As I made my way to work the other day, I was listening to Ravi Zacharias admit that his children have taught him much more than they have learned from him. Instantly, the words of my daughter jumped to mind, “Dad you often have good suggestions and ideas but sometimes you need to listen to what I am saying!”
I am glad I listened to Sarah and took her suggestion to read a book that she received from her mother-in-law. Journaling about this is my way of thanking them both for helping me expand my understanding of the God whom we worship and serve.
Notes Re: Book – “So you don’t want to go to Church anymore”
The authors of this book challenge the conventional way of worshiping God and “doing church”. The following are some points they ask readers to consider if a more authentic personal relationship with God is their desire:
1) Do the work God gives you to do and watch Him provide for you as you do it.
2) Don’t just do something because you’re anxious to provide for yourself.
3) When it comes to doing God’s will there isn’t a set rule “one size fits all” that can be applied to every situation we encounter or the decisions we make.
4) Be open every day to what Jesus is asking you to do. Is He trying to nudge you to reach out to someone or head in a certain direction?
5) Learn to live by what God puts before you, not by your own agenda. He will provide all you need though He may not do it the way you want Him to.
6) Just keep following Jesus one step at a time, doing what you know to do each day. God’s bigger picture will become clearer with time.
7) Be aware that circumstances, routine, ritual, the need for security, your preferences, the opinions of others, the wants of others (as opposed to their real needs), and the daily tyranny of the urgent are just a few of many things that can become enemies of your personal day-to-day relationship with Jesus. We have total freedom to follow Christ and love people like He does.
8) Jesus should be our central focus. We should set our eyes on Christ. He is always out front, willing to lead us, if we are willing to follow.
9) Don’t try to force or manipulate the decisions or actions of others. Try to guide them towards making their own decisions by helping them consider the various options. Don’t resort to using shame as a way to motivate people based on guilt-induced manipulation. This type of system is used by many churches in an attempt to control the behavior of their congregations.
10) People can become addicted to shame and bounce between self-pity and self-glory, never finding freedom to just live in Jesus.
11) Admit your anger with God when that is how you’re feeling. Put it before Him, otherwise you may compound the problem because of the guilty feelings which arise from holding onto your anger.
12) Many churches try to press people into spiritual change. You can’t press a caterpillar into a butterfly mold and make it fly. It has to be transformed from inside. People need help to trust the Father more and to find that He is the one changing them, transforming their hearts. This eventually changes “what we want to do” and “why we want to do it”
13) Be transparent. When we acknowledge our own sins before God and those close to us it leaves us in greater awe of our loving God who so graciously forgives us.
14) Sunday Services and Meetings can become the focus rather than Jesus Himself. They can become a “God-substitute” but are obviously a poor replacement for a personal relationship with Jesus.
15) Always challenge your motivation for the choices you make. Is it for financial security, personal validation, public credibility, hiding failure, avoiding rejection, or is it truly what God has indicated you should do?
16) Look at life as the adventure God intended it to be. If you are watching and listening for Him you will be surprised how often Jesus will come along side through a nudge or a thought that suddenly comes to mind, or by way of a fellow seeker at your work-place, or through the stranger that comes to your door. With God’s help we can have eyes that fully see and ears that truly hear. He will open up relationships with others who hunger for Him.
17) Ask God’s help to avoid laboring under the oppressive guilt of: (a) how far short we fall from His holiness, (b) the hardship of seeking performance-based acceptance, or (c) the demanding obligations of self-produced righteousness. And ask Him to help you to not impose these burdens on others.
18) Be aware that institutions can become abusive if the demand for conformity takes over. If you conclude this is indeed the case then run for the cover of your friendship with Jesus and help others being abused to do the same.
19) Realize that the machinery of maintaining an institution, for its own sake, can siphon off energy and resources to the point that it can leave you exhausted, empty, and really no closer to Jesus. It creates an illusion of community without the power and freedom God intended for each of us.
20) Consider spending your time serving others rather than attending endless meetings that involve the exasperating experience of trying to accomplish everything by committee.
21) Structures, institutions, and programs are often run by people who do not know God. These individuals are seeking the self-glorification and warped satisfaction that is derived from the power to control others, often by manipulation and deception. They usually resent those who are growing to know Jesus because they cannot fully control them. This is the freedom we have in Christ. Look at what happened to Jesus when he would not submit to the Pharisees!
22) Ravi Zacarhais comments as follows: Jesus freed us from the tyranny of locational worship. The church buildings of today are not “Houses of God” in the way the temple in Jerusalem once was. Jesus explained to the Samaritan women at the well that locational worship will be replaced by more authentic worship “in spirit and in truth”. This has come to pass because each follower of Christ is a temple of God. God sends the Spirit of Jesus to reside in our hearts if we open the door.
23) In conclusion, we need to be aware that the way we “do church” today (whether it is a congregation gathering in a building, a small group meeting as a house church, or just an informal circle of friends) it may have become a God-substitute or is hindering us in some way from more fully knowing Jesus and walking with him daily.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
PRESSURE !
1) The PRESSURE of Temptation:
In John, Chapter 18, Jesus encounters one of the most pressure-packed, stress-filled moments of His life. Even the name of the garden, where he seeks strength and solace from the Father, provides an overwhelming metaphor for the moment. "Gethsemane" means "Oil Press". Jesus will be squeezed to the breaking point as he battles against Satan's final attempt to knock him off course. That old serpent tries to push Jesus toward a self-serving path of disobedience to God-the-Father.
Pressure is often the catalyst for transformation. Pressure in our lives reveals "who we are" at the very core of our being or should I say, "Whose we are".
In the movie "The Passion of the Christ" Mel Gibson depicts what I believe is the most triumphant moment in history, next to the "Resurrection of Jesus". In Gethsemane, we can see the agony of Jesus as He contemplates the cross and asks the Father if this cup might be taken away. Satan's serpentine temptation is slithering its' way toward Jesus. Suddenly, without warning, His foot comes crashing down on the snake's head. What a moment! The prophecy of Eden comes to the silver screen - "The serpent will bruise His heel but His heel will crush the serpent". At this critical juncture we have no doubt concerning Jesus' choice.
The pressure of this moment was the catalyst for "God-the-Son" as the "Son of Man" to perfectly embrace and assert His life of perfect obedience to "God-the-Father" by declaring, "Father, thy will be done!" Excruciating pain and suffering would follow but one of the toughest hurdles in history had been successfully cleared.
Pressure is part of everyone's life. It is a catylyst for building character if we let God help us. It can be a disaster if we try to navigate our way, through the pressure of stressful situations, without Him.
2) The PRESSURE to conform to this World:
In 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 33, we see that Hezekiah's humble walk with God, as one of Judah's greatest kings, is totally ignored by his son. When Manasseh takes the throne, after his father's death, he succumbs to the pressure exerted by the idolatrous nations surrounding them. He did evil in the sight of the Lord. He rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; he raised up altars for the Baals, and made wooden idols. He also sacrificed his sons to the false god Molech by burning them to death. He practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritist. Manasseh seduced Judah to do more evil than the nations that God destroyed when they came into the promised land. The Apostle Paul warns us about this kind of pressure in Chapter 12 of his letter to the Romans. He says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will."
3) The PRESSURE from our Human Nature:
In Malachi, Chapter 1, we are shown some examples of the pressure that can be exerted on each of us by our self-centered human nature. God's people are focused on their own affairs and have become weary of worship. Sensing and serving God, the essence of worship, had deteriorated into empty rituals devoid of meaning. Their was no longer any "worth-ship" placed on a relationship with their heavenly Father. They had ceased to reverence and honour Him. Their hearts were not in it. The sacrifices being offered were blemished. The people were keeping the best for themselves and giving God their rejects, the left-overs. A willingness or desire to resist the pressure of their selfish nature appears to be largely absent during this period.
4) The PRESSURE exerted by Truth:
In Revelation, Chapter 19, Jesus returns on a white horse as the "Lion of Judah", "King of Kings", and "Lord of Lords". He rides into the last battle to defeat all those who persist in their rebellion against Him. The messianic age of God's amazing grace, forgiveness, and loving patience will come to a close. God-the-Son is the "Truth". He is the "Word of God". If during this short life-time we ignor the pressure of "Truth" exerted by Him who is the"Truth" we are only deceiving ourselves. When we pass beyond this earthly existence, God's ultimate question will be, "What did you do concerning my Son?"
In John, Chapter 18, Jesus encounters one of the most pressure-packed, stress-filled moments of His life. Even the name of the garden, where he seeks strength and solace from the Father, provides an overwhelming metaphor for the moment. "Gethsemane" means "Oil Press". Jesus will be squeezed to the breaking point as he battles against Satan's final attempt to knock him off course. That old serpent tries to push Jesus toward a self-serving path of disobedience to God-the-Father.
Pressure is often the catalyst for transformation. Pressure in our lives reveals "who we are" at the very core of our being or should I say, "Whose we are".
In the movie "The Passion of the Christ" Mel Gibson depicts what I believe is the most triumphant moment in history, next to the "Resurrection of Jesus". In Gethsemane, we can see the agony of Jesus as He contemplates the cross and asks the Father if this cup might be taken away. Satan's serpentine temptation is slithering its' way toward Jesus. Suddenly, without warning, His foot comes crashing down on the snake's head. What a moment! The prophecy of Eden comes to the silver screen - "The serpent will bruise His heel but His heel will crush the serpent". At this critical juncture we have no doubt concerning Jesus' choice.
The pressure of this moment was the catalyst for "God-the-Son" as the "Son of Man" to perfectly embrace and assert His life of perfect obedience to "God-the-Father" by declaring, "Father, thy will be done!" Excruciating pain and suffering would follow but one of the toughest hurdles in history had been successfully cleared.
Pressure is part of everyone's life. It is a catylyst for building character if we let God help us. It can be a disaster if we try to navigate our way, through the pressure of stressful situations, without Him.
2) The PRESSURE to conform to this World:
In 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 33, we see that Hezekiah's humble walk with God, as one of Judah's greatest kings, is totally ignored by his son. When Manasseh takes the throne, after his father's death, he succumbs to the pressure exerted by the idolatrous nations surrounding them. He did evil in the sight of the Lord. He rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; he raised up altars for the Baals, and made wooden idols. He also sacrificed his sons to the false god Molech by burning them to death. He practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritist. Manasseh seduced Judah to do more evil than the nations that God destroyed when they came into the promised land. The Apostle Paul warns us about this kind of pressure in Chapter 12 of his letter to the Romans. He says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will."
3) The PRESSURE from our Human Nature:
In Malachi, Chapter 1, we are shown some examples of the pressure that can be exerted on each of us by our self-centered human nature. God's people are focused on their own affairs and have become weary of worship. Sensing and serving God, the essence of worship, had deteriorated into empty rituals devoid of meaning. Their was no longer any "worth-ship" placed on a relationship with their heavenly Father. They had ceased to reverence and honour Him. Their hearts were not in it. The sacrifices being offered were blemished. The people were keeping the best for themselves and giving God their rejects, the left-overs. A willingness or desire to resist the pressure of their selfish nature appears to be largely absent during this period.
4) The PRESSURE exerted by Truth:
In Revelation, Chapter 19, Jesus returns on a white horse as the "Lion of Judah", "King of Kings", and "Lord of Lords". He rides into the last battle to defeat all those who persist in their rebellion against Him. The messianic age of God's amazing grace, forgiveness, and loving patience will come to a close. God-the-Son is the "Truth". He is the "Word of God". If during this short life-time we ignor the pressure of "Truth" exerted by Him who is the"Truth" we are only deceiving ourselves. When we pass beyond this earthly existence, God's ultimate question will be, "What did you do concerning my Son?"
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Algonquin Otters
A number of years ago, Janice and I did some canoeing in the Hailstorm Marsh just off the north-west arm of Lake Opeongo in Algonquin Park. Early that morning, we were transported by water-taxi from the south end of the lake and dropped off on a sandy point at the entrance to the marsh.
We quickly off-loaded our canoe and packs and pushed off for a great day of paddling. This area was particularly known for the moose that would frequent it's shallow waters to eat water lilies and other plant life. We kept our eyes peeled for these beautiful woodland creatures.
After paddling for about an hour, I was startled when a small otter popped its' head up through the sun-sparkled surface of the water. As it quickly ducked out of site another head popped up on the opposite side of our canoe closer to Jan. This second otter quickly dove below the surface just before a third otter appeared near the stern as I completed a "J" stroke and lifted my paddle from the water.
We both stopped paddling and quietly waited for a repeat performance. We were not disappointed. They entertained us for about twenty minutes. At times separately and at other times rolling together in a living ball of shear joy and delight. You couldn't distinguish one from the other. They would chase each other, sliding in and out of the water, darting effortlessly through the plant life of the marsh. Their free abandon and obvious enjoyment of each other was amazing. I smiled all that day and even now as I remember this gift from God.
Three of the drawings I have posted on my blog were inspired by this experience. I truly believe that God gave us a glimpse of Himself through these playful otters. If He is a "God of Love" then He must have loving relationships within Himself. He is one being made up of three persons - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As the otters rolled together in that tight ball, it gave me a small yet imperfect glimpse of the three persons within God. One aspect of the Trinity had been revealed to me. Within God you find loving, playful, and supportive relationships that should be the ultimate model for our families and for all our relationships.
When looking at the illustrations you will see within "God-the-Father" an endless circular design the symbolizes His eternal existence. Within the drawing of "God-the-Son" you will see the form of a fish - a Christian symbol. The Greek acronym that spells "fish" represented the phrase "Jesus Christ our Savoir". And in the last drawing of "God-the-Holy Spirit" you will see the shape of an empty cross. Jesus had to die and rise again from the cross before the Spirit could be sent to those who put their faith and trust in Him.
We quickly off-loaded our canoe and packs and pushed off for a great day of paddling. This area was particularly known for the moose that would frequent it's shallow waters to eat water lilies and other plant life. We kept our eyes peeled for these beautiful woodland creatures.
After paddling for about an hour, I was startled when a small otter popped its' head up through the sun-sparkled surface of the water. As it quickly ducked out of site another head popped up on the opposite side of our canoe closer to Jan. This second otter quickly dove below the surface just before a third otter appeared near the stern as I completed a "J" stroke and lifted my paddle from the water.
We both stopped paddling and quietly waited for a repeat performance. We were not disappointed. They entertained us for about twenty minutes. At times separately and at other times rolling together in a living ball of shear joy and delight. You couldn't distinguish one from the other. They would chase each other, sliding in and out of the water, darting effortlessly through the plant life of the marsh. Their free abandon and obvious enjoyment of each other was amazing. I smiled all that day and even now as I remember this gift from God.
Three of the drawings I have posted on my blog were inspired by this experience. I truly believe that God gave us a glimpse of Himself through these playful otters. If He is a "God of Love" then He must have loving relationships within Himself. He is one being made up of three persons - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As the otters rolled together in that tight ball, it gave me a small yet imperfect glimpse of the three persons within God. One aspect of the Trinity had been revealed to me. Within God you find loving, playful, and supportive relationships that should be the ultimate model for our families and for all our relationships.
When looking at the illustrations you will see within "God-the-Father" an endless circular design the symbolizes His eternal existence. Within the drawing of "God-the-Son" you will see the form of a fish - a Christian symbol. The Greek acronym that spells "fish" represented the phrase "Jesus Christ our Savoir". And in the last drawing of "God-the-Holy Spirit" you will see the shape of an empty cross. Jesus had to die and rise again from the cross before the Spirit could be sent to those who put their faith and trust in Him.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Gift of Relationships
The following is an example of some interaction between two friends (the real names are not used) to help illustrate the great gift that God has given us in our relationships with each other. God actually reveals himself through each of his children. That is why every single life is so special and valuable. I believe that a unique piece of God exists in every person; therefore the diminishing of any person will diminish our world and our ability to know God more intimately.
A) Initial e-mail from Peter to Sam:
Hi Sam
I just finished reading the information regarding the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Amazing!!!
It has provided me with some great insight as summarized below:
(Sam - please review my conclusions to confirm whether or not I have understood the information correctly)
1) If only living beings can make more orderly molecules and systems (and therefore block the tendency towards entropy) it is logical to conclude that the orderly world that we live in could not have happened by chance. A living being must have created it – namely God.
2) Therefore one could conclude that each day (instead of asking, “Why me?” when things periodically go wrong) we should ask, “Why not me?” We should be continually grateful that more things don’t go wrong. I believe that it is God who has created the many safety barriers that require activation energy (Ea) from an outside source to break them down. These safety barriers, unless tampered with, will almost always protect us. But God has allowed mankind (whom he created in His own image) to freely manipulate His creation if we so desire. He has allowed us to be creative like Himself. This means that we are free to tamper with the safety barriers He has set up to protect us and ultimately put our existence at risk. (For example – the nuclear bomb, global warming, etc.)
Thanks again for the interesting link.
Peter
B) Response from Sam back to Peter:
Hi Peter
I think that your understanding is perfectly correct. From the order in our solar system, down to the order exhibited in the periodic table, it clearly shows the hand of a living God in its creation.
Try to imagine a machine with the complexity of the various systems of the human body--digestive, reproductive, muscular/skeletal, the sensory organs, nervous, endocrine etc. Think about the the symbiotic relationship of other (beneficial) organisms in our digestive tract which allow us to digest food. It really is astounding. And to think that this runs fairly well, not for 5 years until some major repairs come along, like a car, but 40 or 50 and in some cases most all of a person's life without any major medical conditions. Yes Peter, I think you are correct. The real question is "why not me".
It is interesting that you mention the atomic bomb. That is another example where activation energy (Ea) is required. The bomb will not spontaneously explode. It is completely stable (except for the radioactive decay). It requires a small explosion to bring the molecules of enriched uranium so close together that the heat and energy generated by the decay, in the now smaller volume, can't escape fast enough. This causes the radioactive decay to speed up which results is a run-away thermo-nuclear explosion. Here again, God has provided a safe-guard in the form of an activation energy. It now becomes our personal (societal) choice to over-ride that safe-guard or not. The unfortunate part is that it is a societal choice with personal repercussions.
Take care,
Sam
C) Reply from Peter back to Sam:
Thanks Sam
It is amazing how your words and understanding of the scientific aspects of our world inspire my faith. Sam, you truly have an awesome and wonderful mind that can plumb the depths of this aspect of God’s creation. I always tell people (at least those who are willing to put up with my chatter) how I marvel at the talents of others (like yourself) and it does not threaten me or make me feel small. It actually enlarges me and my world with the privilege and honour of seeing portions of God’s image in others. C.S. Lewis says that if you put together all of the positive aspects, of all the people who have lived plus all those who will ever live - you still do not adequately reflect all the goodness and wonder of God. Ravi Zacharias says that God is the only being in whom we can find infinite wonder and novelty. Or in other words, we can be in God’s presence forever and still not get bored. Amazing!!!
Thanks again,
Peter
Note - If science is your thing, here is the link to the information regarding the “Second Law of Thermodynamics” that is being discussed above - http://www.secondlaw.com/
A) Initial e-mail from Peter to Sam:
Hi Sam
I just finished reading the information regarding the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Amazing!!!
It has provided me with some great insight as summarized below:
(Sam - please review my conclusions to confirm whether or not I have understood the information correctly)
1) If only living beings can make more orderly molecules and systems (and therefore block the tendency towards entropy) it is logical to conclude that the orderly world that we live in could not have happened by chance. A living being must have created it – namely God.
2) Therefore one could conclude that each day (instead of asking, “Why me?” when things periodically go wrong) we should ask, “Why not me?” We should be continually grateful that more things don’t go wrong. I believe that it is God who has created the many safety barriers that require activation energy (Ea) from an outside source to break them down. These safety barriers, unless tampered with, will almost always protect us. But God has allowed mankind (whom he created in His own image) to freely manipulate His creation if we so desire. He has allowed us to be creative like Himself. This means that we are free to tamper with the safety barriers He has set up to protect us and ultimately put our existence at risk. (For example – the nuclear bomb, global warming, etc.)
Thanks again for the interesting link.
Peter
B) Response from Sam back to Peter:
Hi Peter
I think that your understanding is perfectly correct. From the order in our solar system, down to the order exhibited in the periodic table, it clearly shows the hand of a living God in its creation.
Try to imagine a machine with the complexity of the various systems of the human body--digestive, reproductive, muscular/skeletal, the sensory organs, nervous, endocrine etc. Think about the the symbiotic relationship of other (beneficial) organisms in our digestive tract which allow us to digest food. It really is astounding. And to think that this runs fairly well, not for 5 years until some major repairs come along, like a car, but 40 or 50 and in some cases most all of a person's life without any major medical conditions. Yes Peter, I think you are correct. The real question is "why not me".
It is interesting that you mention the atomic bomb. That is another example where activation energy (Ea) is required. The bomb will not spontaneously explode. It is completely stable (except for the radioactive decay). It requires a small explosion to bring the molecules of enriched uranium so close together that the heat and energy generated by the decay, in the now smaller volume, can't escape fast enough. This causes the radioactive decay to speed up which results is a run-away thermo-nuclear explosion. Here again, God has provided a safe-guard in the form of an activation energy. It now becomes our personal (societal) choice to over-ride that safe-guard or not. The unfortunate part is that it is a societal choice with personal repercussions.
Take care,
Sam
C) Reply from Peter back to Sam:
Thanks Sam
It is amazing how your words and understanding of the scientific aspects of our world inspire my faith. Sam, you truly have an awesome and wonderful mind that can plumb the depths of this aspect of God’s creation. I always tell people (at least those who are willing to put up with my chatter) how I marvel at the talents of others (like yourself) and it does not threaten me or make me feel small. It actually enlarges me and my world with the privilege and honour of seeing portions of God’s image in others. C.S. Lewis says that if you put together all of the positive aspects, of all the people who have lived plus all those who will ever live - you still do not adequately reflect all the goodness and wonder of God. Ravi Zacharias says that God is the only being in whom we can find infinite wonder and novelty. Or in other words, we can be in God’s presence forever and still not get bored. Amazing!!!
Thanks again,
Peter
Note - If science is your thing, here is the link to the information regarding the “Second Law of Thermodynamics” that is being discussed above - http://www.secondlaw.com/
Monday, February 9, 2009
My Baptism
I was baptized as an infant, confirmed as a teenager, but decided to be baptized as an adult at the church I currently attend. The following is the testimony I gave on that day:
What does God want from me? Do I have to sell everything and help the poor? What is it going to take to make God happy? I was desperately asking these questions 26 years ago and urgently seeking answers.
I was a good person. I gave my parents few problems. I graduated from High School with honours. I was even going back to church, and teaching Sunday School. What more did God want from me?
Then a young minister, who overheard my questions, took me aside. He told me that God created us so we could have a relationship with Him. But the desire to run our own lives, apart from God (a desire the Bible calls Sin) has disconnected us from God. The only way to reconnect with God is through Jesus! Jesus suffered and died on the cross to absorb all the consequences of people trying to live their lives disconnected from Him. He paid the penalty for us. Then Jesus rose from the grave, conquering both sin and death and became the bridge back to God.
I then asked “What do I have to do? What does God want from me?” He answered by saying that God wanted me to believe in his only Son – Jesus!” He explained that believing means trusting and putting my full confidence in Jesus, acknowledging that only He can reconnect me with God. I cannot do it on my own. Jesus says “Here I am I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will go in and eat with him and he with me.”
And that is what I did – With a simple prayer, I said I was sorry for hurting Him and others. I thanked him for dying for me and for His forgiveness. Then I opened the door of my heart and asked Jesus to come in.
Some people may ask, “How do you know it really happened? How can you tell that Jesus is actually with you?”
- Initially, I felt an amazing sense of freedom. A weight was lifted. I was forgiven? I was free from the fear of death and judgment!
- Secondly, I received a great sense of relief. I didn’t have to do this on my own. I didn’t have to earn God’s approval.
- Thirdly, I have been given a wonderful sense of purpose. God can use me, in spite of my limitations, in spite of my failures, to help others get to know Him.
- But the most compelling evidence that Jesus is with me comes from the gradual transformation of my heart. I am being changed. These are changes I didn’t expect, changes that I believe would not have happened without the Spirit of Jesus inside of me.
Changes like:
- Turning the other cheek – when often I wanted to strike back.
- Loving my enemies and praying for them, instead of holding grudges and hoping for payback.
- Forgiving and befriending a murderer – someone I would have previously written off.
- Doing what was right – even if it meant my job was at risk.
But there is one thing I’ve learned that I didn’t fully understand at first. There is cost to following Jesus. I have lost my “Self-directed” life, but in the process I have gained much more. Putting my trust in Jesus has given me a “God-connected”, “God-directed”, and God-injected life that will last forever. Nothing can ever disconnect me from God.
My baptism is mainly about what God has done for me – not what I have done in response. It is about declaring and celebrating God’s unconditional love that has come directly from him and by way of the many people that God has brought along side me. I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me and supported me (especially those who are here today) and I would like to venture out and say that your hearts beat so close to the heart of God I am sure that you must know Him.
And now my Dad, a great father and a great friend would like to say a few words.
What does God want from me? Do I have to sell everything and help the poor? What is it going to take to make God happy? I was desperately asking these questions 26 years ago and urgently seeking answers.
I was a good person. I gave my parents few problems. I graduated from High School with honours. I was even going back to church, and teaching Sunday School. What more did God want from me?
Then a young minister, who overheard my questions, took me aside. He told me that God created us so we could have a relationship with Him. But the desire to run our own lives, apart from God (a desire the Bible calls Sin) has disconnected us from God. The only way to reconnect with God is through Jesus! Jesus suffered and died on the cross to absorb all the consequences of people trying to live their lives disconnected from Him. He paid the penalty for us. Then Jesus rose from the grave, conquering both sin and death and became the bridge back to God.
I then asked “What do I have to do? What does God want from me?” He answered by saying that God wanted me to believe in his only Son – Jesus!” He explained that believing means trusting and putting my full confidence in Jesus, acknowledging that only He can reconnect me with God. I cannot do it on my own. Jesus says “Here I am I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will go in and eat with him and he with me.”
And that is what I did – With a simple prayer, I said I was sorry for hurting Him and others. I thanked him for dying for me and for His forgiveness. Then I opened the door of my heart and asked Jesus to come in.
Some people may ask, “How do you know it really happened? How can you tell that Jesus is actually with you?”
- Initially, I felt an amazing sense of freedom. A weight was lifted. I was forgiven? I was free from the fear of death and judgment!
- Secondly, I received a great sense of relief. I didn’t have to do this on my own. I didn’t have to earn God’s approval.
- Thirdly, I have been given a wonderful sense of purpose. God can use me, in spite of my limitations, in spite of my failures, to help others get to know Him.
- But the most compelling evidence that Jesus is with me comes from the gradual transformation of my heart. I am being changed. These are changes I didn’t expect, changes that I believe would not have happened without the Spirit of Jesus inside of me.
Changes like:
- Turning the other cheek – when often I wanted to strike back.
- Loving my enemies and praying for them, instead of holding grudges and hoping for payback.
- Forgiving and befriending a murderer – someone I would have previously written off.
- Doing what was right – even if it meant my job was at risk.
But there is one thing I’ve learned that I didn’t fully understand at first. There is cost to following Jesus. I have lost my “Self-directed” life, but in the process I have gained much more. Putting my trust in Jesus has given me a “God-connected”, “God-directed”, and God-injected life that will last forever. Nothing can ever disconnect me from God.
My baptism is mainly about what God has done for me – not what I have done in response. It is about declaring and celebrating God’s unconditional love that has come directly from him and by way of the many people that God has brought along side me. I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me and supported me (especially those who are here today) and I would like to venture out and say that your hearts beat so close to the heart of God I am sure that you must know Him.
And now my Dad, a great father and a great friend would like to say a few words.
Friday, January 30, 2009
The Running Father
I was listening to a speaker explain the full cultural impact that the parable of the "Prodigal Son" would have had on the people of Jesus' time. The following is a modern version of this parable which trys to give the equivalent cultural impact of the original story.
The focus of this parable has often been the wayward son who realizes his mistakes and goes back to his father in repentence and humility. This re-telling of the story highlights what is thought to be the greater theme within the story - "The Running Father". It reveals a father who is not concerned about humiliating himself when he chooses to run after his wayward sons. His forgiveness is not withheld because of his pride or because of community expectations. He is like our Father in heaven who loves us with a pure sacrificial love.
Further to this, I was surprised about my misunderstanding of the character of the older son. I now realize that my past thoughts and actions had been most similar to those of the older son who had, until now, the benefit of my misplaced sympathy.
The Running Father
A Father with two sons had decided it was time to retire. He had lost his wife to cancer the previous year but continued working until he was 61 to put his adopted sons through university and post-graduate studies.
Shortly after he retired, news came that a good friend had suddenly died of a heart attack. As a result the friend’s son, who had become the soul beneficiary of his Father’s estate, quit his job and rapidly embraced a decadent life-style of luxury and pleasure.
When the younger son returned from university his Father told him about the friend’s death and the surviving son who was now independently wealthy. His younger son lay awake that night dreaming about the freedom an inheritance could give. As he drifted off to sleep he had resolved to speak to his Father in the morning.
Shortly after sunrise the younger son found his Father in the kitchen enjoying his morning coffee. He sat down and proceeded to ask his Dad if he would consider re-mortgaging the family home. His Father, caught totally by surprise, composed himself and calmly asked why he should entertain such a request. Without skipping a beat His son explained, “If you freed up the equity from the house you could give my brother and I our inheritance before you die. Just think of the pleasure you would have seeing us enjoy the benefits of your legacy.” The Father nodded and asked for some time to think about the request. This would mean an abrupt end to his retirement and the sacrifice of continuing to work in order to make ends meet.
Friends and family became furious with the two sons when they heard that their Father was delaying his well-earned retirement so they could have an advance on their inheritance.
The younger son quickly packed his suitcase and said goodbye to his Father and older brother. He was sick of his life at home, sick of the little town where nothing seemed to happen, and sick of having to struggle his way through life. He was now free!
His new found liberty was short-lived. The money was gone before he knew it. Reality was now burning away the alcoholic fog that he had drifted in for months. The girl who shared his bed had left when the money ran out. The soup kitchen line-up was always longer than anticipated. He was miserable. Could he dare consider returning home?”
Every day, after the departure of his younger son, the Father would anxiously check the mailbox. Once the supper dishes were done he would sit on the porch, sighing with sadness, hoping his son would push open the screen door and step back into his life.
One evening after work the Father stopped at the local donut shop for a coffee. He would often chat with old friends who frequented the place. “I heard a rumour that your younger son will be arriving on the 7:00 o’clock train,” said one of his neighbours who had just sat down. The Father quickly jumped up from his chair after glancing at his watch – it was 6:55. He rushed out of the donut shop and ran toward the train station as fast as his legs would carry him. As he rounded the corner, within sight of the station, the Father could see his two brothers standing with his younger son. From the yelling and the arm gestures he realized it was not an amiable conversation. His son, with his head down, was turning to get back on the train as the Father stepped onto the platform calling out to his boy, “Son, Son, stop!” With three steps he quickly closed the gap between his son and himself. He embraced him with hugs and kisses. Tears of joy were flowing down his wrinkled face. It was time to celebrate. His son had come home.
The next evening the house was buzzing with the conversation of family and friends who had gathered to celebrate the father's unconditional love for the younger son who had come home. Music was playing in the background, steaks were sizzling on the barbeque, and laughter filled the air as everyone partied into the early hours of the morning.
Few people had heard the indignant older son yelling at his Father earlier that evening. He couldn’t comprehend why he and his friends had not been given such lavish parties? He was the dutiful son who had stayed home with his Father. How could this irresponsible son of his, who had squandered his inheritance, deserve such extravagant treatment? Trying to calm him down, the Father drew nearer and put his hand on the older son’s shoulder. He tried to reason with him saying, “You have always had access to everything I own. I held nothing back. All you had to do was ask.” The Father could see that the older son, who had stormed off into the darkness, was unhappy with his answer. He knew that his older son’s problem stemmed from an unwillingness to forgive his brother. Because of the hardness of his heart he was spiritually blind. He could not see beyond a selfish younger brother who should be punished and himself as the injured party who should be more appreciated.
After saying goodbye to the last few guests, the Father sat down on the front porch. His eyes became moist and tears gradually dampened his cheeks. His heart was aching for his older son. Which path would he choose to take?
The focus of this parable has often been the wayward son who realizes his mistakes and goes back to his father in repentence and humility. This re-telling of the story highlights what is thought to be the greater theme within the story - "The Running Father". It reveals a father who is not concerned about humiliating himself when he chooses to run after his wayward sons. His forgiveness is not withheld because of his pride or because of community expectations. He is like our Father in heaven who loves us with a pure sacrificial love.
Further to this, I was surprised about my misunderstanding of the character of the older son. I now realize that my past thoughts and actions had been most similar to those of the older son who had, until now, the benefit of my misplaced sympathy.
The Running Father
A Father with two sons had decided it was time to retire. He had lost his wife to cancer the previous year but continued working until he was 61 to put his adopted sons through university and post-graduate studies.
Shortly after he retired, news came that a good friend had suddenly died of a heart attack. As a result the friend’s son, who had become the soul beneficiary of his Father’s estate, quit his job and rapidly embraced a decadent life-style of luxury and pleasure.
When the younger son returned from university his Father told him about the friend’s death and the surviving son who was now independently wealthy. His younger son lay awake that night dreaming about the freedom an inheritance could give. As he drifted off to sleep he had resolved to speak to his Father in the morning.
Shortly after sunrise the younger son found his Father in the kitchen enjoying his morning coffee. He sat down and proceeded to ask his Dad if he would consider re-mortgaging the family home. His Father, caught totally by surprise, composed himself and calmly asked why he should entertain such a request. Without skipping a beat His son explained, “If you freed up the equity from the house you could give my brother and I our inheritance before you die. Just think of the pleasure you would have seeing us enjoy the benefits of your legacy.” The Father nodded and asked for some time to think about the request. This would mean an abrupt end to his retirement and the sacrifice of continuing to work in order to make ends meet.
Friends and family became furious with the two sons when they heard that their Father was delaying his well-earned retirement so they could have an advance on their inheritance.
The younger son quickly packed his suitcase and said goodbye to his Father and older brother. He was sick of his life at home, sick of the little town where nothing seemed to happen, and sick of having to struggle his way through life. He was now free!
His new found liberty was short-lived. The money was gone before he knew it. Reality was now burning away the alcoholic fog that he had drifted in for months. The girl who shared his bed had left when the money ran out. The soup kitchen line-up was always longer than anticipated. He was miserable. Could he dare consider returning home?”
Every day, after the departure of his younger son, the Father would anxiously check the mailbox. Once the supper dishes were done he would sit on the porch, sighing with sadness, hoping his son would push open the screen door and step back into his life.
One evening after work the Father stopped at the local donut shop for a coffee. He would often chat with old friends who frequented the place. “I heard a rumour that your younger son will be arriving on the 7:00 o’clock train,” said one of his neighbours who had just sat down. The Father quickly jumped up from his chair after glancing at his watch – it was 6:55. He rushed out of the donut shop and ran toward the train station as fast as his legs would carry him. As he rounded the corner, within sight of the station, the Father could see his two brothers standing with his younger son. From the yelling and the arm gestures he realized it was not an amiable conversation. His son, with his head down, was turning to get back on the train as the Father stepped onto the platform calling out to his boy, “Son, Son, stop!” With three steps he quickly closed the gap between his son and himself. He embraced him with hugs and kisses. Tears of joy were flowing down his wrinkled face. It was time to celebrate. His son had come home.
The next evening the house was buzzing with the conversation of family and friends who had gathered to celebrate the father's unconditional love for the younger son who had come home. Music was playing in the background, steaks were sizzling on the barbeque, and laughter filled the air as everyone partied into the early hours of the morning.
Few people had heard the indignant older son yelling at his Father earlier that evening. He couldn’t comprehend why he and his friends had not been given such lavish parties? He was the dutiful son who had stayed home with his Father. How could this irresponsible son of his, who had squandered his inheritance, deserve such extravagant treatment? Trying to calm him down, the Father drew nearer and put his hand on the older son’s shoulder. He tried to reason with him saying, “You have always had access to everything I own. I held nothing back. All you had to do was ask.” The Father could see that the older son, who had stormed off into the darkness, was unhappy with his answer. He knew that his older son’s problem stemmed from an unwillingness to forgive his brother. Because of the hardness of his heart he was spiritually blind. He could not see beyond a selfish younger brother who should be punished and himself as the injured party who should be more appreciated.
After saying goodbye to the last few guests, the Father sat down on the front porch. His eyes became moist and tears gradually dampened his cheeks. His heart was aching for his older son. Which path would he choose to take?
Friday, January 9, 2009
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