Love is... (Happy Valentines)

We Have to Talk...

By Pastor Dave Stimers

Have you ever felt that you really needed to get something off of your chest? Maybe it was a secret, maybe a feeling or even a thought that you just couldn’t keep to yourself. Sometimes we say that these sorts of things “weigh” on us. We can even find ourselves feeling physically burdened, as we carry extra stress on our bodies because of what is going on inside of us. This type of feeling can arise because we are anxious, scared, worried, or because we’re excited, happy – even joyful. Whatever the cause, I think that we feel the weight of certain information because it is a big deal to us. Things that are meaningful, profound, impacting; or things that will have a direct effect on our lives can often bring with it a certain weight – an importance.

On the other hand, our society has made communication so instant and easy that we often send people messages without thinking or for almost any reason, no matter how insignificant. We are surrounded with tools to do this. We have email, voicemail, text messaging, instant messaging, twitter, facebook – and on and on the list goes. With this capacity for messaging we may sometimes find it hard to sift through the superficial stuff to get to the important stuff. Regardless of the countless flippant messages, when it comes down to it, it’s usually pretty easy to tell when someone you care about has something important to tell you. Sometimes that discussion may begin with a phrase like, “something has been weighing on my mind and we have to talk…”

Interestingly this is a characteristic that we share with God. The book of Malachi (at the end of the bible’s Old Testament) begins by calling itself an oracle. Actually, this word is the same word used of a heavy load carried by a camel. It’s something that is weighty, something important. This is something that God has to get off of His chest, and it isn’t a quick email or text message. It is going to impact the lives of those who get the message. What a great way to get someone’s attention.

I would like to invite you to sift through some of the junk mail and spam in your life as we journey together through the book of Malachi. God has a powerful message for His people and He has reached out for our attention. So please, join us on Sunday mornings at 11am or listen online as we search through this profound book and try to understand God’s heart and His message.

Too comfortable for comfort?

By Pastor Dave Stimers

I can’t help but thinking that a huge percentage of North American Christians are too comfortable for comfort. Many of us have made ourselves comfortable in many ways as we have been given good financial opportunities, or we’ve worked hard to earn a good living and save our pennies. Providing a good life for our families is usually associated with the kind of home you have, or car your drive or things you own. And why not? After all there’s nothing wrong with working hard and enjoying the fruit of our labor, right?

Sometimes our theology pitches in and reinforces our comfort level. We preach that once you’ve said the sinner’s prayer then you have salvation. There are, of course, things that a Christian shouldn’t do and so we make sure we don’t use profanity, we try to be honest in all situations and make sure that we don’t fight with others in public. Then there are the big ones, the things that every Christian must avoid at all costs: adultery, stealing, murder. This brand of Christianity makes us comfortable because as long as we avoid these (fairly visible) sins then we can ease through life enjoying our material comforts and luxuries while being assured of our spot in heaven and an eternal reward.

What makes me uncomfortable is that when someone asked Jesus what they had to do to receive eternal life, he didn’t tell them to say and prayer and enjoy a life of avoiding certain sins while enjoying their material happiness. After the man told Jesus that he was actually very good at following the rules, Jesus told him to sell everything he had and follow him. Then when the man went away discouraged Jesus made a convicting statement, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Living in Canada affords us many comforts and luxuries that most of the world cannot afford. We are rich. When I hear these words coming out of Jesus’ mouth it makes me cringe. His style of evangelism looks very different from ours. Instead of asking for a prayer, He asks for a life. And unfortunately those who experience the comforts of material prosperity also encounter the distractions that are part of the package. Things have distracted us and made us think that we can depend on them. The reality is that our comfort should make us uncomfortable. Where our treasure is, is where our hearts will be. So, get uncomfortable enough to desperately follow Jesus, to reallocate some (or all) of your wealth, to invest in the things of the kingdom, to forsake the lure of this world. Then remember what Jesus said next – “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” –Mark 8:27.

The Gospel is Bigger than that!

By Pastor Dave Stimers

I was recently reading about Ed McMahon. He was a well known entertainer, side-kick to Johnny Carson, and pitchman. One of the things that he was most famous for was being the face of the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes. In essence he would show up at some unsuspecting person’s house and proclaim to them that they had a won a pile of money. For a whole generation of North Americans he was the face of financial prosperity, a picture of the hope that anyone could strike it rich in a moment. What most people didn’t realize is that Ed struggled with his own finances to the point where, before he died he was constantly fighting to keep his house and stay out of bankruptcy.

Unfortunately there are enough parallels between Mr. McMahon and the North American church to make me uncomfortable about the gospel that we claim to preach. On the one hand, there seems to be just as much zeal to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ as ever. On the other, it seems that thousands upon thousands of people want to herald the richness of life with Christ, and yet lead spiritually bankrupt lives. I’m not saying that people do it on purpose…It’s actually quite easy to be lulled into a life of spiritual complacency in our society. There is certainly enough entertainment, comfort, and distraction to make us believe that we are doing OK. Furthermore, often the ‘gospel’ that has been preached to us is that we have only got to say a prayer and expect that one day we’ll die and show up in heaven. Christianity ends up being fire insurance, a ticket out of hell and into heaven.

There is, however, good news about the good news…

Jesus taught His disciples to pray like this, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” He made it clear that we should pray for, anticipate and expect God to make earth like heaven – a place that is characterized by love, peace, equality, joy, and a place where He rules with love and faithfulness. Let me assure you that I believe a true prayer of faith can save people into a future that includes living in heaven forever with God. But I also believe that we are saved into living a Spirit-filled life that will require us sacrificing our entire life in order to commit to working to bring God’s love to this world. This means we may be called upon to sacrifice (all of) our money, our time, our comfort, our right to pick a career, place to live or physical safety. What we’ll find, though, is that the Spirit of God will work in our world to reveal the glory of God through the sacrifice of His servants. We’ll see God work in ways that we never would have imagined. We’ll discover that the richness of life with Christ far exceeds the comforts of this world.

So. I dare you to ask God to use you for His kingdom today. You might find that He asks you to give up something that you don’t want to give up, He might require you to do something uncomfortable in order to bring more of His character to someone’s life. He may ask you to rely on Him for more than a ticket to heaven, but that’s OK because the gospel is bigger than that.

A Psalm of David: a devotion for our lives!

Psalm 13

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;

light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,

4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”

lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. (ESV)

Lord, let this be our prayer, a prayer to which announces the true light we have in our lives: Jesus. You are our light, light up our eyes, and restore the light to my eyes! May Jesus be our main focus everyday, our light amongst the darkness, our inextinguishable light that keeps us illuminated to be more and more like him. May our lives reflect him in every way to all, least my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him," least my foes rejoice because I am shaken. Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; that we should be reminded of your love, your joy, and your grace. For if we know Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour, if we are born again with such a new birth: you give purpose to our everyday. When we fall, you pick us back up. Our rejoicing lifted high because you have rescued us. Our only Rescuer, our only Redeemer, our only Saviour!

Even when it may seem like our enemies have the upper hand and sorrow dwells within the heart - let this be made known, through trusting in him and knowing we have been rescued, we will continually be rescued everyday and can rejoice, because he has been so good to us!

Scripture X3: II

(Continuing from "Scripture, Scripture and more Scripture")

Many of these verses to begin with are ones that I am sure seem very common and familiar to us all; ones that we have known since the beginning of our faith journey with God. Although, the further we move along, I'm sure the bulk of newer verses will gradually sound less familiar; and the point here is to make the unfamiliar: familiar!

Before I post the next ten verses I would like to share what Richard J. Foster states from his Book, "Life with God." He says that when he comes across a particular scripture (after the reading of a certain passage) "will often write out that excerpt on an index card and carry it with him throughout the day for reflection whenever he has the chance to read it again." He continues to say that, "This is one way of seeking the gentle leading of God's Spirit. Such humble submission to the text allows God to shape the attitude and posture of our hearts." This is huge while each of us personally makes the time for Bible study and memorization of the written Word. Just one or a list of verses helps us to see the importance behind memorization - like a grocery list helps one when shopping. What I mean is that the routine of opening the saved list of verses on my iPod, increasingly helps me to realize that I must master theses verses so I will not have to constantly reach for a Bible; because you and I will not always have a Bible at the tip of our fingers. Consequently, I should have them memorized so for whatever circumstance arises, I will be ready and willing to share off the tip of my tongue what God has helped me store within my heart.

11.  "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

12. "And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

13. "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).

14. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,  for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

15. "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world" (John 1:9).

16. "Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth" (Genesis 1:26).

17. "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1).

18. "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

19. "And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18).

20. "Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

(All ESV Translation)

Scripture, Scripture, and more Scripture.

Just the other day, I so happened to stumble across a "Bible Verses" application for my iPod. For this simple free application, each and every time I launch it, a new Bible Verse appears. Each verse is then saved in a Bible Verses List for future reference. Today I would like to post the first 10 verses, because to me they have been most encouraging, thought provoking, and powerful. As far as I'm concerned there seems to be no means of the order to which they come, just simply and randomly - inspirational. Still, after the viewing of the first 10 I can't help but think that there is definitely "method behind such madness"(ha-ha). I hope you too feel the same way about the profitableness that each of these verses bring. That like similar lists of verses you may have or have had in the past, this also reflects for you, verses that will come in handy in any situation, in any circumstance, where you may be sharing the Gospel, talking with another believer or just personal meditation.

Lastly, before I post the first 10 (and will continue to post more weekly), I would like to share Numbers 15:37-41.

Tassels on Garments

37 The Lord said to Moses, 38 “Speak to the people of Israel, and tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a cord of blue on the tassel of each corner. 39 And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which you are inclined to whore after. 40 So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God. 41 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord your God.” (ESV)

With that said, like the people of Israel who wear tassels on their garments to help them remember the commandments, we should too have ways of keeping scriptures with us where ever we go to remind us of God's love, mercy, and grace. You may have some around the house, in the car, or at the office, but I pray that when all is said and done, we can have them memorized and stored within our hearts. Memorization is definitely hard and most challenging for all, but simply doing it is the only way we will get better. For instance, not to long ago, Dr. Odame talked about the importance of exercising our muscle memory capability, which is the only way for us to have any type of betterment with memorization, just like a child learns, grows, and develops. Let us therefore be like children, as we have all once been before, who continue to have memory work as a part of their growth with Jesus.

1. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).
   
2. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
   
3. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
   
4. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
   
5. "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
   
6. "For by grace you have been saved a through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).
   
7. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).
   
8. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
   
9. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
   
10. "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).

(All ESV Translation)

Selfless and Edification to Victory

Judges 7:2-3

2 The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. 3 Therefore, tell the people, 'Whoever is timid or afraid may leave and go home.'" Twenty-two thousand of them went home, leaving only ten thousand who were willing to fight. (NLT)

Now, buttoned up in Judges 7:2 we can see that the LORD points out, "If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength." Therefore, it is clear for us to see how God thinks, works, and foretells salvation - that through salvation it is nothing of our own (our own strength) which saves us, but the strength of his Son Jesus and the cross; how he enters into our hearts (our lives) if we just trust and believe in him. Next, if we read on God continues to say, "Whoever is timid or afraid may leave and go home." This to me demonstrates the condition of the heart. There are always constant pressures around us that scare, distract, and ultimately bring us down. I am reminded immediately about what Dr. Mason said during last weeks Sunday school lesson. He was reminding us about how these situations in our lives should lower and humble us for the sake of reawakening His power and ourselves to God and to persevere, endure, and continue to trust in Him. How true, but also quickly forgotten. We must commemorate and cherish that Satan has no control; he cannot intercede because Jesus already inhabits our hearts (the hearts of those who believe in him). Although, we can be tempted..., but 1 Corinthians 10:13 says,

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"(ESV). I also like the wording of the NIV translation, "he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

It is my prayer that we go away refreshed knowing that with temptation there is a way out so that we can stand up under it. Knowing again that "with the temptation [God] will always provide the way of escape" and that we can learn to endure through those times of temptation because there is such a path, a way out, and an escape. Let ourselves seek it as a challenge or test more so than temptation for the means of strengthening our faith, and the escape is through it. May we meditate on these passages for our own sake and for the sake of others; so we can better hold these truths to our hearts and for the purpose of sharing them with others and communicating the Gospel.

Let It Be Said Of Us

This morning's service was encouraging and challenging, don't you think? I'm not going to write much this afternoon, but wanted to leave you with one line from our closing song that really stuck out to me:

That with gladness we bore every cross we were given

Take a moment to reflect on that phrase, meditate on the key words: gladness, cross, given, were the ones that stood out for me....

Is this statement true for you? Have you carried each cross that's been given you with gladness?

Joshua 14:11 / "Step By Step You'll Lead Me"

I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. (NLT)

Wow... I hope that someday in the future I will have the confidence like Caleb to say the same about my life. Now, we know from this passage in Joshua, that Caleb commissions to Joshua how the Lord had promised him land: he requests his land. And if we read before verse 11, Caleb shares with us that, "10The Lord has kept him alive and well"; thus, being the reason why he requests his land. Moreover, to why I stated at the beginning to hopefully someday fulfill the same allegation as Caleb; however, for the course of the very day Jesus entered my heart, the start of my journey (instead of how Moses sent out Caleb on his journey). Surely, in the same way, it is for all of us and our journeys along side Jesus to eventually proclaim: "I am as strong now as I was when [Jesus] sent me on [my] journey, and I can still travel and fight (that is to tussle when sharing the Gospel of course) as well as I could then!" Furthermore, I am reminded of an amazing analogy, illustration, anecdote or whatever you want to call it.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me... (Matt 11:29). "The picture is of two oxen pulling a cart or plow, one of them a veteran, the other a youngster in training" - J. I. Packer.

This next part, something essential to keep in mind on our focused path, our life journey along side Jesus.

"A wooden yoke fastened over both their necks links them side by side. The young ox, paired with the veteran, learns to pull by imitating the other; indeed it's only choice for comfort in this twosome is to keep in step with the older partner. In the disciple's case, pairing with Jesus and learning from Jesus will be a lifelong business" - J. I. Packer.

I challenge those of you who are not in step with Jesus to go on a walk, or whenever you find yourself traveling from one place to another on foot, to imagine this wonderful illustration of yourself baring arms with our one and only Saviour, Jesus Christ. Maintaining a fixation on which when you slow down or drift away (reflect on your life), that your intentions may not have been completely focused on God and that they need to be corrected in order to consistantly walk with joy, peace, and comfort to which God is in control and will never disappoint. This has always been an intimate time for me and I hope the same for those who read this as well.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight! - Proverbs 3:5-6

Desperation

I came across an interesting - and somewhat disconcerting - article on TheSpec.com, our local newspaper's online channel, read it here. The paper reports an estimated 30% increase in visits to psychics and mediums in our current economic state. How sad! Rather than turn to the One True God, our family members, neighbors, friends and coworkers are turning to crystal balls and tarot cards to find hope.

One interviewee said this, referring to the cost of psychic advice (around $120USD/hr):

While Lamont and Aguilar acknowledge the price is high, Lamont says that Calibre was able to provide something she couldn't find consulting friends, families or her therapist.

"He just really gave me some little hope that things will be OK and I'm going in the right direction," she says.

How disappointing it is to see people's hearts turn in this direction. I highlighted the words that struck me immediately. People are looking for hope, they are looking for reassurance and are paying large sums of money to find it. How deceiving! Lamont and Aguilar are correct in one sense though, they can't find what they are looking for through friends, families or therapists... little do they know, they will be disappointed (ultimately) with their psychic as well. Such hope has no lasting value, no eternal value, to be sure.

Friends, my heart aches for these people. Their desire for hope is clear, but their methods are faulty, and spiritually dangerous. I am reminded this morning that we need to be beacon's of light and hope for those with whom we have contact. Many people are stressed, financially overburdened and losing hope - we need to show them that we have hope - not false hope from "spiritualists" and mediums, but true, lasting, eternal hope, from God's Word!!

Pray for those around you, pray for your family members, your friends and neighbors, your coworkers. They are desperate for the truth. If only they would turn to Jesus, and not psychics. Hamilton is a hub of psychic and spiritual oppression - do not be naive to think that Hamilton is any different than other cities - it may in fact be more oppressed! Pray for our city, but most importantly, pray for God's people to be salt and light, to be beacon's of hope and truth. That we would be filled with a desire to tell people about Jesus, and that He would go before us and change hearts, opening them, that they may hear the truth and receive it.

People will continue to look for security and hope. The Bible speaks of mediums and spiritual people that deceive many. Times have changed, but methods (largely) have not.

Desperation indeed.

Remembering Israel's Journey: Numbers 33:1-2

1 This is the itinerary the Israelites followed as they marched out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. 2 At the LORD'S direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places they stopped along the way. NLT

Over the past year I have been challenged by a friend and mentor to order and manage my daily scheduling. To this effect, I hoped for better organization in my life and ultimately a stable way of seeking purpose God brings to me each day. I'm sure most of us have agenda's and can't live without them. It is as though our lives need order and management; namely with our jobs, family, hobbies....but what about our management with God? As I read verse 2,

"At the LORD'S direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places they stopped along the way"

I see an incredible opening, not only for the purpose of leading into the account of Israel's incredible journey which follows, but also an opening with the purpose of manifesting the idea of how important it is for all of us to record the many stages of our lives and the places we stop along the way as well! We can see if we read on that the list contains 40 places in all, all within the same journey; and so it should be the same for us: to keep a record of the events of our lives, our journey. With this objective in mind, many are probably thinking - "I already have an agenda" and "I am already very organized" - yet, I would like to touch on the question I left earlier: "what about our management with God?" I'm not saying to record everything like you would a day to day agenda, but it helps to have and keep a 'journal' or 'diary' (whatever you want to call it) for the purpose of recording the progress of our lives alongside the path of our spiritual growth.

We have an example from this excerpt of a record of travel; however, so much more can be recorded and is intended for us to record for the sake of recapitulation of the Holy Spirit's continual intercession in our lives. We can record prayer items, ambitions, times of extravagant joy....just about anything. This is just one form of practice primarily to exhilarate the depth in our relationship with our heavenly Father and his Son Jesus: to which extent meet us each day with purpose and endless love and hope!

Furthermore, if we have faith and desire to seek out this disciple, we will receive many blessings. Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him".

In conclusion, I see Numbers 33:1-2 teaching us an important lesson. "[With] the Lord's direction, [we should keep] a written record of [our] progress". It is my hope that with this discernment we can write and reflect upon what God is doing in our lives and the direction God is pointing us in each day, week, month. I leave with Psalms 16:9...

"Because of this my heart is glad, and my glory is full of joy: while my flesh takes its rest in hope".

Better than I deserve...

The other day, I quoted and reflected on a book I read by CJ Mahaney. At the end of the book, he told a short story that I've been thinking about ever since.

Mahaney was reflecting on how amazing it is to receive such abundant grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus. People ask us, usually multiple times a day, "How are you?", or a casual "Hey, how ya doin' today?" We often shrug these comments off and give short answers that are more often than not, lies. "Oh, I'm fine," we'll say, "I'm good!", adding this obligatory "How are you?" for the sake of being polite.

Mahaney often responds, "Better than I deserve". Surely this kind of response would be met with raised eyebrows, and hopefully, a question. Mahaney takes that chance to explain why he's better than he deserves. Namely, because we, as sinners, deserve only punishment and condemnation. We deserve hell.

Yet, by the grace of God, we are here - living and breathing - going about our days, complaining about the cold.

Yeah, it's cold out there. But I'm better than I deserve, that's for sure. I'll encourage you to use this phrase, or one similar - it's a bold move to be sure - but it's one that is sure to open up conversations!

Exodus 25:8 / A Sacred Residence

8 I want the people of Israel to build me a sacred residence where I can live among them. (NLT)

Recently reading through Exodus has been both extensive and an insightful experience. Exodus, as most of us are aware of is a book in which God reveals his name, his attributes, his redemption, his law and how he is to be worshiped.

While looking back at some highlighted and starred verses, I couldn’t help but share how crucial such a small verse (vs.8) must of meant to people in the time of building the Tabernacle; Tent of Meeting, but also in the lives of people today. With that said, I see this drawing a parallel for the prayer life today; by means of how we are to go and seek time to spend with God silently. God wants his people to “build a sacred residence” where He can live among them! I find it of great importance to have such a sacred residence where I can go out of sight, out of mind.

Prayer held in a private and detached setting is of the most importance to many biblical characters and is such an exercise taught from the big man himself: Jesus! Prayer should be carried out in such a place as described in Matthew 6:6 - "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you". That’s sounds advice. We will not only be rewarded, but such a place provides and builds intimacy with God as it says at the end of Exodus 25:8 - "where [God] can live among [us]. How powerful!

Emphatically, I can even say that from experience in practicing this vital principle on prayer - has done wonders for me. God will always meet us where we are and slowly move us along into deeper things. God can transform our lives through such intimacy. We will, “begin to think God’s thoughts after him: to desire the things he desires, to love the things he loves, to will the things he wills” (Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster).

May we all go out and find that place (bedroom, closet, car, etc…) of sacred residence where we can pray in secrecy and fortitude.

Sacred Marriage : IV

Holy Honor: Marriage Teaches Us to Respect Others

I've somehow gotten off track with the Sacred Marriage posts, so I thought I'd try to get back on that topic today. If you're like Kristin and I, when you were first married you became acutely aware of some small differences. "This is a tea towel," Kristin would remind me, "and this towel is used for drying your hands, and it goes here." This made no sense to me whatsoever. A towel is a towel right? Apparently not, at least not at Kristin's parents house. Maybe it's where jackets and coats are stored, where dirty dishes go or where you keep the Tylenol. Maybe it's wearing shoes in the house or what drawer the cutlery goes in. Surely all of us married folk have had to endure these conversations.

If we have to endure long periods of time with these kind of conversations, we have a tendency to embrace, at first, a low level of contempt, which then breeds higher levels of contempt and resentment. That's the topic of this chapter.

The author, Gary Thomas, says,

"All of us have a visceral desire to be respected. When this desire isn't met, we are tempted to lapse into a self-defeating response. Rather than work to build our own life so that respect is granted to us, we work to tear down our spouse in a desperate attempt to convince ourselves that their lack of respect is meaningless. Spiritually, this becomes a vicious and debilitating cycle that is extremely difficult to break.
God has a solution that, if we adopt it, will revolutionize our relationships. While many people fight to receive respect, Christian marriage calls us to focus our efforts on giving respect. We are called to honor someone even when we know only too well their deepest character flaws. We are called to stretch ourselves, to find out how we can learn to respect this person with whom we've become so familiar. And in this exploration, we are urged to "have contempt for contempt.'"

I thought this was wise advice. I know that too often I've fallen into this trap - thinking that I am owed more respect, and tearing down my wife. For this I have often repented. Thomas wisely points out that we need to focus on giving respect and looking for those bright spots, just as Paul did many of the churches to whom he wrote (consider the church in Corinth - 1Cor. 1:4, "I always thank God for you..." - despite their flaws!).

Betsy and Gary Ricucci, in Love That Lasts, write,

"Honor isn't passive, it's active. We honor our wives by demonstrating our esteem and respect: complimenting them in public; affirming their gifts, abilities, and accomplishments; and declaring our appreciation for all they do. Honor not expressed is not honor."

One final comment from Thomas:

"Contempt is conceived with expectations. Respect is conceived with expressions of gratitude. We can choose which one we will obsess over - expectations, or thanksgivings. That choice will result in a birth - and the child will be named either contempt, or respect."

I pray that these words are of great encouragement to you - and to your marriage. May you seek, and find, thanksgiving and respect in your marriage.

Sanctification

Quite a while ago I used the term sanctification, and promised to elaborate on that subject at a later time. Actually, I believe I said "soon"... well, that time has come, although I'm sure this will no longer be considered "soon". Sorry.

Here we go anyway...

The word sanctification refers to the act of process of making holy or setting apart (as special) and occurs approximately 5 times in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 1, 1 Thessalonians 4, 2 Thessalonians 2, and 1 Peter 1).

To sanctify is literally "to set apart for special use or purpose," figuratively "to make holy or sacred".

There is much that can be said (or written) on this subject, but for your reflection, I'll leave you with some words from CJ Mahaney in The Cross Centered Life:

"...the power of the gospel doesn't end when we're justified. When God declares a sinner righteous, He immediately begins the process of making that sinner more like His Son. Through the work of His Spirit, through the power of His word and fellowship with other believers, God peels away our desires for sin, renews our minds, and changes our lives. This ongoing work is what we call "sanctification". Sanctification is a process - the process of becoming life Christ, of growing in holiness ... about our own choices and behavior. It involves work."

How does this differ from justification? Mahaney again clarifies this for us:

"Justification is being declared righteous. Sanctification is being made righteous - being conformed to the image of Christ. Justification is our position before God. Sanctification is our practice... Justification is objective - Christ's work for us. Sanctification is subjective - Christ's work within us. Justification is immediate and complete upon conversion... Sanctification is a process. You will be more sanctified as you continue in grace-motivated obedience."

As I read this section from Mahaney's book, I remembered that I was supposed to write on this topic, and it's been an encouragement to me today. I pray that as you reflect on these two theological terms, that you will be encouraged as well.

Exodus 33:14-23 / Moses Sees the Lord's Glory

14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"

17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."

18 Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."

19 And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."

21 Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen." (NIV)

What an intense section of Exodus, a chapter that deals with threatened separation and Moses' prayer. Recently reading through these verses has left me feeling refreshed; however, it has also reminded me of times when I would find myself feeling hesitant towards God and his plan for me. So often we can feel out of sync with the world and peoples lives in the world. We can feel lonely and isolated in many environments and circumstances. We find ourselves feeling doubt, calling out to God for a sign of hope, peace, and assurance. The world we live in is revolved around instant success, instant bliss, instant beauty! "Now show me your glory”. I'm not referring to 'Flash Prayers' where someone inwardly asks for the Lord's joy and a deeper awareness of his presence to rise up within every day life; which is important, but I am referring to finding ourselves seeking for a sign in the sky or a miracle before our own eyes to prove God's greatness and a means of progress. Our lives can become secluded and somewhat egocentric for such desires. Nevertheless, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23). Verses such as this one in Lamentations and the ultimate sign, assurance, and mark of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and physical resurrection are that which should give us comfort and restoration. By trusting in Jesus' death we receive LIFE; this is undoubtedly all we need. Of even greater appeal, we are guaranteed Jesus' continual intercession and the Holy Spirit's constant intercession. We are now guided into the new covenant relationship with God that the bible was expecting (God's master plan).

A recent book I have read touches on such the subject: guidance. In Guard Us, Guide Us by J.I. Packer, he said, "It is natural that spectacular signs of God's presence, purpose, and promises should abound in days when resources for inward knowledge of God and discernment of his will were less than they are for us, and it is equally natural that in view of the richer resources that we Christians have for this knowledge and discernment, outward signs should be fewer, as no longer needed in the same way".

What a true and compelling statement.

Exodus 33:14-23 is just one of those amazing encounters we come across in scripture of God's presence and glory. How spectacular! It is one that I have not read or reflected on in a while.

Equally important, this goes to show that with knowledge of biblical text, (old testament and new) we can always be reassured with how such stories are the means of fulfilling the purposes of peoples lives before the coming of Jesus' life. This also goes to show the anticipation of reading the bible. The Bible is like a mine of treasures, infinitely deep, always inviting! Another attitude when approaching God's Word, beside anticipation, is desire. Paul has touched on this in his last Blog quoting: "As a result, unless there is diligent Scripture reading at home, a knowledge of the Bible's content leaves much to be desired." With that said, there should be a need to study, but desire it! Something that is not forced, but should come naturally to those who knows the Author personally, and loves his fellowship.

May all of us go away feeling blessed and fulfilled each and every time we plug in and out of God's Word.

Spiritual Maturity and Diligent Study

"It is a fact of life that people come to the worship service usually for only one hour, half of which is taken up by singing and praying. This implies that the second half is for biblical instruction for a period that lasts more or less for thirty minutes. As a result, unless there is diligent Scripture reading at home, a knowledge of the Bible's content leaves much to be desired."
- from "The Prevailing Church" by Simon J. Kistemaker, Tabletalk Magazine, January 2009 p.68.

How are we doing in this area? Personally, and corporately (as Westside), how are we promoting diligent, daily Bible study and reflection? At times I wonder about this...

The same article notes that most sermons are forgotten within 24 hours. (Yikes!) If we are to live God-honoring lives at home, at work and at play, we need to ensure that we're getting a regular - daily - "diet" of Scripture.

So I ask it again... how are we doing this at Westside? What could we do differently/better? How can we encourage our congregation to work towards this?

Trust : Job 7:17-18

[This post is courtesy of Zac!]

17 "What is man that you make so much of him,
that you give him so much attention,
18 that you examine him every morning
and test him every moment? (NIV)

In this particular situation, Job cries out to God because of his pain and misfortune. Despite this pain and misfortune, his statement speaks truth. God has created us all in his own image, each and every one of us. Many of us are different and unique, but all share one main purpose: the purpose of attaining different spiritual gifts for the advancement of His kingdom. Instead of feeling remorse we should be rejoicing - for what responsibility is greater than that of sharing the Gospel? Each and every one of us will face obstacles along our walks of life, but it is through trusting our Lord and Saviour amongst these trials that we will be blessed always. Just a few days ago, I was listening to a preacher on the internet who was speaking from one of the most profound verses in the bible, Proverbs 3:5-6:

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

What was so special about this sermon [to me] was that it included the insights from many people's lives(personal testimonies). I find that personal testimonies are most encouraging and thought provoking. From just one of them, I would like to share a (anonymous) man's closing thoughts.

He said: "I am walking where I need to be walking and trusting God in what I need to be trusting in Him. I've got really nothing to worry about. I'm going to go through trials and I'm going to go through situations, but God has placed those in front of me knowing that if I rely on him there's a better outcome than I could have ever imagined". Wow! (This man was speaking from a troubled past)

Therefore, the preacher concluded that in verse 5 of Proverbs 3, as followers of Christ, "God wants everything, just trust Him in every part of your life, the bible says trust in all your ways. Verse 6 is God's part: he'll make your paths straight". He then ended on a funny note: "What a slam dunk deal, my part is trust, in all my ways I'll trust, and then God is going to make your path and my path straight".

Our Father, "examines us every morning and tests us every moment". Under such knowledge we should then always be aware of what God can and will do each and every day of our lives, whether enduring times of trouble or abiding in times of praise. (This of course through trust). We may feel frightened or scared at this but also blessed, for we know our Lord is always watching. It is my prayer that God may
take away any sin from me, (and those who are reading this as well) for I know that my sin may keep others from knowing Christ. With this guidance from His word, help us to know what it is required of us to fulfill the will of God. Help us to see the grace, care, and attention God gives us. Not so much that it clouds our vision of His power. I also pray for humbleness, for it is beyond our power to do any of this. We must all use our gifts from God appropriately and effectively. I leave with this vow of praise from Psalm 51:13-17.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise. (NIV)

Grace

I was in a conversation this evening with someone who committed her life to Christ after many years in the catholic church. I asked her what, in her experience, was the biggest difference in her spiritual life and her understanding of Jesus Christ was, since her conversion. Now, I could come up - in very short order - with several distinct doctrines and beliefs, but I was curious, and wanted to hear it from her, rather than relying on my own ideas. Her answer was so simple, concise and refreshing... it was nothing short of amazing.

Here's what she said:

"I was brought up believing that I had to earn my salvation and I felt that there wasn't enough that I could do.", then, "It was so legalistic". She went on to mention how guilty she felt at that point in her life. But then she said the most wonderful thing: "Then I realized that I can be saved by grace - that there's nothing I can do to earn it, it's just grace."

Even as I type this and recall her expression and visible relief, I am amazed, and my heart feels full.

It was fitting, then, that as I worked my way through my evening devotions, that I am at Galatians 2. For the sake of brevity, I won't go into much detail about the context of Galatians, but as I enter the second chapter, I notice that the writer, Paul, is defending 'his' gospel - the gospel, given to him by Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:12). There were many questions about this former persecutor of Christians and the gospel he brings - especially by the Judaizers - and Paul invests much effort to defend his position and intentions.

In chapter 2, Paul is describing a journey to Jerusalem, where he is accompanied by Barnabas and Titus. Titus, we are told in verse 3, was a Greek and was uncircumcised. This might have been seen as an act of provocation - taking a Gentile to the 'headquarters' of the Jerusalem church! Well - Paul, Barnabas and Titus walk into the church anyway, and a discussion ensues about Titus' lack of circumcision. We're told in verse 4 that,

"This matter arose because some false teachers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves." (NIV)

These false teachers took issue with Titus, and insisted that he be circumcised to fulfill the Mosaic Law.

What happens next is so encouraging! Paul writes, "We did not give in to them for a moment" (NIV).

Paul affirms that Titus' salvation was not dependent on his circumcision, and neither is our salvation dependent on our works or rites.

The woman I spoke with this evening is free from the ritualistic and legalistic practices of the catholic church - and rejoices in the grace that is given freely. I pray that tonight you will be reminded of that joy - that overwhelming relief that we are justified by grace, not by our works or the law.