(I didn't write this. Don't know who did. Came to me in an email from a friend. Normally, I don't like things that presume to speak for God. But this could have been written in the 3rd person just as effectively.)
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are
taking My name out of the season.. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow
up... It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your
arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much
money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have
never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things
in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all
those whom you love and remember:
I LOVE YOU,
Jesus
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS NAZIS HEART CHECK
I’m about to step into dangerous waters here. But I must confess that I am having a bit of a reaction this Christmas season.
It’s amazing what we Christians will declare war over. For a year, or two, or three there has been a growing movement to “strike back” at those who are trying to take Christ out of Christmas by referring to this season as the Holidays or in the schools taking “Winter Break” plus any number of other real and/or imagined slights against our faith. Several big name Christian organizations are pushing hard for us not to let this continue. Christmas must be defended at all costs.
Now let me be the first to say that I love to wish folks Merry Christmas at this time of year. I’m one of those softies who even likes all the decorations and music in the mall. I know it’s way too commercialized but it’s also fun and, one must admit, there is usually a different feeling in the air when one is out in public this time of year.
There can certainly be no argument that I lack an understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas for me as a follower of Jesus Christ is that I am remembering and celebrating His birth (even though the Bible nowhere commands me to do so as it does His death).
Actually, what I am remembering and celebrating is His incarnation. God became a man in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. He laid aside His heavenly privileges for a time to condescend and take the form of a servant. He served all the way to the cross. This time of year helps me remember that God loved so much that He gave His Son and His Son loved so much that He came into the world to save lost sinful people like me. Yes, I do remember that all year but I love to be reminded in so many ways like I am at Christmas.
Back to my reaction. Here’s my problem: We are being encouraged to strike back at the poor cash register girl who, under orders from corporate, says to us, “Happy Holidays!” instead of, “Merry Christmas.” Now I ask you, is that the Christian thing to do?
As in all things Christian, the answer lies in the motive. If our hearts desire is for the person to whom we are speaking to have a truly wonderful Christmas or holiday season, then, with a smile of warmth and sincerity we say, “Merry Christmas!” But, should our motive be to “fight back” against the evil Christmas stealers, then perhaps we ought to reflect more on the spirit of the One whose birth we are celebrating. He taught us not to fight back. He taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves. He even taught us to love our enemies, e.g., Christmas thieves.
Here’s a heart check for us: Before you say Merry Christmas to anyone, ask yourself, “Do I really want this person to have a Merry Christmas? If so, say it with love. If not, if your heart is not right toward that person, don’t say anything until you can get alone with the Lord and say to Him, “Please forgive!”
It’s amazing what we Christians will declare war over. For a year, or two, or three there has been a growing movement to “strike back” at those who are trying to take Christ out of Christmas by referring to this season as the Holidays or in the schools taking “Winter Break” plus any number of other real and/or imagined slights against our faith. Several big name Christian organizations are pushing hard for us not to let this continue. Christmas must be defended at all costs.
Now let me be the first to say that I love to wish folks Merry Christmas at this time of year. I’m one of those softies who even likes all the decorations and music in the mall. I know it’s way too commercialized but it’s also fun and, one must admit, there is usually a different feeling in the air when one is out in public this time of year.
There can certainly be no argument that I lack an understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas for me as a follower of Jesus Christ is that I am remembering and celebrating His birth (even though the Bible nowhere commands me to do so as it does His death).
Actually, what I am remembering and celebrating is His incarnation. God became a man in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. He laid aside His heavenly privileges for a time to condescend and take the form of a servant. He served all the way to the cross. This time of year helps me remember that God loved so much that He gave His Son and His Son loved so much that He came into the world to save lost sinful people like me. Yes, I do remember that all year but I love to be reminded in so many ways like I am at Christmas.
Back to my reaction. Here’s my problem: We are being encouraged to strike back at the poor cash register girl who, under orders from corporate, says to us, “Happy Holidays!” instead of, “Merry Christmas.” Now I ask you, is that the Christian thing to do?
As in all things Christian, the answer lies in the motive. If our hearts desire is for the person to whom we are speaking to have a truly wonderful Christmas or holiday season, then, with a smile of warmth and sincerity we say, “Merry Christmas!” But, should our motive be to “fight back” against the evil Christmas stealers, then perhaps we ought to reflect more on the spirit of the One whose birth we are celebrating. He taught us not to fight back. He taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves. He even taught us to love our enemies, e.g., Christmas thieves.
Here’s a heart check for us: Before you say Merry Christmas to anyone, ask yourself, “Do I really want this person to have a Merry Christmas? If so, say it with love. If not, if your heart is not right toward that person, don’t say anything until you can get alone with the Lord and say to Him, “Please forgive!”
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
HOW I COULD SIGN "THE MANHATTAN DECLARATION" WHEN JOHN MACARTHUR WOULDN’T
(See Dr. MacArthur’s statement)
Anyone who knows me knows of my deep love and respect for Dr. John MacArthur. Since being a young twenty-something in the San Fernando Valley in the 1970’s who visited Grace Church on occasion and listened to and read John at every chance, I have been mentored from a distance by this man in so many ways. So this in no way would indicate a lack of respect for his views. There are in fact, very close and dear friends of John’s who have signed the Declaration and remain dear brothers with him yet. Signing or not signing this document is no test of fellowship.
I have been asked why I would not take the same stance as he on this issue, especially by some who know of my commitment to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let it be said with no equivocation, in every way I agree with John on the Gospel. I agree that there are signers of the document who do not interpret the Gospel in the way that I do. I even agree with him that this document does not lay out the Gospel in clarity. In recognizing those things, I find the exact point of our differing views.
In a clearly secular analogy, The Manhattan Declaration is somewhat like The Declaration of Independence. In this birthing writing for our nation the signers called upon Nature’s God, the Creator, the Supreme Judge and Divine Providence. While there may be debate as to what each individual signer meant by those terms, a belief that this was a nation “under God” is indisputable. From that position they went on to firmly state their disagreement with certain practices of the governing authorities. They took their stand with what they believed to be “unalienable rights.”
I see The Manhattan Declaration in much the same way. It is a declaration of what we (the signers) believe so that there can be no doubt. Implicitly, there is (as there was with the Declaration of Independence) a personal willingness to bear the consequences this stand might bring.
This document, though put forth by those who claim to be Christian, is a call to all people in good conscience to heed these truths. The following excerpt from the Declaration sheds light on my position: "We call upon all people of goodwill, believers and non-believers alike, to consider carefully and reflect critically on the issues we here address as we, with St. Paul, commend this appeal to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God."
But this does not mean that I see this Declaration as merely a secular document. In fact, I believe it is a statement that says, in essence, if one claims to be Christian, one ought to hold to these truths. For me, that is a given. I’m willing to bear the criticisms of those who disagree and to love them no less. But there can be no ambiguity here. I want my family, my church, my friends, my neighbors and my enemies to know where I stand.
I do not agree that it “relegates the gospel to secondary status.” My interpretation of the written words sees them as flowing from the Gospel rather than to the Gospel. Again, it is saying if one claims to believe the Gospel then one ought to believe this.
So, I am comfortable signing a document with others who “claim” to be Christians but who do not hold to a biblical Gospel. I will proclaim the Gospel of Christ and I will stand strong against the erosion of these truths, even in this type of public format. As I have said earlier, I signed it with a resolute heart and with a sadness that the times make it necessary.
Anyone who knows me knows of my deep love and respect for Dr. John MacArthur. Since being a young twenty-something in the San Fernando Valley in the 1970’s who visited Grace Church on occasion and listened to and read John at every chance, I have been mentored from a distance by this man in so many ways. So this in no way would indicate a lack of respect for his views. There are in fact, very close and dear friends of John’s who have signed the Declaration and remain dear brothers with him yet. Signing or not signing this document is no test of fellowship.
I have been asked why I would not take the same stance as he on this issue, especially by some who know of my commitment to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let it be said with no equivocation, in every way I agree with John on the Gospel. I agree that there are signers of the document who do not interpret the Gospel in the way that I do. I even agree with him that this document does not lay out the Gospel in clarity. In recognizing those things, I find the exact point of our differing views.
In a clearly secular analogy, The Manhattan Declaration is somewhat like The Declaration of Independence. In this birthing writing for our nation the signers called upon Nature’s God, the Creator, the Supreme Judge and Divine Providence. While there may be debate as to what each individual signer meant by those terms, a belief that this was a nation “under God” is indisputable. From that position they went on to firmly state their disagreement with certain practices of the governing authorities. They took their stand with what they believed to be “unalienable rights.”
I see The Manhattan Declaration in much the same way. It is a declaration of what we (the signers) believe so that there can be no doubt. Implicitly, there is (as there was with the Declaration of Independence) a personal willingness to bear the consequences this stand might bring.
This document, though put forth by those who claim to be Christian, is a call to all people in good conscience to heed these truths. The following excerpt from the Declaration sheds light on my position: "We call upon all people of goodwill, believers and non-believers alike, to consider carefully and reflect critically on the issues we here address as we, with St. Paul, commend this appeal to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God."
But this does not mean that I see this Declaration as merely a secular document. In fact, I believe it is a statement that says, in essence, if one claims to be Christian, one ought to hold to these truths. For me, that is a given. I’m willing to bear the criticisms of those who disagree and to love them no less. But there can be no ambiguity here. I want my family, my church, my friends, my neighbors and my enemies to know where I stand.
I do not agree that it “relegates the gospel to secondary status.” My interpretation of the written words sees them as flowing from the Gospel rather than to the Gospel. Again, it is saying if one claims to believe the Gospel then one ought to believe this.
So, I am comfortable signing a document with others who “claim” to be Christians but who do not hold to a biblical Gospel. I will proclaim the Gospel of Christ and I will stand strong against the erosion of these truths, even in this type of public format. As I have said earlier, I signed it with a resolute heart and with a sadness that the times make it necessary.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
If Suffering Were a Lollipop
The problem with suffering is the pain. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? But stop and think. Probably most believers would readily give verbal assent to the idea that suffering is used by God for good in our lives. We know enough verses to be cognizant of that fact. Often we find ourselves saying in the midst of deep trials that, though we don’t know why God is allowing this to happen, we do know that He has a purpose in it.
Somewhere deep in our storehouse of biblical knowledge we know that suffering is good for us. A few of the Scriptures we would point to would be:
1. Suffering points us to the glorious return of Christ. (1 Peter 4:13)
2. Suffering causes dependence on the grace of God. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
3. Suffering demonstrates the grace of God. (1 Peter 2:19)
4. Suffering produces endurance. (Romans 5:3; James 1:2-3)
5. Jesus was made perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10; 5:8-9)
6. Suffering perfects us, as it did Jesus. (James 1:4)
7. Suffering brings the comfort of God. (2 Corinthians 1:5-7)
8. Suffering brings conformity to Christ. (Romans 8:28-29; Philippians 3:10)
9. Suffering causes us to long for heaven. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
10. Suffering gets us out of our comfort zone. (Acts 8:1)
If all these are true then why is it also true that we tend to dread suffering; we seek to avoid it in every way; we look at it, not as friend, but as a fearsome enemy? All too often we are like the kids in the old TV commercial who, when discussing a yucky, healthy food, said, “It tastes like it’s good for us.” We don’t like the taste of suffering. Why? The answer is the pain. Our focus is on the process and not the product.
What if suffering were a lollipop? What if, in God’s economy, He had foreordained that eating a lollipop would perfect the Lord Jesus Himself? What if God had decreed that licking a lollipop would lead us to the abundant grace that is all-sufficient? What if sucking on a delicious sticky lollipop would produce in us endurance and complete us in Christ-likeness? What if the tantalizing taste of a lollipop caused us to long for heaven with all our might?
Answer: we would be ecstatic. We would sing the praises of lollipops. We would longingly look for lollipops. We would encourage others to do the lollipop thing with great perseverance and diligence. We would have lollipop licking colloquies designed to teach the techniques and joys of lollipop delights.
So the problem with suffering is the pain. Would that God would grant the ability to focus on the goal, the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and realize that God’s ways are perfect. Why does He bring suffering into our lives? Because He wants us to experience every aspect of His glory. His desire is for us to know His grace and comfort and power and peace. He wants us to taste and see that He is good. Look past the pain, past the process to the Perfect Suffering Savior!
Somewhere deep in our storehouse of biblical knowledge we know that suffering is good for us. A few of the Scriptures we would point to would be:
1. Suffering points us to the glorious return of Christ. (1 Peter 4:13)
2. Suffering causes dependence on the grace of God. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
3. Suffering demonstrates the grace of God. (1 Peter 2:19)
4. Suffering produces endurance. (Romans 5:3; James 1:2-3)
5. Jesus was made perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10; 5:8-9)
6. Suffering perfects us, as it did Jesus. (James 1:4)
7. Suffering brings the comfort of God. (2 Corinthians 1:5-7)
8. Suffering brings conformity to Christ. (Romans 8:28-29; Philippians 3:10)
9. Suffering causes us to long for heaven. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
10. Suffering gets us out of our comfort zone. (Acts 8:1)
If all these are true then why is it also true that we tend to dread suffering; we seek to avoid it in every way; we look at it, not as friend, but as a fearsome enemy? All too often we are like the kids in the old TV commercial who, when discussing a yucky, healthy food, said, “It tastes like it’s good for us.” We don’t like the taste of suffering. Why? The answer is the pain. Our focus is on the process and not the product.
What if suffering were a lollipop? What if, in God’s economy, He had foreordained that eating a lollipop would perfect the Lord Jesus Himself? What if God had decreed that licking a lollipop would lead us to the abundant grace that is all-sufficient? What if sucking on a delicious sticky lollipop would produce in us endurance and complete us in Christ-likeness? What if the tantalizing taste of a lollipop caused us to long for heaven with all our might?
Answer: we would be ecstatic. We would sing the praises of lollipops. We would longingly look for lollipops. We would encourage others to do the lollipop thing with great perseverance and diligence. We would have lollipop licking colloquies designed to teach the techniques and joys of lollipop delights.
So the problem with suffering is the pain. Would that God would grant the ability to focus on the goal, the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and realize that God’s ways are perfect. Why does He bring suffering into our lives? Because He wants us to experience every aspect of His glory. His desire is for us to know His grace and comfort and power and peace. He wants us to taste and see that He is good. Look past the pain, past the process to the Perfect Suffering Savior!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Beauty Will Rise
Stephen Curtis Chapman's new album "Beauty Will Rise" will be released today. This album is composed of songs written in the aftermath of his precious daughter's death in the driveway of their home. Two months ago, Janet and I sat with our friends Marty and Jennifer Goetz and listened to amazing stories of the grace of God in the aftermath of that tragedy. Their daughter was a classmate of the Chapman's son. We wept as we listened. As I think back on that night, I realize I'll probably weep again as I listen to this album.
Here is the story of one song from Stephen himself:
One of the most affecting, affirming songs on the record is "SEE." In the hours after Maria left to be with Jesus, Steven fervently prayed for a sign that she was okay, pleading with God just to let him see. "I remember just saying, "We know it is true. We know she is with Jesus. She is safe in the arms of the God who made her. We know she is okay. We know it, but could we just see something?"" Steven recalls asking. "The next morning we went back to our house to get some clothes for the memorial service. We were not going to stay there and it was really hard to even go in the house because of the memories. We were walking through with friends who were holding on to us and we were going from room to room.
I walked into the kitchen and there is this little art table that Maria and Stevey Joy would sit at for hours. She loved crafts. She would cut out pictures. Scissors and glue were her favorite things. She would just cut and paste and draw for hours, and she often created cards for us. She would write the words she knew, "I love mom" and "I love dad" and then she would sign her name "Maria."
Everything was cleaned up at the table but there was one little piece of notebook paper lying on her side of the art table. It was a flower, a six-petal flower that was kind of her signature flower that she would draw all the time. Only one petal was colored in blue, and the rest of it was just the outline of the petals. It had a little stem and it had a little orange center of the flower and it had little leaves at the bottom of the stem. I had noticed something else kind of bleeding through the back of the paper where she had written something and I turned it over and it was a little butterfly and then she had written the letters S-E-E. She had never written that word before. All that she had ever written as far as we knew was "I love Mom," "I love Dad" and her name. Out of all the words that she could have written that day before the accident, she had written the word "see." I was already weeping uncontrollably and at that moment I just really, really believed that God gave us that sign and that was the gift that Maria left us to say "I know you are wanting to see something, but see I am okay and I am where you said. It is okay." That flower became so precious to us. It was my wife that looked at it and realized what we thought was an unfinished flower, was finished. Only one flower petal of the six was colored in. Then we realized we have six children there is only one that is colored in; there is one that is whole and the rest of us are still waiting for our color. It just became such a gift to us."
Here is the story of one song from Stephen himself:
One of the most affecting, affirming songs on the record is "SEE." In the hours after Maria left to be with Jesus, Steven fervently prayed for a sign that she was okay, pleading with God just to let him see. "I remember just saying, "We know it is true. We know she is with Jesus. She is safe in the arms of the God who made her. We know she is okay. We know it, but could we just see something?"" Steven recalls asking. "The next morning we went back to our house to get some clothes for the memorial service. We were not going to stay there and it was really hard to even go in the house because of the memories. We were walking through with friends who were holding on to us and we were going from room to room.
I walked into the kitchen and there is this little art table that Maria and Stevey Joy would sit at for hours. She loved crafts. She would cut out pictures. Scissors and glue were her favorite things. She would just cut and paste and draw for hours, and she often created cards for us. She would write the words she knew, "I love mom" and "I love dad" and then she would sign her name "Maria."
Everything was cleaned up at the table but there was one little piece of notebook paper lying on her side of the art table. It was a flower, a six-petal flower that was kind of her signature flower that she would draw all the time. Only one petal was colored in blue, and the rest of it was just the outline of the petals. It had a little stem and it had a little orange center of the flower and it had little leaves at the bottom of the stem. I had noticed something else kind of bleeding through the back of the paper where she had written something and I turned it over and it was a little butterfly and then she had written the letters S-E-E. She had never written that word before. All that she had ever written as far as we knew was "I love Mom," "I love Dad" and her name. Out of all the words that she could have written that day before the accident, she had written the word "see." I was already weeping uncontrollably and at that moment I just really, really believed that God gave us that sign and that was the gift that Maria left us to say "I know you are wanting to see something, but see I am okay and I am where you said. It is okay." That flower became so precious to us. It was my wife that looked at it and realized what we thought was an unfinished flower, was finished. Only one flower petal of the six was colored in. Then we realized we have six children there is only one that is colored in; there is one that is whole and the rest of us are still waiting for our color. It just became such a gift to us."
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