Isaiah 41:17
17-20"The poor and homeless are desperate for water,
their tongues parched and no water to be found.
But I'm there to be found, I'm there for them,
and I, God of Israel, will not leave them thirsty.
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Amos 5:24
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
Matthew 5:2-10
2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Notice the verses above (Matt 5:-2-10). There are two distinct groups of people in the Beatitudes: the helpless and the helpers. God is with them both. And it’s apparently kind of a closed loop; God, the helpless and the helpers or … servants! No one else is there, not the rich, the privileged, the good, the bad, the what-ever-other-category-you can-think-of. The helpless, the servant, God. Are you in the loop? Have you surrendered your will, your way, your self to Him? Did you come to the end of your road? When did you find out that you couldn’t do it on your own and that you needed… help? Help! Help! When did you answer the knock at the door of your heart and open it to… Jesus? If you haven’t, now is the time! Tomorrow’s not promised to you! Answer the door. Let Him in… He’ll do the rest. His yoke is easy, His burden is light.
If you are His… are you engaged? Are you serving… someone… somewhere? Are you fighting the good fight? The one where your weapons are not physical. No guns, no knives, no harsh words. This is the fight where you turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, literally give the shirt off your back (Matt: 5:39-42). This is the fight where you love your neighbor and.. your enemy and you pray for them. I’m not talking about just showing up in church every Sunday and shouting and singing and all that. That’s alright, there’s a place for all that. No, I’m talking about the fight where the Gospel, the Good News is furthered by your personal example. Do people see Jesus in you; in your words and your actions? I hope so. Because the helpless and the servants of God enjoy a special place of blessing and favor with God. I want you to be in that place Beloved. Have a Blessed Holiday. Enjoy the lesson.
.wb
2 Corinthians 10:4
3-6The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.
Acts 17:31
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man (Jesus Christ) he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
A little something extra from Edmund D.’s weekly email. I Hope this blesses you as it did me. Thanks Edmund!
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Rom ans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Dec. 5, 2010: God Gives Strength (Isaiah 40:1-8, 25, 26, 29-31)
Jeremiah 32:27
“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
1 Peter 1:23-25
23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,
“All people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[a]
And this is the word that was preached to you.
‘Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith you God.’ These are some of the most familiar, encouraging words in Scripture (I’ve been listening to Handel’s ‘Messiah’ all morning). This 40th chapter of Isaiah has several really recognizable scriptures throughout, concluding with the passage about ‘mounting up on ‘eagles wings’. What’s God saying here? Why? God is telling Israel that He’s about to do the unthinkable. He’s going to accomplish the impossible. He’s about to save beyond their (or our) ability to imagine. He’s about to send mankind a ‘gift’ in the person of Christ, who will accomplish that which is absolutely impossible. He’s about to take this fallen creation, the hopelessness that we’ve become and redeem us unto Himself. Hallelujah. Very very very ‘Good News’. Read this chapter, the entire chapter when you have an opportunity. God declares himself in such grand fashion in order to get the hearers to believe that what He has spoken, He is able to perform. What about you, Beloved? How does God need to declare Himself concerning you? What impossible, hopeless situation does He need to speak to in your life? If you read the entire chapter, you will find that God declares Himself to be bigger than all of Israel’s looming circumstances. Bigger than exile, destruction, famine, their sin… everything. Once His absolute Majesty is established, what can’t He accomplish… if they (and we) will only believe? Yes Beloved, believe. Believe that He is bigger than the ‘giants’ in our lives. Bigger than every circumstance that we’re facing. Additionally, He wants us to believe that He can and will do the impossible, the unthinkable and unimaginable. Have faith my friends, as we enter this most wonderful season. Have faith that God is yet able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask, or even think. Enjoy the lesson…
-wb
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good,
2 Peter 1:21
21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
1 Peter 1:23-25
23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,
“All people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[a]
And this is the word that was preached to you.
‘Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith you God.’ These are some of the most familiar, encouraging words in Scripture (I’ve been listening to Handel’s ‘Messiah’ all morning). This 40th chapter of Isaiah has several really recognizable scriptures throughout, concluding with the passage about ‘mounting up on ‘eagles wings’. What’s God saying here? Why? God is telling Israel that He’s about to do the unthinkable. He’s going to accomplish the impossible. He’s about to save beyond their (or our) ability to imagine. He’s about to send mankind a ‘gift’ in the person of Christ, who will accomplish that which is absolutely impossible. He’s about to take this fallen creation, the hopelessness that we’ve become and redeem us unto Himself. Hallelujah. Very very very ‘Good News’. Read this chapter, the entire chapter when you have an opportunity. God declares himself in such grand fashion in order to get the hearers to believe that what He has spoken, He is able to perform. What about you, Beloved? How does God need to declare Himself concerning you? What impossible, hopeless situation does He need to speak to in your life? If you read the entire chapter, you will find that God declares Himself to be bigger than all of Israel’s looming circumstances. Bigger than exile, destruction, famine, their sin… everything. Once His absolute Majesty is established, what can’t He accomplish… if they (and we) will only believe? Yes Beloved, believe. Believe that He is bigger than the ‘giants’ in our lives. Bigger than every circumstance that we’re facing. Additionally, He wants us to believe that He can and will do the impossible, the unthinkable and unimaginable. Have faith my friends, as we enter this most wonderful season. Have faith that God is yet able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask, or even think. Enjoy the lesson…
-wb
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good,
2 Peter 1:21
21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Nov. 28, 2010: God Is Omniscient (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-16, 23, 24)
Psalm 42:7-8
7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
Intimacy. How does that work for you? Who are you intimate with and how does that express itself in your behavior? This is an awfully personal question and forgive me if it makes you uncomfortable, but this is where we are this week: Intimacy with God. There is some level of intimacy in all of our personal relationships. Some small or large level of ‘into me see’ that you’ve allowed in order to move the relationship forward. What that implies is that you’ve trusted someone with a small piece of yourself; intimate details about your life that you don’t necessarily want to become public (can you say ‘You Tube?). Isn’t this where we get crossways with God? His omniscience: His ability to ‘know everything’ can be a bit invasive. Oftentimes, we won’t delve into a deeper place with Him because we think we have to give up our privacy, our ‘freedom’.
Beloved, God already knows everything about you. He knows your was, your is and your what ever will become of you. He knows your fondest memories and your darkest thoughts. And you know what? He loves you. He loves every bit of you. He loves your sitting and your standing, your going and your coming. He wants to hear what you have to say, even though He already knows it before hand. He cares, really cares about you.
What does that mean to you, to me? It means that we can trust Him… completely. We can trust Him with our faults, our weaknesses, our shortcomings. We can turn all of that over to God and He will heal us. It’s OK Beloved, to be intimate with God. It’s OK for you to wake up in the morning thankful. It’s OK for Him share in you daily activities.. all day. It’s OK to invite Him into your daily conversations, to acknowledge Him in all you say and do. It’s OK.
There’s one more thing: God wants you to know Him… intimately. He’s not hiding anything from you. He has and is and will continually reveal Himself to us through Jesus Christ, through His Holy Word and by the Holy Spirit. God is a mystery, but He’s not mysterious. Not to those who earnestly seek Him. You can trust Him beloved. It’s a Holy exchange: all of your self for all of Him. Go ahead. Delve a little deeper…
Blessings,
.wb
1 Corinthians 2:9-11
9 However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”[a]—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
Intimacy. How does that work for you? Who are you intimate with and how does that express itself in your behavior? This is an awfully personal question and forgive me if it makes you uncomfortable, but this is where we are this week: Intimacy with God. There is some level of intimacy in all of our personal relationships. Some small or large level of ‘into me see’ that you’ve allowed in order to move the relationship forward. What that implies is that you’ve trusted someone with a small piece of yourself; intimate details about your life that you don’t necessarily want to become public (can you say ‘You Tube?). Isn’t this where we get crossways with God? His omniscience: His ability to ‘know everything’ can be a bit invasive. Oftentimes, we won’t delve into a deeper place with Him because we think we have to give up our privacy, our ‘freedom’.
Beloved, God already knows everything about you. He knows your was, your is and your what ever will become of you. He knows your fondest memories and your darkest thoughts. And you know what? He loves you. He loves every bit of you. He loves your sitting and your standing, your going and your coming. He wants to hear what you have to say, even though He already knows it before hand. He cares, really cares about you.
What does that mean to you, to me? It means that we can trust Him… completely. We can trust Him with our faults, our weaknesses, our shortcomings. We can turn all of that over to God and He will heal us. It’s OK Beloved, to be intimate with God. It’s OK for you to wake up in the morning thankful. It’s OK for Him share in you daily activities.. all day. It’s OK to invite Him into your daily conversations, to acknowledge Him in all you say and do. It’s OK.
There’s one more thing: God wants you to know Him… intimately. He’s not hiding anything from you. He has and is and will continually reveal Himself to us through Jesus Christ, through His Holy Word and by the Holy Spirit. God is a mystery, but He’s not mysterious. Not to those who earnestly seek Him. You can trust Him beloved. It’s a Holy exchange: all of your self for all of Him. Go ahead. Delve a little deeper…
Blessings,
.wb
1 Corinthians 2:9-11
9 However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”[a]—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
Sunday School Lesson for Nov. 21, 2010: God Is Protector (Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16)
Psalm 91:1
[ Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God ] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most HighShall abide under the shadow of the Almighty
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
The Holidays are upon us. That’s not always good news. Recently, a co-worker passed away and another co-worker is experiencing a personal crisis. Then there is the financial burden that comes with this time of year. Entertaining, travel, gift giving can put a strain on your budget. Strained relationships can add to the stress surrounding this time of year, as families come together to celebrate the Holidays. It would almost seem as though the psalm of this week’s lesson could not be applied to our lives. But it does apply. The saints of God (you and I) who’ve been through some things have come to know that God is ‘There’ for them (Jehovah-Shammah: ‘God is There’). Be reminded, as we head into the Holidays, that God is with you and for you. You are never alone. You are not forgotten. He knows your name.
‘Father, bring peace and your Presence to every heart as we enter this season of Thanksgiving and Remembrance. Touch, heal, deliver, forgive. Make every heart whole, every thought sound and clear. Bring refreshing and wellness to the weak, the weary and distraught. Guide every soul into that secret place in you, a place of intimacy, security and blessing. May your Presence be made manifest in all of these, my friends and acquaintances. Meet every need. Hear our prayers, individually and collectively. Bless us in Jesus’ Name. Not only us Lord. There are so many that don’t know you. Make a way Lord, out of no way. I intercede for the lost, the weak, the hopeless that do not know you. The seed of eternity that you have planted in them; let it come forth now and bring the fruit of life, eternal life, as you intend. Turn your countenance toward us and heal us. May you be praised and magnified forever.. Amen’
Enjoy the lesson… wb
Luke 5:24
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
John 15:10
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
________________
A nugget from Kim's Corner....
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
For the ones that abide in the Almighty there is protection. I'm so full of joy to know that he abides in me and that no weapon the enemy tries to form can prosper. Not in the morning, midday, evening or midnight hour. Thank you Jesus. The Hebrews were accustomed to dividing the twenty four hours of day and night into four equal parts.
Morning: 6am-12pm warfare
Midday: 12pm-6pm destruction
Evening: 6pm-12am pestilence
Midnight: 12am-6am robbers
If you look at verses 5 and 6 there was a demon assigned to each part of the day. Our twenty four is just one day, not broken up into parts except our work schedule. Does that mean that the demons are not released? No it doesn't. Warfare is still ramping, destruction is searching, robbers are seeking, pestilence(looking for victims). But GOD has those under his wings that love him and have allowed him to take up residence in their heart. Most of us make sure that our home we live in is secure with some sort of alarm service so that we know that we are protected and our stuff. Technology is so advance that we get alerts to our phones when the alarm goes off, can view the house when away by web etc...who's protecting your spirit? Brinks, ADT, YOU...huh.
In you O Lord I put my trust
Let me never be ashamed
Deliver me in your righteousness
Bow down your ear to me
Deliver me speedily, Be my Rock
of refuge in the Name of Jesus.
Behold I stand at the door and knock. When you hear the knock in your heart, let him in. He can't protect you from the wiles of the enemy if you keep him outside knocking.
God Bless,
Kimberly Williams
[ Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God ] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most HighShall abide under the shadow of the Almighty
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
The Holidays are upon us. That’s not always good news. Recently, a co-worker passed away and another co-worker is experiencing a personal crisis. Then there is the financial burden that comes with this time of year. Entertaining, travel, gift giving can put a strain on your budget. Strained relationships can add to the stress surrounding this time of year, as families come together to celebrate the Holidays. It would almost seem as though the psalm of this week’s lesson could not be applied to our lives. But it does apply. The saints of God (you and I) who’ve been through some things have come to know that God is ‘There’ for them (Jehovah-Shammah: ‘God is There’). Be reminded, as we head into the Holidays, that God is with you and for you. You are never alone. You are not forgotten. He knows your name.
‘Father, bring peace and your Presence to every heart as we enter this season of Thanksgiving and Remembrance. Touch, heal, deliver, forgive. Make every heart whole, every thought sound and clear. Bring refreshing and wellness to the weak, the weary and distraught. Guide every soul into that secret place in you, a place of intimacy, security and blessing. May your Presence be made manifest in all of these, my friends and acquaintances. Meet every need. Hear our prayers, individually and collectively. Bless us in Jesus’ Name. Not only us Lord. There are so many that don’t know you. Make a way Lord, out of no way. I intercede for the lost, the weak, the hopeless that do not know you. The seed of eternity that you have planted in them; let it come forth now and bring the fruit of life, eternal life, as you intend. Turn your countenance toward us and heal us. May you be praised and magnified forever.. Amen’
Enjoy the lesson… wb
Luke 5:24
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
John 15:10
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
________________
A nugget from Kim's Corner....
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
For the ones that abide in the Almighty there is protection. I'm so full of joy to know that he abides in me and that no weapon the enemy tries to form can prosper. Not in the morning, midday, evening or midnight hour. Thank you Jesus. The Hebrews were accustomed to dividing the twenty four hours of day and night into four equal parts.
Morning: 6am-12pm warfare
Midday: 12pm-6pm destruction
Evening: 6pm-12am pestilence
Midnight: 12am-6am robbers
If you look at verses 5 and 6 there was a demon assigned to each part of the day. Our twenty four is just one day, not broken up into parts except our work schedule. Does that mean that the demons are not released? No it doesn't. Warfare is still ramping, destruction is searching, robbers are seeking, pestilence(looking for victims). But GOD has those under his wings that love him and have allowed him to take up residence in their heart. Most of us make sure that our home we live in is secure with some sort of alarm service so that we know that we are protected and our stuff. Technology is so advance that we get alerts to our phones when the alarm goes off, can view the house when away by web etc...who's protecting your spirit? Brinks, ADT, YOU...huh.
In you O Lord I put my trust
Let me never be ashamed
Deliver me in your righteousness
Bow down your ear to me
Deliver me speedily, Be my Rock
of refuge in the Name of Jesus.
Behold I stand at the door and knock. When you hear the knock in your heart, let him in. He can't protect you from the wiles of the enemy if you keep him outside knocking.
God Bless,
Kimberly Williams
Sunday School Lesson for Nov. 14, 2010: God Is Forever (Psalm 90:1-12)
Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Psalm 90:4
A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Daniel 7:13-14
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,[a] coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
OK, I have a little story. You see, the lesson this week makes the point that God is age…less. Ageless. That He is from ‘everlasting to everlasting’. So let me challenge your ‘sanctified imagination’ for a moment. You see we always think of God as…. , well… ancient. You know, that wizened … old man, who uses that scepter in His hand as a staff. Just waiting till Jesus shows up to take his place in glory and allow Him (the Father) to assume the role of ‘God Emeritus’. Forgive my irreverence here, but if we allow the paradigm to shift just a little, we can gain an insight from the scripture that tells us that God literally does not age. That, though He is eternal He is not ‘aged’ in appearance. In appearance, He is vital and strong. Life literally comes out of Him. Having set this all up, let me get back to my story.
My dad had five children, three sons. I’m the oldest, but my mother would not allow him to name me ‘Junior’. That was not allowed until his last child, the baby boy was born. It’s just as well too, because, as it turns out, he is the ‘spittin’ image’ of my dad. If you took a picture of both of them at age 12 and placed them together, you could make the argument that they are ‘twins’. The resemblance is remarkable.
Now let’s transpose this ‘story’ to Heaven. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the express image of the Father. They ‘look’ just alike. Jesus and the Father could very well be indistinguishable. Imagine the wonder of being in their Holy presence and not being able to tell them apart until (here comes the hoop) … you noticed the scars in Jesus’ hands and feet. Whoa! It’s OK to shout. You looked real close and you saw the marks in his brow from the crown of thorns. Glory! For a moment, His robe slipped off His shoulder, and you caught a glimpse of …. The stripes on His back. You get the picture. Here I am, dancing in my Father’s robes again. Time for me to close.. I’ve got those ‘Holy Ghost goose bumps’ right about now. Have a blessed week..
J wb
John 14:9
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed
Zechariah 13:6
If someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body ?’ they will answer, ‘The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.’
.......
I forgot…
A real quick comparison of God, the Father to Jesus, the Son. These are verses I did not include in last week’s lesson…
Daniel’s vision of the Father…
Daniel 7:9-10
9 “As I looked,
“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.
John’s vision of Jesus…
Revelation 1:12-16
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[a] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
We serve a vital God, from whom all of the ‘Zoe’ kind of life emanates. He may be ‘ancient’, but He cannot age. And… Jesus is His express image….. ( I’m jumping up and down on the inside again… J )
Blessings,
..wb
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Psalm 90:4
A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Daniel 7:13-14
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,[a] coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
OK, I have a little story. You see, the lesson this week makes the point that God is age…less. Ageless. That He is from ‘everlasting to everlasting’. So let me challenge your ‘sanctified imagination’ for a moment. You see we always think of God as…. , well… ancient. You know, that wizened … old man, who uses that scepter in His hand as a staff. Just waiting till Jesus shows up to take his place in glory and allow Him (the Father) to assume the role of ‘God Emeritus’. Forgive my irreverence here, but if we allow the paradigm to shift just a little, we can gain an insight from the scripture that tells us that God literally does not age. That, though He is eternal He is not ‘aged’ in appearance. In appearance, He is vital and strong. Life literally comes out of Him. Having set this all up, let me get back to my story.
My dad had five children, three sons. I’m the oldest, but my mother would not allow him to name me ‘Junior’. That was not allowed until his last child, the baby boy was born. It’s just as well too, because, as it turns out, he is the ‘spittin’ image’ of my dad. If you took a picture of both of them at age 12 and placed them together, you could make the argument that they are ‘twins’. The resemblance is remarkable.
Now let’s transpose this ‘story’ to Heaven. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the express image of the Father. They ‘look’ just alike. Jesus and the Father could very well be indistinguishable. Imagine the wonder of being in their Holy presence and not being able to tell them apart until (here comes the hoop) … you noticed the scars in Jesus’ hands and feet. Whoa! It’s OK to shout. You looked real close and you saw the marks in his brow from the crown of thorns. Glory! For a moment, His robe slipped off His shoulder, and you caught a glimpse of …. The stripes on His back. You get the picture. Here I am, dancing in my Father’s robes again. Time for me to close.. I’ve got those ‘Holy Ghost goose bumps’ right about now. Have a blessed week..
J wb
John 14:9
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed
Zechariah 13:6
If someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body ?’ they will answer, ‘The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.’
.......
I forgot…
A real quick comparison of God, the Father to Jesus, the Son. These are verses I did not include in last week’s lesson…
Daniel’s vision of the Father…
Daniel 7:9-10
9 “As I looked,
“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.
John’s vision of Jesus…
Revelation 1:12-16
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[a] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
We serve a vital God, from whom all of the ‘Zoe’ kind of life emanates. He may be ‘ancient’, but He cannot age. And… Jesus is His express image….. ( I’m jumping up and down on the inside again… J )
Blessings,
..wb
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Nov. 7, 2010: God is Awesome (Psalm 66:1-12)
Genesis 15:1
[ The LORD’s Covenant With Abram ] After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ”
Nehemiah 1:5
Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
Lamentations 3:22
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
All of the platitudes that come to mind are obvious, but they are worth repeating. God is awesome. Everything about Him is awesome. His great design of creation is awesome. The fact that He simply spoke all that is into existence is awesome. His love for us is awesome. His plan for us is awesome. His provision for us is awesome. His son Jesus is awesome. The fact that he shed his heavenly glory to humble himself among us is awesome. When He opened blind eyes and opened deaf ears it was awesome. When He walked on water and raised the dead… awesome. When he went to the cross and gave His life for ours, it was awesome. When he overcame death and the grave and rose in victory it was awesome. When He ascended into Glory… awesome. Then He sent us the Gift, the Holy Spirit… awesome. This Church that He’s the head of… awesome. And the Glory that awaits us in Eternity… awesome. I don’t know about you, but when reached down and touched my heart, when he opened my eyes, when he pulled me from the very jaws of death and gave me eternal life… awesome. Thank the Lord (all three of Him :) ) for the richness of His love and mercy which He has shown us through us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Have a Blessed week!
[ The LORD’s Covenant With Abram ] After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ”
Nehemiah 1:5
Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
Lamentations 3:22
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
All of the platitudes that come to mind are obvious, but they are worth repeating. God is awesome. Everything about Him is awesome. His great design of creation is awesome. The fact that He simply spoke all that is into existence is awesome. His love for us is awesome. His plan for us is awesome. His provision for us is awesome. His son Jesus is awesome. The fact that he shed his heavenly glory to humble himself among us is awesome. When He opened blind eyes and opened deaf ears it was awesome. When He walked on water and raised the dead… awesome. When he went to the cross and gave His life for ours, it was awesome. When he overcame death and the grave and rose in victory it was awesome. When He ascended into Glory… awesome. Then He sent us the Gift, the Holy Spirit… awesome. This Church that He’s the head of… awesome. And the Glory that awaits us in Eternity… awesome. I don’t know about you, but when reached down and touched my heart, when he opened my eyes, when he pulled me from the very jaws of death and gave me eternal life… awesome. Thank the Lord (all three of Him :) ) for the richness of His love and mercy which He has shown us through us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Have a Blessed week!
Sunday School Lesson for October 31, 2010: God’s Comforting Presence (Psalm 63)
Psalm 89:1
♪ I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. ♪
Psalm 59:16-17
♪ But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble. ♪
♪ O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. ♪
Psalm 77:6
♪ I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: ♪
Job 38:7
♪ while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? ♪
Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
Remember that the Book of Psalms was the national Hymnal of the Nation of Israel. These were songs. As I read the lesson this week, a few of the lines from Psalm 63 really struck a chord with me (thanks bro’ Eric J ). It’s clear that David was singing them and finding comfort in the singing. C’mon you know. There are some songs that just stick in your head.. and in your heart. A song elicits feeling, emotion. A song sooths, it comforts. Oftentimes, you can relate what the singer is going through; good or bad. Singing touches the heart. What a glorious Creator we serve and what a wonderful gift He has given us in music and song. They reach into the core of our being and refresh and revive us. They strengthen and encourage. And when directed toward our Creator, our Father, Our God, they open a window into the heavens, to the very Throne of the King of Glory. David was having a wilderness experience, but He was seeking the Presence. And he sought It with a song. Forgive me, but I’m including some of the lyrics to one of my favorite. I really just want it to touch you, to bless you as you are reminded of it. Be Blessed!
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;
Stanza 2:
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
♪ I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. ♪
Psalm 59:16-17
♪ But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble. ♪
♪ O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. ♪
Psalm 77:6
♪ I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: ♪
Job 38:7
♪ while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? ♪
Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
Remember that the Book of Psalms was the national Hymnal of the Nation of Israel. These were songs. As I read the lesson this week, a few of the lines from Psalm 63 really struck a chord with me (thanks bro’ Eric J ). It’s clear that David was singing them and finding comfort in the singing. C’mon you know. There are some songs that just stick in your head.. and in your heart. A song elicits feeling, emotion. A song sooths, it comforts. Oftentimes, you can relate what the singer is going through; good or bad. Singing touches the heart. What a glorious Creator we serve and what a wonderful gift He has given us in music and song. They reach into the core of our being and refresh and revive us. They strengthen and encourage. And when directed toward our Creator, our Father, Our God, they open a window into the heavens, to the very Throne of the King of Glory. David was having a wilderness experience, but He was seeking the Presence. And he sought It with a song. Forgive me, but I’m including some of the lyrics to one of my favorite. I really just want it to touch you, to bless you as you are reminded of it. Be Blessed!
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;
Stanza 2:
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Sunday School Lesson for Oct. 24, 2010: God’s Universal Reign (Psalm 47)
Revelation 4:8-11 (New International Version)
8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
Revelation 7:9-12 (New International Version)
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb." 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
The Texas Rangers won the American League Baseball Championship last night. Hurrah! High fives all around, right? There was ample reason for celebration last night and Rangers fans celebrated. from about the middle of the 5th inning on through the end of the game and beyond. Why? Because the Rangers are making history this year. Never in the history of the franchise has Texas gone this far in the post season. This is a moment worthy of celebration. North Texans are proud of ‘their’ teams accomplishments.
Why this nod to the Texas Rangers today? I wanted to direct your attention to the fan’s celebration. It’s corporate and participatory. In essence, There is a sense of camaraderie. This is not many individuals celebrating individually. This is many individuals becoming of one mind, celebrating as a single entity. This is common in sporting events. You have the You might have the seven friends who each painted and individual letter on their chest to spell R-A-N-G-E-R-S. You might witness something like a ‘wave’ where whole sections of people stand and sit in a coordinated fashion so as to create the appearance of motion around a stadium. The list goes on.
The text of today’s lesson points to a worship or celebratory environment like that. The psalmist exhorts his listeners to celebrate the Majesty and the Magnificence of God. Clapping, shouting, singing, dancing… this is a parade. An organized, synchronized, corporate assembling of many nations to celebrate our Lord. A celebration. We celebrate weddings, anniversaries, babies, graduations, any number of events. We do this as an acknowledgement of events in our lives that are praise worthy. This weeks lesson points to the nation of Israel praising God in like manner and encourages the Church (you and I) to do likewise. Go to Church and celebrate the Lord corporately this week. Sing, dance, shout, clap,…participate. God is truly worthy of our celebratory praise.
Blessings,
wb
Revelation 7:13-14 (Amplified Bible)
13 Then, addressing me, one of the elders [[a]of the heavenly Sanhedrin] said, Who are these [people] clothed in the long white robes? And from where have they come?
14 I replied, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they who have come out of the great tribulation (persecution), and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.(A)
8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
Revelation 7:9-12 (New International Version)
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb." 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
The Texas Rangers won the American League Baseball Championship last night. Hurrah! High fives all around, right? There was ample reason for celebration last night and Rangers fans celebrated. from about the middle of the 5th inning on through the end of the game and beyond. Why? Because the Rangers are making history this year. Never in the history of the franchise has Texas gone this far in the post season. This is a moment worthy of celebration. North Texans are proud of ‘their’ teams accomplishments.
Why this nod to the Texas Rangers today? I wanted to direct your attention to the fan’s celebration. It’s corporate and participatory. In essence, There is a sense of camaraderie. This is not many individuals celebrating individually. This is many individuals becoming of one mind, celebrating as a single entity. This is common in sporting events. You have the You might have the seven friends who each painted and individual letter on their chest to spell R-A-N-G-E-R-S. You might witness something like a ‘wave’ where whole sections of people stand and sit in a coordinated fashion so as to create the appearance of motion around a stadium. The list goes on.
The text of today’s lesson points to a worship or celebratory environment like that. The psalmist exhorts his listeners to celebrate the Majesty and the Magnificence of God. Clapping, shouting, singing, dancing… this is a parade. An organized, synchronized, corporate assembling of many nations to celebrate our Lord. A celebration. We celebrate weddings, anniversaries, babies, graduations, any number of events. We do this as an acknowledgement of events in our lives that are praise worthy. This weeks lesson points to the nation of Israel praising God in like manner and encourages the Church (you and I) to do likewise. Go to Church and celebrate the Lord corporately this week. Sing, dance, shout, clap,…participate. God is truly worthy of our celebratory praise.
Blessings,
wb
Revelation 7:13-14 (Amplified Bible)
13 Then, addressing me, one of the elders [[a]of the heavenly Sanhedrin] said, Who are these [people] clothed in the long white robes? And from where have they come?
14 I replied, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they who have come out of the great tribulation (persecution), and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.(A)
Friday, October 15, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Oct. 17, 2010: God’s Safe Refuge (Psalm 46:1-7)
Psalm 46:2-3 (Amplified Bible)
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas,
3 Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
Sometimes, we don’t see the trees for the forest Verse’s two and three of this week’s lesson describe a terrible calamity. A Tsunami and accompanying earthquake that swallow a whole mountain and cause the mountains around it to quake and tremble. There are a couple of things that stand out in this narrative. Number one: the writer of this verse would probably have been an eyewitness to such a calamitous event to describe it so succinctly. He would not have had the benefit of watching it on TV. He would not have been able to TIVO it and rerun it dozens of times as he tried to describe the fury and the force of the destruction he had witnessed. Let there be no doubt. This was an earth shaking event. Whatever happened here, the landscape was changed after it was over. Number two: One of the characteristics of mountains is that they are made of… rock. They are regarded as permanent, immovable, safe. A mountain was (is) a place of refuge. High ground. A fortress, as it were. To see a landmark of such majesty and presence disappear into the foaming sea would cause one to question… everything, wouldn’t it? Couldn’t it?
What is your greatest fear? What causes you to go ‘weak in the knees’ at it’s very thought? What causes you to tremble inwardly? What can or has happened in your life the shook you to your core? When these events happen, one of the first questions that we ask is: ‘How can this be God’s will for me?” As, a nation, we’ve had a few of these moments in our recent history, most notably September the 11th and Hurricane Katrina; events that affected how we perceived the world around us. On a personal level, every one of us has been or could be affected by illness, financial crisis, the death of loved ones; life altering events that we could not foresee or prevent. Events that might cause us to question God’s will concerning us. Is He with me? What did I do to deserve this? Am I; are we outside of His will somehow?
Beloved, Verse one of the lesson puts these questions to rest. Be assured: God is with you and for you. An ‘always’ present, always available help in time of need. A hiding place. A place of refuge and security when everything around you has crumbled. No matter what the circumstance, God is in control. Let there be no doubt, some of the stuff that we are going through: God is directly or indirectly responsible for. And yet, He is still with us and for us. Whatever the issue, whatever the circumstance, whatever… it will work for the good, the benefit of those who love the Lord, who are called and chosen according to His purpose. Fear not Beloved. You have an unction; an anointing from the Holy One. He has not given you a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of Power (dunamis), Love and of a sound, whole, stable, pure mind in the Holy Ghost. Rest in the assurance, walk in the confidence that God clears the path before you, stands guard over you, surrounds you with His presence in those moments surrounding life’s greatest challenges. Peace be with you… wb
Hebrews 12:28-29 (The Message)
28-29 Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He's actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won't quit until it's all cleansed. God himself is Fire!
Friday, October 8, 2010
God’s Perfect Law (Psalm 19:7-14)
Wayne’s two cents worth
Proverbs 2:6 (New International Version)
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Joshua 1:8 (New International Version)
8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Corinthians 2:12 (Amplified Bible)
12Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.
Over and over again, we read it. Each time, getting new enlightenment, new revelations, greater understanding. Growing in Wisdom and in the knowledge of Him who loves us, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All that we know about God. All that we can know about Him, all that we will ever know about Him can only be found there. It is absolutely the most essential component of our Christian exiperience: our Bible. God’s Word is truly a lamp to our feet and a light unto our path. We don’t get to just make it (Christianity) up as we go along. Get rooted and grounded in God’s Word. Be like the tree that is planted by the stream. Your leaf will not whither. Get into God’s Word and He will proper you. That’s His promise. And that which He has promised, He is able to perform. Blessings…
Saturday, October 2, 2010
I don’t know if you can see the image above. It’s from a set of screen savers that a good friend put together for me. It’s an enhanced image of an actual constellation nicknamed ‘God’s Eye’ (google it). When I see it, I think of Him. How big He really is compared to my problems, my circumstances, my issues. I’m encouraged and strengthened by that fact that He is with me, and the when He is with me, we are in the majority. I’m reminded that He is the Captain, I am only a passenger. I understand how little I understand about Him… really. And I remember.. that He loves me. How do I know? The Bible tells me so God is worthy of our praise. Anytime. Anywhere. All of the time. Take a moment. Reflect on how good He’s been to you. How far He’s brought you from. May your day and your week be Blessed!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Sept. 26, 2010: God Promises an Awesome Thing (Exodus 34:1-10)
1 John 1:2 (New International Version)
2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
John 1:14 (New International Version)
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[a] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1 (New International Version)
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
What happened here? What did Moses see? We don’t know exactly. We can try to imagine, but it’s difficult. God comes down in a cloud and stands beside Moses. He then covers him and obscures his view. Then, He passes by Moses while proclaiming His gloriousness It’s hard for me to imagine how this looked, but I can imagine how it sounded! You see, God told Moses he would see something then, God said something. He spoke … the Living Word. Herein lies the beauty of this episode. Here in this moment, we get a glimpse, just a glimpse of Jesus. This is what is regarded in theological speak as a ‘theophany’. A theophany in general terms is regarded as a physical manifestation or appearance of God. In Christian specific thinking, it is regarded as a pre-incarnate or Old Testament appearance of Jesus Christ. Faith comes by hearing beloved. God declared Himself by telling us how He is personified in the Son. What we know about Jesus today is what was declared on this remarkable day. Can you see it? You should be able to. It’s how we are created. We’re created to form images based on what we hear. In declaring Himself, God set forever in motion, a move of the Spirit that would continually activate faith wherever His declaration was heard. Listen to the words used: Love, Faithfulness, Gracious, Compassionate, Forgiving. He still declares these things about himself today. Every moment of every day He declares that He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish. He declares that He’s made a Way out of no way. Just come to Jesus. Who wouldn’t want to serve a God like that? Go get your hat and c’mon…
Blessings,
♪ Come to Jesus ♪
2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
John 1:14 (New International Version)
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[a] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1 (New International Version)
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
What happened here? What did Moses see? We don’t know exactly. We can try to imagine, but it’s difficult. God comes down in a cloud and stands beside Moses. He then covers him and obscures his view. Then, He passes by Moses while proclaiming His gloriousness It’s hard for me to imagine how this looked, but I can imagine how it sounded! You see, God told Moses he would see something then, God said something. He spoke … the Living Word. Herein lies the beauty of this episode. Here in this moment, we get a glimpse, just a glimpse of Jesus. This is what is regarded in theological speak as a ‘theophany’. A theophany in general terms is regarded as a physical manifestation or appearance of God. In Christian specific thinking, it is regarded as a pre-incarnate or Old Testament appearance of Jesus Christ. Faith comes by hearing beloved. God declared Himself by telling us how He is personified in the Son. What we know about Jesus today is what was declared on this remarkable day. Can you see it? You should be able to. It’s how we are created. We’re created to form images based on what we hear. In declaring Himself, God set forever in motion, a move of the Spirit that would continually activate faith wherever His declaration was heard. Listen to the words used: Love, Faithfulness, Gracious, Compassionate, Forgiving. He still declares these things about himself today. Every moment of every day He declares that He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish. He declares that He’s made a Way out of no way. Just come to Jesus. Who wouldn’t want to serve a God like that? Go get your hat and c’mon…
Blessings,
♪ Come to Jesus ♪
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Sept. 19, 2010: God Rejects Idol Worship (Exodus 32:1-10)
Exodus 20:17 (New International Version)
17 "You shall not covet…
Colossians 3:5 (King James Version)
5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Ouch! (long pause) Ouch! This hurts. You see, it’s easy to look back at the Israelites and point the accusatory finger at them and say “What were they thinking?’ However, I looked at my hand and lo and behold, there were three fingers pointing back at me. Three! I’m as impatient with God’s silence as they were. I’m as covetous for comfort and luxury as these people were. I’m certainly as stiff-necked as they were. Come to the fiery smoking mountain of God and be shaken by the thundering of His voice again? No not me. Take up my cross and follow Him? I’d rather not. What about prayer and fasting? No, thank you. This may seem like an odd start to this weeks lesson, but let’s be honest… Isn’t there a little rebellion in all of us… Oops.. I’m not finger pointing in this one… just introspecting. You see, whenever I do this.. stand in the mirror and inspect closely.. and ..honestly.. , I completely understand why I need Jesus. Without Him, I would be completely adrift. Following after my every whim. Trying my best to get God to Bless my Mess. To somehow sanctify my selfish intentions beforehand and follow after me to cleanup my mess after I have pursued my personal agenda in His Name. I’m guilty. I can look at this week’s lesson and see myself in the Israelites.
And then I see something else.. His Majesty in my inadequacy. His Glory in my shame. His Mercy extended in my guilt. His Grace, His immeasurable Grace toward me though I could never and should never deserve it. You see, If the law condemns me. If it reveals the sin in my flesh. If God’s law exposes me for the ingrate that I really am, then it has accomplished it’s work in me. Bible says truly that there none righteous, Not any of us. Because I cannot save myself, God, who is Love, threw me a lifeline. He gave me Jesus. I don’t even know how to say ‘Thank You’. Really! What language expresses it best? How many times can I repeat it.. in one breath? I feel like a man who has been pulled from quicksand. I was helpless and Help came. I was hopeless and Hope showed up. I didn’t know love, then Love reached into the abyss and snatched me from disaster. I don’t know about you, but I got saved from something… Really! For that I’ll be eternally grateful and … going forward … a little more mindful of my own shortcomings. Thank God for rejecting idolatry. In doing so He separated a people unto Himself. We don’t worship a god after our own liking, but rather we have been brought (bought) to a place where His Holiness and Majesty could be revealed to us , a place where we can worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Brought to a place of everlasting peace through His son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hebrews 13:5 (King James Version)
5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
17 "You shall not covet…
Colossians 3:5 (King James Version)
5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Ouch! (long pause) Ouch! This hurts. You see, it’s easy to look back at the Israelites and point the accusatory finger at them and say “What were they thinking?’ However, I looked at my hand and lo and behold, there were three fingers pointing back at me. Three! I’m as impatient with God’s silence as they were. I’m as covetous for comfort and luxury as these people were. I’m certainly as stiff-necked as they were. Come to the fiery smoking mountain of God and be shaken by the thundering of His voice again? No not me. Take up my cross and follow Him? I’d rather not. What about prayer and fasting? No, thank you. This may seem like an odd start to this weeks lesson, but let’s be honest… Isn’t there a little rebellion in all of us… Oops.. I’m not finger pointing in this one… just introspecting. You see, whenever I do this.. stand in the mirror and inspect closely.. and ..honestly.. , I completely understand why I need Jesus. Without Him, I would be completely adrift. Following after my every whim. Trying my best to get God to Bless my Mess. To somehow sanctify my selfish intentions beforehand and follow after me to cleanup my mess after I have pursued my personal agenda in His Name. I’m guilty. I can look at this week’s lesson and see myself in the Israelites.
And then I see something else.. His Majesty in my inadequacy. His Glory in my shame. His Mercy extended in my guilt. His Grace, His immeasurable Grace toward me though I could never and should never deserve it. You see, If the law condemns me. If it reveals the sin in my flesh. If God’s law exposes me for the ingrate that I really am, then it has accomplished it’s work in me. Bible says truly that there none righteous, Not any of us. Because I cannot save myself, God, who is Love, threw me a lifeline. He gave me Jesus. I don’t even know how to say ‘Thank You’. Really! What language expresses it best? How many times can I repeat it.. in one breath? I feel like a man who has been pulled from quicksand. I was helpless and Help came. I was hopeless and Hope showed up. I didn’t know love, then Love reached into the abyss and snatched me from disaster. I don’t know about you, but I got saved from something… Really! For that I’ll be eternally grateful and … going forward … a little more mindful of my own shortcomings. Thank God for rejecting idolatry. In doing so He separated a people unto Himself. We don’t worship a god after our own liking, but rather we have been brought (bought) to a place where His Holiness and Majesty could be revealed to us , a place where we can worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Brought to a place of everlasting peace through His son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hebrews 13:5 (King James Version)
5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Sept. 12, 2010: God Makes a Covenant with Israel (Exodus 20:1-11)
Exodus 20:10 (New International Version)
10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
Exodus 20:18-22 (New International Version)
18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
22 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites this: 'You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven:
Hebrews 12:22-23 (New International Version)
22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,
You were there. Yes you were. You just didn’t know it. When God set his people apart, consecrated them unto Himself and gave them His Holy Word, you were there. What he established at Mt. Sinai on this day would impact every generation yet to come. You see, He cut Covenant with a Nation, an entire people. In doing so He foreshadowed the Church. In all prior events, He cut Covenant with an individual. He promised that their seed would be blessed, but each contract, heretofore, was with a single person at a time. This time, He assembled the nation of Israel and all who followed them from Egypt. All at one time. All in one place. They all heard Him. Together. At the same time. Corporately. Amen. In these few hours, God established a time for worship and a pattern for corporate worship that we the Church still follow today. God understood that we would need an established pattern to follow in worship. That we could not seek Him or find Him on our own, or on our own terms. He established a place and a time and a pattern. When we follow his pattern we are blessed. A day set aside for worship. A place to gather with other believers to worship. A Church. On Sunday. A Church. At Midweek service. Time set aside for worship. Corporately. Make sure you’re taking part in it. It’s God’s best for you..
Blessings,
Ezekiel 20:12 (New International Version)
12 Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy.
Mark 2:27 (New International Version)
27Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
Exodus 20:18-22 (New International Version)
18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
22 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites this: 'You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven:
Hebrews 12:22-23 (New International Version)
22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,
You were there. Yes you were. You just didn’t know it. When God set his people apart, consecrated them unto Himself and gave them His Holy Word, you were there. What he established at Mt. Sinai on this day would impact every generation yet to come. You see, He cut Covenant with a Nation, an entire people. In doing so He foreshadowed the Church. In all prior events, He cut Covenant with an individual. He promised that their seed would be blessed, but each contract, heretofore, was with a single person at a time. This time, He assembled the nation of Israel and all who followed them from Egypt. All at one time. All in one place. They all heard Him. Together. At the same time. Corporately. Amen. In these few hours, God established a time for worship and a pattern for corporate worship that we the Church still follow today. God understood that we would need an established pattern to follow in worship. That we could not seek Him or find Him on our own, or on our own terms. He established a place and a time and a pattern. When we follow his pattern we are blessed. A day set aside for worship. A place to gather with other believers to worship. A Church. On Sunday. A Church. At Midweek service. Time set aside for worship. Corporately. Make sure you’re taking part in it. It’s God’s best for you..
Blessings,
Ezekiel 20:12 (New International Version)
12 Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy.
Mark 2:27 (New International Version)
27Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Sept. 5, 2010: God Calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-6, 13-15)
Mark 16:15-18 (New International Version)
15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
1 Corinthians 1:21 (New International Version)
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Proverbs 18:21 (New International Version)
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
God … Used …. One…. Obedient…. Soul… To…. Deliver…. His …. People…. From…. Four ….. Hundred…. .. Years…. Of …. Slavery….
Why am I focusing on this point? I find it interesting that God did not reveal himself to a crowd. He didn’t find the leaders of the peoples of Israel. He didn’t reveal himself to Pharaoh and his counselors. No, God revealed himself to Moses. Moses alone. And when He did, something glorious occurred. A nation was born out of captivity. Now it’s easy enough for the theologists (I made that word up J) among us to draw the obvious parallel between Moses and Christ. You know, one man delivered Israel, one man delivered the world… No, that’s not what I’m after. Not tonight. No, I noticed something else. Something I’d not seen before. You see, after God initiated this personal relationship with Moses (personal relationship… get it?), He followed Moses wherever he went and whenever Moses spoke, God moved. Mightily! How does that apply to me? To you? Exactly the same way. After He reveals himself to us through and in the person of Jesus Christ and we are changed, then He follows us. He keeps us company. He teaches us. He sustains us. And, when we speak, He reveals Himself through us, sometimes, with signs following (signs of His Majesty, His Omnipotence, His Glory). Whether it’s conversions, healings, miracles, deliverances, wonders; God follows us awaiting the opportunity to move on behalf of the people around us. Family, friends, coworkers, strangers, God is not a respecter of persons. He’s just waiting on us … to say something… I’ve probably said something like this before, but somebody’s deliverance, somebody’s healing, somebody’s redemption is right on the tip of your tongue (Selah). Moses spoke a nation into freedom. Who will you set free? Speak up. The Word is quick and powerful, able to deliver to the uttermost… if only we will say … something.
Blessings… wb
15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
1 Corinthians 1:21 (New International Version)
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Proverbs 18:21 (New International Version)
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
God … Used …. One…. Obedient…. Soul… To…. Deliver…. His …. People…. From…. Four ….. Hundred…. .. Years…. Of …. Slavery….
Why am I focusing on this point? I find it interesting that God did not reveal himself to a crowd. He didn’t find the leaders of the peoples of Israel. He didn’t reveal himself to Pharaoh and his counselors. No, God revealed himself to Moses. Moses alone. And when He did, something glorious occurred. A nation was born out of captivity. Now it’s easy enough for the theologists (I made that word up J) among us to draw the obvious parallel between Moses and Christ. You know, one man delivered Israel, one man delivered the world… No, that’s not what I’m after. Not tonight. No, I noticed something else. Something I’d not seen before. You see, after God initiated this personal relationship with Moses (personal relationship… get it?), He followed Moses wherever he went and whenever Moses spoke, God moved. Mightily! How does that apply to me? To you? Exactly the same way. After He reveals himself to us through and in the person of Jesus Christ and we are changed, then He follows us. He keeps us company. He teaches us. He sustains us. And, when we speak, He reveals Himself through us, sometimes, with signs following (signs of His Majesty, His Omnipotence, His Glory). Whether it’s conversions, healings, miracles, deliverances, wonders; God follows us awaiting the opportunity to move on behalf of the people around us. Family, friends, coworkers, strangers, God is not a respecter of persons. He’s just waiting on us … to say something… I’ve probably said something like this before, but somebody’s deliverance, somebody’s healing, somebody’s redemption is right on the tip of your tongue (Selah). Moses spoke a nation into freedom. Who will you set free? Speak up. The Word is quick and powerful, able to deliver to the uttermost… if only we will say … something.
Blessings… wb
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for August 29, 2010: Upheld by God (Acts 28:16-25, 28-31)
Acts 27:23-24 (New International Version)
23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
Philippians 4:11 (New International Version)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
2 Corinthians 11:24-26 (New International Version)
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
2 Timothy 4:2 (New International Version)
2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Paul was an opportunist. He took advantage of every apparent opening to spread the Gospel, with no thought for his own well being or safety. Stoned, beaten, imprisoned, no matter. Paul was more than willing to put himself and his Jesus out there. What about us? In Paul’s time, Christianity was regarded as a sect. Paul preached the gospel in the face of unbelief, skepticism and overwhelming opposition. It’s plausible to think that in order for the church to be what it has become today, it took every bit of the sacrifice that Paul and believers of his day endured. What will the church of tomorrow be? How much are we willing to sacrifice in order to see the church of tomorrow flourish? Actually, I believe that when pressed, Christians will stand up. Christ will stand up in us and through us. I believe that. Historically, when the church is persecuted, it flourishes. Anything that drives us to our knees, that makes us call on the name of the Lord works to perfect us and to establish our witness in the earth. Trials refine our faith. With pressure, we become as resilient and as brilliant as diamonds. Glorious in his eyesight and in the eyes of the world. Bright and shining lights in a wicked time and place. Reservoirs of hope and healing to the lost and hopeless. Be encouraged this week my friends. Wherever you are on this journey, God’s not done with you yet. Paul had some New Testament to write from the solitude of prison. What does God have in store for you?
Blessings,
.wb
23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
Philippians 4:11 (New International Version)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
2 Corinthians 11:24-26 (New International Version)
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
2 Timothy 4:2 (New International Version)
2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Paul was an opportunist. He took advantage of every apparent opening to spread the Gospel, with no thought for his own well being or safety. Stoned, beaten, imprisoned, no matter. Paul was more than willing to put himself and his Jesus out there. What about us? In Paul’s time, Christianity was regarded as a sect. Paul preached the gospel in the face of unbelief, skepticism and overwhelming opposition. It’s plausible to think that in order for the church to be what it has become today, it took every bit of the sacrifice that Paul and believers of his day endured. What will the church of tomorrow be? How much are we willing to sacrifice in order to see the church of tomorrow flourish? Actually, I believe that when pressed, Christians will stand up. Christ will stand up in us and through us. I believe that. Historically, when the church is persecuted, it flourishes. Anything that drives us to our knees, that makes us call on the name of the Lord works to perfect us and to establish our witness in the earth. Trials refine our faith. With pressure, we become as resilient and as brilliant as diamonds. Glorious in his eyesight and in the eyes of the world. Bright and shining lights in a wicked time and place. Reservoirs of hope and healing to the lost and hopeless. Be encouraged this week my friends. Wherever you are on this journey, God’s not done with you yet. Paul had some New Testament to write from the solitude of prison. What does God have in store for you?
Blessings,
.wb
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 22, 2010: Growing in Joy and Peace (Philippians 4:1-14)
Philippians 3:20-21 (New International Version)
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Joshua 1:8 (New Living Translation)
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Colossians 3:2-3 (New International Version)
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Matthew 15:25 (Amplified Bible)
25But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and kept praying, Lord, help me!
The first word of this week’s lesson , Philippians 4:1, is the word ‘Therefore’. In order to determine what it is ‘there for’, we have to back up to the close of the previous chapter, Philippians 3:21-22.At the end of Chapter 3, Paul encourages the believers to follow the pattern of living that has been given to them. He reminds them that earth is no longer their home, Heaven is. As such, there are new rules, an alternate reality. They underwent a paradigm shift at the cross and down is now up, and up is down. Paul offers a couple of points of advice on how to find peace and contentment in this alternative reality, worship and meditation. As Christians, we emphasize the benefits of worship, but meditation, not so much. Yet, the Bible instructs us to meditate on God and His Holy Word. If I am to transcend the bounds of mortality and enter into the place of peace and joy that God has prepared for me, worship and meditation are key. I will rejoice, I will worship, I will set my mind on things above, I will meditate on the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable, the excellent, the praiseworthy. Meditation should not be a ‘clearing’ of the mind, but a filling of the mind with the things of Christ. I could go on and on. Set aside some time this week for meditation. A few minutes here, a few minutes there. A few minutes for worship directed to God. A few minutes of meditation and reflection guided by the Scriptures. What about it? Some one once said to me; ‘Don’t be so Heavenly minded, that you are no earthly good.” I would argue that exactly the opposite is true. Jesus would back me up saying ‘Ye are the salt of the earth, but if salt lost it’s saltiness, what good would it be?” Be Blessed this week. Enjoy the lesson.
.wb
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Joshua 1:8 (New Living Translation)
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Colossians 3:2-3 (New International Version)
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Matthew 15:25 (Amplified Bible)
25But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and kept praying, Lord, help me!
The first word of this week’s lesson , Philippians 4:1, is the word ‘Therefore’. In order to determine what it is ‘there for’, we have to back up to the close of the previous chapter, Philippians 3:21-22.At the end of Chapter 3, Paul encourages the believers to follow the pattern of living that has been given to them. He reminds them that earth is no longer their home, Heaven is. As such, there are new rules, an alternate reality. They underwent a paradigm shift at the cross and down is now up, and up is down. Paul offers a couple of points of advice on how to find peace and contentment in this alternative reality, worship and meditation. As Christians, we emphasize the benefits of worship, but meditation, not so much. Yet, the Bible instructs us to meditate on God and His Holy Word. If I am to transcend the bounds of mortality and enter into the place of peace and joy that God has prepared for me, worship and meditation are key. I will rejoice, I will worship, I will set my mind on things above, I will meditate on the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable, the excellent, the praiseworthy. Meditation should not be a ‘clearing’ of the mind, but a filling of the mind with the things of Christ. I could go on and on. Set aside some time this week for meditation. A few minutes here, a few minutes there. A few minutes for worship directed to God. A few minutes of meditation and reflection guided by the Scriptures. What about it? Some one once said to me; ‘Don’t be so Heavenly minded, that you are no earthly good.” I would argue that exactly the opposite is true. Jesus would back me up saying ‘Ye are the salt of the earth, but if salt lost it’s saltiness, what good would it be?” Be Blessed this week. Enjoy the lesson.
.wb
Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 15, 2010: Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4b-16)
Matthew 25:21 (Amplified Bible)
21His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, [a]admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the [b]blessedness) which your master enjoys.
Acts 7:55-56 (The Message)
54-56At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God's side!"
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (The Message)
6-8You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
Hebrews 12:1 (New International Version)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Usain Bolt is arguably the fastest man in the world right now. For those who don’t know, he is a Jamaican sprinter who currently holds the World and Olympic records in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4 x 100 meter events. He’s so fast, that near the end of his races, he often mugs for the cameras, runs sideways, or taunts his competitors and tantalizes the rest of us with what might have been possible had he pressed through the finish. As far as I know, he hasn’t lost a race ‘looking back’. However, Bolt’s example is not to be emulated by Christian. No, we are to stay focused until the end. Let me encourage you this week. For those of you who are in this race in earnest.. all of Heaven is cheering you on., waiting for you at the finish line. Listen, you can hear Heaven calling you, can’t you? I can. For those of you who may grow tired along the way. Cheer up! Be encouraged. Don’t lose hope. I can see the hand of the Father waving in the distance. I can see the hosts of Heaven rejoicing as you get closer. Hang in there. The rewards that await us far out weigh the challenges we endure along the way.
Blessings,
wb
21His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, [a]admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the [b]blessedness) which your master enjoys.
Acts 7:55-56 (The Message)
54-56At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God's side!"
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (The Message)
6-8You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
Hebrews 12:1 (New International Version)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Usain Bolt is arguably the fastest man in the world right now. For those who don’t know, he is a Jamaican sprinter who currently holds the World and Olympic records in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4 x 100 meter events. He’s so fast, that near the end of his races, he often mugs for the cameras, runs sideways, or taunts his competitors and tantalizes the rest of us with what might have been possible had he pressed through the finish. As far as I know, he hasn’t lost a race ‘looking back’. However, Bolt’s example is not to be emulated by Christian. No, we are to stay focused until the end. Let me encourage you this week. For those of you who are in this race in earnest.. all of Heaven is cheering you on., waiting for you at the finish line. Listen, you can hear Heaven calling you, can’t you? I can. For those of you who may grow tired along the way. Cheer up! Be encouraged. Don’t lose hope. I can see the hand of the Father waving in the distance. I can see the hosts of Heaven rejoicing as you get closer. Hang in there. The rewards that await us far out weigh the challenges we endure along the way.
Blessings,
wb
Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 8, 2010: Giving of Oneself (Philippians 2:1-18)
Pay close attention to the passage from Hosea below… It’s OK to shout…
Hosea 1:8-11 (New International Version)
8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, "Call him Lo-Ammi, [a] for you are not my people, and I am not your God.
10 "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' 11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.
Footnotes:
Hosea 1:9 Lo-Ammi means not my people .
Romans 9:26 Hosea 1:10 ( lookup this verse… wb)
Hosea 1:9-11 (The Message)
8-9 After Gomer had weaned No-Mercy, she got pregnant yet again and had a son. God said:
"Name him Nobody. You've become nobodies to me,
and I, God, am a nobody to you.
10-11 "But down the road the population of Israel is going to explode past counting, like sand on the ocean beaches. In the very place where they were once named Nobody, they will be named God's Somebody. Everybody in Judah and everybody in Israel will be assembled as one people. They'll choose a single leader. There'll be no stopping them—a great day in Jezreel!"
Hebrews 2:10 (New International Version)
10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Philippians 2:15 (King James Version)
15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
“Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!” You remember this line from the ‘Wizard of Oz’ don’t you? That can be our attitude too, if we’re not careful. Most of the time, we get the ‘crooked and perverse’ message. We see the crooked and perverse all around us. And if we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves ‘hiding out’ in plain sight. Shrinking violets, wall flowers, whatever you want to call it. ‘Christians’ only when someone calls us on it. Beloved that’s not Paul’s vision, nor our Father’s intent. We are God’s sons and daughters. Bright, healing, life bearing, Jesus sharing, Holy Ghost filled lights left here as beacons to guide the lost and the hopeless to peace and hope and love in the Beloved. Completely engaged. Walking in victory. Loving because we are loved. Caring because we are cared for. Over comers in every circumstance. Mountain movers. Dignitaries in the Kingdom. Ambassadors here on Earth. Super-Conquerors. Eagerly awaiting His appearing. Heralding His impending return. Bold as Lions, but as meek as lambs. Unafraid and unashamed. Are you getting this? Sons (and Daughters of God!). Amen and Amen!! J Rome was pretty ‘crooked and perverse’ in Paul’s day, yet the Church thrived and grew. In these last days, we might be in for an outpouring of God’s Spirit like nothing we’ve seen. May that outpouring start… in you! (I’m getting goose bumps J).
Enjoy the lesson.. Click the link below and enjoy the song…
‘I will change your name’ by written by D.J. Butler
Hosea 1:8-11 (New International Version)
8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, "Call him Lo-Ammi, [a] for you are not my people, and I am not your God.
10 "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' 11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.
Footnotes:
Hosea 1:9 Lo-Ammi means not my people .
Romans 9:26 Hosea 1:10 ( lookup this verse… wb)
Hosea 1:9-11 (The Message)
8-9 After Gomer had weaned No-Mercy, she got pregnant yet again and had a son. God said:
"Name him Nobody. You've become nobodies to me,
and I, God, am a nobody to you.
10-11 "But down the road the population of Israel is going to explode past counting, like sand on the ocean beaches. In the very place where they were once named Nobody, they will be named God's Somebody. Everybody in Judah and everybody in Israel will be assembled as one people. They'll choose a single leader. There'll be no stopping them—a great day in Jezreel!"
Hebrews 2:10 (New International Version)
10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Philippians 2:15 (King James Version)
15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
“Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!” You remember this line from the ‘Wizard of Oz’ don’t you? That can be our attitude too, if we’re not careful. Most of the time, we get the ‘crooked and perverse’ message. We see the crooked and perverse all around us. And if we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves ‘hiding out’ in plain sight. Shrinking violets, wall flowers, whatever you want to call it. ‘Christians’ only when someone calls us on it. Beloved that’s not Paul’s vision, nor our Father’s intent. We are God’s sons and daughters. Bright, healing, life bearing, Jesus sharing, Holy Ghost filled lights left here as beacons to guide the lost and the hopeless to peace and hope and love in the Beloved. Completely engaged. Walking in victory. Loving because we are loved. Caring because we are cared for. Over comers in every circumstance. Mountain movers. Dignitaries in the Kingdom. Ambassadors here on Earth. Super-Conquerors. Eagerly awaiting His appearing. Heralding His impending return. Bold as Lions, but as meek as lambs. Unafraid and unashamed. Are you getting this? Sons (and Daughters of God!). Amen and Amen!! J Rome was pretty ‘crooked and perverse’ in Paul’s day, yet the Church thrived and grew. In these last days, we might be in for an outpouring of God’s Spirit like nothing we’ve seen. May that outpouring start… in you! (I’m getting goose bumps J).
Enjoy the lesson.. Click the link below and enjoy the song…
‘I will change your name’ by written by D.J. Butler
Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 1, 2010: Sharing God’s Grace (Philippians 1:15-29)
Zechariah 13:6 (New International Version)
6 If someone asks him, 'What are these wounds on your body [a] ?' he will answer, 'The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.'
Philippians 1:18 (New International Version)
18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
I have two beautiful teenagers. They never fight or disagree… Yeah! Right! They fight like cats and dogs. Sometimes they fight in front of me and their mother. Then, we’re left trying to sort the whole mess out. Any other parents out there relate to this? Let me continue. Invariably, discipline is required. One of my children, or the other was responsible and should get what’s coming to them. The other child, the one who was wronged, wants justice, sometimes rightfully so. But, I have determined that in most circumstances I won’t discipline one child for the satisfaction of the other child. This infuriates the wronged child, but my job is to parent. Any discipline meted out would lose it’s effectiveness if the child receiving discipline thought the other child was somehow ‘winning’.
Kind of a weird intro, but it kind of points to the way we think generally. We have an innate sense about justice that says everyone should get what they deserve and we want to watch. Paul’s imprisonment brought out preachers who preached just that about him. ‘Paul is getting what he deserves’ they preached. ‘If Paul was right, why is God punishing him with jail’ they preached. Welcome to the letter to the Philippians. The beauty of this letter, especially this part of it, is that Paul could have used this passage to strike back at his detractors, but he doesn’t. Instead Paul celebrates the fact that as long as they (his detractors) are preaching Christ, he can rejoice. The Philippians were concerned about Paul’s imprisonment. Why? Why? Why? Paul recognizes that a wrong response can cause a rift in the burgeoning Christian movement spreading across the Middle East and Asia. One church is Paul’s vision and God’s heart. One church united. Enjoy this letter to the Philippian church. Keep your eyes on Christ. God will deliver us and He will deliver justice, when it is time. Until then, forward motion…
Blessings,
6 If someone asks him, 'What are these wounds on your body [a] ?' he will answer, 'The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.'
Philippians 1:18 (New International Version)
18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
I have two beautiful teenagers. They never fight or disagree… Yeah! Right! They fight like cats and dogs. Sometimes they fight in front of me and their mother. Then, we’re left trying to sort the whole mess out. Any other parents out there relate to this? Let me continue. Invariably, discipline is required. One of my children, or the other was responsible and should get what’s coming to them. The other child, the one who was wronged, wants justice, sometimes rightfully so. But, I have determined that in most circumstances I won’t discipline one child for the satisfaction of the other child. This infuriates the wronged child, but my job is to parent. Any discipline meted out would lose it’s effectiveness if the child receiving discipline thought the other child was somehow ‘winning’.
Kind of a weird intro, but it kind of points to the way we think generally. We have an innate sense about justice that says everyone should get what they deserve and we want to watch. Paul’s imprisonment brought out preachers who preached just that about him. ‘Paul is getting what he deserves’ they preached. ‘If Paul was right, why is God punishing him with jail’ they preached. Welcome to the letter to the Philippians. The beauty of this letter, especially this part of it, is that Paul could have used this passage to strike back at his detractors, but he doesn’t. Instead Paul celebrates the fact that as long as they (his detractors) are preaching Christ, he can rejoice. The Philippians were concerned about Paul’s imprisonment. Why? Why? Why? Paul recognizes that a wrong response can cause a rift in the burgeoning Christian movement spreading across the Middle East and Asia. One church is Paul’s vision and God’s heart. One church united. Enjoy this letter to the Philippian church. Keep your eyes on Christ. God will deliver us and He will deliver justice, when it is time. Until then, forward motion…
Blessings,
Sunday School Lesson for July 25, 2010: God’s Own Faithfulness (2 Thessalonians 3:1-15)
Deuteronomy 28:12 (New International Version)
12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.
Isaiah 40:30-31 (New International Version)
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
♫ ‘I am going to watch fight and pray… til I die, til I die…’ ♫
Some of you may know the lyrics from the hymn above, some of you may not.. It sums up Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians well. Fight the good fight. Stay the course. Keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t get distracted. Don’t get discouraged. Keep the Faith. God is in control. Jesus is still on the right hand of the Father. We are precious, beloved and accepted in him. We will be victorious. Sometimes it may be hard to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes, you may not want to go out of your front door. Whatever the issue, whatever the problem, you can’t just quit. No, quite the opposite is true. You have to persevere, to overcome and in fact you will. Good News! You’ve already overcome by the Word of your testimony and by the Blood of the Lamb.
In sports there is a term called ‘the second wind’. Most athletes know it and have experienced it. Most look for it during the game or match they are involved in. Pushing themselves to the point of complete exhaustion, then somehow summoning up the strength to not only continue, but to excel when that second wind comes. We as believers have the ‘Helper’, the ‘Paraclete’, The Holy Spirit. We have God’s ‘Holy Wind’ at our backs, in our sails, working in us and through us. Our ‘Second Wind’. Find encouragement in that fact. You’re never alone. You’re never forgotten. You’re never forsaken. God knows your name.
Blessings,
.wb
12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.
Isaiah 40:30-31 (New International Version)
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
♫ ‘I am going to watch fight and pray… til I die, til I die…’ ♫
Some of you may know the lyrics from the hymn above, some of you may not.. It sums up Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians well. Fight the good fight. Stay the course. Keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t get distracted. Don’t get discouraged. Keep the Faith. God is in control. Jesus is still on the right hand of the Father. We are precious, beloved and accepted in him. We will be victorious. Sometimes it may be hard to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes, you may not want to go out of your front door. Whatever the issue, whatever the problem, you can’t just quit. No, quite the opposite is true. You have to persevere, to overcome and in fact you will. Good News! You’ve already overcome by the Word of your testimony and by the Blood of the Lamb.
In sports there is a term called ‘the second wind’. Most athletes know it and have experienced it. Most look for it during the game or match they are involved in. Pushing themselves to the point of complete exhaustion, then somehow summoning up the strength to not only continue, but to excel when that second wind comes. We as believers have the ‘Helper’, the ‘Paraclete’, The Holy Spirit. We have God’s ‘Holy Wind’ at our backs, in our sails, working in us and through us. Our ‘Second Wind’. Find encouragement in that fact. You’re never alone. You’re never forgotten. You’re never forsaken. God knows your name.
Blessings,
.wb
Sunday School Lesson for July 18, 2010: Chosen and Called (2 Thessalonians 2:7-17)
It seems lately that I’m always apologizing. I’ve been busy prepping for the audit last week. The lesson last week was too important to ignore however, so I’m submitting it late for your consideration. Again, my apologies…
Hebrews 2:5 (New International Version)
Jesus Made Like His Brothers
5It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come
Daniel 7:21-22 (New International Version)
21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 12:10 (New International Version)
10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked.
‘The Long View’
There’s a reason for seasoned, mature leadership in the Body of Christ. Paul is the example here. As much as the Church at Thessalonica was enduring persecution, Paul had endured more. Paul was clear in his thinking, clear in his knowledge, clear in his mission. He lived every day as if Christ’s return was imminent, yet he evangelized most of Asia and is responsible for two thirds of the New Testament. He was able to take the long view. Make no mistake. At some level, Paul understood the order of events that would precede the Lord’s return, yet his attitude and demeanor was such that he was driven to continue preaching the Gospel, building up the Saints and making new disciples. Is the ‘long view necessary today? Most definitely! The spirit of lawlessness is alive and well in the world today. I’ve been surprised by some discoveries I’ve made recently. There are a number of well known entertainers who openly worship Satan. Really! These people are antichrists. I won’t spend a lot of time here on this, but suffice it to say that a number of our politicians and entertainers (people we tend to look up to) are involved in occult practices. Why is any of this important? Because you, we cannot lose our perspective. A Biblical perspective. A perspective that says that you, we are Blessed and Highly Favored of God. That you, we are loved deeply by our Father. That you, we are Kings and Priests in our Fathers Kingdom. The thing that we must be assured of is that Jesus will come back. The dead in Christ will rise. We will reign with our Lord in Glory forward. Amen.
Psalm 73:2-4 (The Message)
An Asaph Psalm
1-5 No doubt about it! God is good— good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
But I nearly missed it,
missed seeing his goodness.
I was looking the other way,
looking up to the people
At the top,
envying the wicked who have it made,
Who have nothing to worry about,
not a care in the whole wide world.
Hebrews 2:5 (New International Version)
Jesus Made Like His Brothers
5It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come
Daniel 7:21-22 (New International Version)
21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 12:10 (New International Version)
10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked.
‘The Long View’
There’s a reason for seasoned, mature leadership in the Body of Christ. Paul is the example here. As much as the Church at Thessalonica was enduring persecution, Paul had endured more. Paul was clear in his thinking, clear in his knowledge, clear in his mission. He lived every day as if Christ’s return was imminent, yet he evangelized most of Asia and is responsible for two thirds of the New Testament. He was able to take the long view. Make no mistake. At some level, Paul understood the order of events that would precede the Lord’s return, yet his attitude and demeanor was such that he was driven to continue preaching the Gospel, building up the Saints and making new disciples. Is the ‘long view necessary today? Most definitely! The spirit of lawlessness is alive and well in the world today. I’ve been surprised by some discoveries I’ve made recently. There are a number of well known entertainers who openly worship Satan. Really! These people are antichrists. I won’t spend a lot of time here on this, but suffice it to say that a number of our politicians and entertainers (people we tend to look up to) are involved in occult practices. Why is any of this important? Because you, we cannot lose our perspective. A Biblical perspective. A perspective that says that you, we are Blessed and Highly Favored of God. That you, we are loved deeply by our Father. That you, we are Kings and Priests in our Fathers Kingdom. The thing that we must be assured of is that Jesus will come back. The dead in Christ will rise. We will reign with our Lord in Glory forward. Amen.
Psalm 73:2-4 (The Message)
An Asaph Psalm
1-5 No doubt about it! God is good— good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
But I nearly missed it,
missed seeing his goodness.
I was looking the other way,
looking up to the people
At the top,
envying the wicked who have it made,
Who have nothing to worry about,
not a care in the whole wide world.
Sunday School Lesson for July 11, 2010: Glory to Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:3-12)
2 Thessalonians 1:4 (New International Version)
4Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
2 Timothy 2:12 (New International Version)
12if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
Martyr - A Witness
There is a segment of the Christian community that we must not forget: the persecuted church. This week’s lesson, like last week’s, makes the point that the church at Thessalonica was suffering tremendous persecution. Pressure from the society around them to blend in. To fit in. Paul’s letter of encouragement includes the fact that he boasted about their faith to other churches. He was letting them know that they were not alone. The fact that this lesson is virtually a repeat of last week’s lesson speaks to me. There are Christian communities world wide that suffer dire persecution. Additionally, because of the limited access those churches have to the rest of the world, they don’t always have the benefit of encouragement from churches here in the west. I’m not speaking of poor churches in third world countries (or here in the US) that suffer primarily because of their poverty (they need our help too!). I’m speaking of churches that suffer because of persecution from their governments or their communities. Two points: 1. They deserve our fervent prayers and support. They are us. 2. They are worthy of our admiration. They persist in the face of persecution. Let us not turn a ‘blind eye’ or a ‘deaf ear’ to their plight. After all, If we endure ‘with’ them, we will ‘reign’ with them together with Jesus in Glory! Check out the link below in your private time. There are many who suffer greatly for the name of our Lord.
Blessings,
.wb
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/
Note: There is actually a ‘Day of International Prayer for the Persecuted Church’ every year. This year, I think it falls on November 14th (normally, the 2nd Sunday in November every year)
4Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
2 Timothy 2:12 (New International Version)
12if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
Martyr - A Witness
There is a segment of the Christian community that we must not forget: the persecuted church. This week’s lesson, like last week’s, makes the point that the church at Thessalonica was suffering tremendous persecution. Pressure from the society around them to blend in. To fit in. Paul’s letter of encouragement includes the fact that he boasted about their faith to other churches. He was letting them know that they were not alone. The fact that this lesson is virtually a repeat of last week’s lesson speaks to me. There are Christian communities world wide that suffer dire persecution. Additionally, because of the limited access those churches have to the rest of the world, they don’t always have the benefit of encouragement from churches here in the west. I’m not speaking of poor churches in third world countries (or here in the US) that suffer primarily because of their poverty (they need our help too!). I’m speaking of churches that suffer because of persecution from their governments or their communities. Two points: 1. They deserve our fervent prayers and support. They are us. 2. They are worthy of our admiration. They persist in the face of persecution. Let us not turn a ‘blind eye’ or a ‘deaf ear’ to their plight. After all, If we endure ‘with’ them, we will ‘reign’ with them together with Jesus in Glory! Check out the link below in your private time. There are many who suffer greatly for the name of our Lord.
Blessings,
.wb
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/
Note: There is actually a ‘Day of International Prayer for the Persecuted Church’ every year. This year, I think it falls on November 14th (normally, the 2nd Sunday in November every year)
Sunday School Lesson for July 4, 2010: God’s Cosmic Plan (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, 23, 24)
Wayne’s two cents worth
Sorry this took so long. But, there’s a reason…. I knew what I wanted to say, but not quite how to say it. It took a little time this week.. to get the picture… to frame the lesson in the proper light (smile)… I hope this works..
1 Thessalonians 5:5 (New International Version)
5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
Romans 8:16 (New International Version)
16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
1 John 3:2 (New International Version)
2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,[a]we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Isaiah 8:12 (New International Version)
12b do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 (New International Version)
9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Did you ever play ‘dress up’ as a little kid? Did you ever put on your dad’s shoes, throw on his too large coat and his too big hat? For the ladies out there, did your mom or an aunt ever dress you up? You know, help you put on some of her makeup? Fix your hair real pretty and throw one off those too big scarves around your shoulders. Do you remember how you felt? It was fun, kind of a rush as you kind of tried to imagine being ‘all grown up’. But, there was also a real sense of ‘this stuff’s too big for me’, wasn’t there? Shuffling around in those ‘big ol’ shoes’. That’s me in the picture below. That’s my grandpa’s hat and his pipe. Notice how the hat just swallows my head? See how that pipe is just barely hanging on? I’ll bet I’m biting that stem as hard as I can with both gums, just to keep it in J Here’s the point: I can still smell that pipe. I can still smell that hat. After all these years. This picture evokes some pretty strong memories.
As believer’s, we can get a little overwhelmed by all that happens around us, and by all that’s going to happen. Life’s full of uncertainties. That can all be compounded by our misinterpretation of God’s word. A little doubt can creep in on us as we deal with our weakness, our faults, our personal inadequacies. Maybe I’m just speaking for myself J
God wants us to develop a different perspective though. Don’t focus on how little you are, but on how Magnificent He is. And how much He loves you! That’s the message this week. We’re sitting here, clothed in our Father’s Glory and it’s all just a little to ‘big’ for us at times. But, you know what? All of Heaven is bursting with anticipation at what you’re becoming. So, instead of wrestling with weight of your Father’s robes (Sh’khinah Glory), enjoy the moment. See if you can get a wiff of your Father’s scent in His robes (Shk’khinah Glory). Treasure the moment! (I’m dancing around in circles with His sleeves hanging off the end of my armsJ Can you picture that?)
Enjoy the Journey!
.wb
Wayne’s two cents worth
Sorry this took so long. But, there’s a reason…. I knew what I wanted to say, but not quite how to say it. It took a little time this week.. to get the picture… to frame the lesson in the proper light (smile)… I hope this works..
1 Thessalonians 5:5 (New International Version)
5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
Romans 8:16 (New International Version)
16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
1 John 3:2 (New International Version)
2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,[a]we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Isaiah 8:12 (New International Version)
12b do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 (New International Version)
9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Did you ever play ‘dress up’ as a little kid? Did you ever put on your dad’s shoes, throw on his too large coat and his too big hat? For the ladies out there, did your mom or an aunt ever dress you up? You know, help you put on some of her makeup? Fix your hair real pretty and throw one off those too big scarves around your shoulders. Do you remember how you felt? It was fun, kind of a rush as you kind of tried to imagine being ‘all grown up’. But, there was also a real sense of ‘this stuff’s too big for me’, wasn’t there? Shuffling around in those ‘big ol’ shoes’. That’s me in the picture below. That’s my grandpa’s hat and his pipe. Notice how the hat just swallows my head? See how that pipe is just barely hanging on? I’ll bet I’m biting that stem as hard as I can with both gums, just to keep it in J Here’s the point: I can still smell that pipe. I can still smell that hat. After all these years. This picture evokes some pretty strong memories.
As believer’s, we can get a little overwhelmed by all that happens around us, and by all that’s going to happen. Life’s full of uncertainties. That can all be compounded by our misinterpretation of God’s word. A little doubt can creep in on us as we deal with our weakness, our faults, our personal inadequacies. Maybe I’m just speaking for myself J
God wants us to develop a different perspective though. Don’t focus on how little you are, but on how Magnificent He is. And how much He loves you! That’s the message this week. We’re sitting here, clothed in our Father’s Glory and it’s all just a little to ‘big’ for us at times. But, you know what? All of Heaven is bursting with anticipation at what you’re becoming. So, instead of wrestling with weight of your Father’s robes (Sh’khinah Glory), enjoy the moment. See if you can get a wiff of your Father’s scent in His robes (Shk’khinah Glory). Treasure the moment! (I’m dancing around in circles with His sleeves hanging off the end of my armsJ Can you picture that?)
Enjoy the Journey!
.wb
Sunday School Lesson for June 27, 2010: Demonstrated in Action (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)
Galatians 6:9 (New International Version)
9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Hebrews 6:11 (New International Version)
11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
‘Common Sense Christianity’ There’s an old axiom. I don’t know where I heard it, but goes: ‘It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” You can apply this axiom to almost every area of your life, can’t you? Marriage. Parenting. Career. Christian Walk. For some of you, you’ve been doing this for awhile. For some of you, you’re just getting started. Wherever you are on the path, keep on keeping on. That’s Paul’s message to the Thessalonians. It’s God’s message to us. Don’t stop. Hang in there. Stay the course. Stay focused. Heaven is watching. The reward that awaits you is immeasurable. Blessings!
9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Hebrews 6:11 (New International Version)
11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
‘Common Sense Christianity’ There’s an old axiom. I don’t know where I heard it, but goes: ‘It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” You can apply this axiom to almost every area of your life, can’t you? Marriage. Parenting. Career. Christian Walk. For some of you, you’ve been doing this for awhile. For some of you, you’re just getting started. Wherever you are on the path, keep on keeping on. That’s Paul’s message to the Thessalonians. It’s God’s message to us. Don’t stop. Hang in there. Stay the course. Stay focused. Heaven is watching. The reward that awaits you is immeasurable. Blessings!
Sunday School Lesson for June 20, 2010: Sustained Through Encouragement (1 Thessalonians 3)
3 John 1:4 (New International Version)
4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Hi all.. How are you? Really! How are you? I get it. You see, I miss you… all. Whether you are a relative, a friend, a coworker, fellow church member, whoever, if you’re receiving this email from me it means that I think about you regularly. I continually think about you and pray for you. Why? It’s a good question. I don’t bear any responsibility for you spiritually, except for this: if you care about me enough to read this weekly lesson, how can I not care about you? This weekly discussion started out of my love for this particular curriculum and it’s affect on my personal walk with Christ. It’s still my primary motivation, but you know what? If you’re reading this, God Bless You! Really! God Bless Your Heart! And thank you! Trust me when I tell you; you are in my thoughts and prayers. And my desire for you is that you continue to walk in God’s favor and grow in His Grace. Amen! Enjoy this week’s lesson.
4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Hi all.. How are you? Really! How are you? I get it. You see, I miss you… all. Whether you are a relative, a friend, a coworker, fellow church member, whoever, if you’re receiving this email from me it means that I think about you regularly. I continually think about you and pray for you. Why? It’s a good question. I don’t bear any responsibility for you spiritually, except for this: if you care about me enough to read this weekly lesson, how can I not care about you? This weekly discussion started out of my love for this particular curriculum and it’s affect on my personal walk with Christ. It’s still my primary motivation, but you know what? If you’re reading this, God Bless You! Really! God Bless Your Heart! And thank you! Trust me when I tell you; you are in my thoughts and prayers. And my desire for you is that you continue to walk in God’s favor and grow in His Grace. Amen! Enjoy this week’s lesson.
Sunday School Lesson for June 13, 2010: Pleasing to God (1 Thessalonians 2:1-13)
1 Corinthians 14:8
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1 Corinthians 2:12
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Christians are unusual creatures. Re-Creatures might be more accurate. We’ve been rewired, as it were, to hear God. To hear Him through His Word, His Holy Spirit, His ministers and through fellow believers. We’ve been re-gene’d (regenerated) by the Word and the Spirit and now we take our directions from the realm of the Spirit. At least, that’s what’s supposed to happen. This week’s lesson reminds us that there are many voices in the world and that we, as Christians need to pray for discernment as we sort through all the noise around us. I have tinnitus, a constant ringing or echoing in one ear that causes me to have to concentrate to listen. When there are a number of people talking around me, it becomes difficult to distinguish the particular voice or sound I want to hear from the rest of the sounds around me. It requires some concentration. The same is true in the spirit. There are many voices and many different versions of the gospel being presented. The believer has to discern the truth. Thankfully, we have help. We have the assurance that God will not let us be led astray. Not if we are truly His. It’s that assurance that causes us to patiently wait upon the Truth. Jesus Christ, The same yesterday, today and forever. Subsequently, it’s our patience and our faithfulness in the face of the various challenges that pleases our Father in Heaven..
Blessings,
wb
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1 Corinthians 2:12
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Christians are unusual creatures. Re-Creatures might be more accurate. We’ve been rewired, as it were, to hear God. To hear Him through His Word, His Holy Spirit, His ministers and through fellow believers. We’ve been re-gene’d (regenerated) by the Word and the Spirit and now we take our directions from the realm of the Spirit. At least, that’s what’s supposed to happen. This week’s lesson reminds us that there are many voices in the world and that we, as Christians need to pray for discernment as we sort through all the noise around us. I have tinnitus, a constant ringing or echoing in one ear that causes me to have to concentrate to listen. When there are a number of people talking around me, it becomes difficult to distinguish the particular voice or sound I want to hear from the rest of the sounds around me. It requires some concentration. The same is true in the spirit. There are many voices and many different versions of the gospel being presented. The believer has to discern the truth. Thankfully, we have help. We have the assurance that God will not let us be led astray. Not if we are truly His. It’s that assurance that causes us to patiently wait upon the Truth. Jesus Christ, The same yesterday, today and forever. Subsequently, it’s our patience and our faithfulness in the face of the various challenges that pleases our Father in Heaven..
Blessings,
wb
Sunday School Lesson for June 6, 2010: Visible for God (1 Thessalonians 1)
The New Testament meaning of Hope – “Hope always expresses confidence based on the character and power of God. Believers in Christ can have assurance about the future, knowing that God loves them and is faithful and powerful to deliver what he has promised.”
Selah.
The definition above is a nearly direct quote from this week’s Sunday School Lesson Standard Commentary. It’s one of the best explanation for the word ‘hope’ that I have encountered in the twenty three years I’ve been saved. You see, in the same way that Faith produces good works, Love produces Hope. Love saved us and empowers us. Faith guides us (we walk by Faith, not by sight). Hope strengthens and sustains us. In the fiery furnace, in the raging storm, in the valley of the shadow of death, through testing and trail hope gives us the impetus to continue putting one foot in front of the other. Patient hope causes us to wait upon the unseen with unshakable confidence. Hope causes us to ‘act out’ our faith and demonstrate our love daily. Hope makes us visible as ‘Christians’. Visible for God.
On a personal note: Sorry about the delay of the lesson this week. The journey to the Philippines was exhausting and I went directly to work upon arrival. I wish you all could be here. The scenery is beautiful. God is awesome. The people here are all very friendly and supportive, particularly here @ Clark. Also, I had the privilege of sitting next to two young missionaries on each leg of the journey. Aya, a young college student on her way to South Korea for a mission trip and Kyla, a young college student on her way to Manila to work with special needs children in the slums in Manila. Two young ladies empowered by love, guided by faith, sustained by hope. Keep them in your prayers and may God grant them favor in their endeavors.
Blessings…
Selah.
The definition above is a nearly direct quote from this week’s Sunday School Lesson Standard Commentary. It’s one of the best explanation for the word ‘hope’ that I have encountered in the twenty three years I’ve been saved. You see, in the same way that Faith produces good works, Love produces Hope. Love saved us and empowers us. Faith guides us (we walk by Faith, not by sight). Hope strengthens and sustains us. In the fiery furnace, in the raging storm, in the valley of the shadow of death, through testing and trail hope gives us the impetus to continue putting one foot in front of the other. Patient hope causes us to wait upon the unseen with unshakable confidence. Hope causes us to ‘act out’ our faith and demonstrate our love daily. Hope makes us visible as ‘Christians’. Visible for God.
On a personal note: Sorry about the delay of the lesson this week. The journey to the Philippines was exhausting and I went directly to work upon arrival. I wish you all could be here. The scenery is beautiful. God is awesome. The people here are all very friendly and supportive, particularly here @ Clark. Also, I had the privilege of sitting next to two young missionaries on each leg of the journey. Aya, a young college student on her way to South Korea for a mission trip and Kyla, a young college student on her way to Manila to work with special needs children in the slums in Manila. Two young ladies empowered by love, guided by faith, sustained by hope. Keep them in your prayers and may God grant them favor in their endeavors.
Blessings…
Sunday School Lesson May 30, 2010: At Risk in the Community (Jude 3-8, 19-25)
Mark 16:17-18 (New International Version)
17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
Revelation 2:2-4 (New International Version)
2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
Psalm 36:7 (New International Version)
7 How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find [a] refuge in the shadow of your wings
First, a definition:
Chris·to·cen·tric
Spelled[kris-tuh-sen-trik] Show IPA
–adjective
having as the theological focal point the teachings and practices of Jesus Christ.
When you find yourself consumed by the fierceness of the battle, when the storm is raging all around you, stop and remember that nothing going on around you will unseat God from His throne. Nothing. Remember that nothing will move Jesus, Our Lord from the right hand of the Father. And remember that nothing.. Not any thing will separate you from His love. Remember that Love never fails. Remember that nothing can pluck you from His hand. Remember that every good gift comes from Him. Remember that His gifts are without repentance. Remember that He is Light. There is no shadow of turning in Him. Remember that He loves you and gave Himself for you. Remember that He has all power in His hands. Remember where Joy comes from. Remember where Peace comes from. Drink deeply from that fountain. Remember that out of your belly will flow rivers of Living Water. Remember that He gives freely of Himself, His Glorious Grace. Remember that it is by Grace that you were saved. Remember that Faith will move mountains. Remember the Treasure housed in your earthen vessel (The Holy Ghost). Don’t rejoice in the fact that you’ve cast out devils. Rather rejoice that your name is written in the Book. Remember that you have a new name… that no one knows but Him. Remember that He declared His work ‘finished’ at Calvary. Remember that He paid a terrible price there. Remember that He was buried in a borrowed tomb. Remember that He arose from the grave victorious. Remember and the Peace of God to which you are called will rest, rule and abide in your heart… In the midst of the storm.
Peace. Be still…. We’ve got work to do..
17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
Revelation 2:2-4 (New International Version)
2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
Psalm 36:7 (New International Version)
7 How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find [a] refuge in the shadow of your wings
First, a definition:
Chris·to·cen·tric
Spelled[kris-tuh-sen-trik] Show IPA
–adjective
having as the theological focal point the teachings and practices of Jesus Christ.
When you find yourself consumed by the fierceness of the battle, when the storm is raging all around you, stop and remember that nothing going on around you will unseat God from His throne. Nothing. Remember that nothing will move Jesus, Our Lord from the right hand of the Father. And remember that nothing.. Not any thing will separate you from His love. Remember that Love never fails. Remember that nothing can pluck you from His hand. Remember that every good gift comes from Him. Remember that His gifts are without repentance. Remember that He is Light. There is no shadow of turning in Him. Remember that He loves you and gave Himself for you. Remember that He has all power in His hands. Remember where Joy comes from. Remember where Peace comes from. Drink deeply from that fountain. Remember that out of your belly will flow rivers of Living Water. Remember that He gives freely of Himself, His Glorious Grace. Remember that it is by Grace that you were saved. Remember that Faith will move mountains. Remember the Treasure housed in your earthen vessel (The Holy Ghost). Don’t rejoice in the fact that you’ve cast out devils. Rather rejoice that your name is written in the Book. Remember that you have a new name… that no one knows but Him. Remember that He declared His work ‘finished’ at Calvary. Remember that He paid a terrible price there. Remember that He was buried in a borrowed tomb. Remember that He arose from the grave victorious. Remember and the Peace of God to which you are called will rest, rule and abide in your heart… In the midst of the storm.
Peace. Be still…. We’ve got work to do..
Sunday School Lesson for May 23, 2010: At Home in the Community (Philemon 4, 5, 8-21)
Philippians 4:2 (New International Version
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.
Ephesians 4:3-5 (New International Version)
3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
Christianity applied…
This is it! This is where the rubber meets the road… isn’t it? Philemon and Onesimus have a problem, a serious problem. The tone of Paul’s letter intimates that fact. The easy thing to do here is to make Philemon the bad guy and make this two cent’s worth about the evils of slavery and classism, but there is another lesson here. Onesimus has some repenting to do here too. Clearly, he has wronged Philemon in some way and needs to make amends. Wait.. Onesimus is the victim right? Not entirely. Not according to Paul. No, Onesimus needs to go to Philemon and throw himself at Philemon’s mercy.. and be prepared to suffer the consequences… I appreciate this lesson. You see… this is the hard stuff. This is the stuff we leave churches over… broken relationships. This is how families are broken.. I have my own story about such a rift. I recently (very recently) took time to reconcile a relationship with an aunt that kept us separated for about 15 years. That’s a long time isn’t it? She’s 83 years old and I can say that I am truly thankful and grateful that I had the opportunity on this side of Heavan to reconcile. I’ll also confess that it was my foolish pride that was at the root of the problem (Remember Dwight?). I’ll always regret the time we’ve lost, but I am grateful that I have had a chance to start to make it right. What about you? Do you have something that you need to make right. Remember! Tomorrow’s not promised to you. What about Onesimus and Philemon? Well the scripture doesn’t provide a lot of illumination, but Church history tells us that a servant of Christ named Onesimus became the second Bishop of the Church of Ephesus after Timothy. From runaway slave to Leader of the largest church of its era. All made possible because he went to Philemon and made amends. He might have disobeyed Paul and went on about his way… saved, but still bound. Through his obedience to the Apostle, God was able to establish him as a pillar in the church and as a lasting example to us of real church.. the hard stuff.
Be Blessed!!
p.s. Feel free to ask me about the details of the story about my aunt. I won’t mind telling it if time permits…J
1 Peter 5:6 (King James Version)
6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.
Ephesians 4:3-5 (New International Version)
3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
Christianity applied…
This is it! This is where the rubber meets the road… isn’t it? Philemon and Onesimus have a problem, a serious problem. The tone of Paul’s letter intimates that fact. The easy thing to do here is to make Philemon the bad guy and make this two cent’s worth about the evils of slavery and classism, but there is another lesson here. Onesimus has some repenting to do here too. Clearly, he has wronged Philemon in some way and needs to make amends. Wait.. Onesimus is the victim right? Not entirely. Not according to Paul. No, Onesimus needs to go to Philemon and throw himself at Philemon’s mercy.. and be prepared to suffer the consequences… I appreciate this lesson. You see… this is the hard stuff. This is the stuff we leave churches over… broken relationships. This is how families are broken.. I have my own story about such a rift. I recently (very recently) took time to reconcile a relationship with an aunt that kept us separated for about 15 years. That’s a long time isn’t it? She’s 83 years old and I can say that I am truly thankful and grateful that I had the opportunity on this side of Heavan to reconcile. I’ll also confess that it was my foolish pride that was at the root of the problem (Remember Dwight?). I’ll always regret the time we’ve lost, but I am grateful that I have had a chance to start to make it right. What about you? Do you have something that you need to make right. Remember! Tomorrow’s not promised to you. What about Onesimus and Philemon? Well the scripture doesn’t provide a lot of illumination, but Church history tells us that a servant of Christ named Onesimus became the second Bishop of the Church of Ephesus after Timothy. From runaway slave to Leader of the largest church of its era. All made possible because he went to Philemon and made amends. He might have disobeyed Paul and went on about his way… saved, but still bound. Through his obedience to the Apostle, God was able to establish him as a pillar in the church and as a lasting example to us of real church.. the hard stuff.
Be Blessed!!
p.s. Feel free to ask me about the details of the story about my aunt. I won’t mind telling it if time permits…J
1 Peter 5:6 (King James Version)
6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Sunday School Lesson for May 16, 2010: A Chosen Community (Colossians 3:1, 2, 8-17)
Colossians 3:13
13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Applied Christianity…
This ‘Christian’ thing would be alright… if it were just me and Jesus, wouldn’t it? Maybe just me and him, some of my family members, a few friends, some of you all. You know. Just the people I get along with. Wouldn’t that be nice? But alas, it is not God’s plan. His plan for us is to be changed from the inside out. And… He let’s us take an active role in the process. Day after day, we’re faced with challenges with most of them coming from … other people. Your boss, your children, your spouse, mostly the same people from the first list. I … would love to lock myself away somewhere and spend three or four hours a day ‘communing’ with Jesus, but it is not to be so. No we’re supposed to be out here, in the mix. Interacting with fellow believers, as well as with non-believers. And sometimes, we’re supposed to be offended, hurt, ashamed, embarrassed or worse. Sometimes, we’re supposed to feel as though we’re being pushed off of a precipice. And somehow, in all of this, if we will trust and obey, we will reap the fruit of the Spirit as our reward. In order to forgive, you must have someone to forgive and some offense for which to forgive them. And… you have to be prepared to keep forgiving them over and over again (Matt. 18:21-22). I’ll close with this: I don’t often quote from James, you’ll have to ask Eric why that is J, but James sums it up very nicely with:
James 3:18
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Enjoy the Journey…
13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Applied Christianity…
This ‘Christian’ thing would be alright… if it were just me and Jesus, wouldn’t it? Maybe just me and him, some of my family members, a few friends, some of you all. You know. Just the people I get along with. Wouldn’t that be nice? But alas, it is not God’s plan. His plan for us is to be changed from the inside out. And… He let’s us take an active role in the process. Day after day, we’re faced with challenges with most of them coming from … other people. Your boss, your children, your spouse, mostly the same people from the first list. I … would love to lock myself away somewhere and spend three or four hours a day ‘communing’ with Jesus, but it is not to be so. No we’re supposed to be out here, in the mix. Interacting with fellow believers, as well as with non-believers. And sometimes, we’re supposed to be offended, hurt, ashamed, embarrassed or worse. Sometimes, we’re supposed to feel as though we’re being pushed off of a precipice. And somehow, in all of this, if we will trust and obey, we will reap the fruit of the Spirit as our reward. In order to forgive, you must have someone to forgive and some offense for which to forgive them. And… you have to be prepared to keep forgiving them over and over again (Matt. 18:21-22). I’ll close with this: I don’t often quote from James, you’ll have to ask Eric why that is J, but James sums it up very nicely with:
James 3:18
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Enjoy the Journey…
Sunday School Lesson for May 9, 2010: An Established Community (Colossians 2:1-12)
Psalm 133 (English Standard Version)
When Brothers Dwell in Unity
A Song of(A) Ascents: .of David.
1Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when(B) brothers dwell in unity![a]
2It is like the precious(C) oil on(D) the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on(E) the collar of his robes!
3It is like(F) the dew of(G) Hermon,
which falls on(H) the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD(I) has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (English Standard Version)
12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Matthew 18:19-20 (New International Version)
19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
1 Peter 3:7 (New International Version)
7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
My apologies. I’m doing it again. Giving too many verses. Yep. Sure did. Why? In the lesson below, Paul states that the reason he works so hard on the behalf of the believers in Colossae is so that they will be united. And why does he want them united? So that they will have ‘the riches of complete understanding’. So ‘that they may know the Mystery of God, namely, Christ’. Wow! …. Wow! A few weeks ago I talked about having a place alone to seek God. How that time spent in prayer to God would result in the intersection of Heaven and Earth (you!). Remember? But the Bible also teaches that we must not forsake the assembling of ourselves with one another. Why? Because God inhabits our collective praise. The Chinese translate Psalms 22:3 thusly: ‘The Lord takes the praise of Israel and sits down in it like a chair.’ So, where the Body of Christ is in unity, Heaven is there. All of Heaven in all of its splendor. The fullness of the Godhead is there in all of It’s Majesty. And…. Your brothers and sisters are there (here). Visibly sharing the invisible. And becoming indivisible in the process. Oh! And brothers.. pay attention to I Peter 3:7. Want your prayers answered? Then, be at one with your wife. She is a co-heir with you of the riches of Eternity. Rejoice!. Enjoy the Lesson. See you in Church!
Psalm 22:3 (King James Version)
3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel
When Brothers Dwell in Unity
A Song of(A) Ascents: .of David.
1Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when(B) brothers dwell in unity![a]
2It is like the precious(C) oil on(D) the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on(E) the collar of his robes!
3It is like(F) the dew of(G) Hermon,
which falls on(H) the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD(I) has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (English Standard Version)
12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Matthew 18:19-20 (New International Version)
19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
1 Peter 3:7 (New International Version)
7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
My apologies. I’m doing it again. Giving too many verses. Yep. Sure did. Why? In the lesson below, Paul states that the reason he works so hard on the behalf of the believers in Colossae is so that they will be united. And why does he want them united? So that they will have ‘the riches of complete understanding’. So ‘that they may know the Mystery of God, namely, Christ’. Wow! …. Wow! A few weeks ago I talked about having a place alone to seek God. How that time spent in prayer to God would result in the intersection of Heaven and Earth (you!). Remember? But the Bible also teaches that we must not forsake the assembling of ourselves with one another. Why? Because God inhabits our collective praise. The Chinese translate Psalms 22:3 thusly: ‘The Lord takes the praise of Israel and sits down in it like a chair.’ So, where the Body of Christ is in unity, Heaven is there. All of Heaven in all of its splendor. The fullness of the Godhead is there in all of It’s Majesty. And…. Your brothers and sisters are there (here). Visibly sharing the invisible. And becoming indivisible in the process. Oh! And brothers.. pay attention to I Peter 3:7. Want your prayers answered? Then, be at one with your wife. She is a co-heir with you of the riches of Eternity. Rejoice!. Enjoy the Lesson. See you in Church!
Psalm 22:3 (King James Version)
3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel
Sunday School Lesson for May 2, 2010: A Faithful Community (Colossians 1:1-14)
Proverbs 20:6 (New International Version)
6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find?
1 Thessalonians 1:3 (New International Version)
3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:6 (King James Version)
6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 (New International Version)
8But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
Faith. Love. Spiritual terms intertwined in such a way as to be inseparable in the heart of God. As we study this week’s lesson: ‘A Faithful Community’, it might help to envision a different title: ‘ A Loving Community”. Why? Because Love drives Faith and Faithfulness. The things in our lives that we’ve been most faithful to are the things we’ve loved. Where we’ve experienced the deepest love in our relationships, faithfulness has often been a factor. The biblical implication is that without love, faith cannot exist, something to think about as we walk out this Christian experience before God and men. Often times, we look for examples of great faith in the community of believers. We run to hear this great preacher or that one. We flock (sometimes) to this great church or that great revival. Are they motivated by love? Because where love is, faith will abide. Where love is, faith will operate. God’s love for us is demonstrated by his steadfast faithfulness to us. He never gives up. He is longsuffering. How then can we build our faith? By love. Love for Christ. Love for one another. Find yourself loving your family in Christ, faith will come… Motivated by love to reach the lost, the needy and the hopeless among us? Faith will meet you there. Be encouraged…
6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find?
1 Thessalonians 1:3 (New International Version)
3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:6 (King James Version)
6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 (New International Version)
8But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
Faith. Love. Spiritual terms intertwined in such a way as to be inseparable in the heart of God. As we study this week’s lesson: ‘A Faithful Community’, it might help to envision a different title: ‘ A Loving Community”. Why? Because Love drives Faith and Faithfulness. The things in our lives that we’ve been most faithful to are the things we’ve loved. Where we’ve experienced the deepest love in our relationships, faithfulness has often been a factor. The biblical implication is that without love, faith cannot exist, something to think about as we walk out this Christian experience before God and men. Often times, we look for examples of great faith in the community of believers. We run to hear this great preacher or that one. We flock (sometimes) to this great church or that great revival. Are they motivated by love? Because where love is, faith will abide. Where love is, faith will operate. God’s love for us is demonstrated by his steadfast faithfulness to us. He never gives up. He is longsuffering. How then can we build our faith? By love. Love for Christ. Love for one another. Find yourself loving your family in Christ, faith will come… Motivated by love to reach the lost, the needy and the hopeless among us? Faith will meet you there. Be encouraged…
Sunday School Lesson for April 25, 2010: Inclusion in Community (Luke 14:15-24)
Exodus 24:8-11 (The Message)
8 Moses took the rest of the blood and threw it out over the people, saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has made with you out of all these words I have spoken."
9-11 Then they climbed the mountain—Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel—and saw the God of Israel. He was standing on a pavement of something like sapphires—pure, clear sky-blue. He didn't hurt these pillar-leaders of the Israelites: They saw God; and they ate and drank.
New International Version (NIV)
Luke 14:2
There in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy.
Luke 14:4
But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away.
Luke 14:23 (New King James Version)
23 Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
A few weeks ago my refrigerator died. So I loaded it on my truck and took it to a local metal recycling site. It was late on a Sunday afternoon, so I didn’t expect to see anyone there, but as I backed up to the drop off spot, a guy kind of appeared from over behind the ‘stuff’ in the yard next to the driveway. He was younger than me, maybe his mid thirties. His skin was weather beaten, his hands as hard as the pavement we were standing on. He spoke in a rambling manner and there was a slight smell of alcohol on his breath. We struck up a conversation as he helped me slide the fridge off of my truck. He told me he worked there and I kind of got the impression that he lived there as well. He was really friendly and maybe a little lonesome. I talked to him for about an hour.. maybe a little longer. It turned out that he did most of the talking. I just listened mostly. At one point he literally had tears running down his face as he thanked me for just taking some time to talk to him.
Last week I made a comment about how my wife making a statement about not wanting to be in ‘your heaven’, referring to a heaven of my own design, as if I were Jesus. As I think about this encounter I had with Steve (his real name), it occurs to me that the heaven that I end up in will have a lot of people like him in it… won’t it? Really! Think about it for a moment. Jesus died for people just like Steve… didn’t he? Sure he did. You and I might not want to sit next to someone like Steve (meaning…’not like me’) in church, but we’d better get used to the fact that when we get to heaven it will be full of ‘Steves’ or ‘Stephanies’. That’s what my bible says. Are you ready for that? If not.. a little help. A long time ago, a preacher gave me a little idiom for the letters that spell bible: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The thing with instructions is… you have to follow them. And in this case, you have to follow them before leaving here. That’s the point of this parable. As the opportunities present themselves, whether by organized outreach and missions or through chance encounters like the one I had, take advantage of these opportunities to share… really share the Gospel with people. That way… when you do get to heaven… you may see some one you recognizeJ
As always… I have a lot more to say, but this is the place to stop. Pray for Steve. I have him on speed dial and I need to remember to go by and check on him sometime soon.
Blessings,
♫‘There is room at the Cross for you’♫
8 Moses took the rest of the blood and threw it out over the people, saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has made with you out of all these words I have spoken."
9-11 Then they climbed the mountain—Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel—and saw the God of Israel. He was standing on a pavement of something like sapphires—pure, clear sky-blue. He didn't hurt these pillar-leaders of the Israelites: They saw God; and they ate and drank.
New International Version (NIV)
Luke 14:2
There in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy.
Luke 14:4
But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away.
Luke 14:23 (New King James Version)
23 Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
A few weeks ago my refrigerator died. So I loaded it on my truck and took it to a local metal recycling site. It was late on a Sunday afternoon, so I didn’t expect to see anyone there, but as I backed up to the drop off spot, a guy kind of appeared from over behind the ‘stuff’ in the yard next to the driveway. He was younger than me, maybe his mid thirties. His skin was weather beaten, his hands as hard as the pavement we were standing on. He spoke in a rambling manner and there was a slight smell of alcohol on his breath. We struck up a conversation as he helped me slide the fridge off of my truck. He told me he worked there and I kind of got the impression that he lived there as well. He was really friendly and maybe a little lonesome. I talked to him for about an hour.. maybe a little longer. It turned out that he did most of the talking. I just listened mostly. At one point he literally had tears running down his face as he thanked me for just taking some time to talk to him.
Last week I made a comment about how my wife making a statement about not wanting to be in ‘your heaven’, referring to a heaven of my own design, as if I were Jesus. As I think about this encounter I had with Steve (his real name), it occurs to me that the heaven that I end up in will have a lot of people like him in it… won’t it? Really! Think about it for a moment. Jesus died for people just like Steve… didn’t he? Sure he did. You and I might not want to sit next to someone like Steve (meaning…’not like me’) in church, but we’d better get used to the fact that when we get to heaven it will be full of ‘Steves’ or ‘Stephanies’. That’s what my bible says. Are you ready for that? If not.. a little help. A long time ago, a preacher gave me a little idiom for the letters that spell bible: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The thing with instructions is… you have to follow them. And in this case, you have to follow them before leaving here. That’s the point of this parable. As the opportunities present themselves, whether by organized outreach and missions or through chance encounters like the one I had, take advantage of these opportunities to share… really share the Gospel with people. That way… when you do get to heaven… you may see some one you recognizeJ
As always… I have a lot more to say, but this is the place to stop. Pray for Steve. I have him on speed dial and I need to remember to go by and check on him sometime soon.
Blessings,
♫‘There is room at the Cross for you’♫
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)