Thank you and to God Alone be the Glory for participating in "Our August Fast". "I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 1:6).
Pastor John Piper gives six reasons for fasting and I found the first reason to be very exciting:
1. FOR JESUS TO COME BACK
Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. (Matthew 9:14-15).
Be hopeful not only for what God is doing at WBC but for what God is doing in heaven and earth. Be expectant that he will come back and we will live together in his Kingdom forever.
I would like to keep this blog open for the next few days and share testimonies with each other. Please use the "comment" section under this post to share a testimony of something God did in your life this month. If you have trouble posting, email me (pastorcalebwidmer@gmail.com) and I'll post it for you.
Your brother in Christ, Caleb Widmer
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
A Kingdom of Children
This Sunday, September 5th we have the opportunity to host the African Children's Choir (from "music for life") in our 9am service at WBC. I would like to recount what I learned the last time they visited us.
And he called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:2,3)
I accepted an invitation to join the children’s choir for devotions 30 minutes before their performance. With no idea of what to expect I slipped in the door to the back of the room where 25 children gathered with their adult leader. These were 13 boys and 12 girls between the ages of 7 and 10 who had lost one or both of their parents to extreme poverty and disease in Uganda. “Music for Life”, a cross between a Christian music education and an orphanage, had rescued them and given them hope.
As I stood with my back against the wall I heard the leader, a product of the choir himself, ask the children if they “had a song”. Did they ever “have a song”! With eyes closed a little girl began to sing a tune in her native tongue which soon the 24 others joined. The tempo picked up, the language switched to English and they began dancing and singing “Glory Train”. They motioned for me to join them and somewhat clumsily in comparison I danced along with my hands on the shoulders of the child in front of me. After the song they formed a circle and continued to worship in song. With eyes closed we sang “I’ll be somewhere walking for my Lord”. As we continued to worship they quickly began praying individual prayers aloud simultaneously in their own language. Though I could not understand the words I was caught up in the same Spirit of worship, adoration, thankfulness, and necessity towards our God.
At that moment I finally understood what it meant when Jesus said, “Unless you become like a little child”. If Jesus were on earth at that moment I think he would have spent his time in that room with those children, for that is where His Father was being adored. My view of those kids turned from pity to respect, I was of one Spirit with them, even their student. I had everything in common with them in the spiritual sense of rescue. Orphaned and dying I was chosen, adopted and given new life and joy by the Father.
Our worship of God is not to be the pre-packaged, easy to use formula found in most worship “concerts” and Christian radio. We are a kingdom of adopted children and our worship is spontaneous and joyful.
Some of us have forgotten where we came from; what it’s like to be hopeless and then to be gifted hope. Deep gratitude and firm belief is the response to understanding that while we were lifeless we were given life. This is true worship, we are a kingdom of adopted orphans; the children of God. Mark 10:13-16 tells of the story of children being brought before Jesus. The disciples in their “adult” wisdom scolded the parents for bothering Jesus. But the response of Jesus to this is really the main point of the story.
Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all (Mark 10:14-16).
We have grown too adult in our thinking as worshippers and I do not mean wise. Our well-meaning prohibitions and suggested prescriptions for worship have stifled the joyful response we should have as orphans adopted by God our Father. If the gospel of grace can be described as simple, yet glorious, then why can’t our response to it (which is worship) be described in the same manner? Whether we realize it or not we are a kingdom of children and I urge us to humbly realize our former estate and the grace that rescued us from it and come to Christ as we are; His children.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Caleb Widmer
And he called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:2,3)
I accepted an invitation to join the children’s choir for devotions 30 minutes before their performance. With no idea of what to expect I slipped in the door to the back of the room where 25 children gathered with their adult leader. These were 13 boys and 12 girls between the ages of 7 and 10 who had lost one or both of their parents to extreme poverty and disease in Uganda. “Music for Life”, a cross between a Christian music education and an orphanage, had rescued them and given them hope.
As I stood with my back against the wall I heard the leader, a product of the choir himself, ask the children if they “had a song”. Did they ever “have a song”! With eyes closed a little girl began to sing a tune in her native tongue which soon the 24 others joined. The tempo picked up, the language switched to English and they began dancing and singing “Glory Train”. They motioned for me to join them and somewhat clumsily in comparison I danced along with my hands on the shoulders of the child in front of me. After the song they formed a circle and continued to worship in song. With eyes closed we sang “I’ll be somewhere walking for my Lord”. As we continued to worship they quickly began praying individual prayers aloud simultaneously in their own language. Though I could not understand the words I was caught up in the same Spirit of worship, adoration, thankfulness, and necessity towards our God.
At that moment I finally understood what it meant when Jesus said, “Unless you become like a little child”. If Jesus were on earth at that moment I think he would have spent his time in that room with those children, for that is where His Father was being adored. My view of those kids turned from pity to respect, I was of one Spirit with them, even their student. I had everything in common with them in the spiritual sense of rescue. Orphaned and dying I was chosen, adopted and given new life and joy by the Father.
Our worship of God is not to be the pre-packaged, easy to use formula found in most worship “concerts” and Christian radio. We are a kingdom of adopted children and our worship is spontaneous and joyful.
Some of us have forgotten where we came from; what it’s like to be hopeless and then to be gifted hope. Deep gratitude and firm belief is the response to understanding that while we were lifeless we were given life. This is true worship, we are a kingdom of adopted orphans; the children of God. Mark 10:13-16 tells of the story of children being brought before Jesus. The disciples in their “adult” wisdom scolded the parents for bothering Jesus. But the response of Jesus to this is really the main point of the story.
Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all (Mark 10:14-16).
We have grown too adult in our thinking as worshippers and I do not mean wise. Our well-meaning prohibitions and suggested prescriptions for worship have stifled the joyful response we should have as orphans adopted by God our Father. If the gospel of grace can be described as simple, yet glorious, then why can’t our response to it (which is worship) be described in the same manner? Whether we realize it or not we are a kingdom of children and I urge us to humbly realize our former estate and the grace that rescued us from it and come to Christ as we are; His children.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Caleb Widmer
Sunday, August 29, 2010
"Heaven's Mercy Seat"
Text:
Revelation 5
Thought:
This morning we'll sing "Revelation Song" and I will again be struck by the line "sing a new song to him who sits on heaven's mercy seat". In preparation for this morning I studied the meaning of "mercy seat" in scripture to deepen my thoughts before and experience during this song. Listen to how the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery defines the idea of the "seat" in scripture: "In Scripture, imagery of the 'seat' focuses on a special role or authority deserving of reverance . . . this is epitomized by the single most prominent seat in the Bible the 'mercy seat'." The mercy seat is a foreshadowing of Christ in the Old Testament (i.e. the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant) which is realized in the death of Christ in the New Testament and has eternal consequences for all of heaven and earth. In Revelation 5 Christ has the authority to open the scroll when no one else does and yet he appears to have been slain. This juxtaposition of imagery (authority and sacrifice) humbles and surpasses me. This morning I worship Christ who has all authority (Matt 28:18) and yet who is merciful and has sacrificed his life for mine.
Application:
BE AMAZED! this morning as we sing to Christ who sits on "heaven's mercy seat" be overwhelmed by his power and his authority and also his mercy towards us sinners.
Revelation 5
Thought:
This morning we'll sing "Revelation Song" and I will again be struck by the line "sing a new song to him who sits on heaven's mercy seat". In preparation for this morning I studied the meaning of "mercy seat" in scripture to deepen my thoughts before and experience during this song. Listen to how the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery defines the idea of the "seat" in scripture: "In Scripture, imagery of the 'seat' focuses on a special role or authority deserving of reverance . . . this is epitomized by the single most prominent seat in the Bible the 'mercy seat'." The mercy seat is a foreshadowing of Christ in the Old Testament (i.e. the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant) which is realized in the death of Christ in the New Testament and has eternal consequences for all of heaven and earth. In Revelation 5 Christ has the authority to open the scroll when no one else does and yet he appears to have been slain. This juxtaposition of imagery (authority and sacrifice) humbles and surpasses me. This morning I worship Christ who has all authority (Matt 28:18) and yet who is merciful and has sacrificed his life for mine.
Application:
BE AMAZED! this morning as we sing to Christ who sits on "heaven's mercy seat" be overwhelmed by his power and his authority and also his mercy towards us sinners.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Tommorrow we are a Choir
Text:
Isaiah 6:1-6
Thought for today:
Today, let us prepare for corporate worship tommorrow. We come needy, we come expecting to see God, focus on his Son in the elements of the Lord's Table and hear from the Holy Spirit in the Word; we come together tommorrow. The fasting you've been practicing as a spiritual discipline this month has been like a "solo" but tommorrow we are a choir. Our worship should be more passionate tommorrow at this end of this, our August fast than when we first began.
Passionate worship necessitates a correct view of God and a subsequently correct view of one's self. This is seen in Isaiah 6 as he sees God "High and lifted up" and responds "Woe is me . . . I have unclean lips". When I was in high school my youth pastor told me, "you cannot see God for who he really is and fail to see yourself for who you really are". Worship and humility are inseparable. As God is revealed tommorrow we should feel needy and broken, this is healthy. However, in him we should see a vision of our redemption and be healed. These are the dynamics of worship, the slow building verse of our brokeness and the crescendo of the chorus of our salvation.
Song:
"Carried to the Table" by Leeland
See you tommorrow, Caleb Widmer
Isaiah 6:1-6
Thought for today:
Today, let us prepare for corporate worship tommorrow. We come needy, we come expecting to see God, focus on his Son in the elements of the Lord's Table and hear from the Holy Spirit in the Word; we come together tommorrow. The fasting you've been practicing as a spiritual discipline this month has been like a "solo" but tommorrow we are a choir. Our worship should be more passionate tommorrow at this end of this, our August fast than when we first began.
Passionate worship necessitates a correct view of God and a subsequently correct view of one's self. This is seen in Isaiah 6 as he sees God "High and lifted up" and responds "Woe is me . . . I have unclean lips". When I was in high school my youth pastor told me, "you cannot see God for who he really is and fail to see yourself for who you really are". Worship and humility are inseparable. As God is revealed tommorrow we should feel needy and broken, this is healthy. However, in him we should see a vision of our redemption and be healed. These are the dynamics of worship, the slow building verse of our brokeness and the crescendo of the chorus of our salvation.
Song:
"Carried to the Table" by Leeland
See you tommorrow, Caleb Widmer
Friday, August 27, 2010
Stop Praying
I've been on a "stay-cation" this week at home, reading, writing and spending time with my family. Other than the murder mystery I finished, I've been absolutely blessed by "Crazy Love" a recent work by Pastor Francis Chan. I would love for WBC to read this work. In light of our present, August fast I was shocked as I began to read chapter 1 entitled "Stop Praying". In our "wordy" culture our words have lost so much of their meaning thus we must stop and think and learn about who God is before continuing to pray. This has inspired me going into this Sunday's service as we will be singing "Revelation Song"which encapsulates for me the throne-room view of worship from Revelation 4.
I would encourage you today to pray less and read and meditate more before the multitude of your words lose their meaning. Need help? Listen to Francis Chan discuss chapter 1 of his book here or better yet, read Isaiah 6 and/or Revelation 4. In preparation for this Sunday's worship service and for a deeper experience in the throne-room of God let us pause and practice what we preach to our children: "think before you speak".
I would encourage you today to pray less and read and meditate more before the multitude of your words lose their meaning. Need help? Listen to Francis Chan discuss chapter 1 of his book here or better yet, read Isaiah 6 and/or Revelation 4. In preparation for this Sunday's worship service and for a deeper experience in the throne-room of God let us pause and practice what we preach to our children: "think before you speak".
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Healing Through Prayer - Part 2
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.”
(Proverbs 29:15)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
In my journey with you as a community of faith, I find we all struggle with being told no. We all want our own ways. But such is not possible. The Elders seek God’s mind by means of prayer depending on Scripture and the Holy Spirit for this community of faith. God speaks to and through the plurality primarily; and community secondarily to provide our collective vision.
This vision although large enough to encompass the community, nation and world is defined enough so other competing agendas are excluded. Thus at various points within the journey some individuals and organizations are told “no”.
If the “hurt” they experience from being told “no” is a consequence of our collective agenda, then they need to confess and repent of this evil before it turns into bitterness and rebellion.
Unfortunately, there are many within the larger community of faith who through the years have never been told no or in being told no cannot process the idea of not having it their way. Their “hurt” is not valid and is in fact a sign of their spiritual and emotional immaturity. They are bitter and they are in rebellion against God and His Church. These people need to repent and confess their sin before God and His Church.
Friend, will you not join the Elders of this fellowship and ask God to work repentance in the hearts of those who have been hurt simply because they did not get their way? This very well might be the people who speak ill of this fellowship simply because through the years they were told “no” by the leadership. No one will admit such sins from the flesh for the flesh is proud. But until this comes to them, they will languish in self-pity and continue to cannibalize the body of Christ. Their repentance and confession can only come by the work of the Holy Spirit. O may God grow us so that we might be fully and wholly His. In Jesus name, Amen.
(Proverbs 29:15)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
In my journey with you as a community of faith, I find we all struggle with being told no. We all want our own ways. But such is not possible. The Elders seek God’s mind by means of prayer depending on Scripture and the Holy Spirit for this community of faith. God speaks to and through the plurality primarily; and community secondarily to provide our collective vision.
This vision although large enough to encompass the community, nation and world is defined enough so other competing agendas are excluded. Thus at various points within the journey some individuals and organizations are told “no”.
If the “hurt” they experience from being told “no” is a consequence of our collective agenda, then they need to confess and repent of this evil before it turns into bitterness and rebellion.
Unfortunately, there are many within the larger community of faith who through the years have never been told no or in being told no cannot process the idea of not having it their way. Their “hurt” is not valid and is in fact a sign of their spiritual and emotional immaturity. They are bitter and they are in rebellion against God and His Church. These people need to repent and confess their sin before God and His Church.
Friend, will you not join the Elders of this fellowship and ask God to work repentance in the hearts of those who have been hurt simply because they did not get their way? This very well might be the people who speak ill of this fellowship simply because through the years they were told “no” by the leadership. No one will admit such sins from the flesh for the flesh is proud. But until this comes to them, they will languish in self-pity and continue to cannibalize the body of Christ. Their repentance and confession can only come by the work of the Holy Spirit. O may God grow us so that we might be fully and wholly His. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Healing Through Prayer - Part 1
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.”
(Proverbs 29:15)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
In calling for our August Fast the Elders found themselves facing two overwhelming and thus troubling concerns. First, it is rumored how there was/is significant gossip circulating within the larger body of Christ as it exists in Waukesha among some troubled individuals. Our struggle is how to speak to gossip. Gossip is sin, yet it is elusive and deceptive. It appears as “news” or “prayer requests,” yet it is nothing but idle curiosity at best and destructive doubt and slanderous at its worst. You cannot allow gossip to go unchallenged. No one admits to gossip although it is prevalent and a plague within the local and larger body of Christ. Because it is so subtle (which is the nature of gossip), prayer is one’s only recourse; thus, the call to pray and fast. Second, another concern for prayer and fasting is the issue of unresolved hurt. Although the topic of hurt within the context of counseling is larger than can be addressed at this time there is one aspect of hurt I wish to note.
This type of “hurt” is the consequence of unaddressed sin from one’s childhood. Or when addressed by the parent, it is so persistent the parent gives up and allows the child to have their way. This pattern of “getting one’s way” becomes engrained and continues to show itself in adolescence and eventually adulthood.
When one is told “no” when one wants a “yes”, one’s initial response is inevitably fleshly; even if the “no” is for one’s good. We simply do not like being told “no”. The “no” hurts our feelings. We see this all the time with children. If we do not address this in a child, they become unruly teens and self-centered adults.
As parents you must break Adam’s will within your child. If the child does not learn to submit and respect authority as a child, they will become unmanageable throughout life. The weight of this responsibility falls heavily on parents. If they do not discharge their responsibility, then God will find other means; ultimately all will bend their knees and bow their heads before God.
I desire to finish this thought in tomorrow’s meditation. May God use this to break through and apply Calvary’s healing balm to our sinful “hurts”?
(Proverbs 29:15)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
In calling for our August Fast the Elders found themselves facing two overwhelming and thus troubling concerns. First, it is rumored how there was/is significant gossip circulating within the larger body of Christ as it exists in Waukesha among some troubled individuals. Our struggle is how to speak to gossip. Gossip is sin, yet it is elusive and deceptive. It appears as “news” or “prayer requests,” yet it is nothing but idle curiosity at best and destructive doubt and slanderous at its worst. You cannot allow gossip to go unchallenged. No one admits to gossip although it is prevalent and a plague within the local and larger body of Christ. Because it is so subtle (which is the nature of gossip), prayer is one’s only recourse; thus, the call to pray and fast. Second, another concern for prayer and fasting is the issue of unresolved hurt. Although the topic of hurt within the context of counseling is larger than can be addressed at this time there is one aspect of hurt I wish to note.
This type of “hurt” is the consequence of unaddressed sin from one’s childhood. Or when addressed by the parent, it is so persistent the parent gives up and allows the child to have their way. This pattern of “getting one’s way” becomes engrained and continues to show itself in adolescence and eventually adulthood.
When one is told “no” when one wants a “yes”, one’s initial response is inevitably fleshly; even if the “no” is for one’s good. We simply do not like being told “no”. The “no” hurts our feelings. We see this all the time with children. If we do not address this in a child, they become unruly teens and self-centered adults.
As parents you must break Adam’s will within your child. If the child does not learn to submit and respect authority as a child, they will become unmanageable throughout life. The weight of this responsibility falls heavily on parents. If they do not discharge their responsibility, then God will find other means; ultimately all will bend their knees and bow their heads before God.
I desire to finish this thought in tomorrow’s meditation. May God use this to break through and apply Calvary’s healing balm to our sinful “hurts”?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Pray Without Ceasing
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
This has always proved perplexing if not viewed from the right perspective. If it speaks to physical posturing, then a monastic structure is essential. If, however, it speaks of spiritual posturing whereby we live with a spirit of humility and a mind of remembering, then the call to pray without ceasing is more plausible.
To pray without ceasing has little to do with one’s setting and more to do with one’s attitude. Even with significant distraction intense prayer can and does happen in short bursts (i.e. Peter crying out to God when sinking in the water). Yet there are protracted occasions whereby one struggles and agonizes in prayer (i.e. the garden of Gethsemane).
When placing this in “real time” we see the ability for busy mothers to persist in prayer and to live with a God-conscience whereby they are always mindful of their place within The Story.
Persistent prayer is not contingent on the busyness of one’s schedule. Persistent prayer is dictated by one’s perspective and mindset. Persistent prayer can use the discipline of lists, but can equally be unbridled and spontaneous. There is nothing dictating what is or is not habitual apart from one’s attitude of humility and remembrance.
So regardless as to where you and I find ourselves during our season of prayer and fasting, let us persist in humbly acknowledging He is God and we are not and how our lives with all their complexity and (perhaps) confusion are a part of His one Story.
May you rest in peace knowing His love is without condition, His acceptance is without requirement, His favor is without merit, His forgiveness is without limit and His service is without reward.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
This has always proved perplexing if not viewed from the right perspective. If it speaks to physical posturing, then a monastic structure is essential. If, however, it speaks of spiritual posturing whereby we live with a spirit of humility and a mind of remembering, then the call to pray without ceasing is more plausible.
To pray without ceasing has little to do with one’s setting and more to do with one’s attitude. Even with significant distraction intense prayer can and does happen in short bursts (i.e. Peter crying out to God when sinking in the water). Yet there are protracted occasions whereby one struggles and agonizes in prayer (i.e. the garden of Gethsemane).
When placing this in “real time” we see the ability for busy mothers to persist in prayer and to live with a God-conscience whereby they are always mindful of their place within The Story.
Persistent prayer is not contingent on the busyness of one’s schedule. Persistent prayer is dictated by one’s perspective and mindset. Persistent prayer can use the discipline of lists, but can equally be unbridled and spontaneous. There is nothing dictating what is or is not habitual apart from one’s attitude of humility and remembrance.
So regardless as to where you and I find ourselves during our season of prayer and fasting, let us persist in humbly acknowledging He is God and we are not and how our lives with all their complexity and (perhaps) confusion are a part of His one Story.
May you rest in peace knowing His love is without condition, His acceptance is without requirement, His favor is without merit, His forgiveness is without limit and His service is without reward.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Lord Teach Us to Pray
“Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”
(Luke 11:1-4)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
The request the disciples of Jesus made was natural and expected. As a Rabbi it was his role and responsibility to teach his students how to pray. There is much information in the larger context concerning biblical prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer can be a casualty in the pursuit of prayer and praying if not understood. I have wrestled with this prayer in regular meditation as to its significance and purpose in my own personal devotion.
I do not believe the context calls us to repeat the prayer as an incantation or “formula”. I do believe it provides a structure or paradigm for praying biblically.
Let me offer you the following thought with the desire to enable and embolden you in your praying. Consider with me the following “meat” that lies on this particular banquet table laid before the disciples by Jesus Himself.
There are three main courses to the meal served by our Lord. Each meal has distinguishable flavors. All elements are nutritional and pleasant to the palate. Without further ado, let us sit down and partake.
First Dish - The uniqueness of God – He is above me (vv. 9, 10). The distinguishing flavors.
His name before mine
His kingdom before mine
His will before mine
Second Dish - The nearness of God – He is near me (vv. 11, 12). The distinguishing flavors.
He will provide me with my daily needs (v. 11)
He will purify me of my daily sins (v. 12)
He will protect me from my daily assaults (v. 13a)
Third Dish - The preeminence of God – He is before me (v. 13b). The distinguishing flavors.
We affirm His realm/kingdom
We affirm His reign/power
We affirm His regency/glory
As you sit at this table spread before you by the Lord of glory consider each element carefully. Savor the experience and relish in the beauty of what is served. Never forget when partaking at this bountiful table the chef who both prepares and serves the meal.
May you find yourself fuller and more satisfied as you feast at His table during this period of prayer and fasting.
(Luke 11:1-4)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
The request the disciples of Jesus made was natural and expected. As a Rabbi it was his role and responsibility to teach his students how to pray. There is much information in the larger context concerning biblical prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer can be a casualty in the pursuit of prayer and praying if not understood. I have wrestled with this prayer in regular meditation as to its significance and purpose in my own personal devotion.
I do not believe the context calls us to repeat the prayer as an incantation or “formula”. I do believe it provides a structure or paradigm for praying biblically.
Let me offer you the following thought with the desire to enable and embolden you in your praying. Consider with me the following “meat” that lies on this particular banquet table laid before the disciples by Jesus Himself.
There are three main courses to the meal served by our Lord. Each meal has distinguishable flavors. All elements are nutritional and pleasant to the palate. Without further ado, let us sit down and partake.
First Dish - The uniqueness of God – He is above me (vv. 9, 10). The distinguishing flavors.
His name before mine
His kingdom before mine
His will before mine
Second Dish - The nearness of God – He is near me (vv. 11, 12). The distinguishing flavors.
He will provide me with my daily needs (v. 11)
He will purify me of my daily sins (v. 12)
He will protect me from my daily assaults (v. 13a)
Third Dish - The preeminence of God – He is before me (v. 13b). The distinguishing flavors.
We affirm His realm/kingdom
We affirm His reign/power
We affirm His regency/glory
As you sit at this table spread before you by the Lord of glory consider each element carefully. Savor the experience and relish in the beauty of what is served. Never forget when partaking at this bountiful table the chef who both prepares and serves the meal.
May you find yourself fuller and more satisfied as you feast at His table during this period of prayer and fasting.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Object of Our Praying and Fasting - Part 3 "Our Father"
The Object of our Praying and Fasting – Part 3 “Our Father”
“Our Father who is in heaven . . .”
(Matthew 6:9-13)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
There is a paternal or familial union between God as Father and us as His children. Some struggle with God as Father simply because of their own father’s failures or perhaps the rejection of biblical authority and hierarchy. Yet God is the ideal. He is the substance behind all shadows. Let us not dismiss the fatherhood of God simply because your experience was unfortunate. The ability and privilege of calling God “Abba, Father” is the direct result of the Son’s holy and blessed life and death (i.e. the gospel) and the Holy Spirit’s ministry of baptism and indwelling. God as Trinity did something wonderful so that I might call Him Abba.
It is difficult for us to comprehend the magnitude of this simple idea. The created can call the Creator Father. Yet the idea is intrinsic to the language employed. If He is the Creator and if we are the created, then He is our Father and we are His children.
In our rebellion against God we turned our backs on the Father and fled from His presence. In our fleeing we said “no” to all He desired and designed for us. In kindness He worked against us so that we might once more enjoy all that He is in His person and work. He lovingly restored us to the position of love, acceptance, forgiveness, favor and service.
The means of securing this status came through the incarnation, life, death and resurrection of His only begotten Son and the work of the Holy Spirit in calling, convicting, converting, baptizing and indwelling those whom He drew.
The enormity of such action on His part for the likes of you and me is immeasurable. Although He is my God, judge and Creator; He is also my Father, comforter and advocate.
As we set aside this season for prayer and fasting let us remember to whom we pray and before whom we fast. May the Holy Spirit use this time to awaken us to the vastness of our gracious position before God our Father.
“Our Father who is in heaven . . .”
(Matthew 6:9-13)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
There is a paternal or familial union between God as Father and us as His children. Some struggle with God as Father simply because of their own father’s failures or perhaps the rejection of biblical authority and hierarchy. Yet God is the ideal. He is the substance behind all shadows. Let us not dismiss the fatherhood of God simply because your experience was unfortunate. The ability and privilege of calling God “Abba, Father” is the direct result of the Son’s holy and blessed life and death (i.e. the gospel) and the Holy Spirit’s ministry of baptism and indwelling. God as Trinity did something wonderful so that I might call Him Abba.
It is difficult for us to comprehend the magnitude of this simple idea. The created can call the Creator Father. Yet the idea is intrinsic to the language employed. If He is the Creator and if we are the created, then He is our Father and we are His children.
In our rebellion against God we turned our backs on the Father and fled from His presence. In our fleeing we said “no” to all He desired and designed for us. In kindness He worked against us so that we might once more enjoy all that He is in His person and work. He lovingly restored us to the position of love, acceptance, forgiveness, favor and service.
The means of securing this status came through the incarnation, life, death and resurrection of His only begotten Son and the work of the Holy Spirit in calling, convicting, converting, baptizing and indwelling those whom He drew.
The enormity of such action on His part for the likes of you and me is immeasurable. Although He is my God, judge and Creator; He is also my Father, comforter and advocate.
As we set aside this season for prayer and fasting let us remember to whom we pray and before whom we fast. May the Holy Spirit use this time to awaken us to the vastness of our gracious position before God our Father.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
The Object of Our Praying and Fasting - Part 2
“The LORD descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the LORD.”
(Exodus 34:5-8)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
Moses finds himself leading upwards of 3 million people out of Egypt’s bondage. He has gone to the Mountain and received the Laws from God for the nation. Those who follow are a mixed bag spiritually. They have defaulted to their idolatrous ways. Significant frustration exists and conflict prevails. Exodus 33 is one of those gem chapters within Holy write. God condescends and dialogues with Moses. Moses asks God to “show him His glory” (Exod. 33:18). God grants his desire and allows His goodness to pass before him and proclaims to him His name (Exod. 33:19).
Listen carefully to the names of God and how they capture His goodness.
The LORD
The LORD God
Merciful
Gracious
Longsuffering
Abundant in goodness and truth
Keeping mercy
Forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin
Visiting the iniquity
God is personal and personable. He is God the Creator over that which He creates. He is not despotic or cruel. He is patient and not short tempered. He stoops and is lavish in the dispensing of His goodness and truth. He persistently withholds judgment from those who justly deserve it, longing to forgive their sins. Yet He is a just God and will bring about justice where right is irrevocable and wrong is properly handled.
This is the God to whom we pray and for whom we fast. He is worthy of our energy and affection. O may the Holy Spirit enlarge our desires for Him. May our eyes be opened so that we are enabled to wallow in the abundance of His person and work. Amen.
(Exodus 34:5-8)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
Moses finds himself leading upwards of 3 million people out of Egypt’s bondage. He has gone to the Mountain and received the Laws from God for the nation. Those who follow are a mixed bag spiritually. They have defaulted to their idolatrous ways. Significant frustration exists and conflict prevails. Exodus 33 is one of those gem chapters within Holy write. God condescends and dialogues with Moses. Moses asks God to “show him His glory” (Exod. 33:18). God grants his desire and allows His goodness to pass before him and proclaims to him His name (Exod. 33:19).
Listen carefully to the names of God and how they capture His goodness.
The LORD
The LORD God
Merciful
Gracious
Longsuffering
Abundant in goodness and truth
Keeping mercy
Forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin
Visiting the iniquity
God is personal and personable. He is God the Creator over that which He creates. He is not despotic or cruel. He is patient and not short tempered. He stoops and is lavish in the dispensing of His goodness and truth. He persistently withholds judgment from those who justly deserve it, longing to forgive their sins. Yet He is a just God and will bring about justice where right is irrevocable and wrong is properly handled.
This is the God to whom we pray and for whom we fast. He is worthy of our energy and affection. O may the Holy Spirit enlarge our desires for Him. May our eyes be opened so that we are enabled to wallow in the abundance of His person and work. Amen.
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Object of Our Praying and Fasting - Part 1
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
(1 Timothy 1:17)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
There is always a tendency to see such actions as praying and fasting as intrinsically meritorious. Such is the latent danger within any discipline. Legalism (i.e. “acts or attitudes designed to merit favor before God”) works contrary to grace (i.e. “favor without merit”). If we allow the devil to have his way we work from a performance base for acceptance before God. If we understand God’s way, we work from a position base for acceptance before God. If we are not cautious and careful what is to be an act of devotion, celebration and worship becomes duty, crushing and weighty.
How do we guard against this insidious threat? First and foremost is to remember to whom such acts of worship and devotion are directed. God is the object of our praying and fasting as are our acts of church attendance, financial gifting, ministry, mercy, love, etc.
The one to whom we pray and before whom we fast is none other than “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God.” All of our acts are simply means of worshipping the king. God is the one from whom, through whom and to whom are all things (Col. 1:16). He is the one whose presence and being permeate all things created (Col. 1:17). His essence is heaven’s expanse (2 Chron. 2:6). The Tri-unity of God is immeasurable and unfathomable. He cannot be sounded out (Rom. 11:33-36).
I worship God, I honor God, I glorify God by turning to Him in prayer. I declare my utter dependency on Him by calling out to Him. My cries are ones of affection and desperation (The Psalms). Apart from Him I can do nothing (John 15:5).
When I fast I declare Him to be enough. He is better than anything created . . . including food, convenience, time and life itself. I affirm through the fast His ownership of all I own. He has ultimate and final “right”. He has the right to give and remove anything I have owned, currently own or will own (Job 1:20-22). The fast reminds me of this.
Friend, let us use this season to perhaps reenter the Story. Let us declare openly and publically His authorship and our dependency on Him.
(1 Timothy 1:17)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths
There is always a tendency to see such actions as praying and fasting as intrinsically meritorious. Such is the latent danger within any discipline. Legalism (i.e. “acts or attitudes designed to merit favor before God”) works contrary to grace (i.e. “favor without merit”). If we allow the devil to have his way we work from a performance base for acceptance before God. If we understand God’s way, we work from a position base for acceptance before God. If we are not cautious and careful what is to be an act of devotion, celebration and worship becomes duty, crushing and weighty.
How do we guard against this insidious threat? First and foremost is to remember to whom such acts of worship and devotion are directed. God is the object of our praying and fasting as are our acts of church attendance, financial gifting, ministry, mercy, love, etc.
The one to whom we pray and before whom we fast is none other than “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God.” All of our acts are simply means of worshipping the king. God is the one from whom, through whom and to whom are all things (Col. 1:16). He is the one whose presence and being permeate all things created (Col. 1:17). His essence is heaven’s expanse (2 Chron. 2:6). The Tri-unity of God is immeasurable and unfathomable. He cannot be sounded out (Rom. 11:33-36).
I worship God, I honor God, I glorify God by turning to Him in prayer. I declare my utter dependency on Him by calling out to Him. My cries are ones of affection and desperation (The Psalms). Apart from Him I can do nothing (John 15:5).
When I fast I declare Him to be enough. He is better than anything created . . . including food, convenience, time and life itself. I affirm through the fast His ownership of all I own. He has ultimate and final “right”. He has the right to give and remove anything I have owned, currently own or will own (Job 1:20-22). The fast reminds me of this.
Friend, let us use this season to perhaps reenter the Story. Let us declare openly and publically His authorship and our dependency on Him.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
In regards to bitterness
Text:
Proverbs 18
During my sermon last Sunday I shared a paragraph from my journal. Even though it was awkward I believe that ministry from the overflow and transparency are more effective tools than razor sharp public speaking and hand gestures.
Today as I was reading Proverbs 18 I was reminded of what I shared with you in regards to "bitterness" from my journal. Proverbs 18:19 says, "A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle." Isn't that true? Approaching an offended person can be like approaching a wounded animal, it can be somewhat dangerous and irrational. The relationship is impossible until the offended party has a yielding spirit to God and to the situation. Until then it feels like we're still on our first round of marching around Jericho (or whatever the "strong city" is in Prov 18:19). But when release does take place, what a beautiful thing. You see, no one needs to be proven right in order for bitterness to flee and for the warmth of relationship to come flooding in. Bitterness is a sin beyond being right while someone else is wrong, bitterness is a sneaky choice that once made must be rooted out. Here is what I read on Sunday from my journal:
"I speak of getting rid of bitterness as 'getting over it' and as 'being the bigger person'. I perceive bitterness to be my storing up the wrongs against me inside of me where they pain me and affect my relationships with others. When I 'get over it' I feel like the offending party is lucky and I’m basically doing me and everyone else a big favor . . . besides, I feel better afterward anyway. But when I 'get over it' I’m not doing something good, no one is being done a favor. No, when I cease being bitter I simply cease committing that one awful and destructive sin. In God’s eyes it is between him and I and the sin is significant. When I 'get over it' it is like a serial killer just gave up murdering or a rapist his assaults on women. What I’m asking myself is, 'do I think bitterness is a mere matter of emotion (i.e. feeling good vs. bad)? or do I view bitterness as a sin against God that will be used by Satan for the destruction of myself and the relationships around me?"
Thanks for listening, I love you. - Caleb Widmer
Prayer Focus:
The second half of the Proverbs 18:19 says, "quarreling is like the bars of the castle", brothers and sisters I can't help but think of the corporate implications of our personal bitterness. Our unresolved spirits do not stay inside of us they communicate with others and our church can sometimes feel like there are "bars on the castle". Will you at least examine your own spirit, is there a root of bitterness in you? Are you "committing" bitterness? As I said a few days ago, your own personal, spiritual health will contribute greatly to our overall health.
Proverbs 18
During my sermon last Sunday I shared a paragraph from my journal. Even though it was awkward I believe that ministry from the overflow and transparency are more effective tools than razor sharp public speaking and hand gestures.
Today as I was reading Proverbs 18 I was reminded of what I shared with you in regards to "bitterness" from my journal. Proverbs 18:19 says, "A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle." Isn't that true? Approaching an offended person can be like approaching a wounded animal, it can be somewhat dangerous and irrational. The relationship is impossible until the offended party has a yielding spirit to God and to the situation. Until then it feels like we're still on our first round of marching around Jericho (or whatever the "strong city" is in Prov 18:19). But when release does take place, what a beautiful thing. You see, no one needs to be proven right in order for bitterness to flee and for the warmth of relationship to come flooding in. Bitterness is a sin beyond being right while someone else is wrong, bitterness is a sneaky choice that once made must be rooted out. Here is what I read on Sunday from my journal:
"I speak of getting rid of bitterness as 'getting over it' and as 'being the bigger person'. I perceive bitterness to be my storing up the wrongs against me inside of me where they pain me and affect my relationships with others. When I 'get over it' I feel like the offending party is lucky and I’m basically doing me and everyone else a big favor . . . besides, I feel better afterward anyway. But when I 'get over it' I’m not doing something good, no one is being done a favor. No, when I cease being bitter I simply cease committing that one awful and destructive sin. In God’s eyes it is between him and I and the sin is significant. When I 'get over it' it is like a serial killer just gave up murdering or a rapist his assaults on women. What I’m asking myself is, 'do I think bitterness is a mere matter of emotion (i.e. feeling good vs. bad)? or do I view bitterness as a sin against God that will be used by Satan for the destruction of myself and the relationships around me?"
Thanks for listening, I love you. - Caleb Widmer
Prayer Focus:
The second half of the Proverbs 18:19 says, "quarreling is like the bars of the castle", brothers and sisters I can't help but think of the corporate implications of our personal bitterness. Our unresolved spirits do not stay inside of us they communicate with others and our church can sometimes feel like there are "bars on the castle". Will you at least examine your own spirit, is there a root of bitterness in you? Are you "committing" bitterness? As I said a few days ago, your own personal, spiritual health will contribute greatly to our overall health.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Your heart proclaims your treasure
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." Matthew 6:20-24 These verses have been brought to my mind many times by various people the last few weeks. We live in a world that places great renown and power on the accumulation of things. We cannot live a life where we have a mixed allegiance between God and the world. What does it look like when we cast aside the bonds of idolatry that have taken root in our lives and cling to God? What hope is there to break free from the bonds that consistently seek to hold onto our attention?
In 2 Chronicles 31 and 32 the people of Judah are rekindling their first love as they in unity tore down all the idols that crept into their lives. The people of Judah also gave freely and abundantly to the Lord from the first fruits of their lives. The people of Judah under Hezekiah's rule turned back to God and away from the idols of their fathers. The Lord the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was again the place where the people of Judah set their heart. What does your heart proclaim your treasure to be? What are the things that hold the devotion of your heart? If your heart is drawn to anything other than God can you truly be at peace?
The people of Judah were able to stand firm in troubled times because they placed their hope in God alone. Did the peoples lack of dependance on worldly things help them to cling to God in the midst of trouble? When our hearts are steadfastly set towards God and not on the things of the world what is there to fear when trouble come? If your treasure is set in heaven there is nothing that can take it away and it will never be in jeopardy.
By Aaron Eberline
In 2 Chronicles 31 and 32 the people of Judah are rekindling their first love as they in unity tore down all the idols that crept into their lives. The people of Judah also gave freely and abundantly to the Lord from the first fruits of their lives. The people of Judah under Hezekiah's rule turned back to God and away from the idols of their fathers. The Lord the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was again the place where the people of Judah set their heart. What does your heart proclaim your treasure to be? What are the things that hold the devotion of your heart? If your heart is drawn to anything other than God can you truly be at peace?
The people of Judah were able to stand firm in troubled times because they placed their hope in God alone. Did the peoples lack of dependance on worldly things help them to cling to God in the midst of trouble? When our hearts are steadfastly set towards God and not on the things of the world what is there to fear when trouble come? If your treasure is set in heaven there is nothing that can take it away and it will never be in jeopardy.
By Aaron Eberline
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Fasting for the Leadership
Text for Today:
Acts 14:19-22
Questions:
1) What did Paul and Barnabas do in the newly planted churches in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch?
2) In what manner did they commission the men they appointed?
Application:
The church of the first century was radical and passionate. With her leaders being stoned and persecuted the church was called upon to pray. While we do not live in groundbreaking times as those we live, no less, in very desperate times. The local Church is vital to the proclamation of the gospel and to the health of families. Satan, though defeated, rages against the local church attempting to try and do as much damage as possible as he knows his time is short. The elders need help, we are asking that you affirm the new leaders we put before you last Sunday and will do again this Sunday. Will you fast and pray about and for these men today?
Prayer focus:
Pray for the new leaders that we as elders are currently asking you to "affirm".
As an Elder: Aaron Eberline
As Deacons: Dennis Kesmarick, Tom Schlindwein, John Reinsch, Jonathan Wood, Jake Cadwell, Brian Canright, and Mike Davis.
Submitted by Caleb Widmer
Acts 14:19-22
Questions:
1) What did Paul and Barnabas do in the newly planted churches in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch?
2) In what manner did they commission the men they appointed?
Application:
The church of the first century was radical and passionate. With her leaders being stoned and persecuted the church was called upon to pray. While we do not live in groundbreaking times as those we live, no less, in very desperate times. The local Church is vital to the proclamation of the gospel and to the health of families. Satan, though defeated, rages against the local church attempting to try and do as much damage as possible as he knows his time is short. The elders need help, we are asking that you affirm the new leaders we put before you last Sunday and will do again this Sunday. Will you fast and pray about and for these men today?
Prayer focus:
Pray for the new leaders that we as elders are currently asking you to "affirm".
As an Elder: Aaron Eberline
As Deacons: Dennis Kesmarick, Tom Schlindwein, John Reinsch, Jonathan Wood, Jake Cadwell, Brian Canright, and Mike Davis.
Submitted by Caleb Widmer
Monday, August 16, 2010
Practical Help
We'll we're over the halway point now in this fast. Yesterday in church I talked about fasting and at the end I had 4 practical suggestions to make concerning fasting but chose not to make them at that time so I will post them here. I know several of you might be just checking the blog now and are making the commitment to start fasting today so maybe this is good timing for some practical ideas.
I would like to suggest three applications for fasting in today’s protestant churches. Replacement over punishment must be key in any application. The realization that Christ has “bore our sins in his body on the cross” and that there is nothing left to pay for must be prominent in our thinking. Fasting must be an outward manifestation of an inward reality. Fasting does not have to be a daily routine or even a twice a week routine. Fasting can be an occasional period of concentration for the believer.
First, I would recommend the replacement of media in one’s life with prayer for a defined period of time. God can use this time to speak his voice into our heart’s ear without the suppression of the pagan media.
Second, I would recommend regular fasting from anything that could become (or is) an addiction in our lives. Caffeine, sugar, and alcohol are all examples of things that can become objects of faith and trust in our lives; things that become god’s to us. Refraining from the momentary benign use of any of these elements for a period of time reminds us that God alone is our hope and ability to journey through this life.
Third, food is a god in our culture and it is too often excused as being a necessity. Water too is a necessity but if we inhale it through our nostrils it will consume our lungs and we will drown; so too with food. A regular break from food (a day with even just water) can remind us that we need God our Father and can thrive on the gift of food at a fraction the rate we tend to eat it.
Fourth, I would encourage you to privately practice the spiritual disciplines (fasting, reading of scripture, giving, etc.) regularly throughout the year apart from anyone knowing. Your personal spiritual health will contribute greatly to the health of this local church.
I'm in this with you!
Caleb Widmer
I would like to suggest three applications for fasting in today’s protestant churches. Replacement over punishment must be key in any application. The realization that Christ has “bore our sins in his body on the cross” and that there is nothing left to pay for must be prominent in our thinking. Fasting must be an outward manifestation of an inward reality. Fasting does not have to be a daily routine or even a twice a week routine. Fasting can be an occasional period of concentration for the believer.
First, I would recommend the replacement of media in one’s life with prayer for a defined period of time. God can use this time to speak his voice into our heart’s ear without the suppression of the pagan media.
Second, I would recommend regular fasting from anything that could become (or is) an addiction in our lives. Caffeine, sugar, and alcohol are all examples of things that can become objects of faith and trust in our lives; things that become god’s to us. Refraining from the momentary benign use of any of these elements for a period of time reminds us that God alone is our hope and ability to journey through this life.
Third, food is a god in our culture and it is too often excused as being a necessity. Water too is a necessity but if we inhale it through our nostrils it will consume our lungs and we will drown; so too with food. A regular break from food (a day with even just water) can remind us that we need God our Father and can thrive on the gift of food at a fraction the rate we tend to eat it.
Fourth, I would encourage you to privately practice the spiritual disciplines (fasting, reading of scripture, giving, etc.) regularly throughout the year apart from anyone knowing. Your personal spiritual health will contribute greatly to the health of this local church.
I'm in this with you!
Caleb Widmer
Sunday, August 15, 2010
I'm tired, but not down
This is a post I wrote in August 2009 "I'm tired, but not down" as I was just recovering from another surgery. I pray that it will encourage you today as we continue in our August Fast. Never forget that God has brought us out of the darkness of sin into His marvelous Light. I am thankful to journey with you.
Marvelous Light – Charlie Hall
Listen to the song on Youtube
“i may be down but i will rise
it may be dark but God is light”
I have come through so many surgeries one after another I wonder why I can go on. I keep getting bashed by waves and I think that I will crumble and break with every hit but I never do. I find my self in a dark moment but I know that the ultimate light is God and I can rest in the midst of my circumstances.
“Sin has lost it's power
Death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen, Victoriously.
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the light, You are the way.”
How many times I tread the paths of sin yet it does not have any power over me. My problems in this life have now bite or sting to me. Even if my current circumstances were to lead to my death. That is not the end because Jesus Christ my Savior rose victoriously from the dead.
This life I live today is only possible by what Christ did. I am worthless with out that saving grace God gave. Many times I may find my mind dark, hurting and clouded but I am always running toward the light. The darkness cannot stand against the Light. For that I am thankful.
“I once was fatherless
A stranger with no hope
Your kindness wakened me
Wakened me from my sleep”
A lethargic state of mind is not a place where a person wants to exist. I remember when I awoke from that mind set where I didn’t care about God to one where He is Abba Father. Why God chose me to bring Himself glory I cannot say but I am thankful.
“You're love it beckons deeply
A call to come and die
By grace now i will come
Take this life, take Your life
My dead heart now is beating
My deepest stains now clean
You're breath fills up my lungs
Now I'm free, now I'm free
Lift my hands and spin around
See the light that i have found
O the marvelous light, marvelous light”
How thankful I am for that beckoning love that God expresses to me. Can I approach God and know Him? I am constantly losing focus and not seeking God but He is the relentless force of my life that never fails or recedes. Thank you for that Lord. I long for the day when I will actually see Your marvelous light. Until that day help me! Help me please!
posted by Aaron Eberline
Marvelous Light – Charlie Hall
Listen to the song on Youtube
“i may be down but i will rise
it may be dark but God is light”
I have come through so many surgeries one after another I wonder why I can go on. I keep getting bashed by waves and I think that I will crumble and break with every hit but I never do. I find my self in a dark moment but I know that the ultimate light is God and I can rest in the midst of my circumstances.
“Sin has lost it's power
Death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen, Victoriously.
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the light, You are the way.”
How many times I tread the paths of sin yet it does not have any power over me. My problems in this life have now bite or sting to me. Even if my current circumstances were to lead to my death. That is not the end because Jesus Christ my Savior rose victoriously from the dead.
This life I live today is only possible by what Christ did. I am worthless with out that saving grace God gave. Many times I may find my mind dark, hurting and clouded but I am always running toward the light. The darkness cannot stand against the Light. For that I am thankful.
“I once was fatherless
A stranger with no hope
Your kindness wakened me
Wakened me from my sleep”
A lethargic state of mind is not a place where a person wants to exist. I remember when I awoke from that mind set where I didn’t care about God to one where He is Abba Father. Why God chose me to bring Himself glory I cannot say but I am thankful.
“You're love it beckons deeply
A call to come and die
By grace now i will come
Take this life, take Your life
My dead heart now is beating
My deepest stains now clean
You're breath fills up my lungs
Now I'm free, now I'm free
Lift my hands and spin around
See the light that i have found
O the marvelous light, marvelous light”
How thankful I am for that beckoning love that God expresses to me. Can I approach God and know Him? I am constantly losing focus and not seeking God but He is the relentless force of my life that never fails or recedes. Thank you for that Lord. I long for the day when I will actually see Your marvelous light. Until that day help me! Help me please!
posted by Aaron Eberline
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Passionate perseverance in our journey of faith
How do we remain passionate as we continue through our August fast? Do you have the zeal for this fast that you had at the beginning? Have the worries of work and family crowded into your day to day living? When insurmountable events present themselves and hope seems lost what do you do? Cling to God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength as the waves of life seek to consume you.
In 2 Chronicles 20 the kingdom of Judah was invaded by the sons of Moab, the sons of Ammon, and the Meunites. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is faced with an overwhelming advisory seeking to destroy him. What would your instinctive reaction be in this situation? Would you be afraid? “Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord” 2 Chronicles 20:3,4 Hope in times of trouble is only found in God alone. Jehoshaphat’s instinct was not to run anywhere but to God for his help. The people sought to fast and set their hearts towards God.
What foes do you face in your life that overwhelms you? How do we seek to hone our instinct to run to God in the difficult moments of life? No matter where you find yourself in your spiritual journey I exhort you to set your heart daily towards knowing God. Make knowing God the greatest priority in life and as you trust Him in the minute details of life you will build up the faith to stand in when the torrent of life seeks to sweep you away.
I encourage you to continue with our August Fast and see how God will work in our families, our local community, and our world. There is great power found when believers gather in unity to seek out God. Thank you for sojourning with me as we continue on in faith awaiting Jesus Christ’s return.
Additional Reading:
What do you set your heart toward: 2 Chronicles 19 and 20
Where will you turn in your moment of crisis: 2 Kings 3 and 4
Perseverance in hardship when desire wains: 1 Chronicles 25 and 26
posted by Aaron Eberline
In 2 Chronicles 20 the kingdom of Judah was invaded by the sons of Moab, the sons of Ammon, and the Meunites. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is faced with an overwhelming advisory seeking to destroy him. What would your instinctive reaction be in this situation? Would you be afraid? “Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord” 2 Chronicles 20:3,4 Hope in times of trouble is only found in God alone. Jehoshaphat’s instinct was not to run anywhere but to God for his help. The people sought to fast and set their hearts towards God.
What foes do you face in your life that overwhelms you? How do we seek to hone our instinct to run to God in the difficult moments of life? No matter where you find yourself in your spiritual journey I exhort you to set your heart daily towards knowing God. Make knowing God the greatest priority in life and as you trust Him in the minute details of life you will build up the faith to stand in when the torrent of life seeks to sweep you away.
I encourage you to continue with our August Fast and see how God will work in our families, our local community, and our world. There is great power found when believers gather in unity to seek out God. Thank you for sojourning with me as we continue on in faith awaiting Jesus Christ’s return.
Additional Reading:
What do you set your heart toward: 2 Chronicles 19 and 20
Where will you turn in your moment of crisis: 2 Kings 3 and 4
Perseverance in hardship when desire wains: 1 Chronicles 25 and 26
posted by Aaron Eberline
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Grace of the Cross: a prayer
O MY SAVIOR,
I thank thee from the depths of my being
for thy wondrous grace and love
in bearing my sin in thine own body on the tree.
May thy cross be to me
as the tree that sweetens my bitter Marahs,
as the rod that blossoms with life and beauty,
as the brazen serpent that calls forth the look of faith.
By thy cross crucify my every sin;
Use it to increase my intimacy with thysef;
Make it the ground of all my comfort,
the liveliness of all my duties,
the sum of all thy gospel promises,
the comfort of all my afflictions,
the vigour of my love, thankfulness, graces,
the very essence of my religion;
And by it give me that rest without rest,
the rest of ceaseless praise,
O MY LORD AND SAVIOUR,
Thou hast also appointed a cross for me
to take up and carry,
a cross before thou givest me a crown.
Thou hast appointed it to be my portion,
but self-love hates it,
carnal reason is unreconciled to it;
without the grace of patience I cannot bear it,
walk with it, profit by it.
O blessed cross, what mercies dost thou bring
with thee?
Thou art only esteemed hateful by my rebel will,
heavy because I shirk thy load.
Teach me, gracious Lord and Saviour,
that with my cross thou sendest promised grace
so that I may bear it patiently,
that my cross is thy yoke which is easy,
and thy burden which is light.
Submitted by Caleb Bast
Taken from “The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions”
I thank thee from the depths of my being
for thy wondrous grace and love
in bearing my sin in thine own body on the tree.
May thy cross be to me
as the tree that sweetens my bitter Marahs,
as the rod that blossoms with life and beauty,
as the brazen serpent that calls forth the look of faith.
By thy cross crucify my every sin;
Use it to increase my intimacy with thysef;
Make it the ground of all my comfort,
the liveliness of all my duties,
the sum of all thy gospel promises,
the comfort of all my afflictions,
the vigour of my love, thankfulness, graces,
the very essence of my religion;
And by it give me that rest without rest,
the rest of ceaseless praise,
O MY LORD AND SAVIOUR,
Thou hast also appointed a cross for me
to take up and carry,
a cross before thou givest me a crown.
Thou hast appointed it to be my portion,
but self-love hates it,
carnal reason is unreconciled to it;
without the grace of patience I cannot bear it,
walk with it, profit by it.
O blessed cross, what mercies dost thou bring
with thee?
Thou art only esteemed hateful by my rebel will,
heavy because I shirk thy load.
Teach me, gracious Lord and Saviour,
that with my cross thou sendest promised grace
so that I may bear it patiently,
that my cross is thy yoke which is easy,
and thy burden which is light.
Submitted by Caleb Bast
Taken from “The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions”
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Persevering and Praying for all the Saints
Verses:
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.
(Eph. 6:18)
The inclusive nature of Paul’s language is always stimulating. There is a tendency to lean toward “favorites” or attractive personalities when it comes to praying. Or perhaps praying for those who are “on the front line” of kingdom work. Yet the text calls us to persevere and pray for all the saints. This provides us with several thoughts.
First, perseverance is a community idea. The Christian is designed for community. We are never to go it alone or fly solo. There is strength in numbers and this is found in community. Within the believing community we find strength to persevere.
We feed off of one another’s endurance. When we see others succeed where we currently struggle, we are encouraged to stay the course.
Second, prayer is impartial. We are to pray for all the saints, not simply our favorites or those we know best. It is for this reason our church directory is so vital in carrying out this admonition. It is always an encouragement to me to know that many within our community of faith are praying for my wife and I and family on specific days of the week.
Third, because no one is exempt from the battle everyone needs prayer and perseverance. No matter whom you are or what you do, you are in spiritual warfare. It is the result of our fall into sin. We should ardently pray for one another as we do battle with the world, the flesh and the devil. Evil is relentless and so must be the good.
May the invitation to pray and fast be an awakening to the warfare and then to our engagement in it. May we even now persevere and pray for all the saints.
by Pastor Pat Griffiths
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.
(Eph. 6:18)
The inclusive nature of Paul’s language is always stimulating. There is a tendency to lean toward “favorites” or attractive personalities when it comes to praying. Or perhaps praying for those who are “on the front line” of kingdom work. Yet the text calls us to persevere and pray for all the saints. This provides us with several thoughts.
First, perseverance is a community idea. The Christian is designed for community. We are never to go it alone or fly solo. There is strength in numbers and this is found in community. Within the believing community we find strength to persevere.
We feed off of one another’s endurance. When we see others succeed where we currently struggle, we are encouraged to stay the course.
Second, prayer is impartial. We are to pray for all the saints, not simply our favorites or those we know best. It is for this reason our church directory is so vital in carrying out this admonition. It is always an encouragement to me to know that many within our community of faith are praying for my wife and I and family on specific days of the week.
Third, because no one is exempt from the battle everyone needs prayer and perseverance. No matter whom you are or what you do, you are in spiritual warfare. It is the result of our fall into sin. We should ardently pray for one another as we do battle with the world, the flesh and the devil. Evil is relentless and so must be the good.
May the invitation to pray and fast be an awakening to the warfare and then to our engagement in it. May we even now persevere and pray for all the saints.
by Pastor Pat Griffiths
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Forgiving the Past / Embracing the Present
Verses:
“But Joseph said to them, Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” - (Gen. 50:19, 20)
There are several passages of Scripture that have (and do) speak deeply to me. They so resonate within my soul that I can openly state their personal worth. This is one of those life altering stories within The Story. The Joseph narrative is widely popular and equally known. Joseph suffered deeply at the hands of those whom he held close. His own bloodline abandoned him and wished him dead. Lest we seek to downplay the weight of such action, please pause to consider such handling. Perhaps you’ve endured such treatment at the hands of those to whom you looked for love, acceptance, favor, forgiveness and service. Maybe you were abandoned as a child or rejected by a spouse. Perhaps as an adult parent your children have left you to serve their own interests. These are the rejections that pierce severely, pain notably and scar grotesquely.
I do not believe Joseph was innocent of all charges. He was not blameless in his conduct toward his siblings, but his brotherly crimes and sibling rivalry where hardly compatible with the trouble he was forced to endure.
We do not know when Joseph came to faith, but his encounter with the living God was unmistakable. It so altered his soul that he was no longer capable of harboring bitterness toward those who treated him unjustly. His hurt was justifiable, most of ours are not. He justly deserved to be offended and feel the biting sting of personal injury. Yet despite all of this, God worked powerfully in and through his life whereby he was able to forgive and let it go. He would not allow himself to be in bondage to his brothers’ sin. He could forgive the past and embrace the present simply because He knew who had written The Story and all he was invited to do was to trust the author. This much is plain.
How about you? What “issue” or injury do you need to come to grips with? Perhaps you’ve failed to forgive the past and thus you are an emotional slave who is incapable of robust life. God did not redeem so that any of His people might continue or persist in emotional bondage. Friend, let it go. There is no dismissing of culpability for those who perpetrate the sin/crime. They will be impacted by their actions and choices, but you cannot be in bondage to it.
If God can forgive you of your sins against Him and if Joseph can forgive his brothers of their sins against him, then do you not think we might forgive those who have trespassed against us (Matt. 6:12)?
You will never be able to embrace the present unless and until you forgive the past. May God grant us great victory as we give ourselves to prayer and fasting.
by Pastor Pat Griffiths
“But Joseph said to them, Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” - (Gen. 50:19, 20)
There are several passages of Scripture that have (and do) speak deeply to me. They so resonate within my soul that I can openly state their personal worth. This is one of those life altering stories within The Story. The Joseph narrative is widely popular and equally known. Joseph suffered deeply at the hands of those whom he held close. His own bloodline abandoned him and wished him dead. Lest we seek to downplay the weight of such action, please pause to consider such handling. Perhaps you’ve endured such treatment at the hands of those to whom you looked for love, acceptance, favor, forgiveness and service. Maybe you were abandoned as a child or rejected by a spouse. Perhaps as an adult parent your children have left you to serve their own interests. These are the rejections that pierce severely, pain notably and scar grotesquely.
I do not believe Joseph was innocent of all charges. He was not blameless in his conduct toward his siblings, but his brotherly crimes and sibling rivalry where hardly compatible with the trouble he was forced to endure.
We do not know when Joseph came to faith, but his encounter with the living God was unmistakable. It so altered his soul that he was no longer capable of harboring bitterness toward those who treated him unjustly. His hurt was justifiable, most of ours are not. He justly deserved to be offended and feel the biting sting of personal injury. Yet despite all of this, God worked powerfully in and through his life whereby he was able to forgive and let it go. He would not allow himself to be in bondage to his brothers’ sin. He could forgive the past and embrace the present simply because He knew who had written The Story and all he was invited to do was to trust the author. This much is plain.
How about you? What “issue” or injury do you need to come to grips with? Perhaps you’ve failed to forgive the past and thus you are an emotional slave who is incapable of robust life. God did not redeem so that any of His people might continue or persist in emotional bondage. Friend, let it go. There is no dismissing of culpability for those who perpetrate the sin/crime. They will be impacted by their actions and choices, but you cannot be in bondage to it.
If God can forgive you of your sins against Him and if Joseph can forgive his brothers of their sins against him, then do you not think we might forgive those who have trespassed against us (Matt. 6:12)?
You will never be able to embrace the present unless and until you forgive the past. May God grant us great victory as we give ourselves to prayer and fasting.
by Pastor Pat Griffiths
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Preparing for War – Part 2
Verses:
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,” - (Eph. 6:18)
Again, this verse is a powerful reminder as to how we live the Christian life. Although we all recognize the need and thus necessity of prayer, very few actually engage in and effectively pray. It is for this reason we call the church family to pray.
First, what is prayer? Prayer at its most fundamental level is one’s communication with God. It has many ways of showing itself, but fundamentally prayer is simply “talking to/with God.” We speak to God with our minds/hearts and He speaks to us through the Word by means of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is not defined by posture or position. It is not defined by nor confined by where one is, when one prays or even how one prays. Throughout the day and night when ever and where ever you find yourself you can turn your attention to God and speak with Him and ask of Him anything.
Second, how do we pray effectively? Here we must define what is meant by “effective or effectual”. Prayers mystery is its non-definable nature. One thing I’ve learned through the years is to have realistic expectations. If my expectations are unrealistic, I will grow in my frustration. What might I realistically expect from prayer? Although we know what it is and why we pray (simply because God calls and invites us to pray), it isn’t a “magic incantation” whereby when we pray God acts. God works in and through prayer and He often works in the absence of prayer. But simply because He does work without prayer does not mean we should be lazy in prayer. What might I realistically expect from prayer? First, when we pray God listens (Ps. 4:1, 3). His ear is always turned toward our communication. Second, when we pray our prayers should align with God’s revealed will as found in the Scripture (James 4:3 1 John 3:22; 5:14). Third, when we pray we are to surrender ourselves completely to God’s Story (Prov. 3:5, 6). We are not altering the Story. Our prayers might be uttered in conflict with the Story, but God will not honor the request. His Story shall prevail. We must rest knowing how our prayers are a part of the means God uses in the telling and accomplishing of His Story.
As we focus on prayer and fasting may our mind and spirit be renewed in our quest to know God and to make Him known.
by Pastor Pat Griffiths
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,” - (Eph. 6:18)
Again, this verse is a powerful reminder as to how we live the Christian life. Although we all recognize the need and thus necessity of prayer, very few actually engage in and effectively pray. It is for this reason we call the church family to pray.
First, what is prayer? Prayer at its most fundamental level is one’s communication with God. It has many ways of showing itself, but fundamentally prayer is simply “talking to/with God.” We speak to God with our minds/hearts and He speaks to us through the Word by means of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is not defined by posture or position. It is not defined by nor confined by where one is, when one prays or even how one prays. Throughout the day and night when ever and where ever you find yourself you can turn your attention to God and speak with Him and ask of Him anything.
Second, how do we pray effectively? Here we must define what is meant by “effective or effectual”. Prayers mystery is its non-definable nature. One thing I’ve learned through the years is to have realistic expectations. If my expectations are unrealistic, I will grow in my frustration. What might I realistically expect from prayer? Although we know what it is and why we pray (simply because God calls and invites us to pray), it isn’t a “magic incantation” whereby when we pray God acts. God works in and through prayer and He often works in the absence of prayer. But simply because He does work without prayer does not mean we should be lazy in prayer. What might I realistically expect from prayer? First, when we pray God listens (Ps. 4:1, 3). His ear is always turned toward our communication. Second, when we pray our prayers should align with God’s revealed will as found in the Scripture (James 4:3 1 John 3:22; 5:14). Third, when we pray we are to surrender ourselves completely to God’s Story (Prov. 3:5, 6). We are not altering the Story. Our prayers might be uttered in conflict with the Story, but God will not honor the request. His Story shall prevail. We must rest knowing how our prayers are a part of the means God uses in the telling and accomplishing of His Story.
As we focus on prayer and fasting may our mind and spirit be renewed in our quest to know God and to make Him known.
by Pastor Pat Griffiths
Monday, August 9, 2010
Preparing for War – Part 1
Verses:
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God”
(Eph. 6:11-13)
Passages like this always intrigue me. My lifestyle often ensnares me into believing Christianity makes my life “better” or “easier” or “successful”. Yet the opposite is often more true. Christianity places me in a position that squarely sits in opposition to the flesh, the world and the devil. As such perhaps for the very first time because I am fully alive I now live in conflict to my immediate surroundings. My life, instead of becoming easier, actually becomes harder.
It is because of this principle Paul calls the church to put on the full armor of God. This passage clearly notes the nature of our conflict and the means God provides for us to be more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37). The victory does not lie with us, but with whom God is and what He does (Prov. 21:31).
One of the errors we are prone to believe and then live with is the idea that spiritual warfare is not tangible or physical warfare. Although the battles are often fought (and won) within the mind, intellect and emotion; they are real battles that have significant and powerful physical consequences. Spiritual warfare has a face and name.
For example, coveting or desiring what you do not have can be just as equally sinful as stealing or pursuing the object coveted through legitimate and ethical means. Coveting or desiring what you do not have because of a failure on your part to see Jesus as enough in this life and in the life to come is sin. Sin is when we put something other than God at the center of our life and as such as the singular means of finding rest and contentment.
Friend, during our season of prayer and fasting let us remember we are in a fight. God’s enablement is for us to recognize His means to His end. We cannot go it alone. We must rest and rely on God. Let us be determined to tear down all those strongholds that seek to resist God within our own souls (2 Cor. 10:4). May God delight in causing us to delight only and powerfully in Him.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God”
(Eph. 6:11-13)
Passages like this always intrigue me. My lifestyle often ensnares me into believing Christianity makes my life “better” or “easier” or “successful”. Yet the opposite is often more true. Christianity places me in a position that squarely sits in opposition to the flesh, the world and the devil. As such perhaps for the very first time because I am fully alive I now live in conflict to my immediate surroundings. My life, instead of becoming easier, actually becomes harder.
It is because of this principle Paul calls the church to put on the full armor of God. This passage clearly notes the nature of our conflict and the means God provides for us to be more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37). The victory does not lie with us, but with whom God is and what He does (Prov. 21:31).
One of the errors we are prone to believe and then live with is the idea that spiritual warfare is not tangible or physical warfare. Although the battles are often fought (and won) within the mind, intellect and emotion; they are real battles that have significant and powerful physical consequences. Spiritual warfare has a face and name.
For example, coveting or desiring what you do not have can be just as equally sinful as stealing or pursuing the object coveted through legitimate and ethical means. Coveting or desiring what you do not have because of a failure on your part to see Jesus as enough in this life and in the life to come is sin. Sin is when we put something other than God at the center of our life and as such as the singular means of finding rest and contentment.
Friend, during our season of prayer and fasting let us remember we are in a fight. God’s enablement is for us to recognize His means to His end. We cannot go it alone. We must rest and rely on God. Let us be determined to tear down all those strongholds that seek to resist God within our own souls (2 Cor. 10:4). May God delight in causing us to delight only and powerfully in Him.
by Pastor Pat Griffiths
Sunday, August 8, 2010
“Why Has the Temple of God Been Neglected?”
Text:
Nehemiah 13
Thoughts and observations…
God has always called his people to be like him. We can see, especially throughout the Old Testament, God’s call to holiness. To be holy means to be dedicated or consecrated to God, devoted to the service of God, set apart, different, separate from sin, it denotes wholeness. The Levitical law helps us to see the importance of the holiness and purity of God and his people.
Here is the setting in chapter 13 of the book of Nehemiah. “On that same day, as the Book of Moses was being read to the people...” God’s people were being exposed to God’s word. In reading through this passage of scripture my attention is drawn to Nehemiah’s zeal and jealousy to preserve God’s holiness in the eyes of the people and to the obedience of the commands regarding God’s temple.
[Vs. 10] – The people quickly forget God’s word and as a result of not having a proper understanding of God through his word, they were no longer giving back to the Lord and his work. The Levites and singers who conducted the worship services in the temple were no longer being taken care of and so they “had all returned to work their fields”.
When we are disconnected from God and his word we tend to think more about ourselves and we become self absorbed, self indulgent, self motivated, self seeking and just overall, selfish.
[Vs 11 & 12] – Nehemiah’s response. “I immediately confronted the leaders and demanded, ‘Why has the Temple of God been neglected?’ Then I called all the Levites back again and restored them to their proper duties. And once more all the people of Judah began bringing their tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil to the temple storerooms.” The rest of the chapter shows how Nehemiah went about working to “keep the Sabbath day holy” and to keep the people pure as God had commanded.
Oh Father, through the Spirit, help us to see that the way in which we care for your church, the body of Christ, directly reflects our hearts true theology. It is the marker that shows what we really believe about you, Lord. If we lack in generosity, is it because we lack a true understanding of your gospel? You have freely given us all things! (Rom. 8:32) You gave your life as a ransom to purchase freedom for everyone who would believe. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. (1 Tim. 2:6) You are the greatest giver and you have called us to follow in your steps and be the most generous people…for your glory and our joy. May the thoughts and meditations of my heart be pleasing to you and edifying to your saints. Amen.
Psalm 139:23,24 “Search me oh God and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts; And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” If the Holy Spirit puts his gentle finger on an area of your life that is not lining up with his will and his word, I encourage you to change your mind…repent, believe the gospel and do the work that accords with godliness. There is forgiveness, restoration, healing, and holiness in Christ for his people.
Pray that God will help us to be joyful, grateful givers. There is much work to be done. Wouldn’t it be a testimony of God’s grace to see our giving increasing in the midst of these difficult economic times? Do it, Lord!
Your fellow servant,
Caleb Bast
Nehemiah 13
Thoughts and observations…
God has always called his people to be like him. We can see, especially throughout the Old Testament, God’s call to holiness. To be holy means to be dedicated or consecrated to God, devoted to the service of God, set apart, different, separate from sin, it denotes wholeness. The Levitical law helps us to see the importance of the holiness and purity of God and his people.
Here is the setting in chapter 13 of the book of Nehemiah. “On that same day, as the Book of Moses was being read to the people...” God’s people were being exposed to God’s word. In reading through this passage of scripture my attention is drawn to Nehemiah’s zeal and jealousy to preserve God’s holiness in the eyes of the people and to the obedience of the commands regarding God’s temple.
[Vs. 10] – The people quickly forget God’s word and as a result of not having a proper understanding of God through his word, they were no longer giving back to the Lord and his work. The Levites and singers who conducted the worship services in the temple were no longer being taken care of and so they “had all returned to work their fields”.
When we are disconnected from God and his word we tend to think more about ourselves and we become self absorbed, self indulgent, self motivated, self seeking and just overall, selfish.
[Vs 11 & 12] – Nehemiah’s response. “I immediately confronted the leaders and demanded, ‘Why has the Temple of God been neglected?’ Then I called all the Levites back again and restored them to their proper duties. And once more all the people of Judah began bringing their tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil to the temple storerooms.” The rest of the chapter shows how Nehemiah went about working to “keep the Sabbath day holy” and to keep the people pure as God had commanded.
Oh Father, through the Spirit, help us to see that the way in which we care for your church, the body of Christ, directly reflects our hearts true theology. It is the marker that shows what we really believe about you, Lord. If we lack in generosity, is it because we lack a true understanding of your gospel? You have freely given us all things! (Rom. 8:32) You gave your life as a ransom to purchase freedom for everyone who would believe. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. (1 Tim. 2:6) You are the greatest giver and you have called us to follow in your steps and be the most generous people…for your glory and our joy. May the thoughts and meditations of my heart be pleasing to you and edifying to your saints. Amen.
Psalm 139:23,24 “Search me oh God and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts; And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” If the Holy Spirit puts his gentle finger on an area of your life that is not lining up with his will and his word, I encourage you to change your mind…repent, believe the gospel and do the work that accords with godliness. There is forgiveness, restoration, healing, and holiness in Christ for his people.
Pray that God will help us to be joyful, grateful givers. There is much work to be done. Wouldn’t it be a testimony of God’s grace to see our giving increasing in the midst of these difficult economic times? Do it, Lord!
Your fellow servant,
Caleb Bast
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Cast Aside and Cling: a call to fast
As we in unity gather to fast this August what is happening in our lives? What is the purpose of this fast? I have been entrenched in a multi-year project to blog through the Bible. What is the overwhelming theme and constant thought throughout the Old Testament? In Joshua chapter 23 the people of Israel are encouraged by Joshua to "cling to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day." (Joshua 23:8) and to not "cling to the rest of [the] nations, these which remain among you" (Joshua 23:12). How does this relate to our August fast?
We are enveloped in a world that vies for our attention at every moment of the day. The people of Israel were coming from years of hard living in the wilderness and entering a season of easy living in the Promised Land. Joshua encouraged all the people to not forget God when they inherited the cities, houses, and cultivated land that they didn't build. We are living today in our own type of promised land where we have been richly blessed by God. It is too easy to let these blessings draw our attention and devotion away from God. When we take away something that is intrinsically part of our daily life we break the cycle of dependance we have placed upon the things we have.
As you enter a fasting season you will notice a void in your life where the item at one time took your attention. I encourage you to take this time to allow God to meet you in this moment and fill that void in your day with Himself. You will be richly blessed as you cast aside the things of this world that vie for your attention and cling to God.
For further reading on the idea of clinging to God read through Joshua 23 and 24 and visit http://www.aaroneberline.com/2010/05/cling-to-the-lord-your-god-not-to-this-world-joshua-23-and-24
Blessings,
Aaron Eberline
We are enveloped in a world that vies for our attention at every moment of the day. The people of Israel were coming from years of hard living in the wilderness and entering a season of easy living in the Promised Land. Joshua encouraged all the people to not forget God when they inherited the cities, houses, and cultivated land that they didn't build. We are living today in our own type of promised land where we have been richly blessed by God. It is too easy to let these blessings draw our attention and devotion away from God. When we take away something that is intrinsically part of our daily life we break the cycle of dependance we have placed upon the things we have.
As you enter a fasting season you will notice a void in your life where the item at one time took your attention. I encourage you to take this time to allow God to meet you in this moment and fill that void in your day with Himself. You will be richly blessed as you cast aside the things of this world that vie for your attention and cling to God.
For further reading on the idea of clinging to God read through Joshua 23 and 24 and visit http://www.aaroneberline.com/2010/05/cling-to-the-lord-your-god-not-to-this-world-joshua-23-and-24
Blessings,
Aaron Eberline
Friday, August 6, 2010
"Death in His Grave"
Thought:
Listen to this song and realize that the cross is the center of our spirituality. Remember that Jesus' instruction concerning fasting in Matthew 6:16-18 is at the beginning of a book that ends with Matthew 26,27, and 28 (the betrayl, death, burial and resurrection of Christ).
Song:
http://vimeo.com/10869606
Lyrics:
Though the Earth Cried out for blood
Satisfied her hunger was
Her billows calmed on raging seas
for the souls on men she craved
Sun and moon from balcony
Turned their head in disbelief
Their precious Love would taste the sting
disfigured and disdained
On Friday a thief On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief But awoke with keys
Of Hell on that dayThe first born of the slain
The Man Jesus ChristLaid death in his grave
So three days in darkness slept
The Morning Sun of righteousness
But rose to shame the throes of death And over turn his rule
Now daughters and the sons of men
Would pay not their dues again
The debt of blood they owed was rent
When the day rolled a new
On Friday a thief On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief But awoke holding keys
To Hell on that day The first born of the slain
The Man Jesus Christ Laid death in his grave
On Friday a thief On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief But awoke with keys
Of Hell on that day The first born of the slain
The Man Jesus Christ Laid death in his grave
He has cheated Hell and seated Us above the fall
In desperate places He paid our wages
One time once and for all
Listen to this song and realize that the cross is the center of our spirituality. Remember that Jesus' instruction concerning fasting in Matthew 6:16-18 is at the beginning of a book that ends with Matthew 26,27, and 28 (the betrayl, death, burial and resurrection of Christ).
Song:
http://vimeo.com/10869606
Lyrics:
Though the Earth Cried out for blood
Satisfied her hunger was
Her billows calmed on raging seas
for the souls on men she craved
Sun and moon from balcony
Turned their head in disbelief
Their precious Love would taste the sting
disfigured and disdained
On Friday a thief On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief But awoke with keys
Of Hell on that dayThe first born of the slain
The Man Jesus ChristLaid death in his grave
So three days in darkness slept
The Morning Sun of righteousness
But rose to shame the throes of death And over turn his rule
Now daughters and the sons of men
Would pay not their dues again
The debt of blood they owed was rent
When the day rolled a new
On Friday a thief On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief But awoke holding keys
To Hell on that day The first born of the slain
The Man Jesus Christ Laid death in his grave
On Friday a thief On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief But awoke with keys
Of Hell on that day The first born of the slain
The Man Jesus Christ Laid death in his grave
He has cheated Hell and seated Us above the fall
In desperate places He paid our wages
One time once and for all
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Private Piety - Matthew 6:16-18
Verses:
16"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” - Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus, instructing his disciples and a crowd on the side of a mountain, assumes the presence of fasting in their lives as he says, “And when you fast” (v.16). His first instruction prohibits his followers from putting on an outward show to gain recognition. He condemns piety that attempts to earn righteousness. He condemns the self-reliant spirituality. The reward for this spirituality is immediate and fleeting; gained and lost in the recognition of others (v.16).
Jesus never criticizes the “wrong way” without offering a better one. In regards to fasting Jesus specifically lays out his demands for his followers: “anoint your head and wash your face” (v.17). One aspect of the word used for this sort of “anointing and washing” conveys the idea of normal every day grooming. There is an ordinary, everyday element to our spirituality and we must be content with the rhythm of it. However there is also a ceremonial dimension to this word for “anointing” as it resembles the idea contained in Psalm 23:5 “you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.” This speaks to the lavishness of God’s blessing and the celebration that God’s presence brings to our lives. There should be an element of joy in our piety, if someone notes something about our private piety it should be our contagious joy and not the misery of our sacrifices. “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you”; this is indicative of a life that is responding to an already established relationship with God rather than seeking to create a relationship from one’s own resources. A God-centered private piety reveals a reliance on the God who justifies rather than on one’s own effort for righteousness.
- by Caleb Widmer
16"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” - Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus, instructing his disciples and a crowd on the side of a mountain, assumes the presence of fasting in their lives as he says, “And when you fast” (v.16). His first instruction prohibits his followers from putting on an outward show to gain recognition. He condemns piety that attempts to earn righteousness. He condemns the self-reliant spirituality. The reward for this spirituality is immediate and fleeting; gained and lost in the recognition of others (v.16).
Jesus never criticizes the “wrong way” without offering a better one. In regards to fasting Jesus specifically lays out his demands for his followers: “anoint your head and wash your face” (v.17). One aspect of the word used for this sort of “anointing and washing” conveys the idea of normal every day grooming. There is an ordinary, everyday element to our spirituality and we must be content with the rhythm of it. However there is also a ceremonial dimension to this word for “anointing” as it resembles the idea contained in Psalm 23:5 “you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.” This speaks to the lavishness of God’s blessing and the celebration that God’s presence brings to our lives. There should be an element of joy in our piety, if someone notes something about our private piety it should be our contagious joy and not the misery of our sacrifices. “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you”; this is indicative of a life that is responding to an already established relationship with God rather than seeking to create a relationship from one’s own resources. A God-centered private piety reveals a reliance on the God who justifies rather than on one’s own effort for righteousness.
- by Caleb Widmer
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day 4 - "Why a Fast? - Part II"
Scripture:
"But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent." - Revelation 2:4, 5
I have always found this text somewhat elusive. It appears simple but it actually has significant complexities. Regardless as to where one falls in the handling of it there is an idea that appears foundational, “You are no longer where you once were and you need to repent in order to get back to that initial state.”
For the Christian, we can never fall from our standing in Christ. Yet it is possible because of the clutter to lose sight of His Story. Our circumstances provide numerous occasions for our flesh to call into question God’s control and in that control His wisdom and goodness.
In order for us to break the stronghold our circumstances might have on us and to shake us from our fixation on the temporal we are invited to fast from the temporal and to seek the eternal. Fasting is no mandatory or even perhaps necessary, but for some it is the only means of snapping them back to their biblical reality.
Why is this so? Sometimes we find ourselves “addicted” to “things” and these “things” like the giant python slowly and almost imperceptibly squeeze from us our life. By the time we awaken to our danger, it is almost too late. Foolishly we make “pets” of our addictions. Yet hear me out. Fasting from the temporal is a call to go “cold turkey”. It is a call for complete abstinence. Addicts cannot tolerate that which holds them in bondage. They must eliminate it from their life.
As you consider your life perhaps you will find some significant inroads the temporal has made in your life. Perhaps there are areas where God is being choked out. Maybe you’ve stopped reading your Bible or engaging in meaningful prayer or avoided the assembling of yourself together with others on Sunday morning or a life group or perhaps you no longer give financially (remember giving is a regular means of breaking the stronghold money has on all of us). I do not know what your particular “python” is, but chances are you (and I) have one if not several.
Our call is for all of us to go back to the simplicity of knowing Christ and loving His Church (2 Cor. 11:3). May this time find you exercised in the pursuit.
by - Pastor Pat Griffiths
"But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent." - Revelation 2:4, 5
I have always found this text somewhat elusive. It appears simple but it actually has significant complexities. Regardless as to where one falls in the handling of it there is an idea that appears foundational, “You are no longer where you once were and you need to repent in order to get back to that initial state.”
For the Christian, we can never fall from our standing in Christ. Yet it is possible because of the clutter to lose sight of His Story. Our circumstances provide numerous occasions for our flesh to call into question God’s control and in that control His wisdom and goodness.
In order for us to break the stronghold our circumstances might have on us and to shake us from our fixation on the temporal we are invited to fast from the temporal and to seek the eternal. Fasting is no mandatory or even perhaps necessary, but for some it is the only means of snapping them back to their biblical reality.
Why is this so? Sometimes we find ourselves “addicted” to “things” and these “things” like the giant python slowly and almost imperceptibly squeeze from us our life. By the time we awaken to our danger, it is almost too late. Foolishly we make “pets” of our addictions. Yet hear me out. Fasting from the temporal is a call to go “cold turkey”. It is a call for complete abstinence. Addicts cannot tolerate that which holds them in bondage. They must eliminate it from their life.
As you consider your life perhaps you will find some significant inroads the temporal has made in your life. Perhaps there are areas where God is being choked out. Maybe you’ve stopped reading your Bible or engaging in meaningful prayer or avoided the assembling of yourself together with others on Sunday morning or a life group or perhaps you no longer give financially (remember giving is a regular means of breaking the stronghold money has on all of us). I do not know what your particular “python” is, but chances are you (and I) have one if not several.
Our call is for all of us to go back to the simplicity of knowing Christ and loving His Church (2 Cor. 11:3). May this time find you exercised in the pursuit.
by - Pastor Pat Griffiths
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Day 3 - "Why a Fast?"
Scripture:
"Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day - things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ." - Colossians 2:16,17
Fasting in a context of glut or saturation seems foreign and perhaps unnecessary. Yet it is for those very reasons the church of Jesus Christ must fast. Fasting enables the church to take a time out from the “rat race” formed by its complexity. It equally seeks to rescue the church from drowning in a sinkhole of the unimportant.
Our Western world seems to move at a pace where we rush from one activity to the next without ever resting, pondering and considering the significance of each moment and how God moves life in an intentional and purposed pattern.
God cries out to us through the shadow. Yet we become slaves to the shadow; failing to see and hear and feel Him. We lose God in the avalanche of cultural clutter.
At the end of the day all that truly matters in your relationship with God and His Church, your relationship with your immediate family and then how those relationships are lived out in your immediate world.
Fasting helps to put things right where they are either wrong or forgotten or simply off kilter. How can you tell when things are off center? It is like placing an object on a potter’s wheel. If you are not on center, when the object is spun it will wobble and then fall off and potentially do much harm. Life is like this. As your life spins from all of the elements present, the wobbling openly says “you are off center.”
We encourage you to check your center. Take time out during your daily fast to seek God through His Word and Prayer. Hear Him through His Word and speak to Him through your prayer. God longs to meet with you each and every day. He wants you to see and hear Him in the shadow. If you find yourself off center, pull away, put off and go back to the simplicity of only knowing Him.
- by Pastor Pat Griffiths
"Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day - things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ." - Colossians 2:16,17
Fasting in a context of glut or saturation seems foreign and perhaps unnecessary. Yet it is for those very reasons the church of Jesus Christ must fast. Fasting enables the church to take a time out from the “rat race” formed by its complexity. It equally seeks to rescue the church from drowning in a sinkhole of the unimportant.
Our Western world seems to move at a pace where we rush from one activity to the next without ever resting, pondering and considering the significance of each moment and how God moves life in an intentional and purposed pattern.
God cries out to us through the shadow. Yet we become slaves to the shadow; failing to see and hear and feel Him. We lose God in the avalanche of cultural clutter.
At the end of the day all that truly matters in your relationship with God and His Church, your relationship with your immediate family and then how those relationships are lived out in your immediate world.
Fasting helps to put things right where they are either wrong or forgotten or simply off kilter. How can you tell when things are off center? It is like placing an object on a potter’s wheel. If you are not on center, when the object is spun it will wobble and then fall off and potentially do much harm. Life is like this. As your life spins from all of the elements present, the wobbling openly says “you are off center.”
We encourage you to check your center. Take time out during your daily fast to seek God through His Word and Prayer. Hear Him through His Word and speak to Him through your prayer. God longs to meet with you each and every day. He wants you to see and hear Him in the shadow. If you find yourself off center, pull away, put off and go back to the simplicity of only knowing Him.
- by Pastor Pat Griffiths
Monday, August 2, 2010
Day 2
Church Family,
If you're still undecided about how to go about this "fasting" thing, might I recommend the replacement of media in your life with prayer and meditaiton on Scripture? God can use this time to speak his voice into your heart’s ear without the crowding voices of modern media. Think about it: in your car, in your living room, on your computer, through your phone, in the grocery aisle, driving down the highway . . . the voices of this world are constantly yelling at us. Unintentionally or intentionally we give them room. I'm reminded of Proverbs 1:20-33 and how both Wisdom and Folly call out to us. We possess the choice to become the audience of either Wisdom or Folly. I'm trying to drive my car in peace this month. So far I don't even miss the loud mouths of talk radio or the rock-stars and divas of pop music. I took time this morning to pray for Pat and the teaching ministry that he has been called to.
Verse:
Proverbs 1:20-33
Prayer focus:
The Teaching ministry of W.B.C. through Pastor Pat, that our minds might be renewed.
Praying with you today,
Caleb Widmer
If you're still undecided about how to go about this "fasting" thing, might I recommend the replacement of media in your life with prayer and meditaiton on Scripture? God can use this time to speak his voice into your heart’s ear without the crowding voices of modern media. Think about it: in your car, in your living room, on your computer, through your phone, in the grocery aisle, driving down the highway . . . the voices of this world are constantly yelling at us. Unintentionally or intentionally we give them room. I'm reminded of Proverbs 1:20-33 and how both Wisdom and Folly call out to us. We possess the choice to become the audience of either Wisdom or Folly. I'm trying to drive my car in peace this month. So far I don't even miss the loud mouths of talk radio or the rock-stars and divas of pop music. I took time this morning to pray for Pat and the teaching ministry that he has been called to.
Verse:
Proverbs 1:20-33
Prayer focus:
The Teaching ministry of W.B.C. through Pastor Pat, that our minds might be renewed.
Praying with you today,
Caleb Widmer
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Here we go . . .
What is fasting? Fasting is a discipline we use to symbolize our dedication to God and to provide opportunities for the furtherance of the Kingdom. To fast is really to focus. As we enter this month of fasting I would like us to meditate on Proverbs 1:32
"For the simple are killed by their turning away;
and the complacency of fools destroys them."
Before grave mistakes occur there is a decision made to look away from our focal point. Before the fool is destroyed he is complacent, lazy, and takes everything for granted. Let Waukesha Bible Church be renown for her ardency and not her complacency, her passionate focus and not her distractions and divisions. Ultimately our focus is Christ for without him we can do nothing. While I wrote this post I was listening to Lead Me to the Cross; I'll teach it to you later this morning.
Your brother in Christ,
Caleb Widmer
"For the simple are killed by their turning away;
and the complacency of fools destroys them."
Before grave mistakes occur there is a decision made to look away from our focal point. Before the fool is destroyed he is complacent, lazy, and takes everything for granted. Let Waukesha Bible Church be renown for her ardency and not her complacency, her passionate focus and not her distractions and divisions. Ultimately our focus is Christ for without him we can do nothing. While I wrote this post I was listening to Lead Me to the Cross; I'll teach it to you later this morning.
Your brother in Christ,
Caleb Widmer
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