My recent blog-vacation turned into a Sabbatical! I did not intend on staying away from this online newsletter for such a long time. To say that I have been busy is an understatement. Since we left for our family vacation in mid-June til now has passed so fast! Ashley will be starting Furman in just a few weeks. I can't believe my baby is going to college.
Last week I was at Student-Life with our students and some other great adults. Chris Tomlin's band led the worship all week and Louie Giglio brought the Word of God. I knew before going to Daytona Beach that the worship would be incredible. God surprised me with something even more than I imagined. He showed up and did something special for us on the very first night. Then, things just got better. We worshiped our Lord with abandon and learned very practical Truths from His Word that are immediately applicable. I was blessed to experience this with these Students. I believe some of them had an experience that have the potential to make their teen years different.
I know that these camps are "Mountain Top" experiences and many criticize this process by saying that it does not last in teenagers lives for more than a few weeks. I have no argument against this being a "Mountain Top" experience. What I do suggest is that these kind of 'spiritual highs' are necessary on our journey through this earth. It is way too easy to get so ensconced in our everyday lives that we treat our spiritual relationship with our Creator very casually. It many times takes a difficult time in our lives to make us stop and think about our need for God and about His mercy and grace for our lives.
I wonder how long it has been since you have had a "Mountain Top" experience? I encourage every Christ-Follower to do something to alter your routine by specifically focusing quality time on God's Word and worship. You will find that these experiences, no matter how short-lived, can make a huge difference in the quality and passion of our walk with Christ.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
TRANSITIONS
Isn't amazing how many different transitions there are in our journey through life on earth? Some changes are exciting and challenging while others are filled with dread and are very painful. How we view CHANGE itself has great influence on how we respond to changes we didn't plan or want. I once heard someone say that the only people in the church who like change are the babies with dirty diapers. I don't think that is true but it does highlight how many people just want things to stay the same -- even if the "same" isn't accomplishing our objectives.
It is a season of change in my life personally. My daughter is graduating from High School and is ready to move on with the exciting things taking place in her life. My son is working out of town now so we never see him (ok he's 24 but we still like seeing him). My wife realized it was getting close to being just she and I so she got a dog!! I could sit around and feel down-and-out about these inevitable changes or embrace them, learn "in" them, and maximize every opportunity they bring. The real issue is my attitude and heart, not my circumstances.
In many ways it is also a time of transition for us spiritually. WE are living in a time when the organized, structured church is just not accomplishing the objectives given to us by our Founder, President and C.E.O. -- Jesus. For many in these organizations such "realities" are troubling but not enough to motivate any radical changes. I empathize with those who like things the way they have been for a long time. There is something soothing and comforting in things staying the same.
Unfortunately this is not the way God's church grows and impacts our world. Churches everywhere are struggling to keep up buildings and maintain programs while simultaneously proclaiming that the church is not buildings, it is the PEOPLE! When suggestions are made that veer too far from the "norm" it is viewed with suspicion. The church is confused and we know that confused people don't do anything daring or risky!
My dear friends, Christianity is risky and daring. It takes great COURAGE and the STRENGTH that only God can give to be a part of something God-Sized! The sad thing is that CHANGE is being forced on God's People when it could have been embraced and maximized long ago. WE have waited far too long to show the world who our Savior is instead of promoting our next program or "selling" the great services we can render for your family. PEOPLE NEED THE LORD, NOT THE CHURCH! Once they get SAVED then they will WANT to be around other BELIEVERS!
I am realistic about things changing and can't wait to see how God will bless those who step out on faith. God told a man named Abram: "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." (Gen. 12:1) Then we read, "So Abram left, as the Lord had told him." (Gen. 12:4a) God is looking for a group of people who are willing to "Follow" Him by using the FAITH we see demonstrated by a man named Abram. A hurting world needs to see what God can do for them and not what the church can do for them. Ultimate Triumph awaits the daring risk takers who FOLLOW God's CALL. Read the ACTS stories to see what God will do IF we are willing to trust Him.
It is a season of change in my life personally. My daughter is graduating from High School and is ready to move on with the exciting things taking place in her life. My son is working out of town now so we never see him (ok he's 24 but we still like seeing him). My wife realized it was getting close to being just she and I so she got a dog!! I could sit around and feel down-and-out about these inevitable changes or embrace them, learn "in" them, and maximize every opportunity they bring. The real issue is my attitude and heart, not my circumstances.
In many ways it is also a time of transition for us spiritually. WE are living in a time when the organized, structured church is just not accomplishing the objectives given to us by our Founder, President and C.E.O. -- Jesus. For many in these organizations such "realities" are troubling but not enough to motivate any radical changes. I empathize with those who like things the way they have been for a long time. There is something soothing and comforting in things staying the same.
Unfortunately this is not the way God's church grows and impacts our world. Churches everywhere are struggling to keep up buildings and maintain programs while simultaneously proclaiming that the church is not buildings, it is the PEOPLE! When suggestions are made that veer too far from the "norm" it is viewed with suspicion. The church is confused and we know that confused people don't do anything daring or risky!
My dear friends, Christianity is risky and daring. It takes great COURAGE and the STRENGTH that only God can give to be a part of something God-Sized! The sad thing is that CHANGE is being forced on God's People when it could have been embraced and maximized long ago. WE have waited far too long to show the world who our Savior is instead of promoting our next program or "selling" the great services we can render for your family. PEOPLE NEED THE LORD, NOT THE CHURCH! Once they get SAVED then they will WANT to be around other BELIEVERS!
I am realistic about things changing and can't wait to see how God will bless those who step out on faith. God told a man named Abram: "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." (Gen. 12:1) Then we read, "So Abram left, as the Lord had told him." (Gen. 12:4a) God is looking for a group of people who are willing to "Follow" Him by using the FAITH we see demonstrated by a man named Abram. A hurting world needs to see what God can do for them and not what the church can do for them. Ultimate Triumph awaits the daring risk takers who FOLLOW God's CALL. Read the ACTS stories to see what God will do IF we are willing to trust Him.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Are We There Yet?
As "vacation" season approaches, for some families with children there will no doubt be some "road trips" as we travel to our desired destinations. I'm sure all of us can recall days when we sat in automobiles for what seemed like an eternity because we so wanted to get to the beach, lake, mountains, Disney World, etc. I remember when it seemed like "forever" just to ride 45 minutes to the lake! And we all remember those patience-testing questions asked so often by children:
What's the point of bringing this to our minds? As I was meditating and thinking about all the chaos that is evident in our world, I thought for a moment about this question: "Are we even getting close to where we are supposed to be going as a society?" And then this question surfaced: "Where are we going anyway?" It is certain that if we are unsure about where we are going we will have no idea when we get there or even if we are headed in the right direction! (I can attest to the aggravation of driving in the wrong direction for too long before realizing it! This is especially stressful for those of us who seem so consumed with the "good time" we make on our journeys!!) -- sorry, I digress.
Our World is made up of so many different views about where we are supposed to be going that I am not even sure it would be possible for us to ever achieve any kind of unified direction on what we are even striving for. For example, if your passion is "World Peace," what would be different in our world if we were all "At Peace?" (by Peace I mean being without any wars) What would change as far as our future existence? Would we be kinder to each other and in less of a hurry to get nowhere? Would our lives then take on new meaning? Would we find a different reason to FEEL GOOD about mankind?
Or, let's say your passion is Conservation. If we all took seriously the conservation of our Natural Resources and recycled (and we should) how would that change our society/culture? Would taking better care of "Mother Earth" cause people to be kinder to each other? etc. Or, would the greatest benefit be that we enjoy our lives a little more while we are here and then leave a better habitat for future generations? While that is a noble cause, I maintain that it is not enough. Life on a cleaner earth will still end. Then what?
If your passion is technology or economics or health care or sports/recreation, etc. the question I have is what REAL DIFFERENCE will it make for all the hours and expertise we invest in our fields? Don't hear what I am not saying -- please. I am not saying that all of these are not worthy causes. What I am saying is that, with all the attention and money and human resources that are expended every year on these things, we are not any closer to reaching the UTOPIA that humanists have told us since the 19th Century that we could reach! We are frantically pursuing worthwhile interests that are going to make absolutely NO difference in our personal reality once our time on earth is finished!
In a world where my position on life, ethics, social policy, etc. is disqualified because of my Christian perspective I simply ask the question: How are the Liberals/Progressives helping us achieve whatever it is that they think we are supposed to be working for? I am open to any ideas that may better the world I live in but the sad reality is that our pundits from Washington, D.C. to City Hall continue to try policies after policies that do little more than line their pockets with more money or achieve more power for them. Under our present system, the world does nothing but get worse as time quickly passes by!
Are we now living in the world that our great-grandparents fought for? Are we realizing the American Dream that so many Men and Women have given their lives for? How long will we continue to believe in a system of government that is broken? (not to mention is unconstitutional) You may not agree with my position as a Follower of Jesus Christ. But, those who radically oppose this viable position offer no solutions for mankind's many dilemmas! I would just like to hear the "no-spin" response from progressives to this question: "ARE WE THERE YET?" If true Americans will listen, we may just find out that our leaders don't know what to do because they are not even sure where we are going!
"Are we there yet?" or "How much longer?"
What's the point of bringing this to our minds? As I was meditating and thinking about all the chaos that is evident in our world, I thought for a moment about this question: "Are we even getting close to where we are supposed to be going as a society?" And then this question surfaced: "Where are we going anyway?" It is certain that if we are unsure about where we are going we will have no idea when we get there or even if we are headed in the right direction! (I can attest to the aggravation of driving in the wrong direction for too long before realizing it! This is especially stressful for those of us who seem so consumed with the "good time" we make on our journeys!!) -- sorry, I digress.
Our World is made up of so many different views about where we are supposed to be going that I am not even sure it would be possible for us to ever achieve any kind of unified direction on what we are even striving for. For example, if your passion is "World Peace," what would be different in our world if we were all "At Peace?" (by Peace I mean being without any wars) What would change as far as our future existence? Would we be kinder to each other and in less of a hurry to get nowhere? Would our lives then take on new meaning? Would we find a different reason to FEEL GOOD about mankind?
Or, let's say your passion is Conservation. If we all took seriously the conservation of our Natural Resources and recycled (and we should) how would that change our society/culture? Would taking better care of "Mother Earth" cause people to be kinder to each other? etc. Or, would the greatest benefit be that we enjoy our lives a little more while we are here and then leave a better habitat for future generations? While that is a noble cause, I maintain that it is not enough. Life on a cleaner earth will still end. Then what?
If your passion is technology or economics or health care or sports/recreation, etc. the question I have is what REAL DIFFERENCE will it make for all the hours and expertise we invest in our fields? Don't hear what I am not saying -- please. I am not saying that all of these are not worthy causes. What I am saying is that, with all the attention and money and human resources that are expended every year on these things, we are not any closer to reaching the UTOPIA that humanists have told us since the 19th Century that we could reach! We are frantically pursuing worthwhile interests that are going to make absolutely NO difference in our personal reality once our time on earth is finished!
In a world where my position on life, ethics, social policy, etc. is disqualified because of my Christian perspective I simply ask the question: How are the Liberals/Progressives helping us achieve whatever it is that they think we are supposed to be working for? I am open to any ideas that may better the world I live in but the sad reality is that our pundits from Washington, D.C. to City Hall continue to try policies after policies that do little more than line their pockets with more money or achieve more power for them. Under our present system, the world does nothing but get worse as time quickly passes by!
Are we now living in the world that our great-grandparents fought for? Are we realizing the American Dream that so many Men and Women have given their lives for? How long will we continue to believe in a system of government that is broken? (not to mention is unconstitutional) You may not agree with my position as a Follower of Jesus Christ. But, those who radically oppose this viable position offer no solutions for mankind's many dilemmas! I would just like to hear the "no-spin" response from progressives to this question: "ARE WE THERE YET?" If true Americans will listen, we may just find out that our leaders don't know what to do because they are not even sure where we are going!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Put the Important Ahead of the Urgent
Do you ever feel like there is just not enough time in the day to accomplish all that should be done? Have you ever had great plans for your day only to have them sabotaged by "urgent" things that come up? Does it frustrate you when things just don't go as you hoped or even diligently planned for them to transpire? Does it make you want to stop planning? There are many times that I PLAN ON writing on this blog site but then get sidetracked doing other things and just never seem to get back to it.
I have been speaking for the past 4 weeks on a subject that is critical for anyone who wants to be a Follower of Jesus. The series is called "The Courts of the Lord" where we focused attention on why and how to spend Time Alone With God every day. This is absolutely essential for our spiritual growth and development. I find that, in our social structure, this TIME of quiet respite with our Lord is one of the hardest disciplines to stick with. I have found over these last few months what a renewed T.A.W.G. can do for every area of our lives. When I "SIT" still long enough for God to speak to my heart, the benefits are beyond description.
Jeremiah 29:11 declares that God has a Master Plan for all of our lives. Only those who "SEEK" after God's Plan will actually find it. It's not like God is playing games with us or takes any joy in withholding this valuable information. On the contrary, He says in this section of Scripture that He wants to be found! The only thing is that we have to WANT to FIND HIM more than we want to 'get ahead' or 'be successful' or 'be entertained', etc. SEEKING God is a life-pursuit that must become a central focus of our daily lives. It is the IMPORTANT that must overrule the URGENT things that come into our daily lives.
God revealed something incredible to me in the final message of this series: NOTHING ESCAPES GOD'S OMNISCIENCE AND NOTHING EXCEEDS HIS OMNIPOTENCE! This was a statement I wrote into the final message that was no doubt given to me by God. It is just a quick reminder that God knows exactly where you are concerning your life situation; that He knows exactly what He has planned for your life; and that He is waiting on us to "STAY" in His presence long enough for Him to communicate His plans to us!
Set a time and pick a quiet place. Open the Bible and keep a journal. Your journey to God's BEST in your life awaits. Don't delay, start today!
I have been speaking for the past 4 weeks on a subject that is critical for anyone who wants to be a Follower of Jesus. The series is called "The Courts of the Lord" where we focused attention on why and how to spend Time Alone With God every day. This is absolutely essential for our spiritual growth and development. I find that, in our social structure, this TIME of quiet respite with our Lord is one of the hardest disciplines to stick with. I have found over these last few months what a renewed T.A.W.G. can do for every area of our lives. When I "SIT" still long enough for God to speak to my heart, the benefits are beyond description.
Jeremiah 29:11 declares that God has a Master Plan for all of our lives. Only those who "SEEK" after God's Plan will actually find it. It's not like God is playing games with us or takes any joy in withholding this valuable information. On the contrary, He says in this section of Scripture that He wants to be found! The only thing is that we have to WANT to FIND HIM more than we want to 'get ahead' or 'be successful' or 'be entertained', etc. SEEKING God is a life-pursuit that must become a central focus of our daily lives. It is the IMPORTANT that must overrule the URGENT things that come into our daily lives.
God revealed something incredible to me in the final message of this series: NOTHING ESCAPES GOD'S OMNISCIENCE AND NOTHING EXCEEDS HIS OMNIPOTENCE! This was a statement I wrote into the final message that was no doubt given to me by God. It is just a quick reminder that God knows exactly where you are concerning your life situation; that He knows exactly what He has planned for your life; and that He is waiting on us to "STAY" in His presence long enough for Him to communicate His plans to us!
Set a time and pick a quiet place. Open the Bible and keep a journal. Your journey to God's BEST in your life awaits. Don't delay, start today!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Bad Decision by the Pentagon
My emotions ranged somewhere between sadness and indignation in learning that Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham and this year's honorary chairman of the National Day of Prayer, was "DIS-invited" by the United States Pentagon to come and lead in prayer. Franklin Graham had been invited by the Pentagon to come and speak on the National Day of Prayer but was "dis-invited" because of Graham's comments concerning the violent actions by many Muslims. It seems that leaders in the upper ranks of the Pentagon have now become Theological critics!
The greater travesty for me is the fact that America is supposed to be a "FREE" country with all of our citizens protected by the Constitution in the exercise of "FREE Speech." This "Right" is evidently null and void for anyone who has a perspective based on our very reliable and historically accepted Christian beliefs. You certainly don't have to agree with my views or my philosophy by which I assess my views. But, I still have the right to my views! And, you have a right to your views no matter what I think!
As a leader in THE Christian Church I am not at all surprised by this kind of response by nervous, politically correct elected officials. However, I was taken back a bit by someone in the Pentagon taking this kind of action that was obviously motivated by fear of backlash by special interest groups. Did they forget that it was radical Muslims who flew an airplane into the very Pentagon where they don't want a Christian leader to appear because he spoke the TRUTH? Is this the kind of response we need from the Command Center of our National Military? Have we forgotten the "War on Terror?" It is waged primarily against the radical Muslims Franklin Graham spoke about!
This is yet another example of America's Post-Christian culture. Tolerance is not an option for those of us with a Christian World View but it certainly seems to be optional for nervous, cowardly leaders in our Nation. I don't really know what to do about these continuing abuses of our "rights" as citizens in America. Unfortunately I am having a real hard time calling our country the "United States of America" because I think we are one of the most divided countries on earth! It is going to be very interesting to see what happens if many of our States take action as Sovereign States against the ridiculous Health Care Law our Congress passed.
I wonder what it will take for the overwhelming majority of people in this country who claim to have faith in God through Jesus Christ to finally step up and speak about our Savior no matter what the elected officials say? I would like to hear a response from the more than 80% of our Military personnel who indicate a belief in Christianity! The Pentagon blew it on this one. I wonder how this will deter God's protection over our nation? Sorry for my ranting but I just wanted to share and hopefully instill a little outrage in any who might happen upon this post. May God have MERCY on America!
The greater travesty for me is the fact that America is supposed to be a "FREE" country with all of our citizens protected by the Constitution in the exercise of "FREE Speech." This "Right" is evidently null and void for anyone who has a perspective based on our very reliable and historically accepted Christian beliefs. You certainly don't have to agree with my views or my philosophy by which I assess my views. But, I still have the right to my views! And, you have a right to your views no matter what I think!
As a leader in THE Christian Church I am not at all surprised by this kind of response by nervous, politically correct elected officials. However, I was taken back a bit by someone in the Pentagon taking this kind of action that was obviously motivated by fear of backlash by special interest groups. Did they forget that it was radical Muslims who flew an airplane into the very Pentagon where they don't want a Christian leader to appear because he spoke the TRUTH? Is this the kind of response we need from the Command Center of our National Military? Have we forgotten the "War on Terror?" It is waged primarily against the radical Muslims Franklin Graham spoke about!
This is yet another example of America's Post-Christian culture. Tolerance is not an option for those of us with a Christian World View but it certainly seems to be optional for nervous, cowardly leaders in our Nation. I don't really know what to do about these continuing abuses of our "rights" as citizens in America. Unfortunately I am having a real hard time calling our country the "United States of America" because I think we are one of the most divided countries on earth! It is going to be very interesting to see what happens if many of our States take action as Sovereign States against the ridiculous Health Care Law our Congress passed.
I wonder what it will take for the overwhelming majority of people in this country who claim to have faith in God through Jesus Christ to finally step up and speak about our Savior no matter what the elected officials say? I would like to hear a response from the more than 80% of our Military personnel who indicate a belief in Christianity! The Pentagon blew it on this one. I wonder how this will deter God's protection over our nation? Sorry for my ranting but I just wanted to share and hopefully instill a little outrage in any who might happen upon this post. May God have MERCY on America!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Life by Design
When I started writing on this new blog location back in February I shared how far away I had drifted in my "Personal" walk with Christ and how God was leading me "back home." Because of the "NEW" things God is doing in my life as a result of investing the first hour of each day exclusively to HIM, we are focusing our attention on Sundays to this topic: "The Courts of the Lord." I figured since God was showing me how to get back on track, I should share with our people what He was teaching me. I don't think I have ever spoken on a topic that was so real in my personal journey at the time I was actually experiencing it!
As I was writing in my journal yesterday after reading a very difficult Psalm to translate and apply (I am talking about Psalm 88; it is a difficult one), I began thinking about the way we respond to those difficult times in our lives that seem to be as dependable as rising consumer prices. I thought I would share some of the things I wrote and maybe inspire some "deeper" thinkers to process some of these ideas.
From my journal:
The Psalm I read this morning was dark and gloomy. (Ps.88) There is no doubt that this song was written by someone in deep anguish. While the message of this Psalm is difficult to discern, it reminds me how the Bible is true to life. This song describes how many of us "feel" when things in our lives are going bad. The Bible is real because it does not paint a glossy picture of reality that we can't identify with. We all feel like we've been abandoned at times.
Actually, God created us to LIVE! We are specially designed to enjoy life. When problems come into our lives we respond according to our design. Sin, sickness, death, and the many manifestations of evil are abnormal for the LIFE God designed us to live. Our reactions to adverse life situations is born in our created design.
We read in Genesis of a "Curse" that was placed on humanity, the earth and Satan after the first sin by Adam and Eve. This curse circumvents our reality by continually forcing us to process situations that we were not designed for. That is why we NEED the STRENGTH that only God can give us for this formidable task.
We are not "called to cope" with life on earth; we are "CALLED TO OVERCOME!" The Bible is filled with stories of "OVERCOMERS!" In the opening chapters of Revelation there are 7 letters that were written to 7 real churches. In each of the letters there is a Promise of Blessings by God for those who OVERCOME the setbacks, temptations, and challenges of our "fallen world."
Processing the various stimuli that affect our 'outlook' on life, God, happiness, pain, etc. involves a careful mixture of Faith and a determination that refuses to give up. The "Abundant Life" Jesus promises us is available in the midst of the various "traps" set for us to steal what God has designed for us. (cf. John 10:10) Psalm 77:19 says that God made a way for His People "through the sea." This means that God's WAY in every problem lies in the midst of the problem! Walking by faith and living in the "real world" should never be segregated. It is only when we integrate faith with our daily challenges that we actually experience this ABUNDANCY OF LIFE!
Well, that's what I wrote in my journal on May 3, 2010. HAPPY MUSING!
As I was writing in my journal yesterday after reading a very difficult Psalm to translate and apply (I am talking about Psalm 88; it is a difficult one), I began thinking about the way we respond to those difficult times in our lives that seem to be as dependable as rising consumer prices. I thought I would share some of the things I wrote and maybe inspire some "deeper" thinkers to process some of these ideas.
From my journal:
The Psalm I read this morning was dark and gloomy. (Ps.88) There is no doubt that this song was written by someone in deep anguish. While the message of this Psalm is difficult to discern, it reminds me how the Bible is true to life. This song describes how many of us "feel" when things in our lives are going bad. The Bible is real because it does not paint a glossy picture of reality that we can't identify with. We all feel like we've been abandoned at times.
Actually, God created us to LIVE! We are specially designed to enjoy life. When problems come into our lives we respond according to our design. Sin, sickness, death, and the many manifestations of evil are abnormal for the LIFE God designed us to live. Our reactions to adverse life situations is born in our created design.
We read in Genesis of a "Curse" that was placed on humanity, the earth and Satan after the first sin by Adam and Eve. This curse circumvents our reality by continually forcing us to process situations that we were not designed for. That is why we NEED the STRENGTH that only God can give us for this formidable task.
We are not "called to cope" with life on earth; we are "CALLED TO OVERCOME!" The Bible is filled with stories of "OVERCOMERS!" In the opening chapters of Revelation there are 7 letters that were written to 7 real churches. In each of the letters there is a Promise of Blessings by God for those who OVERCOME the setbacks, temptations, and challenges of our "fallen world."
Processing the various stimuli that affect our 'outlook' on life, God, happiness, pain, etc. involves a careful mixture of Faith and a determination that refuses to give up. The "Abundant Life" Jesus promises us is available in the midst of the various "traps" set for us to steal what God has designed for us. (cf. John 10:10) Psalm 77:19 says that God made a way for His People "through the sea." This means that God's WAY in every problem lies in the midst of the problem! Walking by faith and living in the "real world" should never be segregated. It is only when we integrate faith with our daily challenges that we actually experience this ABUNDANCY OF LIFE!
Well, that's what I wrote in my journal on May 3, 2010. HAPPY MUSING!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Missing It
[One reason I was hesitant to get back into "blogger world" was this tendency to neglect taking the time to write down current thoughts that will hopefully prove helpful to any who take the time to read. If you do check to see if I have written anything, please forgive my delay. It is certainly not because God hasn't been saying anything to me! My journal is filled with insights God has given me, truths that are transforming me, mysteries that I wrestle with, and praises for the ONE who has given me the privilege of taking this journey.]
On the current front, my thoughts and gleanings are directed to the subject of God's Kingdom being present right here on planet earth. The more our world spirals downward through anti-God influences, His Kingdom remains strong, intact, unhurried, and dependable. Since we place so much weight on those who lead us, I find great comfort and excitement to know that God's Kingdom is in great shape because the Leadership cannot be questioned, challenged, or overthrown. Jesus is the ruler in the Kingdom of God! As some of our songs testify, "HE REIGNS!"
For those who have personally experienced God's love and power through salvation, it is a given fact that Jesus Reigns over the Throne of God "In Heaven." We also readily accept that His Dominion and Power cannot be challenged by anyone or anything! We fully expect, because of our salvation, to reside with our Risen Lord forever after our time on earth ends. But, there is one aspect of God's Kingdom that receives very little publicity or explanation. Jesus said for us to pray this way... "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth just as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10) This tells me that there is much more involved in becoming a "Christ-Follower" than heart/head belief, verbal profession of belief that His Gospel is TRUTH, and labeling ourselves as Christians, Believers, etc.!
I have been meditating on the current position that many people take in reference to their Christian faith. It is like we expect God to be explainable. We also expect somehow that our willingness to give away our allegiance to God through Christ should somehow insulate or insure us against painful life-situations here on earth. When trials and troubles do come, we struggle to "make sense" of them, wondering why God has abandoned us. My thoughts are leaning towards a different understanding about the Kingdom of God coming on earth right now! (like Jesus said it was supposed to) The reason we don't see the Kingdom of God transforming our social structures on earth is because even those of us who have embraced the Truth of Jesus' story have continued to exist more in the "Worldly Kingdom" than we do the Kingdom of God!
If interested, chew on this idea: What difference could it make if God's Kingdom agenda became our agenda? Let me know what you think. I will pursue more thoughts along these lines for those who are intrigued enough to participate in the climb!
On the current front, my thoughts and gleanings are directed to the subject of God's Kingdom being present right here on planet earth. The more our world spirals downward through anti-God influences, His Kingdom remains strong, intact, unhurried, and dependable. Since we place so much weight on those who lead us, I find great comfort and excitement to know that God's Kingdom is in great shape because the Leadership cannot be questioned, challenged, or overthrown. Jesus is the ruler in the Kingdom of God! As some of our songs testify, "HE REIGNS!"
For those who have personally experienced God's love and power through salvation, it is a given fact that Jesus Reigns over the Throne of God "In Heaven." We also readily accept that His Dominion and Power cannot be challenged by anyone or anything! We fully expect, because of our salvation, to reside with our Risen Lord forever after our time on earth ends. But, there is one aspect of God's Kingdom that receives very little publicity or explanation. Jesus said for us to pray this way... "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth just as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10) This tells me that there is much more involved in becoming a "Christ-Follower" than heart/head belief, verbal profession of belief that His Gospel is TRUTH, and labeling ourselves as Christians, Believers, etc.!
I have been meditating on the current position that many people take in reference to their Christian faith. It is like we expect God to be explainable. We also expect somehow that our willingness to give away our allegiance to God through Christ should somehow insulate or insure us against painful life-situations here on earth. When trials and troubles do come, we struggle to "make sense" of them, wondering why God has abandoned us. My thoughts are leaning towards a different understanding about the Kingdom of God coming on earth right now! (like Jesus said it was supposed to) The reason we don't see the Kingdom of God transforming our social structures on earth is because even those of us who have embraced the Truth of Jesus' story have continued to exist more in the "Worldly Kingdom" than we do the Kingdom of God!
If interested, chew on this idea: What difference could it make if God's Kingdom agenda became our agenda? Let me know what you think. I will pursue more thoughts along these lines for those who are intrigued enough to participate in the climb!
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