"Superheroes are strong, cool, helpful men and women. You can depend on them in every kind of way to help when you need help, to fight for justice, to protect the weak, and to defend the world."
My young friend Caleb wrote these words in a recent essay, and as I read them I considered some of the roles of the church.
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
In Matthew 25:34-36, Jesus said, Then the King will say to those on His right, "Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me."
In our American culture, we often look to the government to provide care for the sick, the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the misguided and the lost; but that's not what our Father in heaven had in mind. We, the church, are blessed to be a blessing.
God gave Himself for us. He desires us to give ourselves to others, to be super heroes to those in need, "in every kind of way to help when you need help, to fight for justice, to protect the weak, and to defend the world.".
We who call ourselves by the Name of The Lord have a mission. Let's work together to fulfill that mission.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
it's all His
Psalm 24:1 (NAS) "The earth is the Lord's and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it."
Each one of us is a caretaker. We are provided by God with the things of this world and are expected to be good stewards of these provisions; we must carefully consider how best to serve God and give glory to His name with them.
I must purpose to be a faithful tither, cheerfully returning to God the "first fruits" of His provision.
I must be watchful for opportunity to bless others with my abundance and with my lack.
I must be faithful in praise and in thanksgiving to the Giver of all creation.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NAS) "And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work."
Each one of us is a caretaker. We are provided by God with the things of this world and are expected to be good stewards of these provisions; we must carefully consider how best to serve God and give glory to His name with them.
I must purpose to be a faithful tither, cheerfully returning to God the "first fruits" of His provision.
I must be watchful for opportunity to bless others with my abundance and with my lack.
I must be faithful in praise and in thanksgiving to the Giver of all creation.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NAS) "And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work."
Thursday, November 08, 2007
The first instance I have found recorded in the Bible of one person praying for the healing of another is found in Genesis 20.
God tells Abimelech in a dream that he should return Abraham's wife to him and that Abraham will pray for him, God's curse against him will be removed and he and his family will live.
Gen 20:7 "Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, know that you will certainly die, you and all who are yours.
Gen 20:17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves so that they could bear children, Gen 20:18 for the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech's household on account of Sarah, Abraham's wife."
Our Father has long used the prayers of His children to affect the lives of others in this world.
God tells Abimelech in a dream that he should return Abraham's wife to him and that Abraham will pray for him, God's curse against him will be removed and he and his family will live.
Gen 20:7 "Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, know that you will certainly die, you and all who are yours.
Gen 20:17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves so that they could bear children, Gen 20:18 for the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech's household on account of Sarah, Abraham's wife."
Our Father has long used the prayers of His children to affect the lives of others in this world.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Then He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up snakes; if they should drink anything deadly, it will never harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well." (Mark 16:15-18)
"… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well."
Jesus said that I will get well; that's a promise.
Several weeks ago, as I prepared to begin a new set of treatments for swollen lymph nodes brought on by leukemia, four believers laid hands on me and prayed for my healing. During their prayers I recalled this verse and grabbed on to the peace that came with the remembrance.
I have received a variety of interpretations on this verse. Some say, "It is not for today" but I can't find anything in the Bible that supports their view.
Others say, "Only the 12 apostles had that power" but Jesus said "these signs will accompany those who believe" and I count many more than 12 believers in the world; at least five were in my dining room that day.
Some would argue that I am taking the verse out of context. In the preceding verses Jesus is rebuking the eleven apostles because of their unbelief.
Then after this, He appeared in a different form to two of them walking on their way into the country. And they went and reported it to the rest, who did not believe them either. Later, He appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw Him after He had been resurrected. (Mark 16:12-14)
Hardness of heart affects our level of belief.
Strong's Concordance tells us that the Greek word used for believe is pisteuo, "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one's spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.".
A believer is one who has placed their faith, their trust, in Jesus; in what He said and in what He did; one who believes and trusts that Jesus is true. A believer trusts that Jesus has paid the price for their sins. His shed blood covers them from the cross. A believer trusts that Jesus's promise to give them an eternal life is true. A believer commits himself to Jesus as Lord of his or her life.
I know the four who prayed for me that day would fit into this category. I know they believe that Jesus is true.
Earlier in Jesus' story, He gave specific authority to the 12 disciples to heal (Matt 10, Luke 9)
Summoning His 12 disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness. (Matt 10:1)
As you go, announce this: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, drive out demons. You have received free of charge; give free of charge. (Matt 10:7-8)
Later He expanded the authority to include 70 others.
After this, the Lord appointed 70 others, and He sent them ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place where He Himself was about to go. (Luke 10:1)
Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, 'The kingdom of God has come near you.' (Luke 10:9)
He gives it to us.
And these signs will accompany those who believe: (Mark 16:17a)
He gave a commission to the eleven to be passed on.
Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matt 28:18-20)
The authority was passed on to others and signs and wonders followed.
Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8)
Philip went down to a city in Samaria and preached the Messiah to them. The crowds paid attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the signs he was performing. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:5-8)
I can't find any times limits on this authority, nor can I find any cause to believe that it was a short term assignment. Jesus told us that those who believe will manifest signs, among them the laying on of hands and of healing.
I have seen it, it has been done through me and it has been done to me. Why will I doubt it now?
Why do we struggle with sickness? Why do we tolerate illness among us? Why is the church not a vibrant, healthy testimony to an unbelieving, unhealthy world?
"Repent," Peter said to them, "and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call." And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, "Be saved from this corrupt generation!" So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.
Now all the believers were together and had everything in common. So they sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. And every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved. (Act 2:38-47)
The key to our receiving the promises of God lies in, I believe, the "simplicity of heart". We struggle to lay hold of God's promises because our world, our culture, our minds rebel at the very notion that Jesus is speaking to us across the sands of time and that it is, should be, can be, will be, just that simple.
Jesus said "these signs will accompany those who believe".
Why is it so hard for us to believe that line?
When they reached the crowd, a man approached and knelt down before Him. "Lord," he said, "have mercy on my son, because he has seizures and suffers severely. He often falls into the fire and often into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, but they couldn't heal him."
Jesus replied, "You unbelieving and rebellious generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to Me."
Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and from that moment the boy was healed. Then the disciples approached Jesus privately and said, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
"Because of your little faith," He told them. "For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. (Matt 17:14-20)
Faith, the size of a mustard seed, is required. We must grab on to the promise of God and not let it go! This miniscule portion of faith required to see God work is sometimes overwhelmingly huge in our eyes and in our minds!
I have seen sick bodies healed and restored. I have received this same healing in my own body and have seen others healed as God worked through the touch of my hand. In moments of uncompromising faith, I have seen God work, Jesus' promise fulfilled.
The norm, however, is that I think too much and doubt God's Word. I don't believe it every time. My faith is weak, unstructured and lazy.
Then He asked them, "What are you arguing with them about?"
Out of the crowd, one man answered Him, "Teacher, I brought my son to You. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn't."
He replied to them, "You unbelieving generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to Me."
So they brought him to Him. When the spirit saw Him, it immediately convulsed the boy. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
"How long has this been happening to him?" Jesus asked his father. "From childhood," he said. "And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
Then Jesus said to him, "'If You can?' Everything is possible to the one who believes."
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, "I do believe! Help my unbelief." (Mark 9:16-24)
Oh Lord, help my unbelief!
Herein lays the difficulty most of us face; we do not believe God's Word all the time, or we do not believe all of it all the time! We struggle with unbelief.
Jesus said ""these signs will accompany those who believe"".
Why do I have a problem believing that 24/7?
Unbelief. A weak heart.
"On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim: if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.
Now the Scripture says, No one who believes on Him will be put to shame, for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How welcome are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!
But all did not obey the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message?
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ." Romans 10:8-17 (HCSB)
Faith comes through hearing and hearing through the Word of God.
Ten years ago, shortly after I came to know our Lord, I was continuing to struggle with sinful thoughts and desires, impurities that I thought should have been "washed away". I cried out to God and asked Him when these thoughts and desires would leave me.
He let me know that it had taken 44 years to fill my mind and my body with the knowledge of and desire for sinful things and that it would need to be gradually washed out, flushed out, by the filling of His Word.
I received a picture of my body, filled to the brim with sin. The lid, my mind, was now off and ready to receive new information, God's Holy Word. His Word would gradually flush out the filth within me until I was full of Him instead of sin. His promise to me that day, was that a new mind would accompany a new body, the new creation, but that I needed to do the work and allow Him to do His work in me.
I have not been faithful over these ten years, to allow this work to proceed as planned, to allow myself to be consistently and continually "flushed out and filled up".
"Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one." Rom 12:1-3 (HCSB)
My faith level has not grown according to what God has designed for me to have. My "measure of faith" is weak because I have not allowed my mind to be "transformed" according to the plan God gave me. I have not been faithful in daily study, prayer and fellowship with God.
A weak will performs weakly.
In understanding the weakness of my faith, however, I am jubilant in that understanding.
Ten years ago, God gave me a message of renewal. That formula is good for today.
I can still be "transformed by the renewing of (my) mind" and my faith will become stronger by the hearing of the Word. In that strengthened faith I have the hope of seeing God's promises lived out in my life and in the lives of others.
Can we "move mountains" today? Can the sick be healed with regular consistency through the hands of believers?
Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Then Peter remembered and said to Him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree that You cursed is withered."
Jesus replied to them, "Have faith in God. I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for--believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:20-24 (HCSB)
I believe, based upon my understanding of God's Word, that healing is available to us today through prayer and the laying on of hands of faith filled believers.
Lord, help me to not doubt!
I believe that God's Word is true, from cover to cover.
Lord, help my unbelief!
I believe that I have been healed of my leukemia through the laying on of hands of faith filled believers.
Lord, help me to see that which is!
My wife asked me why I was continuing treatment if I believed that I had been healed.
Why indeed?
Lord, help me to walk in my belief!
My white cell counts have returned to normal and the pain I have been experiencing is almost gone.
I thank God and I praise Him for his mercy to me.
"… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well."
Jesus said that I will get well; that's a promise.
Several weeks ago, as I prepared to begin a new set of treatments for swollen lymph nodes brought on by leukemia, four believers laid hands on me and prayed for my healing. During their prayers I recalled this verse and grabbed on to the peace that came with the remembrance.
I have received a variety of interpretations on this verse. Some say, "It is not for today" but I can't find anything in the Bible that supports their view.
Others say, "Only the 12 apostles had that power" but Jesus said "these signs will accompany those who believe" and I count many more than 12 believers in the world; at least five were in my dining room that day.
Some would argue that I am taking the verse out of context. In the preceding verses Jesus is rebuking the eleven apostles because of their unbelief.
Then after this, He appeared in a different form to two of them walking on their way into the country. And they went and reported it to the rest, who did not believe them either. Later, He appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw Him after He had been resurrected. (Mark 16:12-14)
Hardness of heart affects our level of belief.
Strong's Concordance tells us that the Greek word used for believe is pisteuo, "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one's spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.".
A believer is one who has placed their faith, their trust, in Jesus; in what He said and in what He did; one who believes and trusts that Jesus is true. A believer trusts that Jesus has paid the price for their sins. His shed blood covers them from the cross. A believer trusts that Jesus's promise to give them an eternal life is true. A believer commits himself to Jesus as Lord of his or her life.
I know the four who prayed for me that day would fit into this category. I know they believe that Jesus is true.
Earlier in Jesus' story, He gave specific authority to the 12 disciples to heal (Matt 10, Luke 9)
Summoning His 12 disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness. (Matt 10:1)
As you go, announce this: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, drive out demons. You have received free of charge; give free of charge. (Matt 10:7-8)
Later He expanded the authority to include 70 others.
After this, the Lord appointed 70 others, and He sent them ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place where He Himself was about to go. (Luke 10:1)
Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, 'The kingdom of God has come near you.' (Luke 10:9)
He gives it to us.
And these signs will accompany those who believe: (Mark 16:17a)
He gave a commission to the eleven to be passed on.
Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matt 28:18-20)
The authority was passed on to others and signs and wonders followed.
Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8)
Philip went down to a city in Samaria and preached the Messiah to them. The crowds paid attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the signs he was performing. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:5-8)
I can't find any times limits on this authority, nor can I find any cause to believe that it was a short term assignment. Jesus told us that those who believe will manifest signs, among them the laying on of hands and of healing.
I have seen it, it has been done through me and it has been done to me. Why will I doubt it now?
Why do we struggle with sickness? Why do we tolerate illness among us? Why is the church not a vibrant, healthy testimony to an unbelieving, unhealthy world?
"Repent," Peter said to them, "and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call." And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, "Be saved from this corrupt generation!" So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.
Now all the believers were together and had everything in common. So they sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. And every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved. (Act 2:38-47)
The key to our receiving the promises of God lies in, I believe, the "simplicity of heart". We struggle to lay hold of God's promises because our world, our culture, our minds rebel at the very notion that Jesus is speaking to us across the sands of time and that it is, should be, can be, will be, just that simple.
Jesus said "these signs will accompany those who believe".
Why is it so hard for us to believe that line?
When they reached the crowd, a man approached and knelt down before Him. "Lord," he said, "have mercy on my son, because he has seizures and suffers severely. He often falls into the fire and often into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, but they couldn't heal him."
Jesus replied, "You unbelieving and rebellious generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to Me."
Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and from that moment the boy was healed. Then the disciples approached Jesus privately and said, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
"Because of your little faith," He told them. "For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. (Matt 17:14-20)
Faith, the size of a mustard seed, is required. We must grab on to the promise of God and not let it go! This miniscule portion of faith required to see God work is sometimes overwhelmingly huge in our eyes and in our minds!
I have seen sick bodies healed and restored. I have received this same healing in my own body and have seen others healed as God worked through the touch of my hand. In moments of uncompromising faith, I have seen God work, Jesus' promise fulfilled.
The norm, however, is that I think too much and doubt God's Word. I don't believe it every time. My faith is weak, unstructured and lazy.
Then He asked them, "What are you arguing with them about?"
Out of the crowd, one man answered Him, "Teacher, I brought my son to You. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn't."
He replied to them, "You unbelieving generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to Me."
So they brought him to Him. When the spirit saw Him, it immediately convulsed the boy. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
"How long has this been happening to him?" Jesus asked his father. "From childhood," he said. "And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
Then Jesus said to him, "'If You can?' Everything is possible to the one who believes."
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, "I do believe! Help my unbelief." (Mark 9:16-24)
Oh Lord, help my unbelief!
Herein lays the difficulty most of us face; we do not believe God's Word all the time, or we do not believe all of it all the time! We struggle with unbelief.
Jesus said ""these signs will accompany those who believe"".
Why do I have a problem believing that 24/7?
Unbelief. A weak heart.
"On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim: if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.
Now the Scripture says, No one who believes on Him will be put to shame, for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How welcome are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!
But all did not obey the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message?
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ." Romans 10:8-17 (HCSB)
Faith comes through hearing and hearing through the Word of God.
Ten years ago, shortly after I came to know our Lord, I was continuing to struggle with sinful thoughts and desires, impurities that I thought should have been "washed away". I cried out to God and asked Him when these thoughts and desires would leave me.
He let me know that it had taken 44 years to fill my mind and my body with the knowledge of and desire for sinful things and that it would need to be gradually washed out, flushed out, by the filling of His Word.
I received a picture of my body, filled to the brim with sin. The lid, my mind, was now off and ready to receive new information, God's Holy Word. His Word would gradually flush out the filth within me until I was full of Him instead of sin. His promise to me that day, was that a new mind would accompany a new body, the new creation, but that I needed to do the work and allow Him to do His work in me.
I have not been faithful over these ten years, to allow this work to proceed as planned, to allow myself to be consistently and continually "flushed out and filled up".
"Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one." Rom 12:1-3 (HCSB)
My faith level has not grown according to what God has designed for me to have. My "measure of faith" is weak because I have not allowed my mind to be "transformed" according to the plan God gave me. I have not been faithful in daily study, prayer and fellowship with God.
A weak will performs weakly.
In understanding the weakness of my faith, however, I am jubilant in that understanding.
Ten years ago, God gave me a message of renewal. That formula is good for today.
I can still be "transformed by the renewing of (my) mind" and my faith will become stronger by the hearing of the Word. In that strengthened faith I have the hope of seeing God's promises lived out in my life and in the lives of others.
Can we "move mountains" today? Can the sick be healed with regular consistency through the hands of believers?
Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Then Peter remembered and said to Him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree that You cursed is withered."
Jesus replied to them, "Have faith in God. I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for--believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:20-24 (HCSB)
I believe, based upon my understanding of God's Word, that healing is available to us today through prayer and the laying on of hands of faith filled believers.
Lord, help me to not doubt!
I believe that God's Word is true, from cover to cover.
Lord, help my unbelief!
I believe that I have been healed of my leukemia through the laying on of hands of faith filled believers.
Lord, help me to see that which is!
My wife asked me why I was continuing treatment if I believed that I had been healed.
Why indeed?
Lord, help me to walk in my belief!
My white cell counts have returned to normal and the pain I have been experiencing is almost gone.
I thank God and I praise Him for his mercy to me.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Greetings everyone,
Some folks have missed some of the information concerning my current condition and I wanted to get everyone up to date on what is actually going on in my physical life.
I was diagnosed last year with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The condition remained relatively dormant, with a slow growth rate until recently when I began experiencing sharp pains in my abdomen, resulting in a trip to the hospital and a variety of tests. The concurring diagnoses were that my lymph nodes on both sides had grown to the point of applying significant pressure to nerve endings, resulting in the pain. The pain randomly fluctuates from a dull "pressure" to acute.
I have been receiving chemotherapy for the last 2-3 months, with the goals of reducing my white cell count back to normal and reversing the growth of the lymph nodes.
So far the pain remains; I will see the Doc next week to test my white cell counts.
While I have been blessed to not have any of the side effects of the treatment itself, I am experiencing general weakness and fatigue, some nausea, some loss of appetite (might be from the treatment, might be from the disease) and I must be cautious to avoid situations where I might pick up lingering bacteria, germs, viruses, etc.. This makes life interesting and I thank God for Purell, spray disinfectant and disinfectant wipes!
I am working, having to miss work sometimes due to extreme fatigue or pain, but for the most part life goes on, much more slowly than I like, but, it is what it is.
I am learning that this is not a life ending experience, but instead an opportunity to examine my life and to evaluate those things that have real purpose.
God has blessed me and my family with an abundance of faithful friends and family and the prayers that are lifted on our behalf are too wonderful to believe. God is faithful.
I am hopeful that, in God's time and according to His purposes, this burden will be completely lifted and all will be well. In the meantime, we adjust.
I thank you again for all your prayers and for your support.
Smelling the roses,
Steve
Some folks have missed some of the information concerning my current condition and I wanted to get everyone up to date on what is actually going on in my physical life.
I was diagnosed last year with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The condition remained relatively dormant, with a slow growth rate until recently when I began experiencing sharp pains in my abdomen, resulting in a trip to the hospital and a variety of tests. The concurring diagnoses were that my lymph nodes on both sides had grown to the point of applying significant pressure to nerve endings, resulting in the pain. The pain randomly fluctuates from a dull "pressure" to acute.
I have been receiving chemotherapy for the last 2-3 months, with the goals of reducing my white cell count back to normal and reversing the growth of the lymph nodes.
So far the pain remains; I will see the Doc next week to test my white cell counts.
While I have been blessed to not have any of the side effects of the treatment itself, I am experiencing general weakness and fatigue, some nausea, some loss of appetite (might be from the treatment, might be from the disease) and I must be cautious to avoid situations where I might pick up lingering bacteria, germs, viruses, etc.. This makes life interesting and I thank God for Purell, spray disinfectant and disinfectant wipes!
I am working, having to miss work sometimes due to extreme fatigue or pain, but for the most part life goes on, much more slowly than I like, but, it is what it is.
I am learning that this is not a life ending experience, but instead an opportunity to examine my life and to evaluate those things that have real purpose.
God has blessed me and my family with an abundance of faithful friends and family and the prayers that are lifted on our behalf are too wonderful to believe. God is faithful.
I am hopeful that, in God's time and according to His purposes, this burden will be completely lifted and all will be well. In the meantime, we adjust.
I thank you again for all your prayers and for your support.
Smelling the roses,
Steve
Monday, August 27, 2007
I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Psalm 23, A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Surely my cup overflows!
I have been blessed with an abundant life. I have a family, a home, a job, food to eat, clothes to wear and a roof over my head.
I have two hands, two feet, two eyes, two ears and a mind that may be fashioned to Christ's own!
I have this body, that while suffering wear and tear, is restored from time to time.
I have time and opportunity to serve. I have resources beyond measure to use for God's glory and to advance His kingdom on this earth.
I have heard the good news.
I have believed and received His great gift.
... and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Amen
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Surely my cup overflows!
I have been blessed with an abundant life. I have a family, a home, a job, food to eat, clothes to wear and a roof over my head.
I have two hands, two feet, two eyes, two ears and a mind that may be fashioned to Christ's own!
I have this body, that while suffering wear and tear, is restored from time to time.
I have time and opportunity to serve. I have resources beyond measure to use for God's glory and to advance His kingdom on this earth.
I have heard the good news.
I have believed and received His great gift.
... and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Amen
Monday, June 18, 2007
Funny how things churn .....
When I was in the Police Academy in '89, our instructer told us on the first day that as folks became aware that we carried a badge, 50% of our "friends" would stop being our friends. That mostly came true.
I found it interesting that when I became a follower of Jesus, a born again believer, the number of disappointed friends and family was a similar, if not greater percentage.
Mat 10:32-36 "Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.
Don't assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be the members of his household.
Jesus told us that would happen, but that knowledge doesn't always immediately lessen the pain of separation.
Pro 18:24 A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
The interesting thing is that I now have more friends and a MUCH larger family than I ever dreamed possible, and these friends and family, for the most part, can be counted on to BE THERE when life gets tough!
Rom 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
Funny how things churn .......
When I was in the Police Academy in '89, our instructer told us on the first day that as folks became aware that we carried a badge, 50% of our "friends" would stop being our friends. That mostly came true.
I found it interesting that when I became a follower of Jesus, a born again believer, the number of disappointed friends and family was a similar, if not greater percentage.
Mat 10:32-36 "Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.
Don't assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be the members of his household.
Jesus told us that would happen, but that knowledge doesn't always immediately lessen the pain of separation.
Pro 18:24 A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
The interesting thing is that I now have more friends and a MUCH larger family than I ever dreamed possible, and these friends and family, for the most part, can be counted on to BE THERE when life gets tough!
Rom 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
Funny how things churn .......
Monday, June 11, 2007
Rachel is baptized
What a thrill! On Sunday, June 3rd, 2007, I was priveleged to baptise my Rachel before the congregation at Grace Point Church! Wow!
I have had a few high points in my life and this one was spectacular! What an awesome honor to be able to participate in this moment in Rachels walk with our Lord!
Thank you Father, thank you Jesus and thank you Holy Spirit!
What a thrill! On Sunday, June 3rd, 2007, I was priveleged to baptise my Rachel before the congregation at Grace Point Church! Wow!
I have had a few high points in my life and this one was spectacular! What an awesome honor to be able to participate in this moment in Rachels walk with our Lord!
Thank you Father, thank you Jesus and thank you Holy Spirit!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Dear President Bush,
Don't give up; stand firm. You know what is right and this country needs you to stand up for what is right and good.
Our Father in heaven appointed and anointed you for such a time as this. No other person on the face of the earth has the anointing and no other person can accomplish what you, through our Lord's provision, are purposed to do.
Do not waver, do not falter.
We are praying for you and we will not stop as long as you "lay hold of the horns". We are proud of you and we love you.
Sincerely,
The Larson Family
Don't give up; stand firm. You know what is right and this country needs you to stand up for what is right and good.
Our Father in heaven appointed and anointed you for such a time as this. No other person on the face of the earth has the anointing and no other person can accomplish what you, through our Lord's provision, are purposed to do.
Do not waver, do not falter.
We are praying for you and we will not stop as long as you "lay hold of the horns". We are proud of you and we love you.
Sincerely,
The Larson Family
Saturday, May 05, 2007
What do you think?
Is an artists rendition of Jesus an idol? Is it, according to the scriptures, offensive to God?
Exo 20:4-6 (KJV) "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."
from Strong's Concordance:
H6459 - pesel - peh'-sel From H6458; an idol: - carved (graven) image.
H8544 - temu?na?h temu?na?h - tem-oo-naw', tem-oo-naw' - From H4327; something portioned (that is, fashioned) out, as a shape, that is, (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of favor): - image, likeness, similitude.
H834 - 'a?sher - ash-er' - A primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as adverb and conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.: - X after, X alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, + from whence, + how (-soever), X if, (so) that ([thing] which, wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where (+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, + whither (-soever), who (-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection.
H8064 - sha?mayim sha?meh - shaw-mah'-yim, shaw-meh' - The second form being dual of an unused singular; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve): - air, X astrologer, heaven (-s).
H776 - 'erets - eh'-rets - From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land): - X common, country, earth, field, ground, land, X nations, way, + wilderness, world.
Tentative Conclusion
The word usage seems to be prohibiting the creation of idols from created things for the express purpose of worship. Any other meaning would have to indicate that God does not want us to make a likeness of anything for any purpose!
The word used for heaven seems to indicate the expanse where the celestial objects hang, not the physical home of Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I do not believe that these scriptures indicate that God prohibits making a physical artist's conceptual likeness of Jesus for the purpose of reflection.
What do you think? Are Pictures of Jesus prohibited idols, according to the scriptures?
examples abound: Art and the Bible
Is an artists rendition of Jesus an idol? Is it, according to the scriptures, offensive to God?
Exo 20:4-6 (KJV) "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."
from Strong's Concordance:
H6459 - pesel - peh'-sel From H6458; an idol: - carved (graven) image.
H8544 - temu?na?h temu?na?h - tem-oo-naw', tem-oo-naw' - From H4327; something portioned (that is, fashioned) out, as a shape, that is, (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of favor): - image, likeness, similitude.
H834 - 'a?sher - ash-er' - A primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as adverb and conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.: - X after, X alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, + from whence, + how (-soever), X if, (so) that ([thing] which, wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where (+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, + whither (-soever), who (-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection.
H8064 - sha?mayim sha?meh - shaw-mah'-yim, shaw-meh' - The second form being dual of an unused singular; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve): - air, X astrologer, heaven (-s).
H776 - 'erets - eh'-rets - From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land): - X common, country, earth, field, ground, land, X nations, way, + wilderness, world.
Tentative Conclusion
The word usage seems to be prohibiting the creation of idols from created things for the express purpose of worship. Any other meaning would have to indicate that God does not want us to make a likeness of anything for any purpose!
The word used for heaven seems to indicate the expanse where the celestial objects hang, not the physical home of Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I do not believe that these scriptures indicate that God prohibits making a physical artist's conceptual likeness of Jesus for the purpose of reflection.
What do you think? Are Pictures of Jesus prohibited idols, according to the scriptures?
examples abound: Art and the Bible
Saturday, March 31, 2007
I was recently reading Matthew and noted that Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, taught certain personal characteristics He desires us to have. After compiling the list, I began a review of my own characteristics compared to the list and noted both blessings and discrepancies in my life. I challenge you to make the same comparisons for yourself.
from Matthew 5, 6 and 7
from Matthew 5, 6 and 7
- Humility - 5:3, 6:1-6
- Compassion - 5:4
- Gentleness, Meekness - 5:5
- God Minded - 5:6, 6:9-13, 6:19-21, 6:31-33
- Merciful - 5:7
- Honorable -- 5:8, 5:23-26, 5:37
- Peaceable - 5:9, 5:39-47
- Integrity, Steadfastness - 5:10-12, 6:24, 7:12-27
- Usefulness - 5:13-16
- Reconciling - 5:23-26
- Generosity - 5:42, 6:2-4
- Loving - 5:44
- Perfection (fully grown, mature, complete) - 5:48
- Forgiving - 6:12, 14-15
- Prayerful - 6:5, 7:7-11
- Disciplined - 6:16
- Calm - 6:25
- Trusting - 6:33
- Non-Judgmental (non-critical) - 7:1-5
- Fair - 7:12
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
On March 23rd I marked ten years with our Lord.
Ten years.
I am overflowing with things I would like to say in recognition of that but I can't seem to get them out right now. How has my life changed? What difference is marked in my life today compared to ten years ago? How did I get here and where did I come from?
For now, I would just like to say, "Thanks". Thanks to the faithful that prayed for me to be delivered from bondage, to be set free and to be set apart, in Jesus. Thanks for the many prayers that I believe lifted me high enough that I could finally see past the murk of my life and into the eyes of our Lord.
Thanks to our Lord Jesus for dying on the cross for me; for me!
Ten years.
I am overflowing with things I would like to say in recognition of that but I can't seem to get them out right now. How has my life changed? What difference is marked in my life today compared to ten years ago? How did I get here and where did I come from?
For now, I would just like to say, "Thanks". Thanks to the faithful that prayed for me to be delivered from bondage, to be set free and to be set apart, in Jesus. Thanks for the many prayers that I believe lifted me high enough that I could finally see past the murk of my life and into the eyes of our Lord.
Thanks to our Lord Jesus for dying on the cross for me; for me!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
My eyes hurt, its been a tearful day; cascading events have mingled tears of joy with tears of grief, at times separate and at others joined.
A courageous and inspiring young man sits at the feet of our Risen Lord and I rejoice that he is free from pain, grieving with his wonderful family and his many friends, missing him now and looking forward with great anticipation to that eventual reunion.
I rejoice at the beginnings of a renewal of a life of freedom in Jesus for a new found friend. I am thankful at his forgiving me for a wrong done.
Two friends involved in auto accidents remind us of the suddenness of our precarious perch on this earth and of the need to be ready at all times.
23 women exchanged their lives for a life with Jesus on Friday, and we watched as one more brother stepped into the baptismal font to make a public profession for Our Lord.
My wife loves me and forgives me for my many failures.
I watched tonight, for the second time, a movie called "Facing The Giants". Joy and sorrow clasp hands on a roller coaster ride of emotion as a man comes to the end of himself and commits himself to walking a God directed path. His journey, his decision to praise God with his life, to seek God with his actions, to relinquish his dreams to God's direction, will touch your heart in a way that I won't even attempt to describe. I encourage you to watch this movie as a family, watch it with a friend; make the time.
Life comes at us hard and plays by an unseen set of rules. We all must face giants, but with God, nothing is impossible.
I thank God that he allows us to slip and continues, without failing and without ceasing, to hold His hand out to pick us up and dust us off anew. I thank God, that while this journey will be rough and stormy at times, He will always be there to direct our next move, if we let Him. I thank God, that He has set me free, and that He reaches out to all the world with a continual offer of Life in Him.
A courageous and inspiring young man sits at the feet of our Risen Lord and I rejoice that he is free from pain, grieving with his wonderful family and his many friends, missing him now and looking forward with great anticipation to that eventual reunion.
I rejoice at the beginnings of a renewal of a life of freedom in Jesus for a new found friend. I am thankful at his forgiving me for a wrong done.
Two friends involved in auto accidents remind us of the suddenness of our precarious perch on this earth and of the need to be ready at all times.
23 women exchanged their lives for a life with Jesus on Friday, and we watched as one more brother stepped into the baptismal font to make a public profession for Our Lord.
My wife loves me and forgives me for my many failures.
I watched tonight, for the second time, a movie called "Facing The Giants". Joy and sorrow clasp hands on a roller coaster ride of emotion as a man comes to the end of himself and commits himself to walking a God directed path. His journey, his decision to praise God with his life, to seek God with his actions, to relinquish his dreams to God's direction, will touch your heart in a way that I won't even attempt to describe. I encourage you to watch this movie as a family, watch it with a friend; make the time.
Life comes at us hard and plays by an unseen set of rules. We all must face giants, but with God, nothing is impossible.
I thank God that he allows us to slip and continues, without failing and without ceasing, to hold His hand out to pick us up and dust us off anew. I thank God, that while this journey will be rough and stormy at times, He will always be there to direct our next move, if we let Him. I thank God, that He has set me free, and that He reaches out to all the world with a continual offer of Life in Him.
Monday, February 26, 2007
We Must "hate the sin but love the sinner".
I am overwhelmed with story after story headlining the many tales of insanity and persecution against Christians and Christian thought in this nation. We were told that this would happen so it should come as no surprise, but I must admit that the magnitude, the frequency and the consistency of the tide has got me reeling to a point.
The anti-moralist, anti-biblical indoctrination in the public school system continues to grow with no apparent cessation in sight. Entire cities (Philadelphia, Boston, etc.), once bedrocks of fundamental thought in this emerging nation, have become sanctuaries of decadence and anti-God philosophy (Rom 1:22-32). The entertainment media springing from once simple entertainment has become the reflection of America at its worst. Many "churched" children in our communities lean towards relativism because they do not see a reflection of Jesus in their homes and churches and they discount the Truth as desire.
How did we get here? I think mostly by looking the other way and failing to be watchful, and by so "partaking of the fruit" ourselves that we are timid to raise our voice. I think many who call themselves Christians are apathetic in their faith and have become ineffective in the spiritual war that is upon us. Many of us are simply not engaged, are "walking wounded".
I have spent a great amount of time over the past few years getting worked up about the events at hand, sending out emails, waving placards, pontificating from a variety of soap boxes and generally blowing in the wind. I have seen myself recently throwing stones at an increasing number of God's creations, waving my Bible but failing to use it as He intended it to be used. I am not saying that we should not be at hand in the battle, but we must be wise in our engagements and must filter our actions through God's Word.
What I need to be focused upon is prayer and doing the best I can at being the best that Jesus designed me to be.
I believe we need to see clearly what is happening in our communities around us and we need to join together in prayer and living testimony so that God may use our open hearts to open others. I believe we need to strive to be watchful and engage the enemy as God directs us. We need to focus on being useful to Him.
We need to be prayerful warriors and "suited up" at all times (Eph 6:10-11). We must be walking forward, eyes and ears fully open and our hands must be filled with the Sword of the Spirit. We must "hate the sin but love the sinner".
Before I rail next, I might look in the mirror and honestly consider whether I see Jesus looking back.
Pray. Witness. Engage. Teach. Re-present Jesus.
May God be watchful over you and your family,
Steve
I am overwhelmed with story after story headlining the many tales of insanity and persecution against Christians and Christian thought in this nation. We were told that this would happen so it should come as no surprise, but I must admit that the magnitude, the frequency and the consistency of the tide has got me reeling to a point.
The anti-moralist, anti-biblical indoctrination in the public school system continues to grow with no apparent cessation in sight. Entire cities (Philadelphia, Boston, etc.), once bedrocks of fundamental thought in this emerging nation, have become sanctuaries of decadence and anti-God philosophy (Rom 1:22-32). The entertainment media springing from once simple entertainment has become the reflection of America at its worst. Many "churched" children in our communities lean towards relativism because they do not see a reflection of Jesus in their homes and churches and they discount the Truth as desire.
How did we get here? I think mostly by looking the other way and failing to be watchful, and by so "partaking of the fruit" ourselves that we are timid to raise our voice. I think many who call themselves Christians are apathetic in their faith and have become ineffective in the spiritual war that is upon us. Many of us are simply not engaged, are "walking wounded".
I have spent a great amount of time over the past few years getting worked up about the events at hand, sending out emails, waving placards, pontificating from a variety of soap boxes and generally blowing in the wind. I have seen myself recently throwing stones at an increasing number of God's creations, waving my Bible but failing to use it as He intended it to be used. I am not saying that we should not be at hand in the battle, but we must be wise in our engagements and must filter our actions through God's Word.
What I need to be focused upon is prayer and doing the best I can at being the best that Jesus designed me to be.
I believe we need to see clearly what is happening in our communities around us and we need to join together in prayer and living testimony so that God may use our open hearts to open others. I believe we need to strive to be watchful and engage the enemy as God directs us. We need to focus on being useful to Him.
We need to be prayerful warriors and "suited up" at all times (Eph 6:10-11). We must be walking forward, eyes and ears fully open and our hands must be filled with the Sword of the Spirit. We must "hate the sin but love the sinner".
Before I rail next, I might look in the mirror and honestly consider whether I see Jesus looking back.
Pray. Witness. Engage. Teach. Re-present Jesus.
May God be watchful over you and your family,
Steve
Friday, February 23, 2007
We received a tremendous teaching on "Tithing" today and I was greatly moved. I know that a great many Believers out there do not believe that tithing is scriptural. I know that my finances started turning toward the better when I began to trust God (more than myself) with His resources several years ago and I'm not going to argue with success. I believe that we have a Biblical instruction to give the "firstfruits" of our rewards and, as for me and my house, we will continue to do so.
I Googled "tithe" and discovered that tithing, according to Google searches, is 23% mandated and 67% just plain wrong. (I ignored all the Roman Catholic sites and others that were seeking donations or sales and focused this analysis only on teaching sites and essays.)
I have found that when the house is stacking up against a tenant of God's Word, it's usually wise to take the leaner side! I'll keep tithing and I'll raise my family to do the same. I'll also keep studying the issue and I'll post the link here so that you can listen to the teaching and see what God places on your heart.
Grace Point Church: What the Bible Does and Does Not Say About Giving to God.
I Googled "tithe" and discovered that tithing, according to Google searches, is 23% mandated and 67% just plain wrong. (I ignored all the Roman Catholic sites and others that were seeking donations or sales and focused this analysis only on teaching sites and essays.)
I have found that when the house is stacking up against a tenant of God's Word, it's usually wise to take the leaner side! I'll keep tithing and I'll raise my family to do the same. I'll also keep studying the issue and I'll post the link here so that you can listen to the teaching and see what God places on your heart.
Grace Point Church: What the Bible Does and Does Not Say About Giving to God.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
I just heard about a new religious sighting, this time it's "Jesus In A Tree".
Sweet rolls that look like saints, tortillas with images of Jesus' dead mother, mold that looks like Jesus' face and now, "Tree's branches look like Jesus on the cross".
I do grieve for the empty faith that haunts these folks, the superstitions that rule their lives and the forlorn promises that generations of priests and religious leaders have cursed them with. I know, in their hearts, they must mean well with their adorations of molds, slime, bisquits, branches and stones. They are seeking so hard for a promise that eludes their grasp that they lose touch with the reality that is their life.
How I wish that each one of these seekers would just take a minute or two to look into the Bible and see that their freedom from this religious slavery has already been won, the price for their sin already paid, that which they seek so hard has already been found.
Man made religion and all it's trappings is a curse leading to death. Jesus, the REAL Jesus, died that we might have life abundant.
Seek Him, not a tree branch that looks like Him.
The miracle is in the book.
Sweet rolls that look like saints, tortillas with images of Jesus' dead mother, mold that looks like Jesus' face and now, "Tree's branches look like Jesus on the cross".
I do grieve for the empty faith that haunts these folks, the superstitions that rule their lives and the forlorn promises that generations of priests and religious leaders have cursed them with. I know, in their hearts, they must mean well with their adorations of molds, slime, bisquits, branches and stones. They are seeking so hard for a promise that eludes their grasp that they lose touch with the reality that is their life.
How I wish that each one of these seekers would just take a minute or two to look into the Bible and see that their freedom from this religious slavery has already been won, the price for their sin already paid, that which they seek so hard has already been found.
Man made religion and all it's trappings is a curse leading to death. Jesus, the REAL Jesus, died that we might have life abundant.
Seek Him, not a tree branch that looks like Him.
The miracle is in the book.
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