8.22.12 "Calloused Hearts"

Welcome to today’s Blog...  today’s reading is Matthew 13: 1-23 That same day Jesus went out of the house^(D) and sat by the lake. ² Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat^(E) and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. ³ Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴ As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred,^(F) sixty or thirty times what was sown. ⁹ Whoever has ears, let them hear.”^{(G) 10} The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”  ¹¹ He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven^(H) has been given to you,^(I) but not to them. ¹² Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.^{(J) 13} This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.^{(K) 14} In them is fulfilled^(L) the prophecy of Isaiah:  “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. ¹⁵ For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears,  and they have closed their eyes.  Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’^[a](M)

¹⁶ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.^{(N) 17} For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see^(O) but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. ¹⁸ “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: ¹⁹ When anyone hears the message about the kingdom^(P) and does not understand it, the evil one^(Q) comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. ²⁰ The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. ²¹ But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.^{(R) 22} The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth^(S) choke the word, making it unfruitful. ²³ But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”^(T)

I asked God to show me what I needed to hear and receive in this passage and parable.  I’ve read the Parable of the Sower many times, and didn’t want to miss something fresh or new by rushing through the reading of it.  Normally, I’m focusing on the actual parable and the explanation of it that Jesus gives,  but what caught my attention today was the in-between parts.  The part about, “Whoever has will be given more... and Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” And the part where Jesus says, “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.....” And then the real attention grabber for me, “For this people’s heart has become calloused......”.   I kept asking the question, why would He give more to those who have a lot... and take away more from those who don’t have much?  What does that mean coming from a loving God???

I believe it all boils down to having a calloused heart.  That’s why God had that grab my attention.  So here’s Jesus... loving people, healing people, forgiving people, blessing people, dying for people... and so many never get it, yet they are right there in the midst of it, watching it all unfold - seeing the miracles for themselves, but can’t believe, can’t understand, can’t receive.  But then, there are those who do get it, see it, receive it, believe it, and become followers of Jesus.  What’s the difference in the two?  Calloused hearts, hard hearts, angry, selfish and prideful hearts, kept people from understanding who Jesus was and what He had to offer.   Jesus talks about these things in the parable.  A hard and calloused heart has no openings for seeds to fall into.  It’s protected and has boundaries and is afraid that opening up may create a change that takes it out of the center of things.  A hard heart has no room for surrender.  So Jesus says those with calloused hearts will hear, but they won’t get it because they are stubborn and hard.  They will see all the miracles and healings, but won’t even perceive what’s going on because they are too busy tending to their hard hearts!   So for those who get it, who receive Jesus and see the miracles and sacrifice... they will receive even more - because they are able to surrender and their hearts are soft soil for it all.  Those who don’t get it because they have no room for receptivity, will loose it all because nothing good takes root in their hearts.  It’s not what Jesus desires, because He says if they would turn, He would heal them.  It only takes an open heart, a heart that gives way to possibility, a heart that says I don’t understand now, but I want to.

This took me in a different direction than what I originally thought today... thank you Lord for new insights into your Word.

One last thought that just crossed my heart.... What helps promote having an open and soft heart?  I know the Holy Spirit gives the gift of faith and ability to surrender, but what can we do as lights for Jesus to help hard hearts open up?  I think the way we live out our lives in front of people can make a hard heart soften.  I think a kind word, a hug, a listening ear, and an authentic care for someone can soften a heart.  I also think of the Alpha Course as a “softener”.  It’s a place to hear the Word without confrontation or judgment, a place that gives time (11 weeks) for a hard heart to soften through exposure to prayer, the Word, Spirit-filled conversation, and authentic care and connection with others.  It’s a place where transparency is encouraged so walls around protected hearts can come down.  All of this gives the Holy Spirit room to do His work.  Please pray for the course and participants this fall!

Lord, I want my heart to stay soft and surrendered to you so when I hear, I understand and when I see, I perceive.  I also want to be an instrument for you to use, to help soften calloused hearts so they’re open to the movement of your Spirit.  Use me Lord for that, and use the Alpha Course at Point of Grace to provide an environment where a man or woman, “hears the word and understands it. Then he or she produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”!      I love you, Amen.

What did God say to you today through this reading?  I would really love to hear what’s on your heart.

Denise

8-21-12 What Does It Take?

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.  “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things,but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 

“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 

“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 

“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (Luke 16:19-31)

What does it take to get our attention?

If you day to day life is anything like mine, we spend our days with blinders on, doing what needs to be done each day for our lives to continue rolling in the direction they are going.

Our daily schedules are probably some fashion of this:

• spend mornings getting ready to go to work or school
• get in car
• everyone goes to work/school and stays put all day in same place
• get in car to go home
• have dinner
• do homework, work at home or watch TV
• go to bed

If we are lucky, we get the chance to interact with others outside our families at work or school, and maybe at an extracurricular activity or two through the kids or at church.

What does it take to change us from our day to day routine? What is big enough/loud enough/intrusive enough to get our attention so that we see outside of ourselves?

I think that is what Jesus is addressing in this parable - what does it take to get us to notice?

In this parable, the rich man didn’t intentionally ignore the beggar. I believe that the beggar was actually a nonentity in the rich man’s life - an unincluded. He didn’t even register on the rich man’s radar as someone to make the effort to ignore. Even though the beggar lay at the rich man’s gate, the rich man was simply too busy doing his daily “rich-man routine”that he never paid attention.

When the rich man did finally notice, though, it was because he personally needed help. He needed relief from eternal torment and noticed the beggar at Abraham’s side as someone who was available to help him.

What I find very interesting is that even when the rich man is in the middle of experiencing the painful torment similar to what the beggar had faced every day during his life, the rich man still cannot “see” the nonentities and unincludeds that need to be seen and are still experiencing living torment. You see, his request for Abraham to send the beggar to his brothers had nothing to do with helping his brothers to be aware and engaged in the lives of those around them; rather he wanted to warn them so they don’t experience the same fate he is experiencing. He selfishly wanted to spare his family pain, not have his family react to help others that needed it.

The rich man wanted something big enough/loud enough/intrusive enough like the appearance of a dead man come back to life to catch his brothers’ attention and shake them up - scare them - so they will act differently. But not so that they would actually “see” and make a difference in the lives around them.

What does it take for our perspective to shift? Are we humbly open to God’s calling through scripture and His Spirit to act when our routine wouldn’t normally allow us to do so? Can we change our center so that God is at the center of our routines each day? Are we open to allowing His priorities guide what needs to be done each day, even if it’s different than what we consider important?

Or are we waiting for something big enough/loud enough/intrusive enough to jar us into acting?

Lisa

8-20-12 The Best Teaching Ever!

Happy Monday!!! That statement may seem like a oxymoron to you, right? How can a Monday be so happy? I know that is true if we live by the “rules” of this world. Thank You, Lord that we don’t have to, that You have provided us with Your Word, Your Truth for this day. Please begin with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to come into your heart as you read today’s scripture from Matthew 7:24-29.

NIV version:  24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Message version: 28-29When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying—quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard.

According to my 3 year old granddaughter, on the TV show, Max and Ruby - one of those characters is always saying, “This is the best day ever” which brings an instant smile to my face. Hence, why the two different readings, because only in the message version does it say in verse 29 - “This was the best teaching they had ever heard”. So fun and positive, right?  I like fun and positive.  But.....they are talking about Jesus, who is perfect in every way.

Yesterday, as God spoke through Mike in the message, I felt Him asking me, how often do you really listen to Me, Cindy?  Am I the center of your life? Yes, maybe you hear Me, but then do you act/follow through or respond to what I am teaching you?

Now, again today God is talking to me about really “hearing” AND “practicing” His Words, His ways and He’s not only talking to me, He’s talking to everyone!!!

Most of my life, if I had read a passage such as this I would of gone into “fix your life Cindy, you can do it” mode. Then when I failed (which obviously, I always did) guilt and self-condemnation would of flooded my mind because even though the priest would tell me I was forgiven by the penance I had to do, I knew only the convictions of what God was saying and nothing about the Grace from Jesus. In my mind, if I worked hard enough I could achieve everything I was “supposed to”. Even though I desperately wanted God in the center of my life, He couldn’t be.

Well, woo hoo and Praise God, that all began to change about 16 years ago when God’s Word, through a 4 year group study of the Bible and God’s Grace, through a retreat, was displayed. Now, when I read this passage, I’m still convicted but at the same time have Hope and even Joy in how, through the Grace of Jesus Christ and the help of the Holy Spirit, I can truly build my house on that rock He was talking about.  Now I can see my life as a wonderful journey with God and although I don’t perfectly hear Him, follow Him or keep Him in the center of my life, I can look forward with GREAT JOY to the day where I can in eternity.

I’m so excited that every day, I get to start afresh, forgetting the sins of yesterday, if I repent, receive His forgiveness, open my ears and hear how God wants me to truly follow Jesus this new day, that He has made!!!!!

So, yes, every Monday, can be a happy one.  As I start this week, only with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will do my best to hear His voice through His Word, prayer, and other people AND then respond.

I would love to hear your thoughts, stories, and testimonies of what you thought about this passage, what God said to you and how you will follow Jesus this day. Let us truly be excited about His Teaching, as they were 2000+ years ago always proclaiming, “This is the Best Teaching Ever!”

God’s perfect Peace, Love, Hope, and Joy to you all,

cindy

08.19.12 - Can you hear Me now?

Please begin with prayer for an open heart, before you read the passage below.  (It may also be helpful to read Matthew 11:1-6 to gain a context for these verses!) Matthew 11:7-24 - ⁷ As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? ⁸ If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. ⁹ Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,     who will prepare your way before you.’^[a]

¹¹ I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. ¹⁵ He who has ears, let him hear.

¹⁶ “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

¹⁷ “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge,and you did not mourn.’

¹⁸ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ ¹⁹ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”

²⁰ Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. ²¹ “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. ²² But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. ²³ And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.^[b] If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. ²⁴ But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

I just wanted to give a few thoughts on this text before worship and the message today.  The six verses at the beginning of the chapter help set the stage for the text today.  Notice that after John has doubts about who Jesus is, how Jesus responds towards him.  He praises John for his faithfulness to his calling and faithfulness to the Lord---no one greater born of woman---amazing!  We think that people of faith cannot doubt, but doubt in the NT is almost always seen by the believer.  We must first believe, before we can doubt!

Jesus then sets the stage in verse 15---He who has ears, let him hear!  He expects not only that we hear His calling, but that there is a response associated with that.  The generation Jesus is speaking to, complains at the strictness and ascetic lifestyle that John lived and his radical preaching and they also rebel against the compassion Jesus shows to sinners and freedom in His expression of faith.  They attempted to set parameters for God to act within, but our God is not customizable!  We must come humbly and recognize that He is God---He who has ears, let him hear.

Jesus continues on in verses 20-24, by pronouncing eternal judgment on the cities that He has done the majority of His ministry in, because they have failed to repent and respond in humility before Jesus.  He alludes to some of the most wicked OT cities (Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom) and says that they would have responded with repentance if they had seen what Jesus did in the region of Galilee.  Ouch!  There is something much deeper behind the lack of listening and lack of repentance/response than enough evidence.  What else did the people need to see?  I think it’s an issue of pride and self-righteousness that ruled in the heart of the people of the day and they were unwilling to respond to God.

Jesus was specifically addressing the generation of His time, but there is plenty of application to our generation today.  We try and dictate how God should perform and when He should do it and question His existence if we don’t get what we want, when we want it.  Americans are independent and love to be in control---repentance, submission, and surrender are not words that we like to live out.  There is no room for pride in the Kingdom of God.  Scripture says that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  Jesus is begging us to kick the god of self out of the center and receive life by trusting in Him.  He who has ears, let him hear!

Have you had seasons of trying to dictate how God should behave?  How did that work for you?  Have you run into obstacles of pride, self-centeredness, and control during your faith journey?  What does it look like to respond in faith to Jesus calling in this text?  Please feel free to add anything from worship that grabbed your heart as well!

mike

8.18.12 Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! The Saturday blog will be different than the others. Instead of a staff person or lay leader beginning the discussion, we are asking that YOU begin the discussion on what today’s Scripture is saying to you and how it relates to Sunday’s message. Enjoy praying, digging in, sharing thoughts and responding!

Have a great Saturday!   Denise

Today’s Scripture Reading is:    Psalm 103: 1-5

Of David.

¹ Praise the Lord,^(A) my soul;^(B) all my inmost being, praise his holy name.^{(C) 2} Praise the Lord,^(D) my soul, and forget not^(E) all his benefits— ³ who forgives all your sins^(F) and heals^(G) all your diseases, ⁴ who redeems your life^(H) from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,^{(I) 5} who satisfies^(J) your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed^(K) like the eagle’s.^(L

8.17.12 "Surrender Your Thorn"

Today’s scripture reading is 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 Surrender your agenda to Him today, ask God to remove the distractions, and ask Him to speak specifically to you this day through His word!

⁷ To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations,^(A) there was given me a thorn in my flesh,^(B) a messenger of Satan,^(C) to torment me. ⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.^{(D) 9} But he said to me, “My grace^(E) is sufficient for you, for my power^(F) is made perfect in weakness.^(G)”^(H) Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight^(I) in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,^(J) in persecutions,^(K) in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  (NIV)

^7-10Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,  My grace is enough; it's all you need.   My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.   (The Message)

Can you truly be thankful for a handicap or limitation that you have?  That’s so against what the world says is “normal”.  Even though I’ve read this passage many times, I’m still amazed at the “perspective” that God calls us to, in living a Kingdom life here on earth.  His ways are so contrary to what we are bombarded with every day through the world’s view.  The world says, “what did you do to deserve that?”, or “life stinks”, or “it’s not fair!”  But God says that I can be happy and boast in the challenges I have because they help me receive His power and His power shows through me more when I’m weak and trusting Him.   When I think of the world’s view,  I definitely understand how He can use the way I handle my challenges and weaknesses as an example and encouragement for others, especially people far from Him.   But before I can be an example to others, I have to live it... and learn to handle my challenges and weaknesses from the perspective that Paul talks about in this passage.  If I’m not walking through something challenging (sickness, hardships, difficulties, etc.), then I’m probably not growing.  Without challenges, my faith life would be very small.  That’s why Paul says, “bring it on” because he knows that God’s power will rest on him and make him strong and he has nothing to fear.  He will experience God’s grace in a very tangible and powerful way through his thorn.

For some reason, it seems that God is really speaking to me about handling challenges.  If anyone read my blog last week, it was about experiencing pure joy in the midst of trials, from James 1: 2-5!  I don’t choose these passages... I’m assigned a day to do the blog and use the scripture passage from the message notes that day.  Hmmmm...having pure joy in the midst of trials and taking delight in weaknesses, hardships, persecutions and difficulties...I see a pattern here God!  I’m a little worried at this point that God is preparing me and I’m going to need this teaching and greater understanding of handling trials and challenges very soon.  (smile)   And yet I’m remembering the words from Jesus that Paul quotes in this passage, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  I know, and I mean I really know, that God will give me the strength and power to endure anything, if He is my focus.  If my Kingdom perspective is one of hope, not fear....  trust, not despair.  The quote from Jesus is a promise...  not just words.   And although I have experienced my share of challenges, thorns, and difficulties in the past, I know they don’t compare to what many others have had to face.  But in my challenges, I have experienced His grace and power... and I’ve seen His grace and power in the lives of others who have endured challenges as well, and that’s been a great encouragement for me.

In VBS last week, I had the opportunity to be a crew leader for a boy in wheel chair whose name is Drew.  Drew has Cerebral Palsy and is 8 years old.  He has been a “perspective” changer for me.  Drew loves life and wants to be a part of everything, even in his wheelchair.   He laughs, giggles, jokes around, and even though he has limited use of his arms, he raises them when he sings and worships.  Drew knows God in a deeper way than most of us, I think.  And there’s no doubt in my mind that God’s grace fills him and empowers him to see life differently than most people.  His legs and arms may not work, his mind and words might be slow, and his thorn is obvious to everyone, but he lives life with a trust and acceptance of God’s love for him - even when his two “normal” brothers are running around playing in front of him.  You see, I believe when someone surrenders their thorn to God, He touches them and fills them in a special way that others cannot understand and they experience strength, power, grace, determination, and joy that just doesn’t make sense.  This is what God means by, “My grace is sufficient... my power is made perfect in your weakness.”

So Lord, when my trials come and challenges seem too big to handle...after I’ve pleaded with You to take them away, and You say, “not now”... I will surrender to You and trust the promise that Your grace will be sufficient for me, and I will delight in the deeper connection with You that will surely result through my suffering.   I love you, Amen.

How did this speak to you today?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Denise

God's Gentle Whisper

08-16-2012 God's Gentle Whisper As you prepare for today’s Scripture passage, please center your heart and mind in Christ with prayer.

And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 15 The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”

This passage, specifically verses 11-13, always bring a sobering thought to me: How many times have I looked for God in the huge, the loud, the obvious, when He is actually the Still, Gentle Whisper? Would I know God’s Voice in the midst of chaos?

Elijah is a pretty amazing guy, Biblically speaking. He was so in lock step with God that when God said, “Go,” Elijah went. As a result, God trusted Elijah with some pretty intense work which led to the restoration of Israel by God after an epic battle between Elijah as God’s right hand man and the false god, Baal, in 1 Kings 18: 16-40. Elijah trusted God to lead him, thereby bringing glory to God and honor to Israel. Elijah learned to trust God’s guidance and hear God’s quietest whisper.

Elijah knew God’s voice. He knew the sound of it, he knew the feel of it, he knew the timbre of it. In the midst of the blowing, shaking, and burning, Elijah waited for The Voice. I’d have probably run out of the cave at the first wind gust, all excited and jumpy, asking, “Is that You, God??” only to be caught up in the wind; I would do it all over again at the earthquake and the fire. Provided I survived, I would most certainly miss God’s whisper because I was talking. But not Elijah; he recognized God’s voice in the midst of chaos. He had practiced listening.

How does God get your attention? Do we all need more practice at hearing His whisper? Please share your thoughts and stories! We love them!!

Blessings, Jennifer

Fair weather faith?

Please begin with prayer for an open heart, before you read the passage below. Habakkuk 3:1-2, 17-19 - A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth.² Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.  Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, ¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. ¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,  he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

I began my college experience at the University of Texas in 1997.  This was the last year of Coach Mackovic, who had won two consecutive conference championships in 1995 & 1996, so expectations for 1997 were high, but reasonable.  We ended the season at 4-7 and UT ended the relationship with John Mackovic shortly thereafter.  I learned pretty quickly that UT fans are mostly fair weather fans.  If we are bad, there are plenty of empty seats---if we are good, everyone wears orange and there are very few empty seats---unless we aren’t good enough.  I remember in 1997 we lost to UCLA 66-3 and by halftime, my friend and I were front row, 50-yard line, enjoying the taunts from the UCLA players! 

Mack Brown was hired as the head coach after that season and the legacy began.  Mack and the Longhorns proceeded to win 9 or more games in the next 12 seasons and one national championship in 2005 (should have been at least one more!).  Mack had built the program into the most valuable program and one of the most successful in the nation.  UT Football added over 20,000 seats on the stadium and didn’t have any problem filling each seat---that is, while they were winning!  Fast forward to 2010, when the team finished 5-7 and with a losing record came empty seats.  The team was not performing the same way it had, so the fans chose not to show up.  2011 was a similar story---the record was better, but they could not fill the stadium.  Fair weather fans are one thing UT is known for and if the team is not winning, or not competing for the national championship they don’t show up.

In Habakkuk, we see a similar ‘fair weather fan’ mentality from the prophet in His response to God.  He was in the middle of his ministry as a prophet around 600 B.C., right before the Babylonians would destroy the Temple, city, and export the majority of the Jewish people back to Babylon.  We see the prophet engaging in a dialogue with God about the plight of the Jewish people.  He begins complaining about how much wickedness is going on through idol worship and immorality and God responds with announcing that He would use the Babylonians to bring judgment on the Jewish people.  Again, God is not performing as Habakkuk desires and he complains about this as well.  How dare a Holy God use such wicked people and take the Jews from their place!  Habakkuk wanted judgment, just not in this way at this time---his desires over God’s.  (Read all of Habakkuk---it’s only 3 chapters to gain a context!)

We saw a similar response from John the Baptist in Matthew 11---if Jesus were the Messiah, surely He wouldn’t let John rot in prison.  John was the biggest proclaimer of Jesus (see John 1:36 and Matthew 3:13-17), until things were not going well for him.  Jesus seemed to be healing everyone, raising the dead, and performing miracles, but He had forgotten about John.  John thought he would gently remind Jesus that he was in prison and Jesus responds, confirming He is the Messiah and saying, ‘Blessing is the man who does not fall away on account of me.’ (Matthew 11:6)  So, John responds with unmet expectations and is confused, because God is not ‘behaving’ as desired.  The fair weather mentality strikes again…

The challenge before Christians is to trust and submit to God, regardless of life situation, which is much easier in theory.  Typically, I think our faith is fine, as long as life is going as we believe in should.  Trust in God is really tested when life is not going as planned---doubts arise and we wonder if God really exists.  We eventually see Habakkuk step back and trust God.  Habakkuk 3:17-18 is one of the most faith-filled passages in Scripture!  Regardless of the circumstance or outcome, Habakkuk will ‘rejoice in the Lord’ and ‘will be joyful in God my Savior’.  What amazing words!  We are called to trust God when things go our way and when things don’t go our way. 

We see Him as a Father who knows best, even though we are confused or seem lost.  We are not ‘fair weather Christians’ that attempt to dictate how God should act, since we think we know best.  Comfort is not God’s goal---He desires commitment, transformation, and eternity.  Pain and suffering are not fun, but we expect them and trust that God will grow us through them (James 1) and trust that His name is glorified!  God give us humility and perspective that puts you first---grow us to trust you, regardless of how life is and for us to be all-weather Christians!

Are you a ‘fair weather fan’ in your relationship with God?  How much does your faith rise and fall with what’s going on around you?  How can you trust God, no matter what happens? 

mike

8-14-2012 Doubt

Welcome to today's blog! Before we begin, please pray for God to open your heart to His Word - simply surrender all that is swimming through your mind right now, receive His Word and His Spirit, and become willing to act on wherever His Word leads you today! John 20:24-31 -- Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said,“Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

As a Public Relations major in college, I learned very quickly not to believe everything I am told/shown/read. I learned the falsifying twists that can be thrown into advertising of all types, studied "yellow journalism" during its infamous heyday, read muckraking literature that swayed public opinion and explored why it did, and developed a strong aversion to over-the-top sales techniques.

After my college experiences, I'm afraid my reaction to reports that Jesus were alive would be very similar to Thomas - I just wouldn't be able to believe it until I could see it. How mind-blowing it must have been to Thomas to hear that the teacher and leader he loved - who he watched DIE and BE BURIED - is alive! How can a human mind even conceive it was possible? I'm thankful that the possibility of Christ's resurrection has always been a part of my existence, so it's always been within my vernacular as truth. But if had come to the Christian faith without a lifelong leading through it, it would have been a very difficult leap for me to make.

I fully get why Thomas reacted the way he did.

What is so powerful and humbling, though (and often left out of the "Doubting Thomas" story so often quoted), is that Thomas didn't stop in the middle of his doubt. He didn't call his friends crazy and walk away. No, he continued life with them. He continued gathering with them, which is why he was present at Jesus' appearance a week later. Even with the uncertainty of doubt, Thomas stayed true to Christ's calling for him as a disciple.

And I love how Jesus meets Thomas right where his doubt has taken him. He knows exactly what Thomas needs for reassurance and "proof". He knows that Thomas' doubt doesn't rise out of disbelief but out of the inability see beyond his own experiences. Jesus gently and compassionately teaches him to look beyond his own understanding. It's a lesson that Thomas must learn in order to lead other believers to Christ that will not have the chance to see and touch Christ in living flesh.

Some people need to doubt before they believe. If doubt leads to questions, questions lead to answers, and the answers are accepted -- then doubt has done good work. It is when doubt becomes stubbornness and stubbornness becomes a prideful lifestyle that doubt harms faith. When you doubt, don't stop there. Let your doubt deepen your faith as you continue to search for the answer.

What have your experiences with "doubt" been like? How have you held on to your faith in those "doubtful" times? How is God calling you to address those areas in life where doubt exists - maybe you don't even have full awareness of them, because doubt has existed for so long?

I know that, for me, doubt has a huge stronghold in my life in the area of health and fitness. It's a constant struggle for me to realize that Christ reigns in this area as much as He does in every other aspect of my life. I'm not the one in control and can follow His leading in this area, even if it doesn't make sense to me on how to do that. I love the image Delton used on Sunday of "Pressing Into Him". Not simply holding on, but leaning in, drawing as close as I can reach, eliminating any distance between Christ and me as much as I possibly can. I know I haven't been doing that in this area - maybe that is what I am being called to surrender, receive and act upon at this time. I've certainly been waiting to see proof of Him acting in this area before I will believe that He has control. "Blessed are those that that have not seen and yet believed...."

Lisa

8.13.12 "Lord, Save Me!"

Thank you for checking out today’s blog!  Before reading the scripture, please take time to pray the Holy Spirit would open your heart to what God has to say to you through His word.  Matthew 14:22-33 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.  When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.  25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified.  “It’s a ghost,” they said and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage!  It is I.  Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.  “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  33 Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying “Truly you are the Son of God.”                                                                                               

When have you cried out, “Lord, save me!”?  The time in my life when I cried out to God the loudest was after my wife had given birth to twins who were dangerously premature.  We prayed to God with a frequency and urgency we had previously not had in our prayer life as a young couple.  Within a month, Philip and Jacob both died.  It was devastating… But less than two years later, God blessed us with the birth of another healthy set of twins, Christian and Allie.  Today we are blessed to be the parents of three wonderful young adults! 

Pastor said in Sunday’s message that when we want to give up on God we need to “press into” Him.  My wife and I certainly didn’t do that perfectly, but we continued to “Trust God!”.  In fact, we know that none of us can trust God perfectly.  So what about you?  When have you cried out “Lord, save me!”?  When have you wanted to give up on God, but instead you pressed into him?  What happened?  How did God work in your life?  Let’s encourage each other by reminding ourselves of how trustworthy God really is.

 Trust God! mark liebenow

8.12.12 "From Why?... to How...?"

Welcome! Sundays blog gives us a chance to rethink some of what was talked about in the service at Point of Grace and process a little of what God might be saying to all of us through His Word!

The Scripture Text for today is Matthew 11:1-6,

"After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. ² When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples ³ to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” ⁴ Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: ⁵ The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. ⁶ Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

In the message today we followed the theme of "Trusting God" that adorned our entire week of Vacation Bible School.

No matter who you are ... ... Trust God! No matter how you feel... ... Trust God! No matter what people do ... ... Trust God! No matter what happens ... ... Trust God! No matter where you are ... ... Trust God!

Those themes resonated precisely with the John story!  He was struggling with the dire condition of his own circumstances and sought out Jesus for hope and encouragement.  Verse 6 really is profound.  Jesus knows that some of the things He will do (like leaving his favorite prophet in prison) will make it hard for people to continue to "trust" Him.  He offers blessing for all who will not fall away from faith even when He isn't the kind of God they thought they had and acts in ways that are disappointing and confusing for us humans.

It is in those times (like being in prison for Jesus when you know Jesus could free you) when circumstances do not seem fair or God seems to be distant that call for deeper levels of trust.  It is those times that I tend to ask "Why?" alot.  I think God is trying to move me to a deeper level of faith by converting my "Why?" to "How?" .......... From "God, Why is this happening?" to "God, Iam facing this big challenge, How are you going to lead me through it?"

The "How?" question leads me to stepping forward into life with anticipation  andopenness to see how God is going to lead His child through the realities of life.  I do not want this to sound parochial for idealistic but for me right now in my faith walk moving from questioning frustration to expectant openness is a big but very necessary step.  

How did this text and this morning's worship and message strike all of you?

What is rolling around in your heart and mind?  How is God getting your attention today?

Have a great week!

delton

8.11.12 "Saturday's Blog"

Welcome to the POG Blog! The Saturday blog will be different than the others. Instead of a staff person or lay leader beginning the discussion, we are asking that YOU begin the discussion on what today’s Scripture is saying to you and how it relates to Sunday’s message. Enjoy praying, digging in, sharing thoughts and responding!

Have a great Saturday!   Denise

Today's Scripture reading is:  John 15: 13-21

¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.^{(A) 14} You are my friends^(B) if you do what I command.^{(C) 15} I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.^{(D) 16} You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you^(E) so that you might go and bear fruit^(F)—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.^{(G) 17} This is my command: Love each other.^(H)

The World Hates the Disciples

¹⁸ “If the world hates you,^(I) keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you^(J) out of the world. That is why the world hates you.^{(K) 20} Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’^[a](L) If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.^(M) If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. ²¹ They will treat you this way because of my name,^(N) for they do not know the one who sent me.^(O)

Share your thoughts!   Let’s discuss!

8.10.12 "Pure Joy"

Today’s scripture reading is James 1: 2-5.   Ask God for revelation regarding these verses and how it applies to your life and circumstances right now.  He really spoke to me today! ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(A) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(B) produces perseverance.^{(C) 4} Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(D) and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(E) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  (NIV)

 ^2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. ⁵If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it.   (The Message)

“Consider it pure joy”....this really spoke to me today.   It doesn’t say, “endure your trials”  or  “just give in to your trials” or “be ok with trials”!   It says, “consider them pure joy”!  How can I look at trials and struggles as pure joy and not just something I have to get through or deal with?  And “why” do I need to consider them pure joy?

I believe the scripture is telling me that it’s the perseverance under the pressure of a trial that changes me.  It’s not the trial itself, but how I stand up under it...how I handle it... the attitude with which I deal with it... and IF I deal with it instead of trying to escape and take the easy way out.

When my faith is being tested and I’m in the middle of a trial or struggle, I’m not thinking about the end goal.  I’m just trying to survive it!  But God is saying if I will look at the end goal, I can be more joyful in the midst of it.  I can be changed by it, be matured by it, be wiser because of it, and be more complete and ready as an instrument of God because I persevered.  I can consider it pure joy because of what it’s accomplishing within me.   Persevering through trial is work!  It’s not easy and it’s not supposed to be - otherwise there would be no fruit from it.   I don’t believe God expects me to jump for joy, be excited and yell “woo hoo!” when trials come, but He does expect me to “fear not” when they happen.  To trust Him and the work He’s doing in me because of it.  The trials may not always come from Him, they may come because of my own brokenness or because of the brokenness in the world, but my faith is tested and I can grow from every uncomfortable or bad thing that happens to me regardless of the circumstances around it.  If I choose to trust Him in my struggles, it gives God an opportunity to be faithful to me, to take care of me, and to change me... and that’s pure joy!

I like the way The Message interprets verses 3 and 4:  “You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work...”.    The way we handle ourselves in the midst of trials can be so encouraging to others.  God can use our attitudes through struggles and trials in a powerful way - if our attitude is positive.  It shows people - especially those far from God - our true colors, what our faith life is really like, and in what or WHO we put our hope and trust.  It’s a huge witness to those around us.  I have a friend who has cancer.  Dealing with cancer isn’t a trial that can be avoided or that you can run from.  She doesn’t have a choice but to deal with it, endure it, persevere through it so the work can be accomplished... but she is a beautiful example of persevering with pure joy!  Earlier this week she started her second round of chemo.  We were talking about her day and the chemo, and in my heart I’m anxious for her, sad for her, hurting for her, worried for her... etc.  But as she was driving off to go to chemo, she rolls down her window and says, “Bye... I love you... this is going to be an AWESOME day! - see you later!”   Pure joy... even though she knew she was going to be tired, sick, and hurting because of the effect of the chemo on her body that day - she was already living in God’s grace for her and He was giving her pure joy.

I can trust Him to do that for me.  And you can trust Him to do that for you in the midst of your trials too.  I believe God is saying, “Fear Not!” because even though you will suffer, be persecuted, face trials of many kinds,  I am with you... I have your heart and your soul taken care of!”   My friend knows this and her example of trust and joy was a gift from God to me.

Lord, your Word says to ask for wisdom and you will give it generously to all without finding fault.  Please give me wisdom Lord.  Wisdom to have a deeper understanding of your word and your ways.  Wisdom to handle my trials in a way that’s pleasing to you, a witness for others, and with pure joy!   I want to trust you fully in all circumstances and to “fear not”!   Amen.

Has God revealed anything new to you today?   Please share!

Denise

8.9.12 "No Fear - Boldness!"

Today’s reading is from Acts 4:23-31.  It is fairly long – and that’s ok! ²³On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

Stop -  wait a minute – “On their release?”  What release?  I need to go backwards and see what is going on before this.  So, let’s take a look.

¹⁶”What are we going to do with these men?... ¹⁷To stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”  ¹⁸Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  ¹⁹But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.  ²⁰For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”  ²¹After further threats they let them go.  They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.

²³On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.  ²⁴When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.  “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “You made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.  ²⁵You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: 

 ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?  ²⁶The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ 

²⁷Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against Your holy servant Jesus, Whom You anointed.  ²⁸They did what Your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.  ²⁹Now, Lord consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness.  ³⁰Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” 

³¹After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 

Wow!  The words jumping off this page to me today from the “bad” guys are…

“We must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”  …”  “They commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus….”  “They could not decide how to punish them…”

Have you ever been warned to not speak about Jesus? Have you ever been commanded to not speak or teach in His Name?  Have you ever faced punishment from talking about Him?  Please share!

Verse 19 “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.” reminds me of Sunday’s reading in Matthew 10:28  “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  Rather, be afraid of the One Who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Why is the fear of what someone might say or think of me so much stronger than the fear of what God thinks of me?  Ouch!  Forgive me, God.  Help me to get this straight!

The words jumping off the page to me today from the “good” guys are…

^20”For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard…”  24They raised their voices together in prayer to God...  ²⁹Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness…  ³¹And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 

Have you felt like this - where you could not help but speak about what you have seen and heard concerning God?  Have you ever asked the Lord to enable you to speak with great boldness?  Please share!

I think when I am facing a decision of speaking up for God or remaining silent, I find myself meekly asking for help – unsure -  “God, please help me figure out what to say.”  Not much boldness in that!  Perhaps I should be praying with great confidence, with a strong, sure voice, “Lord, enable me to speak Your word with great boldness!  Fill me with the Holy Spirit so I can speak your word Boldly.”

“Fear?  Not!” has been the theme for this week.  And today it seems the theme is Boldness!

Fear?   - Boldness!   Fear?  - Boldness!

When I left for college, I roomed with a girl I had known since 4^th Grade.  We were best of friends.  (BFF’s!)  She became a little “wild” our freshman year and started partying.  I became a hermit and would read my Bible at night and did not join in on all the “fun.”  She was irritated with me, called me a “Jesus freak,” a “goody goody,” etc.   I could hear the girls in the hallway, “Should we invite Dawn?”  “Nah.  She won’t come.  She thinks she’s too ‘good’ for us.  She’s no fun.”  I wouldn’t say that I was “bold” for Christ.  I mostly hunkered down under the covers, waited for her to leave the room, then let the tears flow.  We quickly parted ways.

Fast forward 20 years.  I get a phone call from her.  “Dawn?  This is Sheryl.  I am calling to tell you I am so sorry for all times I made fun of you.  I have become a Christian.  I am so close to the Lord, now.  I want to tell you thank you – even though I made fun of you – I noticed what you were doing – I noticed.  And, I am so sorry.  And I also wanted to call, to let you know that I have cancer.  But that is ok, too – I am not afraid – I have Jesus Christ as my Savior!”

You just never know.  Never underestimate the ways you stand up for Jesus – even what seems like a “little” witness has power.  Even when you don’t feel “bold” --- it is Him Who is bold!

My friend only lived two more years.  I went to see her and got to meet her 4 children and wonderful husband.  It was a joyful reunion.  I am so grateful that God let me see the work He had done in my friend.  And I must admit – it feels good to know that I did something good for my Savior.  Not in a conceited, “look at me” way.  What really feels good is that some day, I will get to see Sheryl again in Heaven – that she did not die afraid and alone – now that is bold!

²⁹Now, Lord consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness.  ^30”Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” 

-dawn

08.08.12 - True honor during persecution

Please begin with prayer for an open heart, before you read the passage below. Psalm 62:5-8 - Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.⁶ He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. ⁷ My salvation and my honor depend on God^[a]; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. ⁸ Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah

A few years ago, my wife’s grandmother gave me a chronological Bible that one scholar took the whole of Scripture and arranged it chronologically to the best of his ability.  (NOTE---it’s not in chronological order as we have it!!)  This has been such a helpful tool over the years and it’s been particularly helpful with the Psalms.  In understanding Scripture, it is so helpful to have an understanding of the context it was written in.  In reading the Psalms, the Psalmist can appear schizophrenic in flipping between trust, fear, sadness, joy, etc., but each of these Psalms is written in response to something going on in King David’s life (a few are written by someone else).  We don’t know for sure, but Psalm 62 is linked to 2 Samuel 15, where David is fleeing from Absalom in one of the many attempts to overthrow David from the throne.  Murder was a popular was of overthrowing someone!

In these moments is when David responds through song/prayer in the Psalms.  In the midst of the chaos, persecution, and stress he writes that God is his rock and salvation---his honor depends on God---his soul finds rest in God alone---God is our refuge!  In those moments, it would be easy to take your eyes off God and worry about your life, but David is resolute and knows where his hope truly comes from. 

Verse 7 stuck out to me today---My salvation and my honor depend on God.  Chances are, we will not face persecution like the disciples in Matthew 10 or be hunted down like King David was in 2 Samuel 15, but our honor is something we can relate to, mainly socially.  One definition of honor is---a source of credit or distinction.  If our faith in Jesus Christ is the only source for true honor in this world, we will live a certain way.  If our bank accounts, physique, possessions, spouse, children, job title, etc. are our main source of honor, we will also live a certain way.  When those become threatened, our world can crumble because those are where our self-worth comes from. 

The journey of sharing our faith can really test where our honor comes from and when the source of our honor is misplaced; chances are we will not persevere through pressure.  Matthew 10:28---Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  When our source of honor is not on God, we become consumed with things the world deems as important.  We are called to find rest in God alone and have our hope come from Him---alone.  We throw down the other gods that give us honor, because they are not trustworthy.  We stand firmly on the rock that is Jesus Christ and take heart in His promises and not the empty lies of the world.  Trust in Him at all times, because He is our refuge!  I pray we find hope in Him through the daily battles of being a Christ follower in a world opposed to Him and that we can stand on His promises and the fulfillment of those promises by His death and resurrection.

What are sources of honor in your life that are not God?  Have those been challenged when sharing your faith or when people find out that you are a Christian?  Describe the tension in that moment and the possible split loyalty between God and other sources of honor.

mike

8.7.12 "Don't Be Surprised"

Todays Scripture reading is 1 Peter 4:12-16, "¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."

Whenever I read something from one of Peter's letters I like to remember, "He was there!"  He was with Jesus - alot!  His letters were much later in His life - perhaps 25 or 30 years after he walked and talked with Jesus.  So here is this guy that as a younger man followed Jesus in the flesh, then received his calling to be and apostle and then spent the rest of His life sharing with others around the world about Jesus!  Now at this age talking, via letters, to Christ followers with sage wisdom and experience!

When he says, "do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you"  I wonder if he is remembering back to Jesus word's we heard last Sunday recorded in Matthew 10.  One reason they shouldn't be surprised is because Jesus said this would happen.  Jesus said His followers would suffer at some level - economically, socially, relationally, physically - for him so do not be surprised.  Vintage Peter is updating Jesus' warning for his generation - perhaps the "fiery ordeal" is a reference to being burned at the stake!  The resistance to Jesus and His message was and is real.

As i read these words and contemplate them into my life and my age several thoughts rise to the top. 

I should not be surprised when ministry too people who are disconnected from God and not followers of Jesus is difficult, frustrating and just plain ole hard.  I must not be naive.  I must not give up too early!  The life of following Jesus and being a deliberate witness for His name is challenging and will take every ounce of my patience, perseverance, courage, faith, love, ingenuity and strength.  I live in a world that desperately needs all that Jesus has for them.  He and His message will be resisted - its a broken world - I need to remember that!

Another part of  this reading is convictingly informative for me.  Peter seems to want to make sure we don't confuse suffering for Jesus with suffering we might do because of our own brokenness, sinfulness, rebelliousness or ignorance!  ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name"  I need to remember that!  I think Peter is gently warning me not to use "suffering" as an excuse somehow for not dealing with some sin or brokeness within my life that God wants to deal with through His grace in my life and truth that calls me out.  This is a gracious call to aspire to live a life that is "not about me" - that is "ordered and shaped" by Christ, under constant "Jesus transformstion"  so that my very life is a powerful witness for Jesus - and if I suffer - let it be for my association with Christ - "praise God that you bear that name!"

Well how are things hitting you from this text!  I am challenged, convicted and  inspired! 

I would love to read your thoughts!  Please share them!

delton

8.30.12 “Trust in me…”

Today’s Reading is Joshua 1:6 – 9 ⁶ Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.  ⁷ “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

In today’s text, God is speaking to Joshua after Moses’ death.  He’s letting Joshua know that He’ll be with him and that the promise made to Jacob will be fulfilled.  If Joshua follows the Lord and does as he is commanded he will be prosperous and successful.

The last couple of years have been a difficult time for many families due to the economic downturn.  Some people have lost their homes, jobs, cars and other objects.  It has been a trying time, but I don’t know of any bank or taxing authority that repossessed anyone’s soul during this time.  We were also caught up in this difficult time.  Just months after Janie had completed her chemo treatments, I was laid off from my job.  As I searched for jobs that didn’t seem to exist, Janie found an opportunity caring for elderly people, which was perfect for her.  It was difficult to see your wife that had gone through so much, going out to work with just a stubble of hair on her head, but God was there for us.  It would have been very easy to lose faith during these times, but God continued to give us our daily bread as we needed it.  He was always with us giving us just what we needed as he did the Israelites when he gave them manna each morning.  Please share any God stories that you may have experienced during this time. 

As Joshua was asked to be the “light” for his people, so are we called to be the “light” for others.  He’s told not to be afraid, but have confidence that the Lord is with him and that the Lord will not forsake him through any trials that he may face.  The Lord gives us this same promise.  He won’t forsake us, so why should we fear?   Should we fear the world if we are considered “different” in the world’s eyes?  If Joshua had wavered in believing God would be with them and protect them, would the Israelites have made it to the promised land or would they continue wondering through the wilderness?  If the person in the next cube that is hurting doesn’t hear from me, will they hear from someone else?  What if 3 other Christians sitting around someone hurting also doesn’t want to “get involved”?

Dave

8.5.12 "FEAR NOT!!!"

Welcome to the PoG Blog! As usual our Sunday blog introduces the theme of the week from the morning message at Point of Grace as well as the scripture text for that message. 

The primary purpose of today's blog is to open up the conversation and contemplation  about all God might be saying through the scripture and the message this week.

Here are the verses from Matthew 10.  Jesus is wrapping up the instructions to His disciples as He sends them out! ²⁴ “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. ²⁵ It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! ²⁶ “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ³² “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. ³³ But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. ³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father,     a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law — ³⁶     a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ ³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. ⁴⁰ “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. ⁴² And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

So what has grabbed you from these words. 

I so appreciate how Jesus deals with fear!  He doesn't ignore it - doesn't trivialize the problem - isn't naive about it! What He does do is call forth from His disciples a genuine faith in Him and Him alone.  With that faith connection they (we) can face anything!  With that faith connection we can literally "not fear those who can kill the body but are not able to kill the soul"!  The kid's in Mexico really touched my heart!  They are "not fearing" those who could kill them as they call their society to repentance and faith in Jesus!

Lord,  I long for a faith like that!  Lord, I truly desire to be an authentic faithfilled witness in your mission and for your name!  Thank you for the high calling to "acknowlege you before others" and "to lose my life for Your sake"!  Jesus, you are the One and Only!  Amen!

Let us all know what is on your heart and mind!

delton

8.4.12 Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! The Saturday blog will be different than the others. Instead of a staff person or lay leader beginning the discussion, we are asking that YOU begin the discussion on what today’s Scripture is saying to you and how it relates to Sunday’s message. Enjoy praying, digging in, sharing thoughts and responding!

Have a great Saturday!   Denise

Todays Scripture reading is:  Psalm 61: 1-4

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

¹ Hear my cry, O God;^(A)   listen to my prayer.^{(B)   2} From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint;^(C)   lead me to the rock^(D) that is higher than I. ³ For you have been my refuge,^(E)  a strong tower against the foe.^{(F)  4} I long to dwell^(G) in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.^[b](H)

What are your thoughts about today’s reading?  Let’s discuss!

08.03.12 - Due dates as they relate to Christ's return...

Please begin with prayer for an open heart, before you read the passage below. 2 Peter 3:8-13 - ⁸ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.^{[a] 11} Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹² as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.^[b] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. ¹³ But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

This passage made me think of the pregnancies and due dates of our two children.  It seems to me that a very small percentage of babies are actually born on their due date and neither of our two children were on the exact due date.  With our first, the doctor actually changed the due date multiple times and when Liz was in labor, the doc told us that Liz was multiple days past our due date, which was news to us.  We have learned that they are just an approximation of when the baby is going to come.  I have heard the Lord’s returning equated to childbirth and there are only two things we know for sure from Scripture about His return---1) You know that it’s going to happen and 2) you don’t know when it’s going to happen!  Christians get so consumed with the ‘End Times’ and everything happening across the globe supposedly tells us that Christ is returning any day.  People have incorrectly predicted His return for hundreds of years.  Honestly, we just don’t know when, but that doesn’t mean we should not be prepared.

In having some birthing classes with my wife, they give us all these signs of what to look for regarding the stages of labor and when to actually call the doc and go to the hospital.  We tried to pay attention to these as much as possible without getting freaked out by not knowing exactly when or thinking every pain or movement was the baby coming out.  As our due dates approached, we began to pay more and more attention to how my wife’s body was responding and it drastically altered how we lived.  We had bags backed with all the necessities, the baby’s room was all prepped, we changed what we did with our time, and we tried to get as much rest as possible.  They were not just ordinary days!

The people surrounding the early church were mocking the potential of Christ’s return and the fact that it hadn’t happened yet (read the beginning of Ch. 3).  Peter is responding and encouraging believers in the face of these mockers.  He is telling us that He is returning and that it should impact our actions, just like the arrival of a baby! 

Honestly, I rarely live with the day of judgment at the front of my mind and it rarely alters how I live out my days.  Peter tells us it should give us hope that what’s around us is not the final say.  It should motivate us to reach out, share our faith in the face of persecution and persevere until the end.  Christ’s return will ‘come like a thief’ and we should always be prepared!  Peter tells us in V.11---‘You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.’  The day of judgment impacts how we live now.

Finally, V.9 is a favorite verse for me---‘He is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’  What a gracious God we have!  We realize the grace He has shown over hundreds and thousands of years (our time) and His desire is that people would turn and know Him.  It’s a privilege to play a part in His plan as salt and light, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

So, brothers and sisters, we remain prepared, we remain hopeful in the face of persecution, we live holy lives, we share our faith and we look forward to the Day our Lord returns!  We live intently in the present age, but have great hope and joy for the age to come!

Does the day of judgment bring you fear or excitement?  Does Christ’s return impact how you live right now?  Why or why not?  I would love to hear your thoughts on the passage and how it grabbed your attention. 

mike