As I write, it is already 7:41 p m in Israel, and Rosh Hashanah began for them at sunset. This marks the beginning of the Hebrew New Year 5772.
This year is momentous. I just read an interesting article online from CNN, written just a couple of hours ago, explaining the issues related to the request for the U N to recognize a Palestinian State. I was very impressed by what Israel's Prime Minister noted - that it is premature, and that issues of peace must first be addressed.
I love Israel for who Israel is to God. God holds Israel at the center of His heart - and anyone who 'messes with Israel' is God's enemy. He makes that very clear.
There is so much good info online. What a time to be living in - - the information age, with so much in our grasp, and the prophecies of the Bible unfolding before our eyes.
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
WHO AM I IN GOD'S EYES?
I've never made a list before related to this question, so today was the day I started one. I say 'started' because it is something I will add to as I read God's Word.
I am well aware of my shortcomings. I am far too transparent far too often. Though that can be a blessing sometimes, it often isn't.... I judge too quickly much of the time. I get impatient. In fact I've said on several occasions that I didn't come installed with patience.... I get annoyed too easily (another issue related to patience). I could go on - - but I'd get too discouraged!
I wanted to point out that I am very aware I am not perfect before sharing what is on my heart this morning, which is how God sees me. I got so excited when I started thinking about this earlier this morning, and as I wrote my list I was filled with joy. I made two lists, which I will share:
I am well aware of my shortcomings. I am far too transparent far too often. Though that can be a blessing sometimes, it often isn't.... I judge too quickly much of the time. I get impatient. In fact I've said on several occasions that I didn't come installed with patience.... I get annoyed too easily (another issue related to patience). I could go on - - but I'd get too discouraged!
I wanted to point out that I am very aware I am not perfect before sharing what is on my heart this morning, which is how God sees me. I got so excited when I started thinking about this earlier this morning, and as I wrote my list I was filled with joy. I made two lists, which I will share:
WHO I AM IN GOD’S EYES:
Loved (For God so loved the world….)
Chosen (I love Him because He first loved – and chose – me)
Forgiven (because of Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary)
Pure (washed by the blood of the Lamb)
Righteous (clothed in Christ’s righteousness)
Holy
Joint heir with Christ
Daughter/ child
Fellow heir with His chosen people, the Jews Ephesians 3:6
Member of the Body of Christ Ephesians 3:6
What He wants me to be:
Perfect
Bold
Strong in His strength
Rooted and grounded in His love
Loving
Joyful
At peace
Exhibit long suffering/patience
Good
Kind
Faithful
Gentle
Self-controlled
Obedient
Honorable
Ethical
Moral
Genuine
Full of praise
Nurturing
Leader
Sharing/ giving
Generous
Filled with the fullness of God
In my sequential reading of Paul's writings I am in Ephesians 3. It is filled with affirmations from God. I know I have a lot of 'living up to' to do - - but it is a worthy goal! I know I can only live up to God's most perfect standard through the active work of the Holy Spirit in my life - but I also know He doesn't accomplish that work without my asking, willingness, and participation.
I graduated from High School in 1963. Our class motto was "What we are to be we are now becoming." That's true for our Christian walk as well. We are saved and being saved. Salvation begins with getting on the right path - but is a journey ever after until we reach heaven's shore.
I believe in positive reinforcement - and I am grateful God does to. He tells us who we are: created in His image, made in His likeness, born to love Him.
Search me, O God and know my heart today
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts I pray
See if there be some wayward way in me
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free
(Yes - I know the original word in the chorus above is wicked, not wayward, but as a Christian, God has definitely cleansed me from the wicked - but I am very aware that there can be things that come into my life that are wayward - that pull me away from being the woman God wants me to be, so I changed the word to appropriately reflect what I am really praying.)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
ROMANS - CONCLUSION
For some reason I either didn't pay careful attention - or just flat-out forgot that Tertius, who was Paul's ghost-writer, actually tells us his name in the concluding chapter of Romans - and adds his own personal greetings and comments. The reality that someone wrote Paul's letters for him is well known. He references adding his name in his own hand as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 3:17 - but I found it particularly noteworthy, noting Tertius' inserted greeting in Chapter 16 of Romans. It is a reminder that none of the writings we have from Paul would have existed without someone to help him make that happen. It is also another reminder of Paul's 'thorn in the flesh.'
We all have them - the thorns. Yet, our faith is most visible when we are faithful in spite of circumstances and thorns.
In a bunny-trail sort-of-way it reminds me of an email I recently received:
It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions. After awhile, they decided to distance them- selves one from the other but they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the warmth that came from the others. This way they were able to survive. Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.
We need each other. In spite of the prickles that we get in human company. If we walk away from prickly situations we are the one who is left out. In the cold. To die.
Really, when it comes down to it, it is all about unconditional love and forgiveness. We are told to forgive 70 times 7 times. It doesn't mean love doesn't have boundaries, but they have to be Christ-centered.
We all have them - the thorns. Yet, our faith is most visible when we are faithful in spite of circumstances and thorns.
In a bunny-trail sort-of-way it reminds me of an email I recently received:
It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions. After awhile, they decided to distance them- selves one from the other but they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the warmth that came from the others. This way they were able to survive. Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.
We need each other. In spite of the prickles that we get in human company. If we walk away from prickly situations we are the one who is left out. In the cold. To die.
Really, when it comes down to it, it is all about unconditional love and forgiveness. We are told to forgive 70 times 7 times. It doesn't mean love doesn't have boundaries, but they have to be Christ-centered.
Friday, September 23, 2011
WHERE IS GOD IN SUFFERING?
I just read a blurb in my email inbox from Focus on the Family that states the response to that question concisely and appropriately. This was the statement:
Where is God in Suffering?
Job was a "blameless and upright man" (Job 1:1) who fell subject to terrible sufferings in spite of his righteous character. He lost seven sons, three daughters, and all his property in a single day. After that, he was deprived of his health and his self-respect simply because Satan thought it would be interesting to see how he'd respond. And God allowed it to happen.
Was that fair? Was it just, loving, and kind of the Creator to stand aside and let this avalanche of tragedy and pain come crashing down on the head of a good man?
The remarkable thing—the thing we need to remember whenever we find ourselves in Job's position—is that the question never receives a direct answer. In fact, when God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind (Job 38:1), He treats the question as if it's beside the point. Justice is not the issue, He seems to say. Life in a fallen world can never be "fair."
In the final analysis, God does not answer the problem of unjust human suffering by explaining it. Instead, He enters into it. In the person of Jesus Christ He experiences what it is like to be unfairly accused, arrested, tried, condemned, beaten, reviled, spit upon and put to death. An innocent Man, He bears the penalty while Barabbas, a criminal and an assassin, goes free. He takes upon Himself the burden of our anguish and pain. He drinks the cup to its dregs without murmur or complaint. In so doing, He demonstrates His love for us and sends us this unmistakable message: the answer to the problem of suffering can't be discovered by means of theological rationalization. The answer to the problem is Jesus.
I've grappled with the 'why' many times - and my conclusion was that God is honored in the faithfulness of His followers, in spite of what the circumstances are, but this answers the question far more clearly. In fact, in 2000 after my oophorectomy, I read the book of Job while I was recuperating, and the lesson I learned from Job was that God deserves our praise and worship no matter what our circumstances. However, that residual question still gnaws at us when injustice occurs - when someone far too young who has served the Lord with all their heart dies, when evil occurs that maims and destroys....
Where is God in suffering? Right there in the middle of it with us! Loving us, holding us close, immersed in every part of it. Thank you, Lord.
Where is God in Suffering?
Job was a "blameless and upright man" (Job 1:1) who fell subject to terrible sufferings in spite of his righteous character. He lost seven sons, three daughters, and all his property in a single day. After that, he was deprived of his health and his self-respect simply because Satan thought it would be interesting to see how he'd respond. And God allowed it to happen.
Was that fair? Was it just, loving, and kind of the Creator to stand aside and let this avalanche of tragedy and pain come crashing down on the head of a good man?
The remarkable thing—the thing we need to remember whenever we find ourselves in Job's position—is that the question never receives a direct answer. In fact, when God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind (Job 38:1), He treats the question as if it's beside the point. Justice is not the issue, He seems to say. Life in a fallen world can never be "fair."
In the final analysis, God does not answer the problem of unjust human suffering by explaining it. Instead, He enters into it. In the person of Jesus Christ He experiences what it is like to be unfairly accused, arrested, tried, condemned, beaten, reviled, spit upon and put to death. An innocent Man, He bears the penalty while Barabbas, a criminal and an assassin, goes free. He takes upon Himself the burden of our anguish and pain. He drinks the cup to its dregs without murmur or complaint. In so doing, He demonstrates His love for us and sends us this unmistakable message: the answer to the problem of suffering can't be discovered by means of theological rationalization. The answer to the problem is Jesus.
I've grappled with the 'why' many times - and my conclusion was that God is honored in the faithfulness of His followers, in spite of what the circumstances are, but this answers the question far more clearly. In fact, in 2000 after my oophorectomy, I read the book of Job while I was recuperating, and the lesson I learned from Job was that God deserves our praise and worship no matter what our circumstances. However, that residual question still gnaws at us when injustice occurs - when someone far too young who has served the Lord with all their heart dies, when evil occurs that maims and destroys....
Where is God in suffering? Right there in the middle of it with us! Loving us, holding us close, immersed in every part of it. Thank you, Lord.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Perspective for Today & Romans 13
I awoke this morning thinking of the fruits of the Spirit. When Jesus lives in our lives, through the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives change. With Him living in us, our lives grow love, joy, peace, patience (long-suffering, forbearance), goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
The past few days I definitely lost my joy. I'm glad to report that it is back! But when I recall this list of all the attributes that should be mirrored in my life, God definitely has some work to do to perfect me further. He is s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g me. I can think I'm living up to the standard established in this list pretty well, then - wham! out of the blue I find circumstances have far more impact than I'd like them to have. I fall pell-mell into them instead of rising above them. I take life and myself far too seriously. I want to be able to address issues that need to be addressed without losing my joy in the process.
One of yesterday's verses in Chapter 12 of Romans was: be patient in tribulation. What a reminder. I'm not being persecuted. My present challenges are minimal and fairly incidental. I have no reason for letting trivial circumstances steal my joy.
I lost my joy because of a situation that could theoretically create conflict - though it certainly doesn't have to. I'd rather walk away than address the issue. I hate conflict.
And - the reality is, I'd rather be the one to lose out on the desired outcome than create a climate that compromises my relationship with the person who disagrees with me. But sometimes God chooses me for being a catalyst. My response has to be that once I have stated what needs to be stated, I have to release it and let the Holy Spirit do His work. Too often I want to help Him.
My chapter for today was Romans 13. Verse 8 states: Owe no one anything, except to love each other. It reminds me of a period of time in my life where my objective in every circumstance was to ask, "What does love demand?" Not a bad reminder for today. I love all of the principals involved in the issue I'm addressing. That has to be my foremost thought, not fear of reprisal or loss of relationships. God has the solution! That is very comforting!
When Jesus gave the 'great commission', I have been told his actual words were, "In your going, disciple...." He knew there was going to be conflict - and He used it to spread the gospel. I have to remember that the same may be true for me. He will direct my path, though I may not always like the roadblocks that divert me to the route He wants.
Lord, grant me wisdom, and the courage to be obedient to Your leading. Amen!
The past few days I definitely lost my joy. I'm glad to report that it is back! But when I recall this list of all the attributes that should be mirrored in my life, God definitely has some work to do to perfect me further. He is s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g me. I can think I'm living up to the standard established in this list pretty well, then - wham! out of the blue I find circumstances have far more impact than I'd like them to have. I fall pell-mell into them instead of rising above them. I take life and myself far too seriously. I want to be able to address issues that need to be addressed without losing my joy in the process.
One of yesterday's verses in Chapter 12 of Romans was: be patient in tribulation. What a reminder. I'm not being persecuted. My present challenges are minimal and fairly incidental. I have no reason for letting trivial circumstances steal my joy.
I lost my joy because of a situation that could theoretically create conflict - though it certainly doesn't have to. I'd rather walk away than address the issue. I hate conflict.
And - the reality is, I'd rather be the one to lose out on the desired outcome than create a climate that compromises my relationship with the person who disagrees with me. But sometimes God chooses me for being a catalyst. My response has to be that once I have stated what needs to be stated, I have to release it and let the Holy Spirit do His work. Too often I want to help Him.
My chapter for today was Romans 13. Verse 8 states: Owe no one anything, except to love each other. It reminds me of a period of time in my life where my objective in every circumstance was to ask, "What does love demand?" Not a bad reminder for today. I love all of the principals involved in the issue I'm addressing. That has to be my foremost thought, not fear of reprisal or loss of relationships. God has the solution! That is very comforting!
When Jesus gave the 'great commission', I have been told his actual words were, "In your going, disciple...." He knew there was going to be conflict - and He used it to spread the gospel. I have to remember that the same may be true for me. He will direct my path, though I may not always like the roadblocks that divert me to the route He wants.
Lord, grant me wisdom, and the courage to be obedient to Your leading. Amen!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
ROMANS 12
I've read Romans every day since my last post - but went back over chapters 9 - 11 repeatedly. Yesterday I did a little bunny trail on the words 'justify and justified' in Romans as well.
Today's reading is chapter 12. What a chapter! It is one I need to re-read weekly. Actually, as I'm reading the Bible I say that about a lot of chapters! But this one is soooooooo good! Chapter 12 both encourages using the gifts we are given by the Holy Spirit as part of the body of Christ; and it identifies multiple qualities a true Christian aspires to - qualities that are only present through the work of the Holy Spirit.
I love the inspired Word of God written by His faithful servants. When I read Paul's writings I am very aware that sometimes what he writes is his opinion - but most of the time, as in this chapter, he is writing what he has learned in the process of the Holy Spirit teaching him, and he shares it with us. It amazes me that what was stated almost 2000 years ago is so perfectly pertinent to my life today. In the midst of challenge, Romans 12 provides wonderful teaching. I'll use the 2011 NIV, but add some insight from the ESV in parentheses.
Love must be sincere (genuine)
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good
Be devoted to one another in love (brotherly affection)
Honor one another above yourselves
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord
Be joyful in hope (rejoice in hope)
Patient in affliction (tribulation)
Faithful in prayer (constant in prayer)
Share with the Lord's people who are in need (contribute to the needs of the saints)
Practice hospitality (seek to show hospitality)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse
Rejoice with those who rejoice
Mourn with those who mourn (weep with those who weep)
Live in harmony with one another
Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position
Do not be conceited (wise in your own eyes)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone (give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone
Verse 19: Do not take revenge, but leave that to the Lord (my paraphrase)
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The chapter begins with the admonition to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. It occurs to me in reading this today, that this list of what we are to aspire to clarifies what that means.
Today's reading is chapter 12. What a chapter! It is one I need to re-read weekly. Actually, as I'm reading the Bible I say that about a lot of chapters! But this one is soooooooo good! Chapter 12 both encourages using the gifts we are given by the Holy Spirit as part of the body of Christ; and it identifies multiple qualities a true Christian aspires to - qualities that are only present through the work of the Holy Spirit.
I love the inspired Word of God written by His faithful servants. When I read Paul's writings I am very aware that sometimes what he writes is his opinion - but most of the time, as in this chapter, he is writing what he has learned in the process of the Holy Spirit teaching him, and he shares it with us. It amazes me that what was stated almost 2000 years ago is so perfectly pertinent to my life today. In the midst of challenge, Romans 12 provides wonderful teaching. I'll use the 2011 NIV, but add some insight from the ESV in parentheses.
Love must be sincere (genuine)
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good
Be devoted to one another in love (brotherly affection)
Honor one another above yourselves
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord
Be joyful in hope (rejoice in hope)
Patient in affliction (tribulation)
Faithful in prayer (constant in prayer)
Share with the Lord's people who are in need (contribute to the needs of the saints)
Practice hospitality (seek to show hospitality)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse
Rejoice with those who rejoice
Mourn with those who mourn (weep with those who weep)
Live in harmony with one another
Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position
Do not be conceited (wise in your own eyes)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone (give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone
Verse 19: Do not take revenge, but leave that to the Lord (my paraphrase)
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The chapter begins with the admonition to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. It occurs to me in reading this today, that this list of what we are to aspire to clarifies what that means.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
ROMANS 9
In my sequential reading of Paul's writing, my chapter for today is Romans 9. I was thrilled with the timely reminders in yesterdays reading - Chapter 8, where we are reminded of God's unfailing love: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" What a reminder of God's amazing love!
Today's chapter is compelling in a different way. In the first few verses Paul says he would be willing to be cut off from Christ if by doing that he could gain the salvation of his Jewish race. Verses 4 & 5 leap off the page at me. Paul says, "They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ (the Messiah) who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. (ESV)"
The words are a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, and of His mercy in extending the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ to those outside the Jewish faith. I am intentionally using the word faith instead of race, for this chapter makes it very clear that those who are true sons of Abraham, are those who are sons by faith.
This does not exclude Israel. Israel has not been bypassed or usurped in God's divine plan. It is still the center of the world, and the center of God's heart. We, as Gentiles, are adopted in. I'm grateful for that adoption as a child of God, dearly loved, grafted in. But it also makes me pay attention.
I get terribly uneasy every time political leaders fail to stand up for Israel. God is Israel's protector - and anyone who stands against her is defying Almighty God. If we as a country fail to pay attention to that and if we do not stand up for Israel, we will reap the consequences. The handwriting is on the wall. We are living in the days when men call evil good, and good evil.
If you want to know whether the Lord's return is drawing near: watch Israel!
Today's chapter is compelling in a different way. In the first few verses Paul says he would be willing to be cut off from Christ if by doing that he could gain the salvation of his Jewish race. Verses 4 & 5 leap off the page at me. Paul says, "They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ (the Messiah) who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. (ESV)"
The words are a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, and of His mercy in extending the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ to those outside the Jewish faith. I am intentionally using the word faith instead of race, for this chapter makes it very clear that those who are true sons of Abraham, are those who are sons by faith.
This does not exclude Israel. Israel has not been bypassed or usurped in God's divine plan. It is still the center of the world, and the center of God's heart. We, as Gentiles, are adopted in. I'm grateful for that adoption as a child of God, dearly loved, grafted in. But it also makes me pay attention.
I get terribly uneasy every time political leaders fail to stand up for Israel. God is Israel's protector - and anyone who stands against her is defying Almighty God. If we as a country fail to pay attention to that and if we do not stand up for Israel, we will reap the consequences. The handwriting is on the wall. We are living in the days when men call evil good, and good evil.
If you want to know whether the Lord's return is drawing near: watch Israel!
Monday, September 12, 2011
REMEMBERING 9/11
September 11, 2001 We were in the middle of constructing our house. My project at that juncture was sanding and sealing hundreds of feet of boards that would eventually become window and door casings. And - - when I tried to get back to work on my project after 9/11, I felt the effort was a waste of time. After all, it's all going to burn anyway - so why go to all the trouble if we were in the final days before Christ's return. I definitely wondered if this was 'it' - the death knell of Time.
When I prayed and asked God that very question, His solacing response to me was, "Keep on keeping on. Occupy until I come."
I got it. Time is in God's hands - the beginning and the end. He is the Alpha and Omega. It isn't for me to know precisely - but I can watch for the season, as the Bible indicates, and we are getting close! When I was a teen I was fascinated with End Times Prophecy. But - later realized it is far more important to focus on living each day intentionally, than to focus on 'the end.' I still believe that - but I am once again fascinated by what the Bible says must come before the end - and what is happening in our world. When reading Revelation feels like reading the news, it is compelling to pay attention!
The Sunday School Class I attend is starting again next Sunday, and I have been impatiently waiting for it to start, following the summer break. The title of the class is Understanding the Times - and that understanding is gleaned from studying the book of the Revelation of John. Stay posted.
When I prayed and asked God that very question, His solacing response to me was, "Keep on keeping on. Occupy until I come."
I got it. Time is in God's hands - the beginning and the end. He is the Alpha and Omega. It isn't for me to know precisely - but I can watch for the season, as the Bible indicates, and we are getting close! When I was a teen I was fascinated with End Times Prophecy. But - later realized it is far more important to focus on living each day intentionally, than to focus on 'the end.' I still believe that - but I am once again fascinated by what the Bible says must come before the end - and what is happening in our world. When reading Revelation feels like reading the news, it is compelling to pay attention!
The Sunday School Class I attend is starting again next Sunday, and I have been impatiently waiting for it to start, following the summer break. The title of the class is Understanding the Times - and that understanding is gleaned from studying the book of the Revelation of John. Stay posted.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11 TENTH ANNIVERSARY
I was placed on the schedule for leading worship music this morning a few weeks back. And - earlier this week when I saw the list of songs, my first reaction was, "Wait. Aren't we going to do anything patriotic? After all it is the 10-year anniversary of 9/11." The immediate thought that surfaced after stating that was, "The best response to remembered pain is praise."
Wow! Praise brings an attitude adjustment, certainly - but I really had to mull that over - and I find it to be absolutely spot-on. The best response to remembered pain is praise.
As a tribute to the tragedy of 9/11, The Olympia Choral Society, joined by other singers in the community, (under the direction of Terry Shaw) is giving a performance of Mozart's Requiem this afternoon at 3 p m at The Washington Center in downtown Olympia. I'm definitely looking forward to that event as an opportunity to be with others who are paying attention to the significance of this date, and honoring the memory of those whose lives were lost.
I thought about celebratory remembrances a lot last night. The Jewish faith still honors the celebrations God defined in the Old Testament. One of the most significant is the Passover Remembrance associated with the exodus of God's chosen people out of Egypt. In +- 1446 B C the Israelites fled Egypt, after the last of the 10 plagues - after every firstborn male of all the people and animals died if they didn't have the blood of the lamb sprinkled over the door casing. Approximately 1475 years later, in +-30 or 33 A D, when Jesus sat with His disciples at His final passover on the earth - commonly referred to as 'the night he was betrayed' - he forever changed the focus of that celebration from being about the blood of the lamb slain for the protection of the Hebrew childrens' firstborn sons to focusing on himself as the Lamb 'slain before the foundation of the world'. Planned. Designed. Implemented.
The best response to remembered pain is praise. Praise you, Lord, for your incredible gift of paying the penalty for all of mankind's sin and for wanting a relationship with us.
And - by the way, just in case you were wondering - there was a significant beautifully-done tribute to 9/11 in the worship services. It made me cry, seeing the visual reminders of the pain. And then we sang "God Bless America."
Turn people's hearts to you while there is still time!
As for 9/11, I remember exactly where I was. I watched the second plane hit. The entire country was gut-shot. Many shared our sorrow - but what I remember most clearly, unfortunately, was a news report of one country where people were dancing in the street for joy because of our great sorrow. That shocked me. I would never wish anything that awful on my worst enemy. It was the end of my Pollyanna view of the world, that the emotion most deeply seated in the majority of people was kindness - but it is not a lesson I choose to have inform my life. The fruit of the Spirit of God in people's lives produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. That's the life I aspire to.
Wow! Praise brings an attitude adjustment, certainly - but I really had to mull that over - and I find it to be absolutely spot-on. The best response to remembered pain is praise.
As a tribute to the tragedy of 9/11, The Olympia Choral Society, joined by other singers in the community, (under the direction of Terry Shaw) is giving a performance of Mozart's Requiem this afternoon at 3 p m at The Washington Center in downtown Olympia. I'm definitely looking forward to that event as an opportunity to be with others who are paying attention to the significance of this date, and honoring the memory of those whose lives were lost.
I thought about celebratory remembrances a lot last night. The Jewish faith still honors the celebrations God defined in the Old Testament. One of the most significant is the Passover Remembrance associated with the exodus of God's chosen people out of Egypt. In +- 1446 B C the Israelites fled Egypt, after the last of the 10 plagues - after every firstborn male of all the people and animals died if they didn't have the blood of the lamb sprinkled over the door casing. Approximately 1475 years later, in +-30 or 33 A D, when Jesus sat with His disciples at His final passover on the earth - commonly referred to as 'the night he was betrayed' - he forever changed the focus of that celebration from being about the blood of the lamb slain for the protection of the Hebrew childrens' firstborn sons to focusing on himself as the Lamb 'slain before the foundation of the world'. Planned. Designed. Implemented.
The best response to remembered pain is praise. Praise you, Lord, for your incredible gift of paying the penalty for all of mankind's sin and for wanting a relationship with us.
And - by the way, just in case you were wondering - there was a significant beautifully-done tribute to 9/11 in the worship services. It made me cry, seeing the visual reminders of the pain. And then we sang "God Bless America."
Turn people's hearts to you while there is still time!
As for 9/11, I remember exactly where I was. I watched the second plane hit. The entire country was gut-shot. Many shared our sorrow - but what I remember most clearly, unfortunately, was a news report of one country where people were dancing in the street for joy because of our great sorrow. That shocked me. I would never wish anything that awful on my worst enemy. It was the end of my Pollyanna view of the world, that the emotion most deeply seated in the majority of people was kindness - but it is not a lesson I choose to have inform my life. The fruit of the Spirit of God in people's lives produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. That's the life I aspire to.
Friday, September 9, 2011
WHAT I BELIEVE
When I was in college I learned The Apostles' Creed - but it wasn't until about 10 years ago that I realized it is not accurate in what it confesses. I wrote a statement then - but don't know where it is - so this week I wrote another one. The following statement is my 'brief' statement of faith expanded from the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in GOD Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe. I believe in God the Word, who spoke the world into existence. I believe God represents the fullness and Truth of Who He is in three very specific aspects of ‘person’: God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit, who together are one God and therefore present and active in creation.
I believe in God the Father, who sent His only Son to be the payment for mans’ sins. I believe God the Father is a Spirit, and that those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. I believe He is visible, but not to man, for our physical bodies could not bear the brilliance of His magnificence. (He walked in the garden with Adam and Eve; he shielded Moses from His full presence as he passed by, but allowed Moses to see a bit of the train of his garment.)
I believe in God the Son, who is God Incarnate, the living Word, the promised Mashiach (Messiah), who became flesh and dwelled among us. I believe that God through the Holy Spirit conceived Yeshua and instructed his earthly parents to give him that name at his birth. I believe that God Himself took on the form of man, and called that physical form, Son. I believe that the Messiah who was ordained before the foundations of the world was God becoming man to build a bridge for us to be reconciled to God.
I believe that to accomplish that, He who knew no sin became sin for us. Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human, was born of the virgin Mary. He remained sinless throughout his time on earth; ministered; performed miracles; and discipled followers. In obedience to God’s will, Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried, the final and complete sacrifice for Sin. He went to Paradise, where all the faithful saints throughout the preceding ages waited. On the third day He rose again, victor over the grave, and victor over Sin.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. He shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Second Coming, and believe that it could be very soon. I believe that is when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Yeshua is the Mashiach*, and that He will reign King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
I believe in God the Holy Spirit, the third ‘person’ of the triune God, and that He is the promised Comforter and Counselor. I believe that once we accept Jesus as Savior, He lives in us through the power and work of the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit convicts man of sin, is active in drawing us to repentance, then remains active in our lives, growing us to be conformed to the image of the Son.
I believe in the holy brotherhood of the church made up of Christ’s true followers. I believe in being part of a church community; in the forgiveness of sins through Jesus the Messiah’s shed blood; in healing by the stripes he bore in his person; in the resurrection of the body and in life everlasting, where those who have repented and accepted His mercy will live and reign forever with the LORD.
*Yeshua ha Mashiach (Hebrew)
Jesus the Messiah, Jesus Christ (English)
Iesous Christos (Greek)
Isa al Masih or Maseeh (Arabic)
Jesu Christo or Jesus (Spanish) (The J is pronounced H, and the e like a)
(i.e., every language has its own name….)
I believe in GOD Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe. I believe in God the Word, who spoke the world into existence. I believe God represents the fullness and Truth of Who He is in three very specific aspects of ‘person’: God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit, who together are one God and therefore present and active in creation.
I believe in God the Father, who sent His only Son to be the payment for mans’ sins. I believe God the Father is a Spirit, and that those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. I believe He is visible, but not to man, for our physical bodies could not bear the brilliance of His magnificence. (He walked in the garden with Adam and Eve; he shielded Moses from His full presence as he passed by, but allowed Moses to see a bit of the train of his garment.)
I believe in God the Son, who is God Incarnate, the living Word, the promised Mashiach (Messiah), who became flesh and dwelled among us. I believe that God through the Holy Spirit conceived Yeshua and instructed his earthly parents to give him that name at his birth. I believe that God Himself took on the form of man, and called that physical form, Son. I believe that the Messiah who was ordained before the foundations of the world was God becoming man to build a bridge for us to be reconciled to God.
I believe that to accomplish that, He who knew no sin became sin for us. Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human, was born of the virgin Mary. He remained sinless throughout his time on earth; ministered; performed miracles; and discipled followers. In obedience to God’s will, Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried, the final and complete sacrifice for Sin. He went to Paradise, where all the faithful saints throughout the preceding ages waited. On the third day He rose again, victor over the grave, and victor over Sin.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. He shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Second Coming, and believe that it could be very soon. I believe that is when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Yeshua is the Mashiach*, and that He will reign King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
I believe in God the Holy Spirit, the third ‘person’ of the triune God, and that He is the promised Comforter and Counselor. I believe that once we accept Jesus as Savior, He lives in us through the power and work of the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit convicts man of sin, is active in drawing us to repentance, then remains active in our lives, growing us to be conformed to the image of the Son.
I believe in the holy brotherhood of the church made up of Christ’s true followers. I believe in being part of a church community; in the forgiveness of sins through Jesus the Messiah’s shed blood; in healing by the stripes he bore in his person; in the resurrection of the body and in life everlasting, where those who have repented and accepted His mercy will live and reign forever with the LORD.
*Yeshua ha Mashiach (Hebrew)
Jesus the Messiah, Jesus Christ (English)
Iesous Christos (Greek)
Isa al Masih or Maseeh (Arabic)
Jesu Christo or Jesus (Spanish) (The J is pronounced H, and the e like a)
(i.e., every language has its own name….)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
SAVED, JUSTIFIED, RECONCILED
I'm loving reading through Paul's letters in the proposed time sequence in which they were purportedly written. My chapter for today is Romans 5. The theme of our new relationship to God through Jesus - the promised Messiah - pervades this chapter. We are saved, reconciled, justified.
While we were still sinners, while we were God's enemies, the Messiah died for us. And now we are made righteous through him. Sinners no more, we are now sons and daughters, siblings, joint heirs. I LOVE the new identity!
I grew up in a church that repeatedly referred to everyone in the gathered congregation as sinners, but while we were sinners, that is no longer our identity. We are a new creation, dearly loved, bought with a price. It is a bit of a pet peeve with me that some people still do that - refer to Christians as sinners - and in so doing, they miss being spot-on in sharing the message of the purest joy that can be experienced in the release from sin.
Just as much as I believe children live up to what is expected of them, so do other people. If you call someone a sinner after they are saved they are far more likely not to disappoint you.... But - if you call them a saint, they have a high bar to measure up to. Just saying....
When I was a kid someone told me that justified meant "just-as-if-I'd never sinned" and that explanation has stuck with me. What a relief from the burden of the weight of guilt and sin that could be on our shoulders. It was there - but it is gone! Praise the Lord!
Jesus paid the price for my sin. Washed me white as snow. Forgave me so completely that he even took away the guilt of my sin. I am a child of God's grace! What an amazing Savior!
Thank you, Lord!
While we were still sinners, while we were God's enemies, the Messiah died for us. And now we are made righteous through him. Sinners no more, we are now sons and daughters, siblings, joint heirs. I LOVE the new identity!
I grew up in a church that repeatedly referred to everyone in the gathered congregation as sinners, but while we were sinners, that is no longer our identity. We are a new creation, dearly loved, bought with a price. It is a bit of a pet peeve with me that some people still do that - refer to Christians as sinners - and in so doing, they miss being spot-on in sharing the message of the purest joy that can be experienced in the release from sin.
Just as much as I believe children live up to what is expected of them, so do other people. If you call someone a sinner after they are saved they are far more likely not to disappoint you.... But - if you call them a saint, they have a high bar to measure up to. Just saying....
When I was a kid someone told me that justified meant "just-as-if-I'd never sinned" and that explanation has stuck with me. What a relief from the burden of the weight of guilt and sin that could be on our shoulders. It was there - but it is gone! Praise the Lord!
Jesus paid the price for my sin. Washed me white as snow. Forgave me so completely that he even took away the guilt of my sin. I am a child of God's grace! What an amazing Savior!
Thank you, Lord!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
SONS OF GOD THROUGH FAITH
I absolutely love the last half of Galatians Chapter 3! It is so clear in its explanation of the purpose of the law - that people were held captive under it, and that it served as the guardian until the Messiah came. When Jesus came, He didn't annul the law, He fulfilled it. The law is a mirror that proves our need for a Savior - but it couldn't save. And, it could never be kept perfectly.
Verse 24-26 (ESV) says, "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian (the law), for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith."
Justified by faith. Faith in Christ alone. All sons! Hooray! Wahoo! Yee-haw!
(I don't think I need to point out that the word 'sons' and the word 'man' in reference to people is inclusive of females - - but just in case someone wonders, I will....)
The other thing I want to point out is that we are no longer called sinners. Being identified as a sinner is a pre-faith designation. I am not a sinner. I am a Christian who occasionally sins, but there is a huge difference. I am God's child, adopted in, and an heir. I am redeemed by the blood of the lamb. My name is written in the Lamb's book of life. I am forgiven, and seen as righteous through the filter of the blood of Yeshua/Jesus/Messiah/Christ. I was once a sinner. No more. That is not my identity. I certainly could be the poster child for God's amazing grace for all he forgave me for! But the point is, He forgave me for my sins, by His grace, and drew me into His family. I call myself a child of God's grace. I seek to be an intentional Christian. Sometimes I fail even in the trying, but God's correction and forgiveness are immediate.
I long to know Him more fully. He both initiates and responds to that yearning. Revelation 3:20 was written to the church. It says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice, and will open the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." That verse is frequently taken out of context. What it vociferously declares is that God wants to have a relationship with those who take His name. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" ends that paragraph in Revelation 3. My prayer is that I will always be attuned to hear the knock.
Verse 24-26 (ESV) says, "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian (the law), for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith."
Justified by faith. Faith in Christ alone. All sons! Hooray! Wahoo! Yee-haw!
(I don't think I need to point out that the word 'sons' and the word 'man' in reference to people is inclusive of females - - but just in case someone wonders, I will....)
The other thing I want to point out is that we are no longer called sinners. Being identified as a sinner is a pre-faith designation. I am not a sinner. I am a Christian who occasionally sins, but there is a huge difference. I am God's child, adopted in, and an heir. I am redeemed by the blood of the lamb. My name is written in the Lamb's book of life. I am forgiven, and seen as righteous through the filter of the blood of Yeshua/Jesus/Messiah/Christ. I was once a sinner. No more. That is not my identity. I certainly could be the poster child for God's amazing grace for all he forgave me for! But the point is, He forgave me for my sins, by His grace, and drew me into His family. I call myself a child of God's grace. I seek to be an intentional Christian. Sometimes I fail even in the trying, but God's correction and forgiveness are immediate.
I long to know Him more fully. He both initiates and responds to that yearning. Revelation 3:20 was written to the church. It says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice, and will open the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." That verse is frequently taken out of context. What it vociferously declares is that God wants to have a relationship with those who take His name. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" ends that paragraph in Revelation 3. My prayer is that I will always be attuned to hear the knock.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)