"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God."
Proverbs 2:1-5 (NIV)
Reading the Bible can be a daunting proposition. Parts of the Bible are, without a doubt, difficult to understand. And, some parts of the Bible are difficult even to want to understand -- think Leviticus.
Not long ago we were on a road trip and Pam decided to get the entire Bible on CD. We stopped at a Barnes & Noble somewhere in Colorado. Pam ran in the store and came back out fifteen minutes or so later with a large bag that included her audio Bible.
The store had only one CD set covering the entire Bible. It happened to be the King James Version, which wouldn't have necessarily been my first choice. On the other hand, this audio Bible was narrated by James Earl Jones -- which almost made it seem like God was narrating His own book!
Pam decided we would start with the New Testament. As we drove Pam would frequently stop the CD player to discuss something that particularly got her attention. Sometimes it would be a nuance that she hadn't noticed before. Sometimes it would confirm an understanding she had about the Bible. Sometimes she would just want to discuss the meaning of a particular passage or the account of the event being described.
Pam and I discuss the Bible with some frequency. Usually, though, our discussion is in the context of a specific point of theology or, more frequently, how the Bible guides us to act and react to specific situations. It was kind of cool to be able to listen to the Bible together and just talk about whatever came up and whatever happened to catch our attention.
I guess my point is that God has a way of revealing Himself in new and unexpected ways just about every time I pick up a Bible. And, I think God wants it that way. I think God wants us to struggle with His Word -- to take the time to turn our full attention to Him and eagerly listen to what He has to say. And, I believe that if we accept His words and store up His commands within us, turning our ears to wisdom and applying our hearts to understanding, and if we call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if we look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then, and perhaps only then, will we understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
If you know me well you know that I am really big on Christians taking the time to read the Bible on a regular basis. Or maybe more accurately, I am really frustrated that more Christians don't take the time to read the Bible regularly. I mean, if you have the opportunity to sit down and listen to the creator of the universe speak to you, why wouldn't you want to do that?
P.S.
If you were at second service last Sunday and are wondering about the name for Jesus that I mentioned, turn to The Gospel of John 1:1-14. The name is "The Word."
Love God - Love People - Advance the Gospel
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Freedom From Religion
Most of you are probably aware of a recent event at Reliant Stadium in Houston called "The Response." Apparently, with over 30,000 people in attendance, Texas Governor Rick Perry and others prayed publicly for our nation -- a nation in crisis.
Prior to this time of prayer a group called the "Freedom From Religion Foundation" filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming that Governor Perry's participation in and endorsement of the event was illegal. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit apparently alleged that they were “nonbelievers who support the free exercise of religion, but strongly oppose the governmental establishment and endorsement of religion, including prayer and fasting, which are not only an ineffectual use of time and government resources, but which can be harmful or counterproductive as a substitute for reasoned action.”
I checked out the web site of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and I have my doubts that they actually support the free exercise of religion. They are avowed atheists, and seem to condemn "religious people" as small minded and laud themselves as "freethinkers."
People can get really passionate and involved in a lot of things -- including a lot of really strange things. I guess that's just part of human nature. Everyone has to be excited about something.
When I was younger there were people known as "Dead Heads." These were people whose lives revolved around attending Grateful Dead concerts. I guess a lot of people really get into rock bands, movie stars and sports personalities. When that passion turns to obsession we call those people stalkers. Still other people get into collecting bottle caps, balls of string or other oddities. When collecting oddities becomes an obsession we call those people hoarders.
I think I understand passion and even obsession, but I have to say I just don't understand why anyone would want to spend any significant part of their life promoting atheism or, looking at the other side of that coin, condemning Christianity. I just have to wonder what must have happened in the lives of those people to make them so fixated on trying to convince the world that God doesn't exist and that religion is evil. It's just really hard for me to imagine that those people can't find a more productive use of their time.
And, why the hate? I just can't see how Christianity is such a threat that people feel the need to spend their time and resources trying to force the Pledge of Allegiance to be rewritten, the words "In God We Trust" erased from our coins and currency, and Bible-inspired monuments removed from public places. Why is it that no one blinks an eye when entertainment personalities push liberal agendas, but Tim Tebow (Denver Broncos) gets ripped for being outspoken about his Christian faith?
I don't know whether I will support Rick Perry in his run for president. But I do appreciate his willingness, as well as that of some of the other candidates, to openly profess his Christian faith. I also appreciate his willingness to openly pray for our nation. The people at the Freedom from Religion Foundation want us to believe that prayer and fasting are an ineffectual use of time and government resources, and are harmful or counterproductive as a substitute for reasoned action.
Well, I will take prayer over the "reasoned action" we usually see out of Washington D.C. any day. In fact, I really believe that prayer and repentance are our only real hope as a nation.
By the way, what do we call people who are obsessed with attacking people of faith, and particularly Christianity? On second thought, don't answer that!
Prior to this time of prayer a group called the "Freedom From Religion Foundation" filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming that Governor Perry's participation in and endorsement of the event was illegal. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit apparently alleged that they were “nonbelievers who support the free exercise of religion, but strongly oppose the governmental establishment and endorsement of religion, including prayer and fasting, which are not only an ineffectual use of time and government resources, but which can be harmful or counterproductive as a substitute for reasoned action.”
I checked out the web site of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and I have my doubts that they actually support the free exercise of religion. They are avowed atheists, and seem to condemn "religious people" as small minded and laud themselves as "freethinkers."
People can get really passionate and involved in a lot of things -- including a lot of really strange things. I guess that's just part of human nature. Everyone has to be excited about something.
When I was younger there were people known as "Dead Heads." These were people whose lives revolved around attending Grateful Dead concerts. I guess a lot of people really get into rock bands, movie stars and sports personalities. When that passion turns to obsession we call those people stalkers. Still other people get into collecting bottle caps, balls of string or other oddities. When collecting oddities becomes an obsession we call those people hoarders.
I think I understand passion and even obsession, but I have to say I just don't understand why anyone would want to spend any significant part of their life promoting atheism or, looking at the other side of that coin, condemning Christianity. I just have to wonder what must have happened in the lives of those people to make them so fixated on trying to convince the world that God doesn't exist and that religion is evil. It's just really hard for me to imagine that those people can't find a more productive use of their time.
And, why the hate? I just can't see how Christianity is such a threat that people feel the need to spend their time and resources trying to force the Pledge of Allegiance to be rewritten, the words "In God We Trust" erased from our coins and currency, and Bible-inspired monuments removed from public places. Why is it that no one blinks an eye when entertainment personalities push liberal agendas, but Tim Tebow (Denver Broncos) gets ripped for being outspoken about his Christian faith?
I don't know whether I will support Rick Perry in his run for president. But I do appreciate his willingness, as well as that of some of the other candidates, to openly profess his Christian faith. I also appreciate his willingness to openly pray for our nation. The people at the Freedom from Religion Foundation want us to believe that prayer and fasting are an ineffectual use of time and government resources, and are harmful or counterproductive as a substitute for reasoned action.
Well, I will take prayer over the "reasoned action" we usually see out of Washington D.C. any day. In fact, I really believe that prayer and repentance are our only real hope as a nation.
By the way, what do we call people who are obsessed with attacking people of faith, and particularly Christianity? On second thought, don't answer that!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Prayer
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them."
Matthew 18:19 - 20 (NIV)
During most services at Heartland Church we will take a few minutes and ask the congregation to gather in small groups and pray for one another. I have to admit that when Pam and I first started attending the church we found that part of the service to be pretty uncomfortable. Praying with strangers was just not something we were use to doing. In fact, about the only thing that felt more awkward than praying with strangers was praying with people we actually knew!!
It is probably not surprising, though, that over the years I have come to appreciate this prayer time in our service. Maybe more to the point, over the years I have come to appreciate the power of prayer itself.
I cannot tell you how many times I have seen God minister to people in incredible ways through prayer. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen people come into church weary and burdened, but leave church at peace because God touched them during our time of prayer. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen prayers answered.
Reading the promise that Jesus will be with us when we come together in prayer is one thing. But, to see that promise fulfilled week after week is truly amazing. We have a great prayer team at Heartland, and I for one thank God for their dedication and service.
Yes, I believe in the power of prayer. And, I believe that all of us need prayer -- both in the good times and in the hard times.
I am sure you know a lot of people who for various reasons are in special need of prayer right now. I have made a list of first names that come to my mind below. (Please forgive me if I inadvertently left you off the list.) If you are reading this blog and you believe in prayer, I would appreciate it if you would say a prayer for these folks. Don't worry about not being able to be specific -- God knew their needs before anyone asked. Please also feel free to add names to the list.
God bless.
Karen, Linda, Tim, Jana, Tom, Thomas, John, Ben, Jackie, Kim, Steve, Susanne, Morris, Cindy, Hammond, Renee, Victoria, Hanna, Amy, David, Anthony, Art, Retha, Beth, Paula, Bob, Judy, Brian, Charlotte, Jacquie, Doris, Gerry, Jennifer, Marsha, Nicole, Becky, Rebecca, Melvin, Gerald, Brenda
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
James 5:13 - 16
Matthew 18:19 - 20 (NIV)
During most services at Heartland Church we will take a few minutes and ask the congregation to gather in small groups and pray for one another. I have to admit that when Pam and I first started attending the church we found that part of the service to be pretty uncomfortable. Praying with strangers was just not something we were use to doing. In fact, about the only thing that felt more awkward than praying with strangers was praying with people we actually knew!!
It is probably not surprising, though, that over the years I have come to appreciate this prayer time in our service. Maybe more to the point, over the years I have come to appreciate the power of prayer itself.
I cannot tell you how many times I have seen God minister to people in incredible ways through prayer. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen people come into church weary and burdened, but leave church at peace because God touched them during our time of prayer. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen prayers answered.
Reading the promise that Jesus will be with us when we come together in prayer is one thing. But, to see that promise fulfilled week after week is truly amazing. We have a great prayer team at Heartland, and I for one thank God for their dedication and service.
Yes, I believe in the power of prayer. And, I believe that all of us need prayer -- both in the good times and in the hard times.
I am sure you know a lot of people who for various reasons are in special need of prayer right now. I have made a list of first names that come to my mind below. (Please forgive me if I inadvertently left you off the list.) If you are reading this blog and you believe in prayer, I would appreciate it if you would say a prayer for these folks. Don't worry about not being able to be specific -- God knew their needs before anyone asked. Please also feel free to add names to the list.
God bless.
Karen, Linda, Tim, Jana, Tom, Thomas, John, Ben, Jackie, Kim, Steve, Susanne, Morris, Cindy, Hammond, Renee, Victoria, Hanna, Amy, David, Anthony, Art, Retha, Beth, Paula, Bob, Judy, Brian, Charlotte, Jacquie, Doris, Gerry, Jennifer, Marsha, Nicole, Becky, Rebecca, Melvin, Gerald, Brenda
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
James 5:13 - 16
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Heaven
It's funny, but believe it or not I don't really give much thought to heaven. You might think that, as a Christian (and particularly as a pastor), heaven is on my mind quite a bit. You might even think that heaven is a big part of my motivation for serving God.
Don't get me wrong, I think heaven is really, really important. And, for the here and now, teaching others how to get to heaven is probably the most important thing I can do at the Church. I just don't spend a lot of time thinking about what heaven is really like ... streets of gold and all of that.
Part of the reason for that, I think, is that I am personally motivated by a responsibility to serve God. I am certainly cognizant of the eternal benefits of serving God, but that is just is not what motivates me day-to-day. Part of it is practical -- I just don't see a great benefit to spending time contemplating what heaven will be like. Hopefully I will have plenty of time to check it out myself later on down the road!!
Anyway, over the last couple of weeks I have given a lot more thought to what heaven is really like than I normally do. This week it has been because my Uncle Bill and my friend Tom's father both passed away.
Uncle Bill was the image of a southerner -- right out of central casting. He was truly larger than life. He was loud, funny and always laughing. Great to be around. Bill was a lawyer in the town where I was born -- Natchitoches, Louisiana. (Famous for meat pies, the Cane River, the Christmas festival and the movie "Steel Magnolias").
Some years ago Pam and I went to meet Bill and his wife Susanne at a hotel near Dallas. We asked about Bill at the front desk and, not surprisingly, it seemed like every employee in this very large hotel knew who Bill was -- and his dog Coco too. Among other things, there apparently had been some conversation about whether Coco could accompany Bill and Susanne to the dinning room. Other guests, it seems, might have been offended by the idea of sharing the dining room with a dog. I believe Coco ended up getting room service!
Bill was loved by many. He was a good man and he will be missed. He also has quite a record of service to the U.S.A. Here is a link to Uncle Bill's obituary.
The other thing that got me thinking more about heaven recently was a book called "Heaven is for Real" that Pam, the kids and I listened to on a recent drive back from Montana. "Heaven is for Real" is a pretty amazing story about a boy who, just shy of his fourth birthday, had an encounter with heaven and lived to tell about it.
I know -- I have read a number of these stories about near death experiences and encounters with God and I often approach them with the same skepticism as many of you do. This particular story is a little different though. First, the things the little boy saw in heaven seemed to have striking biblical support. Although the boy is a pastor's son, many of the things he spoke about in simple terms were far too complex and specific for a child that age to have learned in Sunday School-- or even in a pastor's home.
Even more compelling -- without giving away all of the details -- the little boy came back with knowledge of things (particularly about his family) that he simply could not have known. One day he apparently announced to his mother in a matter of fact way that he had two sisters. When the mother corrected him that he only had one, he insisted. He said he met a little girl in heaven who looked a lot like his older sister, but with different colored hair. He said the little girl introduced herself as his sister, and told him she had died in his mother's tummy. The little girl said she did not have a name because his parents had not given her one. The mother immediately began to cry -- she had miscarried years earlier and the parents had never told the boy. The parents apparently had picked out a name for a boy, but at the time of the miscarriage were down to two choices in the event it was a girl. So, the little girl never had a name.
Thinking about what heaven is really like suddenly had a lot more practical value than I realized. Being able to speak about heaven with some specificity and being able to speak about it in clear terms can be a powerful source of comfort and encouragement for people. Pam wants to give a copy of "Heaven is for Real" to everyone who has recently lost a loved one for that reason. I highly suggest you read it ... with an open mind.
Thank you for your prayers, and God bless.
Oh, by the way, the little boy in the story met Jesus and described Him to his parents. For some time after they showed him numerous paintings and drawings of Jesus. But, he said none of them were quite right ... until he saw one painted by a little girl who is the subject of the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MdJovn1hP0&feature=share
Don't get me wrong, I think heaven is really, really important. And, for the here and now, teaching others how to get to heaven is probably the most important thing I can do at the Church. I just don't spend a lot of time thinking about what heaven is really like ... streets of gold and all of that.
Part of the reason for that, I think, is that I am personally motivated by a responsibility to serve God. I am certainly cognizant of the eternal benefits of serving God, but that is just is not what motivates me day-to-day. Part of it is practical -- I just don't see a great benefit to spending time contemplating what heaven will be like. Hopefully I will have plenty of time to check it out myself later on down the road!!
Anyway, over the last couple of weeks I have given a lot more thought to what heaven is really like than I normally do. This week it has been because my Uncle Bill and my friend Tom's father both passed away.
Uncle Bill was the image of a southerner -- right out of central casting. He was truly larger than life. He was loud, funny and always laughing. Great to be around. Bill was a lawyer in the town where I was born -- Natchitoches, Louisiana. (Famous for meat pies, the Cane River, the Christmas festival and the movie "Steel Magnolias").
Some years ago Pam and I went to meet Bill and his wife Susanne at a hotel near Dallas. We asked about Bill at the front desk and, not surprisingly, it seemed like every employee in this very large hotel knew who Bill was -- and his dog Coco too. Among other things, there apparently had been some conversation about whether Coco could accompany Bill and Susanne to the dinning room. Other guests, it seems, might have been offended by the idea of sharing the dining room with a dog. I believe Coco ended up getting room service!
Bill was loved by many. He was a good man and he will be missed. He also has quite a record of service to the U.S.A. Here is a link to Uncle Bill's obituary.
I know -- I have read a number of these stories about near death experiences and encounters with God and I often approach them with the same skepticism as many of you do. This particular story is a little different though. First, the things the little boy saw in heaven seemed to have striking biblical support. Although the boy is a pastor's son, many of the things he spoke about in simple terms were far too complex and specific for a child that age to have learned in Sunday School-- or even in a pastor's home.
Even more compelling -- without giving away all of the details -- the little boy came back with knowledge of things (particularly about his family) that he simply could not have known. One day he apparently announced to his mother in a matter of fact way that he had two sisters. When the mother corrected him that he only had one, he insisted. He said he met a little girl in heaven who looked a lot like his older sister, but with different colored hair. He said the little girl introduced herself as his sister, and told him she had died in his mother's tummy. The little girl said she did not have a name because his parents had not given her one. The mother immediately began to cry -- she had miscarried years earlier and the parents had never told the boy. The parents apparently had picked out a name for a boy, but at the time of the miscarriage were down to two choices in the event it was a girl. So, the little girl never had a name.
Thinking about what heaven is really like suddenly had a lot more practical value than I realized. Being able to speak about heaven with some specificity and being able to speak about it in clear terms can be a powerful source of comfort and encouragement for people. Pam wants to give a copy of "Heaven is for Real" to everyone who has recently lost a loved one for that reason. I highly suggest you read it ... with an open mind.
Thank you for your prayers, and God bless.
Oh, by the way, the little boy in the story met Jesus and described Him to his parents. For some time after they showed him numerous paintings and drawings of Jesus. But, he said none of them were quite right ... until he saw one painted by a little girl who is the subject of the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MdJovn1hP0&feature=share
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)