To Gain the World ... or ... To Save a Soul

In my head the title to this sounds like the "until next time" portions of the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.

Psalm 52:7 "See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction"

When we refuse to allow God to be Lord of our life, and lead us in His ways, all we can do is try to find strength and stability in our personal accomplishments. However, like the man depicted in this verse, when we put our accomplishments and possessions in the place of God all such refuge is found in the very thing that is seen by God - the Only God - as His enemy.

We all from time to time place significant value on worldly things; vehicles, social/economic/corporate status and fashion to name just a few. Even within the Christian circles there can be a tendancy to place unnecessary elevated worth on peers and leaders. The pastor who has the nice car, pressed suit, filled agenda and extra financial investments can sometimes be seen as a better pastor, or more put together of a leader than the one who drives a modest car, wears a t-shirt and jeans and maybe isn't always clean shaved.

Paul, in his 1st letter to the Corinthians writes, "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" (14:1). We are called to desire and pursue things that are not material in nature. Yet as he unravels why he says especially to desire prophecy we see that these gifts hold a purpose, a Kingdom enriching - human soul saving - purpose.

Our ability to attain such gifts depends on our willingness to seek a closer and enriching relationship with our Father in Heaven. Although the suit and flashy car may carry a sense of accomplishment with them, your ability to function in the spiritual gifts that you have been given from God is a far better measure of how close you are with God, thus measure the qualitative growth someone else can attain by following in your footsteps.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" - (Matthew 6:33).

Do You Hear What I Hear?

A song, a song, a christmas carol song, being sung by a choir of current cons. (I hope you incorporated the title and sang that sentence). Ironically to you (maybe), such a sound is absolutely beautiful. As I sit in my office two doors down from a room filled with 20 inmates, gathered together to sing songs of worship and hear the gospel through a program known world-wide as Prison Men's Fellowship.

Though I may be one of two chaplains here at the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre I do not sit in on these meetings. The group is facilitated by a group of gentlemen that have been doing this longer than I know.

As I sit and hear the voices of these men singing Silent Night I can't help but know, yes know, that God is at work in their lives. Yes some may re-enter the system in the future, but like everyone else the love that one feels towards God is never an instantaneous event, it takes time.

Who are you? Where are you? What are you doing to be a blessing to someone this year?

It doesn't matter who you are, where you are, we all can do something to show God's tenderness and love for humankind. If you've ever known someone who messed up, been to jail, dropped-out of school, become mentally-ill and/or addicted to something reach out and Bless them. Remember its God's love we are called to show first, not ours. He loved us even when we spat in His face, why wouldn't we pay it forward? Our love, our ability to love is always measured with conditions (even though we may claim to possess an unconditional love), we are imperfect and prone to judge improperly, but if we can put forth the love of God to someone that we may normally tend to think that they don't deserve it, we will be doing a better job at being Christ-like to someone else.

Peter

Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' ‘But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same. – Matthew 26:31-35

Peter was a man of many words. One could always count on Peter to ask a question or speak what all the others may have been thinking.

Peter was not just one of the 12; he was on of the 3.

Like in all friendship circles there are always the few amongst the many that are tighter with the leader of the pack. John, James and Peter were those 3.

Peter witnessed his mother being healed at the word of Christ. It was Peter who spoke from the Spirit that Jesus was the Christ, and it was Peter James and John who were chosen to walk up the mountain to witness the transfiguration of Jesus.

Peter was also the one who had so much faith in the Christ-ship of Jesus that when the disciples were scared at the sight of Jesus walking on the water Peter called out to him and said, “Lord, if it’s you…tell me to come to you on the water.” – Matthew 14:28

Peter, in his day, was definitely a man after God’s heart. That is something that God does not let go unnoticed. Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." – Matthew 16:17-19

When you are truly seeking Him out, when you are asking the questions, and sincerely desiring to know God so much so that you are open to His responses, you will be blessed.

However, much like with our opening text where Jesus told Peter how he was going to deny knowing Jesus, we too face answers and responses from God that we don’t like. I know that I wouldn’t like to hear that if the last day happened in my lifetime that I was going to deny His name in the face of possible martyrdom. God knows my heart, He knows your heart, and He knew Peter’s heart as well.

Did Jesus withhold the blessing from Peter after he denied knowing Him? No, but that is because Peter repented.

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.” – John 21:15-17

Jesus still trusted the care of His adult and child followers with Peter. His sheep and His lambs were still to be spiritually led and fed by Peter.

Though we may fail, though we may make unwise choices, and though we may have all the best intentions in the world; Jesus knows our heart, our potential, and with that, when we repent, when we strive to get closer to Him He will get closer to us, and He will bless us, and He will show us a life that we may never have imagined on our own.

I was addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, and cigarettes, and even after my first confession of Christ and my baptism, I still tried to live my way. He got a hold of me, as low and shameful as Peter must have felt I did too, but Jesus showed me a new life.

If he can take me, send me back to school, put me in a responsible position as this, feeding His sheep and lambs, He can and will do it for you. It may look different as each of us are created for different purposes, but since we are all created for one same purpose – to give Him glory, whatever He takes you to will not only bring Him glory, but will be good for you.

Who Is He To You?

We often hear that we need to make God the Lord of our life, but do we really know why such a perspective is so important?

Jesus came to this earth, the Son of God was born into this world He created to relinquish the hold that sin and lie had on humanity. To free humankind from the wages of sin by having His own sinless perfect life die on the cross in replace of us.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23

"For God so loved the world that He gave is only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

I accentuate the verb Lord in the previous verse because first and foremost he must be remembered as our Lord. But why?

Numerous times Jesus is referred to with different discriptors. Teacher, Rabbi, the Mother Hen, an Heir that we can be equals with (a Royal brother per se), Prince of Peace, King of kings, The Way Truth and Life, The Light, The Source of one's Saltiness, The Alpha and Omega... the list can go on. My focus here will not be on some of the more abstract or obscure descriptors but on one very practical and tangible for everyday life descriptor - Teacher/Rabbi.

What is a teacher? The head of a classroom, below the Principle; a workplace trainer, a mentor, and sometimes a wise friend. Jesus is all of these - and so much more.

A Rabbi in the Christian faith can be likened to a priest, pastor, elder, minister, reverend, bishop or the like. Again Jesus is all of these.

How you view, approach, and revere Jesus is actually quite crucial to the health and well being of your faith.

"When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, 'Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.' And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, 'Is it I Lord?' He answered, 'He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me.' ... Judas, who would betray him, answered, 'Is it I, Rabbi?'" - Matthew 26:20-25a

Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him."Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. - Matthew 26:48-49

Judas' use of the title Rabbi is not in and of itself a bad thing, nor is it when anyone else uses it in reference to Jesus. However, when one compares the loyalty one might carry toward a Lord vs a teacher as one may see in the text above it isn't so hard to see the importance of remembering that first and foremost Jesus is Lord!

Remembering such a thing may make it harder for you to commit that habitual sin. Think about it, how do you view the teachers in your past, and yes I do mean high school, elementary, post-seconday teachers. How well did you respect them? How do you view your dad? Is it easy to pull the wool over his eyes on certain things? What is your respect level like for an older brother, friend, or mentor?

These are important questions to ask yourself. The reason is because how you view these men or figures of authority in your life will have an effect on how you view The Authority in life.

With that in mind, never forget that Jesus must be Lord of your life, just as much and maybe more than he is your friend, father, teacher, guide, and all that rests between.

THE GREATEST OF ALL THINGS

What is the most significant act you could perform for God?

1. Is it being a good person or doing the right things?
2. Giving greatly when the offering plate comes around?
3. Is it praying for the sick to be healed?

1. Ephesians 2:8 tells us that it is not by our works but by His gift of Grace that we are saved, so doing good things or being a good person definitely comes later.
2. Luke 21:1-4 shows us that it is not how much you give but how you give.
3. Matthew 7:21-23 shows us that even performing such wonders, even in His name, are not as important as…


OUR LOVE FOR GOD

Jesus explained that the greatest of all commands is this: Luke 10:27. This command is not a new one. We sometimes get so wrapped up in the 10 commandments that we lose sight of this one. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 explains that we must make this love for God the primary drive for our living. We must carry it with us everywhere, especially in our homes.

When we love Him we can properly show that love for others and even ourselves. Matthew 25:34-36 outlines the acts of one who does out of a love for the Father. Think back to the widow’s offering, what do you think the driving force was behind her desire to give? Love for the Father!

He loves us first! When we return that affection so much greatness awaits us! Psalm 91:14-16 shows us that he protects us; Hebrews 12:10-12 also shows that he will discipline us, but with that we must remember that we are never given more than we can handle.

Being the good guy, and doing the right things will then come naturally because it is from our love for Him that we will find joy in obedience, we will find that following His ways are like common sense and ‘a given’.

Remember Matthew 11:30 only becomes a reality when we try to carry His burden, and walk with Him through a love for Him, not a sense of duty.

What's He Talkin' About

So often, especially with newer Christians, we try to read the whole Bible - cover to cover. Yet when we get to certain areas we end up feeling either stumped, or confused. Ever since I was shown this amazing aspect of Scripture I have always wanted to share the knowledge with as many people as I could.



Whenever I used to read the prophets I would read it to try to find messages for today. Lo' and behold I'd get stumped and confused. The great Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the like would be speaking about places and times that seemed irrelevant to me and my time. If that was the case how in the world do these prophecy pro's make the connections, what am I missing?



The first thing I was missing was the reality that the Prophet books should not be read alone. They ought to be accompanied by other Bible books, or at least a good understanding of them at the forefront of the mind.



You see, If I want to apply any Scripture to today I must understand what it was saying then. So just what was Jeremiah (our case study for the day) saying?



To find out what he was saying we must first figure out to whom was he speaking.



Jeremiah 1:1-3, "The words of Jermiah, the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It also came in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, and until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the captivity of Jerusalem in the fifth month."



Now I know what your thinking (I think), what does that have to do with it; or... okay seriously this is gonna be too much already. I promise it's not as painful as you might think.



Notice that the who is the nation of Judah, city of Jerusalem, and most specifically the last three kings who ruled up until the point of Jerusalem's capture.



So why is that important? By knowing the who we can then learn the why!



This is where I might lose you, but I hope that you have enough interest in watching some basic mysteries of God unfold.



We'll find out the why by asking first where; where can we get to know these kings and what kind of rule they carried?



1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles tell the tales, and for the most part the same tales, but since they are written by 2 seperate authors one may go into better detail than the other. For the sake of simplicity I will point you towards the accounts made in 2 Kings.



For each of these kings' lives you will focus mainly on 2 Kings 22 - 25, alotting roughly 1 1/2 chapters to each king. However for the sake of your time here on this blog, I will summarize each account for you and leave it up to you to proof read and read the details for yourself.



2 Kings 22-23: Josiah did right in the sight of the LORD.

2 Kings 23-24: Jehoiakim, in the LORD's eyes was double-minded.

2 Kings 24-25: Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the LORD and sealed Jerusalem and Judah's fall.

Keep your eys out for the next posting as it will be full of amazingness.

God Has Always Been a Bit of an Evangelist

"Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God" (Dt. 31:12).

This is definitely not the first verse where God wants the sojourner around to witness His heart. There are a number of occasions just within Deuteronomy that speak of blessing the sojourner, including the sojourner in festivals among other good things. If I may, I'd like to suggest that the sojourner is among the first of many to come evangelists. Why? By the very definition of a sojourner - that's why.

Sojourner (intransitive verb): to live somewhere temporarily, as on a visit; stay for a while. (noun) a brief or temporary stay; visit.

I think you get the jyst of it. The sojourner(s) would then arrive amongst the Israelite who is then worshipping his God - Yahweh - and in turn impressed and impacted and then upon their return to home or even as they continue on the travelling they may be doing tell other about the God of the Israelites who sent forth manna and quail from the skies, who through the obedience of Moses allowed water to flow from a rock (the first time), and who commanded the Red Sea to part in two until all the people crossed over on dry land.

Thus the sojourner is amongst the first of many evangelists.