Wisdom Calling

That We May Present You Mature In Christ

2011-02-08T14:48:00.001-05:00

Our Congregational Goal this year is live up to this Scripture. Colossians 1:28 “Him [Jesus] we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

This past Sunday we defined spiritual maturity as: “Measuring-up to the stature of the fullness of Christ.” No small task, but this is our goal in which we will give all our energy to fulfill.

Ephesians 4:13-14 “until we all attain … mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴so that we may no longer be children…” The Word of the Spirit of God is inviting us to leave spiritual infancy and strive for and attain mature manhood. In other words, the Spirit is calling us to “man-up!” and “measure-up!”

As we begin; please don’t excuse or disqualify yourself from maturing in Jesus. If it sounds difficult and painful to measure up to Christ, you are right, it will be. But Jesus will help you, He will be our founder and perfecter (maturer) of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

It will be good to start by tackling the some of the myths or assumptions that perhaps you have developed in regards to Spiritual Maturity. Here is a list:

Myth #1: Spiritual Maturity is a automatic.
Myth #2: Spiritual Maturity is for a select few.
Myth #3: Spiritual Maturity is mystical, abstract… immeasurable.
Myth #4: Spiritual Maturity is being better than others.
Myth#5: Spiritual Maturity is a just personal achievement.

We will deal in depth with each of these myths, on our Wednesday Night Bible Study tomorrow at 7 pm. Hope to see you then.

The Gift of a Wonderful Counselor

2010-12-15T13:57:00.003-05:00

The Son was given to be a Wonderful Counselor. We were given a Wonderful Counselor as a gift.

Isaiah 9:6

⁶ For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

We Need a Wonderful Counselor.

His Name shall be called… not his Name is…

“called – Hebrew – proclaimed as… “

By those who draw near to Jesus, he will be a wonderful counselor.

I. Wonderful

A. Wonderful Definition

Wonder – actions that cause to think,

And when you think you realize that it is beyond you, So it points to God.

B. Wonderful Christmas

Does Christmas make you wonder? Does this narrative still capture your imagination?

1. The improbable pregnancy of John the Baptist,

2. The impossible pregnancy – The Virgin Pregnancy

3. A star appears, draws curious wise men, and moves.

4. Angels appears to shepherds.

5. Two elderly people, Simeon and Anna are moved to go to the temple at the same time as his parents were there and spoke about his future.

Wonder of Christmas. Does Christmas still make you wonder? Does it still move you?

Wonder is part of God’s plan.

Isaiah 29:13-14 (ESV)

¹³ And the Lord said:

“ Because this people draw near with their mouth

and honor me with their lips,

while their hearts are far from me,

and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,

¹⁴ therefore, behold, I will again

do wonderful things with this people,

with wonder upon wonder;

God, will do wonder upon wonder; Can you see them?

When was the last time you experience wonder?

God will do wonderful things with this people.

God will do wonderful things with people who may not experience wonder.

C. Wonderful Wonder

How do we miss wonder?

1. Wonder requires more than faith, wonder requires risk.

· Wonder is found in the improbable, in the impossible,

· Wonder moves us towards that which is risky, and unpredictable.

2. Wonder is found more in the future than the past.

We forget wonder, we are not amazed by the past.

He will be called… Wonderful this is moved towards what is ahead for you.

v A child is born, a son is given, so you can experience…wonder.

II. Counselor

Counselor – side by side, in proximity.

Immanuel – God with us.

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Wonderful Sign = God with us.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

Counselor – Among us, with us.

Wonderful Counselor – Wonders by among us, wonders with us.

III. We Wear Wonder

Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

· We even wear his wonder. Wonder is not that far from you… can you see it.

We need a Wonderful Counselor.

Is Jesus Willing To Heal?

2010-10-29T11:56:00.000-04:00

That’s the real question. We normally don’t question his ability to heal, we read the narratives of his life, and they are full with physical and spiritual healing. No, the real question for us whether or not Jesus is willing to heal?

Thankfully, the narratives of Jesus’ life are not just bursting with accounts of his power over sickness but they also include his willingness to heal.

In Mark 1:40-42, Jesus is met with that same question. A leper begged him that if he was willing, Jesus could heal him. Jesus responded to him with a heart of compassion, a physical touch and affirmation of his willingness to heal. Don’t you love those words? I am willing.

In a different occasion, He was asked for his help by someone, not just anyone, but a man who was considered to be enemy and oppressor of his people, a Roman Centurion. When asked for help by an enemy, Jesus’ response was “I will go and heal him.” (Matt. 8:5-8)

These are just two examples for us. We may be familiar with the stories of healing in the Gospels, but it is more important that we are familiar with His willingness to heal; because that is the real question we struggle with.

Jesus is not just a Healer, He is also willing!

Life In His Name

2010-10-22T10:04:00.002-04:00

John The Apostle specifically states the purpose for writing his narrative of the life of Jesus; in John 20:31 he writes: “…but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Apparently, the “abundant life” that Jesus offers is lived in His Name.

Nowhere in the Gospels are given a description of His physical appearance, rather we are supplied with what we was like and who he was. What comes to your mind when you hear the Name of Jesus? A mental picture of what could had looked like, or a description of His character and identity?

We don’t know what He looked like, but we know His Name. That is, we have his character and identity; these are the makeup of His Name. The Name gives us his identity, in fact we are called by “His Name” (Isaiah 43:6-7). “Life in His Name” = Abundant, Eternal Life. This abundant life is not one of physical prosperity but rather an abundance of character that flows from the identity as His children who bear his Name. And by His Name… we live.

Sensitize Your Spirit and Desensitize Your Flesh.

2010-05-19T15:04:00.002-04:00

I heard this quote at a pastor meeting last week: "When you pray in the Spirit you sensitize your spirit and desensitize your flesh." (I wish I could remember the speaker's name, oops) The quote has grabbed my attention ever since I heard it, and it has both led me and guided my prayers ever since.

According to Scripture we are expected to participate in the process of spiritual transformation- we active participants and partakers in the divine nature so that we may escape the corruption of our flesh caused by evil desires (1 Pet 1:4). I substituted the word "world" with "flesh" because I wanted to be more personal. My main problem is not with the world, it's with my flesh.

In His mercy, God has given us his Spirit to help us pray. More specifically, in Jude 20: But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. When we pray in the Spirit, we build ourselves up. We have a hand in our own edification.

Praying in the Spirit sensitizes my spirit, and desensitizes my flesh. Dear God, I need that. Thank you for your help God. I take responsibility in the role that I play in Transformation.

E42 – Psalm 51 – Confession’s Song

2010-04-20T16:08:00.001-04:00

Aren't you glad that the Psalms gives us a song to sing when don't feel like singing? A song for when we sin- a song of confession. Confession's Song is Humanity's song, for we all have a need to sing it- and sing it often. Confession is what restores our relationship with God, and the lyrics of this song chart a course that guides us from a fall back to the heart of God.

Before the lyrics begin in verse one, the Bible gives an introduction to this song. We are told that David wrote this after he was confronted by the Nathan the prophet, for his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband to cover it up (2 Samuel 12). The narrative tells that Nathan got there around the time of the birth of the son conceived during the affair, so about nine months have gone by since the sin took place. Nine months have gone by without David confessing his sin. We may be alright living without confession, but God isn't.

The confrontation of sin and the judgment of God break up the dam of unconfessed sin. The result is a song that even though is painful to sing, it restores our relationship with God (Ps. 51.8). The song establishes a process for all of us to wash and cleanse so we can get a new heart and a renewed spirit that is aware of God's presence.

The only way to get back to God's presence is to sing the song of confession. No offerings and no sacrifices can make things right, what God desires is a "broken spirit and a contrite heart" (Ps. 51:17). The song is also a promise, that when we sing confession, God hears, God forgives and God cleanses. (1 John 1:9).

Aren't you glad that God breaks up the dam of denial? Aren't you glad that we are given a song to sing when we don't feel like singing?

E29 Judges 13-16 – Samson’s Anticlimactic Story

2010-04-09T14:43:00.002-04:00

The account of Samson begins with such promise. The Angel of the Lord [the Lord Himself] appears to his barren parents and promises them to give them a child whom he will use to deliver Israel (Judges 13:5). A childless family who has an appearance and promise from God to have a child is usually a starting point for a story of one of the heroes of the faith- think Abraham with Isaac, Hannah with Samuel. The story of Samson began in such a way, with so much promise of greatness and destiny.

You read the story of Samson and it begins with great expectations. The Lord appears personally to his parents, accepts their sacrifice in an amazing way (Judges 13:19-20) and gives instructions on how the child is to grow up. They fittingly give their promised son a great name, Samson, which means "Sun" or "Brightness." They expected their Samson to shine like the sun, or be as bright as the sacrifice which God accepted. The Lord blessed him and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him (Judges 13:24).

The story begins with such promise, you are looking forward to a great life, but instead we read about a man who did not live up to his potential. Some narratives in the Bible are there for you and I to aspire to, some are there for us to avoid. Samson's anticlimactic story is a warning to us; don't waste your potential, don't trash your destiny, don't wreck your purpose.

Unique gifts come with specific expectations from the Lord. Samson wandered from his commitments and at the end he was not even aware that the Lord had left him (Judges 16:20). Is that one of the most tragic statements in Scripture?

E28 – Judges 6-7 – Calling Out Of Hiding

2010-04-08T14:55:00.001-04:00

You just got to love how God calls different people. In Gideon's calling he calls him out of hiding into being a mighty warrior (Judges 6:12).

The circumstances were grim for the Israelites. They were being so oppressed by their enemies that they were living and hiding in caves (Judges 6:2). They were literally living in hiding. I hate it when I regress to the point that I am living and hiding at the same time- how about you?

I am glad that God calls us out hiding; all the way back to Adam, God has been calling those who are living in hiding (Gen. 3:8-9). At this point of his life Gideon is inside a winepress, hiding so his food is not stolen (Jud 6:11). It was in hiding that the Angel of the Lord appears to him. You got to love the greeting- "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior" (Judge 6:12). Gideon is hiding but the Lord calls out his potential.

Can you imagine the intrigue in Gideon's mind? "Mighty warrior?" "But I am living in hiding!" Yet, this is no ordinary angel talking to him. Can you imagine what the Angel of the Lord looks like? (By the way, this is a pre-incarnate Jesus) Its one thing for an ordinary person to call you mighty warrior; but, to be called mighty warrior by Warrior-God its got to transform your self-image. Jesus was calling him out of hiding and into his potential. And, you know he wants to the same for us!

Jesus doesn't stop at calling, once He calls he usually commissions! "Go in the strength you have, and save Israel out your [enemies] hand. Am I not commanding you? (Jud. 6:14)

Gideon responded to the call and he never hid again, in fact, he indeed became the mighty warrior that God called him out hiding to be.

Dear Jesus, call me out of hiding, reluctance, and hesitance. Thank you that you draw us out of our unproductiveness, meaninglessness, and unfruitfulness. Open my eyes to my potential, let me hear your transformational Voice. Like Gideon, I want to respond and be filled with the strength of your Spirit in me.

E27 – Judges 4&5 – Deborah: Coolest Woman of The Bible

2010-04-06T21:00:00.001-04:00

(Disclaimer: Mary is the most honored woman- I don't want to mess with Jesus' mom)

I love the story of Deborah; true to her name (The Bee), she accomplishes a vast spectrum of endeavors in just two chapters of Scripture. Here are the highlights of her leadership:

Judge of Israel (Judges 4:4)- In this post she led the whole country of Israel.
Prophetess (Judges 4:4)- God enables her to speak for Him.
She was a military commander and strategist (Judges 4:6-7) – and by the way, when her general, Barak refuses to lead the army, she does it herself!
She was a songwriter and singer (Judges 5:1)- In her song she brings praise to God and mocks her enemies. You got to love a woman who praises God and talks smack to her enemies! (Reminds me of my wife!)
She was a mother (Judges 5:7) - When Israel was in trouble, God called a mother to arise.
Effective Leader (Judges 5:31) - The land had peace for forty years while she reigned.

As I write this, now I know why I think Deborah is so cool; I think I married one!

E26 Judges 2-3 – Living Like We Drive

2010-04-05T19:08:00.002-04:00

Don't we are drive differently when we see a cop car? Even if we are not speeding, we still hit the brake just in case. Is this how we live our spiritual lives? What happens in our spiritual lives, when we don't see the cop car? That is what this passage of Scripture is about.

Israel's leaders who led people into the Promised Land passed away, and now their children were living differently without their leaders. As long as they had a "cop" watching they were obedient to the faith, when there was no more "cop car" they sped towards their wreck (Judges 2:7, 10-11).

This chapter is not just about historical facts, is also a morality story. We read this and ask ourselves, if this narrative describes us as well. Who are we when no one is looking is the definition of character; and also who we truly are. This is the part of us that God cares about the most.

David, discovered that God was always watching, and came to terms with this ever-watching Father. However, he does not describe a monitoring authority figure waiting to "catch us on the act," but rather a loving Father who wants to guide us by His Hand.

Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV)

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

⁸If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

⁹If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

¹⁰even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,"

¹²even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you.

E25 – Joshua 5 & 6 – Before Walls Fall; We Must Fall

2010-03-31T10:28:00.001-04:00

Before the walls of Jericho fell, Joshua fell facedown before the Lord. Before our walls (strongholds, addictions, struggles); we also must fall face down before the Lord. The true worship and reverence of God is what melts our walls down.

Before the first major battle for possession of the Promised Land was fought, Joshua had an encounter with a sword-drawn man-God (Jos 5:13). We are not specifically told that this is Jesus; however, he was both a "man" and "holy." Only one person fits that category, Jesus, the commander of the army of the Lord.

With strong parallels with Moses burning bush experience; Joshua is told to remove his sandals for he was standing in holy ground. Astutely, Joshua fell facedown as an act of reverence. Reverent worship enhances our ability to obey God; and it is from this position Joshua asks for orders from God (Jos 5:14).

This narrative is here to guide us towards our own victory over the sins and strongholds that we must conquer in order to live the life that God wants for us. But before we fight, we must fall facedown and practice reverent worship. Reverent worship enables us to walk in obedience, and give credit (glory) to God only. He invites us to fight with Him, we must arm ourselves for battle, but it is His sword that is melting walls before us.

E24 - Joshua 3, 4 - Things To Do Before Before We Recieve God's Promise

2010-03-29T20:31:00.000-04:00

The people of Israel were about to see God do "amazing things among them." (Joshua 3:5) But before God did anything among them, before they possessed the promises that God had for them they needed to heed 3 instructions from God. They were to: 1. consecrate themselves, 2. move and keep up with God, and 3. Construct a way to remember what they saw.

1. Consecrate Yourselves. (Joshua 3:5) Consecration simply means "to set apart." God requires us to set ourselves aside exclusively for Him. God demands exclusivity; exclusivity is a form of worship.

2. Move With God (Joshua 3:3-6) "When you see the ark move, move with it." Sounds simple enough, yet God has to remind us several times in Scriputure to move and keep up with Him. "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit!

3. Construct A Way To Remember (Joshua 4:5-7) God command us to remember. There is no doubt, a short-term spiritual memory will wreck your faith. For our sake God instructs us to set reminders, build memorials, and even practice rituals to help us remember the things that He has done for us and said to us. A good memory will both build and protect our faith. Memory seems to be a vital spiritual life-skill.

Could these 3 expectations from God still apply to us in order for us to receive His promises. God wants to do amazing things among us, are we prepared?

E23 Joshua 1 – The Bridge of Courage

2010-03-26T11:30:00.002-04:00

We have all helplessly stood there; that chasm between our current reality and our God-given destiny. There is no easy way around it, in order to get to your dreams, callings, and potential we must cross this chasm. And there is but one way to get there: courage. Courage is the bridge to get to the Promised Land.

We are all familiar with the fact that God requires faith (Heb 11:6). But real faith requires courage and risk-taking. So if God requires faith, and faith requires courage: GOD REQUIRES COURAGE!

At this point of Joshua's life he has already demonstrated great acts of faith and courage, yet God still finds it necessary to personally charge and command him 3 times in this chapter to be "strong and courageous." Big promises and dreams demand great courage.

Thank God we don't have to build the bridge; we just have to cross it.

E22 Exodus 32 - The Bad Art Incident

2010-03-24T22:21:00.002-04:00

Let's put Exodus 32 and the whole "golden calf incident" in perspective"
The Lord has just commissioned Moses up on the mountain to build Him a place so that He can dwell among His people. That is His true desire. To be close to His people....His own special people and treasured possession, those He loves. And what kind of house would a Creator- The Creator- of heaven and earth and everything in it- dwell in? Well, a very well designed place. Divinely designed. This place had major craftsmanship, major design sense and artistry. It makes sense that a God who is a Creator would dwell in a creative atmosphere. So he commissions artists on whom he is gifting with all the wisdom and revelation that they need to bring these plans on paper into a glorious reality. This is what the Lord does in Exodus 31:
1 Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 "I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, 5 and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 "And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan ; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of testimony, and the mercy seat upon it, and all the furniture of the tent, 8 the table also and its utensils, and the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering also with all its utensils, and the laver and its stand, 10 the woven garments as well, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, with which to carry on their priesthood ; 11 the anointing oil also, and the fragrant incense for the holy place, they are to make them according to all that I have commanded you."

There you have it. Every piece of furniture, every piece of thread, every utensil, oil, and metal. They were all the product of artistry and beautiful in every way. I would have loved to have seen that house.
And here in Exodus 32 after calling and commissioning the people of God to create an environment of beauty and creativity for Him to dwell in, He stops to warn Moses, that these very people have defiled themselves.
You see we think that it's all about the calf and we want to harp on about idols. But, I think that God's disappointment and Moses anger, were very much about the use of their gift. You see we've all been gifted by God. Both in the natural and in the spirit with gifts of the Spirit. But, it is completely within our own decision how we will use the gift God has anointed us for. What will we do with the abilities that He has called and commissioned our lives with? Will we use them for our own purposes? for instant gratification, selfish gain? When the wait is too long, and we don't see God's plans for our lives materializing in the way we expected or when we expected them to, do we take the thing that He has anointed us for and use it our own way? We sound somewhat like spoiled children, like the Israelites did in this chapter of Exodus: "Thanks God for the gift of artistry, but, now your way is just taking way too long, I've got stuff to do with this talent." Moses had been on the mountain for 40 days and nights and for all they knew he could have been dead. But, instead of believing the voice that first called them, they returned to their own devices. I think the real measure of a woman or a man is not what you do when God is speaking, but, what you do when He is silent. Let us say as Moses did "we will not go from here unless You go with us." That all of our decisions would not be made out of frustration or out of our own human logic. Moses had given the Israelites instructions to "wait here." Maybe that is part of the lesson to learn in this chapter. Not take what God is giving us and run. Let our prayer be, "Lord help us to wait on You, and not turn to our own devices or our own logic, even when Your plan seems unclear. Help us to stay committed to Your plans for our lives, knowing that everything You have gifted us with is for a purpose, Your purpose."

E21 Exodus 19,20 – God’s Intention For The 10 Commandments

2010-03-23T08:40:00.001-04:00

What did God want when He gave The Ten? What was His desired outcome? I guess the best question is, why did He give them out in the first place.

The good thing is that God reveals his intention for the law before he spelled it out. To God it was important for us to know why He was doing this. So before assembling the people of Israel to literally hear the Law with their own ears, God himself gives the reason for establishing the Law. God desires us to be His "treasure possession…a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." (Ex 19:5-6) God wants us to be his treasured possession, and for us to want him to be our treasure. Ultimately, God desires to be desired.

The Ten is how this God-desire is lived out in our lives. And in fact, with the help of the Holy Spirit this God-desire is we are becoming together (1Pet 2:5). God wants us to truly be His, not just simply try to behave like it. Doesn't the First Commandment sound like, "I desire that your desire me more than anything!"

We are told what God is looking for; us wanting to be what God is looking for, that the essence of worship! David summed it up this way: "I desire to do your will, Oh my God; your Law is within my heart" (Ps 40:8). David was bringing more than obedience, he was bringing his desire.

God desires us to desire him! Jesus, I desire you. Holy Spirit help me to desire you.

E20 Exodus 13-14 - Born Into Battle

2010-03-23T00:36:00.002-04:00

Are we born-again into a paradise or into an epic struggle for humanity? We are told that the Israelites left the land of captivity armed for battle (Ex. 13:18b). If the pillar of cloud and fire was leading them out (Ex 13:21,22); why the need for weapons?

The exodus from Egypt parallels our own exodus and deliverance from the captivity and slavery of our sin. We can educate ourselves on own deliverance by studying their exodus. We are not born into paradise. This is not heaven; this is earth, and while we are here we have an adversary who will oppose our progress. More importantly, while we are here, God expects to fight (1 Tim. 6:12)

We are born-again into a great struggle for the souls of humanity. When we walk with God, we march with the Spirit (Gal 5:25). We are provided battle-armor and we are expected to wear it (Eph. 6:11-17). Where we live, there is no demilitarized zone.

The exodus began and ended with battle. From the deliverance from captivity to the possession of the Promised Land there was battle and struggle. Should we expect our spiritual lives to be any different?

Stay alert, fellow soldiers.

E19 Exodus 12 – The Transcendence of Remembrance

2010-03-19T13:53:00.001-04:00

Why does God place such an emphasis on remembrance? God even establishes remembrance as a form of worship.

Before the Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt, He gave them instructions to remember. God placed a higher priority in remembering the deliverance than on the deliverance itself. He even gave more instructions and commands on the remembrance itself rather than the deliverance.

The repeated words on this passage are: commemorate, celebrate, observe.

Commemorate. To commemorate means to remember together, Passover was not for individuals it was for the community. Nothing sticks to memory banks like communal experiences. To God is important that we celebrate faith as a group than as an individual (its better for us, too!).

Celebrate. Do you find it interesting that God has to command us to celebrate? You would think that would come naturally to us. But, we have been commanded by God to: enjoy and delight ourselves in our faith. To God is important that we celebrate in the things He wants us to do. Make no mistake, Passover was a feast!

Observe. Our man-made holidays usually celebrate past events [Independence Day, Memorial Day, etc.] We don't have any holidays about the future! But you know God is doing more than pointing at the past. I love the transcendence of the Scriptures; the Israelites were not just being thought to observe the past, they were being prepared for the future! In preparing the lambs for Passover they were being prepared for the Lamb of God (John 1:29, Rev 15:3). By observing the past, we can see the future!

At Passover Jesus brought both fulfillment and promise. After during the Passover meal Jesus instituted another standing ordinance for us, the Lord's Supper. In breaking the bread, we remember and experience his broken body. In drinking the cup we celebrate the new covenant in His blood. In the whole experience we are not just observing and remembering his death, but more importantly we are proclaiming his future return!

Its important to note that once again, the command to remember the cross came before the deliverance itself. Jesus commands us all to: "Remember Me."

E18 Exodus 6-11 – Humility or Humiliation: Its Our Choice

2010-03-18T17:15:00.003-04:00

The struggle of Moses and Pharaoh is an epic confrontation in the Bible between humility vs. arrogance. Moses was the most humble man on the face earth (Numbers 12:3). And, his nemesis Pharaoh, was the personification of arrogance.

Ten times Moses confronted Pharaoh, ten times Pharaoh "hardened" his heart; and suffered the consequences. Eventually, The most humble man, confronted the most arrogant man with one question from God: "This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? (Ex. 10:3)

That question cuts right to us. How long will we refuse to humble ourselves? From the story we deduct that Pharaoh's biggest problem was not sin or immorality; His biggest problem was arrogance. God can work with a sinner, He cant work with the arrogant.

What if our biggest problem is not sin? We can become so focused in managing our sin that we neglect its root cause, arrogance. Ask yourself, do you spend more time in confession (and guilt) than on intentional humility?

The story is the ten plagues is not just a story of God leading out the Israelites out of Egypt; its also a story of God reaching out to an arrogant man. Before the plagues began God declares their purpose: that "the Egyptians will know than I am the LORD (Ex 7:5, 9:16) God was reaching out to Pharaoh.

When we refuse to humble ourselves (1Pet 5:6), we force God to humble us. When we do it it's called humility; when God has to do it its called humiliation. Its our choice!

E17 Exodus 3,4 – How God Calls The Hesitant

2010-03-17T23:22:00.003-04:00

How can use me? Isn't this the first thought that crosses our mind when we hear God calling?

I don't know about you, but I am sure glad that the heroes of the Bible also struggled with that question. It's good to know that I am not the first person (and I won't the last) who asked God to send someone else. It means that God doesn't call the skilled and qualified but rather those who are aware of their limitations, the hesitant. And from this story can glean how God calls, trains, and sends those who are hesitant.

The Calling. Moses was hesitant; but at least he was able to notice that the bush did not burn up, which had to take some time. God cant call you if you not paying attention. God begins with those are awake, we can do that! Paul encourages this like this: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. (Eph. 5:14)"

The Training. This is made up of God answering Moses' who, what and how questions. Through the answers God reveals His name and some of His attributes. One interaction stands out though. On Ex. 4:2, God asks the eighty year old Moses, "what is in your hand?" God was directing Moses attention to his shepherd's staff, to reassure that this training is nothing new, God has been training Moses for forty years in the desert (Acts 7:23, 30). God is also revealing that He is going to use Moses' natural talents and the things that he is used already. Did you now that God has been training you all your life and that he will use the things that in your hand already?

The Failed Launch. The story is been building up, God has answered every question and displayed miracles, you expect Moses raise up like a hero…when he anticlimactically asks God to send someone else. God is patient, but there is a limit, the Bible says that the Lord's anger burned against Moses (Ex 4:13-14). Dear God, help me not be like this!

God is merciful with us, his mercy endured and allowed Moses the help of his brother Aaron, and sent him with this charge: "But take up this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it!" (Ex 4:17).

A word to the hesitant, yes God is calling us, yes he will encourage and empower you, don't stay hesitant forever!
What is in your hand?

E16 Exodus 2 – Floating In Providence vs. Flowing With Providence

2010-03-16T17:36:00.003-04:00

Can you imagine what Moses' mom was feeling as released her baby boy to the flow of the Nile? What a captivating picture, a newborn baby floating in a basket down a river with the end result undetermined. What does God want us to learn from this narrative? Could this be a metaphor of our lives? Are we helplessly simply floating on God's will and whatever happens, happens? Or are expected to participate with the "Flow of God?"

After Pharaoh gave the mandated that every male baby be thrown into the Nile; Moses family refused to be reduced to an uninvolved bystanders. For three months they valiantly defied the law and hid the boy they saw providence in him (Heb 11:23). His mom made sure that the baby's big sister, Miriam, observed what would happen, but Miriam did more than observe, she intervened.

A princess sees the baby boy and as she is experiencing pity over the child, Miriam tactically asks her if she wanted her to get a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby for "you?" She brings her mom to the princess and Moses' mom receives the order to nurse her own son! Yeah, she got paid to take care of her own son! (sweet) Minutes earlier mom was not sure if her son will live or die, now her son is part of the royal family.

Don't you just love how all the details come together? In addition to all this, the baby will providently be given the name, Moses- "Drawn from the water." Moses whole life will be impacted by water. God will have Moses lead people though the Red Sea. He will through a stick to undrinkable water and it would become drinkable (Ex 15:25). Even his life's biggest blunder will have to do with water. He is instructed by God to go a speak to a rock and water would come out from it. Instead in anger he struck the rock twice (Num 20:9-12). The Rock that he struck was Christ- not good! (1 Cor. 10:4).

God's Providence. Was Moses just simply floating in it? Or were him and his family flowing with it? What about us? Are we just supposed to sit back and enjoy all the good stuff does for us? (if you do, you'll be waiting a long time) Or are we to participate and flow with God's providence. It appears that not only are we involved but that those close to us are involved as well.

Don't float alone. Flow with the Flow of God!

E15 Gen 45 – When Our Suffering Converges With God’s Will

2010-03-15T12:59:00.002-04:00

Isn't this the moment we never think we will witness? That moment when witness the convergence of God's purposes with our painful past experiences. As God redeems our suffering He not provides healing from the pain, but more amazingly He also ordains blessings and fruitfulness to flow because of it (Rom 8:28).

Joseph personifies this converging of pain and purpose. A victim of major injustices becomes the source of healing and rescue for his offenders. At the same time that Joseph reveals his identity he reassures his brothers "not to be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves... God sent me … to save your lives by a great deliverance." (Gen 45:5, 7) Joseph even concludes that it was God who sent him to Egypt, not his brothers! (Gen 45:8)

What moment, when Joseph is able to kiss all his brothers and weep over them (Gen 45:15). He is even able to talk to those who years ago could not say a kind for to him (Gen. 37:4).
In kissing, weeping and talking with them Joseph is sharing his healing with them. He is hoping that they too have a convergence. Their convergence will be different but just as important; a place where the pain they caused meets God's purpose. Joseph even encourages them not to argue about this matter anymore (Gen 45:25).

Thank God, that he not only redeems the pain that has been done to us, but also the pain that we inflict on others. I must admit, I tend to wait for God to heal the pain done to me, more than the pain I cause. Lord, forgive me for this.
Dear Jesus, give the patience I need to see this convergence in my life. Help me to not only seek redemption for my pain but also for the pain that I have caused.

E14 Gen 43-44 – Allowing Your God-Dreams To Unfold

2010-03-12T15:33:00.002-05:00

Are our God-Dreams an inedibility or a glimpse of divine possibilities? Are the dreams that God gives affected by our actions and reactions? Can we get on the way and prevent God's will from unfolding? Do we have some responsibility in their fulfillment?

Frankly, I am still figuring those answers. The free-will vs. God's sovereignty discussion will continue until we meet Jesus. Until then we can rely on God and His Word for pointers.

We can get some guidance from this narrative. About twenty years earlier Joseph had a dream/vision of his brothers bowing down to him in honor (Gen 37:6-7). This dream becomes a reality twice in this passage (Gen 43:26,28). But what if Joseph would had lash out in anger the first time he saw his brothers, would the dream still come true? Did Joseph patience allow this dream to be fulfilled?

What about our dreams- have we messed them up already? Can God redeem and restore them? Maybe I am making the mistake of thinking that dreams and promises of God are about me instead of God.

Think about it. Was Joseph's dream a foretelling about the brothers that hated him one day bowing down to honor him, or was the dream about one day Joseph being able to forgive his brothers? Was the dream for just for Joseph, or was it for his brothers?

All dreams and their interpretations are from God and belong to Him (Gen 40:8). Maybe we err calling them "our" dreams and destiny. Our goal should not be to know the future, but to do our part and allow God to do His.

Questions For Reflection:

Joseph dreams took more than 20 years to be fulfilled, have you put an expiration date on your God-dreams?

Do you think the dream was fulfilled the way Joseph thought it would?

E13 Gen 42 – Leaving Room For God To Be Our Avenger

2010-03-11T18:22:00.003-05:00

Is there anything that stirs anger in our hearts more than injustice? It's evident that the human heart was made in the image of a God of Justice; just look at the strong, immediate reactions that we have whenever we perceive injustice. Ironically, even people who do not believe in "moral absolutes" are absolutely sure that injustice is wrong and not to be tolerated. Deep within our hearts there is written code against injustice.

The story of Joseph early life is made up of injustice followed by more and more injustice: sold into slavery by his brothers, thrown in jail for doing the right thing, and once there forgotten by the people whom he helped. If anyone had the right to be an angry, vengeful person in the Bible it was Joseph.

I wonder how much did Joseph sulk in anger towards his brothers? Did he plan his revenge against them someday? Did he pray to God that he could someday pay them back? The Bible story doesn't say, but it does say what he did when he met again some 20 years later.

Joseph decided to observe his brothers before deciding what do. He had the advantages of the brothers not recognizing him, and pretending not to understand their language by using an interpreter. After three days the brothers acknowledged among themselves they were reaping the consequences of their sin against Joseph and that they were giving an accounting of his blood (Gen 42:21-22). Joseph was able to observe their sorrow and grief over what they had done to him. Their anguish moved Joseph to go away and weep (Gen. 42:24).

God had done for Joseph what he could never do himself. He changed the hearts of his offenders, and in doing so also changed his. Joseph discovered that God is our avenger and defender. God also instructs us to allow Him the room He needs to defend us.

Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. When we seek our revenge we get on God's way to display his perfect wrath and vengeance.

Vengeance belongs to God and not us. If not careful we can prevent God from establishing his Justice, and helping us.

How I wish this wasn't true. How difficult it is for me to get out of God's way. Vengeance has the appearance of being easier when done by ourselves. But when I seek my own defense and vengeance, I make matters worse than they were before.

Lord, how I need to learn to make room for you. You can defend me better than I can.

Questions For Reflection:

Am I my own protector or is God my protector and defender?

E12 Gen 39-41 – The Maturation of A Biblical Hero

2010-03-09T18:16:00.005-05:00

What a difference 13 years, some adversity and most importantly the favor of God make. At the end of chapter 41 Joseph is 30 years old and second only to Pharaoh in the land of Egypt (Gen 41:46). A whole different specimen from what we were introduced to when he was 17. (Remember when you were 17?)

Gen 39-41 displays the transformation of Joseph into a Biblical hero. The most important ingredient in this transformation is given to us early and often. The author of Genesis makes it difficult for the reader to miss this piece of the story, God's presence. Chapter 39, the account of Joseph in Egypt, opens not with a hopeless victim, but rather an admirable and capable young man who clearly displayed the presence of favor of God to the people around him (Gen 39:2-3).

"The Lord was with Joseph…" I love that phrase, and we read it at least 3 times in this chapter. (Gen 39:2,20-21, 23) We are not told that Joseph felt the presence of God, but instead we are told that everyone that came in contact with Joseph attested to the fact that God was with Him. I wonder if Joseph felt, what everyone else saw in him? Could it be that we have the presence and favor of God not for us to feel it, but for others to see God displayed in us?

Joseph also displays some other signs of maturity. First, he maintains his sexual purity in spite of constant pressure (Gen. 39:10). Thus becoming an example for every would-be-hero for God; when our sexual purity is attacked, we are to run like Joseph. The Apostle Paul version of this in the New Testament is to "flee from sexual immorality" (1 Cor 6:18)

Secondly, Joseph begins to display humility in the using of the gift that God gave him. The gift of dream interpretation is a rarity in the Bible. Those who are used dream interpretation usually display the gifts of wisdom and knowledge in a very developed manner. In earlier chapters Joseph displayed childishness in using this gift; he now uses this gift with the confidence and propriety that comes only when a person fully knows that is not them doing the work but rather God (See Gen 40:8; 41:16).

And lastly, Joseph masters the vital skill of everyone Bible hero; learning and gaining from painful circumstances. Joseph was able to turn his physical and emotional suffering into spiritual fruit. And he named his children appropriately, so he will never forget. Genesis 41:51-52: Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." ⁵²The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

Manasseh literally means "made me forget." Ephraim means "twice fruitful." By not allowing himself to be controlled by past circumstances Joseph aced his final exam from hero school. Joseph is now ready to make an impact for God!

Questions for Reflection:

The transformation begins with God's constant presence. Do you see God present in your life?
When you call on the Name of God, do call on the name of Yahweh Shammah, The Lord is Present?
Are you protecting your integrity like a hero/heroine?
Are you able to point to the place in your life when or where your past pain or circumstances no longer had mastery over you?

E11 Gen 37 – The Early Stages of A Bible Hero

2010-03-08T18:50:00.002-05:00

Most great hero epics have an important parallel: the development of the hero. The complelling beauty of many stories is not that the hero was born into greatness; but instead the hero had to overcome unsual circumstances before deafeating his/her nemesis. The development and growth of the hero what makes the stories so uplifting. Bible and Literary heroes often share this quality.

When we are intorduced to Joseph, there is not much promise there. The Bible reader is introduced to a 17 year-old kid snitching out his older brothers, who by the way, are grown men much older than him. To complicate matters, these brothers we born not to his mother, Rachel, or his step-mother Leah, but rather to their comcubines. Needless, to say their was more going one than just a "bad report." (Gen 37)

To complicate things even more, the Bible says that his father Jacob, loved him more than the other brothers. Joseph was Jacob's favorite son, born from his favorite wife (Gen 29:31). Jacob even made Joseph a special robe, an annoing reminder to all his brothers that he has his father's preferred son. I am not an expert, but publicly loving one son more than the others has to be the quickest way to create a dysfunctional family.

But the story still gets worse for the young man. In addition to all the above, Joseph lacks the critical life-skill of being tactfull. After having some dreams that seem to foretell his supremacy over all his family; the boy decides it a good idea to put his decorative robe on and tell these dreams to eleven grown men who hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Even his father had to rebuke him for his lack of common sense.

So we witness the introduction of a Bible hero. God obviously had a lot of work to do in Joseph's heart. So in His providence, God allowed the brothers to sell Joseph to some merchants on their way to Egypt. Joseph is about to go to hero school.

Questions For Reflection:

Are there any immature qualities in your life that are keeping you from becoming the hero or heroine God needs you to be?

E10 - Gen 32 -33 - When We Force God To Wrestle Us Down

2010-03-05T12:22:00.002-05:00

A God who is involved in Creation must also be a God who intervenes with us.

At this point of his life, Jacob has not responded well enough to God's involvement (reassurance, promises, provision); and now it is imperative for God to intervene with Jacob. The Bible states that the man/angel wrestled with him until daybreak. The lack of details seems that the mystery man started the match (Gen 32:24)

In being unresponsive to God's involvement, Jacob found himself struggling with men in order to secure his blessing. The list of people he had conned was long and growing. He duped his own brother, Esau, out his birthright; deceived his own father, Isaac to received his blessing; swindled his father-in-law, Laban, to grow his flocks. Jacob was determined to be blessed by any means necessary.

Jacob was got the blessings, but always ended up fleeing from people he burned to get blessed. He was blessed but was not being a blessing to others. Time for God to intervene before Jacob got himself killed. God needed to transform Jacob's heart, immediately- so he literally wrestled with Jacob.

Several things happened to Jacob during the wrestling match. Hosea 12:4 states that Jacob did more that overcome physically, more importantly he wept and begged for his favor. In his brokenness, Jacob found that the source of his blessings was the "face of God."

The most important blessing that the man/angel gave him was a new identity. A reminder of who he really was. He was no longer Jacob- the deceiver of men; he was now Israel, a God-wrestler who overcomes. The new identity reminded him that God is his source, and that he must be an over-comer. And for good measure, he has also given a limp for the rest of his life as a reminder.

I must admit, I find comfort in the fact that God will intervene in my life, when I am unresponsive to His involvement.

Thank you Jesus, that you will intervene when I am not responsive. Help me to be responsive to your Holy Spirit. Please remind me that my source is no other than the "face of God." I welcome your tough-love when I need it. Wrestle me down!

E9 - Gen 21 & 22 - Remember Where Your Ladders Are At

2010-03-04T15:23:00.002-05:00

What if the places where God speaks to you are as important as the words He speaks?

After conning his brother Esau a second time, Jacob decided to flee for his life. This crisis exposes the man who had a reputation of preferring the comforts of tents over the ruggedness of the open country (Gen 25:27). Jacob is now awkwardly exposed in an unfamiliar place. The Bible unassumingly labels the spot, “a certain place.” (Gen 28:11)

Displaced and uncertain about his future he picks up a rock as pillow (ouch!) and goes to sleep. In his Wisdom God decided that this was the perfect time and place to reveal to Jacob his plan. Alone and uncomfortable Jacob received the revelation that he was indeed accompanied by busy messengers of God. Jacob discovered his ignorance of God’s very presence, but more importantly he discovered a ladder- access to God.

Why did God reveal a “stairway” or “ladder?” Jacob needed to know that he had access to God. And if access was not good enough, Jacob witnessed that God’s agents where active near him.

Jacob made the important decision not to just to remember WHAT God spoke, but also WHERE He spoke to him. In fact, he set up an alter out of his rock/pillow and renamed the place “House of God.”

In the Old Testament, people of faith had the cool habit of building alters; these were usually located the very place WHERE they heard God. Apparently, God chooses the places and the circumstances WHERE He speaks to us as carefully as the words that He uses. To Him, the place is part of the message.

You need a ladder! Places where God has spoken to you. You got to remember where our “ladders” are at. These places in your life that will both remind you and reassure you of the things God has spoken to you. Do you know where your “ladders” are at? Are there any places in your life that you have to rename?

E8 - Gen 21 & 22 – What If God Asks You To Sacrifice Your Dreams?

2010-03-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

For 25 years Abraham waited for a promised son. God had promised honor, wealth, blessing and greatness for generations, but what he wanted more than anything was a son. Abraham needed a son from God for all the promises to have meaning; God needed Abraham to love God more than his dreams.

Gen 22:1 declares this event to be a “test” from the get-go. God is asking Abraham to sacrifice son and with him perhaps all his personal dreams and aspirations.

I must admit, even though I know the end of the story, the request that God makes always shocks me. Even more shocking, is Abraham’s immediate obedience. The Bible says that Abraham got up early the next morning and got the process started. I don’t know about you but I would have asked for confirmation from God before acting on that command.

As Abraham lifts the knife to sacrifice his son the angel of the Lord interrupts and supplies a substitute animal for the sacrifice. He also declares the purpose of the test: “Know I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son.” I think God knew that already, but I am not sure if Abraham knew that he loved God more than his dreams. I bet he has glad to find that fact out.

What about us? Do we love our dreams, ministries, careers, family, more than God? Pray that God will help you to know that for sure? Ask God to test the sincerity of your love for Him? [caution: that is a dangerous prayer]

E7 – Gen 15 – How God Coaches Us Through Fear & Inadequacy

2010-03-02T13:34:00.002-05:00

Abram is probably the second most significant person in the Scripture, second to Jesus. Are you like me, do you also find it comforting that Abram needed constant coaching through fear and inadequacy?

I am glad that God is gracious with his reinforcement of love and encouragement. Notice how God speaks Abram. "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." (Gen 15:1)

"Do not be afraid." Did you know that, that is the most frequent command in Scripture? We keep thinking that God's Will for our lives will steer us away from fear and uncertainty, but it appears that the Will of God will always lead us in that direction. Why? Our God loves to come through for us. He wants us not just have victory but more importantly to experience victory for ourselves? There is only one way to experience something, to go through it. Make no mistake, our Destiny is found in the other side of uncertainty and fear.

In a time of fear, Abram was encouraged and reassured of protection. Fear doesn't ever go away, it needs to be conquered. God doesn't just promise help, He is the Helper of those who believe.

But fear is not our only problem; fear is got a sister named inadequacy and they often travel together. Do you find it interesting that people who often seem the most confident and unafraid are just simply compensating for the feelings of inadequacy that they feel inside? Inadequacy is part of the human condition, it's a direct result of the fall of man. We feel inadequate because we are. Without God we are inadequate.

Abram (like all of us) struggled with inadequacy. A solemn promise from God was not enough to undo the reality that He and his wife could not have children. Like all us, Abram felt inadequate because we are inadequate.

God one again coaches through. Abram "look up to the heavens and count the stars- if you can indeed count them…"there is your promise. Obviously Abram couldn't count the stars, but the Lord was going to be true. The answer to our inadequacy is not us or in us. God is the only one who makes us adequate, and He is not just the rewarder of the faithful, but He is the Reward Himself.

Afraid? Inadequate? Look up to the skies!

E6 – Gen 12 – Responding To God’s Invitations

2010-03-01T09:35:00.003-05:00

Our God is an inviter. He is a God who calls. What does that say to you about Him? What attributes does that reveal about Him?

So far in Genesis we witness a Creator who is intimately involved with his Creation. From the very beginning we see that he is more than a Creator, He is a Father. Do you think is a coincidence that the name "Abram" means "Exalted Father?" Is this passage of Scripture a revelation of a man named father, or a truly "Exalted Father" who fathers us my inviting us and calling us towards Himself?

We also learn about the nature of the Father's invitations. Seven times we see words "I Will" [circle them in your Bible]. That's some pretty good reassurance for us- reassurance that God is and will always be involved.

God invites us to fulfill our destiny, find our meaning, and experience significance. Invitation is guidance. Calling is direction. He is ultimately leading us to Himself.

What set Abram apart from the rest of his generation? What did Abram really do that affected world history even until today? It appears that Abram did more than respond to an invitation. (Who wouldn't respond to numerous blessings and promises of greatness?)

Abram built and alter and called in the Name of the Lord (Gen 12:8). Abram was not simply a responder of the invitation, he called back. Obedience is a good response, but obedience combined with calling on the Caller is the ultimate.

Gods is calling, will we call back?

E5 Gen 11 - Uniting For Evil vs. Uniting For God

2010-02-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Just before the Flood; God was grieving the inclination of man’s heart towards evil. About six generations later God has to intervene against sin again.

Its one thing to rebel against God as an individual; but it is whole other matter when people gather together with purpose and unity in order to do reject God. Even in our legal system, there is a difference between an individual committing a crime, and a group "conspiring" together to break the law. Conspiracy even carries its own punishment.

In Gen 11 we have a conspiracy to rebel against God: “Lets build ourselves a city, and make a name for ourselves.” Nothing leads to good results when we are self-centered. In fact, some of the point was to build a stairway that reached to the heavens, or in essence be equal status with God. Needless to say, the Trinity thwarted this rebellious scheme.

However, in his judgment there is some wisdom to be extracted- for good. God declares that people with a common language and purpose can achieve anything they plan. This is the importance of the church having unity in values and purpose. If in unity people can achieve any evil plan, how much more, can the people of God achieve with unity?

Dear Jesus, help to unite with others to achieve your purposes in earth. Forgive me for any scheming and conspiring that I have done with others to rebel against you or even to slander and defame others. Reveal to me the power of unity, and let me be part of Your Unity here on earth.

E4 Gen 8 & 9 God’s First Covenant With Humanity

2010-02-25T14:20:00.002-05:00

I have always been intrigued by the fact that God makes Covenants with humans. Why does a God who incapable of lying (Heb. 6:18) make a Covenant or pact to keep his word? Obviously I don't know the answer but I can tell you how it affects my view of God. It reassures me that God is a good of humility- not too proud not to make a promise. It also comforts me that He will do all He can do to help me to trust Him.

The commissioning of building the ark began not with an order to build but with a reassurance of covenant (Gen. 6:18). God appeals to our sense of trust. What does that say to you about God?

What is cool about God's covenants is that He leaves with visible signs and reminders of his trustworthiness. In the case of Noah and his family it was a rainbow. The rainbow was also to the generations to follow (Gen 9:12), to you and me. A rainbow is a reminder; God is trustworthy, He keeps his word, he remembers his promises.

We are going to need reminders in our journey of faith. I wonder about Noah and his family; how difficult has it for them to trust not just on G God's word but also (and perhaps more importantly) His goodness.

It rained for 40 days, but they floated around for whole lot longer. When you added all up, it appears that they were in the ark for longer than a year, 371 days to be exact! During that time, we have no evidence of God communicating with them. All they had was promise of God to keep his covenant with them, a promise that was made many years ago. I don't know about you but my trust level would had been severely tested after a week!

Dear Jesus, thank you that even you can not lie, you still make promises. Thank you for your reassurance, help me to receive your guarantees, help me to worship you with trust. Thank you the "new covenant" in your blood. A covenant that I can remember and taste with my mouth during the Lords Supper. Thank you that you are good.

E3 - Gen 6 & 7 - Can A Person Comfort God?

2010-02-24T05:30:00.004-05:00

Did you know that the Hebrew name Noah means comfort? Can a person really bring comfort to God?

This passage of Scripture indicates that this is what Noah did. Prior to the flood, we are given a descriptions of the heart of mankind and the heart of God. Mankind's heart is wicked, with every inclination towards only evil all the time. (Gen. 6:5)

In the other hand, God's heart was filled with with the pain of regret. The "Lord was grieved that he made man on the earth." Furthermore, his heart was filled with so much pain that God began to contemplate erasing humanity in the same way that we long to delete any source of grief.

I wonder if we would continue to sin, if we really could feel what God feels when we sin? I hate the thought of bringing grief and pain to God. Maybe we should pray that God would allow us to feel what He feels when we sin, in order to learn not to harm God.

Interestingly, in the story, God's raw grief is interrupted by a man named "comfort," Noah. Noah was able to comfort God's sorrow by living a righteous and blameless life and walking with God. All of which, was God's original intent for mankind.

God I want to comfort you with the same prescription that Noah dispensed. Because of your love for me I want to be a source of comfort and not grief. I want to minister to you with a heart like Noah. I want the honor of bringing comfort to you by doing "everything just as God commanded him." Gen 6:22

E2 - Gen 3 - The Fall

2010-02-23T06:30:00.003-05:00

What a contrast between the first two chapters and this one. The Creation narrative in Chapters 1 & 2 has the cadence and beauty of poetry. The same Mouth that spoke everything into existence, now exhales the breath of Life and speaks of the purpose and potential of the climax of Creation- a man and a woman.

A strange voice from an even stranger source- a serpent, now speaks. The Father of Lies' first words of the Bible are a questioning of the Creator's Words; "did God really Say?" The questioning leads to a changing of the words. (Compare Eve's response with what God really said: Gen. 2:16-17) And finally, a blatant contradiction of the Creators Words.

I wonder what heaven sounded like at the moment of the fall?

Adam the masterpiece of creation, is now reduced to the shameful act of trying to cover himself with fig leaves. How in the world are you supposed to cover pride? Do we look as silly as Adam trying to cover himself?

Are you glad that God came to Adam? God did not wait for Adam to come to him, but God went to Adam. How does God repair pride? Judgment. We may not like that word, but man do we need Judgment. The very hand that formed man also formed his covering. And the covering for sin was born out of sacrifice.

Judgment is the precursor to redemption. The woman has judged but in the judgment was also the promise that her seed will both redeem humanity and destroy the serpent. (Gen. 3:15)

God covers Adam and Eve with garments of skin- some animal had to die. Sin always leads to death. Sin always cost you more than you wanted to pay. Sin always takes you further than you wanted to go.

Lets let God take care of your coverings, we cant cover ourselves. We look pretty silly reaching for fig leaves.

I say we drop the fig leaves.

Questions For Reflection:

Am I questioning, changing, or contradicting God's Words?
What do my fig leaves look like?

E1 Genesis 1 & 2 - God's Creating Voice

2010-02-20T11:24:00.003-05:00

Genesis chapters 1 & 2 introduces us to the Creating-Power of God's voice. Poetically, yet systematically, we witness God creating day by day by simply speaking. The universe: light, stars, planets, earth, oceans, and the animal kingdom – all of these are, with all their majesty, are the simple result of His Voice. The Word of God begins with a statement of the Power of God's Words.

In the account of Creation, God seems more interested in us knowing that He is the Author of it, rather than explaining how he did it. Don't you wish that there were more details on the narrative? How exactly did God do this? Nonetheless, Creation is the best sermon given to mankind. Romans 1:20 says: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

More importantly to us, God's Creative Voice is still active in our hearts: 2 Corinthians 4:6
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."

That same powerful Voice, that made light come out of dark nothingness, has spoken and continues to speak in our hearts to give us the intimate face of Jesus. There is another Creation Story; our creation story. It is a story of God's Voice creating intimacy between us and Him. That's Awesome!

Questions For Reflection:

Am I looking and hearing for God in His Creation? (Rom. 1:20)

Does Creation move me to worship? (Rev. 4:11)

Why was mankind not spoken into existence, but rather formed by the hand of God? (Gen 2:7)

Want To Go Even Deeper?

Check out this website with Answers To Common Questions About Creation:

http://www.theresurgence.com/mark_driscoll_2006-06_answers_to_common_questions_about_creation

Travailing For Haiti: Combining Prayer With Compassion

2010-01-18T13:45:00.006-05:00

What do you when prayer is not enough?

Yesterday at church we had our Haitian families come forward and lead us in prayer in the Creole language. I wanted to to hear what the prayers and cries of mercy sounded like in Haiti. I could only understand some of the words only, however, I have never felt a prayer to this level before. It was more than a prayer, it was a raw combination of intercession and compassion of the pain and suffering.

One of the words used for prayer in the Bible is "Travail." Travail can be defined as the intense application by prayer to the point of inward agony and pain in behalf of others. What was moving was sensing the whole congregation move in travail together.

Its interesting, one the most memorable prayers in my life, and I dont even know the words that were used. Inward groans in the Spirit accomplish more that I could put together in my mind. (Rom. 8:26)

What do we do with pictures of vast amount of bodies piled everyone; reports of children in orphanages and hospital with no food. These have haunted me all week. Then last night CNN had a video of a woman in a room when the earthquake occurred- you see the shaking, followed by complete darkness, followed by frantic cries of adult and children trapped in the rubble and darkness.

What do you do when prayer is not enough? Lets Travail for Haiti.

Opportunity Wisdom

2010-01-04T12:24:00.001-05:00

What if God doesn't just spoon-feed us with provision, but rather provides us with opportunities for us to make the most off? What if rather than waiting for God to provide us with "things we need;" we anticipated opportunities to make the most off?

Ephesians 5:15-16 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

It appears that God advises to use wisdom in how we live by making the most of every opportunity. It pains me to ponder how much Divine provision have I missed in my life because I was passively waiting for God to provide, while Divine Opportunities passed by unnoticed and unappreciated.

I want to be careful not to be unprepared when the opportunities come. Wisdom teaches that opportunities will be sent by God, but I have to be ready when they appeared.

Dear Jesus, you are the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Open my eyes to your opportunity-provision. Help me to be wise, to be prepared ahead of time, so I may be ready to make the most of what you prepared for me. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Fresh Goals For 2010

2010-01-02T16:13:00.009-05:00

I love one of the words used for "new" in the New Testament. The Greek word kainos can be translated as "fresh." Jesus doesn't just us new, he makes us fresh (2 Corinthians 5:17) . This is meaningful because in our temporal lives we are not familiar with things staying new. Yet with God all things are made fresh.
This is just a new year or a new decade, it's a fresh year and a fresh decade. What will I do with this fresh start?
I will set some Fresh, Faith-Focused Goals. Goals are statements of faith; "with God's help – I am going to…." Goals pave a track from where I am to where I want to be.
Goals need to be God-Honoring and have the proper priorities. Jesus helps us prioritize our lives with the Great Commandment. "The most important one…Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' Mark 12:29-30
I want to fulfill this Scripture this year, so I set these Goals for 2010.
With God's help I aim to Love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength in this way:

1. Heart Goals (Emotional Goals)

To be a husband who redeems his wife.

        To be a father who redeems his children.

2. Soul Goals (Spiritual Goals)
        To Read the Bible Chronologically in one year. (I bought a Chronological Study Bible that structures the Bible in chronological order)
        To Practice a life-style of prayer.

        To personally influence 6 people to a personal relationship with Jesus.

3. Mind Goals (Intellectual Goals)

        To read 2 books every month.

4. Strength Goals (Physical Goals)
       To Exercise at least 3 times a week for one hour.

Can you my fellow voyagers help me do this? Can you do it with me? I could use and help and companionship.

Thank you God, for a fresh year and decade. Let your mercy be fresh every morning. May I walk in freshness of life.

Primal Book Review

2009-12-22T11:57:00.003-05:00

As someone who is passionate about the body of Christ, I am constantly searching for anything that continues to fuel and clarify that passion. "Primal" not only satisfies that craving, it dares you to awaken your spiritual senses. Primal, re-introduces you to God's highest calling on humanity, the Great Commandment.

One of the most difficult endeavors has to be giving fresh perspective to a familiar Scripture. Within the study of Scripture, it seems that familiarity often breeds unfamiliarity. Mark Batterson re-covers the Great Commandment and adds texture and significance.

Like any good author, Mark helps you to move through the pages. The book balances depth with readability, affirmation with challenge, and ideals with implementation.

The new year it's a time in which we often look for new challenges and goals. If you are looking for a great way to begin the new year, this book is it!

On the blank back pages of the book, I have written several goals for my spiritual growth that have been inspired by this book, I pray it would do the same for you.

Check it out at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Primal-Quest-Lost-Soul-Christianity/dp/1601421311/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Christmas Traditions: Traditions That Reveal The Real Jesus

2009-12-04T17:33:00.005-05:00

This will be our topic during the Christmas Season.

I love "Navidad!" I don't think any culture celebrates Christmas like the Puerto Rican culture. In fact, I think that Puerto Rico could change its name to "Belen" or Bethlehem, for the way that the Christmas season is embraced and celebrated.

There are lots of Christmas Traditions: special family gatherings, unique family customs, and of course meals and drinks that are reserved for this time of the year only.

Traditions are effective, for they help remind and reinforce any essentials that we seek to celebrate. Which, poses the question: what are the essentials that Jesus wants to celebrate and remember? What traditions can we practice that will reveal him?

We will focus on these three:

A Tradition of Redemption
A Tradition of Preparation
A Tradition of Celebration

Should the traditions and celebrations of the first coming of Jesus prepare us for his second coming?

Godliness + Contentment = Real Wealth

2009-11-30T17:07:00.001-05:00

Scripture provides us with a formula for attaining great wealth. In 1 Timothy 6:6, if we have Godliness (Christ-likeness) and we add Contentment (satisfaction with what we have) we will be the possessors of "great gain."

Contentment could be defined as: to be satisfied, to be find pleasure in what we currently have.

Which is easier: to be godly or to be content? I must admit, I find contentment to be elusive. Dissatisfaction with what I have can creep up undetected. Whereas in my personal life I tend to guard against sin, I don't think I have set up my "sin-radar" to detect a lack of contentment. Dissatisfaction, just never appeared threatening. But, it is clear that a lack of contentment will rob us of real wealth.

We tend to be more familiar with godliness-training (1 Timothy 4:7-8). But Paul also declares that contentment is "learned" something to be trained at (Philippians 4:11-12). We need to learn contentment in "all circumstances." Contentment is a spiritual life-skill.

Dear Jesus, I desire "great gain," this real wealth. Teach me to be content, to be satisfied, to enjoy what you freely give to me. Help me, may Holy Spirit convict me when I am not walking in contentment. Teach me this secret of being content for it is the secret of being wealthy.

Provision Is Found On The Way Of Sacrifice

2009-11-20T23:12:00.005-05:00

Is there a difference between the names that God calls himself and the names that humans give to God? "Yahweh-Jirah" = "God Provider" is not a name that God calls himself in Scripture but one that Abraham identifies God as (Genesis 22:8). Abraham was describing God's nature to his young, promised son Isaac.

Abraham was describing a God that he knew personally, as description that could be traced to an intimate knowledge of God. Intimate enough not just to describe, but to give identity.

What is more important to this naming of God is the context of the event. While his son Isaac was carrying wood, Abraham was carrying the heavy burden of the mandate to sacrifice his long-awaited son and promise. When asked by Isaac about the fact that there was wood but no animal for the sacrifice the moment was ripe for God's revelation.

Abraham knew God as his "God Provider" but, Abraham discovered this attribute of God on the difficult way of sacrifice. To be honest, the road of sacrifice is not the first place I look for provision, however, this is the first place humanity found provision.

Could it be that the place of provision is also the place of sacrifice? Could it be that this road is the place God has chosen to reveal his intimate, provisional nature?

"Insider" Relationship With An "Outsider" Mentality

2009-11-04T16:13:00.003-05:00

In the Gospel of Matthew 8:5-13 we witness an "outsider," [outsider to the Jewish culture] a Roman Centurion was asking Jesus for help, for his servant in "terrible suffering." Jesus offers to go with him to his home, to treat him as an "insider," but the man responds expectantly- no I am not worthy to have you under my roof, I am not worthy of being an "insider."

Being an "outsider" played in his favor. He did not have any prior, self-imposed limitations to what Jesus the Man/God could do. All "insiders" often asked Jesus to touch and heal. Healing was connected (and limited) to proximity. The "outsider" did not even need proximity; he knew that Jesus must have God-Authority and therefore, could heal in a way never witnessed by anyone else.

What if we had "Insider" Relationship With An "Outsider" Mentality? What if he had the affiliation and connection with Jesus without the being routinely limited to what we are used to.

C.S. Lewis points out in the Chronicles of Narnia that God does not always do things in the same way. God is not limited to what we are used to, in fact, Scripture says that He is always doing new things (Isa 43:19), in new ways.

Dear Jesus, help me to be an "insider" in relationship, but an "outsider" in expectations. To allow you to move in mysterious ways. My affinity with you may be familiar, but the destiny you are carving out for me is on the outside of what I am used to.

Most Frequent Command In Scripture: Do Not Be Afraid

2009-10-13T13:32:00.002-04:00

“Don’t Be Afraid” – The most frequent command in Scripture? Are you as surprised as me? Would you have even guessed that if someone asked you?

However, after thinking about it makes sense. Fear makes us aware of our limits and boundaries- Jesus, loves to challenge our limits and boundaries. Faith by definition is a challenge to what we have defined as “safe.”

Real Faith is risky, even dangerous. And as Jesus trains and develops our faith and trust in Him, there is but one method; confronting our fears and limits.
So if we are going to be trained by faith, if we are going to be transformed; then Jesus is going to place us in difficult circumstances that will push our limits and place us face to face with fear.

Peter was not invited (maybe invited himself) to walk on water when the water was calm and undisturbed. Jesus invited Peter to walk on water during a dangerous storm. Peter did not simply walk on water; he walked through a frightening and intimidating circumstance. It was not about walking in water, it was about confronting fear.

I am learning that circumstances that stretch my faith are fearful circumstances. I am learning that faith requires me to step towards Fear. What if fear was no longer a deterrent of growth for us? What if fear became a welcomed signal that God is near and working? What if the real peace I am longing for is found in the other side of fear?

Just for fun, here are a few Scriptures with this command; Step out.
Gen 15:1, Gen 26:24, Exod 14:13, Exod 20:20, 2 Chron 20:15, Dan 10:12, Acts 18:9, Rev 2:10

FINISHER WANNABE

2009-09-30T16:59:00.004-04:00

Jesus made it crystal clear, he was a Finisher. Jesus regarded finishing way different than I do. In John 4:34 Jesus declared that his "food" was to do and FINISH the work that his father gave him. The Father gave him work and purpose for only one reason; to FINISH it (John 5:36).

Wow, his very sustenance was finishing the task given to him. Is that as foreign to you as it is for me? I am not a finisher- more like a professional starter. I start so many more books and tasks than I finish- sometimes I like to start a few a time.

Ephesians 2:10 says: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” What if I read this differently? Instead of being created to do works, what if I was created in Christ Jesus to finish good works?

Dear God help me to be a FINISHER. Create in me a craving, a longing for finishing what you prepared in advance for me to do. Transform me from a starter to a consistent finisher. Remind me that at the cross you cried out “It is FINISHED!” I want be a finisher like you.

Jesus' Power Over The Little Things

2009-09-15T15:46:00.003-04:00

It truly is UNEXPLAINABLE, Jesus cares about the little things in our lives, the details that we would consider to be beneath his care and attention.
Surprisingly, He loves and works through the details of our daily events. Yes, He even uses those seemingly unimportant things to reveal to us the very important truths.

Jesus shows up when we allow Him the room and space of our "mundane."
What have I been missing? I chose to invite Him, to my routine, to my everyday, to my ordinary, to my unexceptional. Who knows, perhaps He will turn the water into wine. Perhaps He will add quality and quantity.

Dear Jesus, display your presence in my little things, please.

Wonder Wisdom

2009-09-12T10:40:00.005-04:00

There is wisdom that comes come wonder. The exercise of wondering, considering, pondering on Jesus' works will always guide properly with the Truth that is the Way and is the Life.

At Northeast we are taking the next seven weeks to discover (maybe recover) the Wonders of Jesus on the Gospel of John.

John calls these wonders, signs. Signs communicate important information. In Scripture this information is not just important, but more importantly it is transformational.

Wisdom comes from wonder, wonder comes from observing and applying the signs of Jesus.

Lets Wonder together! Lets pray for fresh eyes that can recognize and appreciate the signs of Jesus. Lets discover some new perspective on Jesus. Lets recover any wonder we have lost.

Solomon's Labor Day Wisdom - "Getting" Is "Ghetto"

2009-09-07T11:16:00.007-04:00

Solomon's Wisdom invites us to question our Labor, toil, and striving. What is all our "getting" us? Eccles. 2:22-24 says: "Getting" is getting us pain, grief and no sleep. A meaningless chase that leads nowhere with nothing. Getting is ghetto Solomon concludes.
The Alternative... nothing is better than to eat, drink, and find satisfaction on our Labor. This is a gift from the very hand of God. Labor Day is a good opportunity to examine what is our hand toiling for. Am I reaching to get stuff or my reaching for the enjoyment that comes only from the hand of God?

Also, check out these Scriptures for your Meaningful Labor Day. Isa. 55:1-2, Matt. 11:25-30

Wisdom - Can I Hear Her Now?

2009-09-04T12:18:00.003-04:00

Proverbs 8:1 "Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?"
Apparently, wisdom is calling out; its raising her voice. Am I hearing her? Am I listening for her?

This blog is a seeker's attempt to listen and hear. Wisdom is showing herself in the details and moments of my life. I am trying to find the one who is already seeking me. I am trying to listen for the one who is already calling me.

Wisdom is not meant to be kept, in fact, wisdom demands that you share her freely. So I share her in this format.