I was shopping in Walmart before Christmas when I observed an elderly lady trying to check out in the electronics department. She was a small woman, thin and very plainly dressed. She had a small hat, one of those round ones you might have seen women wearing in the 1950s. She had written a check for her items. The clerk looked at it; trying to remember what to do with a check. Finally, the clerk ran it through the cash register (I don't even know if that's what they are called any more. Does anyone actually use cash?)
The clerk asked the lady to approve the amount. The old woman just stared at her. She didn't understand. The clerk told the woman to press the screen on her side of the counter. The woman didn't know what to do. The clerk walked around the counter and showed her what to push. The lady did so. Then, the clerk asked her to sign it. Again, the lady didn't know what to do. And again, the clerk walked around the counter and showed her how to sign the electronic pad. The woman retrieved her bagged purchase with her receipt and shuffled toward the front of the store.
I thought, "The world has changed so much for this dear lady in her lifetime that she is like an alien who must make visits to it but is never really a part of this world."
No doubt, she does very fine in her own home. She probably doesn't know why her tv doesn't work since things went digital. She has no idea what the internet is. She reads books, believes everything written in the paper and makes weekly trips to the grocery store. Her joy is found in working in her yard and the infrequent visits made by her children who are grandparents themselves. She goes to her Sunday School class and worship at her church but has an increasingly hard time understanding the sermons. The preacher talks of "youtube, facebook, email, websites and twitter." She has no idea what he is talking about.
When will our world change like hers has? Will we be aliens in our own country? I think it has already happened in spiritual things.
Our technology has grown at an alarming rate while growing churches have worked diligently to increase the number in attendance. The church has struggled to stay in the technology race. It has worked hard to get the attention of a people who are more fascinated with "reality shows" than reality. Honestly, the church is losing.
Right is becoming wrong and wrong is becoming right in our society. Righteousness has no meaning to the average church attender. God is something that happens on some Sundays. Any other athletic or entertainment activity can take His place on any given Sunday.
Marriage is an optional arrangement for raising children. Dependence on the government, union or employer has replaced a dependence upon God. People have become devoted to their political party in place of their church. Parents abdicate their role while children are dictating the direction of the family. Morality is governed by whether or not people will get caught. Sins have become addictions in which we must be cured rather than convicted.
Frankly, I sometimes feel like this elderly lady in Walmart. My world has changed so much that I am an alien.
My only hope has remain steady, however. It is in Jesus Christ. It is in a Holy Spirit revival. It is in a visit by God in these difficult times.
God will let us go our own direction. I pray that we will awaken and come home to Him.
Romans 1:28 (NIV)
28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
How I Forget God in a Nutshell
We are all busy. In fact, we many of us have lost what is truly important because we have become so busy. Our own busyness has caused us to waste time.
Each day I have a lot to do. I have found that I get more done by making a to do list than if I don't. I can easily write these things down and check them off one by one. That's fine until something happens that I must do which is not on my list. My to do list becomes worthless and I am frustrated with how little I got done during the day.
So, I look at my list and see what I can get knocked out early in the morning before anyone's crisis can ruin my to do list. No one notices if I have had my time alone with God so I promise that I will do it the moment I knock out a couple of things which are major priorities. That means the God is not at the top but somewhere around three or four by this time.
Before I can get those two or three things done, a crisis strikes. I go to work on it. My time with God gets pushed to just before I fall asleep. It becomes something I just need to check off my list. This time is no longer vital to the way I live.
After a few days of crises, I quit making a to do list. I just work on the crisis left over from yesterday. After all, that is what they pay me for. To my knowledge, no pastor has ever been fired for a lack of a time alone with God. Most church members wouldn't think he was busy if they caught him having such a time. They are mostly concerned with ministering to the sick, the grieving and those who gripe a lot.
Those who really appreciate the spiritual growth of their pastor are generally silent as they see his life and messages get more and more shallow. They don't to criticize and they give extra grace to their pastor. They are like angels to him. However, they aren't helping either. He needs someone to ask about his own spiritual growth. He needs to be reminded that he is forgetting his God.
So, that's how I do it. I get busy and forget God because I don't see the penalty for ignoring Him while I see great penalties for ignoring those who bring in their crises.
Am I alone in this or does everyone have to diligently protect their time alone with God?
Deuteronomy 8:11 (NIV)
11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.
Each day I have a lot to do. I have found that I get more done by making a to do list than if I don't. I can easily write these things down and check them off one by one. That's fine until something happens that I must do which is not on my list. My to do list becomes worthless and I am frustrated with how little I got done during the day.
So, I look at my list and see what I can get knocked out early in the morning before anyone's crisis can ruin my to do list. No one notices if I have had my time alone with God so I promise that I will do it the moment I knock out a couple of things which are major priorities. That means the God is not at the top but somewhere around three or four by this time.
Before I can get those two or three things done, a crisis strikes. I go to work on it. My time with God gets pushed to just before I fall asleep. It becomes something I just need to check off my list. This time is no longer vital to the way I live.
After a few days of crises, I quit making a to do list. I just work on the crisis left over from yesterday. After all, that is what they pay me for. To my knowledge, no pastor has ever been fired for a lack of a time alone with God. Most church members wouldn't think he was busy if they caught him having such a time. They are mostly concerned with ministering to the sick, the grieving and those who gripe a lot.
Those who really appreciate the spiritual growth of their pastor are generally silent as they see his life and messages get more and more shallow. They don't to criticize and they give extra grace to their pastor. They are like angels to him. However, they aren't helping either. He needs someone to ask about his own spiritual growth. He needs to be reminded that he is forgetting his God.
So, that's how I do it. I get busy and forget God because I don't see the penalty for ignoring Him while I see great penalties for ignoring those who bring in their crises.
Am I alone in this or does everyone have to diligently protect their time alone with God?
Deuteronomy 8:11 (NIV)
11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Why Do People Refuse to Forgive?
If you have read my blog you know that I believe that forgiveness is a gift. No one ever earns forgiveness and everyone needs it. The payment for forgiveness is the blood of Jesus. It is sufficient for all forgiveness. Nothing else ever needs to be paid. Jesus gave His life for us to be forgiven.
But what about the forgiveness I need to give others? What is the payment for their wrongdoing against me? All forgiveness must be a gift. My forgiveness of others is still based upon the blood of Jesus. Forgiveness is not a matter of my forgetting what has been done to me. Forgiveness is something I know I have and, therefore, can give to others.
The reason people can't or won't forgive is because they do not realize their own forgiveness. They may have said that they have trusted in Christ for salvation, been baptized and a member of a church yet do not realize their own forgiveness. Forgiveness is given as a gift but it is received by faith. The faith of salvation will make you realize your forgiveness.
Luke (Chapter 7) tells the story of a woman who washes Jesus feet with her tears, dries they with hair, kisses His feet and pours perfume on them. Jesus says that those who have been forgiven much will love much. He tells her that her faith has saved her. It should not amaze us that Jesus has connected her forgiveness with her faith. Her faith accepted His forgiveness. The realization of that forgiveness caused her to love Him intensely.
Matthew records Jesus saying that those who deny forgiveness will not be forgiven. This is an added act of securing our salvation if we assume that salvation is merely agreeing that Christ is the Messiah. But our faith encompasses more than that. It is accepting our forgiveness by faith. We understand that Jesus death paid for our sins. We understand that we are forgiven. We forgive because it has been given to us by faith. We can't forgive if we do not realize our own forgiveness. In fact, our tendency will be that of Satan. We will stand before others and the Lord accusing them night and day. (Revelation 12:10) Satan has not received forgiveness so he has none to give others.
There is no extra step of salvation. Faith in Christ means we realize that He has paid for our sins. We give forgiveness because it has been given to us. We have no faith if we don't forgive because we have not realized our own forgiveness.
How do you forgive? You forgive on the basis of being forgiven yourself. You realize that Jesus paid for your sins and that means that He has paid for any sins that have been committed against you too. Therefore, you cannot be a Christian and deny forgiveness.
Yet, Satan will stand before you accusing you of past sins that are already forgiven. You will feel guilty once again if you listen to him. You must accept your forgiveness by faith. He will stand before you to remind you of the sins committed against you. You must forgive again by faith.
Many people think that they can forgive someone once and be done with it. I have found that I have forgiven some people many times. Our faith is not static. It requires that we continually practice it.
When someone asks you when you gave your heart to the Lord answer correctly: This morning. It does not mean that your salvation has ended and started again. It means that it is always in motion. The same answer could apply to anyone who has sinned against you. When did you forgive: This morning. I do it again by faith because I realized again I am forgiven.
So, know you are forgiven and forgive others. Its amazing how much love will come out of that.
Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
But what about the forgiveness I need to give others? What is the payment for their wrongdoing against me? All forgiveness must be a gift. My forgiveness of others is still based upon the blood of Jesus. Forgiveness is not a matter of my forgetting what has been done to me. Forgiveness is something I know I have and, therefore, can give to others.
The reason people can't or won't forgive is because they do not realize their own forgiveness. They may have said that they have trusted in Christ for salvation, been baptized and a member of a church yet do not realize their own forgiveness. Forgiveness is given as a gift but it is received by faith. The faith of salvation will make you realize your forgiveness.
Luke (Chapter 7) tells the story of a woman who washes Jesus feet with her tears, dries they with hair, kisses His feet and pours perfume on them. Jesus says that those who have been forgiven much will love much. He tells her that her faith has saved her. It should not amaze us that Jesus has connected her forgiveness with her faith. Her faith accepted His forgiveness. The realization of that forgiveness caused her to love Him intensely.
Matthew records Jesus saying that those who deny forgiveness will not be forgiven. This is an added act of securing our salvation if we assume that salvation is merely agreeing that Christ is the Messiah. But our faith encompasses more than that. It is accepting our forgiveness by faith. We understand that Jesus death paid for our sins. We understand that we are forgiven. We forgive because it has been given to us by faith. We can't forgive if we do not realize our own forgiveness. In fact, our tendency will be that of Satan. We will stand before others and the Lord accusing them night and day. (Revelation 12:10) Satan has not received forgiveness so he has none to give others.
There is no extra step of salvation. Faith in Christ means we realize that He has paid for our sins. We give forgiveness because it has been given to us. We have no faith if we don't forgive because we have not realized our own forgiveness.
How do you forgive? You forgive on the basis of being forgiven yourself. You realize that Jesus paid for your sins and that means that He has paid for any sins that have been committed against you too. Therefore, you cannot be a Christian and deny forgiveness.
Yet, Satan will stand before you accusing you of past sins that are already forgiven. You will feel guilty once again if you listen to him. You must accept your forgiveness by faith. He will stand before you to remind you of the sins committed against you. You must forgive again by faith.
Many people think that they can forgive someone once and be done with it. I have found that I have forgiven some people many times. Our faith is not static. It requires that we continually practice it.
When someone asks you when you gave your heart to the Lord answer correctly: This morning. It does not mean that your salvation has ended and started again. It means that it is always in motion. The same answer could apply to anyone who has sinned against you. When did you forgive: This morning. I do it again by faith because I realized again I am forgiven.
So, know you are forgiven and forgive others. Its amazing how much love will come out of that.
Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Monday, January 17, 2011
How to Start a Fire
I have just had a load of wood delivered so I can light my fireplace. The wood is oak. It is very hard to burn. I have found the following method works best.
I must have a flame. Nothing will burn unless I first produce a flame. I have some long fireplace lighting matches I use. They work fine.
I need something that catches on fire easily. I generally use old newspaper. Over that I put some small branches. Upon that is larger pieces of wood.
I must let the larger pieces of wood burn sufficiently before I place the logs on the fire. It takes a significant amount of heat to burn oak. The logs can't be that large. It takes a great amount of heat to burn large oak logs.
The fire must be stirred occasionally. It will eventually burn out if left alone. The logs aren't that close to each other after they have burned for a while. Some of them may fall into the back of the fireplace and go out altogether. They must be moved around and forced to get closer together for those who are by themselves always go out.
New logs have to be placed on the fire to keep the fire going. New logs placed on very hot coals and burning logs will catch fire much quicker and add to the heat.
That which is left untended will always burn itself out.
Churches are just like fires in the fireplace.
Did you hear me?
I must have a flame. Nothing will burn unless I first produce a flame. I have some long fireplace lighting matches I use. They work fine.
I need something that catches on fire easily. I generally use old newspaper. Over that I put some small branches. Upon that is larger pieces of wood.
I must let the larger pieces of wood burn sufficiently before I place the logs on the fire. It takes a significant amount of heat to burn oak. The logs can't be that large. It takes a great amount of heat to burn large oak logs.
The fire must be stirred occasionally. It will eventually burn out if left alone. The logs aren't that close to each other after they have burned for a while. Some of them may fall into the back of the fireplace and go out altogether. They must be moved around and forced to get closer together for those who are by themselves always go out.
New logs have to be placed on the fire to keep the fire going. New logs placed on very hot coals and burning logs will catch fire much quicker and add to the heat.
That which is left untended will always burn itself out.
Churches are just like fires in the fireplace.
Did you hear me?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Always Guard Your Heart
The heart is very special. It is in our hearts that evil arises. It is in our hearts that we keep God's word. The heart must be guarded. It can do incredible evil or good. That is why Satan would like to fill it.
Surely you have watched at least one movie with Satan in it. He is depicted as this ugly creature who wants to destroy us. I find this description awfully convenient if that is now who he is and wants to do. The Bible says that he was beautifully created. Why should I believe he is so ugly now?
Satan does not need to destroy us if he can do more damage by filling our hearts. He works at this. He wants to accuse us of our sins even when we are forgiven. He wants to prey on our weaknesses like pride and greed. He wants to fill the heart with temptations which will have us work against the cause of Christ. He does not like our obedience to God. He certainly doesn't want us giving God glory. He is willing to make concessions to have our hearts. He will let a church prosper if he can control it. He will let us do the same. He tried to do all this with Jesus.
Satan does not have the ability to force his way into our hearts. He is very observant and knows our weaknesses. He tempts us while we are afraid. He gives us an ungodly way out of our circumstances. He loves desperate people.
This is why we must so carefully guard our hearts. We need to know how we have failed because that will reveal his attempts to fill our hearts. He will try anything that will appeal to our flesh. Guard your heart of it can be filled by Satan to lie and be full of pride. Satan doesn't need to possess us as long as we allow him to fill our hearts.
"Annaias," Peter asked, "why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. . . ? (Acts 5:3)
Surely you have watched at least one movie with Satan in it. He is depicted as this ugly creature who wants to destroy us. I find this description awfully convenient if that is now who he is and wants to do. The Bible says that he was beautifully created. Why should I believe he is so ugly now?
Satan does not need to destroy us if he can do more damage by filling our hearts. He works at this. He wants to accuse us of our sins even when we are forgiven. He wants to prey on our weaknesses like pride and greed. He wants to fill the heart with temptations which will have us work against the cause of Christ. He does not like our obedience to God. He certainly doesn't want us giving God glory. He is willing to make concessions to have our hearts. He will let a church prosper if he can control it. He will let us do the same. He tried to do all this with Jesus.
Satan does not have the ability to force his way into our hearts. He is very observant and knows our weaknesses. He tempts us while we are afraid. He gives us an ungodly way out of our circumstances. He loves desperate people.
This is why we must so carefully guard our hearts. We need to know how we have failed because that will reveal his attempts to fill our hearts. He will try anything that will appeal to our flesh. Guard your heart of it can be filled by Satan to lie and be full of pride. Satan doesn't need to possess us as long as we allow him to fill our hearts.
"Annaias," Peter asked, "why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. . . ? (Acts 5:3)
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Ubiquitous Presense of Pseudo-Humility
Christian books and Church Conferences are filled with young pastors who are growing churches at alarming rates. Those of us who are more plodders that sprinters flock to these books and conferences. We would all like to grow our churches so that we could be writing books and doing conferences just like these guys.
Now, here is something that I have noticed: Many of these young guys put a fine wrapper of humility around their pride. They will begin their books or conferences with something like: "I am so humbled to be the youngest pastor of the fastest growing church in America."
What has he just said? He is letting the audience know that he is the pastor of the fastest growing church in America. You might say, "Well, of course he said that. If he didn't the person who introduced him said it." Does anyone get what is going on? This is pure pride which God has said He is opposed to!
I have yet to go to one of these conferences and hear a pastor tell the story of the growth of the community around the church which allowed it to reach critical mass so that it would grow faster. I have yet to hear one tell of the big giver or givers in the church who decided to fund their outreach, buildings and their staff. I have yet to hear one of these guys tell of the problems in the churches nearby which allowed their churches to grow rapidly because they were getting mature Christians who were able to immediately go to work. I have yet to hear them exclaim that it was their showmanship that brought in the crowds. The gimmicks run from bouncing on trampolines to a rock concert atmosphere smoke machines and laser shows.
Let's face it: it is hard to say that there isn't some pride in a sermon preached or even a book or blog written. (Why should anyone read this in the first place? I must think it is good or I wouldn't be making it public.) It is really hard to be purely humble. Pride brings attention to the proud. Humble people do not draw attention to themselves.
I cannot think of anyone in the world that needs God's grace and has received it so abundantly as me. Still, I haven't conquered pride either.
I was complaining to God recently about how hard I work and how little there is to show for it. Suddenly, He said to me, "Why do you blame me for the things I do with purpose?" Naturally, I stopped talking and listened (Listening is not really in my nature but I was a little scared not to.) God continued, "If you weren't so full of yourself, I wouldn't have to keep you humble."
Instantly, my gripes were turned to prayer. "Help me to empty myself so that I can be full of your glory!" I must say there is a lot of emptying to do.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.- James 4:6 (NIV)
Now, here is something that I have noticed: Many of these young guys put a fine wrapper of humility around their pride. They will begin their books or conferences with something like: "I am so humbled to be the youngest pastor of the fastest growing church in America."
What has he just said? He is letting the audience know that he is the pastor of the fastest growing church in America. You might say, "Well, of course he said that. If he didn't the person who introduced him said it." Does anyone get what is going on? This is pure pride which God has said He is opposed to!
I have yet to go to one of these conferences and hear a pastor tell the story of the growth of the community around the church which allowed it to reach critical mass so that it would grow faster. I have yet to hear one tell of the big giver or givers in the church who decided to fund their outreach, buildings and their staff. I have yet to hear one of these guys tell of the problems in the churches nearby which allowed their churches to grow rapidly because they were getting mature Christians who were able to immediately go to work. I have yet to hear them exclaim that it was their showmanship that brought in the crowds. The gimmicks run from bouncing on trampolines to a rock concert atmosphere smoke machines and laser shows.
Let's face it: it is hard to say that there isn't some pride in a sermon preached or even a book or blog written. (Why should anyone read this in the first place? I must think it is good or I wouldn't be making it public.) It is really hard to be purely humble. Pride brings attention to the proud. Humble people do not draw attention to themselves.
I cannot think of anyone in the world that needs God's grace and has received it so abundantly as me. Still, I haven't conquered pride either.
I was complaining to God recently about how hard I work and how little there is to show for it. Suddenly, He said to me, "Why do you blame me for the things I do with purpose?" Naturally, I stopped talking and listened (Listening is not really in my nature but I was a little scared not to.) God continued, "If you weren't so full of yourself, I wouldn't have to keep you humble."
Instantly, my gripes were turned to prayer. "Help me to empty myself so that I can be full of your glory!" I must say there is a lot of emptying to do.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.- James 4:6 (NIV)
Friday, December 24, 2010
I Have Moved
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