Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The Right Response

Life has a way of bringing the best or the worst out of us. We've heard that phrase repeated so often it's almost lost it's effect and power to make us stop and ponder. But it true. Unforeseen difficulties or blessing could be just around the corner. Circumstances can turn in an instant, whether for good or bad. situations can seemingly hit us from out of no where. And in those moments there may be responses that come out of us that we didn't even know were in us. For some the downside of life produces this reality. For others, it's the abundance of blessings that invade their soul and steal their heart and warp their clarity of what matters most.

So how can one really be ready?

The answer begins in the place that we intrinsically know but, outwardly downplay. The answer lies in the strength and depth of our faith. No, not the "I believe in God" kind of faith, although that is good and needful. Not the religious kind of faith that is more a list of things you do or don't do, and that is good and needful as well.

The kind of faith I'm talking about is at the core of who we are. It's deep and foundational. It's the kind of faith that is revealed to US in responses that show our confidence, attitude, trust, courage and contentment. It's the kind of faith that is shown to the WORLD in things like actions, words, and disposition.

It's the kind of faith that is not based on what is going on around you. It's the kind of faith that is based on what you believe about God and eternity way down deep in your heart and soul. It's the kind of faith that is born out of seeing God for who He is and seeing yourself in His plans.

This is what makes Hebrews chapter 11 such a relevant list of stories for all of us to read. Because, It's an example of right responses by ordinary people who had life throw them some radical curves. It's an example of men and women who had such a clear view of God's will and calling on their life that what happened to them outwardly didn't shake their faith inwardly. Their faith was based on seeing something that was much more relevant and powerful than what they could see with their natural eyes. And what they saw produced confidence, trust, courage and contentment in them. What they saw caused them to live and respond to life differently than others.

So where does that kind of faith come from?

Thanks for asking, I hope through reading this blog that God has stirred up a desire inside of you to want to know Him in such a real way that faith is produced inside of you that is stronger and deeper than what is going on presently in your life. If so, the answer is found in Hebrews Chapter 12

Why don't you take a few moments and read that chapter and see what it is that God's word will reveal to you.

Hebrews 12:28 (NKJV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Seeing Into an Unseen World

The Bible tells us that there is an invisible world that is influencing and impacting all of us. It impacts our thinking, our worldview, our attitude, our perception of morality and purity, our finances, our marriages, our relationships, how we do business, how we interact and deal with the issues of life, and so much more. The Bible tells us that we are being affected by an invisible world.

And, yet, when you bring this truth up, some people tend to resist the whole idea. They reject the notion that we are being influenced and affected by an unseen spiritual power or force. They prefer to ascribe all of life's craziness to randomness, lack of experience or just bad luck.

There are basically three types of people when it comes to discussing this topic. First of all, there are those people that don’t believe any of it. Secondly, there are those who believe it, but don’t believe it enough to let it impact and influence the way they live. And then lastly, there are those few, way out there, fanatical Christians who believe it and then let that belief effect the way they live and respond to life.

I don't know exactly where you are on that list? But, here’s how you can see the unseen world I’m talking about. No, you can’t use a microscope to prove it. And you can’t use a telescope or a ghost reader to discover it. What you need is a rear view mirror. Look back in your life, like I’ve looked back in mine, at some of the decisions and choices we've made. I mean, How could we have been so stupid? How could we have been so confused? How in the world did we think that relationship was going to go anywhere? Why did we think that approach to finances was gonna take us somewhere good? Why couldn't’t we see that our decisions were creating a pathway that was leading us to developing a habit, that we were going to deal with the rest of our lives?

I mean, for me looking back, it’s so clear now. But, in the moment, when the opportunity was there, when I was with that group of people, it just all made sense. But looking back now, all I can say is: "that was crazy! "

Or, maybe you don’t need a rear view mirror; you just need a mirror. Because, you’re in the middle of it right now. You make decisions in moments of sanity, and then you go and get with a group of people or an individual, or in a certain environment, and it’s like you lose your mind. It’s like you abandon everything you believe in. And then you come out and regain your sanity and your focus and your perspective and you look in the mirror and go, "What’s wrong with me?" "Why is it that I do that, or allow that?" It’s like you lose your mind. It’s like you become a different person. And always when you come out of it, you regret it and you have to deal with the consequences. and your left with the thought, "What’s wrong with me?"

Or, if those don’t do it for you. You just need to look around. Look at the people you love and want the best for. Do they all make great decisions and healthy choices? Or do you watch some of them make horrible decisions that you try and persuade them not to make. But, they argue their case and refuse to listen. And their logic is so fouled up, and their thinking is so twisted. And the rest of your friends or family members stand on the periphery of their lives and say, "you're going to regret that...". But, in their world, in that little capsule in which they are making their decisions. It all seems to makes perfect sense.

That’s the power of this unseen world. It’s a subtle twist of the truth. It’s a slight distortion of our direction. It’s a vague deception in the heat of the moment. And it is in those moments, sometimes just brief moments, that we hurt people we love, and destroy relationships, and alter our direction, and form divisive perspectives and crazy opinions. And so the Bible tells us to wake up to the reality that there is an unseen world that is out to confuse us and twist our thinking. Here's how the Bible puts it:

Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT)
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.


There is an unseen world that we are fighting against. And that unseen world is subtly impacting all of us. Do you sense it and are you aware of it? Do you see the power that this unseen world has? Do you recognize that there is a devil that is out to destroy your life and ultimately your soul? If not why don't you pick up your Bible and read Ephesians 4:11-32, 5:1-20, 6:10-18

Let it be said of us like it was said of the church at Corinth;

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NASB)
...so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Here I am God, Use me

As a Church we've been going through the book "Crazy Love" in our small groups. I don't know about all of you - it's been challenging, motivating and uncomfortable. But, through it all I want to have a heart that is always putting myself out there on that missional edge. That place where God can place incredible, way out there dreams and callings in my heart. What about you?

I found this video on YouTube, and I thought it was another great story of people giving their lives to the forward progress of the kingdom of God. It may be a little long, but I think it shows the difference between attractional evangelism (bringing people to church) and incarnational evangelism (bring Christ to the culture).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRGac7eHKgc&feature=player_embedded

Now that you've watched the video, where are you being led to be the hands and feet of Jesus today?