Karen and I are in the states because our oldest daughter will have a baby in the next few days. We were worshiping with our family at Levy in North Little Rock this past Sunday. One of my good friends Clark stood up and shared some thoughts with us before we ate together to remember our Savior at the Lord’s Supper. He shared with us an interesting thought. Normally when someone has some words to share about Jesus before we eat the bread and drink the fruit of the vine together, these words will center on Jesus’ death burial and resurrection. This time Clark challenged each of us to take our Bibles out and open, randomly, to some text in the New Testament. It was his idea that in most places that we would open our Bibles to there would be a scripture that would reveal something that would bring alive the celebration that we were getting ready to participate in together. He said that if the first section didn’t directly take us back to what we were celebrating together, that very nearby reading would.
I was game. I opened my Bible and my eyes fell on I Timothy 1 and I read vs. 12-17…
1Ti 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
1Ti 1:13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
1Ti 1:14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
1Ti 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
1Ti 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
1Ti 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
For me this section of scripture became very precious as I thought about how thankful I am for Jesus and all that he has done for me. As we ate this ‘meal’ together, as Jesus had said, doing this in remembrance of Him… I thought this scripture that I had randomly turned to just came alive for me while having this time with my brothers and sisters. Paul is writing to his son in Faith, Timothy. He is sharing with him how thankful he is to God through Jesus for all the blessings he has received through Christ. Look at his words used to describe how he was feeling… mercy, grace, faith, love… in Christ Jesus. Paul lived everyday remembering that his earlier life as a religious man meant that he sought out people of the Way and hurt them and put them in prison. Paul’s focus was not just on his shortcomings and failures of his earlier life… although he did not forget his past, his focus was on what Jesus had done for him in spite of his past. Paul said that Jesus had shown him mercy… giving him forgiveness for what he had done. Yea, we need that. Through Jesus Paul received grace… the forgiveness of his sins, past, present and future. Yea, we need that. He emphasized that these blessings are ‘poured out abundantly’ on him… and on us. Yea, we need that. Faith and love come through Jesus Christ along with this grace. What a wonderful message! As I reflect back on what these emblems that we ate and drank together represent… Christ giving his life, body and blood as a sacrifice for all men so that we could come to the father, I was truly humbled and thankful. I am once again reminded of how reading God’s word over and over never gets old. We just come to a deeper understanding of who our Father is and how much He loves us.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The world...
Just a thought today...
Was reading in John chapter 1 and trying to get a grip on Jesus and all John shares with us in the first chapter. I was reading in several different translations and it really hit me this morning when I read the ERV version of John 1:11, here it is:
11He came to the world
that was his own. And his own people did
not accept him.
What struck me this morning was that the world that Jesus came into was a world that he created, it was HIS OWN WORLD. Not sure how this is gonna sound... bear with me... I know that Jesus came into the world, as a baby and grew and eventually ended up on a cross to die for my sins, and praise the Lord was raised from the dead and now sits in the heavenly realms until His return. I am not minimizing that. What hit me this morning was quite simply that Jesus came into His world. He was there before it was ever made, he was involved in the making of it, he spent time watching it grow and seeing first hand all the things happen that we read about in the Bible. Now, let me see if I can give you an insight into how it hit me...
Think for a moment of your own home. It may be a house in the states or like me an apartment in Germany. It is your home. You have your furniture, your electronic devices that you have to make your life more enjoyable, you have your articles that you use to cook your food, you have your bed and bedding that you cuddle under each night.... I think your get my point, it is home, it is your castle, your domain, your place that you feel most comfortable. You feel that way because it is yours. YOURS.
Jesus made this world, it was and IS His! Yes, I know this is a physical world and He and the Father are spiritual in nature, but he chose to come into a physical world, that was his own, that he had made, and yet, when he came, those he had made rejected him. He came to what I can only relate to as Home, and he was made to feel unwelcome here. Yet, it was HIS place! What is incredible to me is that when he came and his own creation (as a whole) did not accept him, but actually rejected him, He did not just turn around and go back to the Father and say forget this bunch of losers... He stayed and worked with those who would listen, who would try to learn, be it ever so slowly, and love them and those who had rejected him to the point of dying on a cross.
I do not like to come home to a house that has been invaded by someone who should not have been in my house... a thief... I have had that happen, it is not a good feeling. Not a great comparison perhaps, but one I know personally. Jesus came into this world, his world, and those whom he had created did not acknowledge that this world was his, not theirs. Yet, he attempted and still attempts to teach them and us what real love is all about. IT IS GOD, GOD IS LOVE. And he showed His greatest love for us by coming into a world that was his and living and dying as if it were not His, for us, so that we could spend eternity with Him. What a gift.
Was reading in John chapter 1 and trying to get a grip on Jesus and all John shares with us in the first chapter. I was reading in several different translations and it really hit me this morning when I read the ERV version of John 1:11, here it is:
11He came to the world
that was his own. And his own people did
not accept him.
What struck me this morning was that the world that Jesus came into was a world that he created, it was HIS OWN WORLD. Not sure how this is gonna sound... bear with me... I know that Jesus came into the world, as a baby and grew and eventually ended up on a cross to die for my sins, and praise the Lord was raised from the dead and now sits in the heavenly realms until His return. I am not minimizing that. What hit me this morning was quite simply that Jesus came into His world. He was there before it was ever made, he was involved in the making of it, he spent time watching it grow and seeing first hand all the things happen that we read about in the Bible. Now, let me see if I can give you an insight into how it hit me...
Think for a moment of your own home. It may be a house in the states or like me an apartment in Germany. It is your home. You have your furniture, your electronic devices that you have to make your life more enjoyable, you have your articles that you use to cook your food, you have your bed and bedding that you cuddle under each night.... I think your get my point, it is home, it is your castle, your domain, your place that you feel most comfortable. You feel that way because it is yours. YOURS.
Jesus made this world, it was and IS His! Yes, I know this is a physical world and He and the Father are spiritual in nature, but he chose to come into a physical world, that was his own, that he had made, and yet, when he came, those he had made rejected him. He came to what I can only relate to as Home, and he was made to feel unwelcome here. Yet, it was HIS place! What is incredible to me is that when he came and his own creation (as a whole) did not accept him, but actually rejected him, He did not just turn around and go back to the Father and say forget this bunch of losers... He stayed and worked with those who would listen, who would try to learn, be it ever so slowly, and love them and those who had rejected him to the point of dying on a cross.
I do not like to come home to a house that has been invaded by someone who should not have been in my house... a thief... I have had that happen, it is not a good feeling. Not a great comparison perhaps, but one I know personally. Jesus came into this world, his world, and those whom he had created did not acknowledge that this world was his, not theirs. Yet, he attempted and still attempts to teach them and us what real love is all about. IT IS GOD, GOD IS LOVE. And he showed His greatest love for us by coming into a world that was his and living and dying as if it were not His, for us, so that we could spend eternity with Him. What a gift.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Religious Police
That is how the commentary described the Religious leaders in John 8:1-11. You are not doubt familiar with the story... the woman caught in adultery. I hope this makes since today... I seem to have a lot of thoughts going around in my head this morning, I will try to organize them into something that will be an encouragement to you today...
It started yesterday evening. Some coworkers and I were having a discussion about someone possibly moving into our area. The problem for us was that this person was struggling with some different issues in his faith. I had to ask myself, who isn't asking themselves questions as we continue to read, learn and hopefully grow in Grace and Knowledge? Sometimes though when someone asks questions about things that we feel have already been answered in our lives and mind, it makes us a little nervous, especially if this person could confuse some of the more recent converts that are still growing and learning and very impressionable. Natural concerns. I understand that and I have them myself. So the question is how do we handle this situation? I am sure that you have your own ideas about that and you can leave me a comment if you would like, but I am going forward....
This morning as I was folding laundry (yea, that's me trying to be helpful), I was listening to A Capella. In one of the lines of their song they made reference to the religious leaders and how they were handling the woman caught in adultery. With my mind still thinking over the discussion from the night before I took time out to read and re read this account again. What became quite apparent to me is that in some ways these religious leaders are not the 'bad guys' we make them out to be... at least they better not be, because sometimes I find myself doing some of the same things that they are doing... Matt. 23:23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin.“But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” There are so many levels to this story of the woman... Today I want to ask myself if I do the same thing that these guys did. Do I know "the word" so well that I am going to squeeze everyone into my box of what it means? Do I have all the answers? Have I arrived to the place where I have all the answers because I know what the Word teaches on every given subject? Please know that I believe God's word is true, without a doubt. I just don't believe I have arrived to the point that I can totally analyze it correctly in every situation. I hope I am still learning, that implies that I don't know everything... problem with that is that leaves me open to not have all the answers. But I know I don't have all the answers, I know that no one does, but there is a since that I need to have all the answers, especially if someone has a question... Okay, I told you this was going to be a mess! My mind is racing, I don't want to say the wrong thing, but I am doing a bit of rambling.
It is natural for me to want to protect those who are new born babes in Christ. It is normal for me to want to keep people away that seem like they want to cause problems and divisions. But I want to continue to learn. I want to recognize that God is in control and He is aware of ALL situations going on in not just my life and the people close to me, but your life and the people in your life too! I want to be in a place where if someone is struggling with their faith and what they believe that I can be the person that is so approachable that they feel so comfortable talking to that we can pray together and look at God's word and we can both learn and grow... One of my favorite teachers at Harding (and one of the toughfest on me too) was Dr. Edward P. Myers. He said something in class one day that really impressed me and helped me in my journey to grow and learn more about God's word. He said, "In regard to this set of passages, I am going to tell you my take on it... today. I want to continue to think on it and try to be open to understanding it better. But, this is where I am with it today." It was and is refresing to me that a professor in a university can tell students he is still learning. Yes, he did make us have to duplicate what he told us about that set of scriptures an the test later that week, and if we didn't recall it like he taught it we got the question wrong... :-) Ha, of course, he was teaching a class, but I think you understand why that is important to me to have heard him say those words.
Know what you believe. Continue to study. Be open to growth. Do not be threatened by someone that believes differently than you do... listen, you might learn something. Also, by listening to others, you have a better chance for them to listen to you, it is called discussion. Conversation, it is a beautiful thing, difficult sometimes, but great. I don't want to be a member of the Religious Police. I want to be a simple messenger of Christ. Paul penned these words and I think they are applicable today:
1Co 2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
1Co 2:2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1Co 2:3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
1Co 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
1Co 2:5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
Thanks for your moments today... Hope I didn't loose you in my rambling...
God bless you this day. Go out and be a blessing to someone else today!
Mark
It started yesterday evening. Some coworkers and I were having a discussion about someone possibly moving into our area. The problem for us was that this person was struggling with some different issues in his faith. I had to ask myself, who isn't asking themselves questions as we continue to read, learn and hopefully grow in Grace and Knowledge? Sometimes though when someone asks questions about things that we feel have already been answered in our lives and mind, it makes us a little nervous, especially if this person could confuse some of the more recent converts that are still growing and learning and very impressionable. Natural concerns. I understand that and I have them myself. So the question is how do we handle this situation? I am sure that you have your own ideas about that and you can leave me a comment if you would like, but I am going forward....
This morning as I was folding laundry (yea, that's me trying to be helpful), I was listening to A Capella. In one of the lines of their song they made reference to the religious leaders and how they were handling the woman caught in adultery. With my mind still thinking over the discussion from the night before I took time out to read and re read this account again. What became quite apparent to me is that in some ways these religious leaders are not the 'bad guys' we make them out to be... at least they better not be, because sometimes I find myself doing some of the same things that they are doing... Matt. 23:23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin.“But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” There are so many levels to this story of the woman... Today I want to ask myself if I do the same thing that these guys did. Do I know "the word" so well that I am going to squeeze everyone into my box of what it means? Do I have all the answers? Have I arrived to the place where I have all the answers because I know what the Word teaches on every given subject? Please know that I believe God's word is true, without a doubt. I just don't believe I have arrived to the point that I can totally analyze it correctly in every situation. I hope I am still learning, that implies that I don't know everything... problem with that is that leaves me open to not have all the answers. But I know I don't have all the answers, I know that no one does, but there is a since that I need to have all the answers, especially if someone has a question... Okay, I told you this was going to be a mess! My mind is racing, I don't want to say the wrong thing, but I am doing a bit of rambling.
It is natural for me to want to protect those who are new born babes in Christ. It is normal for me to want to keep people away that seem like they want to cause problems and divisions. But I want to continue to learn. I want to recognize that God is in control and He is aware of ALL situations going on in not just my life and the people close to me, but your life and the people in your life too! I want to be in a place where if someone is struggling with their faith and what they believe that I can be the person that is so approachable that they feel so comfortable talking to that we can pray together and look at God's word and we can both learn and grow... One of my favorite teachers at Harding (and one of the toughfest on me too) was Dr. Edward P. Myers. He said something in class one day that really impressed me and helped me in my journey to grow and learn more about God's word. He said, "In regard to this set of passages, I am going to tell you my take on it... today. I want to continue to think on it and try to be open to understanding it better. But, this is where I am with it today." It was and is refresing to me that a professor in a university can tell students he is still learning. Yes, he did make us have to duplicate what he told us about that set of scriptures an the test later that week, and if we didn't recall it like he taught it we got the question wrong... :-) Ha, of course, he was teaching a class, but I think you understand why that is important to me to have heard him say those words.
Know what you believe. Continue to study. Be open to growth. Do not be threatened by someone that believes differently than you do... listen, you might learn something. Also, by listening to others, you have a better chance for them to listen to you, it is called discussion. Conversation, it is a beautiful thing, difficult sometimes, but great. I don't want to be a member of the Religious Police. I want to be a simple messenger of Christ. Paul penned these words and I think they are applicable today:
1Co 2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
1Co 2:2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1Co 2:3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
1Co 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
1Co 2:5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
Thanks for your moments today... Hope I didn't loose you in my rambling...
God bless you this day. Go out and be a blessing to someone else today!
Mark
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Who can serve God?
I was reading this morning in Luke chapter 1 and was greatly impressed by Mary, the mother of Jesus. Some specualate that when the angel first aproached her she could/would have been only about 12 years old. Luke tells us "God is very pleased with you (Mary)." Words I would like to hear... read with me:
Lk 1:26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,
Lk 1:27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Lk 1:28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Lk 1:29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
Lk 1:30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
Lk 1:31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
Lk 1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
Lk 1:33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Lk 1:34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Lk 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
Lk 1:36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.
Lk 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
Lk 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
What struck me was something I read in the NIV Application Comentary about this passage. Let me share it with you and give it some thought this day...
Mary reflects the person whom God unexpectedly chooses to use. She brings no outstanding credentials to the task and lives on the edge of the nation. She brings nothing on her résumé other than her availability and willingness to serve. But those characteristics are the most basic ones anyone can offer God. So he puts her to use in his plan, taking her through a process for which she has had no training or preparation. He simply promises to be with her in the journey, and she responds by being willing to go on the ride.
I think for me, this is an encouraging story that Luke lays out for us. It reminds me once again that my service to my Father is not about me. Not about how much I know or how great an article I write or lesson I prepare or present. It is about being available and willing to have God my Father use me in HIS PLAN. That often looks quite different than my plan... I know that it looked different than what Mary thought lay ahead of her in her marriage to Joseph. But she was ready and willing to do it God's way... even at such a young age. Today I ask you, are you available and willing to be used by God? Are you willing to do it God's way? A good friend once told me (thanks Don), that when we "let go and let God" we better have our roller skates on, because it is quite a ride. I hope you will be encouraged by these words from Luke today like I was. God bless and be used by Him today!
Mark
Lk 1:26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,
Lk 1:27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Lk 1:28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Lk 1:29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
Lk 1:30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
Lk 1:31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
Lk 1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
Lk 1:33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Lk 1:34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Lk 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
Lk 1:36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.
Lk 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
Lk 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
What struck me was something I read in the NIV Application Comentary about this passage. Let me share it with you and give it some thought this day...
Mary reflects the person whom God unexpectedly chooses to use. She brings no outstanding credentials to the task and lives on the edge of the nation. She brings nothing on her résumé other than her availability and willingness to serve. But those characteristics are the most basic ones anyone can offer God. So he puts her to use in his plan, taking her through a process for which she has had no training or preparation. He simply promises to be with her in the journey, and she responds by being willing to go on the ride.
I think for me, this is an encouraging story that Luke lays out for us. It reminds me once again that my service to my Father is not about me. Not about how much I know or how great an article I write or lesson I prepare or present. It is about being available and willing to have God my Father use me in HIS PLAN. That often looks quite different than my plan... I know that it looked different than what Mary thought lay ahead of her in her marriage to Joseph. But she was ready and willing to do it God's way... even at such a young age. Today I ask you, are you available and willing to be used by God? Are you willing to do it God's way? A good friend once told me (thanks Don), that when we "let go and let God" we better have our roller skates on, because it is quite a ride. I hope you will be encouraged by these words from Luke today like I was. God bless and be used by Him today!
Mark
Monday, February 23, 2009
Leipzig
Today Karen and I took a day trip to Leipzig. Leipzig is the city that is being targeted for a church plant by us and the Sullivans in 2010. We spent the day walking around the city, in the rain, trying to get a feel for the city. Leipzig is a little more updated than Chemnitz, where we currently are. Both are cities in Sachsen, Germany. What we really found out today, other than a little bit more about this city that we plan to be moving to in a few short months, is that sometimes we have to be patient. We start dreaming, developing our ideas and goals and then start marching forward. Understand that through all of this we do a lot of praying about the ideas and the actions. But, I also know that even when I am praying about it I am still plodding along trying to do what I can to move forward. Sometimes I am reminded though, just to slow down, keep praying about it, but take the time to listen to God speaking to us. I sometimes get so into making the plan come together that I dont listen to the direction of the One I am trying to serve. Ever have that problem? I read a great verse that says it much better than I ever could: Ps 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him See what I mean? God provides what we need, in spite of my help. :-)
He actaully has managed to run the world quite well without my help... for a very long time. Please understand, I believe with all my heart that my Father uses me in His service. That is the point, it is His work, not mine. I really enjoyed the day today, especially after I just relaxed and tried to enjoy some great one on one time with my wife today and not get stressed out about where we need to live and what size apartment we need and where it is going to be and.... Anyway, when you get stressed about all the things that lay ahead of you, how about giving them to God, also thanking Him for all He is already doing, and take a little time to be still and wait on Him. He WILL NOT leave you out to dry!
Have a blessed day, I sure did!
Mark
He actaully has managed to run the world quite well without my help... for a very long time. Please understand, I believe with all my heart that my Father uses me in His service. That is the point, it is His work, not mine. I really enjoyed the day today, especially after I just relaxed and tried to enjoy some great one on one time with my wife today and not get stressed out about where we need to live and what size apartment we need and where it is going to be and.... Anyway, when you get stressed about all the things that lay ahead of you, how about giving them to God, also thanking Him for all He is already doing, and take a little time to be still and wait on Him. He WILL NOT leave you out to dry!
Have a blessed day, I sure did!
Mark
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Furlough
Furlough is a strange word... Webster describes this word by saying it means, "absent, rest and relaxation, to lay off of work..." Well, for us it has meant quite a different thing. We have been busy traveling to about 8 different cities since we arrive in the Usa. We have logged a lot of miles these last few weeks, but man what a blessing to be able to be with so many different church families scattered throughout the Usa. I just have to say.... THANK YOU FAMILIES! We have been so blessed to be able to be in so many peoples homes and to be able to share information about the work in Germany. God is GREAT! It is so much fun to be share some of these stories of different peoples lives and their coming to faith in our wonderful Father and our Savior! My problem is I have a hard time stopping talking about it... I tend to ramble, would have never guessed that would ya. Thank you everyone who has listened, helped us, and partnered with us in this work. May God continue to bless you and your ministry where ever you are. I will give a fuller update when we get home to Chemnitz... we still have days left here and want to make the most of them... still more people to talk with.
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