the soldier knew how to keep his focus and calm. But in “the fog of war” our eyes dart back and forth to the sounds of the enemy, the cries of desperation and the call to retreat; and sadly more people are lost or captured in a retreat then those who are facing their enemy head on.

For the Christian we all face a real enemy, everyday, and if our eyes are set on the standard of Jesus then we can never loose the battle. Certainly, we can become distracted in the fray of any moment and loose critical footing; but the standard of Christ has never fallen, and never will, so take courage and press on. When you feel lost in the battle, surrounded by your enemy or disarmed and unable to fight set your eyes upon Jesus and don’t loose your faith in Him. When, in the crisis, you make your stand for God His Spirit will always reinforce your position and when this happens victory is as certain as Him!

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keep-your-eyes-on-jesusBehold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their master, … so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. (Psalm 123:2)

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE CHRISTIAN MONSTER CREATED BY APATHY, TEMPER & SELFISHNESS (AND THE CURE)

news3-maggyRobert E. Webber was an American theologian who wrote extensively on the relationship between the ancient church and the today’s modern church. In a development called the Convergence Movement Webber hoped to reintroduce Christianity’s ancient creeds, practices, worship, prayer and community into the culture of today’s Western Christianity desperately needing grounding,focus and renewed purpose.  While his topics and theme were both wide and deep, in their scope, a simple but profound truth leapt off the page for me: We live with paradoxes and need to return to the Biblical facts for grounding (more on this later).

Our fellowship, Maranatha Koinonia, began the transition from Western institutional church in search for true Biblical community about one year ago. Throughout the process some families and individuals left, hoping to connect with church that was more recognizable and convenient for societies standard of Christianity and fellowship.  But while some left others joined our fellowship largely due to what a true Biblical community represented and the promise, that if we reconnect to our ancient faith, we will better understand and reach our world. Webber calls today’s world one of a secular / spiritual paradox. On the one hand we have many people in search for spiritual connections and while this pursuit is sincere many are also unwilling to surrender the secular culture that pull them away from spirituality. We all sense this tug of war daily and we wake up with the conflict in our mind, body and spirit. Before we are actually able to devise an effective approach as to how we can conquer the paradox we must recognize victory will only ever be achieved if we get the “facts” correct from the beginning.

What “facts” am I referring to?  Remarkably if you ask a person about what Jesus actually said, or did, you will soon discover a myriad of one-liners, common grace works and a personal theology that casts Jesus from a mere moral mortal to a demi-god or to God in flesh. It isn’t very surprising in an age of secular / spiritual paradoxes that even Jesus can be, or is, anything but what He actually said of Himself; and this draws us back to the necessity of needing to know the facts. You see to actually know what Jesus said and why He did what He did requires the reader to look beyond the paradox and comprehend the “facts”, of Jesus, as revealed though an entire narrative from Genesis to Revelation. Such an approach, often referred to as Biblical Hebraic holism, capture not only the earthly ministry of Jesus but places His life within the context of prophecy, divinity and deity. This is why the facts can’t be glossed over or flatly ignored; because to do so creates a “Christian monster” that is far from Christian and every bit a dangerous monster.

What has contributed to the “Christian Monster?” You may be surprised to discover Webber’s paradox is not an invention of Modernity or Post-Modernity. In fact the paradox has always been with us; but until recently this paradox was held in check by disciplined discipleship and commitment to a Christianity that represented an entire Word of God (the Bible) world-view.  Webber cites, in his book Ancient – Future Evangelism a gathering of 450 churches, across multiple denominations and nations, which gathered to address the growing concern of the church’s place in society. Specifically this conference met to discuss the challenges of evangelism and discipleship and concluded, “The church is a mile wide but only one inch deep.” In 1999, when this conference was held, the crises was looming; and now living in 2014 the crises is a monster which has created a Christian faith that resembles very little from the ancient faith of the Patriarchs, Moses, the prophets, Jesus or the Apostles. I have uncovered at least three contributors to this monster and I would like to address them while also suggesting a cure.

1. APATHY:  lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern (IE: widespread apathy among students). The very word makes us all cringe. We know it when we see it, we feel it when we are there and like a filthy weed we know it will rob life out of anything healthy. Apathy remains one of the significant poisons that has sapped the rich, vibrant faith of Christianity and replaced it with a yard that, from afar, looks green; but upon closer examination is little more than a large weed patch. Apathy is a great robber of all people and when apathy infects the Christian community of faith it always damages people’s belief in the integrity of God, His Word and His promises.

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3. “CARES OF THE WORLD” The last ingredient to the Christian monster is the one that feeds the here and now without ever considering the eternal. Too often we settle for quick, pat answers that have been formed in the shallowest pools of spiritual and intellectual thought. We have become the generation of one-liners and pass them along via Twitter and Facebook without really comprehending what they mean, relay or represent. Today we are inundated with a multitude of Christian writers that are passing little more than spiritual baby food that feeds the apathetic, temper-tantrum prone Christian monster. As we are called to mature in Him (Discipleship) anything that distracts us from Him (Jesus), and produces the wrong kind of attention back to us, needs to be starved.  St. Augustine prayed, ‘O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself.’

THE ANSWER: If we are called to live, move and have our being in Him (the Father) then we need the discernment of the Holy Spirit to help us see our world is trapped in the secular / spiritual paradox; and we must allow His discernment to turn our apathy, temper and selfishness into passion, calm and selflessness. When we really live according to Biblical holism then we will be able to see our world for what it is and what it is not. Only then can we effectively administer the only cure for the seeking, hurting and searching…the true Biblical Jesus in His own words from the beginning to the last amen. This is, and always has been, the only cure for the misguided person.

While I am convinced sick people can become addicted to living unhealthy, most people desire to be healthy. We want happy marriages, connected families, blessed children and most of all the reassurance of being safe. Safety, happiness, joy and community have always been in Him (Jesus) and the additives of “self” have done more harm to our bodies, and spiritual development, than good. To know Jesus is more than an intellectual ascent or a comforting warm and fuzzy. To really know Him is to know His Word and to know His Word is a life long pursuit of discipleship. Yes, it is hard work and the monstrous us will have to die in the process but the reward is, in this life and the age to come, Jesus the joy of man’s desire!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA