As I begin this next post, I need to ask the question: Are you comfortable? The late poet, Carl Sandburg made an interesting statement about himself that all of us can relate to: "There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud." An interesting dichotomy, both of animal response, and human tendencies. I believe, through Christ, we each have the ability to soar beyond our human capacities. I also believe, that we each have the tendency to wallow in the lowest puddles when we put our trust in ourselves. This is what I want to consider in this post-being comfortable, complacent. The difference between the two mindsets above affect us individually, as a country, and as the body of Christ.
So, what are the signs that I am too comfortable? First, do you live/worship with high expectations? Too often we go to church because it's the thing we've always done. Do we really believe what we worship, or is it just a convenient method of self help? I realize we all get in ruts, but IF we truly believe something, shouldn't we labor until fruit is born?
Next, salvation is called the greatest of all gifts, but this gift is meant to be shared, not kept to oneself. This leads me to the second sign: have you had a spiritual conversation with a non believer recently? There is a reason why the gospel is called the "good news"; because it is meant to bring joy into the life of the receiver through the ministry of Jesus Christ. I've been asked what is the most important part of witnessing. I know that this is not something that everyone is comfortable with. My response is always the same: the relationship you have with your Savior. It's not about making a scene, or being able to out debate someone else. The power behind witnessing is the relationship you have with Christ. For example, have you ever happened upon a friend you haven't seen in a while and asked how their family is? Well, if they're a typical human being, out comes the wallet, and 97 pictures unfold, accordion style. This is what a deep, meaningful relationship with Christ does; when you meet someone who doesn't know him, something inside of you groans to express itself. Witnessing is fruitage.
Finally, do your prayers not make it through the ceiling? Again, this is another lack of expectations. I had an friend tell me once, that he didn't believe God spoke to people; that we have his words in the scriptures, and that's all we need. I then asked him if he prayed. He answered "yes", to which I then asked him "why?" He looked puzzled. I responded by asking him that if he didn't believe that God spoke, what purpose is there in praying if we didn't think He'd respond. His response: "I need to think about this". If we truly believe God at his word, then He doesn't change. Not only does He not change, but He is still involved in our lives, and that He is also providing miracles in the lives of His people.
I believe that one of the most important cures for these conditions is having a vision beyond this mortal life. Proverbs 29:18 reads "there is no vision, the people perish". One cannot maintain an healthy vision without actively seeking it. This means an unrelenting pursuit of our Savior. This kind of vision keeps us from becoming comfortable in this life, and propels us, spiritually, into the eternal realm. It creates an aversion to this world; an INSPIRED aversion.
Now, talking about being comfortable in this life can make us feel uncomfortable. I understand this. I am one who does not deal with change well. I should have been a Hobbit. But the reality of it is this: God DOES NOT want us to be comfortable! Consider the following examples:
* Worshipping the one, true God took Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the comfort of the palace to the fiery furnace.
* Praying to the one, true God took Daniel from the comfort of his royal home to a lions den.
* Faithfulness to her God took Mary from the comfort of her life and upcoming wedding to being an unwed woman, about to give birth to the Son of God.
* Listening to God took Moses from the comfort of his flocks to leading a nation across the Red Sea.
* Faith in her God took Esther from the comfort of her castle to the scepter, and possible execution at the hand of her husband and King.
* Love for his creation took Jesus from the comfort of His Fathers Kingdom in Heaven to pain and suffering on the cross.
While I do advocate an aversion to this life, I'm not suggesting that we pass up on joy, or carry a burden of being perpetually glum. Joy, in this life, does not come from "stuff", but our relationship with Jesus. While we are here, we are to be positive in our witnesses, and bubbling with hope. I believe this is what the Apostle Paul meant when he penned "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me
hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked
opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and
in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to
abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
In closing, I want to share one last scripture, which is found in the Inspired Version: "And this is mine everlasting covenant, that when thy posterity shall
embrace the truth, and look upward, then shall Zion look downward, and
all the heavens shall shake with gladness, and the earth shall tremble
with joy; And the general assembly of the church of the firstborn shall come down
out of heaven, and possess the earth, and shall have place until the end
come. And this is mine everlasting covenant, which I made with thy
father Enoch." The key to keeping a living vision is to "look up". Physically, when we look up, all of the things around us become blurry, out of focus. This is what the Lord desires of us: to live VERTICALLY. As we look upward, he shall look downward, and our relationship with him will be clear. May His Kingdom soon be upon this earth, even as it is in Heaven. God bless.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Sunday, May 13, 2018
God chose my companion
On this Mother's Day, 2018, I would like to honor my Lord by sharing my testimony of how He provided the best mother and companion I could have ever hoped for. I was raised in a broken home, so divorce was a real thing to me; it runs deep in my family. I always hoped to get married and have the "perfect" family, but if divorce was a possibility, then I wouldn't go there. I shuttered at the thought of being the cause of children growing up in poverty as I did.
Sure, I dated. In college, at work, anywhere I found someone that I thought could make me what I wanted to be. After I was ordained, I tried to limit my dating to church girls, but that didn't last; they were no fun. After another heartbreak, I decided to examine my relational path. I realized that my dating was meant to fulfill MY needs; not hers, not Gods. I knew then that I needed to change my life in a deeper way.
One night, I offered up some prayer time to my Lord, and in this prayer, I recommitted myself to his work-at all costs. I decided to give up dating and pursue only Him. If he provided me a companion, then it would be ok; if not, then I will be as Paul and serve Him until I should pass from this life. I was good with this, it gave me real peace, and I was blessed by His Spirit.
Not too long after this commitment, I started "running into" a friend by the name of Karen. We knew each other through young adult gatherings, and numerous youth ministries. It seemed any gathering I attended, she was there, and we ended up sitting together. On occasion, I would call her on a Friday night to see what she was doing. Usually, I got the answer "laundry", so I knew we had the same social makeup. One Wednesday night, she showed up at my church and sat with me for prayer service. I was getting "those" feelings again. Afterword, we went to Perkins and got a bite to eat, and talked about our lives. I kissed her hand afterward as I walked her to her car. Something her was different; or was it? Now, I'm confused and concerned.
I went home that night and thought about the conversation I had with my Lord. I realized that this could simply be a test. I didn't want to fail this AGAIN. So, that night, I offered my evening prayer with the desire I had to be in His will, no matter what. I had to know, is Karen your chosen companion for me, or is my heart simply betraying me again. If my heart was not in accordance with His will, then I needed to end this relationship before someone gets hurt. I begged the Lord for wisdom, and he provided it.
That night, I had a dream. I was in a church, and people were coming up and congratulating me. At first, I didn't know why, then I realized I'M GETTING MARRIED!!! I looked down at my attire: jeans and a t-shirt; not the typical dress for such and occasion. Then, I realized that I didn't have any rings, so I began walking around the congregation, asking couples if I could borrow their rings. What a mess!!! Suddenly, I realized something of great importance: I don't know who I'm marrying. Oh boy. In the chaos of this dream, I collected my thoughts and sought out a quiet place where I could be alone. In a hallway of the church, I asked the Lord "Lord, who am I marrying?" His response was simple "You are marrying Karen". I knew then what his plan was for me. But what about Karen?
We continued to get closer. One Saturday evening, I was visiting her at her house. I needed to go because I was preaching the next morning, and I needed more preparation. As I left, I mentioned to her that if she ever received a testimony, I had something I needed to share with her. Little did I know, she already had one.
After church, she came to my apartment and read her testimony to me, and I shared my experience with her. We were officially engaged, and I kissed her for the first time. The rest, as it's said, is history. We will celebrate 21 years of marriage this year, and I am constantly reminded of Gods love for me through her. She has provided me two loving children, and a place that I retreat to after work that is called a "HOME". What a blessing she is to me!
So, what advice could I give a young person that is single? It's simple: don't do something about it, do something WITH it. Use that time to draw near the Lord, and He will take care of your needs. He know you, He loves you, and He wants the best for you. Place your faith and your life in His hands, and allow Him to show Himself strong to you. He WILL provide. God bless.
Sure, I dated. In college, at work, anywhere I found someone that I thought could make me what I wanted to be. After I was ordained, I tried to limit my dating to church girls, but that didn't last; they were no fun. After another heartbreak, I decided to examine my relational path. I realized that my dating was meant to fulfill MY needs; not hers, not Gods. I knew then that I needed to change my life in a deeper way.
One night, I offered up some prayer time to my Lord, and in this prayer, I recommitted myself to his work-at all costs. I decided to give up dating and pursue only Him. If he provided me a companion, then it would be ok; if not, then I will be as Paul and serve Him until I should pass from this life. I was good with this, it gave me real peace, and I was blessed by His Spirit.
Not too long after this commitment, I started "running into" a friend by the name of Karen. We knew each other through young adult gatherings, and numerous youth ministries. It seemed any gathering I attended, she was there, and we ended up sitting together. On occasion, I would call her on a Friday night to see what she was doing. Usually, I got the answer "laundry", so I knew we had the same social makeup. One Wednesday night, she showed up at my church and sat with me for prayer service. I was getting "those" feelings again. Afterword, we went to Perkins and got a bite to eat, and talked about our lives. I kissed her hand afterward as I walked her to her car. Something her was different; or was it? Now, I'm confused and concerned.
I went home that night and thought about the conversation I had with my Lord. I realized that this could simply be a test. I didn't want to fail this AGAIN. So, that night, I offered my evening prayer with the desire I had to be in His will, no matter what. I had to know, is Karen your chosen companion for me, or is my heart simply betraying me again. If my heart was not in accordance with His will, then I needed to end this relationship before someone gets hurt. I begged the Lord for wisdom, and he provided it.
That night, I had a dream. I was in a church, and people were coming up and congratulating me. At first, I didn't know why, then I realized I'M GETTING MARRIED!!! I looked down at my attire: jeans and a t-shirt; not the typical dress for such and occasion. Then, I realized that I didn't have any rings, so I began walking around the congregation, asking couples if I could borrow their rings. What a mess!!! Suddenly, I realized something of great importance: I don't know who I'm marrying. Oh boy. In the chaos of this dream, I collected my thoughts and sought out a quiet place where I could be alone. In a hallway of the church, I asked the Lord "Lord, who am I marrying?" His response was simple "You are marrying Karen". I knew then what his plan was for me. But what about Karen?
We continued to get closer. One Saturday evening, I was visiting her at her house. I needed to go because I was preaching the next morning, and I needed more preparation. As I left, I mentioned to her that if she ever received a testimony, I had something I needed to share with her. Little did I know, she already had one.
After church, she came to my apartment and read her testimony to me, and I shared my experience with her. We were officially engaged, and I kissed her for the first time. The rest, as it's said, is history. We will celebrate 21 years of marriage this year, and I am constantly reminded of Gods love for me through her. She has provided me two loving children, and a place that I retreat to after work that is called a "HOME". What a blessing she is to me!
So, what advice could I give a young person that is single? It's simple: don't do something about it, do something WITH it. Use that time to draw near the Lord, and He will take care of your needs. He know you, He loves you, and He wants the best for you. Place your faith and your life in His hands, and allow Him to show Himself strong to you. He WILL provide. God bless.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
HE Knows
For some, this testimony may be unbelievable, or even a little strange, but I am one who believes the Lord at his word: "I am God, I change not." If He sent angels to men in times of old, He should still be sending Heavenly messengers today. While this testimony won't convert any one who is a non-believer, I hope it is a blessing, followed by the impress of His good Spirit, to those who believe.
In a previous testimony, I mentioned that I was raised in a single parent household. Although I didn't have a dad, I did have a Grandpa. I loved him. I was named after him. He was open to all, willing to trust anyone, and had a smile that made everyone around him smile too. He was down to earth good. He was never a priesthood member, but he was always one of the first to church, helped with offering, and one of the last to leave. He loved to help; anyone.
As it was common with northern inhabitants, when you get older, the Michigan winters got harder and harder to endure. So it was with my Grandpa and Grandma. They began driving down to Brandenton, Florida for winter. Every fall we'd have a "goodbye" party, and every spring a "welcome home" party. After they left, most of my uncles would grow their winter beards. I always knew when Grandpa and Grandma were coming home; the winter beards disappeared-Grandma didn't like facial hair. It was always good to have them back.
In the fall of my junior year, we were getting ready to have the "goodbye" party. I told my mom that I was going to hang with my friends; "tell them I'll see them in the spring". In November, my Grandpa threw us a curve ball; he suffered a heart attack, and died in Florida. I was heart broken. I didn't get to say goodbye. A black hole formed in my heart that remained for many years.
After his funeral, I decided I wanted to be like him. I began to give more time in service at church, and attend youth gatherings regularly. I also decided that, one day, I would like to be ordained to the ministry, and serve at a higher level. In a few years, I was ordained while attending Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. At my ordination, my Uncle, who ordained me, mentioned in his prayer that he felt my Grandpa was attending in spirit. I eventually moved to Independence, Missouri, where I began my "adult" life.
At first, my intentions were to grow Spiritually, and be of service to the Church. But, as often happens, I was led into the world. It began when I got my first credit card, then another, ending with five in my possession. Coming from a poor family, I wanted my first Christmas to be memorable. I maxed out all five cards, with a job paying $5.10 per hour. Ugh; you have to pay that back. This Christmas became memorable all right; for all the wrong reasons. I found a better paying job, but was already behind on payments. I had to go to court with Sears. I found myself drifting more and more into the world for release. After a while, I wasn't attending Church, and my prayer life was gone. I was lost.
One night, I came home to my spiritual dad Jack. My mother and I were living in his basement apartment. I spoke with him about how I let all of my hopes and dreams slip away, and that I now had no hope. I desired to end my life. But Jack counseled me from the scriptures, and reassured God's love for me. He then challenged me to pray that night, and lay my life before the Lord's throne of grace. So, I tried. It felt awful. How does one approach God after you've turned your back on him? I really didn't know what to say. I ended the evening with a simple prayer: "help me Lord", and retired to sleep.
The Lord heard my prayer. At 3:00 in the morning, I was awakened. Whether I was really awake, in a dream or having a vision, I don't know. But my feet were firmly on the floor. As I sat, staring at the bedroom wall in front of me, a young man stepped through the wall. I recognized him immediately: it was Grandpa!! I had never before seen him as a young man. His bald head was covered in dark, wiry hair, combed straight back. He then sat next to me on my bed and we talked. I don't know how long we talked, nor do I remember what we talked about, but I do remember finally getting to tell him how much I loved him, and how much he meant to me. What joy! After a while, he stood and told me he had to return. I asked him if he would see Jesus when he returned. He said he would. So I asked Grandpa if he would give him a message for me. I told him that Jesus must look at me now in sadness, knowing what I had become after I had dedicated my life to him. I realized that he must not believe I love him. I told Grandpa to tell Jesus that I did love him, and that I will change my life-I will become the man I promised him I would become. Most of all, I told Grandpa, tell him that I care. He nodded his head and stepped back through the wall. But, before I could sit back down on my bed, the upper half of his torso stuck back through the wall. I stared at him; he had THAT smile, only now it radiated with eternity! He simply looked at me and said "Howard, HE KNOWS". What freedom! My guilt was swept away and I was filled. I had been forgiven, and my soul redeemed from darkness.
I wish I could say that my path was an incline upward from this point, but life happens, but I still am trying to do my best. HE KNOWS. Do you have sin in your life that's weighing you down? HE KNOWS! Are you having marriage issues? HE KNOWS! Is there something separating you from a deep relationship with him? HE KNOWS! Jesus is, literally, the answer to EVERY question. He is "the way, the truth, and the life". Sometimes, when we feel alone, we need to ask ourselves, who moved? At times, we feel fear. But, fear isn't the presence of danger, it's the absence of God. We need to trust his love in us, and look to him for life. In II Chronicles, chapter 16 verse 9 we read: "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." He knows where you are, and he's waiting for the opportunity to show himself strong to you. Won't you let him? Nothing you have done can separate you from him; you have nothing to hide. HE KNOWS!! God bless.
In a previous testimony, I mentioned that I was raised in a single parent household. Although I didn't have a dad, I did have a Grandpa. I loved him. I was named after him. He was open to all, willing to trust anyone, and had a smile that made everyone around him smile too. He was down to earth good. He was never a priesthood member, but he was always one of the first to church, helped with offering, and one of the last to leave. He loved to help; anyone.
As it was common with northern inhabitants, when you get older, the Michigan winters got harder and harder to endure. So it was with my Grandpa and Grandma. They began driving down to Brandenton, Florida for winter. Every fall we'd have a "goodbye" party, and every spring a "welcome home" party. After they left, most of my uncles would grow their winter beards. I always knew when Grandpa and Grandma were coming home; the winter beards disappeared-Grandma didn't like facial hair. It was always good to have them back.
In the fall of my junior year, we were getting ready to have the "goodbye" party. I told my mom that I was going to hang with my friends; "tell them I'll see them in the spring". In November, my Grandpa threw us a curve ball; he suffered a heart attack, and died in Florida. I was heart broken. I didn't get to say goodbye. A black hole formed in my heart that remained for many years.
After his funeral, I decided I wanted to be like him. I began to give more time in service at church, and attend youth gatherings regularly. I also decided that, one day, I would like to be ordained to the ministry, and serve at a higher level. In a few years, I was ordained while attending Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. At my ordination, my Uncle, who ordained me, mentioned in his prayer that he felt my Grandpa was attending in spirit. I eventually moved to Independence, Missouri, where I began my "adult" life.
At first, my intentions were to grow Spiritually, and be of service to the Church. But, as often happens, I was led into the world. It began when I got my first credit card, then another, ending with five in my possession. Coming from a poor family, I wanted my first Christmas to be memorable. I maxed out all five cards, with a job paying $5.10 per hour. Ugh; you have to pay that back. This Christmas became memorable all right; for all the wrong reasons. I found a better paying job, but was already behind on payments. I had to go to court with Sears. I found myself drifting more and more into the world for release. After a while, I wasn't attending Church, and my prayer life was gone. I was lost.
One night, I came home to my spiritual dad Jack. My mother and I were living in his basement apartment. I spoke with him about how I let all of my hopes and dreams slip away, and that I now had no hope. I desired to end my life. But Jack counseled me from the scriptures, and reassured God's love for me. He then challenged me to pray that night, and lay my life before the Lord's throne of grace. So, I tried. It felt awful. How does one approach God after you've turned your back on him? I really didn't know what to say. I ended the evening with a simple prayer: "help me Lord", and retired to sleep.
The Lord heard my prayer. At 3:00 in the morning, I was awakened. Whether I was really awake, in a dream or having a vision, I don't know. But my feet were firmly on the floor. As I sat, staring at the bedroom wall in front of me, a young man stepped through the wall. I recognized him immediately: it was Grandpa!! I had never before seen him as a young man. His bald head was covered in dark, wiry hair, combed straight back. He then sat next to me on my bed and we talked. I don't know how long we talked, nor do I remember what we talked about, but I do remember finally getting to tell him how much I loved him, and how much he meant to me. What joy! After a while, he stood and told me he had to return. I asked him if he would see Jesus when he returned. He said he would. So I asked Grandpa if he would give him a message for me. I told him that Jesus must look at me now in sadness, knowing what I had become after I had dedicated my life to him. I realized that he must not believe I love him. I told Grandpa to tell Jesus that I did love him, and that I will change my life-I will become the man I promised him I would become. Most of all, I told Grandpa, tell him that I care. He nodded his head and stepped back through the wall. But, before I could sit back down on my bed, the upper half of his torso stuck back through the wall. I stared at him; he had THAT smile, only now it radiated with eternity! He simply looked at me and said "Howard, HE KNOWS". What freedom! My guilt was swept away and I was filled. I had been forgiven, and my soul redeemed from darkness.
I wish I could say that my path was an incline upward from this point, but life happens, but I still am trying to do my best. HE KNOWS. Do you have sin in your life that's weighing you down? HE KNOWS! Are you having marriage issues? HE KNOWS! Is there something separating you from a deep relationship with him? HE KNOWS! Jesus is, literally, the answer to EVERY question. He is "the way, the truth, and the life". Sometimes, when we feel alone, we need to ask ourselves, who moved? At times, we feel fear. But, fear isn't the presence of danger, it's the absence of God. We need to trust his love in us, and look to him for life. In II Chronicles, chapter 16 verse 9 we read: "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." He knows where you are, and he's waiting for the opportunity to show himself strong to you. Won't you let him? Nothing you have done can separate you from him; you have nothing to hide. HE KNOWS!! God bless.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
The Prodigal Son
Today, I'd like to consider the parable of the prodigal son, found in the gospel of Luke, chapter 15. I believe that, perhaps, this parable is titled wrong; I believe the title should be "The Loving Father", because while this parable seems to focus on the son, it's the actions of the Father that I believe Jesus was trying to emphasize. The use of parables by Jesus was always a teaching moment. But, the interesting way Jesus captivated his audience was amazing. You see, in his parables, Jesus both REVEALED, and CONCEALED truth; by doing this, his hope was that by each truth revealed, you might be inspired to seek that which is concealed. And, so it is with this parable. Let's begin.
"15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons;
15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods which falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
15:13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land and he began to be in want.
15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks which the swine did eat; and no man gave unto him.
15:17 And when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee;
15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants.
15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
15:22 But the father said unto his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet;
15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry;
15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
15:25 Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came, and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant?
15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because hath he received him safe and sound.
15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in; therefore came his father out and entreated him.
15:29 And he answering, said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment; and thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends;
15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
15:31 And he said unto him, Son thou art ever with me; and all that I have is thine.
15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad; for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; was lost, and is found."
Let's begin at the beginning of this chapter. Who is Jesus sitting with? With "publicans and sinners", so, the Pharisee's and scribes begin to murmur about who Jesus took company with. Jesus, knowing the hearts of those that murmured, and their disdain for the "dregs of society" that the master kept company with, decided that a lesson was in order. Then, in epic Jesus fashion, he begins the parable with a "shock": the young man asks for his inheritance before the father has died. This is unheard of! I believe Jesus had the attention of the judgemental few. He then continued the story of this sinful young man, wasting his all with righteous living. Another shock, strike two! Then, after all of this, this young man is left feeding unclean swine in the field of a farmer. Unforgivable! Strike three; he's out of God's Kingdom!!
But then, the young man "came to himself"; the first step in his repentance. He recognized his sin, was remorseful, decided to change his course, and go home. Lesson for us all: repentance is never a one time thing. Each of us need to come to the place where we see that we are fallible, and then come to ourselves. It's a 24/7 job of constantly evaluating our motives. And, it hurts.
Once the young man decides to go home to his Father, he first takes responsibility for his sins. He works out a speech in which he confesses his sin to his Father, recognizing that he is no longer worthy to be called his son, and he relegates himself to being as a servant. What humility!
And now to the response of the Father. The son makes his way home, and the Father sees him. What is his response? He RAN to the son. He didn't need to hear his confession; all he needed to hear was the sand crunching under his feet. He didn't need to see his sons humbled face; all he need to see was his silhouette on the horizon, and HE RAN to him! Side note to all parents: as beautiful as this parable is, we can all see instances in our children's lives where we can relate to this Father. We all know our kids, just as he knew his. We can all see when they're about to go astray, just as he did. The point I'm trying to make is that this Father let his son go, with the DIGNITY to come home. Trying to prevent problems is part of our job. But loving them, nonetheless, is allowing them the dignity to come home-just as our Heavenly Father does for each of us.
And now the Father is glad: "But the father said unto his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet; And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry; For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." Notice the very specific gifts spoken of: the best robe, probably the Father's robe, represented that "everything of mine, is yours". Part of the covenant represented in Jeremiah 31, and Ezekiel 36. The ring represents the authority of the family, just as when Joseph of Egypt was made Governor, the Pharaoh gave him a ring of distinction and authority. The shoes were representative of the wealth of the family; servants were often bare footed. And finally, the fatted calf. To do such a thing was always in order for a great event. What has just taken place is the Father's forgiving of the son; the son has been reinstated as a member of the family-he has been redeemed!
While we might understand, in part, of the older brothers reaction, I believe Jesus was representing the Pharisees and scribes in the attitude of this brother; always complaining, believing himself to be righteous, while constantly hindering all others in approaching the Throne of God. What was began during the captivity of Jerusalem became the means by which blindness would overcome the children of God, even to the crucifying of His Son.
Now, THE question that begs to be asked: What did the son come home to? As we've already read, the son wasted all of his inheritance on riotous living, so what will his brother do when the Father finally dies? Well, any number of us would throw the young bro out on his ear. But again, the Lord is revealing, and concealing something. Usually, that concealed portion is that which causes us to look beyond this mortal realm, into the eternal. And so it is here. We get all caught up in temporal reward, when we have been promised a mansion in Heaven. What is the reward that Jesus is calling us to look for? The answer is simple: The FATHER. To be in His presence IS the whole meaning of celestial glory. What a vision! Proverbs 29:18 tells us "where there is no vision, the people perish". We go astray because our hearts desire the things of this world more than that of God. What a wonderful truth. My prayer is that we will seek Him with all our hearts, so that His Kingdom in Heaven will soon be upon this earth. To this end, may we labor together. God bless.
"15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons;
15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods which falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
15:13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land and he began to be in want.
15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks which the swine did eat; and no man gave unto him.
15:17 And when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee;
15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants.
15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
15:22 But the father said unto his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet;
15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry;
15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
15:25 Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came, and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.
15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant?
15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because hath he received him safe and sound.
15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in; therefore came his father out and entreated him.
15:29 And he answering, said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment; and thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends;
15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
15:31 And he said unto him, Son thou art ever with me; and all that I have is thine.
15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad; for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; was lost, and is found."
Let's begin at the beginning of this chapter. Who is Jesus sitting with? With "publicans and sinners", so, the Pharisee's and scribes begin to murmur about who Jesus took company with. Jesus, knowing the hearts of those that murmured, and their disdain for the "dregs of society" that the master kept company with, decided that a lesson was in order. Then, in epic Jesus fashion, he begins the parable with a "shock": the young man asks for his inheritance before the father has died. This is unheard of! I believe Jesus had the attention of the judgemental few. He then continued the story of this sinful young man, wasting his all with righteous living. Another shock, strike two! Then, after all of this, this young man is left feeding unclean swine in the field of a farmer. Unforgivable! Strike three; he's out of God's Kingdom!!
But then, the young man "came to himself"; the first step in his repentance. He recognized his sin, was remorseful, decided to change his course, and go home. Lesson for us all: repentance is never a one time thing. Each of us need to come to the place where we see that we are fallible, and then come to ourselves. It's a 24/7 job of constantly evaluating our motives. And, it hurts.
Once the young man decides to go home to his Father, he first takes responsibility for his sins. He works out a speech in which he confesses his sin to his Father, recognizing that he is no longer worthy to be called his son, and he relegates himself to being as a servant. What humility!
And now to the response of the Father. The son makes his way home, and the Father sees him. What is his response? He RAN to the son. He didn't need to hear his confession; all he needed to hear was the sand crunching under his feet. He didn't need to see his sons humbled face; all he need to see was his silhouette on the horizon, and HE RAN to him! Side note to all parents: as beautiful as this parable is, we can all see instances in our children's lives where we can relate to this Father. We all know our kids, just as he knew his. We can all see when they're about to go astray, just as he did. The point I'm trying to make is that this Father let his son go, with the DIGNITY to come home. Trying to prevent problems is part of our job. But loving them, nonetheless, is allowing them the dignity to come home-just as our Heavenly Father does for each of us.
And now the Father is glad: "But the father said unto his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet; And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry; For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." Notice the very specific gifts spoken of: the best robe, probably the Father's robe, represented that "everything of mine, is yours". Part of the covenant represented in Jeremiah 31, and Ezekiel 36. The ring represents the authority of the family, just as when Joseph of Egypt was made Governor, the Pharaoh gave him a ring of distinction and authority. The shoes were representative of the wealth of the family; servants were often bare footed. And finally, the fatted calf. To do such a thing was always in order for a great event. What has just taken place is the Father's forgiving of the son; the son has been reinstated as a member of the family-he has been redeemed!
While we might understand, in part, of the older brothers reaction, I believe Jesus was representing the Pharisees and scribes in the attitude of this brother; always complaining, believing himself to be righteous, while constantly hindering all others in approaching the Throne of God. What was began during the captivity of Jerusalem became the means by which blindness would overcome the children of God, even to the crucifying of His Son.
Now, THE question that begs to be asked: What did the son come home to? As we've already read, the son wasted all of his inheritance on riotous living, so what will his brother do when the Father finally dies? Well, any number of us would throw the young bro out on his ear. But again, the Lord is revealing, and concealing something. Usually, that concealed portion is that which causes us to look beyond this mortal realm, into the eternal. And so it is here. We get all caught up in temporal reward, when we have been promised a mansion in Heaven. What is the reward that Jesus is calling us to look for? The answer is simple: The FATHER. To be in His presence IS the whole meaning of celestial glory. What a vision! Proverbs 29:18 tells us "where there is no vision, the people perish". We go astray because our hearts desire the things of this world more than that of God. What a wonderful truth. My prayer is that we will seek Him with all our hearts, so that His Kingdom in Heaven will soon be upon this earth. To this end, may we labor together. God bless.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Forgiveness
In my last post, we looked at repentance (please read my post on repentance before reading this. I now want to turn our attention to the flip side of that coin: forgiveness. Most time, this is the more difficult of the two. We expect forgiveness when we ask for it, but when it's required of us, we tend to hold it over the head of our oppressor, or, at least, give a half-hearted "ok", but hold on to the bad feelings that resulted in the offense.
Forgiveness is not an option either; the scriptures are clear-forgive, or God will not forgive you. I once had someone ask me "how can I forget, in order to forgive?" My response was that it's not our job to forget, only forgive. We often learn by the things we suffer. Our forgiveness is meant to set the offender free; to give them the opportunity to go forward and do better. In Section 64, we read this admonition: "My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another, and forgave not one another in their hearts, and for this evil they were afflicted, and sorely chastened; wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another, for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses, standeth condemned before the Lord, for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men; and ye ought to say in your hearts, Let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds. And he that repenteth not of his sins, and confesseth them not, then ye shall bring him before the church, and do with him as the Scriptures saith unto you, either by commandment, or by revelation. And this ye shall do that God might be glorified, not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law, that ye may not offend him who is your Lawgiver" True forgiveness is also fruitage, the movement of the Spirit to do in us, what we, ourselves, are unable to do. It is a supernatural power that comes to us as we love our Lord, and he puts his love in us. All gifts from the Lord are meant to be shared, not coveted.
So, I posed a question at the beginning of my last post: have you ever prayed and felt your prayers stopping at the ceiling, or pray for forgiveness, and know that, by faith you've been forgiven, but still feel guilt? Repentance and forgiveness are not about forgiving a debt. This would cause us to look too lightly upon sin. Repentance and forgiveness are not about ignoring an offense. This is against the nature of a just God. Repentance and forgiveness are the means of restoring a right relationship. For instance: let's say I come over to your house to visit. While I'm there, I see a fifty dollar bill laying on a table. When the moment is right, I slip the bill into my pocket. I justify the theft because I'm in need. After I've left, you call me to see if I knew where the money went. I come back, with a sad face, and apologize for taking the money, asking for your forgiveness. You, as a good Christian forgive me. Is all done? NO!!!! Not until our relationship is restored back to what it was, before the offense! THIS is the reason we have strife in the body of Christ. THIS is why we still feel guilt and separation from our God. Because we haven't spent time developing our relationship, or haven't spent time in restoring that relationship. I pray the Spirit will fill your heart with this revelation! Relationships take time and work. We cannot expect to be one with anyone so long as we fail to work at that relationship. LOVE is the key. Why is love so powerful? Because, when you truly love someone, it assesses value to that life. We each were assessed a value when our Heavenly Father sent his own Son to die for us. How can we think that anything less is valid.
This relationship I've spoken of is the qualifying attribute that each of us must strive for if we're ever to enter into that eternal Kingdom. It's THE means by which we become the body of Christ. Christ didn't die so that we could go to church; He died so that we could become the church. May His Spirit unite us to realization that only as we are one, are we His. God bless.
Forgiveness is not an option either; the scriptures are clear-forgive, or God will not forgive you. I once had someone ask me "how can I forget, in order to forgive?" My response was that it's not our job to forget, only forgive. We often learn by the things we suffer. Our forgiveness is meant to set the offender free; to give them the opportunity to go forward and do better. In Section 64, we read this admonition: "My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another, and forgave not one another in their hearts, and for this evil they were afflicted, and sorely chastened; wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another, for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses, standeth condemned before the Lord, for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men; and ye ought to say in your hearts, Let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds. And he that repenteth not of his sins, and confesseth them not, then ye shall bring him before the church, and do with him as the Scriptures saith unto you, either by commandment, or by revelation. And this ye shall do that God might be glorified, not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law, that ye may not offend him who is your Lawgiver" True forgiveness is also fruitage, the movement of the Spirit to do in us, what we, ourselves, are unable to do. It is a supernatural power that comes to us as we love our Lord, and he puts his love in us. All gifts from the Lord are meant to be shared, not coveted.
So, I posed a question at the beginning of my last post: have you ever prayed and felt your prayers stopping at the ceiling, or pray for forgiveness, and know that, by faith you've been forgiven, but still feel guilt? Repentance and forgiveness are not about forgiving a debt. This would cause us to look too lightly upon sin. Repentance and forgiveness are not about ignoring an offense. This is against the nature of a just God. Repentance and forgiveness are the means of restoring a right relationship. For instance: let's say I come over to your house to visit. While I'm there, I see a fifty dollar bill laying on a table. When the moment is right, I slip the bill into my pocket. I justify the theft because I'm in need. After I've left, you call me to see if I knew where the money went. I come back, with a sad face, and apologize for taking the money, asking for your forgiveness. You, as a good Christian forgive me. Is all done? NO!!!! Not until our relationship is restored back to what it was, before the offense! THIS is the reason we have strife in the body of Christ. THIS is why we still feel guilt and separation from our God. Because we haven't spent time developing our relationship, or haven't spent time in restoring that relationship. I pray the Spirit will fill your heart with this revelation! Relationships take time and work. We cannot expect to be one with anyone so long as we fail to work at that relationship. LOVE is the key. Why is love so powerful? Because, when you truly love someone, it assesses value to that life. We each were assessed a value when our Heavenly Father sent his own Son to die for us. How can we think that anything less is valid.
This relationship I've spoken of is the qualifying attribute that each of us must strive for if we're ever to enter into that eternal Kingdom. It's THE means by which we become the body of Christ. Christ didn't die so that we could go to church; He died so that we could become the church. May His Spirit unite us to realization that only as we are one, are we His. God bless.
Repentance
I have a question for you: have you ever said a prayer, and it feels like it stopped at the ceiling, or pray for forgiveness from God, but then, even though you have faith you've been forgiven, you still feel guilt? Well, I hope by the end of my next two posts, we'll have solved this puzzle.
I believe the gospel, at root, is relational in nature. It's not, so much, the "don't do this, and don't do that", although it is a part of the whole. It's about a relationship that each one of has with Jesus Christ, primarily, and with each other, secondarily. The two, first Jesus, then your neighbor, while different in many ways, cannot remain separate; they must function together in order to fulfill each individually. The apostle John wrote "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"
(I John 4:20).
I'm a simple man; not gifted with great intelligence; I like to keep things simple. So, I would like to suggest 4 simple steps to repentance, that if heeded, will be a blessing in your walk. The first step is remorse, or sorrow, for sin. In 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, we read " Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing; For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death.;" Sorrow, while painful, is a true blessing. It is evidence that the Spirit of God is working in you to call your attention to that which grieves it. It is the Spirit calling us to repentance.
The second step is vitally important: a frank admission of guilt. The reason for this is because confession is good for the soul. It also is the fruitage of true repentance. Most people are sorry for getting caught, not for the act. This frank admission is the "opening of the wound" that truly begins the healing process from within. In Psalm 51: 1-12, King David makes such a statement before God: "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness; according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight; that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit."
Steps three and four go together: stop doing the wrong thing, and do the right thing. In Isaiah 1:16-17, we see these two steps given: "Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well;". I call this the "principle of replacement". Many years ago, I had the "privilege" of getting a root canal. The bad tooth was keeping me up at night, so I finally decided to do something about it. As the dentist numbed my tooth, all the pain left me. He then removed everything in the tooth that was bad. I thought, for sure, I would finally get a good nights rest. I was wrong. Even though the bad stuff was gone, I was left with a hollow tooth that screamed at me every time I breathed in and out. It wasn't until the dentist filled the tooth, and made it whole, did I find relief. Such is the case in our lives. It's not enough to remove that which is leading us astray; we need to be filled with that which makes us whole again. Another time in my life, I decided I was watching too much TV. So, I made the decision that I would not turn it on after work that evening. I ate dinner, got bored, and watched TV. I didn't have a replacement. The next evening, I left my scriptures out, and spent time there. In the book "Ordering Your Own Private World" the author made a powerful statement that has stuck with me ever since: "any unused time will always flow to your weakness". Truer words have never been uttered in regards of my time management.
Repentance can be painful, humiliating, and embarrassing, but it is also necessary to enter into the Kingdom of God. In my next post, we'll look at the other side of this coin: forgiveness. One without the other is useless. In order to be truly free, we need to see this process as a whole, instead of a one sided ritual. God bless.
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