Friends,
It seems that our culture has taken Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” and changed it to “Who do you want me to be?” Many self-serving interpretations of Jesus circulate today. What do they have in common? An aversion to the New Testament view of Jesus. The New Testament reveals that God did, indeed, come in the flesh as a man…that His Son, Jesus Christ, came in order to save us from our sins. But, He also became human, in part, so that He could relate to us…and us to Him – in the right manner. This is what we must come to grips with…on His terms, and not ours.
Jesus came to save all who would turn to Him and respond to Him in faith. In order for this to happen, He had to become a man. While He was on the earth, He knew what it was to be a helpless baby, a growing child, a maturing adolescent. He knew the experiences of weariness, hunger, and thirst (John 4:6-8). He knew what is was to be despised and rejected, to be lied about and falsely accused. He experienced the struggles of the human nature…as well as, suffering and death. He was flesh and blood just like us (Hebrews 2:10-18, 4:14-16). Only then, could He die, and through his death, defeat Satan. All of this was part of His “training” for His heavenly ministry as High Priest. He can never fail in His priestly ministry, for He made the necessary, perfect sacrifice on behalf of the people – Himself! This is how Jesus relates to us as our High Priest. In the Old Testament, the high priest would enter in to the presence of God in the Holy of Holies of the temple or tabernacle one time per year. Now, we have continual access to our Father through the shed blood of the Sacrificial Lamb and High Priest! He allowed Himself to be sacrificed for our sins so that we could have the opportunity to be reconciled…that is, brought back into a right relationship with God. Jesus was both merciful and faithful…faithful toward God and merciful toward mankind.
Jesus is able to do all of these things, because, as He had earthly brothers, He also relates to us as a brother…humanly speaking. We do all belong to the same family…sharing the same nature. He is our brother, just as the Hebrews writer points out, quoting Psalms 22:22. Jesus was like us in every way as a human. He was even tempted when He was human…but no temptation ever conquered Him. He was sinless, perfect…and He had to be -- He chose to be -- in order that He could be the “perfect sacrifice.” Because of our human sin nature, we are tempted to sin…but, Jesus provides us a wonderful example of how to deal with temptation when it comes our way (Matthew 4:1ff). Jesus answers the devil’s three temptations perfectly, wonderfully – “It is written.” This helps us in our own struggle vs. flesh, sin and Satan himself. Satan’s abilities, powers have been significantly diminished, but he is still a dangerous foe (1 Peter 5:8). He seeks to cause many to choose death…through the world, flesh, sin. But, because Jesus Christ defeated every enemy – Satan, sin and death, He is able to give us grace that we need in order to overcome temptation. The Spirit of our Lord stands ready to help us to stand up and say “no” to sin and “yes” to God.
In Christ, we have the opportunity to choose life, blessings, and eternity in heaven with God, the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus is the author (NAS, NIV) or captain (KJV, NKJV) of our salvation. He is the pioneer who opens up the way for others to follow. He gave up His glory to become a man. He regained His glory when He arose and ascended into heaven. Now, Jesus shares that glory with all who trust in him for salvation. When we are baptized, converted, we are…once for all…delivered from Satan’s evil clutches, fear of death. He is united with us and us with Him…His blood continually cleanses us so that we might be able to be in that right relationship with the Father. Jesus, through His death, burial and resurrection, has given us the victory! "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
(1 Corinthians 15:55-58). Jesus’ incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection all must go together…and they all lead us to glory!
As our sympathizing High Priest, Jesus can relate to our human condition with all of its joys and struggles...and He wants to help us! We must know and trust Him who is able to handle our temptations. His Spirit guides us in the way of truth…and helps us in our struggle against the wiles of the devil. Now, coming full circle…we have to get away from any thinking that leads us to believe that Jesus is “who we might want Him to be” instead of “who He really is.” This is a mighty temptation. We cannot live a Christian life that centers entirely on "me;" it can't be about the Jesus that “I want,” selfishly…but our lives must be concerned about the needs of others. We must accept Jesus “as He is...on His terms.” What does this look like? We need to be willing and able to sacrifice our lives in service for the One who sacrificed His life for us. This is the essence of Christianity. As servants, we are no greater than or Master, but as we continue to grow and mature, the hope is that we will become more like Him. This is our challenge!
Blessings,
Don
Friday, April 9, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Classics
Friends,
Last evening's NCAA basketball championship game was a classic. I have to say from the get go that this might be one of the few times in sports where the champion is story line #2. To me, with a lot of respect to Duke who won the game, it comes off as a game of what might have been...and many wish could have been...the outcome. If only Gordon Hayward had hit that last second shot, it probably would have been the greatest sports story in history. I have to give much respect to the mid-major Butler boys from Indy and their baby-faced coach, 33 year old Brad Stevens, who did a remarkable job in leading the underdog Bulldogs past Syracuse, past Kansas State, past Michigan State to the title game. It is still one of the best sports stories of the past few years.
I am also thankful for opening day of the baseball season. It is a long couple of months between football and baseball (save for NASCAR and the NCAA tournament). Last evening, a play...that very few probably saw because of the aforementioned basketball game...was pulled off by pitcher, Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox. A pitched ball hit by Indians player, Lou Marson, glanced off Buehrle's leg toward first base...he ran and retrieved it, scooping it with his glove between his legs to a bare-handed first baseman to get the out by a half a step. We might have seen the play of the year on opening day! Or, it may be a sign of things to come...and if this is the case...it bodes well for the baseball season. I wish I could pull down the video, but MLB media has a copyright claim to it, so...do the next best thing...watch the ESPN highlights. :-)
Blessings,
Don
Last evening's NCAA basketball championship game was a classic. I have to say from the get go that this might be one of the few times in sports where the champion is story line #2. To me, with a lot of respect to Duke who won the game, it comes off as a game of what might have been...and many wish could have been...the outcome. If only Gordon Hayward had hit that last second shot, it probably would have been the greatest sports story in history. I have to give much respect to the mid-major Butler boys from Indy and their baby-faced coach, 33 year old Brad Stevens, who did a remarkable job in leading the underdog Bulldogs past Syracuse, past Kansas State, past Michigan State to the title game. It is still one of the best sports stories of the past few years.
I am also thankful for opening day of the baseball season. It is a long couple of months between football and baseball (save for NASCAR and the NCAA tournament). Last evening, a play...that very few probably saw because of the aforementioned basketball game...was pulled off by pitcher, Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox. A pitched ball hit by Indians player, Lou Marson, glanced off Buehrle's leg toward first base...he ran and retrieved it, scooping it with his glove between his legs to a bare-handed first baseman to get the out by a half a step. We might have seen the play of the year on opening day! Or, it may be a sign of things to come...and if this is the case...it bodes well for the baseball season. I wish I could pull down the video, but MLB media has a copyright claim to it, so...do the next best thing...watch the ESPN highlights. :-)
Blessings,
Don
Monday, April 5, 2010
Discovery To ISS
Friends,
The space shuttle Discovery, lifted off today and headed to the International Space Station to stock supplies and set new precedents. For the first time, three female astronauts are involved in one mission...and it is also the last launch that will take place in darkness. There have been some spectacular night time launches in the past...but this one was, supposedly, the best ever witnessed. There are only three flights left for the shuttle fleet, and then they will be retired. Watch this morning's launch -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO8tKDxzUco
Blessings,
Don
The space shuttle Discovery, lifted off today and headed to the International Space Station to stock supplies and set new precedents. For the first time, three female astronauts are involved in one mission...and it is also the last launch that will take place in darkness. There have been some spectacular night time launches in the past...but this one was, supposedly, the best ever witnessed. There are only three flights left for the shuttle fleet, and then they will be retired. Watch this morning's launch -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO8tKDxzUco
Blessings,
Don
Friday, April 2, 2010
Winning the Moral Battle, Losing the Spiritual War
Friends,
My one statement about recent local events. I received a letter in the mail this week from an individual in another city criticizing me and other local ministers/pastors for not being...shall we euphemistically say..."more proactive in relationship to current events." (All quotes are mine). I find it interesting that the opinion of many believers is that...if we do not take a vocal and present stand for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that we are cowardly and that we are somehow "letting Him down." On another front, a big deal has been made by the national and regional media regarding one of "our folks"..."taking a stand" and "leading the charge...against their efforts." I have to say that I always find the "us and them" mentality interesting...and disturbing. That we "have to win or else all is lost"...a battle that has already been waged and won...is ironic in many respects. What are we winning? The argument. But, there are no winners in such difficult situations. Some may very well think that they are winning the "moral" battle, but may be losing the "spiritual" war. We may look good in or own eyes for considering what we see as "fighting the good fight." But, in reality, is this the case? To outsiders, I think that we too often look like Peter slicing off the ear of Malchus, ready to "fight for Jesus." Instead, what we need is humility and submission...we need to "be Jesus" providing the opportunity for restoration and healing.
Most of the pastors and ministers in Stephenville sent a reasonable and loving response to the editor of the local newspaper...in order to seek to glorify God and elevate the cause of Christ. The response of the ministers/pastors to the community, indeed our response in general, is something that we gave much consideration, time and prayer. It was our assessment that we wanted to send the right and best message to those whom it would concern or affect. We believe that this is precisely how Jesus would want us to respond. Concerning the situation with Jesus and His grace with the woman caught in adultery, it is awfully easy to look like the crowd of religious leaders who were quick to judge and condemn. I think that it is easy for us to speak the truth with "a hammer" sometimes, rather than with wisdom and love. We might be able to scare folks out of their actions by being cross...but we should be spending time trying to find ways to lead them to the cross. We should not be as interested in winning arguments or battles, but interested in the souls of all men and what we can do to help them find salvation. We believe that our meetings have done some good in making a positive difference toward this goal. It is my hope and prayer that we all continue to grow in grace and love and allow the Spirit of the Lord to continue to teach all of us even better ways.
Blessings,
Don
My one statement about recent local events. I received a letter in the mail this week from an individual in another city criticizing me and other local ministers/pastors for not being...shall we euphemistically say..."more proactive in relationship to current events." (All quotes are mine). I find it interesting that the opinion of many believers is that...if we do not take a vocal and present stand for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that we are cowardly and that we are somehow "letting Him down." On another front, a big deal has been made by the national and regional media regarding one of "our folks"..."taking a stand" and "leading the charge...against their efforts." I have to say that I always find the "us and them" mentality interesting...and disturbing. That we "have to win or else all is lost"...a battle that has already been waged and won...is ironic in many respects. What are we winning? The argument. But, there are no winners in such difficult situations. Some may very well think that they are winning the "moral" battle, but may be losing the "spiritual" war. We may look good in or own eyes for considering what we see as "fighting the good fight." But, in reality, is this the case? To outsiders, I think that we too often look like Peter slicing off the ear of Malchus, ready to "fight for Jesus." Instead, what we need is humility and submission...we need to "be Jesus" providing the opportunity for restoration and healing.
Most of the pastors and ministers in Stephenville sent a reasonable and loving response to the editor of the local newspaper...in order to seek to glorify God and elevate the cause of Christ. The response of the ministers/pastors to the community, indeed our response in general, is something that we gave much consideration, time and prayer. It was our assessment that we wanted to send the right and best message to those whom it would concern or affect. We believe that this is precisely how Jesus would want us to respond. Concerning the situation with Jesus and His grace with the woman caught in adultery, it is awfully easy to look like the crowd of religious leaders who were quick to judge and condemn. I think that it is easy for us to speak the truth with "a hammer" sometimes, rather than with wisdom and love. We might be able to scare folks out of their actions by being cross...but we should be spending time trying to find ways to lead them to the cross. We should not be as interested in winning arguments or battles, but interested in the souls of all men and what we can do to help them find salvation. We believe that our meetings have done some good in making a positive difference toward this goal. It is my hope and prayer that we all continue to grow in grace and love and allow the Spirit of the Lord to continue to teach all of us even better ways.
Blessings,
Don
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Moon Water, Part 2
Friends,
I ran a message last Winter about water being found on the moon. What we did not realize is that water was actually found on the moon more than forty years ago...a picture from deep in NASA's archives reveals the source...
I ran a message last Winter about water being found on the moon. What we did not realize is that water was actually found on the moon more than forty years ago...a picture from deep in NASA's archives reveals the source...
The astronaut would have loved to get a drink from the fountain...but his space suit was a problem... ;-)
Blessings, Don
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Calm in the Storm
Friends,
Jesus has fed the 5000 (John 6:1ff), so He compels His disciples to get into a boat and set out on the Sea of Galilee, because He knows that they are in great danger on the land from the crowds that want to make Him king. In sending the disciples out in the boat, do we believe that Jesus was aware a storm would be coming? Absolutely…but, why would He bring His friends out of danger only to send them into what would appear to be another dangerous situation? Well…it is not as dangerous as it might seem. The storm is actually the safer place to be, even though they cannot understand this at this time. The real reason for the storm is that the Lord wants them to gain perspective by learning to trust in Him.
Storms happen for a number of reasons – for Jonah, it came about because he had disobeyed the Lord. Other times, storms come up because we have obeyed the Lord -- we receive persecution as the result of doing the right thing. Finally, sometimes storms just happen for no apparent reason. There are actually a number of wondrous things that happen in this event. Jesus walks on the water (as does Peter in the Matthew account). Jesus also calms the storm instantly…and the overlooked wonder is that the boat immediately comes to land where they are going. One of the key phrases that Jesus uses to settle His disciples once He approaches the boat is “it is I (which literally means I Am), do not be afraid.” What can the I Am do? God, the Son, has control over the wind and the waves…in fact, all elements are under His control. He can allow the storm to come, bring the storm if He so desires, and calm it all just the same – instantly! Yet, how often do we react in fear like the disciples and not see things as they really are. The following story might help us to realize the difficulties that fear can create for us in situations that we do not understand.
In Barcelona, Spain, a truck was rolling along carrying an empty coffin. A tired traveler, who was hitch-hiking along the same road, caught a ride in the back of the pick-up. Suspiciously eyeing the coffin, he sat near the rear of the bed. After going down the road a few miles, it started to rain. Not wanting to get soaked, he examined the coffin, found it empty, and crawled inside to try to stay dry until the rain quit. In the meantime, he fell asleep to the hum of the truck as it moved along. Further down the road, the driver pulled over and picked up a couple more hitchhikers. They had not traveled too much further, but when the first traveler…unaware of having acquired some traveling companions…awakened from his nap, pushed open the lid of the coffin, stuck his head out and exclaimed, “Oh, it has stopped raining!” The two late-comers were so terrified that they jumped from the moving truck, injuring themselves.
Isn’t this all too human? We often react in fear to situations we don’t understand…and we end up getting hurt in some way. Sometimes, it may be as simple as getting out of our comfort zones, while at other times, the situations we face are much more serious. Too many times, the story of the traveler illustrates how it is that we deal with fear or stress – we run, jump, or hide. In short, we react, instead of act. We need not to behold the storms that come our way…whether they are minor trials or major hurdles…and react faithlessly, as if the Lord is not big enough to help us to overcome and to grow! Sometimes, we do have storms in life -- some that we may bring about…others that just happen. Remember, the peace of God is not necessarily the absence of trials, but the assurance of His presence in the midst of them. We don’t always know how things are going to be…but we should cease fretting, worrying, stressing…and just simply “be still and know that He is God.” We need to exercise faith and trust in Him who is able to help us. The more that we work at yielding ourselves, yielding our wills to the Lord, the more that we will be able to experience the joy and the peace of the Lord that He offers to us…and the more readily His answers will come. But, we need not fear – in faith, seek to allow the God who controls the storm to have control of your life. Give him your storms, and see the work that He can do to calm them down, and experience the blessings He has to offer.
"The peace of God is that eternal calm which lies far too deep in the praying, trusting soul to be reached by any external disturbances." - A.T. Pierson
Blessings,
Don
Jesus has fed the 5000 (John 6:1ff), so He compels His disciples to get into a boat and set out on the Sea of Galilee, because He knows that they are in great danger on the land from the crowds that want to make Him king. In sending the disciples out in the boat, do we believe that Jesus was aware a storm would be coming? Absolutely…but, why would He bring His friends out of danger only to send them into what would appear to be another dangerous situation? Well…it is not as dangerous as it might seem. The storm is actually the safer place to be, even though they cannot understand this at this time. The real reason for the storm is that the Lord wants them to gain perspective by learning to trust in Him.
Storms happen for a number of reasons – for Jonah, it came about because he had disobeyed the Lord. Other times, storms come up because we have obeyed the Lord -- we receive persecution as the result of doing the right thing. Finally, sometimes storms just happen for no apparent reason. There are actually a number of wondrous things that happen in this event. Jesus walks on the water (as does Peter in the Matthew account). Jesus also calms the storm instantly…and the overlooked wonder is that the boat immediately comes to land where they are going. One of the key phrases that Jesus uses to settle His disciples once He approaches the boat is “it is I (which literally means I Am), do not be afraid.” What can the I Am do? God, the Son, has control over the wind and the waves…in fact, all elements are under His control. He can allow the storm to come, bring the storm if He so desires, and calm it all just the same – instantly! Yet, how often do we react in fear like the disciples and not see things as they really are. The following story might help us to realize the difficulties that fear can create for us in situations that we do not understand.
In Barcelona, Spain, a truck was rolling along carrying an empty coffin. A tired traveler, who was hitch-hiking along the same road, caught a ride in the back of the pick-up. Suspiciously eyeing the coffin, he sat near the rear of the bed. After going down the road a few miles, it started to rain. Not wanting to get soaked, he examined the coffin, found it empty, and crawled inside to try to stay dry until the rain quit. In the meantime, he fell asleep to the hum of the truck as it moved along. Further down the road, the driver pulled over and picked up a couple more hitchhikers. They had not traveled too much further, but when the first traveler…unaware of having acquired some traveling companions…awakened from his nap, pushed open the lid of the coffin, stuck his head out and exclaimed, “Oh, it has stopped raining!” The two late-comers were so terrified that they jumped from the moving truck, injuring themselves.
Isn’t this all too human? We often react in fear to situations we don’t understand…and we end up getting hurt in some way. Sometimes, it may be as simple as getting out of our comfort zones, while at other times, the situations we face are much more serious. Too many times, the story of the traveler illustrates how it is that we deal with fear or stress – we run, jump, or hide. In short, we react, instead of act. We need not to behold the storms that come our way…whether they are minor trials or major hurdles…and react faithlessly, as if the Lord is not big enough to help us to overcome and to grow! Sometimes, we do have storms in life -- some that we may bring about…others that just happen. Remember, the peace of God is not necessarily the absence of trials, but the assurance of His presence in the midst of them. We don’t always know how things are going to be…but we should cease fretting, worrying, stressing…and just simply “be still and know that He is God.” We need to exercise faith and trust in Him who is able to help us. The more that we work at yielding ourselves, yielding our wills to the Lord, the more that we will be able to experience the joy and the peace of the Lord that He offers to us…and the more readily His answers will come. But, we need not fear – in faith, seek to allow the God who controls the storm to have control of your life. Give him your storms, and see the work that He can do to calm them down, and experience the blessings He has to offer.
"The peace of God is that eternal calm which lies far too deep in the praying, trusting soul to be reached by any external disturbances." - A.T. Pierson
Blessings,
Don
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Mid-Major Madness
Friends,
Well...Kentucky and West Virginia are under way. This is the first game I have watched in this year's version of the NCAA Tournament, but I have been following it closely. I have each of these teams winning two of my six brackets, (I know, I know, I should have only one, but it's fun to spread the wealth :-). Actually Kentucky and West Virginia are the only two teams I have left to keep the dream alive of having a decent bracket, since Kansas is done (whom I had in two of my brackets), as well as Syracuse and Ohio State (who also have gone bye bye). I really like West Virginia...a scrappy team, even without their starting point guard. Yet, Kentucky should win the whole thing...as there is no team as talented as them. But, we just can't overlook Butler.
Unlike the NBA, the unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament is exciting. Kansas took the University of Northern Iowa lightly, it seems, and the #9 seed in their region upset the #1 seed to get the round of 16. Butler, a mid-major school from Indiana won just a awhile ago to get to the Final Four...pretty amazing, really, as they have knocked off #1 seed in their region, Syracuse and the #2 seed Kansas State. Also, as mentioned the University of Northern Iowa, as well as St. Mary's from California and Ivy Leage school, Cornell all made it to the sweet sixteen. These mid-major schools certainly are pesky...as they seem to be gaining on their "major" brethren more so every year. One might wonder why. As a friend of mine pointed out, much of it may have to do with the fact that the talented young men that play college basketball only have to stay in school for one year, before opting for the NBA (which is a silly rule, in my opinion -- they should make it two years). Nonetheless, this is all something of an equalizer in many respects. This, and many of the smaller schools like Butler, Xavier, Gonzaga, and Cornell have really built up their programs over the past decade, so they have become solid places for good, young players to go and succeed. So, these smaller schools create more parity for the tournament...which I like, personally. I find myself rooting for the Gonzagas and the Butlers. Now, for the first time since George Mason made it to the Final Four a few years ago, another mid-major school has arrived. We'll see if they can keep up their magical run.
Blessings,
Don
Well...Kentucky and West Virginia are under way. This is the first game I have watched in this year's version of the NCAA Tournament, but I have been following it closely. I have each of these teams winning two of my six brackets, (I know, I know, I should have only one, but it's fun to spread the wealth :-). Actually Kentucky and West Virginia are the only two teams I have left to keep the dream alive of having a decent bracket, since Kansas is done (whom I had in two of my brackets), as well as Syracuse and Ohio State (who also have gone bye bye). I really like West Virginia...a scrappy team, even without their starting point guard. Yet, Kentucky should win the whole thing...as there is no team as talented as them. But, we just can't overlook Butler.
Unlike the NBA, the unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament is exciting. Kansas took the University of Northern Iowa lightly, it seems, and the #9 seed in their region upset the #1 seed to get the round of 16. Butler, a mid-major school from Indiana won just a awhile ago to get to the Final Four...pretty amazing, really, as they have knocked off #1 seed in their region, Syracuse and the #2 seed Kansas State. Also, as mentioned the University of Northern Iowa, as well as St. Mary's from California and Ivy Leage school, Cornell all made it to the sweet sixteen. These mid-major schools certainly are pesky...as they seem to be gaining on their "major" brethren more so every year. One might wonder why. As a friend of mine pointed out, much of it may have to do with the fact that the talented young men that play college basketball only have to stay in school for one year, before opting for the NBA (which is a silly rule, in my opinion -- they should make it two years). Nonetheless, this is all something of an equalizer in many respects. This, and many of the smaller schools like Butler, Xavier, Gonzaga, and Cornell have really built up their programs over the past decade, so they have become solid places for good, young players to go and succeed. So, these smaller schools create more parity for the tournament...which I like, personally. I find myself rooting for the Gonzagas and the Butlers. Now, for the first time since George Mason made it to the Final Four a few years ago, another mid-major school has arrived. We'll see if they can keep up their magical run.
Blessings,
Don
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Enthrone His Holiness
Friends,
Last fall, Emily and I had the opportunity to go to the Apple Cider Press Youth Rally in Cashmere, WA. We had been involved with this rally for many years in Washington before moving to Texas. One of the drawing points for this youth rally, is the actual cider press itself. The young people and adults have team competitions to see who can press the most apple cider. It is an interesting process to watch, particlarly as the crushed apples are squeezed and the cider is poured into a holding tank. As the raw cider is poured into the tanks, it goes through a strainer to remove all of the impurities. From there it is bottled up and dozens of the bottles of cider go home with people.
To me, and to most, the most important aspect of the process is the cleansing of the cider (especially if one can see how dirty it is)…in order to make certain it is pure. This is not unlike what needs to take place in our own lives. There needs to be a straining process to take out all of the impurities, so that we can be holy before the Lord. As we come to know the Lord, and begin the process of learning and growing, we should continue to grow in our understanding of God’s holiness…aside from love, the most important and reproducible of His qualities in our lives. After all, it is sin that separates us from God and it is that which is in need of being strained out of our lives. We need to continually live in a way that we seek to be rid of the bad attitudes and activities of the world that want to inhabit us, and allow God’s Spirit to fill us with what matters. We have the challenge, continually before us, “to be holy as God is holy” (Leviticus 19:2).
The ultimate reason that God sent His Son was in order that sinful, unholy man could have the opportunity to be in His presence. God was in Christ, reconciling us to Him (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Jesus, the Messiah, took the sins of humanity upon Himself so that we would have the opportunity to be in God’s presence. The Lord is mighty in His judgment and deliverance…He is just! His justice walks hand in hand with His holiness. Many believers focus on the love of God to the detriment of His holiness. They ask questions like, “How can a loving God send people to hell?” But, a loving God doesn’t send anyone, anywhere. The opportunity to choose life through His Son is granted to us by a loving God…and a holy and just God demands that we make a choice. A holy and loving God allowed His Son to come into this world to give us the opportunity to experience eternal life. It is sufficient for everyone, but efficient only for those who accept it. We humans “paddle our own boats,” so to speak…we can choose life or destruction, heaven or hell. He is mighty and just to deal with the pure and the impure…and he will reward each one of us according to our choices. It is for this reason that God’s people need to respond properly and worship His majesty with reverence and awe!
Another story relating to the message thought -- a couple fell in love with a vase in a shop window, which they bought, brought home and put on the mantel in their main room. For them, what followed was remarkable…the vase became a judgment on its surroundings. They had to clean up the room in order to make it worthy of the pristine vase. Dirty curtains, and an old chair would not do…and the room would also need to be painted. Gradually, the entire room was transformed! The couple’s mindset concerning the vase, should be the same mindset we have in relationship to the way we live our lives. We can’t dress up one aspect of our lives and leave the rest containing the dirt of sin and the world. We need to take care to recognize that we need to live blamelessly for the Lord. We should seek to be pure in our attitudes and our conduct. We have no business polluting our spirits and souls with things that the world deems is acceptable. We should have a significantly higher moral and spiritual calling than this. Once again, the question arises…how can or will we make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ if we do not look any different that the world? It’s not going to happen. When we surrender our lives, our spirits to the Lord…and allow Him to strain us of the impurities that cause to stumble and fall, then we become like Onesimus, and can be useful to Him and for Him. If we are filled with the Spirit of God, then there will not be room for the flesh or the sin of this world to take us captive.
Blessings,
Don
Last fall, Emily and I had the opportunity to go to the Apple Cider Press Youth Rally in Cashmere, WA. We had been involved with this rally for many years in Washington before moving to Texas. One of the drawing points for this youth rally, is the actual cider press itself. The young people and adults have team competitions to see who can press the most apple cider. It is an interesting process to watch, particlarly as the crushed apples are squeezed and the cider is poured into a holding tank. As the raw cider is poured into the tanks, it goes through a strainer to remove all of the impurities. From there it is bottled up and dozens of the bottles of cider go home with people.
To me, and to most, the most important aspect of the process is the cleansing of the cider (especially if one can see how dirty it is)…in order to make certain it is pure. This is not unlike what needs to take place in our own lives. There needs to be a straining process to take out all of the impurities, so that we can be holy before the Lord. As we come to know the Lord, and begin the process of learning and growing, we should continue to grow in our understanding of God’s holiness…aside from love, the most important and reproducible of His qualities in our lives. After all, it is sin that separates us from God and it is that which is in need of being strained out of our lives. We need to continually live in a way that we seek to be rid of the bad attitudes and activities of the world that want to inhabit us, and allow God’s Spirit to fill us with what matters. We have the challenge, continually before us, “to be holy as God is holy” (Leviticus 19:2).
The ultimate reason that God sent His Son was in order that sinful, unholy man could have the opportunity to be in His presence. God was in Christ, reconciling us to Him (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Jesus, the Messiah, took the sins of humanity upon Himself so that we would have the opportunity to be in God’s presence. The Lord is mighty in His judgment and deliverance…He is just! His justice walks hand in hand with His holiness. Many believers focus on the love of God to the detriment of His holiness. They ask questions like, “How can a loving God send people to hell?” But, a loving God doesn’t send anyone, anywhere. The opportunity to choose life through His Son is granted to us by a loving God…and a holy and just God demands that we make a choice. A holy and loving God allowed His Son to come into this world to give us the opportunity to experience eternal life. It is sufficient for everyone, but efficient only for those who accept it. We humans “paddle our own boats,” so to speak…we can choose life or destruction, heaven or hell. He is mighty and just to deal with the pure and the impure…and he will reward each one of us according to our choices. It is for this reason that God’s people need to respond properly and worship His majesty with reverence and awe!
Another story relating to the message thought -- a couple fell in love with a vase in a shop window, which they bought, brought home and put on the mantel in their main room. For them, what followed was remarkable…the vase became a judgment on its surroundings. They had to clean up the room in order to make it worthy of the pristine vase. Dirty curtains, and an old chair would not do…and the room would also need to be painted. Gradually, the entire room was transformed! The couple’s mindset concerning the vase, should be the same mindset we have in relationship to the way we live our lives. We can’t dress up one aspect of our lives and leave the rest containing the dirt of sin and the world. We need to take care to recognize that we need to live blamelessly for the Lord. We should seek to be pure in our attitudes and our conduct. We have no business polluting our spirits and souls with things that the world deems is acceptable. We should have a significantly higher moral and spiritual calling than this. Once again, the question arises…how can or will we make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ if we do not look any different that the world? It’s not going to happen. When we surrender our lives, our spirits to the Lord…and allow Him to strain us of the impurities that cause to stumble and fall, then we become like Onesimus, and can be useful to Him and for Him. If we are filled with the Spirit of God, then there will not be room for the flesh or the sin of this world to take us captive.
Blessings,
Don
Monday, March 22, 2010
Infrared Revealed
Friends,
This fascinating shot contains a large nebula and two galaxies that were fairly shrouded by the Milky Way galaxy until revealed by a new infrared camera now in orbit. The nebula is shaped like a heart...and with some imagination, the heart can be discerned in the middle to right of the photo. The first galaxy appears as a white spiral in the upper left hand corner...and the second is the vibrant blue dot on the left side of the screen (falsely colored by the camera...but beautiful, nonetheless).
Blessings,
Don
This fascinating shot contains a large nebula and two galaxies that were fairly shrouded by the Milky Way galaxy until revealed by a new infrared camera now in orbit. The nebula is shaped like a heart...and with some imagination, the heart can be discerned in the middle to right of the photo. The first galaxy appears as a white spiral in the upper left hand corner...and the second is the vibrant blue dot on the left side of the screen (falsely colored by the camera...but beautiful, nonetheless).
Blessings,
Don
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