Category Archives: Holy Spirit

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February 10, 2017

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Church & Worship, Faith & Hope, Holy Spirit, Knowing Him, Love & Works, Prayer, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith

FANS OR FRIENDS?

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. [John 15:13-15 (NLT)]

img_1540-cropc7-vertwebI have a young friend who’s quite a sports fan. Not only can he spout statistics for his favorite baseball and football players, he can recite the biographies of the top American Ninja Warriors as well. He knows about several athletes and yet none of them know anything about him or would recognize him on the street. I don’t know which team he favored for last Sunday’s Super Bowl but I’m sure he knew who led in kicking and punting or kick and punt returns. Enthusiastic fans do more than know the stats—they often wear team jerseys and may even paint their faces. The prevalence of blue and red shirts on Sunday made it clear the fans at our church favored the Patriots. Considering all the whooping, hollering, high fives and fist bumps that occurred later that day while watching the Super Bowl, you’d think the fans were the ones scoring the points. Using the pronoun “we” for their favored team, they moaned about calls, trash talked the opposition and analyzed plays as if they were on the field. Although fans can dress like their favorite team member, know the stats for the players, and watch every game, they’re not on a first name basis with any of the team. Neither friends nor acquaintances, they’re just fans.

There’s nothing wrong with being a fan. It binds us with other people and gives us a sense of belonging. It’s a way to capture a little feeling of glory and achieve victory when we can’t attain it ourselves. If nothing else, it gives us something to talk about with strangers. There is, however, a big difference between fandom and friendship.

Are we fans of Jesus or are we His friends? Rather than stats, do we quote Bible verses? Rather than games, do we attend worship services? Instead of hosting a tailgate, do we serve at church? Rather than buy team merchandise, do write a check for a good cause? While all are worthwhile, none of these make us anything more than fans. Knowing Bible verses, worshipping, serving at church, and even tithing are no substitute for a relationship with Jesus. It’s not enough to know about Him or to do for Him. He wants us to be His friends rather than His fans; He wants to know us and for us to truly know Him.

Unlike fandom, Christianity is not a spectator sport. God wants fellowship with us; he wants to know us personally. Prayer is what takes us from fandom to friendship. In prayer, we summon all of the enthusiasm we have for God and use it to speak with Him. While few of us will ever meet or eat with Ninja Warrior Joe Moravsky or the Patriots’ Tom Brady, Jesus welcomes us into His heart every day and invites us to break bread with Him regularly. We’re only a prayer away from Him. We can celebrate an athlete’s victories or we can celebrate God’s grace with the one who was victorious over sin and death!

Fan or friend—which one is it?

What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer! [Joseph Scriven]

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. [Romans 5:11 (NLT)]

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November 28, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Fruit of the Spirit, Holy Spirit, Knowing Him, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Salvation: A New You, Temptation & Sin

CORE VALUES

It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. [Galatians 5:19-21a (MSG)]

God can’t stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity. [Proverbs 11:20 (MSG)]

great egret

Last month, I read an article about a local construction company. Its founders built a successful business by focusing on a core set of values that are bookended by integrity and faith in God. Values such as leadership, lasting relationships, healthy environment, and quality are found in between those two. I recalled a dinner we had just attended that honored five businesses for their excellence. In their acceptance speeches, nearly every CEO mentioned integrity as one of his company’s core values. Considering how many corporate scandals have hit the news lately, it was heartening to find successful businesses that consider integrity to be one of their guiding principles. In just the last few months, the news has been filled with stories about corporate greed, insider trading, hacking schemes, Medicare fraud, kickbacks, identity theft, phony accounts, false claims, bribery, corruption and tax, securities, and accounting fraud. Integrity seems to be in short supply these days.

Integrity is being honest, fair and reliable. It is having soundness of moral character and being honorable, incorruptible and straightforward. It is having the courage to do the right thing in all situations. It is conducting our lives in private the same way we do in public. It is treating people who can do us favors the same way we treat those who can’t. It is what each and every person and each and every business should have but, unfortunately, often doesn’t.

Out of curiosity, I looked up the published core beliefs or corporate values of several of the recent black sheep of the business world and was surprised to see that many of them listed things like integrity, doing what’s right for their customers, ethics, and honesty as one or more of their guiding principles. Apparently, it’s easy to say we believe in integrity but much harder to act with it. What I didn’t find on any of those websites, however, was any mention of faith in God. Perhaps the mistake those scandal-ridden businesses made was not having a value like integrity bookended with faith in God. After all, it’s only through the power of the Holy Spirit that our sinful nature can be conquered.

Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you. [H. Jackson Brown, Jr.]

Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. [2 Peter 1:3 (MSG)]

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. [Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG)]

 

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November 8, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Church & Worship, Family, Friends & Fellowship, God's Promises, Holy Spirit, Love & Works, Prayer, Sharing Our Faith

OFFERING PRAYERS

calico asterAlso, the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself speaks to God for us, even begs God for us with deep feelings that words cannot explain. God can see what is in people’s hearts. And he knows what is in the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit speaks to God for his people in the way God wants. [Romans 8:26-27 (NCV)]

In yesterday’s message, I wrote that a friend prays and yet I’m amazed how rarely that actually happens. Yes, a friend may pray for someone but how often do we, as friends, pray with that someone? Twice when visiting someone in hospital, a chaplain has dropped in to visit. Twice, the chaplain spoke briefly with us and then turned to leave without offering a prayer. Twice, I was the one who asked for prayer—one time for a prayer of thanksgiving and the other for one of strength and healing. Afterwards, I wondered why these hospital chaplains didn’t offer to pray with us. Isn’t prayer part of their job? As I started to point my finger, I saw three fingers pointing back at me and had to admit that I’m not one for offering spur-of-the-moment prayers either. I asked God not to allow me to leave a prayer unoffered or unsaid.

Last month, shortly after the second hospital incident, I was talking with a recently widowed friend. A trip with flowers to the cemetery had left her sad and teary-eyed. We hugged as I departed. I’d only taken a few steps toward my car when the Holy Spirit convicted me: “Here’s your opportunity—pray with her!” I turned back to my friend, held her hands and lifted her needs up to the Lord. I wasn’t eloquent and couldn’t remember any Bible verses; whatever I said was unremarkable, but that didn’t matter. The Holy Spirit knew my friend’s needs and lifted our prayers heavenward.

I’m a writer, not a prayer warrior, and offering prayer  is way out of my comfort zone. My comfort, however, is not high on God’s priority list. Last week, while taking pictures in the park before worship service, I stopped to chat with a young woman who’s started attending our church. I know little about her except that she’s new to the area, belongs to a friendly Dalmatian, and is job hunting. As I stooped to get a photo of her dog, I asked how the job search was going. Answering that she’d not gotten the job for which she applied, I replied with a few encouraging words. When I stepped away to continue taking pictures, I realized my work was not done. Turning back, I asked, “Can we pray?” We held hands and I offered a quick prayer that God would lead this lovely woman to the right job opening. There was nothing memorable or eloquent about my words; they were, however, heartfelt and sincere.

It’s easy to say, “I’ll pray for you,” but a bit harder to actually do it. For many of us, it’s even harder to pray with someone right then and there, but isn’t that what all Christians (not just hospital chaplains) should do?  The sincere agreement of two believers in prayer is powerful and effective because the Holy Spirit is with them, guiding their requests. Our prayers don’t have to be eloquent or deeply profound; they just have to be said.

Rich is the person who has a praying friend. [Janice Hughes]

Also, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  This is true because if two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them. [Matthew 18:19-20 (NCV)]

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October 27, 2016

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Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Fruit of the Spirit, Holy Spirit, Knowing Him, Love & Works, Miracles, Obedience, Prayer, Salvation: A New You, Trusting God

I CAN DO ALL THINGS

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV)]

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. [2 Timothy 2:1 (NKJV)]

The Grand Canyon - Roaring Springs CanyonPrinted on the tee-shirt were Paul’s words from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things.” While the shirt, part of a new line of Christian workout wear, would be a great conversation starter at the gym, the message is somewhat misleading. I could wear that shirt and say those words but, try as I might, I’d still be unable to bench press 450 pounds! That, however, is not why the message is misleading. It’s because the rest and most important part of Paul’s words—“through Christ who strengthens me”—are missing. Paul’s words are not words of self-sufficiency but of God’s all-sufficiency. The apostle was not boasting of himself and his strength but rather of God’s strength and power that enable us to do His work.

There are many things we cannot and probably will never be able to do. When relying on Christ’s power, however, we can do all the things He calls us to do. I suppose, if He truly wanted me to lift 450 pounds, He would empower me to do it. Most likely, though, that’s not the sort of task He has for either me or you. We are called to do God’s good works, to glorify Him and make Christ known. We are called to bear the fruit of His spirit— to show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We are called to be witnesses and bearers of His light in a darkened world and we are called to use our spiritual gifts to serve Him. While we may not be able to win weight lifting contests, we can do those other things (and much more) through Christ who strengthens us. Moreover, while doing those things for God, like Paul, we can be content in whatever circumstance He’s placed us.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. [Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)]

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] [Philippians 4:13 (AMP)]

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October 19, 2016

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Fruit of the Spirit, God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, God's Promises, Holy Spirit, Knowing Him, Salvation: A New You

TEAR-DOWNS

Jesus answered, “I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again.” [John 3:3 (GNT)]

So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. [Ephesians 4:22-24 (GNT)]

Galena, ILReal estate ads can be somewhat misleading. “Needs TLC” usually means  structural damage; a “handy-man special” requires  rehabbing and money; “waterfront” probably has a basement that floods; “cozy” means really small and “intimate” is even smaller than cozy. “Tear-down,” however, means just that; while the property may have value, the house isn’t worth renovating. In our southwest Florida community, it is not unusual to see advertisements for homes with an asking price in the seven digit territory (none of which need TLC, handymen, have flooded basements, are cozy or intimate.) Since it’s difficult to believe there’s anything needing improvement in such expensive houses, the shocker is that some of those homes are listed as tear-downs. That hefty asking price is for the privilege of tearing down the existing structure and spending several millions more to build another one in its place.

The price God pays for us is greater than millions of dollars—we are purchased with the blood of Christ. When we accept His offer, we turn possession of our lives over to Him to do with as He pleases. We’re not in pristine condition; in fact we don’t even qualify as handy-man specials. As valuable as we are, we’re tear-downs. God won’t just fix up a few things, slap on a new coat of paint or replace the Formica with granite. He doesn’t renovate us by tearing out a little selfishness and replacing it with some brand new generosity or adding a touch of self-control. Rather than patching up bits and pieces, God starts all over again and rebuilds us from the ground up. With those Florida “tear-downs”, the previous owner doesn’t get to stop the bulldozer from razing the old building or offer advice on renovations. Why, I wonder, do we hesitate to give God full rein on our rebuild when we accept His offer of salvation?

The only similarity a tear-down house shares with the new one is its address in an exclusive neighborhood. When the Holy Spirit moves into us, however, we continue to look the same on the outside but we’re totally transformed on the inside. Although the carpenters, painters and tile men eventually finish their work and leave those houses, God is never quite done with us. His Holy Spirit remains to continue transforming our lives for the rest of our days.

Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. [2 Corinthians 5:17 (GNT)]

I have been put to death with Christ on his cross, so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. I refuse to reject the grace of God. [Galatians 2:19b-21 (GNT)]

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October 17, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fear & Doubt, God's Promises, Holy Spirit, Nature, Peace of God, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Trusting God, Worry

ON THE BOARDWALK

raccoons
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. [Psalm 23:2-3 (NLT)]

For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing. [Jeremiah 31:25 (NLT)]

A weary body and a sorrowful soul described me Saturday morning. Twice in the last twelve days one family member came perilously close to death while another loved one entered Hospice care. Most of last week was spent in airports, on planes, or at a hospital bedside. Having finally gotten home well past midnight, I crawled out of bed that morning physically and mentally exhausted.

Hoping to clear the cobwebs from my mind, I took a walk in a nearby park. The psalms often speak of water refreshing us but, for me, it is a walk outside. As the butterflies danced in the sunshine, my spirits began to lift. Nevertheless, my mind was churning and I was still trying to solve and control situations that I can neither solve nor control.

Hoping to spot a few canna lilies from the boardwalk, I kept looking over the right railing. An inner voice clearly told me that I’d see something special on the other side. “Forget it,” said another voice, “God isn’t a park ranger guiding you on a nature walk. You’re going to feel like an idiot when nothing’s there!” Indeed, I had to agree. God certainly has better things to do than point out flowers in a park. Something, however, kept nudging me so, feeling rather foolish, I crossed to the opposite railing and looked down. There, right below me, invisible from the other side of the boardwalk, was a family of playful raccoons.

For many, that sighting might not mean much but, for me, those raccoons were a gift from God! They renewed me the way green meadows and peaceful streams refreshed David. They made me realize how my life overflows with blessings. Guiding me to those endearing critters was God’s way of saying “Listen to me and trust me. Trust me to guide your loved ones through this valley. Trust me for all the comfort, guidance and provision you and your family need.”

I don’t normally hear a voice that so clearly directs my actions; Saturday I did. Some might dismiss it as intuition but I think that small voice was the Holy Spirit bringing me a message of comfort and hope. The enemy, however, tried to steal that from me with doubt. Fortunately, I took a few steps in faith and God showed me that I can trust Him and take Him at His word.

The situation of those I love has not changed but, after sighting those masked bandits in the woods, my perspective has. If God can guide me to the other side of the boardwalk for an “Aha!” moment, I will trust that, in His own time and way, He will gently guide my loved ones through their dark valleys to the other side.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. [Psalm 23:4-6 (NLT)]

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