Quote of the day

Man coming into my office for counseling, "Since you're the pastor of messy things I thought I'd better come see you."

(I don't remember that on my job title, but it does describe a lot of what I do.)

Heading east...

Sorry I have been missing for a bit, but it's a whirlwind week. I'm frantically trying to finish things here and get packed for a flight to Moscow on my 60th birthday.

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One of my friends suggested I call the airline and ask for an upgrade on the flight since I will be flying on my 60th birthday. The representative from the airline replied to my request, "Just a moment, let me see...." After a moment she returns to the phone to tell me that, "yes, she can upgrade me...for $4,000.00." I laughed, but she didn't join me. Well, it was worth a try....

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So, I'll be sitting in a cramped airline seat on my 60th birthday on my way to Moscow. That's the bad news, but the good news is very similar- I'll be on an airplane heading for Moscow on my birthday. It's hard to fuss about the seating when I get to be part of a wonderful trip like this.

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I'm looking forward to the trip and our time with the sister church in Russia. This is a big weekend for them. We will be joining them as they dedicate their new church building. We are excited about this church. It's been more than 8 years in the making.

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I'll post photos and video as often as I can get near an internet connection. Thank you for your prayers.

There is no god....

The declaration of the Muslim faith, their statement of faith is,

"There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet."

It's a clear statement of faith.

It's an exclusive statement of faith.

If you read it carefully it declares that the god of the Muslim faith is the only god. Their claim is absolute and exclusive. It's a declaration that the Muslim faith is the only faith with a real god.

Their statement of faith, by it's exclusive claim, says every other religion is foolishly worshiping idols. For all of those around us who believe there are many ways to god they must have never talked to an orthodox Muslim!

But, to be honest, I like the boldness of their statement of faith. No one can possibly miss their core beliefs. They are exclusive in both their faith and their revelation. I am a member of an exclusive faith as well. Like my Muslim friends I believe in absolute truth and in only one god.

This morning I read these words in the book of Isaiah,

"I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God."

and,

he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other."

and,

"...there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me."
“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other."

Now, for all of us, there is a choice to make. There is a true God, only one. The God of the bible claims to be that one. The battle of our day is simply this- which faith presents the real god for your worship? Both claim they have "the only god," but only one can.

If you're still a seeker I invite you to research the claims of Christ. His words, his deeds, his life, his death and finally his resurrection should convince you that the one true God is the one he came to reveal to us. Jesus wasn't vague about this issue either.

He made amazing claims, just as the Father did in Isaiah.

He said, "I and the Father are one."

He said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through me."

He said, in both word and deed, "I am God." The claims are exclusive for both faiths. The price for the wrong choice is high. I invite you to study and see if what Jesus said is true.

It's a choice that will affect you for eternity.

Of course….there is one more choice I haven’t mentioned, but it’s one that some have chosen. For them there isn’t enough information to go beyond this simple statement of faith, “There is no god….” With that they dismiss the whole discussion, but the price is too high to stop before you ask the tough questions. There is a real God, maker of heaven and earth, and he’s worth knowing. You can find out about him in the book of John in the bible. If you’re curious I invite you to read this short book. It will be worth the quest!

God, the great shepherd

The longer I walk with God the more I see his heart and desire for each of us. He is passionately in love with every man, woman, boy and girl on planet earth. He is seeking after each one of us to show us his love and give us his gifts. As Paul writes, "he desires that all men be saved and know him."

God is the great shepherd always looking for his lost sheep; always pursuing the people he died for. Here is the story Jesus told of just such a shepherd,

"Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue."

I'm fascinated by those last words, "there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue." All of heaven celebrates the redemption of each one rescued from wandering.

Some would say that the shepherd is not concerned for everyone, but that's not the heart of the shepherd I read about in the bible. I see a God in love with his creation, seeking, searching, looking for his lost ones....for every lost one. I wish we could see the celebration in heaven when someone trusts Christ. I wish we could see the joy that resounds when one lamb is found. If we could get the heartbeat of heaven for those who are wandering it would dramatically change how we view those lost sheep.

I'd like to talk more about the problems of wandering, but perhaps another day. Today I'm just thinking about an amazing shepherd looking for lost sheep. If you're lost you need to know someone is looking for you. Someone loves you. Do you want to create a stir in heaven? Come home, come back, trust Christ and heaven will resound with celebration. God's in the business of looking for lost people.

Are you lost and wandering? Someone is looking for you.

Quote of the day

"90% of what people struggle with are theological issues and not psychological issues."

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-Hud McWilliams (at Crossroads Bible Church, 11-07-2010)

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Here are a couple more quotes from our evening with Hud,

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"God tests us all the time. All tests are applicational."

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"Experience doesn't expand you, it limits you."

Saturday's cartoon

A modern day Epistle

Letter from Iranian Pastor Sentenced to Death for Apostasy

Thursday, October 28, 2010 (3:10 pm) from Worthy News

This is a message from brother Youcef Nadarkhani, a pastor of an Iranian church who has been sentenced to death. This message was written in June and has been translated from Farsi to English.

Dear brothers and sisters, Salam

In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I am continuously seeking grace and mercy to you, that you remember me and those who are bearing efforts for his name in your prayers.

Your loyalty to God is the cause of my strength and encouragement.

For I know well that you will be rewarded; as it’s stated: blessed is the one who has faith, for what has been said to him by God, will be carried out.

As we believe, heaven and earth will fade but his word will still remain.

Dear beloved ones, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of a few verses, although you might know them, So that in everything, you give more effort than the past, both to prove your election, and for the sake of Gospel that is to be preached to the entire world as well.

I know that not all of us are granted to keep this word, but to those who are granted this power and this revelation, I announce the same as Jude, earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints.

We are passing by special and sensitive days.They are days that for an alert and awake believer can be days of spiritual growth and progress. Because for him, more than any other time there is the possibility to compare his faith with the word of God, have God’s promises in mind, and survey his faith.

Therefore he (the true believer) does not need to wonder for the fiery trial that has been set on for him as though it were something unusual, but it pleases him to participate in Christ’s suffering.

Because the believer knows he will rejoice in his glory.

Dears, the “ judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end beof them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Therefore those who are enduring burdens by the will of God, commit their souls to the faithful Creator. Promises that he has given us, are unique and precious. As we’ve heard he has said: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you”

How can it be possible for a believer to understand these words?

Not only when he is focusing on Jesus Christ with adapting his life according to the life Jesus lived when he was on earth? As it is said ” O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.”

Have we not read and heard: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Many attempt to flee from their spiritual tests, and they have to face those same tests in a more difficult manner, because no one will be victorious by escaping from them, but with patience and humility he will be able to overcome all the tests, and gain victory.

Therefore in the place of Christ’s followers, we must not feel desperate, but we have to pray to God in supplication with more passion to help us with any assistance we may need.

According to what Paul has said: In every temptation, God himself will make a way for us to tolerate it.

O beloved ones, difficulties do not weaken mankind, but they reveal the true human nature.

It will be good for us to occasionally face persecutions and abnormalities, since these abnormalities will persuade us to search our hearts, and to survey ourselves.

So as a result, we conclude that troubles are difficult, but usually good and useful to build us.

Dear brothers and sisters, we must be more careful than any other time.

Because in these days, the hearts and thoughts of many are revealed, so that the faith is tested.

May your treasure be where there is no moth and rust.

I would like to remind you of some verses that we nearly discuss everyday, (Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.) but as long as our human will has priority over God’s will, his will will not be done.

As we have learned from him in Gethsemane, he surrendered his will to the father, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

What we are bearing today, is a difficult but not unbearable situation, because neither he has tested us more than our faith and our endurance, nor does he do as such. And as we have known from before, we must beware not to fail, but to advance in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, And consider these bumps and prisons as opportunities to testify to his name. He said: If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

As a small servant, necessarily in prison to carry out what I must do, I say with faith in the word of God that he will come soon.”However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Discipline yourself with faith in the word of God. Retain your souls with patience. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly.

May you are granted grace and blessings increasingly in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.

Yusef Nadarkhani

Lakan Prison in Rasht

2/June/2010

A new blog you should read

I'm excited to tell you about a new blog that's written by my dear old friend and professor, William Burnside. He and his wife, Minnie, have been an influence in my life for decades. I encourage you to add his site to your blog travels. You can read his words and wisdom at,

http://billandminnieburnside.blogspot.com/

Fear focused living

One of the stories in the bible that fascinates me is the story of Elijah after his contest with the priests of Baal. As you read 1 Kings 19 it's clear that he is no longer seeing things from God's perspective, but from his own focus based on fear. Fear is a monster at times. It changes how we see things, how we feel and how we view God. Here's the exchange between Elijah and God on the mountain of God, Horeb, and then I have a few thoughts about Elijah's words,

And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

I love God's question to the prophet, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" God's the master of questions. In fact he asks this question twice. The first time Elijah answers with fear, "I'm the only one left and they are trying to kill ME!" If you read the whole story you know these things are not true. You also know that Elijah has his view of things distorted by the fear that is overwhelming him. God's first question gives us a view of Elijah's heart. He's completely fear focused! How often do we let the circumstances of our life distort our view of things? How often do we let fear focused vision overwhelm us? Elijah did and it was caused by the threats of Jezebel, the queen. On her word alone fear had overwhelmed him.

Then something happens. God tries to get his attention. It's a good slap in the face, SNAP OUT OF IT! Wake up! Get your perspective right. You're looking at things the wrong way, Elijah.

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He had become fear focused and it was all based on the words and threats of a queen, but he was now in the presence of God himself. If he can only see God correctly it will change his focus and dispel his fears, but fear is a strong emotion. Often it's so strong we can't see anything else. Often it makes it impossible for God to get through to us. Often it makes it impossible for God to use us anymore. That is what we see with Elijah.

Between God's two questions, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” something happens that should have changed his perspective. Here's what happened,

11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

What is this all about? What is God trying to do? He's trying to change Elijah's view of his situation. If he can see that God is bigger than Jezebel....if he can fear the creator more than he fears the creation then God can use him. At the end of this revelation of God he once more asks a question. It's a question that basically asks, "Can you hear me now?"

What's fascinating to me is that Elijah does not see God! His fear of a woman has blinded him and his reply to God's question remains the same...exactly the same, 14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

God's response? "Ok, Elijah, you're done. I can't use you anymore. Go and ordain your replacement." When fear of man so dominates our lives that we can't see God when he shows up God can't use us anymore. That was Elijah's finish. A finish that put him on the bench because of fear. I don't think we realize how devastating fear can be in our lives...especially when it's a fear of man. Fear of man will paralyze us, make us ineffective and of no use to God.

How could a guy like Elijah let fear dominate him as it did? The truth is that fear can sideline any of us if we aren't focused on a healthy fear of God. A fear and reverence for God will dispel any fear of man we might experience, but for Elijah it was too late. He was done.

Fear focused living is debilitating. It makes us unable to see God clearly because all we can see is what fear has magnified in our lives. Proverbs tells us, "Don't be afraid of sudden fear." Fear will try to change our focus. Be ready for it by keeping your eyes on the Lord. It will keep you from making God small and people big.

2,000 Posts!

I know. I'm amazed too. When I saw that this would be post 2,000 I was shocked! I couldn't believe I had done this so long, written so much or that I had that much to say.

When I started this blog more than four years ago it was by my wife's prodding. I resisted, but once I got started I did notice that God was working in me as I dealt with my own thoughts and issues. I also saw him work in other lives.

It's been great to "meet" people from around the world through this platform, so I'm thrilled to post #2,000 today. I hope I have many more posts to write in the days ahead. Thanks for following my walk with God. I can't wait to see what he does in each of our lives.

Thoughts on Psalm 4

This morning, as I read, I came across this question from Psalm 4. I think it's the first time this question has caught my eye. Here is David's question,

"How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception?"

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Wait, I thought...what did he ask? A question that challenge our affections and priorities. Affections and priorities are the main issues of life. What do you love? What do you want? Those are things we focus on. Through David God asks a question that focuses on both of the issues we care about most.

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What do you love?

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What do you want?

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Great questions! I wonder, though, about this verse. I wonder....what do we love that is worthless? What do we aim at that is deception? It seems that the New Testament clears these up nicely. Here's how John describes this in a different way,

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1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

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The world is quite busy.....busy about loving worthless things and aiming at deception....things that will keep them busy so they don't have time to think about God. Things that are worthless for eternity and deceptive in their promise of happiness. The promises are big, but they offer a complete lack of any substance.

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Be aware that our affections and desires can be undermined by the world around us. Be aware that your loves and desires should be looked at often to make sure they are of eternal worth and substance. It's easy to fall into loves and desires that look good, but miss the mark and have nothing to offer.

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David's question in Psalm 4 is quite haunting, "How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception?" How would you answer his question?

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Monday's cartoon

Seasons, part 2- Waiting

One of my friends I have never met commented on the first "Seasons" post with these words. The thoughts are so honest, the questions so universal that I wanted to share them with you and discuss these issues with you here. Here are my friend's words,

yun said...

Normally, i will definitely read your blog when i am in a down moment. And, strangely, i manage to find something to read that suit my situation.
I have been praying for something for years. Throughout these 2 years, there were times when the situation just wasn't working at all, i could sense that the Lord was asking me to let go on the thing i have been praying for and focus on other areas in my life that are more important at that season in my life. I did obey and i did focus on another area and grew in it. After 2 years of waiting upon His will, not desiring a lot in the particular thing i am praying for, things seem to fall in place and everything seems to go well suddenly. I start to see hope in it and am happy with that. I believe God is in control of my life. I acknowledge his power in making arrangements in my life. I never fail to pray and submit everything in His hands. But i come to a point now where i cant understand what is happening and what is ahead in my life right now. I am very disappointed because i know God knows the longing in my heart but why cant i see the progress anymore at this point of time. Does God know i am waiting for something and does He know i have been trying hard to submit and obey?

"Does God know....?" What an important question! Does he know about me? But as important, and sometimes unspoken, are these questions, Does he care and is he able? Both questions go to the heart of our thoughts and struggles. When the heavens are silent we begin to wonder, does he care about me? Is he able to help me? Does he know what I'm going through?

We are often afraid to ask these questions, but it's so important that we do! They are the kind of questions that Joseph asked in prison after his brothers had sold him as a slave. They are the questions that Job and his friends asked as they discussed Job's loss and sorrow. They are the questions you should ask when going through a difficult time.

Joseph waited for several years to see God's plans. He waited without a word from God. He waited not knowing what God was doing. He waited. Often we will wait as well. The times when God is silent and we are waiting are the times when we wonder....Does he know? Does he care? I think Joseph wondered this as well. I know that Job wondered because he asked these same questions.

So, what is God's answer?

Here are his words from Isaiah 40,

^27-31Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
or, whine, Israel, saying,
"God has lost track of me.
He doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.

Does he care? YES! He cares for you and I more than we could possibly know. He hears when we cry. He cares when we question. He cares when we get discouraged.

If we have trusted him as savior we are his dear children and he is working on an amazing plan in our lives. There are times to wait, but from that waiting his wonderful plan is revealed and we are stronger in our faith because we have waited for him. Is waiting a sign he doesn't care? Not at all. It's part of his plans for us. Wait to see what he will do, you will never be disappointed in the God who loves you...the God who made heaven and earth. The God who knows and cares about you.

Here are David's words, a man who waited for God and complained about it often! Here is what he said to us,

Psalm 27

Of David.

¹ The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

² When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

³ Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

⁵ For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

⁶ Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

⁷ Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.

⁸ My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

⁹ Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.

¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.

¹¹ Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.

¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.

¹³ I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

¹⁴ Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

Does God know? Does he care? Yes! Wait for him. Wait to see what he will do. He loves you. He knows. He cares. Trust him. Wait for the Lord.

You will never be disappointed!

Time

"Westerners are people with gods on their wrists." -Filipono saying

Quote of the day

"Very few people are contemporaries of their own times." -Raymond Aron, French political theorist