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Christians Can!

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Woman Admiring Sunset

What I heard as a church-going youth was what Christians can't do. If you were serious about being a Christ-follower, there were things you had to stop doing or never even try. For an example, at my church, we couldn't smoke, drink, dance, watch R-rated movies, do drugs, be sexually active, gamble or curse, for a start.

My focus was not on what Christians can do. But that is where the good news lies.

Sharing in Jesus’ Life

There are some things that those who share in Christ's life can do that others can't.

Personally encountering the Spirit who raised Jesus from the grave enables such believers to act in concert with God's order, displaying his unique grace. They can obey his commands out of a heart of love rather than fear. In fact, they can see that each of his commands is an invitation to express the life they now share with him. Commands become opportunities to experience the supernatural nature of eternal life in daily interactions.

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Some would have us believe that Christians have no greater grace to deny sinful passions and unconditionally love their neighbor than unbelievers. Such a belief will inevitably lead to a disappointing effort to practice a holy life, and it offers an excuse for slip-shod ethics on the part of the believer. It places too much hope in human virtue apart from the special grace of regeneration.

Only those born of the Spirit can see the kingdom of heaven. (John 3:3) Only Jesus has lived the human life as it was designed. Only as we share his life now by the Spirit can we hope to imitate him.

We Needed a Champion

Human life was deeply flawed by the sin of Adam. Out of the disorder of that condition comes all sorts of chaos and destruction. We cannot rely on the virtues of a race of people characterized by enmity with God and ignorant of his ways.

Humans cannot win the battle against evil in their own strength. We are continually being confronted by an enemy who already has the scalps of innocent Adam and chosen Israel hanging from his belt. There had to be a champion who could represent Adam's race and Israel's nation.

He was tempted like Adam in the garden and Israel in the wilderness, but faced down the devil's whole arsenal of temptations. He then defeated the devil personally by fulfilling justice, erasing sin's penalty, killing sin's tyranny, mocking death's threat, and ascending to the place of original human stewardship.

We have died, been raised, and established as God's human agents of mercy. Our identity comes from his story, not ours.

The devil is not a rival to God's authority nor that of his agents. He is an imposter claiming power that he has lost and seeking to intimidate the children of God.

Let’s Do What We Can

Because we are his agents on earth, we shall be tempted by the cosmic enemy, but we do not identify ourselves by our temptations, not matter how insistent they are. We will be fed lies about our identity, our victimization and our value, but we have exchanged our personal story for his.

We have died, been raised, and established as God's human agents of mercy. Our identity comes from his story, not ours. We can admit our vulnerabilities, confess our sins, forsake our patterns of unbelief. We can forgive another from the heart. We can love as God loves. We can fulfill the law of Christ by bearing the burdens of others. We can rejoice at all times. We can give thanks in all things. We can prefer others above ourselves. We can please our Father as we humbly walk by faith.

Christians can. Let's do what we can do.

I Need Help

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Praying on Mountian

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." -- Psalms 121:1-2

We all need help. Some are aware of it and others trudge on as if they are completely sufficient for every possibility. Those who are aware are faced with where they will look for help. The crowd of Israelites marching to Jerusalem to worship sang the song as recorded in Psalm 121. While it was common for people of that time to believe that their gods ruled from the majestic mountains that towered above everything, the people of Jehovah trusted the God who made the mountains.

He is not our maid who does what we demand. He is our Father who hears our cry and acts in our behalf in the best way at the best time.

He does not compete with the imagined gods of other religions. He is in a class byHhimself. He alone created all things. He alone governs what He created. He has a name. He is the God who made covenant with Israel. By His own initiative, He has assumed responsibility to be a Father to them. Without His watchful care, they will surely stumble and fall. He alone can establish them as secure. The song says, "He will not let your foot be moved." Israel can stand their ground because of the commitment of their God.

He is not a projection of human imagination -- a bigger version of man. He does not sleep. His care is perpetual. He provides shade from the rigors of the sun's heat, and protection from the mysterious influences of the moon and planets. He rules the day and the night. He ensures the sustainability of His people's faith. He watches them as they come and go. He is their God, and He cares about every detail of their lives.

A New Covenant Cry for Help

As we New Testament believers sing the song, we have further understanding of this dynamic. We cry for help from the One who not only made a covenant but ratified it by fulfilling the conditions we could never fulfill.

Jesus as our covenant mediator has kept covenant with the Father, and we are blessed with the fulfilled promise made to the obedient. We have no reason to look anywhere else for our help. He is our God and He cares for us. All the resources in creation are at His disposal to be used as He directs. We can stop looking to the gods that our culture has adopted for our help. We have a helper who waits for our call.

He is not our maid who does what we demand; He is our Father who hears our cry and acts in our behalf in the best way at the best time. If you are ready to admit you need help, look beyond the mountains to the creator and Father, and call.

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Floods Of Rest

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An obsession with right and wrong had stolen my liberation most of my life. I wanted badly to get it right. It being my theology, my life, my character, my family, everything. But I got confusion and frustration and like parched earth on a hot Texas summer it starved my soul of the pure clean living water that was mine.

It was a drought of receiving and giving the love that so desperately wanted to flow. But slowly, the dam broke. Not like a thunderstorm, but like a still small voice saying, “It Is Finished” you can stop now and rest.

Let the water flow by letting go of right and resting now, because, I Am. I am your right, I am their right, I Am. And out of my belly flows rivers of living water. Floods of restful being, washing every part. I will never thirst again.

Wynema Clark 12/22/2018

Is Santa Claus Our Projection of The Messiah?

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Shopping Mall Santa

I earned some extra Christmas money during college days as I worked as a shopping-mall-Santa. It was good money, but it almost ruined the Christmas season for me. You can only listen to Christmas mall music so long, before you fall on the sword. And of course, there were the children who got so excited they couldn't control their bladder while sitting on my knee. It took a few years, but the joy of the season revived. I love the music, laughter, smiles, giving, and Santa.

I don't want to ruin the Santa experience for children, but it does bother me that many adults have not made the distinction between Santa and Jesus. I fear that the most common concept of Jesus is closer to Santa than to the Jesus who appears on the pages of the New Testament.

Jesus and Santa Claus

He was God who came as a human to give himself to rescue us from the bondage of the tri-fold tyranny of sin, self and Satan. He is not keeping a list of who is naughty or nice. We are all naughtier than we know. He doesn't reward the nice with gifts while leaving black coal in the stockings of the rest. Only the fully obedient gets the reward. Jesus, as a human, did that.

He doesn't just come to town periodically to judge and dispense gifts. He came to live with us in intimate fashion, 24/7. In fact, he made his people living stones in his permanent temple on earth.

He doesn't just consider our wish list with care. He gives us what we need -- even when we don't know it. His list of prepared gifts is astounding. We would settle for some temporal toys, while he brings eternal life with all its benefits.

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In an effort to be inclusive and inoffensive, Christians have quietly succumbed to a secularized Christmas. Santa typifies our concept of God as mythical, transactional (If we offer our goodness, he gives his gifts), and useful for the naive. The radical act of God becoming man is too much to comprehend. And after all, Santa usually ignores the "list" and gives good things to all who want a gift. So, God must not really be serious about our aligning with his design for living.

Surely we are not so naughty as to need a Savior to die in our stead. That is too bloody and violent. If he exists at all, he must just offer advice on how to be better people.

The Real Message of Christmas

The real message of Christmas is earthshaking. It is no wonder that the wise men traveled, the shepherds were amazed, and the angels sang. Santa is a laughable myth we can enjoy for a few days. Jesus is the Lord of all who gives us the Spirit that raised him from the dead and grants us joy forever.

Santa comes to town once a year. Jesus came to earth once, and nothing has been the same since. We can wink at Santa, but we worship when we see Jesus. And we don't have to wait until he comes again.

We Have a Gratitude Deficit

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Temper Tantrum

Alarms are sounding all over in our society. It seems that every interest group is touting their version of the biggest crisis ever. Sadly, we become numb to so many alarms and drift off to sleep even though the noise is deafening.

I think I am detecting a crisis that may be at the root of most, if not all, the others. We are frustrated, lonely, disoriented, and depressed because of the lack of gratitude. Before you stop reading, hear me out. If I'm right, there is a solution. If it is more complicated than this, the hope for surviving the crisis is dim.

Content to Remain Victims

We are competing for the prize of who has been most victimized. Identifying with segments of society that have felt oppression, real or imagined, gives us a voice to demand attention.

While all segments may have been oppressed in one way or another, there are clearly groups that have experienced more injustice than others. In all cases, it is shocking to discover that we have so little control over what happens to us, but that we have a choice in how we respond. When we are content to remain victims and project that as our identity, certain dynamics kick into gear.

We can easily justify personal vengeance. We can even promote violence toward the perceived oppressor. We adopt an entitlement mentality demanding that our personal demands be met regardless of what it might cost others. Believing that our voice has not been heard sufficiently, we can justify shutting down all other voices. We don't want to discuss issues but vilify anyone who disagrees. We become disoriented as to truth and functional relationships because we have focused on ourselves. We stagger like a child trying to walk a crooked path while looking only at her shoes. We long to be with people but are afraid to interact with them for fear that their views might make us feel unsafe. We gather in the crowded coffee shop with earbuds so we can be lonely together.

It was ingratitude that started this crisis.

Denied Design

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." (Romans 1:21)

With no design, we have been at a loss to figure out how creation works. No wonder we wander.

This text is in the apostle Paul's explanation of why the gospel is needed by everyone. He explains that God made himself known in creation and conscience enough for humans to recognize him as God the creator and designer. But, in blind rebellion, we as a race chose to disregard him as such and refused to give thanks. That is, we refused to acknowledge that we are always the recipients, and never the source. Such a choice left the whole race alienated from God, incapable of making life work.

Without acknowledging the designer, we denied the design. With no design, we have been at a loss to figure out how creation works. In our disorientation, we have confused creation and creator, male and female, animals and humans, as well as truth and deception. No wonder we wander.

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With no God to guide according to a design, and no source to trust for our needs, we become gods -- but very small ones. We conclude that we are the only hope for addressing the problems of society and promote ourselves as saviors.

We are besought with what Nietzsche called "the will to power." We want desperately to be in control and will do remarkably bizarre things to achieve it. And even more desperate things to keep it.

It is such a tenuous grasp, however, since there is no truth beyond what we can discover for ourselves. We feel alone in the universe, and in our best moments, we tremble at how little we are in charge. Having very little to say, we scream, hoping the volume will cover the shallowness of our words.

The Fruit of Ingratitude

It is not hard to spot the symptoms of ingratitude.

It is reflected in disrespect for parents and parentage. Those who mock their parents and the ideal of parenting will suffer the lack of a secure identity. They will find respect difficult to give and receive.

It is also seen in the general disregard for authority. Structures like government, church, and family are considered outdated and malicious tools of historical oppression. The Bible is mocked or ignored by many who still contend they are Christians. It is their opinion supported by selective science that holds sway in personal decision-making. This leads to rampant dereliction of duty.

Ingratitude only focuses on what's for me. We don't even pay what we owe to those who teach us, protect us, and guide us.

There is disdain for paying taxes though we demand the government provide every comfort we demand. We demand that those who have more should divest themselves and equalize provision. Churches should fulfill our religious needs, but we should not be expected to participate in the upkeep of the ministries. Charities should help the poor, sick and afflicted, but someone else should fund them. Children should be educated, but teachers should be willing to sacrifice to get that done, without our help.

Ingratitude only focuses on what's for me. We don't even pay what we owe to those who teach us, protect us, and guide us. It produces a society of derelicts.

It is Time to Give Thanks

Is the answer, then, for us to just say thank you periodically? That is a good idea, but we all know how hypocritical we feel when we say thank you, and we really don't mean it. Like children at a birthday party being told to say thank you for their gifts when they are disappointed in what they were given, "thank you" is hollow.

Consider this. Jesus has shared his life with us. After his crucifixion and resurrection, he ascended to the right hand of the Father and sent the same Spirit who had filled him in his life and raised him in his death, to live in his people. Though he was the Son of God, he spent his life in gratitude to the Father for everything he had. He respected the authorities of his culture even though they were not perfectly reflecting the authority of heaven. He paid his taxes to the temple and to the government. He has given his life to us to enjoy now.

It is time to give thanks -- as a lifestyle. To do anything else is to live in delusion.

We have been given the same access to the Father that he had. We are loved by the same love that Jesus knew. We have been given his name to use against the powers that seek to destroy. We are the eternal recipients of a grace that supplies every need we shall ever have. We have his presence, his provision, his protection, and even participation, in his glorious mission on earth.

It is time to give thanks -- as a lifestyle. To do anything else is to live in delusion. He is God. He has given. We are his people. We have received. Such gratitude to God releases us to be grateful to all others who are his channels of grace.

"Be filled with the Spirit...giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:18, 20)

A New Kind of Strength

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Boy Flexing Muscles

Our two-year-old grandson likes to flex his biceps and boast to me of how strong he is. He is a picture of the desires we all have. We would like to be strong in every area. It is our weaknesses that scare us. We instinctively try to hide or at least cover our vulnerability.

The problem lies in the true definition of strength. For many it is more like bullying and intimidating. The room gets awfully noisy when everyone is boasting of their own strength.

Jesus offers a new model of strength. To those who didn't get it, he looked like a victim, but he demonstrated what being strong is all about when he defeated death and ascended to rule over all.

Strength That’s Available to You

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Corinth describing the new kind of strength found in the shared life of the resurrected Jesus. It is known as Second Corinthians. He uses five illustrations to get his point across. First, in the introduction he mentions that God has used the weaknesses of his servants as an opportunity to give them a kind of comfort that is beyond human capability.

"Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:4)

They don't need to see how strong we are in ourselves. That only discourages them since they aren’t us. They need to know of a strength (comfort) that is available to them.

Since we are his image bearers, we are privileged to reflect a level of strength that is only made evident when we are weak in ourselves. We must get comfortable identifying what looks like weakness as strength. When we are weak he is strong. This gives hope to others who are weak and helpless. They don't need to see how strong we are in ourselves. That only discourages them since they aren't us. They need to know of a strength (comfort) that is available to them.

Captive for Christ

Second, he describes us as captives who emit an aroma of victory.

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere." (2 Corinthians 2:14)

The picture is of a conquering general leading his army, and the captives of his victory, through the streets of his city. To mask the smell of war, the air is filled with pleasant smells of perfume. The captives become a part of the parade. Paul is saying that we have been captured by the Lord and have no rights to demand. But we are made into his sons and enlisted in his mission to spread the aroma of hope to the whole world. We must get accustomed to being his captive. It is how we rule.

Shining God’s Light

Third, he describes us as earthen vessels that contain the treasure of his life. When we are broken in the presence of a world of death and darkness, his glory gets out.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (2 Corinthians 4:7)

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We should not be surprised to learn that we are led into places of affliction and suffering. Just as it was with Jesus on earth, we live for the sole purpose of extending his influence. We do not lose heart, because we are not measuring things the way the temporal world does. Like Stephen, we might get stoned while some unsuspecting "Saul" is watching -- and is later converted by the same light and life he saw on Stephen's face.

Refusing to Bring Reproach on the Gospel

Fourth, he says that we are only limited in our freedom by the desire to promote a clear gospel to those around.

"We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities.” (2 Corinthians 6:4)

Since we don't live to please ourselves, we refuse to bring reproach on the gospel by anything we might do to distract others from the pure truth of God's word.

Rejoicing in Weakness

Fifth, he declares that boasting on our part should be about our weaknesses rather than our strengths. This is after Paul had prayed that his thorn in the flesh would be removed. He knew God to be good, powerful and interested. So, he prayed for deliverance from some debilitating circumstance. God answered that his strength is magnified in Paul's weakness.

"If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." (2 Corinthians 11:30)

Comparing our afflictions and weaknesses to glory is an eye opener. Afflictions are light and momentary. Glory is forever.

God does deliver us from all kinds of trouble. Sometimes he transforms the trouble by supplying more grace than the trouble can supply pain. After all, it is his grace that we want magnified, not our personal ease.

There is peace through strength -- when the strength comes from overwhelming grace. It is worth getting accustomed to. It is our calling. There is an entire eternity to enjoy the glory that shall be revealed. Comparing our afflictions and weaknesses to such glory is an eye opener. Afflictions are light and momentary. Glory is forever.

Who Cares?

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My husband and I are blessed to own a great house in SA. We live in that house, pay for it and hire out repairs (we aren’t real good at that stuff) and care for the upkeep of it. If there is painting that needs to be done or a lawn that needs to be mowed Jeremy and I don’t blame the house, how silly would that be, we simply take care of it. We may rearrange things at times, remove walls or update the light fixtures. But that’s up to us not the house.

The verses below all say that you are God’s house. If you are God’s house what does that say about whose in charge of your care. You can rest in that! I just think about that and it gets my mojo goin!

Hebrews 3; 2 Corinthians 6;

1 Corinthians 6; Acts 7 & 17 1 Corinthians 3

Am I a Bigot?

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Holding Worn Bible Sunlight Reverence - 900

The guy in the t-shirt promoting abortion, the sexual revolution, social victimization, and open borders said that I was a misogynist, legalist, and racial bigot because I did not agree with his t-shirt. Am I?

Honestly, I felt the arrow. Maybe I harbor hidden bias. Perhaps I don't love the world as Jesus does. Then I remembered some verses from the apostle John that give perspective.

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. -- 1 John 3:18-19 (ESV)

Our own hearts are not infallible in evaluating our standing in righteousness. God is greater than our hearts. He knows everything. His verdict is the one that matters. (Now, there is a t-shirt for Christians: God's verdict matters.)

What Does Love Look Like?

What does it mean to love the world? Well, we know God does. What does his love look like?

First, he didn't allow the world to define love or what was needed. He looked beyond the deceptive thoughts of people bound in sin, and blind to true beauty, and gave the only gift that would free us and restore the glory of humans. He gave to meet the needs we had misidentified, so we could enjoy a greater liberty than we could imagine.

In order to prove my love, do I have to agree with everyone? It would be anything but authentic love to promote what I believe is destructive.

Second, he gave himself at great cost. It wasn't just a theory he was promoting. He didn't give a new ideology or fresh idea on how to structure society. He came into our dilemma and accepted the eternal consequences of our condition so that we could enter his condition as righteous before God.

Third, he loved us as people. Each of us has a unique story of need, though we share a common alienation from God because of sin. Jesus doesn't deal with us as a subset of society classified by our ethnicity, sex, or social standing. He loves persons!

Authentic Love

Someone asked me if my biblical worldview prevented my loving the LGBTQ community. Instead, it compels me to love the people who may identify or be classified by those letters.

I know and love many people who have been classified in this subset -- and I am eager and willing to love many more. I am just not sure what loving a subset of society means. In order to prove my love, do I have to agree with the particular agenda of that subset? It would be anything but authentic love to promote what I believe is destructive. If Jesus had loved like that, he would have abandoned us to our own wishes, consigning us to the misery of self-delusion forever. I can respect their right to believe without affirming their belief to be right.

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Jesus' love was expressed in that while we were yet bound in deception and ignorant of our desperate condition, he did what was necessary to set us free. (See Romans 5:8.) Love is costly, and it expresses itself in actions. It cares more for the condition of another than for our own comfort and ease. (See 1 Corinthians 13.)

If I listen to the angry voices telling me who I am, I will either shrink from being real, or I will strike back and lose my sense of peace. Either way, I will be weak and cowardly. Confidence comes from knowing God's verdict and accepting it as final. That frees me to see any person as created in the image of God, valuable and worth loving. It also releases me to hear God, my Father when he lovingly tells me that I have hidden bias he wants to eliminate. I like being loved like that, and I want that for everyone.

Christianity Works Only in Its Most Radical Form

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Man carrying Cross Walking Christianity Devout Serious - 900

After 30 excruciating minutes of expressing deep frustration with his personal life, Peter confessed, "I gave up on Christianity during college days. It just didn't work." He went on to describe how hard he tried to stay inside the moral boundaries as outlined in the teaching of the Christian church he attended, but never could. In an effort to be authentic, he decided to abandon the standards and live like most of his friends.

Peter is an example of the thousands of former churchgoers who now identify on religious surveys as "nones."  The now have no affiliation with a church. Some wear that identity as a badge of freedom from religion.

A Broken Form of Christianity

It is now coming to light that the form of Christianity that has been promoted for several generations is not the form that Jesus taught and lived. From the Roman Catholic's sex abuse scandal to the slowly dying Protestant congregations, to the garish consumer-driven spectacle affecting Evangelicalism, the evidence seems to suggest that something isn't working.

Spiritual Readiness Logo - 400

Disciples like those who brought transformation to cultures in the early days of the church are few today -- and rarely noticed by the church culture. The model disciple today seems more interested in gaining and maintaining relevance to the culture, rather than offering an alternative to the steady march toward meaninglessness.

The agenda of secular society is gaining momentum while we Christians try not to be perceived as contrarians. We must not offend. We must not confront. We must lose or ignore our convictions. We must change our core beliefs. All the while, millions are fraught with life-destroying addictions, dysfunctional relationships, and twisted identities.

Only Full Abandonment Satisfies

When the popular brand of Christianity eliminated the power of transformation from its core, multitudes were doomed to live in their spiritually defective condition with nothing stronger than willpower to confront their afflictions. It is no wonder we have normalized behavior that is prohibited by both Scripture and common sense. If we can't change, we must adapt. We now call that progress.

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Early Christianity offered radically changed lives, as evidenced by the apostle Paul's comments:

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

-- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV)

The early church was not a gathering of good people trying to be better. They were captivated by the One who was raised from the dead. They had been transformed by him.

But radical Christianity is not just for the extreme outcast of society. Even regular church attendees are often beset by disappointment with their level of spirituality. They are discovering that a partial buy-in cheats the seeker. Any hold-back denies the bounty of grace. Only full abandonment to God's love satisfies the yearning of the human soul, which was designed to be loved fully.

Living By the Spirit

Jesus describes a life far beyond external standards and man's ability to achieve them. He spoke of forgiving your enemies. Turning your cheek to insults. Eliminating hatred, anger, lust, greed and vengeance. He described disciples as lights in the darkness, salt in society, and houses built on a foundation that no storm can topple.

He commanded people to do things they couldn't so he could do those things for them and through them. "Stretch forth your hand," he commanded a man with a withered hand. "Lazarus come forth," he said to a dead man. Later, his apostles followed suit, giving instructions that can only be obeyed by those born of the same Spirit that raised Jesus from death. "Love without hypocrisy," "outdo one another in showing honor," "bless those who persecute you," "live in harmony with one another." The implication is that when a Christian does these things, it is coming out of his new life -- the one he shares with Jesus by means of the indwelling Spirit.

Those who are born of the Spirit are infused with a radical love that demonstrates a radical alternative kingdom.

These displays of love have death-defying power in them. This kind of love cannot be defeated. It annihilates hate. It exterminates fear. It will not stop at the edge of human hardness. It will still be reigning when all the ideologies of history lie bankrupt in the pit of shame.

It Took a Radical Act of God to Redeem Us

The form of Christianity that settles for theological propositions, transcendent principles, altruistic projects, and moralistic practices doesn't work!

It took a radical act of God to redeem us. It required a costly death, a miraculous resurrection, and a glorious ascension. Nothing short of that would have solved our problem. The radical act of grace demands a radical response of faith. God's grace toward us does not produce a half-hearted moralist who is trying to get better. Those who are born of the Spirit are infused with a radical love that demonstrates a radical alternative kingdom.

Our world desperately needs the hope that comes from the One who offers his life now and forever. 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cookbook fashion fitness health magazine news sports Streetfashion travel art fashion health music photography sports Therecipe tourism travel Fitnessequipment fitness nutrition Nutritiousfood routine training video Yoga Classiccars evaluation technique transact business Fashionmagazine Fashionshow Femalemodels fitness health lifestyle Smalltools Therecipe travel animation car games Motorcar movies music news Scienceandtechnology tutorial catering health Loseweight outdoors Reduceweight science stretch training Abadgil appetite attitude movies rendezvous sex toys business fashion fitness health lifestyle news Smalltools Streetfashion Therecipe travel hygiene industry invest markets medical Motorcar Realestate technique Fitnessequipment fitness Nutritiousfood routine training video Yoga art fashion health music photography sports Therecipe tourism travel hygiene industry invest markets medical Motorcar Realestate technique animation car games Motorcar movies music news Scienceandtechnology tutorial business cookbook fashion fitness health magazine news sports Streetfashion travel Bigdata business Fashionshow fitness health lifestyle Smalltools Therecipe Abadgirl appetite attitude movies rendezvous sex toys catering health outdoors Reduceweight science stretch training business cookbook fashion fitness health magazine news sports Streetfashion travel art fashion health music photography sports Therecipe tourism travel Fitnessequipment fitness nutrition Nutritiousfood routine training video Yoga Classiccars evaluation technique transact business Fashionmagazine Fashionshow Femalemodels fitness health lifestyle Smalltools Therecipe travel animation car games Motorcar movies music news Scienceandtechnology tutorial catering health Loseweight outdoors Reduceweight science stretch training Abadgirl appetite attitude movies rendezvous sex toys business fashion fitness health lifestyle news Smalltools Streetfashion Therecipe travel hygiene industry invest markets medical Motorcar Realestate technique Fitnessequipment fitness Nutritiousfood routine training video Yoga art fashion health music photography sports Therecipe tourism travel hygiene industry invest markets medical Motorcar Realestate technique animation car games Motorcar movies music news Scienceandtechnology tutorial business cookbook fashion fitness health magazine news sports Streetfashion travel Bigdata business Fashionshow fitness health lifestyle Smalltools Therecipe Abadgirl appetite attitude movies rendezvous sex toys catering health outdoors Reduceweight science stretch training business cookbook fashion fitness health magazine news sports Streetfashion travel art fashion health music photography sports Therecipe tourism travel Fitnessequipment fitness nutrition Nutritiousfood routine training video Yoga Classiccars evaluation technique transact business Fashionmagazine Fashionshow Femalemodels fitness health lifestyle Smalltools Therecipe travel animation car games Motorcar movies music news Scienceandtechnology tutorial catering health Loseweight outdoors Reduceweight science stretch training Abadgirl appetite attitude movies rendezvous sex toys business fashion fitness health lifestyle news Smalltools Streetfashion Therecipe travel hygiene industry invest markets medical Motorcar Realestate technique Fitnessequipment fitness Nutritiousfood routine training video Yoga art fashion health music photography sports Therecipe tourism travel hygiene industry invest markets medical Motorcar Realestate technique animation car games Motorcar movies music news Scienceandtechnology tutorial business cookbook fashion fitness health magazine news sports Streetfashion travel Bigdata business Fashionshow fitness health lifestyle Smalltools Therecipe Abadgirl appetite attitude movies rendezvous sex toys Fitnessequipment fitness Nutritiousfood routine training video Yoga art fashion health music photography sports Therecipe tourism travel hygiene industry invest markets medical Motorcar Realestate technique animation car games Motorcar movies music news Scienceandtechnology tutorial business cookbook fashion fitness health magazine news sports Streetfashion travel Bigdata business Fashionshow fitness health lifestyle Smalltools Therecipe Abadgirl appetite attitude movies rendezvous sex toys catering health outdoors Reduceweight science stretch training business cookbook fashion fitness health magazine news sports Streetfashion travel art fashion health music photography sports Therecipe tourism travel Fitnessequipment fitness nutrition Nutritiousfood routine training video Yoga Classiccars evaluation technique transact business Fashionmagazine Fashionshow Femalemodels fitness health lifestyle Smalltools Therecipe travel animation car games Motorcar movies music news Scienceandtechnology tutorial catering health Loseweight outdoors Reduceweight science stretch training Abadgirl appetite attitude movies rendezvous sex toys

Lessons From Elijah on Depression

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Elijah and the Prophets of baal

Considering all the reports about the plague of depression affecting all ages in our society, we are looking for some answers. We just finished up a two-week training course for young men ages 16-25. I was amazed that so many of them describe depression and anxiety as a significant problem for them and their peer group. There is no age group immune to this growing angst. Maybe we can find some help from an incident recorded in Scripture. It is found in 1 Kings 18-19.

In summary, Israel was in rebellion against God and the prophets of Baal were influencing the society in destructive ways. Elijah forced a confrontation with them by challenging them to a god-contest. The god that would answer by sending fire on the altar would be the winner. The Baal prophets went first and spent hours begging their god to respond. Nothing happened. Then Elijah built an altar and even poured water on it and around it. When he prayed, the God of Israel answered by consuming the whole thing, water and all. Israel responded by declaring that Jehovah was the true God after all. The prophets of Baal were slain, and Elijah took off for the capital city. He was pumped by the victory on Mt. Carmel.

But then he learned that Jezebel, the wife of the weakling king Ahab, had put out a contract on his life. This time, instead of running with the favor of God upon him, he ran in fear deep into the desert. He knew he didn't have the right to kill himself, but he begged God to take his life. He was exhausted, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. All the color had faded from his vision. His hope was very dim.

God’s Response to Depression

It is here that we learn of God's approach to this condition.

Your value is inestimable. We need you. Jezebel is not the final word. Her threats are empty.

First, he met Elijah's physical needs. An angel of the Lord baked him bread and provided fresh water. He encouraged him to sleep. We are beings with bodies. We aren't just souls or spirits. Sometimes we must address the physical aspects of our life. Sometimes nourishment and sleep are needed more than going to another church meeting. Of course, there are those who think the physical is all that matters and would treat such exhaustion with chemicals only. Their personal worldview does not allow for us being more than body and mind.

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Second, God met Elijah's psychological need. The angel touched him and talked to him. We are unique beings that include a psychological makeup that needs care. A touch from a friend is a healing balm for one experiencing isolation. We thank God for those skilled in listening and drawing us out of our darkness. But, we are more than minds and feelings.

Third, God met Elijah's spiritual needs. All the talk in the world will not meet the needs that lie behind the psychological. We are spiritual beings. We thrive on truth. When lies have lodged in our minds and doubts have captured our hearts, we need an encounter with the living truth who loves unconditionally.

Hearing the Gentle Voice of God

Being energized by the help of the angel of the Lord, Elijah went down to Mt. Horeb and entered a cave. This is Mt. Sinai, where Moses had met with God. Some say that the cave that Elijah entered was the same as the one Moses was in when God passed by and showed him his goodness. (See Exodus 34.)

Elijah was looking for God. He had seen God do mighty things in the Baal contest, but things had gone wrong since then. Jezebel was not supposed to have happened. Why would God let this wicked woman cause such turmoil? Maybe Elijah had tried putting God in his own mental box. He needed to see the true majesty of God. He can't be bribed with our obedience, coerced by our passion, or contained in our imagination. He can reveal himself in the might of the wind, the terror of an earthquake, or the awe of fire, but he is not limited to those.

God repeatedly asked Elijah what he was doing there. It wasn't because God needed the information. Elijah needed to face his disappointment and hear the gentle voice of God telling him to get on with his assignment. God can't be boxed. He refuses to be bribed. But he is willing to work with his weak and wounded children without rebuke or rejection.

Give God the Final Word

Depression is serious. We grieve over lives lost because people gave up hope. There can be many influences that push us there. We must not be embarrassed to acknowledge that we are physical, psychological, spiritual beings that need help. We aren't designed to make it without each other, and certainly not without God. God cares for the whole person. He has angels, both human and spiritual that can help. Please don't give up.

The cave is an excellent place to encounter God's grace, but he will send you out of it to complete your assignment. Your value is inestimable. We need you. Jezebel is not the final word. Her threats are empty. God's word, revealing himself to you, is life-giving and eternal. Listen for the gentle voice of God.   

God is Building His Church. Just Keep the Light On

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Church Lights at Night

When I left my little country church and went off to the university to prepare for my calling as a minister, I felt a little intimidated by those who came from larger churches with more sophisticated ministries. After all, there wasn't much in the way of entertaining church services at my church.

Mr. Jack would lead the congregational singing, but many of the hymns seemed to drag unnecessarily. Mrs. Mildred would play the piano in a kind of staccato style. The same deacons took up the offering every Sunday. The pastor was in training at a Bible school and came to the church field only on weekends. Well, you get the picture. I was tempted to be embarrassed by my church.

But, we must remember that God has not made provision for a plan B. It is his Church, and he is committed to its success.

God is Building His Church

It seems there are many today who embarrassed by the Church. It takes a beating in the media, which is to be expected, but it also is being dismissed by its own. Some are even demanding it catch up with the culture as if the culture were the norm for truth and morality.

It is easy to find things wrong with churches and even the Church at large. After all, it is made up of humans who have confessed to being sinners and needy of God's grace. The Lord we worship is perfect, but all the rest of us are in-process, discovering more of his love and being transformed at different paces.

But, we must remember that God has not made provision for a plan B. It is his Church, and he is committed to its success. He is building it. When all other social structures have fallen, it will still be standing.

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Keep the Light On

Here's the rest of the story (as Paul Harvey used to say). It was a Wednesday night prayer meeting at my country church. The usual 15-20 people were there. The same folks were praying similar prayers. A visitor slipped in. Of course, in such a small, tight-knit group, he stood out. You could see whispers during the prayer meeting as members were asking each other who it might be.

Finally, just before the benediction, he stood and asked if he could say something.

You don't know me, but I am a traveling salesman. My route brings me by this church on Wednesdays twice a month, on my way to Atlanta. I have been doing this for most of twenty years. I did not go to church as a boy and have not seen the need for whatever churches do. But, I always noticed that regardless of the weather there was a light on here. I have been by on cold rainy nights when only three cars were parked, but your light was on, and you were here.

I've had some hard times lately, and in the middle of it all, I have come to know Jesus as my Savior and Lord. One of the reasons I could never fully dismiss the reality of God was my memory of this church and the light always being on. Thank you.

Not perfect. Not sophisticated. Not highly trained. Not entertaining. But they kept the light on. So, will the Church of the living God.

Scratching the Adam Itch

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Man Itching Arm

Recently, I have been bothered by a foot fungus like Ring Worm. It seriously itches! Finally, I consulted with a doctor and progress is being made. Also, I have learned something about an itch. It begs to be scratched, and it feels so good at the time -- but it doesn't help the cure. I first heard the term, "Adam's Itch" from Alan Bias when he was referring to our tendency to gravitate toward the Law rather than the Spirit.

Since the shame of the Garden of Eden, humans have sought to regain glory by striving to live up to a standard of acceptance. That is what the apostle Paul called "flesh." It is futile and egregious.

For the mind set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. -- Romans 8:7 (ESV)

It reveals a blindness to the depth of sin and gives rise to efforts to make up for our wrongs. Sin is much more than a violation of a standard. It is the choice to yield to the mastery of evil. We continue to sin because we are slaves to the evil power behind it. The existence of the Law is not sufficient to overcome it.

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. -- Romans 7:15-17 (ESV)

As I referenced earlier, an itch begs to be scratched. The Adam Itch is no different.

The Adam Itch

The tendency to rely on human efforts to qualify for blessings also reveals a misunderstanding about relating to God on the basis of Covenant. The "If you will obey, I will bless" concept from the Old Covenant is undoubtedly true. God cannot bless disobedience. If we either deny his order in life or ignore it, we will move into disorder. But obedience must be complete.

When it was evident that God's vessels of mercy couldn't fully obey, God instituted another covenant in which Jesus as our representative obeyed and received all the blessings of the fulfilled covenant. We are blessed in him alone. Our efforts to gain personal blessings apart from trusting him are dead works.

As I referenced earlier, an itch begs to be scratched. The Adam Itch is no different. People like to hear formulas for success based on something we can do. We love doing more and trying harder. We rush to listen to the newest sales pitch about how to get God's favor by practicing a new approach to obedience.

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The Fast God Has Chosen

One of the texts that many use as a formula for success is Isaiah 58. It addresses the people of Israel as they are practicing their worship activities with vigor. They are scrupulously doing what the instructions said regarding temple worship, including fasting and praying for guidance for their own direction. Yet, God is not responding.

They are perplexed. They have pulled the lever of religious obedience, and he is not delivering the expected blessings. They are practicing "Israel's folly." They have interpreted God's selection of them as an end in itself. They are oblivious to the needs of the society around them. They evidently believe "God chose us for us." Fasting was an extreme form of showing sincerity and zeal. They were serious about getting God to act in their behalf (much like alarmed Christians in today's culture). They had chosen a severe fast, but it had to do with their efforts to qualify for God's intervention. Through the prophet Isaiah, God explains that the fast he has chosen is not the same as the one they have chosen. He chose Israel to be vessels of mercy to bless those around them. He will act consistently with his own mercy towards the Israel that chooses that fast.

There was only one Israelite that chose that fast. He represented the whole people of God when he came as Messiah.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. -- Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)

The next time someone is offering to scratch your "Adam Itch," refuse. It feels good for the moment, but it is inflaming the problem.

Blessed to Bless

Since he met the conditions Isaiah had given in chapter 58, he gets the benefits mentioned in the remainder of the text. There are several "thens" listed:

Then, your light shall break forth, and God's righteousness will protect you. (Isaiah 58:8) Then God answers your request with his own presence. (Isaiah 58:9) Then, your original glory is restored. You will be fully human again. (Isaiah 58:10-12) Then, you will live in the delight of the Lord. (Isaiah 58:14)

Jesus lived with such blessings. The good news is that because we who believe in him are in him, we receive such blessings based on his obedience. Because Jesus fasted in this way, we can feast on his obedience. One of the blessings we get but can overlook is vitally important. We get to share his mission. We can't just gather the blessings for ourselves like Israel was doing. He was our representative in covenant with the Father. We are his representatives on earth. We extend his mission by embracing our calling as vessels of mercy, sent to bless the world. We are blessed to bless. God loves those who still endure the curse of sin, so he has sent us with the love that captured us. The blessings continue to flow through us toward those in need.

The next time someone is offering to scratch your "Adam Itch," refuse. It feels good for the moment, but it is inflaming the problem. There is no religious lever to pull. If you want to do something, focus on Jesus. Trust him. Delight in him. Look up and see those around you whom he loves and extend your hand to make the connection. The river of grace flowing through you to others will stop the itch.

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