The Church is badly fragmented and divided and some professing Christians seem to like it that way. Their plan for growth is to capitalize on division and present themselves as the only answer to the division. Instead of churches working together, many "do their own thing". The competition between churches of the same denomination is sometimes more fierce than the competition between denominations. (The Bible approves neither.)
The "seamless garment" of Jesus (John 19:25) may have escaped tearing in pieces at His crucifixion but it is not so fortunate in this era. Pride is the root of this problem. Spiritual egotism is a high spiritual crime. 1 Corinthians 12:14ff (NIV) "Now the body is not made up of one part, but of many. If the foot should say 'Because I am not the hand, I do not belong to the body' it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. The eye cannot say to the hand 'I don't need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet 'I don't need you!' If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."
The Church is crippled by the "I don't need you" attitude. Only a few local churches are ever repreented in a Community Worship service. Most ministers know only the ministers of their own denominational persuasion and even that may not be on an intimate level. Racial, cultural, language, and even doctrinal differences are easily overcome by lovers of Jesus who make the effort.
Do you have a plan that once you arrive in Heaven you will automatically drop your exclusive attitude and accept all Christians equally? If you can't treat fellow Christians as brothers and sisters here you may not have the opportunity over there.
"Kill our pride, God. Stab it in the heart. It is dividing
your Church. We need one another! Help! Amen"
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Jan. 31: A FORGIVENESS INITIATIVE
Did you ever consider launching a pre-emptive strike of forgiveness? Can you imagine the number of hurt feelings released, grudges not carried, hostilities buried just by the rational act of forgiving someone? Are you a member of a family where some members never attend the "Family Reunion" because of a unresolved hurt?
Yes, a pre-emptive strike of forgiveness! Like Jesus on the cross when He said "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34 NIV) He just laid out the forgiveness for those hard-hearts and ours before we asked for it. I read a man's testimony wherein he said "I did not ask for forgiveness until I knew I had been forgiven." Can you imagine the number of divorce proceedings that would have been dropped if somebody had said "I forgive you"? The longer you carry a grudge the more it hurts you. Lay it down! Make the phone call. Write the letter. Unforgiveness is an emotional sickness. James 5:16 ties forgiveness to healing.
Let's not play the game "I will forgive but I can't forget." You can't do one without the other. Peter the fisherman tried that game with Jesus. He thought it would be magnanimous if he forgave seven times. (Seven was a good religious number!) Jesus answered "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:22 NIV) In other words, every time the bad thought pops up shoot it down with forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." You and I both know that God has forgiven us for many more bad things we have done to Him than any human has ever done to us.
Go on, make at least one "Forgiveness Initiative" today. Blessed are the Peacemakers! Those who give it and those who receive it.
"Dear Jesus, You offered us forgiveness when we had done
nothing to deserve it. Help us by Your Spirit to copy You.Amen"
Yes, a pre-emptive strike of forgiveness! Like Jesus on the cross when He said "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34 NIV) He just laid out the forgiveness for those hard-hearts and ours before we asked for it. I read a man's testimony wherein he said "I did not ask for forgiveness until I knew I had been forgiven." Can you imagine the number of divorce proceedings that would have been dropped if somebody had said "I forgive you"? The longer you carry a grudge the more it hurts you. Lay it down! Make the phone call. Write the letter. Unforgiveness is an emotional sickness. James 5:16 ties forgiveness to healing.
Let's not play the game "I will forgive but I can't forget." You can't do one without the other. Peter the fisherman tried that game with Jesus. He thought it would be magnanimous if he forgave seven times. (Seven was a good religious number!) Jesus answered "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:22 NIV) In other words, every time the bad thought pops up shoot it down with forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." You and I both know that God has forgiven us for many more bad things we have done to Him than any human has ever done to us.
Go on, make at least one "Forgiveness Initiative" today. Blessed are the Peacemakers! Those who give it and those who receive it.
"Dear Jesus, You offered us forgiveness when we had done
nothing to deserve it. Help us by Your Spirit to copy You.Amen"
Monday, January 29, 2007
Jan. 30:: APOLOGIZE? WHO ME?
I think the two hardest words to say in the English language are "I'm sorry." I don't know why that is such a foreign idea to most people. In recent years there have been attempts at reconciliation between groups, including Church groups, and they have failed because those involved couldn't say "I'm sorry." Attempts continue to be made to legislate an apology from a certain group and the political fall-out is announced in the daily news. For some a "group apology" carries no weight. For others, it is enough that a "group apology" acknowledges that a wrong was done. One thing for sure, its hard to get a unanimous vote on a motion to apologize. I concluded from this that if I can't be personally sorry for action I did not personally commit, I can be personally sorry for the resulting pain that the offended folks experience.
"I'm sorry" must begin at home. Couples need to practice apologizing at the beginning of a marriage so the children can be raised in this atmosphere. Children learn by imitation. Apology should come naturally. (If need be, get in front of a mirror and practice saying "I'm sorry."
Some macho-minded folks think an apology is a sign of weakness. Be quick to say "I'm sorry", it shows how secure you are as a person to be able to admit that you are wrong. Don't make someone have to "demand" a apology from you. Just do it! If they say 'thats ok, I wasn't offended" just remember that you are responsible for the apology and not the results. James 5:16 (NIV) advises "confess your sins each to the other and pray for each othert so that you may be healed." Apologizing is about healing a hurt or wound and could end some of our brokenness. Apology is simple Christian kindness or politeness that leaves a sweet fragrance in the air.
"Save me from stubborness and persisting in defending my wrong actions and
words, Patient God. I need to swallow my pride and learn to say 'I'm sorry'. My family
would be glad. Amen"
"I'm sorry" must begin at home. Couples need to practice apologizing at the beginning of a marriage so the children can be raised in this atmosphere. Children learn by imitation. Apology should come naturally. (If need be, get in front of a mirror and practice saying "I'm sorry."
Some macho-minded folks think an apology is a sign of weakness. Be quick to say "I'm sorry", it shows how secure you are as a person to be able to admit that you are wrong. Don't make someone have to "demand" a apology from you. Just do it! If they say 'thats ok, I wasn't offended" just remember that you are responsible for the apology and not the results. James 5:16 (NIV) advises "confess your sins each to the other and pray for each othert so that you may be healed." Apologizing is about healing a hurt or wound and could end some of our brokenness. Apology is simple Christian kindness or politeness that leaves a sweet fragrance in the air.
"Save me from stubborness and persisting in defending my wrong actions and
words, Patient God. I need to swallow my pride and learn to say 'I'm sorry'. My family
would be glad. Amen"
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Jan. 29: SLOW DOWN OR ELSE
"What can I do about slowing down and having more time for God?" The question is raised often. Those people who suddenly quit everything in their fast-paced world and retreat to an island and live on native fruit have a lot of secret admirers. I recently heard of a person in Senior management who resigned to become an 8 to 5 janitor. Simplify life! Slow down! Many older people long for the days of " Blue Laws" when at least Sunday was an enforced day of rest. Churches constantly adjust their schedules to compete for a "slice of the time."
A Biblical suggestion? Sure. "Make the most of every opportunity, redeem the time, guard your time" are all translations of Ephesians 5:16. Priority is a big word here. Time with God and time for God should be a priority. Your spiritual life can't survive "leftover time" for God. A Bible-reading CD for the commute time will help. A small Testament in your desk for lunch break. Inspirational music on the radio. Spiritual vitamins are available. When you turn on your computer go to the Devotional first. Concentrate on finding a "spiritual oasis" on your travel path.
Without a spiritual time priority for "family" you will lose them. Absolutely do all you can to protect "Dinner together". This is the real place where you build memories that will be the glue to hold your family together. Everybody must sit down together, thats a "got to." Holding hands and praying together says loudly that this family is looking to God for preservation. Warning: this demands a strong hand of self-discipline. Don't answer the phone during family meals. You have a Answering device. Turn off the television. Turn of all cell phones. We are talking about a lifestyle where you personally and your family collectively make time for spiritual development. Agree with David "My times are in Your hands." (Psalm 31:15 NIV)
"I know time is precious, God, because You made it and you let us use it. Give me
some smarts so I will use it wisely. Help me to use time to prepare for Eternity. Amen"
A Biblical suggestion? Sure. "Make the most of every opportunity, redeem the time, guard your time" are all translations of Ephesians 5:16. Priority is a big word here. Time with God and time for God should be a priority. Your spiritual life can't survive "leftover time" for God. A Bible-reading CD for the commute time will help. A small Testament in your desk for lunch break. Inspirational music on the radio. Spiritual vitamins are available. When you turn on your computer go to the Devotional first. Concentrate on finding a "spiritual oasis" on your travel path.
Without a spiritual time priority for "family" you will lose them. Absolutely do all you can to protect "Dinner together". This is the real place where you build memories that will be the glue to hold your family together. Everybody must sit down together, thats a "got to." Holding hands and praying together says loudly that this family is looking to God for preservation. Warning: this demands a strong hand of self-discipline. Don't answer the phone during family meals. You have a Answering device. Turn off the television. Turn of all cell phones. We are talking about a lifestyle where you personally and your family collectively make time for spiritual development. Agree with David "My times are in Your hands." (Psalm 31:15 NIV)
"I know time is precious, God, because You made it and you let us use it. Give me
some smarts so I will use it wisely. Help me to use time to prepare for Eternity. Amen"
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Jan. 28: CONVICTION VERSUS CONDEMNATION
Is your religious faith a postive or negative force in your life? Do your friends observe you as a much nicer person because of your religion or does your religion repel people? A positive or negative religion expresses itself quite differently. One lives by having strong convictions of right and wrong, moral and immoral and acting accordingly. This makes for a positive, clear-cut liefstyle.
The other lives by a strong set of pre-determined rules, usually negative type rules. The life emphasizes the negatives that have been rejected. Religious life focuses on comparing the "forbidden fruit" of my religion with the forbidden of yours. I have met people who had one question for me, namely, "What are the things that you are against?" The greater the number of negatives meaning the larger degree of personal holiness. The Pharisees of Jesus' time often came across as weighing the seriousness of everyone else's actions. The majority of people don't want to be judged and condemned by someone else's standard.
People want a message of hope to live by that will bear fruit in their lives in the form of solid convictions. Someone else's standards won't fit you. Romans 5:5 (NIV) says "hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given to us."
Hope is attractive, Hope you can share with others. Hope is positive expectation about living up to God's commands from love and not from fear, meeting God face-to-face with the expectancy of hearing "well done, good and faithful servant." Hope frees you up to do all the good you possibly can and not having any time left to get involved in negatives or things forbidden.
I remember Jesus saying to a woman caught in a terrible public sin that He would not condemn her but forgive her.
"God, I want to have solid convictions but not to condemn others. I want solid
convictions so I will not be influenced by the pressures of the world. Amen"
The other lives by a strong set of pre-determined rules, usually negative type rules. The life emphasizes the negatives that have been rejected. Religious life focuses on comparing the "forbidden fruit" of my religion with the forbidden of yours. I have met people who had one question for me, namely, "What are the things that you are against?" The greater the number of negatives meaning the larger degree of personal holiness. The Pharisees of Jesus' time often came across as weighing the seriousness of everyone else's actions. The majority of people don't want to be judged and condemned by someone else's standard.
People want a message of hope to live by that will bear fruit in their lives in the form of solid convictions. Someone else's standards won't fit you. Romans 5:5 (NIV) says "hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given to us."
Hope is attractive, Hope you can share with others. Hope is positive expectation about living up to God's commands from love and not from fear, meeting God face-to-face with the expectancy of hearing "well done, good and faithful servant." Hope frees you up to do all the good you possibly can and not having any time left to get involved in negatives or things forbidden.
I remember Jesus saying to a woman caught in a terrible public sin that He would not condemn her but forgive her.
"God, I want to have solid convictions but not to condemn others. I want solid
convictions so I will not be influenced by the pressures of the world. Amen"
Friday, January 26, 2007
Jan. 27: THE GIFT OF PAIN
For several years I have had "peripheral neuropathy". Don't worry, it doesn't hurt. It has robbed me of pain sensors in my extremities. I could hurt myself badly and perhaps not know the seriousness. God gave us the gift of pain to wake us up to the need for help. Some try to ignore pain, but there will be a greater cost later. Coaches often urge their players to "play hurt" and prove their toughness of dedication to the team. The effects of that idea are lasting.
I have visited people in the hospital who said "I don't have time for this pain." You must take time for your pain, it is trying to tell you a valuable truth. The pain of falling is a key to learning for the next test. The pain of falling teaches us how to get up. The pain of sin drives us to God for overcoming power. The pain of having our feelings hurt teaches us valuable lessons on asking for and giving forgiveness.
The pain of dealing with the discontent of the status quo incites us to improve our life situation. To be pained and crushed emotionally reveals the need for people to be more caring. To endure great suffering demands of me that I be more sensitive when I meet others who are suffering. Pain is too important an asset to be wasted. Times of pain ought not just be senseless and futile journeys into the unknown.
Americans spend more money on painkillers than any other civilized country. Why? Because we have been taught that pain is bad and should be avoided at all cost.
Remember: God is there in your pain. He speaks to you and walks with you in it. (See Hebrews 11) In Isaiah 53:5 the Bible says God will heal our pains. Let Him!
"God, I should have known that my pain is known to You and that You want to help me
learn from the times when I hurt. Sometimes I hurt real bad. Give me relief and insight. Amen"
I have visited people in the hospital who said "I don't have time for this pain." You must take time for your pain, it is trying to tell you a valuable truth. The pain of falling is a key to learning for the next test. The pain of falling teaches us how to get up. The pain of sin drives us to God for overcoming power. The pain of having our feelings hurt teaches us valuable lessons on asking for and giving forgiveness.
The pain of dealing with the discontent of the status quo incites us to improve our life situation. To be pained and crushed emotionally reveals the need for people to be more caring. To endure great suffering demands of me that I be more sensitive when I meet others who are suffering. Pain is too important an asset to be wasted. Times of pain ought not just be senseless and futile journeys into the unknown.
Americans spend more money on painkillers than any other civilized country. Why? Because we have been taught that pain is bad and should be avoided at all cost.
Remember: God is there in your pain. He speaks to you and walks with you in it. (See Hebrews 11) In Isaiah 53:5 the Bible says God will heal our pains. Let Him!
"God, I should have known that my pain is known to You and that You want to help me
learn from the times when I hurt. Sometimes I hurt real bad. Give me relief and insight. Amen"
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Jan. 26: INJUSTICES
The Pledge to the American flag promises "liberty and justice for all." Lately there are increasing signs that this is not reality. While there are sometimes complaints about the Police and "racial profiling" there is no rebuttal to the more common injustice of depersonalizing people by assigning them "categories." The list of categories gets longer: single parents, senior adults, immigrants, illegal aliens, mentally handicapped, women, mentally ill, working poor, homeless, Afican American, unemployed. A category removes faces and personalities.
Micah 6:8 (NIV) is very clear: "He has showed you, O Man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly." Amos 5:24 (NIV) appeals "but let justice roll on like a river." Justice is to treat people without prejudice. It is to see everyone as equal. We who are privileged must not be trapped by using our privileged status. I have "skin" privilege. Because I am a Caucasian I have never been followed around in a convenience store to be sure that I would not steal. I have "language" privilege. Because I am a born English speaker store clerks will always take my purchase first. I have "gender" privilege. Because i am a tall, cleanly dressed male I get quick attention at Customer Service. My temptation is to "use" my privileged status and say to myself "well, its not my fault that they treat me better."
I must stand against injustice. Thats what Jesus did at every opportunity. Read the Bible. Jesus ministered to anyone who came to Him. Immediately! He didn't worry about whether the needy person would be grateful or if they would use the help in a worthy manner. We need to see individuals as people for whom Christ died and respond accordingly. Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 (NIV) "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
"God you always championed those who had no voice and no one to speak for them.
Give us voices to speak up for those who have been "categorized" and dismissed. Amen"
Micah 6:8 (NIV) is very clear: "He has showed you, O Man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly." Amos 5:24 (NIV) appeals "but let justice roll on like a river." Justice is to treat people without prejudice. It is to see everyone as equal. We who are privileged must not be trapped by using our privileged status. I have "skin" privilege. Because I am a Caucasian I have never been followed around in a convenience store to be sure that I would not steal. I have "language" privilege. Because I am a born English speaker store clerks will always take my purchase first. I have "gender" privilege. Because i am a tall, cleanly dressed male I get quick attention at Customer Service. My temptation is to "use" my privileged status and say to myself "well, its not my fault that they treat me better."
I must stand against injustice. Thats what Jesus did at every opportunity. Read the Bible. Jesus ministered to anyone who came to Him. Immediately! He didn't worry about whether the needy person would be grateful or if they would use the help in a worthy manner. We need to see individuals as people for whom Christ died and respond accordingly. Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 (NIV) "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
"God you always championed those who had no voice and no one to speak for them.
Give us voices to speak up for those who have been "categorized" and dismissed. Amen"
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