Last week I witnessed something that only happens once in a blue moon (ok, a copper moon). I observed a total eclipse of the moon. Here’s the official explanation. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon passes into Earth's shadow and is blocked from the sun's rays that normally illuminate it. During an eclipse, the sun, Earth and moon line up, leaving a darkened moon visible to observers on the night side of the planet. The moon doesn't go black because indirect sunlight still reaches it after passing through the Earth's atmosphere. Since the atmosphere filters out blue light, the indirect light that reaches the moon transforms it into a reddish or orange tinge, depending on how much dust and cloud cover are in the atmosphere at the time. Well, enough of astronomical precepts—the moon went dark.
After pondering on this I began to realize the parallel between this occurrence and service and submission (we preachers can draw analogies from just about everything).
We are called to reflect God’s glory. Jesus said that while he was in the world he was the light of the world (John 9:5) but also told his followers, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) Well, which is it? Actually, it’s both. We are to continue Jesus ministry of being a light in the darkness. Now, to my lunar eclipse analogy. When anything gets between us and our source of light we aren’t able to shine in the darkness like we were meant to. It would be great if this only happened once every few years but the truth is that it happens with almost daily regularity. Jesus characterized his ministry time and again as one of serving others. If we’re not serving the purpose for which we were created we’re eclipsed. Let’s serve God and submit to His authority. Then we’ll serve others and shine for Jesus.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bible Study & Prayer
Bible study & prayer. I wonder how many times I’ve repeated or had repeated to me those words. They go together like peanut butter & jelly, like milk & cookies. They are so intertwined that they are like two sides of the same coin.
The sheer necessity of knowing God and what He is about demands that these two elements be a regular part of my life.
Regular—that’s putting it mildly. They should be like breathing. Inhaling—taking in God’s truth and allowing it to spiritually oxygenate my life. Exhaling—breathing out prayer to God; Admitting my sin, presenting my requests, interceding for others.
There are three questions that come to mind when I’m pondering the concepts of Bible study & prayer. The first question “Why?” deals with my motives. Am I studying my Bible and praying as a perfunctory matter. Is it something I do as an end in itself, just to say I have done it as a my duty required. This is a danger with any of the Disciplines. They can become the end rather than the means. I should be studying God’s word because it tells me the truth about life (and consequently gives me the fullness of life which God has for me). The second question “When?” deals with my practice. Am I making these disciplines a priority in my life by allotting time for them regularly? The third question, “How?” deals with my methods. What am I doing and using to learn and grow from the disciplines.
The sheer necessity of knowing God and what He is about demands that these two elements be a regular part of my life.
Regular—that’s putting it mildly. They should be like breathing. Inhaling—taking in God’s truth and allowing it to spiritually oxygenate my life. Exhaling—breathing out prayer to God; Admitting my sin, presenting my requests, interceding for others.
There are three questions that come to mind when I’m pondering the concepts of Bible study & prayer. The first question “Why?” deals with my motives. Am I studying my Bible and praying as a perfunctory matter. Is it something I do as an end in itself, just to say I have done it as a my duty required. This is a danger with any of the Disciplines. They can become the end rather than the means. I should be studying God’s word because it tells me the truth about life (and consequently gives me the fullness of life which God has for me). The second question “When?” deals with my practice. Am I making these disciplines a priority in my life by allotting time for them regularly? The third question, “How?” deals with my methods. What am I doing and using to learn and grow from the disciplines.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Secrecy & Sacrifice
Do you remember the television show, “I’ve Got A Secret?” The contestants on the show usually did something odd or were obscure and answered questions in hope of fooling the panel with regard to their secret. The problem with the show is that it should have been entitled, “I HAD A Secret” For even if the panel did not guess their secret it was ultimately revealed to everyone. A secret spilled is a secret killed!
There are two types of secrets. There are those elements of our lives which shame or devalue us that we feel we must hide. This can be a good thing. There are some things that should be kept just between us and God. However, if these “secrets” become obstacles to our spiritual growth because we cannot rid ourselves of their influence or they stunt our relationships, then we must take appropriate actions to reveal them (confession, repentance, faith, renewal).
Another area of life where secrets are valuable is one where we serve others in Jesus name. We do this not for our glory or recognition, but for His. In this realm, we must learn the value of keeping a secret. In doing so we will begin to experience the freedom of doing something without any thought of human approval or commendation. We trust God to reward us accordingly and are willing to defer gratification until Christ who gave His all for us with no thought of reward says, “well done, good and faithful servant!” Matt. 25:23 NIV.
There are two types of secrets. There are those elements of our lives which shame or devalue us that we feel we must hide. This can be a good thing. There are some things that should be kept just between us and God. However, if these “secrets” become obstacles to our spiritual growth because we cannot rid ourselves of their influence or they stunt our relationships, then we must take appropriate actions to reveal them (confession, repentance, faith, renewal).
Another area of life where secrets are valuable is one where we serve others in Jesus name. We do this not for our glory or recognition, but for His. In this realm, we must learn the value of keeping a secret. In doing so we will begin to experience the freedom of doing something without any thought of human approval or commendation. We trust God to reward us accordingly and are willing to defer gratification until Christ who gave His all for us with no thought of reward says, “well done, good and faithful servant!” Matt. 25:23 NIV.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Fasting & Frugality
Okay, I feel like Lucille Ball on the Lucy Show. As Ricky would say, “You’ve got some splaining to do.” How can I explain fasting and frugality? To tell you the truth, it’s much more simple to explain than to do.
Fasting and frugality have to do with denying oneself the physical aspects of life to sensitize our spiritual lives. In short, we do without one thing to gain another. There, all done. Well, not quite.
The best way I can explain the principle behind both fasting and frugality is to use an analogy. When we go to the beach one of the things I enjoy doing is just sitting in the beach chair right at the water’s edge, soaking in the rays (boy that sounds good in January, doesn’t it?), and rubbing my feet in the sand. I’ve noticed that if I move the sand, leaving a hole, that the water which comes in will fill it and remain. If I do nothing the water just rushes in, moves some sand, then returns to the ocean. When we remove something from our lives by abstaining from it (food, possessions) it does leave an empty spot. Then when we encounter God, He fills that void ( I know it’s not a perfect analogy but it helps me understand). By abstaining from food or things we intentionally create the possibility for God to fill us. When we go about the same old routines nothing seems to happen.
I challenge you to try fasting and frugality. Remove those physical comforts and watch how God fills you with something so much better.
Fasting and frugality have to do with denying oneself the physical aspects of life to sensitize our spiritual lives. In short, we do without one thing to gain another. There, all done. Well, not quite.
The best way I can explain the principle behind both fasting and frugality is to use an analogy. When we go to the beach one of the things I enjoy doing is just sitting in the beach chair right at the water’s edge, soaking in the rays (boy that sounds good in January, doesn’t it?), and rubbing my feet in the sand. I’ve noticed that if I move the sand, leaving a hole, that the water which comes in will fill it and remain. If I do nothing the water just rushes in, moves some sand, then returns to the ocean. When we remove something from our lives by abstaining from it (food, possessions) it does leave an empty spot. Then when we encounter God, He fills that void ( I know it’s not a perfect analogy but it helps me understand). By abstaining from food or things we intentionally create the possibility for God to fill us. When we go about the same old routines nothing seems to happen.
I challenge you to try fasting and frugality. Remove those physical comforts and watch how God fills you with something so much better.
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