I've shared here the journey of faith of Cody and Maria Whittaker and their precious daughter Susana, who is losing her battle with cancer. The truth of Genesis 50:20--that God can take something evil and use it for good--has been abundantly evident in the their lives as they can see through spiritually enlightened eyes how God is working mightily through a heartbreaking tragedy.
Cody shared on his blog how he and his daughter were singing Matt Redman's awesome praise song You Never Let Go. Someone had sent a message of Susana's story to Redman; who was so touched that he recorded a personal message to her---www.howcantheyhear.org/?p=2682 . But what is really incredible about this is that Cody's blog had almost 20,000 hits in one day. So many people have been reached, so many lives have been touched; including a woman who walked away from God after going through a similar trial, only to recommit herself to Jesus after hearing the Whittaker's testimony of faith. Susana will soon be with Jesus and because of her, so will many others!
The hope that the Whittaker's have been able to share with thousands of people is based on the truth of Redman's song--Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, your perfect love is casting out fear. And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life, I won't turn back, I know you are near. And I will fear no evil, for my God is with me. And if my God is with me, whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear? Oh no, you never let go. Through the calm and through the storm. Oh no you never let go. In every high and every low. Oh no you never let go. Lord you never let go of me.
Even though the trials we face probably pale in comparison, let us take time to pause and praise the God who never lets go.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A Competing Desire
The six-week men's Bible study on moral purity that we just completed was a tremendous blessing to me. To have the opportunity to tackle a tough subject with approximately 40 other guys who desire to be godly men shows me that our Lord is working in the hearts of the men of Ogletown. I praise God for Pastor Curtis and his willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through him and help men pursue the path of purity.
I believe there are many things from this study that will bear fruit in the lives of men in our church. One thing that jumped out at me during our last week was a quote from John Piper: "The only way you fight sin is with a competing desire". We don't have a chance of gaining victory over sin in our lives unless we have something more important to seek after. No matter how sin manifests itself in our lives, it allows our enemy to achieve his overriding purpose--to keep us separated from God. Proverbs 28:13 is a clear reminder that if we cover up our sins, we will not prosper. Colossians 2:20-23 also tells us that trying to maintain a list of rules and regulations are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh (v.23).
Thankfully, there is a competing desire that is available to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that He is a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. Like us, he was tempted in every way yet unlike us he never sinned. Our competing desire must be to seek Him; to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you.. (Colossians 3:1-4).
I believe there are many things from this study that will bear fruit in the lives of men in our church. One thing that jumped out at me during our last week was a quote from John Piper: "The only way you fight sin is with a competing desire". We don't have a chance of gaining victory over sin in our lives unless we have something more important to seek after. No matter how sin manifests itself in our lives, it allows our enemy to achieve his overriding purpose--to keep us separated from God. Proverbs 28:13 is a clear reminder that if we cover up our sins, we will not prosper. Colossians 2:20-23 also tells us that trying to maintain a list of rules and regulations are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh (v.23).
Thankfully, there is a competing desire that is available to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that He is a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. Like us, he was tempted in every way yet unlike us he never sinned. Our competing desire must be to seek Him; to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you.. (Colossians 3:1-4).
Monday, January 24, 2011
A Heritage from the Lord
I especially enjoy Sunday services when children are dedicated to the Lord. Yesterday's service was an even greater blessing as three families who are good friends of mine had their children dedicated. The ceremony is a public commitment by the parents, as well as their church family, to raise their children in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is a dedication of our children to seek the Lord's blessing on them and to guide us in raising them to know Him. Unlike other faiths, we believe that baptism is reserved for those who have placed their trust in Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
Raising my daughter to one day know Jesus as her Savior is the number one priority in my life. Knowing the journey of faith that each of these three families has travelled and seeing their desire to raise godly children who will some day know the joy of having their sins forgiven through the shed blood of Christ is one of the many things that bond us as a church family. Yet is also reminds me of the countless others who choose to raise their children apart from God. It reminds me of others who profess faith in Jesus Christ, but refuse to become part of a church family that will walk along side them and help them to spiritually impact their children.
Quite frankly, it is beyond my comprehension why parents who desire the best for their children would choose to raise them apart from a Christian community. Nothing apart from principles rooted in Scripture leads anyone towards peace, truth, grace, forgiveness, kindness, patience, goodness, gentleness and self control. As our culture moves closer and closer to the notion of pursuing personal pleasure, promoting self and forsaking the needs of others, we must recognize that the job of parenting is going to become more and more difficult.
Psalm 127:3 reminds us that our children are a heritage from the Lord--a prized gift that He has blessed us with and entrusted to us. But notice how this psalm begins in verse 1: Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Any foundation other than Jesus Christ truly is shifting sand.
Raising my daughter to one day know Jesus as her Savior is the number one priority in my life. Knowing the journey of faith that each of these three families has travelled and seeing their desire to raise godly children who will some day know the joy of having their sins forgiven through the shed blood of Christ is one of the many things that bond us as a church family. Yet is also reminds me of the countless others who choose to raise their children apart from God. It reminds me of others who profess faith in Jesus Christ, but refuse to become part of a church family that will walk along side them and help them to spiritually impact their children.
Quite frankly, it is beyond my comprehension why parents who desire the best for their children would choose to raise them apart from a Christian community. Nothing apart from principles rooted in Scripture leads anyone towards peace, truth, grace, forgiveness, kindness, patience, goodness, gentleness and self control. As our culture moves closer and closer to the notion of pursuing personal pleasure, promoting self and forsaking the needs of others, we must recognize that the job of parenting is going to become more and more difficult.
Psalm 127:3 reminds us that our children are a heritage from the Lord--a prized gift that He has blessed us with and entrusted to us. But notice how this psalm begins in verse 1: Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Any foundation other than Jesus Christ truly is shifting sand.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Mysterious Grace of God
The various events and encounters of today were suddenly thrown to the sidelines when I received disheartening news from some friends of mine. Cody and Maria Whittaker--members of our Ogletown family who have been called to the mission field in Haiti--had gotten some bad news regarding their daughter Susana's health. Their little 4 year old girl has been battling cancer for some time now and they learned that her tumors have returned and she may only have a few months to live. Their journey of trial and faith can be read on http://www.howcantheyhear.org/
Few things can torpedo our faith like the suffering of little children. Adults suffer as well; and sometimes we dismiss it as the sowing of what they've reaped. But the pain of seeing a child suffer is a whole different story. What purpose and plan does God have in something like this? is a question that we beg to have answered. Why must godly people who've surrendered the comforts most of us enjoy to serve in a poor country have to endure this type of heartache? is yet another. I know Cody and Maria well enough to know that they've drawn closer to God through this devastating trial, yet I also know that they have shed countless tears and that the pain they are feeling is all too real.
Cody just posted these words from his heart: "The grace of God is mysteriously with us. We have wept like crazy, but at the same time know that we can let her go and be with Jesus. He is the prize for which we chase hard after every day and it seems like Susana will be the one who gets there first. This will only make our longing for the Kingdom to come all the more." What an awesome testimony of faith! Even still, the Whittakers need God's unconditional love, his all-sufficient grace, his everlasting mercy and his unmatched comfort and strength. As do each and every one of us.
Just thinking about what Cody and Maria are now facing makes any difficulty I face seem rather trivial. It drives me to my knees to intercede for them and to seek His presence. It makes me realize that every day we have is an opportunity to impact God's Kingdom. It makes a hug and a smile from my daughter Amanda that much more precious. It makes me desire more than anything else this mysterious grace of God that brings His peace--the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Few things can torpedo our faith like the suffering of little children. Adults suffer as well; and sometimes we dismiss it as the sowing of what they've reaped. But the pain of seeing a child suffer is a whole different story. What purpose and plan does God have in something like this? is a question that we beg to have answered. Why must godly people who've surrendered the comforts most of us enjoy to serve in a poor country have to endure this type of heartache? is yet another. I know Cody and Maria well enough to know that they've drawn closer to God through this devastating trial, yet I also know that they have shed countless tears and that the pain they are feeling is all too real.
Cody just posted these words from his heart: "The grace of God is mysteriously with us. We have wept like crazy, but at the same time know that we can let her go and be with Jesus. He is the prize for which we chase hard after every day and it seems like Susana will be the one who gets there first. This will only make our longing for the Kingdom to come all the more." What an awesome testimony of faith! Even still, the Whittakers need God's unconditional love, his all-sufficient grace, his everlasting mercy and his unmatched comfort and strength. As do each and every one of us.
Just thinking about what Cody and Maria are now facing makes any difficulty I face seem rather trivial. It drives me to my knees to intercede for them and to seek His presence. It makes me realize that every day we have is an opportunity to impact God's Kingdom. It makes a hug and a smile from my daughter Amanda that much more precious. It makes me desire more than anything else this mysterious grace of God that brings His peace--the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Storing or Pouring
As we continue in our spiritual journey, one of the hard questions we should ask ourselves is, "Am I storing or pouring?" In other words, am I taking in and feeding on God's Word and hoarding it for myself or am I taking what God had revealed to me through his Spirit and passing it along to others?
One of the amazing things about God's economy is that when you give something away, you don't reduce your own resources. When I share Biblical truth with another person, I haven't lessened in any way what God has given to me but I've helped increase what He supplies to others. In his infinite wisdom, the Lord chooses to do his work through people and sharing His truth isn't restricted to pastors and Sunday school teachers. Don't invalidate yourself by believing the enemy's lie that you have nothing worthwhile to share with someone else.
I would never discourage anyone from immersing themselves in Scripture and learning as much as they can, but what good is gaining all that knowledge if it isn't poured into the lives of others? I'm quite sure that God is more interested in the number of people we've been able to influence spiritually than how many times we've read the Bible cover-to-cover.
Paul's letters to Timothy provide us with great insight in what it means to disciple another person and help them grow in spiritual maturity. 2 Timothy 2:2 gives us clear marching orders--and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. So let's pour!
One of the amazing things about God's economy is that when you give something away, you don't reduce your own resources. When I share Biblical truth with another person, I haven't lessened in any way what God has given to me but I've helped increase what He supplies to others. In his infinite wisdom, the Lord chooses to do his work through people and sharing His truth isn't restricted to pastors and Sunday school teachers. Don't invalidate yourself by believing the enemy's lie that you have nothing worthwhile to share with someone else.
I would never discourage anyone from immersing themselves in Scripture and learning as much as they can, but what good is gaining all that knowledge if it isn't poured into the lives of others? I'm quite sure that God is more interested in the number of people we've been able to influence spiritually than how many times we've read the Bible cover-to-cover.
Paul's letters to Timothy provide us with great insight in what it means to disciple another person and help them grow in spiritual maturity. 2 Timothy 2:2 gives us clear marching orders--and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. So let's pour!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Master of My Fate
William Ernest Henley suffered from tuberculosis since he was 12 years old. In 1875 at the age of 25, Henley wrote the poem Invictus (which is the Latin word for undefeated) from a hospital bed after having the lower half of his leg amputated. Invictus is a gut-wrenching oracle of his courage in facing pain, darkness and misery that culminates with these often-quote words: I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.
As inspiring as these words may be, they sadly represent one of the biggest lies ever told. No human being; no matter how rich and powerful, no matter how intelligent and thought provoking, no matter how brave and confident is ever the master of their fate or the captain of their soul. History doesn't record the spiritual condition of Henley when he finally died at age 53 but no amount of bravado could have prepared him for what he faced apart from knowing Jesus Christ.
As God's men, we have the confidence in knowing our eternal destiny is secure (Revelation 21:4). But we must guard ourselves against our human tendency to do things our own way and on our own terms. 1 John 2:24-25 provides us this rich and powerful promise: Let what you have heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you have heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise he made to us--eternal life.
Who can master their fate or captain their soul any better than that?
As inspiring as these words may be, they sadly represent one of the biggest lies ever told. No human being; no matter how rich and powerful, no matter how intelligent and thought provoking, no matter how brave and confident is ever the master of their fate or the captain of their soul. History doesn't record the spiritual condition of Henley when he finally died at age 53 but no amount of bravado could have prepared him for what he faced apart from knowing Jesus Christ.
As God's men, we have the confidence in knowing our eternal destiny is secure (Revelation 21:4). But we must guard ourselves against our human tendency to do things our own way and on our own terms. 1 John 2:24-25 provides us this rich and powerful promise: Let what you have heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you have heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise he made to us--eternal life.
Who can master their fate or captain their soul any better than that?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
"I" Statements
Let's face it, most people's favorite topic of discussion is often themselves. No matter how a conversation unfolds, it invariably falls back to some sort of proclamation of self achievement. If we read a transcript of our daily dialogue, we would likely be embarrassed by the frequency and number of "I" statements. Fertile ground for selfishness and pride, isn't it?
During our current men's study as we were reading Micah 7:7-9, it struck me how different the "I" statements were in this passage: I will look to the Lord. I will wait for the God of my salvation. When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against him. I shall look upon his vindication. Notice a pattern here?
The name Micah literally means, "Who is like God?" Micah knew that his people needed to be restored and the process would be difficult, but he also knew God was the best option. The "I" statements he makes would be wise ones for us as well. We need to turn to God rather than rely on our own abilities and strength. We need to recognize and wait on God's perfect timing. We need to run to the Lord for forgiveness from sin rather than run and hide in shame (didn't work too well for Adam in the Garden, did it?). We need to seek truth and light that only comes from Him. We need to remember that vindication from God, no matter how difficult it may be, is always well worth it.
When we make "I" statements like David did: I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies (Psalm 18:3), we put the focus away from ourselves and right where it belongs.
During our current men's study as we were reading Micah 7:7-9, it struck me how different the "I" statements were in this passage: I will look to the Lord. I will wait for the God of my salvation. When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against him. I shall look upon his vindication. Notice a pattern here?
The name Micah literally means, "Who is like God?" Micah knew that his people needed to be restored and the process would be difficult, but he also knew God was the best option. The "I" statements he makes would be wise ones for us as well. We need to turn to God rather than rely on our own abilities and strength. We need to recognize and wait on God's perfect timing. We need to run to the Lord for forgiveness from sin rather than run and hide in shame (didn't work too well for Adam in the Garden, did it?). We need to seek truth and light that only comes from Him. We need to remember that vindication from God, no matter how difficult it may be, is always well worth it.
When we make "I" statements like David did: I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies (Psalm 18:3), we put the focus away from ourselves and right where it belongs.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Credit Where Credit is Due
Why is it that so many believers struggle to share their testimony? Often we may attribute it to ridicule or disinterest from non-believers. Maybe we feel our testimony doesn't have that exciting, made-for-TV movie feel that makes it a story worth telling. Or is it we don't even know where to begin?
In Psalm 124, David rejoices in the victory that God provided the people of Israel over the Philistines. A major victory indeed. And notice how he begins the Psalm by giving credit where credit is due: If it had not been the Lord who was on our side...(v.1). David knew without a doubt that God and God alone was responsible for their victory.
Now try personalizing this to your own testimony. Had it not been for the Lord, I ... We can all complete this sentence in a very unique and personal way in how God met our need--from saving us from our sin, from showing us unconditional love, from helping us forgive others, from rescuing us from addiction, from teaching us how to love and serve others. The list of responses is as infinite as His everlasting love, mercy and grace.
The first person who discipled me after I had accepted Christ as my Savior told me that the best way to share your testimony was to say, "The Lord has been good to me", in response to a comment from someone about anything good that happened in my life. And it's still great advice. A constant remembrance of the source of every blessing is a great way to stay on course in our spiritual walk. And a great way to share a great victory!
In Psalm 124, David rejoices in the victory that God provided the people of Israel over the Philistines. A major victory indeed. And notice how he begins the Psalm by giving credit where credit is due: If it had not been the Lord who was on our side...(v.1). David knew without a doubt that God and God alone was responsible for their victory.
Now try personalizing this to your own testimony. Had it not been for the Lord, I ... We can all complete this sentence in a very unique and personal way in how God met our need--from saving us from our sin, from showing us unconditional love, from helping us forgive others, from rescuing us from addiction, from teaching us how to love and serve others. The list of responses is as infinite as His everlasting love, mercy and grace.
The first person who discipled me after I had accepted Christ as my Savior told me that the best way to share your testimony was to say, "The Lord has been good to me", in response to a comment from someone about anything good that happened in my life. And it's still great advice. A constant remembrance of the source of every blessing is a great way to stay on course in our spiritual walk. And a great way to share a great victory!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The House of the Lord
One of the first praise songs I learned came straight from Psalm 122:1 where King David proclaimed: I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord." It is a catchy little song that powerfully underscores a desire of David--a man after God's heart. He knew how important the gathering of God's people was to his Heavenly Father. He knew the promise that Jesus later stated in Matthew 18:20--For where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
There are many reasons why people don't go to church and most of them are pathetically lame. As God's men and spiritual leaders in our homes, we absolutely cannot allow ourselves to fall into the trap of letting church become an optional event. Don't think that reading your Bible and praying alone is enough to fight our enemy. I will be first one to tell you that the church is far from perfect. It is filled with incredibly flawed people just like me. There are times when its members do a poor job of representing Christ in thought, word and deed.
But I will also tell you that when I look around our service on Sunday morning, I see people who are my best friends in the whole world. I see people who love God and love others. I see people who worship because they are grateful for what God has done in their life. I see people who are hurting and broken from a sin-soaked world and are seeking comfort and peace. I see people who are right there with David and are glad to be in the house of the Lord.
Trust me, no matter where you are in life, no matter how many mistakes you've made, no matter what your past church experience has been, there is a place in God's church for you! Stop trying to fly solo. If you don't have a church, seek one that believes in the absolute truth of God's Word and proclaims the Gospel: that Jesus Christ is God's son who lived a perfect, sinless life and sacrificially died on the cross to pay our sin debt and that salvation is only possible through faith and trust in him. Jesus himself proclaimed that the church would stand forever against the gates of hell (Matthew 16:18). What better place can you be?
There are many reasons why people don't go to church and most of them are pathetically lame. As God's men and spiritual leaders in our homes, we absolutely cannot allow ourselves to fall into the trap of letting church become an optional event. Don't think that reading your Bible and praying alone is enough to fight our enemy. I will be first one to tell you that the church is far from perfect. It is filled with incredibly flawed people just like me. There are times when its members do a poor job of representing Christ in thought, word and deed.
But I will also tell you that when I look around our service on Sunday morning, I see people who are my best friends in the whole world. I see people who love God and love others. I see people who worship because they are grateful for what God has done in their life. I see people who are hurting and broken from a sin-soaked world and are seeking comfort and peace. I see people who are right there with David and are glad to be in the house of the Lord.
Trust me, no matter where you are in life, no matter how many mistakes you've made, no matter what your past church experience has been, there is a place in God's church for you! Stop trying to fly solo. If you don't have a church, seek one that believes in the absolute truth of God's Word and proclaims the Gospel: that Jesus Christ is God's son who lived a perfect, sinless life and sacrificially died on the cross to pay our sin debt and that salvation is only possible through faith and trust in him. Jesus himself proclaimed that the church would stand forever against the gates of hell (Matthew 16:18). What better place can you be?
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A New Year's Resolution Worth Keeping
For many, the end of another year brings with it the dreaded New Year's resolution. Dreaded because it is often a reminder of some type of personal shortcoming. Dreaded because we know deep down we won't keep it. Dreaded because it reminds us of all the other resolutions we may have made and didn't keep.
I personally don't make New Year's resolutions, however I do have one for those who do that I believe is a resolution worth keeping. I believe in this so much that I've made it my one and only life goal. It is the foundation upon which I make decisions, evaluate priorities and engage in ministry. It is the first thing I revisit when things in my life seem out of whack. Here it is and it's found in Mark 12:30-31--And you shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart and all your soul and all your might and all your strength...you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.
Making the Great Commandment your life goal means that you will seek God like you've never sought him before. It means you will desire his presence above all else. It means you will hunger and thirst for his Word. It means you'll want to know him and learn more about him. It means your goals and priorities will realign with his. It means you will seek to serve others and meet their needs before your own. If you are as husband, it means you will put your wife first and love her like Christ loved the church. If you are a father, it means you will put your children next and love them like God loves you and teach them like He teaches you.
These verses are referred to as the Great Commandment as they were Jesus' response to the Pharisees when they asked him what was the greatest commandment of God. Our Savior obliterated hundreds of laws and vain traditions with one simple, yet powerful, commandment. Since Jesus himself called this the greatest commandment, what else in life should take priority over being great at the Great Commandment? Now that's a resolution worth keeping!
I personally don't make New Year's resolutions, however I do have one for those who do that I believe is a resolution worth keeping. I believe in this so much that I've made it my one and only life goal. It is the foundation upon which I make decisions, evaluate priorities and engage in ministry. It is the first thing I revisit when things in my life seem out of whack. Here it is and it's found in Mark 12:30-31--And you shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart and all your soul and all your might and all your strength...you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.
Making the Great Commandment your life goal means that you will seek God like you've never sought him before. It means you will desire his presence above all else. It means you will hunger and thirst for his Word. It means you'll want to know him and learn more about him. It means your goals and priorities will realign with his. It means you will seek to serve others and meet their needs before your own. If you are as husband, it means you will put your wife first and love her like Christ loved the church. If you are a father, it means you will put your children next and love them like God loves you and teach them like He teaches you.
These verses are referred to as the Great Commandment as they were Jesus' response to the Pharisees when they asked him what was the greatest commandment of God. Our Savior obliterated hundreds of laws and vain traditions with one simple, yet powerful, commandment. Since Jesus himself called this the greatest commandment, what else in life should take priority over being great at the Great Commandment? Now that's a resolution worth keeping!
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