There are times that a Christian is called to make the sacrifice mentioned in John 15:13, that of literally dying to save one's friends. There is no greater act of love that we as humans can do.
At this time of year we should remember our dear soldiers, police and firefighters. They daily place their lives on the line for us and some do indeed give that ultimate gift to us to keep us safe and free. And there are many more people who silently protect us than we will ever know but remain in the shadows to protect their identities. Thank you and GOD Bless you all.
I also want to call attention to another group of people. They lay down their ambitions, their dreams, their hopes to serve another. They help in the background not seeking praise or glory. These caregivers take care of their charges without complaint and with minuscule or no earthly recompense. They come in many shapes. The parents who won't give up on their children with cognitive or physical challenges. The son or daughter who cares for their parent with Alzheimer's. The friend who comes along side to help when there is no one else. There is usually little respite. Government assistance shrink daily. In some cases they are not even appreciated by the ones they aid. Yet still they take the task up gladly. All because of love.
Sacrificial love comes in many shapes and sizes. But there is always a cost. It may be time that could have spent in "fun" or very real physical and mental strain. For those who labor in this manner, may I say GOD Bless you as well. Remember this. Your deeds are not unknown. The LORD who sees all, rewards us for each good act we do even those that no one else will ever see.
Merry Christmas to all of you. Be safe and remember the reason for the season.
For to us a child is born... (Isaiah 9:6)
...and you are to give HIM the name Jesus, because HE will save HIS people from their sins.(Matt 1:21)
Oh and while you are with family, remember whose birthday it is we are celebrating and extend each other a bit of grace, patience and peace. It makes the day go smoother and brings a smile to HIS face.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Jehovah-nissi
Jehovah-nissi means the LORD who is my Banner.
The story behind the name comes just after the Exodus. A people called the Amalekites made the very bad mistake of attacking the children of Israel at a place called Rephidim(Exodus 17:8). Joshua led the people into battle while Moses went up the hill. There he raised the staff, a symbol of GOD's authority and power in the air. As long as he held this staff in the air the Israelites would continue to win. But when his arms grew tired they would be pushed back. Finally, his brother and Hur helped Moses to hold the staff steady till sunset. Thus the Israelites triumphed.
Some of you may wonder about the present day significance of this.
Consider this...
Jesus was lifted up for us. HE is our banner and from whom we get our strength and authority on this earth. It is by the power of HIS Holy Spirit that we are empowered to the acts of GOD that HE has prepared beforehand for us.When we look up to him and raise HIM as LORD over our lives we can go forth as the victors that HIS shed blood made us.
...in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.(Rom 8:37)
Are you in a battle today? Then look up to HE who is your Banner, Jesus. Raise HIS banner high and live victoriously.
The story behind the name comes just after the Exodus. A people called the Amalekites made the very bad mistake of attacking the children of Israel at a place called Rephidim(Exodus 17:8). Joshua led the people into battle while Moses went up the hill. There he raised the staff, a symbol of GOD's authority and power in the air. As long as he held this staff in the air the Israelites would continue to win. But when his arms grew tired they would be pushed back. Finally, his brother and Hur helped Moses to hold the staff steady till sunset. Thus the Israelites triumphed.
Some of you may wonder about the present day significance of this.
Consider this...
Jesus was lifted up for us. HE is our banner and from whom we get our strength and authority on this earth. It is by the power of HIS Holy Spirit that we are empowered to the acts of GOD that HE has prepared beforehand for us.When we look up to him and raise HIM as LORD over our lives we can go forth as the victors that HIS shed blood made us.
...in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.(Rom 8:37)
Are you in a battle today? Then look up to HE who is your Banner, Jesus. Raise HIS banner high and live victoriously.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
"Old Testament GOD"
I have run into this expression a lot in my life. "He went all Old Testament on X...", or "He's more like the GOD of the Old Testament..." Let's think about this now...
They are one and the same GOD.
HE was just as loving, good, righteous and holy then as HE is now.
Even as HE ejected Adam and Eve from Eden, GOD hinted that HE had a plan for their redemption.(Genesis 3:15) A plan HE had conceived of before they had even sinned. A plan that included HIS beloved SON going to the cross. Seems to me that the love we sing about was there from before the beginning...hmm?
What people get uncomfortable about is how quick GOD acted on sin in the Old Testament.
But even there... let's look at David.
He conspired to murder one of his most faithful men and sleep with that man's wife.(2 Sam 11) Nathan confronted David with his guilt. David confessed his sin and ...was forgiven?(2 Sam 13)
But wait the Old Testament GOD did this?
Yes. HE forgave David. Just like us when we confess our sins in the New Testament era.
Boys and Girls, just because you aren't zapped from on high in the New Testament era immediately when you sin does not mean there are not consequences. They may not be as flashy as the fall of Jericho but they are just as devastating to our faith journeys.
Sin always causes death. (Romans 6:23) Perhaps not literal death(though that too can be a consequence) but death of relationships, opportunities, and our utility to GOD. Moreover it damages a Christian's joy.
Let me hammer this into our heads. The GOD of all creation is unchanging. HE can not tolerate sin because of HIS holiness. There is always a cost when we sin.
GOD's character did not change between Testaments. What has changed is our ability to see more of HIS salvation plan.
To those who think that JESUS will act any different than the FATHER did let me show you a peek from Revelations...
It is JESUS who opens the seals on the scroll for the final judgments on mankind and sin.(Rev 6) And anyone who is not written in the LAMB's Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire.(Rev 20:11-15)
GOD is always willing to forgive but HE always judges sin. Always. HE is a loving GOD but HE is also our Judge and our King. Forget this at your peril.
They are one and the same GOD.
HE was just as loving, good, righteous and holy then as HE is now.
Even as HE ejected Adam and Eve from Eden, GOD hinted that HE had a plan for their redemption.(Genesis 3:15) A plan HE had conceived of before they had even sinned. A plan that included HIS beloved SON going to the cross. Seems to me that the love we sing about was there from before the beginning...hmm?
What people get uncomfortable about is how quick GOD acted on sin in the Old Testament.
But even there... let's look at David.
He conspired to murder one of his most faithful men and sleep with that man's wife.(2 Sam 11) Nathan confronted David with his guilt. David confessed his sin and ...was forgiven?(2 Sam 13)
But wait the Old Testament GOD did this?
Yes. HE forgave David. Just like us when we confess our sins in the New Testament era.
Boys and Girls, just because you aren't zapped from on high in the New Testament era immediately when you sin does not mean there are not consequences. They may not be as flashy as the fall of Jericho but they are just as devastating to our faith journeys.
Sin always causes death. (Romans 6:23) Perhaps not literal death(though that too can be a consequence) but death of relationships, opportunities, and our utility to GOD. Moreover it damages a Christian's joy.
Let me hammer this into our heads. The GOD of all creation is unchanging. HE can not tolerate sin because of HIS holiness. There is always a cost when we sin.
GOD's character did not change between Testaments. What has changed is our ability to see more of HIS salvation plan.
To those who think that JESUS will act any different than the FATHER did let me show you a peek from Revelations...
It is JESUS who opens the seals on the scroll for the final judgments on mankind and sin.(Rev 6) And anyone who is not written in the LAMB's Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire.(Rev 20:11-15)
GOD is always willing to forgive but HE always judges sin. Always. HE is a loving GOD but HE is also our Judge and our King. Forget this at your peril.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Birthday
I just celebrated another birthday yesterday and that blessing has prompted some thoughts. Before I was born, my parents were told that I should not be brought to term. When I was born my parents were told that I would not live to adulthood. As I grew I was told that I would lose the ability to walk long before now.
Because of GOD's grace I am thirty-seven years old. I walk with a cane but I still walk. I have my days of considerable pain but even there HIS grace provides. I have been blessed with doctors who didn't limit their sight to the muscular dystrophy but were challenged to help me live a normal life no matter what. I have been watched over by friends who knew my limits and didn't walk away. They drew nearer and shared in my struggles, indeed helping me bear my burdens.
I also have a family who walks daily with me, lifting me up in prayer and loving me where I am at. GOD knew exactly what HE was doing when HE placed me with this family. They care, hold me accountable, and encourage.
Ultimately I have GOD HIMSELF who stands with me and carries me when I can't carry myself. HIS promises help me hold it together when it hurts too much to think let alone move.
Some may ask why GOD has not taken the disease away. It is fruitless to ask such questions. HE is the I AM. His wisdom trumps mine every time. I do know that HE comes alongside in every circumstance. As Paul was told when asking about his thorn, the LORD's grace is sufficent.
Lest you think I'm over the top, I too have my days of asking why. I'm right there in line for a new body as we are promised and I too ask how long till Jesus comes.(And pretty please could HE hurry up)
I am who I am because of the grace of GOD. I am still here because of HIS mercy. And I have eternity because of HIS love.
I shouldn't be here according to man but by GOD's incredible and awesome power, I Stand.
All glory, majesty, honor and power to our Father who sits on the throne, Jesus the Lamb who was Slain, and the Spirit who makes us one. Thank you again my GOD for another year of life.
--- Freedom's Scribe
Because of GOD's grace I am thirty-seven years old. I walk with a cane but I still walk. I have my days of considerable pain but even there HIS grace provides. I have been blessed with doctors who didn't limit their sight to the muscular dystrophy but were challenged to help me live a normal life no matter what. I have been watched over by friends who knew my limits and didn't walk away. They drew nearer and shared in my struggles, indeed helping me bear my burdens.
I also have a family who walks daily with me, lifting me up in prayer and loving me where I am at. GOD knew exactly what HE was doing when HE placed me with this family. They care, hold me accountable, and encourage.
Ultimately I have GOD HIMSELF who stands with me and carries me when I can't carry myself. HIS promises help me hold it together when it hurts too much to think let alone move.
Some may ask why GOD has not taken the disease away. It is fruitless to ask such questions. HE is the I AM. His wisdom trumps mine every time. I do know that HE comes alongside in every circumstance. As Paul was told when asking about his thorn, the LORD's grace is sufficent.
Lest you think I'm over the top, I too have my days of asking why. I'm right there in line for a new body as we are promised and I too ask how long till Jesus comes.(And pretty please could HE hurry up)
I am who I am because of the grace of GOD. I am still here because of HIS mercy. And I have eternity because of HIS love.
I shouldn't be here according to man but by GOD's incredible and awesome power, I Stand.
All glory, majesty, honor and power to our Father who sits on the throne, Jesus the Lamb who was Slain, and the Spirit who makes us one. Thank you again my GOD for another year of life.
--- Freedom's Scribe
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
All are welcome
Our GOD is one who draws all to HIMSELF. HE died that all may be adopted into HIS family.
Thus it is sad when we hear figures about how segregated our churches are. I heard in one sermon that there are areas in this country where there are schools with more diversity in their students than the churches in the very same areas.
Brothers and Sisters this must not be.
I assure you that when we all get to heaven the criteria will not be on the basis of ethnicity. We are welcomed on the basis of Jesus' blood and that alone. There are no color lines in Paradise.
Let me leave with a pair of verses, one from the Old Testament and one from the New.
...for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7)
And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were slain, and with your blood purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. (Rev 5:9)
Thus it is sad when we hear figures about how segregated our churches are. I heard in one sermon that there are areas in this country where there are schools with more diversity in their students than the churches in the very same areas.
Brothers and Sisters this must not be.
I assure you that when we all get to heaven the criteria will not be on the basis of ethnicity. We are welcomed on the basis of Jesus' blood and that alone. There are no color lines in Paradise.
Let me leave with a pair of verses, one from the Old Testament and one from the New.
...for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7)
And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were slain, and with your blood purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. (Rev 5:9)
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The Florida situation
I have been pleased for the most part of the Sanford, Florida community's handling of the tragedy in their midst. There have been prayer rallies and marches but blessedly no violence that I know of. This is how a true quest for justice is approached.
I also sadly heard of bounties being placed upon the accused. A worthless and divisive effort, I have been glad that they have come to naught. GOD has provided us with authorities to handle the sword and it was their task to bring in this man. In the proper manner and at the proper time.
I look now to our justice apparatus and our legislature. Though not perfect, we do have one of the better criminal justice systems on the planet. We the people should pray that GOD give them wisdom for this trial as well as discernment. And we should be ready for ANY verdict. True justice may not come on this earth. And as far as the law which this case is testing, our representatives need to take a hard look at it.
Continued prayer over this situation is what is needed. For the deceased's family, for the accused, for those in authority and those who must sit in judgment. So please pray for these people. And please continue to be men and women of peace.
I also sadly heard of bounties being placed upon the accused. A worthless and divisive effort, I have been glad that they have come to naught. GOD has provided us with authorities to handle the sword and it was their task to bring in this man. In the proper manner and at the proper time.
I look now to our justice apparatus and our legislature. Though not perfect, we do have one of the better criminal justice systems on the planet. We the people should pray that GOD give them wisdom for this trial as well as discernment. And we should be ready for ANY verdict. True justice may not come on this earth. And as far as the law which this case is testing, our representatives need to take a hard look at it.
Continued prayer over this situation is what is needed. For the deceased's family, for the accused, for those in authority and those who must sit in judgment. So please pray for these people. And please continue to be men and women of peace.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Shell vs Substance
In my last post I spoke of an incredibly gifted young man with a amazing voice. But that isn't the whole story.
This young man and his good friend stepped out on to the stage in Britain's Got Talent and received a less than stellar welcome. The young man struggles with weight and tends to be shy. He is not a looker and thus did not immediately draw any eyes.
Till he opened his mouth. Then the audience saw a measure of who he really was beneath the shell. The young man and his partner received a standing ovation from everyone including the judges.
Brothers and Sisters, these skins of ours, these shells are our outer appearance and nothing more. They do not dictate the person inside or the gifts that the GOD of all creation bestowed upon us.
Let me drill home the point and make it clear.
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
This passage was spoken by Isaiah(Isa 53:2-3, NIV) in regards to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. That ought to give you a clue about how GOD feels about shells.
Ask GOD to show you people the way HE sees them. You will discover wonders unseen to the naked eye.
This young man and his good friend stepped out on to the stage in Britain's Got Talent and received a less than stellar welcome. The young man struggles with weight and tends to be shy. He is not a looker and thus did not immediately draw any eyes.
Till he opened his mouth. Then the audience saw a measure of who he really was beneath the shell. The young man and his partner received a standing ovation from everyone including the judges.
Brothers and Sisters, these skins of ours, these shells are our outer appearance and nothing more. They do not dictate the person inside or the gifts that the GOD of all creation bestowed upon us.
Let me drill home the point and make it clear.
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
This passage was spoken by Isaiah(Isa 53:2-3, NIV) in regards to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. That ought to give you a clue about how GOD feels about shells.
Ask GOD to show you people the way HE sees them. You will discover wonders unseen to the naked eye.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Brother's Keeper
Am I my brother's keeper? The famous question asked by Cain. To a sad extent it exists today in our very self-centered societies. We are very me oriented people.
GOD would not have it so. We were built for community and to act as a community. To protect each other and build each other up. We are all living stones in the great temple of our GOD and thus we are to support each other in HIS purposes for each other's lives.
GOD made this abundantly clear in HIS greatest commandment to us. Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.
I was blessed yesterday to hear a young man on a British Talent Show. His voice was magnificent and he received a standing ovation. But he in the blurb before the performance let the audience know something. Without his partner's encouragement he would not have the courage to be there.
Now think on that for a second. How many gifts of GOD wait to be revealed because some shy individual waits for an encourager who has not yet stepped to the plate.
We ARE are brother's keepers, ladies and gentlemen. We are here to lift up are fellows so they in turn have the strength to lift up others. And as we make these stands of grace, our names may not be noted but GOD who sees all, blesses us for acting like HIS Son. For Christ lifted us all up to where we could never reach on our own.
May GOD Bless you.
GOD would not have it so. We were built for community and to act as a community. To protect each other and build each other up. We are all living stones in the great temple of our GOD and thus we are to support each other in HIS purposes for each other's lives.
GOD made this abundantly clear in HIS greatest commandment to us. Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.
I was blessed yesterday to hear a young man on a British Talent Show. His voice was magnificent and he received a standing ovation. But he in the blurb before the performance let the audience know something. Without his partner's encouragement he would not have the courage to be there.
Now think on that for a second. How many gifts of GOD wait to be revealed because some shy individual waits for an encourager who has not yet stepped to the plate.
We ARE are brother's keepers, ladies and gentlemen. We are here to lift up are fellows so they in turn have the strength to lift up others. And as we make these stands of grace, our names may not be noted but GOD who sees all, blesses us for acting like HIS Son. For Christ lifted us all up to where we could never reach on our own.
May GOD Bless you.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Living for Jesus
Many of you have seen The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. There is that one scene towards the end where Peter is talking with his centaur General. The Witch's forces are approaching and they far outnumber the Narnians. Peter asks the general if he is with him and the centaur says to the death. Then Peter cries out that wonderful phrase. "For Narnia and for Aslan!"
For those who've read the whole series there is no question who the Narnians are really going into battle for. That's why it stirs our hearts as the heroes charge. It is indeed glorious to fight unto death for our King. But Jesus also asks that we live for HIM.
Not so easy anymore.
That requires a daily struggle to submit. The tasks are often mundane and the people involved rude and obnoxious. Where's the glory in that?
The answer is in every GOD honoring deed we do, there is glory. When we serve as our King served, we ensure that HE gets the praise.
It should be no surprise that we as Christians are watched like hawks. There are always those seeking to criticize. But when we humble ourselves to the task and take up our Cross daily in a loving manner, it too is noticed. We may not hear the praises on this side of the Veil. But ultimately every person's deeds will be exposed and the acts that glorify GOD will shine like the stars.
Setting the table, changing a diaper, teaching a class, or feeding the hungry may not seem particularly heroic but in the end these simple acts can change lives. Remember that the gift of even a cup of water is notable to our LORD.
For those who've read the whole series there is no question who the Narnians are really going into battle for. That's why it stirs our hearts as the heroes charge. It is indeed glorious to fight unto death for our King. But Jesus also asks that we live for HIM.
Not so easy anymore.
That requires a daily struggle to submit. The tasks are often mundane and the people involved rude and obnoxious. Where's the glory in that?
The answer is in every GOD honoring deed we do, there is glory. When we serve as our King served, we ensure that HE gets the praise.
It should be no surprise that we as Christians are watched like hawks. There are always those seeking to criticize. But when we humble ourselves to the task and take up our Cross daily in a loving manner, it too is noticed. We may not hear the praises on this side of the Veil. But ultimately every person's deeds will be exposed and the acts that glorify GOD will shine like the stars.
Setting the table, changing a diaper, teaching a class, or feeding the hungry may not seem particularly heroic but in the end these simple acts can change lives. Remember that the gift of even a cup of water is notable to our LORD.
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