Thursday, January 04, 2007
Going, Going, Gone
"Becoming" has moved to a new location--right here. This site will remain as an archive to all the old stuff since Wordpress cannot import from the New Blogger. Please update your bookmarks. See you there. (Or, right here.)
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
Matthew 4:12-17
Have you ever had a near death experience? Have you ever been surrounded by the valley of death as a loved one slipped through to the next life? The shadow of death is an awful place to be. It is lonely. It is painful. It is nerve-racking. It is sad and angering at the same time--some are broken in the valley while others shake their fists in defiance.
We run from the valley. We live our lives in such a way as to avoid it at all costs. It usually sneaks up on us despite all our actions to fight it off--the right diets, the right make-up, the right clothes, the right plastic surgery, the right partner, etc. Make no mistake about...we reject the valley of the shadow. We do not want to be there.
The fact of the matter is this: we are surrounded by the shadow everyday. People all around us everywhere we go are living in the valley's darkness. Don't let them fool you by all the gimmicks designed to stave off the darkness (diets, make-up, clothes, plastic surgery, sex, etc.)--they dwell right there in the darkness.
In one sense they are privy to the valley because their lives are given to covering it up. In another sense, however, they are blind to exactly what it is they are trying to cover up. Darkness means there is no light. Without light, there is no exposure to the source of the problem. The source of the problem and the answer to the problem must be exact opposites.
The answer to the problem...the answer to the darkness...is the presence of Jesus ("on them a light has dawned"); the source of the problem is the lack of the presence of Jesus ("those dwelling in darkness").
The application is two-fold:
Have you ever had a near death experience? Have you ever been surrounded by the valley of death as a loved one slipped through to the next life? The shadow of death is an awful place to be. It is lonely. It is painful. It is nerve-racking. It is sad and angering at the same time--some are broken in the valley while others shake their fists in defiance.
We run from the valley. We live our lives in such a way as to avoid it at all costs. It usually sneaks up on us despite all our actions to fight it off--the right diets, the right make-up, the right clothes, the right plastic surgery, the right partner, etc. Make no mistake about...we reject the valley of the shadow. We do not want to be there.
The fact of the matter is this: we are surrounded by the shadow everyday. People all around us everywhere we go are living in the valley's darkness. Don't let them fool you by all the gimmicks designed to stave off the darkness (diets, make-up, clothes, plastic surgery, sex, etc.)--they dwell right there in the darkness.
In one sense they are privy to the valley because their lives are given to covering it up. In another sense, however, they are blind to exactly what it is they are trying to cover up. Darkness means there is no light. Without light, there is no exposure to the source of the problem. The source of the problem and the answer to the problem must be exact opposites.
The answer to the problem...the answer to the darkness...is the presence of Jesus ("on them a light has dawned"); the source of the problem is the lack of the presence of Jesus ("those dwelling in darkness").
The application is two-fold:
- For we on whom the light has shined (who enjoy the presence of Jesus)--this truth changes the way we face our valley of death. Those trials and struggles and pains and losses we experience are lived out under the light of Christ. We can and we must (if we claim Christ) face those dark times under the realization that they are all exposed by Christ. He is our Great Shepherd in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23)!
- For those around us who do not enjoy the presence of Jesus--this truth changes the way we look at the lost. We must not look down our pious, judgmental noses! We must become broken-hearted for those living in the valley. We must realize the answer to their darkness has dawned; the light of life has come. And just as Jesus began (in the above passage) to preach the Kingdom at hand AND call fishers of men to His service, we must see our place in Jesus' light coming to shine upon and expose the valley of the shadow of death for those around us.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Genesis 8:20-22; 9:8-17
Do you realize that every human being on the face of the planet lives under the grace of Almighty God? Every day, as morning breaks and each person yawns at the edge of their bed, we all enjoy a dose of God's grace--from the highest eschalons of rulership to the tiniest baby in the most remote and archaic tribe. Every rainbow is a reminder of it. In fact, every human being--whose heart's intention is evil from his youth--deserves the judgment of God right now. Paul's letter to the Romans even tells us that God has made Himself known in Creation in such a way that all men (who do not turn to Him) are without excuse. But the rainbow is a reminder of God's universal grace (note: not universal salvation).
Although judgment is deserved, God promised that He would never again curse the ground because of man. That's interesting, because my Bible says that a day of judgment is coming; that a day is soon coming in which the whole earth will be burned up with fire; that every man will give an account to God; that all those whose faith is not in Jesus Christ will face an eternal judgment flood. The rainbow reminds us of God's heart toward man...the flood reminds us of God's heart toward sin.
How can we not recite John 3:16 here--"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
The rainbow tells the whole world of God's love. Christians tell the whole world about Christ. The world has an obligation to trust in the Creator rather than creation (Romans 1:18-25). Jesus has an obligation to vindicate his death. The flood was God's curse against the ground because of man. The soon to come separation of sheep and goats, earth consuming fire, and Great White Throne of Judgment is because of the glory of Jesus Christ. He who was made low for our sake will be gloriously exalted for every eye to see.
"What are you talking about?" We Christians tend to think that all that lies ahead is judgment. We fault ourselves in this to the point that we spend more time behind four walls sitting in pews casting judgment upon the lost. "Oh, they'll get theirs...unless, of course, they become like us." We paint the picture that all God is is a God of judgment; that God is out to get everyone that isn't like us. But, Genesis 8:21 clearly tells us that never again will God curse the ground because of man. As a matter of fact, today's history is all about God desiring everyone to turn to Him through Jesus. That is God's heart toward man. The judgment to come is not because of God's mean spirited judgment (which is the way we have led most people to think about God). The judgment to come is not to curse the ground because of man. The judgment to come is for the vindication of Jesus' glory for all the world to see. Every knee will bow and tongue will confess that He is Lord. It's not because of man, but Jesus.
"What about it?" Isn't it interesting that the sun rises on both the Godly and the ungodly? The rainbow covers both the Godly and the ungodly? God loves the world. Our job, as Christ followers, is not to cast judgment but to share God's love with the world and to warn them of Christ's vindication (his return and his eternal home). Somewhere, over the rainbow, we must learn that it's not because of man (not about us) but it's all about Jesus!
Do you realize that every human being on the face of the planet lives under the grace of Almighty God? Every day, as morning breaks and each person yawns at the edge of their bed, we all enjoy a dose of God's grace--from the highest eschalons of rulership to the tiniest baby in the most remote and archaic tribe. Every rainbow is a reminder of it. In fact, every human being--whose heart's intention is evil from his youth--deserves the judgment of God right now. Paul's letter to the Romans even tells us that God has made Himself known in Creation in such a way that all men (who do not turn to Him) are without excuse. But the rainbow is a reminder of God's universal grace (note: not universal salvation).
Although judgment is deserved, God promised that He would never again curse the ground because of man. That's interesting, because my Bible says that a day of judgment is coming; that a day is soon coming in which the whole earth will be burned up with fire; that every man will give an account to God; that all those whose faith is not in Jesus Christ will face an eternal judgment flood. The rainbow reminds us of God's heart toward man...the flood reminds us of God's heart toward sin.
How can we not recite John 3:16 here--"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
The rainbow tells the whole world of God's love. Christians tell the whole world about Christ. The world has an obligation to trust in the Creator rather than creation (Romans 1:18-25). Jesus has an obligation to vindicate his death. The flood was God's curse against the ground because of man. The soon to come separation of sheep and goats, earth consuming fire, and Great White Throne of Judgment is because of the glory of Jesus Christ. He who was made low for our sake will be gloriously exalted for every eye to see.
"What are you talking about?" We Christians tend to think that all that lies ahead is judgment. We fault ourselves in this to the point that we spend more time behind four walls sitting in pews casting judgment upon the lost. "Oh, they'll get theirs...unless, of course, they become like us." We paint the picture that all God is is a God of judgment; that God is out to get everyone that isn't like us. But, Genesis 8:21 clearly tells us that never again will God curse the ground because of man. As a matter of fact, today's history is all about God desiring everyone to turn to Him through Jesus. That is God's heart toward man. The judgment to come is not because of God's mean spirited judgment (which is the way we have led most people to think about God). The judgment to come is not to curse the ground because of man. The judgment to come is for the vindication of Jesus' glory for all the world to see. Every knee will bow and tongue will confess that He is Lord. It's not because of man, but Jesus.
"What about it?" Isn't it interesting that the sun rises on both the Godly and the ungodly? The rainbow covers both the Godly and the ungodly? God loves the world. Our job, as Christ followers, is not to cast judgment but to share God's love with the world and to warn them of Christ's vindication (his return and his eternal home). Somewhere, over the rainbow, we must learn that it's not because of man (not about us) but it's all about Jesus!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year
Genesis 1:1-2
Well, an old year is gone and a new one has officially begun. What does 2007 hold for you? Better yet, what plans of old has God now set in motion to be fulfilled in your life this year?
It didn't start out so well for the Sooners. What a mess they found themselves in last night. We were all so excited about having Adrian Peterson back...even though we played better with him on the injured list. "We, we, we." You'd think I (or we) were also wearing shoulder pads last night in Scottsdale.
At least for the Sooners, yesterday was the END of a season. There will be no looking back. The seniors will graduate. The recruiting team will be hard at work to get the cream of the high school crop signed. The coaches will be doodling in their playbooks. There will be a brand new season coming fast. No looking back to last season--only a fresh start with every other team at 0 wins and 0 losses.
As I start another year by beginning again to read the Bible through, I'm struck with the glory and beauty and majesty of Creation. I haven't preached many sermons on Creation because I just can't wrap my mind around it. Genesis 1 makes it sound so simple--6 days and poof, it's all done. As simple as Creation was for our endless God, to meditate upon the stars in the skies and Grand Canyon and the tiny molecules that hold all things in place--it is much more than just impressive. Creation is incomprehensible. And yet in the midst of such glory, we find a Creator that is very much personal with the apex of Creation--man. They talk. They walk. God even senses a need for man to have a companion--and poof!
Without much pontification or Creation exposition--such is beyond the scope of my comprehension--I must simply meditate on the glory of God's Creative power and the beauty of God's personal love for man. A season has gone--2006--with all of it's baggage (good and bad). A new season is here. I have no ability to create a beautiful scene in the next 12 months--but God can. And with the heart of love for His people, God--as I surrender my life to Him--can and will create a beautiful scene with my life in 2007.
I pray you join me in committing 2007 to the canvas of God's personal and creative agenda for our lives.
Well, an old year is gone and a new one has officially begun. What does 2007 hold for you? Better yet, what plans of old has God now set in motion to be fulfilled in your life this year?
It didn't start out so well for the Sooners. What a mess they found themselves in last night. We were all so excited about having Adrian Peterson back...even though we played better with him on the injured list. "We, we, we." You'd think I (or we) were also wearing shoulder pads last night in Scottsdale.
At least for the Sooners, yesterday was the END of a season. There will be no looking back. The seniors will graduate. The recruiting team will be hard at work to get the cream of the high school crop signed. The coaches will be doodling in their playbooks. There will be a brand new season coming fast. No looking back to last season--only a fresh start with every other team at 0 wins and 0 losses.
As I start another year by beginning again to read the Bible through, I'm struck with the glory and beauty and majesty of Creation. I haven't preached many sermons on Creation because I just can't wrap my mind around it. Genesis 1 makes it sound so simple--6 days and poof, it's all done. As simple as Creation was for our endless God, to meditate upon the stars in the skies and Grand Canyon and the tiny molecules that hold all things in place--it is much more than just impressive. Creation is incomprehensible. And yet in the midst of such glory, we find a Creator that is very much personal with the apex of Creation--man. They talk. They walk. God even senses a need for man to have a companion--and poof!
Without much pontification or Creation exposition--such is beyond the scope of my comprehension--I must simply meditate on the glory of God's Creative power and the beauty of God's personal love for man. A season has gone--2006--with all of it's baggage (good and bad). A new season is here. I have no ability to create a beautiful scene in the next 12 months--but God can. And with the heart of love for His people, God--as I surrender my life to Him--can and will create a beautiful scene with my life in 2007.
I pray you join me in committing 2007 to the canvas of God's personal and creative agenda for our lives.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Is Christmas here yet?
We'll get this thing going again soon. Things are always crazy for all of us through December. In the mean time, check out the latest article about Grandad that Baptist Press has released. You can find it here.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Amen
Revelation 4:6b-11
Monday morning, at about 1 a.m., my grandad passed to the next life. It was my night to spend with him, so, when the nurses notified me that things were coming to an end I had the opportunity of a few moments by myself with him.
By the time the rest
of my family arrived he was no longer responding. But, for just a few minutes, weeping alone by his side, we had a sweet time together as he responded to my words with simple whispers.
I told him I loved him and that he was the greatest grandad who ever lived. He whispered that he loved me. I told him that it was ok for him to go and that I would make sure my grandmother was well taken care of. He whispered "yes." Then I just talked about heaven. I talked about Jesus, our only hope and salvation. I told him that he was going to be with Jesus in just a moment; that I was jealous but that I would join him very, very soon. He said, "Amen."
And that was it. For the next 25 minutes or so, as the rest of my family surrounded his bedside and cried, the pneumonia he contracted on Saturday filled his lungs and he stopped breathing. We joined hands around him as my dad led us in a Thanksgiving prayer that will not be outdone at any gathering any where this Thursday.
It's fitting that grandad's last word was "Amen." I'll never forget his voice hollerin' out "Amen." It always sounded to me like he was saying "aaaMAN"--but there was never any doubting what he meant. He meant "let it be." He meant "that's right." He meant "preach it, brother."
Today he is saying "aaaMAN" to the four living creatures and twenty-four elders who continually cry out the greatness and glory of Him who is on the Throne.
Monday morning, at about 1 a.m., my grandad passed to the next life. It was my night to spend with him, so, when the nurses notified me that things were coming to an end I had the opportunity of a few moments by myself with him.
By the time the rest
of my family arrived he was no longer responding. But, for just a few minutes, weeping alone by his side, we had a sweet time together as he responded to my words with simple whispers.I told him I loved him and that he was the greatest grandad who ever lived. He whispered that he loved me. I told him that it was ok for him to go and that I would make sure my grandmother was well taken care of. He whispered "yes." Then I just talked about heaven. I talked about Jesus, our only hope and salvation. I told him that he was going to be with Jesus in just a moment; that I was jealous but that I would join him very, very soon. He said, "Amen."
And that was it. For the next 25 minutes or so, as the rest of my family surrounded his bedside and cried, the pneumonia he contracted on Saturday filled his lungs and he stopped breathing. We joined hands around him as my dad led us in a Thanksgiving prayer that will not be outdone at any gathering any where this Thursday.
It's fitting that grandad's last word was "Amen." I'll never forget his voice hollerin' out "Amen." It always sounded to me like he was saying "aaaMAN"--but there was never any doubting what he meant. He meant "let it be." He meant "that's right." He meant "preach it, brother."
Today he is saying "aaaMAN" to the four living creatures and twenty-four elders who continually cry out the greatness and glory of Him who is on the Throne.
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come.
Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to recieve glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.
Today, as I think about the life of my grandad--all the sermons he preached, all the souls he witnessed to, all the lives he touched--all I can say is "amen." As I realize that I do not mourn like others do who have no hope, all I can say is "amen." As I mourn my loss and celebrate grandad's gain, all I can say is "amen." As I celebrate Thanksgiving minus one who has always been a big part of it, all I can say is "amen." As I think about the day that will come when I will join grandad around the throne of God, all I can say is "aaaMAN."
Friday, November 17, 2006
More New (and less old) Every Day
Colossians 3:18-4:1
About as soon as Paul seemingly covers all the things we should and shouldn't do, he then begins to meddle in the intricate details of our lives. Verse 17, which at first glance strikes us as merely a simple summary statement, is taken to levels which prove that none of us have yet to encounter true discipleship because none of us have mastered the truth that "Christ is all" in every area of life. For example...
How can we pursue such living? Well, again, we can't form a list of legalistic do's and don'ts. If we do, the heart will eventually be left on the side of the road and our pursuit will become mere duty--the very thing we are fighting against right now. But, Paul gives us an idea of how we can continue a fresh encounter of the beauty of Christ; such that will keep us moving toward a life where Christ is all. We'll get there next week.
About as soon as Paul seemingly covers all the things we should and shouldn't do, he then begins to meddle in the intricate details of our lives. Verse 17, which at first glance strikes us as merely a simple summary statement, is taken to levels which prove that none of us have yet to encounter true discipleship because none of us have mastered the truth that "Christ is all" in every area of life. For example...
- In the marriage relationship: Has Christ been all at every moment of this week as you have related to your spouse. Submission? Harshness? Absolute Christ-like pursuit of our wives and Church-like service to our husbands?
- In the parental relationship: Have we perfectly honored our parents? Have we been pastors to our children? Has there been complete obedience and encouragement in everything?
- In the work relationship: Have we sincerely and fearfully worked heartily or did we play even one round of solitaire on our computers while on the clock? Good and bad masters will get what they deserve--but so will good and bad employees! Employers, have you treated your employees with absolute fairness?
How can we pursue such living? Well, again, we can't form a list of legalistic do's and don'ts. If we do, the heart will eventually be left on the side of the road and our pursuit will become mere duty--the very thing we are fighting against right now. But, Paul gives us an idea of how we can continue a fresh encounter of the beauty of Christ; such that will keep us moving toward a life where Christ is all. We'll get there next week.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Christ's Sufficiency to be Our All
Colossians 3:12-17
There has literally not been an opportunity to continue our search for the beauty of Christ since the last post. I finally, at least for the moment, have a bit of solitude in the office to record some thoughts. I pray that you, too, have continued at least to think about the beauty of Christ that flows from a captured heart and not from legalistic duty. Christ is all.
When Christ is all--when Jesus has our hearts--everything changes. The evidence that Christ is all is every crevice of our lives being affected. The earthly things die (vs. 5) and the heavenly things radiate. Humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, thankfulness, mutual submission, mutual accountability--just to name a few. And those things are not done begrundingly--they are automatic when Christ has our heart. They are not things to work on and try harder at; they are the evidence that Christ is all.
Lately, I have found myself thinking about my responses and reactions. Don't get me wrong--I fail very much; more than I'll ever admit to you--but, I would like to think that God is really teaching me to relinquish everything to Him so that He is all. I really want Christ to be my all. The way I react to (or yell at) my kids. The way I touch (or take for granted) my wife. The way I listen to and dialogue with (or dictate to) my congregation. The true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy things (or ugly, disgusting, impure, unjust things) I think on. Is Christ all or not?
You see, I can keep my little list of do's and don'ts and put on a pretty good show for those around me. I can fool them into thinking that I am quite righteous. But that's not what God looks at. God looks at the heart. Is Christ all or not?
The beauty of Christ is that He is more than sufficient enough to be our all. It's not like we're choosing between some small choice against some other small choice. We are choosing between finding satisfaction in something that is not fully satisfying, and finding satisfaction in something that is fully satisfying--the beauty of Christ. He is fully able to be our all--in every area of our life. And that is the abundant, Kingdom life; that is the opposite of the legalistic, religious life.
Tomorrow, Paul will start meddling and helping us see that everything must be affected--taken over--by Christ. But, it ought to be enough for him to simply say: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
There has literally not been an opportunity to continue our search for the beauty of Christ since the last post. I finally, at least for the moment, have a bit of solitude in the office to record some thoughts. I pray that you, too, have continued at least to think about the beauty of Christ that flows from a captured heart and not from legalistic duty. Christ is all.
When Christ is all--when Jesus has our hearts--everything changes. The evidence that Christ is all is every crevice of our lives being affected. The earthly things die (vs. 5) and the heavenly things radiate. Humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, thankfulness, mutual submission, mutual accountability--just to name a few. And those things are not done begrundingly--they are automatic when Christ has our heart. They are not things to work on and try harder at; they are the evidence that Christ is all.
Lately, I have found myself thinking about my responses and reactions. Don't get me wrong--I fail very much; more than I'll ever admit to you--but, I would like to think that God is really teaching me to relinquish everything to Him so that He is all. I really want Christ to be my all. The way I react to (or yell at) my kids. The way I touch (or take for granted) my wife. The way I listen to and dialogue with (or dictate to) my congregation. The true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy things (or ugly, disgusting, impure, unjust things) I think on. Is Christ all or not?
You see, I can keep my little list of do's and don'ts and put on a pretty good show for those around me. I can fool them into thinking that I am quite righteous. But that's not what God looks at. God looks at the heart. Is Christ all or not?
The beauty of Christ is that He is more than sufficient enough to be our all. It's not like we're choosing between some small choice against some other small choice. We are choosing between finding satisfaction in something that is not fully satisfying, and finding satisfaction in something that is fully satisfying--the beauty of Christ. He is fully able to be our all--in every area of our life. And that is the abundant, Kingdom life; that is the opposite of the legalistic, religious life.
Tomorrow, Paul will start meddling and helping us see that everything must be affected--taken over--by Christ. But, it ought to be enough for him to simply say: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
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