I (Amanda) have been learning that God really is totally sovereign. I have always believed this theologically, but lately I am beginning to realize how practically I sometimes doubt it. My lips often speak the right words but in my heart I am harboring doubt. I think this because I hear stories about how God is working in someones life and they are struggling with horrible things such as the death of a child, terminal illness or a spouse leaving them. I wonder why these things happen. But I know that scripture teaches that all things work for the good (Rom 8:28). But, do I really know how to deal with these things? Do I really know that God is working this for the good in our lives?
He really is! I have been thinking for weeks about a phrase that we use so much in Christendom: "giving God glory." We want to do this in every area of our lives. But what does it mean? As I was reading a book by Dr. Jay Adams, Back to the Blackboard, he defines giving God glory as "making much of God." I was pondering if I really make much of God in all I do or do I just use the phrase casually. If we think about every facet of life and really test and see, are we making much of God when we do this, say this or participate in this? I come away surprised by how much I don't give God glory. Often I watch a TV show, have a conversation or participate in things that do not make much of God. Sometimes they even mock or go against his very character. This is heartbreaking.
This weekend I had the privilege of going to a ladies retreat in the mountains of New York to hear Martha Peace speak. It was a great time of relaxation for me and my friend, but also we heard over and over again that God must be given glory. Martha reminded us that no matter what we are going through, we must strive to glorify God in it. She brought up an example of just about every horrible thing we could think of that could happen to us and kept encouraging us that if you are going through this or if you do go through it, we must give God glory in it and rest in his sovereignty. She told the story of Joesph and how what his brothers meant for evil, God meant for good. Sometimes God uses the bad for His good. But she brought a passage of Scripture to my mind that really stuck with me from 1 Peter 6-7: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
I have read this passage before but this time the meaning really took root. Our trials and grief come to us as a test. Through each trial, if we give God praise and glory, our faith will prove to be genuine. WOW! what a truth. They way we act during our trials speaks volumes about our spiritual life. It easy to quote a theological principle but much harder to live it out.
As we were driving home, my friend and I were both thinking, "this weekend was great but I cant help thinking that maybe God brought us here for a reason. I hope nothing horrible is coming our way." And we don't know if it is. It is scary to think about, but nevertheless, if some trial comes our way, we pray that our faith would be found genuine.
So, the next time we say we are striving at "giving God glory" in a church ministry or our homes or at work, or with our kids, etc. Ask yourself, is what I am doing there "making much of God or man?
True glory always makes God bigger and us smaller!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
Relient K
Make sure you check out the blog of Jon Schneck, bandmember of Relient K. Look under the "Luck of the K" posting and see some of the youth from our church. It can be found here. http://jonschneck.blogspot.com/2007/05/luck-of-k.html
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother
OK Ladies, this is a must read for all trying to understand the biblical calling for women. Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney takes a deeper look at Titus 2 and biblical womanhood. If you don't have this book order it now. I have read this book twice and each time it has drastically helped me understand God's design for women a little better. It is an easy read and I promise it will be very fruitful for you.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Noah...
Ninety-three years to go
If the tradition's correct
The work appears so slow
They don’t seem to expect
Perhaps I am building salvation
Perhaps I am making a fire
Will the end bring celebration
Or will I be found a liar
It seems I am missing the party
Though my drinks come after the rain
So I’ll work on for something hearty
The work will not be in vain
So as my hammer pounds
And as the gopher falls
The mighty thunder sounds
Get the donkeys in the stalls
Then my God will decide
Whether eight was truly enough
When He assigned my life deride
And the people to rebuff
As you can see, I've been thinking about Noah lately. Tradition says it took him 120 years to build the ark, and here I am only 27. Of course, He didn't start until after he was 500, but you get the point.
The people were busy with their lives. Eating, drinking, getting married...the good life. And there was Noah in the midst of them, doing what God commanded. I wonder what the people thought? There were some, of course, who didn't notice at all. There were others, I'm sure, who noticed, but laughed and then went on with their merry lives. But what I really wonder is, were there other ship-makers?
Were there some who came to Noah and started giving instructions? You can hear them now:
"Noah, you know, as much time and energy as you're putting into this thing, you could just buy a boat and not have to deal with all this headache."
Or maybe, "No, no, no, these plans won't work at all. Too big. And the proportions are all wrong. This will never stay afloat."
Or maybe even, "Hey Noah, if you want a kick-butt ship, you need to attract people to it. So start by putting down the hammer and grabbing a drink. Loosen up! Now, people don't like gopher wood, so let's look at some alternatives. And the petting zoo theme? Well, that looks nice on paper, but I really think we need to go with more of a contemplative, yet playful atmosphere. And whatever you do, don't forget to..."
Now, I don't know if Noah ever really heard any of these things. But I hear them. Everyday. And it's a constant struggle between what God is calling me to do and what everyone else thinks.
[I guess a few disclaimers are in order before I go further. First, God never, let me repeat never, calls you to do something contrary to His will, as displayed in scripture. Adultery, divorce (in most cases), racism, the love of money, greed, gossip, and so many others, are not God's will. Scripture makes that plain. So don't say that God is calling you to do something if it is directly spoken against in scripture. Second, you are not a church unto yourself. It is God's will for us, as believers, to be a part of a local church. If you can't find a godly church around you, then move. Find a biblical church (none are perfect, but find one that preaches scripture and strives for holiness) and submit to it. I assure you, you are not the lone voice of reason and the only one in America getting it right. This article is about working in ministry - not merely being a part of the church. So please don't use anything here as an excuse to not be faithful to a church because people aren't doing things the way you think they should be done.]
Now, with all of that said, think back at Noah. God called him, and he obeyed. People thought he was dead wrong or just plain stupid, but he stood firm. Why? Because the Word of God commanded. Now we are pressed with very similar circumstances. God has commanded in His Word. Will we obey?
Let's make it even tougher. After one year of obeying, and not one single person is convinced, will we still obey? Does God's word change? What about after five years? Ten? What if we were to give our entire lives to obeying what God has called us to do, yet not one single person has believed. Not one single person has been convinced. Not one changed heart. Not one transformed mind. Will we still be faithful? Despite the outcries, in the face of opposition, in the midst of persecution - will we still be faithful?
God will not judge the outcome of our ministry - He provides that and His work is good. No, God will judge the ministry itself. Were we faithful with what He gave? Did we do what He commanded? Did we plant? Did we water? He is in charge of the growth, but we are in charge of the tools He gave us. Did we use them well?
Noah did. Faithfully.
But only eight people were saved: he and his family.
And here we are thousands of years later looking back at the success of Noah. His success wasn't in numbers. It wasn't based on his clout and his desirability. It was solely on His faith. Faith not in himself, or his work, but in God alone. And we are no different than he. Will we be faithful to God and what He has called us to do?
That is the question for our times and ministries. Unfortunately so many ministers get caught up in fruitless suggestions while ignoring the word of God. They hear the multitudes shout, but neglect the voice of God. There is a way that seems right to man, but it's end is destruction. We must not go down that way.
Build what God has called you to build; the clouds are starting to gather.
[Another disclaimer. Please do not, after reading this, get that I am unconcerned with reaching the lost. In no way, shape, or form, do I want to go "93" more years without a convert. I am grieved when people do not respond to the call of Christ - especially the ones I'm around all the time. Oh, I pray that God would have mercy on them and save them. But I also understand that it is totally God's mercy and grace that saves people, on his timetable, and the only thing I can do about it is to preach His word (because that's His chosen way to offer salvation...see below). So this article is not a call to ignore the lost, it is rather a plea for faithfulness to God.]
If the tradition's correct
The work appears so slow
They don’t seem to expect
Perhaps I am building salvation
Perhaps I am making a fire
Will the end bring celebration
Or will I be found a liar
It seems I am missing the party
Though my drinks come after the rain
So I’ll work on for something hearty
The work will not be in vain
So as my hammer pounds
And as the gopher falls
The mighty thunder sounds
Get the donkeys in the stalls
Then my God will decide
Whether eight was truly enough
When He assigned my life deride
And the people to rebuff
As you can see, I've been thinking about Noah lately. Tradition says it took him 120 years to build the ark, and here I am only 27. Of course, He didn't start until after he was 500, but you get the point.
The people were busy with their lives. Eating, drinking, getting married...the good life. And there was Noah in the midst of them, doing what God commanded. I wonder what the people thought? There were some, of course, who didn't notice at all. There were others, I'm sure, who noticed, but laughed and then went on with their merry lives. But what I really wonder is, were there other ship-makers?
Were there some who came to Noah and started giving instructions? You can hear them now:
"Noah, you know, as much time and energy as you're putting into this thing, you could just buy a boat and not have to deal with all this headache."
Or maybe, "No, no, no, these plans won't work at all. Too big. And the proportions are all wrong. This will never stay afloat."
Or maybe even, "Hey Noah, if you want a kick-butt ship, you need to attract people to it. So start by putting down the hammer and grabbing a drink. Loosen up! Now, people don't like gopher wood, so let's look at some alternatives. And the petting zoo theme? Well, that looks nice on paper, but I really think we need to go with more of a contemplative, yet playful atmosphere. And whatever you do, don't forget to..."
Now, I don't know if Noah ever really heard any of these things. But I hear them. Everyday. And it's a constant struggle between what God is calling me to do and what everyone else thinks.
[I guess a few disclaimers are in order before I go further. First, God never, let me repeat never, calls you to do something contrary to His will, as displayed in scripture. Adultery, divorce (in most cases), racism, the love of money, greed, gossip, and so many others, are not God's will. Scripture makes that plain. So don't say that God is calling you to do something if it is directly spoken against in scripture. Second, you are not a church unto yourself. It is God's will for us, as believers, to be a part of a local church. If you can't find a godly church around you, then move. Find a biblical church (none are perfect, but find one that preaches scripture and strives for holiness) and submit to it. I assure you, you are not the lone voice of reason and the only one in America getting it right. This article is about working in ministry - not merely being a part of the church. So please don't use anything here as an excuse to not be faithful to a church because people aren't doing things the way you think they should be done.]
Now, with all of that said, think back at Noah. God called him, and he obeyed. People thought he was dead wrong or just plain stupid, but he stood firm. Why? Because the Word of God commanded. Now we are pressed with very similar circumstances. God has commanded in His Word. Will we obey?
Let's make it even tougher. After one year of obeying, and not one single person is convinced, will we still obey? Does God's word change? What about after five years? Ten? What if we were to give our entire lives to obeying what God has called us to do, yet not one single person has believed. Not one single person has been convinced. Not one changed heart. Not one transformed mind. Will we still be faithful? Despite the outcries, in the face of opposition, in the midst of persecution - will we still be faithful?
God will not judge the outcome of our ministry - He provides that and His work is good. No, God will judge the ministry itself. Were we faithful with what He gave? Did we do what He commanded? Did we plant? Did we water? He is in charge of the growth, but we are in charge of the tools He gave us. Did we use them well?
Noah did. Faithfully.
But only eight people were saved: he and his family.
And here we are thousands of years later looking back at the success of Noah. His success wasn't in numbers. It wasn't based on his clout and his desirability. It was solely on His faith. Faith not in himself, or his work, but in God alone. And we are no different than he. Will we be faithful to God and what He has called us to do?
That is the question for our times and ministries. Unfortunately so many ministers get caught up in fruitless suggestions while ignoring the word of God. They hear the multitudes shout, but neglect the voice of God. There is a way that seems right to man, but it's end is destruction. We must not go down that way.
Build what God has called you to build; the clouds are starting to gather.
[Another disclaimer. Please do not, after reading this, get that I am unconcerned with reaching the lost. In no way, shape, or form, do I want to go "93" more years without a convert. I am grieved when people do not respond to the call of Christ - especially the ones I'm around all the time. Oh, I pray that God would have mercy on them and save them. But I also understand that it is totally God's mercy and grace that saves people, on his timetable, and the only thing I can do about it is to preach His word (because that's His chosen way to offer salvation...see below). So this article is not a call to ignore the lost, it is rather a plea for faithfulness to God.]
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
And you will have dung on your faces!
I (nick) am a pastor. Okay, an assistant pastor. But my primary occupation is to preach and teach to the youth each week. This is not a calling I take lightly. It is a constant weight on my heart and mind. With that said, most churches in America probably wouldn’t hire me, at least not as a youth pastor. The primary reason is that I’m not a games guy. I play sports. I like to fellowship. I love having fun. But on the whole, I’m not that into games. I’m not really an atmosphere guy either. I like candle-lit rooms. I think thought can to go into how to set up a room for worship. But I’m too moody to worry about what kind of mood we’re setting. I’m not really about entertaining people either. Sure I want to be engaging and I want people to pay attention to me, but I’m not a television. I’m not here for people to tune and change me until they see something they want to watch.
No, teachers are supposed to teach. Pastors are supposed to pastor. Nowhere in my job description (i.e. the Bible) does it say that I am supposed to lead games, create a mood, or entertain people. I am called to preach.
But I guess the question then becomes what to preach. The answer to that lies in your desire. Do you desire to equip the people of God for the work of ministry? Then we are to speak the truth in love. Is your desire to see God’s children grow more and more like Christ? Then they are to be sanctified in truth, His Word is truth. Is your desire for the lost to be saved? Then faith comes from hearing and that by the Word of God.
It seems like no matter what our desire is we are to preach the Word of God. Of course our problem is that we think God’s Word isn’t good enough to get the stuff of ministry done. Oh what a travesty. Let us all, as pastors and parishioners solemnly remember the words of Romans 9:6, “it is not as though the word of God has failed.”
(But people don’t want to be preached at) The Word of God does not fail.
(But people will get bored) The Word of God does not fail.
(But we’re not entertaining enough) The Word of God does not fail.
(But our attendance is going down) The Word of God does not fail.
The Word of God is so much more, infinitely more powerful than you or I could ever dream. It’s living. It’s breathing. It’s Jesus! Which is why we, as pastors, preachers, and teachers are to be focused with one thing: proclaiming His name, giving honor to His name, lifting high His name. If anything else occupies our hearts then we are in grave danger. Listen to Malachi (chapter 2):
1"And now, O priests, this command is for you. 2If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. 3Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it. 4So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the LORD of hosts. 5My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. 6True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. 7For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. 8But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts, 9and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction."
The priests did not care about the name of Jesus, and did not offer their best. Then it all blew up in their faces. Let us not fall into this same sin. Let us pursue, with everything we have, lifting high the name of Jesus. Not just in theory. Not just on paper. But in our preaching. In our teaching. In everything.
Ask yourself this question: what does God want from me? People to like you? People to clap when you sing and nod in approval when you preach?
No.
He wants you to have godly offspring.
After rebuking the priests in the above passage, Malachi goes on to say that when we do not lift up God’s name, when we don’t stand in awe of Him, when we don’t preach and instruct as He has told us to, we have left God to marry “the daughter of a foreign god.” And then Malachi says this:
13And this second thing you do. You cover the LORD's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. 14But you say, "Why does he not?" Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 16"For the man who hates and divorces, says the LORD, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless."
God has united us with Him in a covenant. A marriage. Not only that, He has infused this relationship, sealed this relationship, fueled this relationship with His Spirit. Why? So that through you, godly offspring would be born. And the way to produce godly offspring is to honor your Husband! Stand in awe of Him. Let His Name be on your lips, preacher. Let His Name flow from your tongue, teacher. Let His Name be the sole desire of your heart, pastor. Don’t leave your first love for the trappings of the world. If you use the world’s means, you will produce worldly offspring. Preach His Word. Proclaim His Name. Then and only then will we be faithful to what He has called us to. Then and only then will our churches stop looking like the world. Then and only then will our people grow in Christ. And then we will find ourselves to be the priests of God instead of friends of the world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)