This from Our Daily Bread seems pretty relevant these days of financial crisis followed by terrorist attacks and civil unrests.
November 30, 2008
Lend A Hand
READ: Romans 12:9-21
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. —Romans 12:15
In Romans 12:9-21, Paul gives ways to express practical Christianity in our relationships. One seems especially needed at this time of year: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (v.15). We can “give a hand” to grieving friends and family by understanding their sorrow and not expecting them to “get over it” in time to celebrate the holidays. We can freely mention the name of the person whose death has brought such desolation and then share a fond memory. We can be quiet, listen, and pray for God’s help.
Only God can heal the deep wounds of the heart, but we can lend a hand. — David C. McCasland
If I can help some wounded heart,If I can by my love impartSome blessing that will help more now—Lord, just show me how. —Brandt
No one is strong enough to bear his burdens alone.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Meeting people’s four deepest needs
Meeting people’s four deepest needs
by Rick Warren
Jesus told us that he came so that we would have “life to the fullest” (John 10:10). If that was Jesus’ goal while he was on earth, don’t you think that should be a goal of the church?
Most people aren’t living life to the fullest. Sure, most people have full lives. They’re always going from one place to another, from one accomplishment to another, and often from one relationship to another. Many people’s schedules are full, but that’s a far cry from living life to the fullest.
First and foremost, living life to the fullest starts with Jesus. We cannot have a full life without him. Salvation is the starting point to a life fulfilled, but it’s not the end. There are a lot – I mean a lot – of unfulfilled Christians. And that devastates our witness to the world.
After salvation, a fulfilled life is one where four basic needs are met. God has uniquely called the Body of Christ to meet those needs. In this issue of Toolbox, I’ll share those four needs and how the church is best equipped to meet them.
Support: Everyone wants to know they’re not alone. God said in Genesis 2:18 “It is not good for man to be alone,” but there are a lot of factors in today’s world that are causing us to be more alone.
Urbanization: The vast majority of us live in cities, and we don’t know our neighbors.
Specialization: We’re increasingly separating people into different boxes – further isolating ourselves.
The breakdown of the family: In just a few generations, we’ve gone from the extended family to the nuclear family to the single-parent family.
Materialism: To many people, things have become more important than people.
People are coming into your church searching for something to belong to. They want to know they aren’t alone. They want to know someone cares about them.
That’s where the church steps in. God designed the church to be a family (Ephesians 2:19). Small groups are crucial to this. That’s where we meet the need for support in people’s lives.
Stability: People are looking for a strong foundation to build their life on. Pastor, this may surprise you, but people want absolutes to center their life on. Every study you read about truth these days says people don’t believe in absolutes anymore. The sad part is that even regular church goers aren’t acknowledging absolute truth. But if you have no absolutes in your life, you’re asking for anxiety and stress.Deep down, the people in your community know that. Those who walk into your church this weekend want absolutes to build their life around. Whether they want to admit it or not, they’re looking for principles to help guide them. Until people establish an authority in their life, they’ll never have life to their fullest. You have an opportunity to do that. We must teach people that God’s Word is that kind of authority. It’s an anchor that we can depend upon when life gets rough.
Self-expression: God made us all a unique mix of gifts, passions, abilities, personality, and experiences. And he gave us an irrepressible desire to express our uniqueness. When we can’t express that uniqueness, it produces frustration, dissatisfaction, and boredom. The vast majority of men and women who’ll walk through your church doors this weekend – and the vast majority of people you’re trying to reach – are bored out of their mind. They have no opportunity to express their uniqueness. Often, the media, their jobs, their family, and their friends are trying to stuff them into a box that makes them just like everyone else. When they come to your church, they’re hoping you’ll help them express that uniqueness. Your church should be that kind of place. Help them discover their uniqueness by finding out about their S.H.A.P.E. (spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences). Teach them how to minister through the unique way God created them.
Significance: We all want to know our life matters. We want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We’ve been wired for this. Man’s search for meaning wrote the history of the 20th century. Communism and nationalism thrived because people long to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Today, radical Islam operates in that same way. We should corner the market on meeting this emotional need. You and I are a part of the biggest mission imaginable – sharing the Good News about God’s Kingdom. I can’t think of any bigger mission to center our lives around. As we help people see their unique part in this mission, we’re meeting this huge need in their lives.Philippians 2:13 in the New English Bible says, “For it is God who works in you, inspiring both the will and the deeds for his own chosen purpose.” God has a purpose for our lives even before we were born. One of the greatest things we can do for people is help them to discover that. What is their unique mission? How does God want to use their uniqueness to tell his story? Your church has the opportunity to help people discover that.
Romans 5:2 sums up my heartbeat for Saddleback and what I hope is your heartbeat for your church: “We can confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all God has in mind for us to be.” I want to be able to say that I’ve helped my congregation become all God wanted them to be. That means I have to be meeting these four basic needs in the ministry of our church.
Of course, here’s the underlying message to this article: If you’re built around the biblical purposes of the church (worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism), you’re meeting those needs. A church committed to fellowship meets the need of support. A church committed to discipleship meets the need of stability. A church committed to mobilizing members for ministry meets the need of self-expression. And a church committed to evangelism and missions meets the need of significance.
So here’s the question, is your church meeting those needs?
by Rick Warren
Jesus told us that he came so that we would have “life to the fullest” (John 10:10). If that was Jesus’ goal while he was on earth, don’t you think that should be a goal of the church?
Most people aren’t living life to the fullest. Sure, most people have full lives. They’re always going from one place to another, from one accomplishment to another, and often from one relationship to another. Many people’s schedules are full, but that’s a far cry from living life to the fullest.
First and foremost, living life to the fullest starts with Jesus. We cannot have a full life without him. Salvation is the starting point to a life fulfilled, but it’s not the end. There are a lot – I mean a lot – of unfulfilled Christians. And that devastates our witness to the world.
After salvation, a fulfilled life is one where four basic needs are met. God has uniquely called the Body of Christ to meet those needs. In this issue of Toolbox, I’ll share those four needs and how the church is best equipped to meet them.
Support: Everyone wants to know they’re not alone. God said in Genesis 2:18 “It is not good for man to be alone,” but there are a lot of factors in today’s world that are causing us to be more alone.
Urbanization: The vast majority of us live in cities, and we don’t know our neighbors.
Specialization: We’re increasingly separating people into different boxes – further isolating ourselves.
The breakdown of the family: In just a few generations, we’ve gone from the extended family to the nuclear family to the single-parent family.
Materialism: To many people, things have become more important than people.
People are coming into your church searching for something to belong to. They want to know they aren’t alone. They want to know someone cares about them.
That’s where the church steps in. God designed the church to be a family (Ephesians 2:19). Small groups are crucial to this. That’s where we meet the need for support in people’s lives.
Stability: People are looking for a strong foundation to build their life on. Pastor, this may surprise you, but people want absolutes to center their life on. Every study you read about truth these days says people don’t believe in absolutes anymore. The sad part is that even regular church goers aren’t acknowledging absolute truth. But if you have no absolutes in your life, you’re asking for anxiety and stress.Deep down, the people in your community know that. Those who walk into your church this weekend want absolutes to build their life around. Whether they want to admit it or not, they’re looking for principles to help guide them. Until people establish an authority in their life, they’ll never have life to their fullest. You have an opportunity to do that. We must teach people that God’s Word is that kind of authority. It’s an anchor that we can depend upon when life gets rough.
Self-expression: God made us all a unique mix of gifts, passions, abilities, personality, and experiences. And he gave us an irrepressible desire to express our uniqueness. When we can’t express that uniqueness, it produces frustration, dissatisfaction, and boredom. The vast majority of men and women who’ll walk through your church doors this weekend – and the vast majority of people you’re trying to reach – are bored out of their mind. They have no opportunity to express their uniqueness. Often, the media, their jobs, their family, and their friends are trying to stuff them into a box that makes them just like everyone else. When they come to your church, they’re hoping you’ll help them express that uniqueness. Your church should be that kind of place. Help them discover their uniqueness by finding out about their S.H.A.P.E. (spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences). Teach them how to minister through the unique way God created them.
Significance: We all want to know our life matters. We want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We’ve been wired for this. Man’s search for meaning wrote the history of the 20th century. Communism and nationalism thrived because people long to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Today, radical Islam operates in that same way. We should corner the market on meeting this emotional need. You and I are a part of the biggest mission imaginable – sharing the Good News about God’s Kingdom. I can’t think of any bigger mission to center our lives around. As we help people see their unique part in this mission, we’re meeting this huge need in their lives.Philippians 2:13 in the New English Bible says, “For it is God who works in you, inspiring both the will and the deeds for his own chosen purpose.” God has a purpose for our lives even before we were born. One of the greatest things we can do for people is help them to discover that. What is their unique mission? How does God want to use their uniqueness to tell his story? Your church has the opportunity to help people discover that.
Romans 5:2 sums up my heartbeat for Saddleback and what I hope is your heartbeat for your church: “We can confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all God has in mind for us to be.” I want to be able to say that I’ve helped my congregation become all God wanted them to be. That means I have to be meeting these four basic needs in the ministry of our church.
Of course, here’s the underlying message to this article: If you’re built around the biblical purposes of the church (worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism), you’re meeting those needs. A church committed to fellowship meets the need of support. A church committed to discipleship meets the need of stability. A church committed to mobilizing members for ministry meets the need of self-expression. And a church committed to evangelism and missions meets the need of significance.
So here’s the question, is your church meeting those needs?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Agapē Care-The Way of Christian Love"
Sunday Service November 9 2008-
"Agapē Care-The Way of Christian Love"
by Eld (Dr) Alex Tang
ScriptureLuke 10: 25-37
Sermon Statement
Agapē caring or Christian caring is allowing God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit to care through us.
Introduction
How do the way we care differs from the way others care? How is it distinct from the way, for example, a Buddhist cares for others?
Compassion
Resources
Commitment
Sacrificial
Motivation
Is there a distinctive Christian way of caring?
The Giving Tree, first published in 1964, is a children's book written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. The Giving TreeBy Shel Silverstein
Once there was a tree..... and she loved a little boy. And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. And they would play hide-and-go-seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree.......very much. And the tree was happy. But time went by. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone. Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said "Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy" "I am too big to climb and play", said the boy. "I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?" "I'm sorry," said the tree, "but I have no money, I have only leaves and apples. Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy." And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. And the tree was happy. But the boy stayed away for a long time... and the tree was sad. And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy and she said, "Come, Boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy.""I am too busy to climb trees," said the boy. "I want a house to keep me warm. I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house?" "I have no house," said the tree. "The forest is my house, but you may cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy." And the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy. But the boy stayed away for a long time. And when he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak. "Come, Boy," she whispered, "come and play." “I am too old and sad to play," said the boy. "I want a boat that can take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?" "Cut down my trunk and make a boat," said the tree. "Then you can sail away...... and be happy." And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away. And the tree was happy.... but not really. And after a long time the boy came back again."I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to give you----" "My apples are gone." "My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy."My branches are gone," said the tree. "You cannot swing on them”"I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy. "My trunk is gone," said the tree. "You cannot climb" "I am too tired to climb," said the boy."I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something------ but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump." "I don't need very much now," said the boy. "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "Well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy.
© Shel Silverstein
This is a story of giving. Some may see it as an ungrateful boy and a codependency relationship with the tree. However there are a few points to note:
Are we in many ways like the boy? Give me, give me, give me
The tree is happiest when giving
The tree longs for relationship, not just giving
As we care for others; children, spouses, aging parents or as a services, how do we continue to give without burning out?
The tree seems to have an infinite resource to draw on and is willing to give. Its sadness comes from when it has nothing to offer except compassion and a place to rest. That seems to be really what the boy needs- not just material things but also a rest for his emotional and spiritual being.
Does this story remind you of the love of Jesus and the way Jesus cares for us?
Let us look at Jesus’ way of caring. Jesus way of caring is agapē caring. Agapē is the most commonly used Greek word for love in the New Testament. The other words are sturge, eros and philia.
Text: Luke 10:25-37 LK 10:25
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"LK 10:26 "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"LK 10:27 He answered: " `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, `Love your neighbor as yourself.' "LK 10:28 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."LK 10:29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
LK 10:30 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. `Look after him,' he said, `and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
LK 10:36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"LK 10:37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
The parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10: 25-37)
In the parable, Jesus identifies 3 potential helpers for the robbed man
A priest
A Levite, an assistant to the priests who was a descendent of Levi but not Aaron
The Samaritan, despised by the Jews because he is of mixed race being descended from Gentiles and the Israelites left behind when the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians
Jesus’ point was to illustrate the application of the two greatest commandments is found in how we treat our neighbours.
"Go and do likewise."
Jesus was more interested in the heart and action of the Samaritan than the probable right theology and orthodoxy of the priest and Levite.
J.I.Packer once comments on God’s giving practical answers to theological questions: “You’re concern on who’s going to heavens? Good! So am I, go tell everyone about me!” This ends the useless debates about who is going to heaven and who will be saved.
Jesus’ response to the lawyer is the same: “You want to know who your neighbour is? I’ll tell you-it is the person who is near you whose needs you have the ability to meet.” Period. Full-stop. Not an answer to “Who is my neighbour so I can figure out whose needs I may ignore.”
How are we to care for our neighbours as Jesus calls us to?So how are we to go and do likewise- to care for our neighbours like him?
There are two main things we need to do if we are to care as Jesus calls us to care
To empty ourselves
Emptying ourselves start with our attitude (Phil 2:5-8)
PHP 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!
We approach care from a superior attitude. Recently we were in Honolulu, Hawaii and we visited the Bishop Museum. The Bishop is the family name of a missionary who went to Hawaii to convert the native Hawaii. It may be difficult for us to judge their motives and approach. After all we have the hindsight which is ‘perfect’ vision. Becoming Christian means adopting not just the Christian religion but also European culture. The native Hawaiians who used to go about semi naked (but comfortable) have to wear Victorian clothes-women in dresses and men in suits. The book Hawaii by James Mitchener and the 1996 movie of the same name, based on the book gives us some idea on what happened during that period. It tells the story of a 1820s Yale University divinity student (Max von Sydow) who, along with his new bride (Julie Andrews), becomes a Calvinist missionary in the Hawaiian Islands.
It is when we accept our own inability to care in our own strength that we become useful to him
(Jn 15: 4-5) 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing(2 Cor 4:7)7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
The danger most of us face, especially those whom God has gifted us with various talents and spiritual gifts, is to run on our own strength.
Obedience.
Latin word audire, meaning “to listen.” This means setting time aside to listen to God. Time aside for Bible study, contemplation, prayer, etc.
Connected to our attitude and self-dependence is the need for obedience. We must do what God asks us to do, not what we want to do. There is a strong tendency to decide what we want to do and then ask God for his blessings. Then we begin to look for signs, coincidences or supporting verses from the Bible.
I wonder when we go to heaven and are recounting our lives to God, telling him of our great sacrifice to ourselves in doing something for him, God will say, “I did not ask you to do that!” Listen and obey, do what God wants you to do.
Discarding our romantic ideas of what it means to serve God. This free us to go where and when we are called, on his terms
“We often think that service means to give something to others, to tell them how to speak, act, or behave; but now it appears that above all else, real , humble service is helping our neighbours discover that they possess great but often hidden talents than can enable them to do more than what we can do for them. By revealing the unique gifts of the other, we learn to empty ourselves. Self-emptying does not ask of us to engage in some form of self-castigation or self-scrutiny, but to pay attention to others in such a way that they begin to recognise their own value.” (McNeill, Morrison, and Nouwen 1982),80)
A compelling example of this the interaction of Jesus with the woman at the well in John chapter four. Their relationship began as he graciously acknowledged his own need and asked her, a social outcast, for a drink. In their candid interchange she saw her own life with blinding clarity but Jesus did not leave her desolate. She was the first person to whom he revealed that he was the Messiah, transforming her life into one of hope. We, too, can minister his grace, especially to those who are suffering, by emptying ourselves, going to meet them, staying with them in their pain, and never failing to offer hope.
To allow him to fill us up
To saturate ourselves with Word of God
MT 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " (Matt 4:4)16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (Col 3:16)
Knowing the Bible well is important. Knowing and understanding the bible by studying it yourself is very important. You are all highly educated. Yet, many of you depended on someone’s processed teaching. How many of you actually look up the verses and verified the teachings you receive from preachers, pastors and other Christians? And check their words with other writings by other Christians? Why not? Because you are too busy? You have time to read the newspaper? If you have time to read the newspaper, then you will have time to read the bible. It is pure laziness on the part of Christians not to read the bible.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit
5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Rom 5:5)
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. (Rom 14:17,18)
John Wesley said we have yet to see what a man can do if he is fully filled with the Holy Spirit. Reading the The Journal Once Lost-Extracts from the dairy of John Sung is very revealing. John Sung was a powerful evangelist who swept through Malaya, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Indonesia between Jun 1935 and December 1939. That he was a showman was no doubt. On one occasion during a sermon, he brought a coffin, placed it under the pulpit, and shouted, "Get rich, get rich, get the coffin!" (This was a play on words in the original Chinese, used to convey the idea that pursuing money will not bring you eternal life.) After exclaiming this statement, he then went and lay down in the coffin himself. However, there are records of thousands being saved, miracles being performed and many eyes opened. Sung was quoted as defining faith as "watching God work while on your knees".
Be in fellowship with the triune God (perichoresis)
1JN 4:19 We love because he first loved us (1 Jn 4:18)EPH 6:23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. (Eph 6:23, 24)
We can only love if we remain in the fellowship of the triune God. I like the Greek word perichoresis which is not found in the bible. It originates from the Greek orthodox tradition. Often we have problem describing the trinity; three persons, one essence. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. No, we do not believe in three gods. Perichoresis is a dance. The three persons are described as in a dance. In a dance, there is changing role as the dancers move in a fluid movement. Such is the triune God. We are invited into the dance. We can enter the fellowship because of the Holy Spirit within us.
Lessons for us
Is there a difference between Christian care and non Christian caring? Yes. While I do not want to denigrate the caring given by non-Christians to the poor, sick and destitute, I believe Christians can offer more. Christians give because of the overflow of the love of Jesus Christ in their lives.
It is not out of a sense of duty
It is not karma
It is not for evangelism
It is who we are
Agapē caring or Christian caring is allowing God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit to care through us. IN that sense, we can offer what others cannot. We can offer true faith, hope and love.
Faith
In that there will be an end to all pain and suffering.He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev 21:4)
Hope
In that there is a God who cares and we will all be there in a better place.3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. (Rev 21:3)
Love
Is the way we care for one another. Not to (a) avoid death, or (b) to hasten death, but (c) as fellow sufferers along the way, caring for one another. 1CO 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Cor 13:4-7)
If we care for others through Christ, we will not burn out because the resources of Christ are infinite. If we care out of our own resources, one day we will run dry.
"Agapē Care-The Way of Christian Love"
by Eld (Dr) Alex Tang
ScriptureLuke 10: 25-37
Sermon Statement
Agapē caring or Christian caring is allowing God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit to care through us.
Introduction
How do the way we care differs from the way others care? How is it distinct from the way, for example, a Buddhist cares for others?
Compassion
Resources
Commitment
Sacrificial
Motivation
Is there a distinctive Christian way of caring?
The Giving Tree, first published in 1964, is a children's book written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. The Giving TreeBy Shel Silverstein
Once there was a tree..... and she loved a little boy. And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. And they would play hide-and-go-seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree.......very much. And the tree was happy. But time went by. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone. Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said "Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy" "I am too big to climb and play", said the boy. "I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?" "I'm sorry," said the tree, "but I have no money, I have only leaves and apples. Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy." And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. And the tree was happy. But the boy stayed away for a long time... and the tree was sad. And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy and she said, "Come, Boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy.""I am too busy to climb trees," said the boy. "I want a house to keep me warm. I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house?" "I have no house," said the tree. "The forest is my house, but you may cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy." And the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy. But the boy stayed away for a long time. And when he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak. "Come, Boy," she whispered, "come and play." “I am too old and sad to play," said the boy. "I want a boat that can take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?" "Cut down my trunk and make a boat," said the tree. "Then you can sail away...... and be happy." And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away. And the tree was happy.... but not really. And after a long time the boy came back again."I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to give you----" "My apples are gone." "My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy."My branches are gone," said the tree. "You cannot swing on them”"I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy. "My trunk is gone," said the tree. "You cannot climb" "I am too tired to climb," said the boy."I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something------ but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump." "I don't need very much now," said the boy. "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "Well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy.
© Shel Silverstein
This is a story of giving. Some may see it as an ungrateful boy and a codependency relationship with the tree. However there are a few points to note:
Are we in many ways like the boy? Give me, give me, give me
The tree is happiest when giving
The tree longs for relationship, not just giving
As we care for others; children, spouses, aging parents or as a services, how do we continue to give without burning out?
The tree seems to have an infinite resource to draw on and is willing to give. Its sadness comes from when it has nothing to offer except compassion and a place to rest. That seems to be really what the boy needs- not just material things but also a rest for his emotional and spiritual being.
Does this story remind you of the love of Jesus and the way Jesus cares for us?
Let us look at Jesus’ way of caring. Jesus way of caring is agapē caring. Agapē is the most commonly used Greek word for love in the New Testament. The other words are sturge, eros and philia.
Text: Luke 10:25-37 LK 10:25
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"LK 10:26 "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"LK 10:27 He answered: " `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, `Love your neighbor as yourself.' "LK 10:28 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."LK 10:29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
LK 10:30 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. `Look after him,' he said, `and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
LK 10:36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"LK 10:37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
The parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10: 25-37)
In the parable, Jesus identifies 3 potential helpers for the robbed man
A priest
A Levite, an assistant to the priests who was a descendent of Levi but not Aaron
The Samaritan, despised by the Jews because he is of mixed race being descended from Gentiles and the Israelites left behind when the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians
Jesus’ point was to illustrate the application of the two greatest commandments is found in how we treat our neighbours.
"Go and do likewise."
Jesus was more interested in the heart and action of the Samaritan than the probable right theology and orthodoxy of the priest and Levite.
J.I.Packer once comments on God’s giving practical answers to theological questions: “You’re concern on who’s going to heavens? Good! So am I, go tell everyone about me!” This ends the useless debates about who is going to heaven and who will be saved.
Jesus’ response to the lawyer is the same: “You want to know who your neighbour is? I’ll tell you-it is the person who is near you whose needs you have the ability to meet.” Period. Full-stop. Not an answer to “Who is my neighbour so I can figure out whose needs I may ignore.”
How are we to care for our neighbours as Jesus calls us to?So how are we to go and do likewise- to care for our neighbours like him?
There are two main things we need to do if we are to care as Jesus calls us to care
To empty ourselves
Emptying ourselves start with our attitude (Phil 2:5-8)
PHP 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!
We approach care from a superior attitude. Recently we were in Honolulu, Hawaii and we visited the Bishop Museum. The Bishop is the family name of a missionary who went to Hawaii to convert the native Hawaii. It may be difficult for us to judge their motives and approach. After all we have the hindsight which is ‘perfect’ vision. Becoming Christian means adopting not just the Christian religion but also European culture. The native Hawaiians who used to go about semi naked (but comfortable) have to wear Victorian clothes-women in dresses and men in suits. The book Hawaii by James Mitchener and the 1996 movie of the same name, based on the book gives us some idea on what happened during that period. It tells the story of a 1820s Yale University divinity student (Max von Sydow) who, along with his new bride (Julie Andrews), becomes a Calvinist missionary in the Hawaiian Islands.
It is when we accept our own inability to care in our own strength that we become useful to him
(Jn 15: 4-5) 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing(2 Cor 4:7)7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
The danger most of us face, especially those whom God has gifted us with various talents and spiritual gifts, is to run on our own strength.
Obedience.
Latin word audire, meaning “to listen.” This means setting time aside to listen to God. Time aside for Bible study, contemplation, prayer, etc.
Connected to our attitude and self-dependence is the need for obedience. We must do what God asks us to do, not what we want to do. There is a strong tendency to decide what we want to do and then ask God for his blessings. Then we begin to look for signs, coincidences or supporting verses from the Bible.
I wonder when we go to heaven and are recounting our lives to God, telling him of our great sacrifice to ourselves in doing something for him, God will say, “I did not ask you to do that!” Listen and obey, do what God wants you to do.
Discarding our romantic ideas of what it means to serve God. This free us to go where and when we are called, on his terms
“We often think that service means to give something to others, to tell them how to speak, act, or behave; but now it appears that above all else, real , humble service is helping our neighbours discover that they possess great but often hidden talents than can enable them to do more than what we can do for them. By revealing the unique gifts of the other, we learn to empty ourselves. Self-emptying does not ask of us to engage in some form of self-castigation or self-scrutiny, but to pay attention to others in such a way that they begin to recognise their own value.” (McNeill, Morrison, and Nouwen 1982),80)
A compelling example of this the interaction of Jesus with the woman at the well in John chapter four. Their relationship began as he graciously acknowledged his own need and asked her, a social outcast, for a drink. In their candid interchange she saw her own life with blinding clarity but Jesus did not leave her desolate. She was the first person to whom he revealed that he was the Messiah, transforming her life into one of hope. We, too, can minister his grace, especially to those who are suffering, by emptying ourselves, going to meet them, staying with them in their pain, and never failing to offer hope.
To allow him to fill us up
To saturate ourselves with Word of God
MT 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " (Matt 4:4)16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (Col 3:16)
Knowing the Bible well is important. Knowing and understanding the bible by studying it yourself is very important. You are all highly educated. Yet, many of you depended on someone’s processed teaching. How many of you actually look up the verses and verified the teachings you receive from preachers, pastors and other Christians? And check their words with other writings by other Christians? Why not? Because you are too busy? You have time to read the newspaper? If you have time to read the newspaper, then you will have time to read the bible. It is pure laziness on the part of Christians not to read the bible.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit
5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Rom 5:5)
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. (Rom 14:17,18)
John Wesley said we have yet to see what a man can do if he is fully filled with the Holy Spirit. Reading the The Journal Once Lost-Extracts from the dairy of John Sung is very revealing. John Sung was a powerful evangelist who swept through Malaya, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Indonesia between Jun 1935 and December 1939. That he was a showman was no doubt. On one occasion during a sermon, he brought a coffin, placed it under the pulpit, and shouted, "Get rich, get rich, get the coffin!" (This was a play on words in the original Chinese, used to convey the idea that pursuing money will not bring you eternal life.) After exclaiming this statement, he then went and lay down in the coffin himself. However, there are records of thousands being saved, miracles being performed and many eyes opened. Sung was quoted as defining faith as "watching God work while on your knees".
Be in fellowship with the triune God (perichoresis)
1JN 4:19 We love because he first loved us (1 Jn 4:18)EPH 6:23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. (Eph 6:23, 24)
We can only love if we remain in the fellowship of the triune God. I like the Greek word perichoresis which is not found in the bible. It originates from the Greek orthodox tradition. Often we have problem describing the trinity; three persons, one essence. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. No, we do not believe in three gods. Perichoresis is a dance. The three persons are described as in a dance. In a dance, there is changing role as the dancers move in a fluid movement. Such is the triune God. We are invited into the dance. We can enter the fellowship because of the Holy Spirit within us.
Lessons for us
Is there a difference between Christian care and non Christian caring? Yes. While I do not want to denigrate the caring given by non-Christians to the poor, sick and destitute, I believe Christians can offer more. Christians give because of the overflow of the love of Jesus Christ in their lives.
It is not out of a sense of duty
It is not karma
It is not for evangelism
It is who we are
Agapē caring or Christian caring is allowing God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit to care through us. IN that sense, we can offer what others cannot. We can offer true faith, hope and love.
Faith
In that there will be an end to all pain and suffering.He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev 21:4)
Hope
In that there is a God who cares and we will all be there in a better place.3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. (Rev 21:3)
Love
Is the way we care for one another. Not to (a) avoid death, or (b) to hasten death, but (c) as fellow sufferers along the way, caring for one another. 1CO 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Cor 13:4-7)
If we care for others through Christ, we will not burn out because the resources of Christ are infinite. If we care out of our own resources, one day we will run dry.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Impossible Itokawa
November 24, 2008
Impossible Itokawa
READ: Matthew 19:16-26
With God all things are possible. —Matthew 19:26
In 2005, Japan’s unmanned Haya-busa spacecraft visited an “impossible” asteroid. Images and data indicate that the asteroid, named Itokawa, is twice as porous as loose sand. This has astonished scientists, who believe that asteroids make repeated impacts with other space rocks and hence should be very dense. As they make additional discoveries, scientists may learn why Itokawa is different. But for now, we have an asteroid that challenges scientific understanding.
Two thousand years ago, a young ruler asked Jesus an “impossible” question: “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matt. 19:16). After an intriguing exchange, the man “went away sorrowful” (v.22) when he realized he would have to give up his wealth—the very thing he valued more than a relationship with Jesus.
This upright man had kept the letter of the law, yet had fallen short. “Who then can be saved?” asked the astonished disciples (v.25). Jesus answered, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (v.26).
The One who created this universe out of nothing has a history of accomplishing the impossible. When we forsake what this life has to offer and follow Him, He does the impossible once again—He gives us eternal life! — C. P. Hia
It took a miracle to put the stars in place,It took a miracle to hang the world in space;But when He saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole,It took a miracle of love and grace! —
Peterson© Renewal 1976, John W. Peterson Music Company.
Our limited ability accents God’s limitless power.
Impossible Itokawa
READ: Matthew 19:16-26
With God all things are possible. —Matthew 19:26
In 2005, Japan’s unmanned Haya-busa spacecraft visited an “impossible” asteroid. Images and data indicate that the asteroid, named Itokawa, is twice as porous as loose sand. This has astonished scientists, who believe that asteroids make repeated impacts with other space rocks and hence should be very dense. As they make additional discoveries, scientists may learn why Itokawa is different. But for now, we have an asteroid that challenges scientific understanding.
Two thousand years ago, a young ruler asked Jesus an “impossible” question: “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matt. 19:16). After an intriguing exchange, the man “went away sorrowful” (v.22) when he realized he would have to give up his wealth—the very thing he valued more than a relationship with Jesus.
This upright man had kept the letter of the law, yet had fallen short. “Who then can be saved?” asked the astonished disciples (v.25). Jesus answered, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (v.26).
The One who created this universe out of nothing has a history of accomplishing the impossible. When we forsake what this life has to offer and follow Him, He does the impossible once again—He gives us eternal life! — C. P. Hia
It took a miracle to put the stars in place,It took a miracle to hang the world in space;But when He saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole,It took a miracle of love and grace! —
Peterson© Renewal 1976, John W. Peterson Music Company.
Our limited ability accents God’s limitless power.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Christmas isn’t Christmas till it happens in your heart
It's so difficult to find the chords to this Christmas song, I better paste it here before it's gone.
Christmas Isn't Christmas Till It Happens In Your Heart
Jimmy & Carol Owens
C(1) Fmaj9/G(1) C(1) Fmaj9/G(1) C¬(1) C(1)
C Em/B Gm6/Bb A7
Christmas isn’t Christmas till it happens in your heart
Dm A+ Dm7 G7
Somewhere deep inside you is where Christmas really starts
Cmaj7 C E E+ Fmaj7 F#dim
So give your heart to Je- sus you discover when you do
1C2/G F6/G G7 C(1) C(1)
That it’s Christmas, really Christmas for you
C Dm/C Cmaj7 Dm/C
Jesus brings warmth like a winter’s fire
C G7 C
A light like a candle’s glow
Dm/C Cmaj7 Am
He is waiting now to come inside
G/D D7 Gsus G
As he did so long a-go
Dm7 G C Am
Jesus brings gifts of truth and life
Dm G7 C
And makes them bloom and grow
Gm/C(4) F G/F C/E F
So welcome Him with a song of joy
D7/A D7 G7sus G7
And when He comes you’ll know
Repeat verse
2C2/G F6/G
Christmas, really Christmas
C2/G F6/G
Christmas, really Christmas
C2/G F6/G G7 C
Christmas, really Christmas for you
Christmas Isn't Christmas Till It Happens In Your Heart
Jimmy & Carol Owens
C(1) Fmaj9/G(1) C(1) Fmaj9/G(1) C¬(1) C(1)
C Em/B Gm6/Bb A7
Christmas isn’t Christmas till it happens in your heart
Dm A+ Dm7 G7
Somewhere deep inside you is where Christmas really starts
Cmaj7 C E E+ Fmaj7 F#dim
So give your heart to Je- sus you discover when you do
1C2/G F6/G G7 C(1) C(1)
That it’s Christmas, really Christmas for you
C Dm/C Cmaj7 Dm/C
Jesus brings warmth like a winter’s fire
C G7 C
A light like a candle’s glow
Dm/C Cmaj7 Am
He is waiting now to come inside
G/D D7 Gsus G
As he did so long a-go
Dm7 G C Am
Jesus brings gifts of truth and life
Dm G7 C
And makes them bloom and grow
Gm/C(4) F G/F C/E F
So welcome Him with a song of joy
D7/A D7 G7sus G7
And when He comes you’ll know
Repeat verse
2C2/G F6/G
Christmas, really Christmas
C2/G F6/G
Christmas, really Christmas
C2/G F6/G G7 C
Christmas, really Christmas for you
Thursday, November 13, 2008
HUMILITY
Humility is a rare quality today in our ego charged marketplace where it is all too easy to be caught on the competitive treadmill of outmaneuvering and impressing the other guy. As business and professionals, it behooves us to keep in mind God’s call to a life of humility, and to heed his severe warning against pride:
“This is what the high and lofty One says-- ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble…” (Isa. 57:15; Jms. 4:6)
Here are a few suggestions to help us deal with our pride and grow toward a life of humility:
Humble yourself and acknowledge your sinfulness before God: "’Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’" (Isa. 6:5) (See Ex.10:3; Pro. 29:23; Matt. 18:3,4; Lk. 14:11; 18:14; Jms. 4:7,10; 1 Pet. 5:6)
Give God the credit for any success that has come your way: “…Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…” (Deut 8:18b) (See Deut. 8:10-20; Pro. 10:22; Isa. 5:21; Gal. 6:14)
Choose to have a sane, rather than inflated estimate of yourself. (Rms. 12:3,6; 1 Cor. 4:7)
Pray for unity: "My prayer is…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you….May they be brought to complete unity…” (Jn. 17:20-23 – Selected)
Do nothing out of selfish pride. “My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me…Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up….” (Psa. 131:1; I Cor. 8:1b;) (See Deut. 8:10-20; Psa. 75:6,7; Jer. 45:5; Act. 5:1-11; Matt. 18:1-4; Mk. 9:35)
Focus the spotlight on others, considering them better than yourself: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3,4)
Engage in humble tasks of service. (Jn. 13:1-17)
Associate with humble people, eschewing the social climber syndrome: “Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.” (Rms. 12:16 Amp) (See Matt. 18:4; 1 Cor. 1:10)
Choose flexibility over rigidity. Flexibility is humbly deferring to others. Rigidity is proudly demanding my rights; my way. (Gen. 13:5-18; I Cor. 9:19-23)
Choose servanthood over authoritarianism: “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’" (Mk. 10:42-25) (See I Pet. 5:3)
PRAYER: “Lord, I confess my inclination of pride over humility. In this moment I humble myself in beseeching you to root from my heart that insidious arrogance that cools my heart toward you and hinders the free flow of the Holy Spirit in loving and ministering to others through me. Amen.”
My prayer is that you are having a great week! R. Dwight Hill
Facts of the Matter © 2000 - 2008 R. Dwight Hill - www.factsofthematter.org - Unlimited permission to copy without altering text or profiteering is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
“This is what the high and lofty One says-- ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble…” (Isa. 57:15; Jms. 4:6)
Here are a few suggestions to help us deal with our pride and grow toward a life of humility:
Humble yourself and acknowledge your sinfulness before God: "’Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’" (Isa. 6:5) (See Ex.10:3; Pro. 29:23; Matt. 18:3,4; Lk. 14:11; 18:14; Jms. 4:7,10; 1 Pet. 5:6)
Give God the credit for any success that has come your way: “…Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…” (Deut 8:18b) (See Deut. 8:10-20; Pro. 10:22; Isa. 5:21; Gal. 6:14)
Choose to have a sane, rather than inflated estimate of yourself. (Rms. 12:3,6; 1 Cor. 4:7)
Pray for unity: "My prayer is…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you….May they be brought to complete unity…” (Jn. 17:20-23 – Selected)
Do nothing out of selfish pride. “My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me…Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up….” (Psa. 131:1; I Cor. 8:1b;) (See Deut. 8:10-20; Psa. 75:6,7; Jer. 45:5; Act. 5:1-11; Matt. 18:1-4; Mk. 9:35)
Focus the spotlight on others, considering them better than yourself: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3,4)
Engage in humble tasks of service. (Jn. 13:1-17)
Associate with humble people, eschewing the social climber syndrome: “Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.” (Rms. 12:16 Amp) (See Matt. 18:4; 1 Cor. 1:10)
Choose flexibility over rigidity. Flexibility is humbly deferring to others. Rigidity is proudly demanding my rights; my way. (Gen. 13:5-18; I Cor. 9:19-23)
Choose servanthood over authoritarianism: “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’" (Mk. 10:42-25) (See I Pet. 5:3)
PRAYER: “Lord, I confess my inclination of pride over humility. In this moment I humble myself in beseeching you to root from my heart that insidious arrogance that cools my heart toward you and hinders the free flow of the Holy Spirit in loving and ministering to others through me. Amen.”
My prayer is that you are having a great week! R. Dwight Hill
Facts of the Matter © 2000 - 2008 R. Dwight Hill - www.factsofthematter.org - Unlimited permission to copy without altering text or profiteering is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
THE CRACKED POT
There once was a water bearer, in India, who had two large clay pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his shoulders, when returning from the local stream to get water for his household. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. This went on daily for a full two years, with the water bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, it was perfect for what it had been made for, a performed its job faithfully day after day. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was only able to accomplish half of what it had been made for. After two years of what the cracked pot perceived to be utter failure, it spoke to the water bearer by the stream. The pot said, "I am ashamed of myself and I want to apologize to you. I have been able to deliver only half the load I was intended for because of this crack in my side, that causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaw, you have to do all this work and you don't get full value for your efforts.
The water bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers growing only on your side of the path we take to my house? That is because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back to. the house, you have watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate our table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be all this beauty to grace my house.
The moral of the story is that each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that makes our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, it was perfect for what it had been made for, a performed its job faithfully day after day. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was only able to accomplish half of what it had been made for. After two years of what the cracked pot perceived to be utter failure, it spoke to the water bearer by the stream. The pot said, "I am ashamed of myself and I want to apologize to you. I have been able to deliver only half the load I was intended for because of this crack in my side, that causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaw, you have to do all this work and you don't get full value for your efforts.
The water bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers growing only on your side of the path we take to my house? That is because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back to. the house, you have watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate our table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be all this beauty to grace my house.
The moral of the story is that each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that makes our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them.
Buy Without Money
Buy Without Money
Read: Isaiah 55:1-5
Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live. --Isaiah 55:3
A story was told of a wealthy man who felt his son needed to learn gratefulness. So he sent him to stay with a poor farmer's family. After one month, the son returned. The father asked, "Now don't you appreciate what we have?" The boy thought for a moment and said, "The family I stayed with is better off. With what they've planted, they enjoy meals together. And they always seem to have time for one another."
This story reminds us that money can't buy everything. Even though our bodies can live on what money can buy, money can't keep our souls from withering away. In Isaiah 55, we read:
"Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat" (v.1).
Is it possible to buy what truly satisfies without money? Yes, the prophet Isaiah is pointing to the grace of God. This gift is so invaluable that no price tag is adequate. And the one who offers it--Jesus Christ--has paid the full price with His death. When we acknowledge our thirst for God, ask forgiveness for our sins, and accept the finished work of Christ on the cross, we will find spiritual food that satisfies and our soul will live forever!
He's calling, "Come to Me" (Isa. 55:3). --Albert Lee
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him. --Bonar
Only Jesus, the Living Water, satisfies the thirsty soul.
Copyright 2008, RBC Ministries
Read: Isaiah 55:1-5
Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live. --Isaiah 55:3
A story was told of a wealthy man who felt his son needed to learn gratefulness. So he sent him to stay with a poor farmer's family. After one month, the son returned. The father asked, "Now don't you appreciate what we have?" The boy thought for a moment and said, "The family I stayed with is better off. With what they've planted, they enjoy meals together. And they always seem to have time for one another."
This story reminds us that money can't buy everything. Even though our bodies can live on what money can buy, money can't keep our souls from withering away. In Isaiah 55, we read:
"Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat" (v.1).
Is it possible to buy what truly satisfies without money? Yes, the prophet Isaiah is pointing to the grace of God. This gift is so invaluable that no price tag is adequate. And the one who offers it--Jesus Christ--has paid the full price with His death. When we acknowledge our thirst for God, ask forgiveness for our sins, and accept the finished work of Christ on the cross, we will find spiritual food that satisfies and our soul will live forever!
He's calling, "Come to Me" (Isa. 55:3). --Albert Lee
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him. --Bonar
Only Jesus, the Living Water, satisfies the thirsty soul.
Copyright 2008, RBC Ministries
Monday, November 10, 2008
Poor Christians are deluded by 'grab it' gospel
The Times - Britain
Poor Christians are deluded by 'grab it' gospel
By Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent
THOUSANDS of Christians in Britain are being deluded by a new style of preaching that promises untold wealth to the believer whose faith is strong enough, according to a report.
Followers of the so-called prosperity gospel — known by its critics as the “blab it and grab it gospel” — are encouraged to believe that it is acceptable to pray for material wealth.
An authoritative report by the Evangelical Alliance, an umbrella organisation for Britain’s evangelical Churches, raises concerns about teachings that if the believer gives a sum of money to the preacher, God will multiply it by a hundred times or more in favour of the giver.
Preachers use mailshots, television and churches to persuade Christians that, by giving them money, believers will not only get out of debt, they will also become rich.
Churches have traditionally repudiated wealth in favour of a modest lifestyle. The prosperity gospel plays on an equivalent belief that traditional religion will ensure fertility, abundance and longevity.
It is proving attractive to wealthy Christians in the West, particularly in America, because it assuages their consciences. Some preachers teach that material blessings, along with physical health, are confirmation from God of a righteous and holy lifestyle.
Some of the poorest churchgoers are said to be deluded into believing that, if they give what spare cash they have to a particular preacher, they will receive the money back “one hundredfold”. But it is then the minister who becomes rich, often flaunting his wealthy lifestyle as proof of how well the prosperity gospel works.
The report says that prosperous, charismatic preachers can replace Christ as the object of adulation and admiration.
The prosperity gospel developed in America after the Second World War, its proponents teaching that health and wealth are not only good and godly but the inalienable right of every believer. Preachers did not merely ignore the examples of St Francis and Mother Teresa, they condemned them, teaching that poverty was the work of Satan.
“Lacking the traditional British embarrassment about money, Americans are more likely to see wealth as something to be invested and exploited,” the report says. “The movement has been an unabashed advocate of material prosperity and this has naturally invited the charge that it promotes a lifestyle and ethos fundamentally at odds with the values of the kingdom of God. Analyses of the movement abound with anecdotes about luxury cars and Rolex watches.
The emphasis on debt reduction in prosperity teaching is clearly a response to a serious and widespread social problem.”
The prosperity gospel has proved paticularly fertile for leaders among black-led churches, among the fastest-growing churches in the world. One recent survey showed that more than half of all churchgoers in London are black or Asian.
The prosperity gospel became a cause of concern among the evangelical movement in the 1990s because of the activities of Morris Cerullo World Evangelism, which had offices in this country and was affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance.
Members of the Evangelical Alliance council were alarmed by his fundraising methods, particularly when he allegedly linked the level of donors’ contributions to his own ministry with the extent of God’s blessing on the donors’ lives. The concern was about “the suggestion of so automatic an equation between material offering and divine favour”.
Under pressure from the council, Mr Cerullo resigned from the Alliance in 1996. The report was commissioned by the Alliance partly as a response to this, but also out of concern that the huge expansion of the prosperity message in America was about to be paralleled in Britain.
Already, rapidly expanding black Pentecostal Churches in Britain are being strongly influenced by preachers from Nigeria, where believers have proved particularly susceptible to prosperity teaching. In addition, preachers often use Christian channels on cable and satellite television to raise money for themselves by preaching that what the believer donates to him and his wife, God will magnify a hundredfold. The prosperity gospel shares the conviction held by many pentecostals and fundamentalists that the world is in the final days before the Second Coming and the “rapture”, when the faithful are lifted directly to heaven.
The report notes similarities with pagan superstition that “what you say is what you get”. Preachers teach that believers must convince themselves that God has already made them a millionaire, preferably by giving money to the preacher himself. If the person fails then to become rich, it is because their faith was not strong enough.
The study Faith, Health and Prosperity was carried out by the Evangelical Alliance Commission on Unity and Truth among Evangelicals. Andrew Perriman, the editor, left Jamaica at the age of eight with his mother and two of his sisters to live in Kentish Town, North London, and went on to become a pastor within the New Testament Church of God, one of Britain’s fast-growing black Pentecostal Churches. He said that the prosperity gospel was reaching people as much through satellite and cable television and other direct means as through the churches.
Bible loopholes
The founding Bible text for the prosperity gospel is Mark xi, 23, where Jesus says: “Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you.”
St Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians xiii, 9 is taken literally: “Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
Texts such as Proverbs vi, 2, “You are snared by the utterance of your lips”, are used to teach that ill-health and poverty are the believer’s own fault and that a Christian who prays for wealth and gives all their spare cash to the minister and who then remains poor has been ensared by Satan.
Where gospel texts appear to contradict the message of the prosperity gospel, such as in Mark x, where Jesus told a rich young man to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, a grammatical loophole in the text is used to argue that Jesus did not in fact tell him to give all the proceeds of the sale to the poor, but was simply telling him to turn his solid assets into liquid assets and give some away.
Copyright © 2003 Times Newspapers Ltd. This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard terms and conditions.
Poor Christians are deluded by 'grab it' gospel
By Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent
THOUSANDS of Christians in Britain are being deluded by a new style of preaching that promises untold wealth to the believer whose faith is strong enough, according to a report.
Followers of the so-called prosperity gospel — known by its critics as the “blab it and grab it gospel” — are encouraged to believe that it is acceptable to pray for material wealth.
An authoritative report by the Evangelical Alliance, an umbrella organisation for Britain’s evangelical Churches, raises concerns about teachings that if the believer gives a sum of money to the preacher, God will multiply it by a hundred times or more in favour of the giver.
Preachers use mailshots, television and churches to persuade Christians that, by giving them money, believers will not only get out of debt, they will also become rich.
Churches have traditionally repudiated wealth in favour of a modest lifestyle. The prosperity gospel plays on an equivalent belief that traditional religion will ensure fertility, abundance and longevity.
It is proving attractive to wealthy Christians in the West, particularly in America, because it assuages their consciences. Some preachers teach that material blessings, along with physical health, are confirmation from God of a righteous and holy lifestyle.
Some of the poorest churchgoers are said to be deluded into believing that, if they give what spare cash they have to a particular preacher, they will receive the money back “one hundredfold”. But it is then the minister who becomes rich, often flaunting his wealthy lifestyle as proof of how well the prosperity gospel works.
The report says that prosperous, charismatic preachers can replace Christ as the object of adulation and admiration.
The prosperity gospel developed in America after the Second World War, its proponents teaching that health and wealth are not only good and godly but the inalienable right of every believer. Preachers did not merely ignore the examples of St Francis and Mother Teresa, they condemned them, teaching that poverty was the work of Satan.
“Lacking the traditional British embarrassment about money, Americans are more likely to see wealth as something to be invested and exploited,” the report says. “The movement has been an unabashed advocate of material prosperity and this has naturally invited the charge that it promotes a lifestyle and ethos fundamentally at odds with the values of the kingdom of God. Analyses of the movement abound with anecdotes about luxury cars and Rolex watches.
The emphasis on debt reduction in prosperity teaching is clearly a response to a serious and widespread social problem.”
The prosperity gospel has proved paticularly fertile for leaders among black-led churches, among the fastest-growing churches in the world. One recent survey showed that more than half of all churchgoers in London are black or Asian.
The prosperity gospel became a cause of concern among the evangelical movement in the 1990s because of the activities of Morris Cerullo World Evangelism, which had offices in this country and was affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance.
Members of the Evangelical Alliance council were alarmed by his fundraising methods, particularly when he allegedly linked the level of donors’ contributions to his own ministry with the extent of God’s blessing on the donors’ lives. The concern was about “the suggestion of so automatic an equation between material offering and divine favour”.
Under pressure from the council, Mr Cerullo resigned from the Alliance in 1996. The report was commissioned by the Alliance partly as a response to this, but also out of concern that the huge expansion of the prosperity message in America was about to be paralleled in Britain.
Already, rapidly expanding black Pentecostal Churches in Britain are being strongly influenced by preachers from Nigeria, where believers have proved particularly susceptible to prosperity teaching. In addition, preachers often use Christian channels on cable and satellite television to raise money for themselves by preaching that what the believer donates to him and his wife, God will magnify a hundredfold. The prosperity gospel shares the conviction held by many pentecostals and fundamentalists that the world is in the final days before the Second Coming and the “rapture”, when the faithful are lifted directly to heaven.
The report notes similarities with pagan superstition that “what you say is what you get”. Preachers teach that believers must convince themselves that God has already made them a millionaire, preferably by giving money to the preacher himself. If the person fails then to become rich, it is because their faith was not strong enough.
The study Faith, Health and Prosperity was carried out by the Evangelical Alliance Commission on Unity and Truth among Evangelicals. Andrew Perriman, the editor, left Jamaica at the age of eight with his mother and two of his sisters to live in Kentish Town, North London, and went on to become a pastor within the New Testament Church of God, one of Britain’s fast-growing black Pentecostal Churches. He said that the prosperity gospel was reaching people as much through satellite and cable television and other direct means as through the churches.
Bible loopholes
The founding Bible text for the prosperity gospel is Mark xi, 23, where Jesus says: “Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you.”
St Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians xiii, 9 is taken literally: “Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
Texts such as Proverbs vi, 2, “You are snared by the utterance of your lips”, are used to teach that ill-health and poverty are the believer’s own fault and that a Christian who prays for wealth and gives all their spare cash to the minister and who then remains poor has been ensared by Satan.
Where gospel texts appear to contradict the message of the prosperity gospel, such as in Mark x, where Jesus told a rich young man to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, a grammatical loophole in the text is used to argue that Jesus did not in fact tell him to give all the proceeds of the sale to the poor, but was simply telling him to turn his solid assets into liquid assets and give some away.
Copyright © 2003 Times Newspapers Ltd. This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard terms and conditions.
Title: Hiding from the Light
Title: Hiding from the Light
Date: Nov 10, 2008
Topic(s): Sin/Temptation
Scripture: Colossians 3:8-9, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 119:105, Colossians 1:13-14
Cockroaches are creatures of the night. Turn on a light and they hurriedly scatter to find refuge in some other dark place. The same is true for those caught in the darkness of sin. They fear the light because it will reveal their deeds for what they truly are--at best empty; at worst evil.
When we come to Christ, however, we are no longer part of that darkness (Colossians 1:13-14). As creatures of the light, we should live differently than those who are still in darkness. Let's take a closer look at those differences according to God's Word.
What Does God Say?
Ephesians 5:8-14 (ESV)
"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
'Awake, O sleeper,and arise from the dead,and Christ will shine on you.'"
What were we before we received Christ according to verse 8?
If we walk in the light, what kind of fruit will we produce?
What are we to do with the works of darkness?
My Thoughts
Walking in the light brings responsibility. We can see; the rest of the world can't. Those who walk in darkness can't see to make choices, but we who walk in the light can tell the difference between what's pleasing to the Lord and what is of the world. That means we have the responsibility to refuse to participate in "the unfruitful works of darkness."
God's Word clearly tells us what kind of choices we should make as children of the light. Colossians 3:8-9 says, "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices." (ESV)
My Part
Ask God to shine His light into all areas of your life--your social life, your financial life, your sexual life. Be willing to put away those things which His light reveals are displeasing to Him. Ask God to shine His light into all areas of your life--your social life, your financial life, your sexual life. Be willing to put away those things which His light reveals are displeasing to Him.
Date: Nov 10, 2008
Topic(s): Sin/Temptation
Scripture: Colossians 3:8-9, Ephesians 5:8-14, Psalm 119:105, Colossians 1:13-14
Cockroaches are creatures of the night. Turn on a light and they hurriedly scatter to find refuge in some other dark place. The same is true for those caught in the darkness of sin. They fear the light because it will reveal their deeds for what they truly are--at best empty; at worst evil.
When we come to Christ, however, we are no longer part of that darkness (Colossians 1:13-14). As creatures of the light, we should live differently than those who are still in darkness. Let's take a closer look at those differences according to God's Word.
What Does God Say?
Ephesians 5:8-14 (ESV)
"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
'Awake, O sleeper,and arise from the dead,and Christ will shine on you.'"
What were we before we received Christ according to verse 8?
If we walk in the light, what kind of fruit will we produce?
What are we to do with the works of darkness?
My Thoughts
Walking in the light brings responsibility. We can see; the rest of the world can't. Those who walk in darkness can't see to make choices, but we who walk in the light can tell the difference between what's pleasing to the Lord and what is of the world. That means we have the responsibility to refuse to participate in "the unfruitful works of darkness."
God's Word clearly tells us what kind of choices we should make as children of the light. Colossians 3:8-9 says, "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices." (ESV)
My Part
Ask God to shine His light into all areas of your life--your social life, your financial life, your sexual life. Be willing to put away those things which His light reveals are displeasing to Him. Ask God to shine His light into all areas of your life--your social life, your financial life, your sexual life. Be willing to put away those things which His light reveals are displeasing to Him.
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