WholeHeartedLife

Establishment or Outcast

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The  Pharisee stood up and prayed about^[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14 NIV)

One was establishment, one was outcast; one was welcomed in the temple, one was scorned; one thought he was living out righteousness, one was aware that he was in need of God's righteousness (Romans 3:10). It's real easy to be like one, and takes complete honesty to be like the other (and determining which one is easy and which one is hard doesn't make sense by worldly reasoning). Don't let your heart fool you, most of us line up with one of these guys or the other.

Which one are you? 

Waiting?

"but^(AN) they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
   they shall mount up with wings^(AO) like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
   they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)

Are you waiting on God? Is there something you believe that He is planning to do in your life? Maybe it's an answer to a long-prayed prayer or a promise that you have received. Maybe it's deliverance in an issue or the fulfillment of a ministry need. If you are you're in good company:

• What about Noah who built the arc despite the fact that there was no water around because God told him to? You know people thought he was crazy...
• Or Joseph, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, ending up in prison only to eventually by God's providence ruling Egypt?
• Or David... He was anointed King of Israel by Samuel only to spend years running for his life as King Saul tried to kill him

In all three examples the outcome was worth the wait:

• a new beginning for the world...
• an amazing ending to a tragic story that showed God's Sovereignty and providence despite evil intentions...
• a King, described by the Lord as a "man after His Own heart", who despite running for his life for so long eventually represented God to His nation.

How many stories are there in the bible where people waited? The answer is too many to number - waiting is such a huge part of following Jesus. A lesson that I have had to learn personally: Don't despise time spent waiting for it is in that time that God prepares you for what is to come. 

If you're waiting He's not done, so wait, it WILL be worth it.

This May Not Feel Like Blessing...

The other day in my daily reading I came upon the following passage that was right on time:

²²Blessed are you when men hate you, 
      when they exclude you and insult you 
      and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

 ²³"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. (Luke 6:22-23 NIV)

What I read in that is this (please excuse my loose paraphrase):

When you feel hated, disrespected or rejected by people you should rejoice - jump for joy because if your heart is in Jesus and you're serving Him wholeheartedly your reward in heaven will be HUGE! Never forget that people like this act in the way that people have always acted (their ancestors) who mistreated (and killed) the prophets. These people TOTALLY MISSED Jesus (!!) and killed Him. When you are mistreated we are in excellent company.

So, when you feel mistreated it may not feel like a blessing but remember, all will not be rewarded here on earth - Somebody much more important has His eye on you.

Can You Smell that Smell?

In my own life I've noticed that it's easy to justify stuff... to look for the loop-holes... to want more "proof". "If God really wanted me to take such a big step He would give me a sign". Have you read this passage talking about signs lately:  (Matthew 12:38-40):

³⁸Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you."
 ³⁹He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. ⁴⁰For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Matt 12:38-40)

Do you find it as ironic as I do that the people demanding a sign from Jesus were the ones who should have "got it"? 

I often find myself amazed at the way that we Christians repeat history - you know what I often say, "I'm never surprised but I'm ALWAYS amazed!". I've found myself amazed at how things are the same today. Maybe it's just me, but I've often observed that people who should "get" the signs don't. Sometimes it seems as if the only way that most people would "get it" or even "see it" would be through a divine encounter. Nevermind the fact that their communities are dead and without hope - their churches have no spiritual power and don't function as alive (with the witness of bearing fruit). 

Jesus pointed out that the only sign that they would receive is an encounter with death (v.40). Many believers (and churches) are in the midst of a spiritual near death experience and don't seem to have eyes to see their conditions - their spiritual lives and churches are in the belly of a great big fish and they can't seem to smell the stench. Open my nose, Lord, that I might see (and no, that's not a type-o - I know what I just typed - do you?)

"Lord, that YOU would give us eyes to see You in everything that we do!" 

If Your Life Feels Heavy

How's life? Do you ever feel like your life feels "heavy"? I don't know "who" this is for but I believe someone will take comfort in this truth today:

 ²⁸"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)

"Lord, forgive me for asking for Your help yet refusing it when you offer... forgive me for not spending enough time at "Your feet", learning... forgive me for allowing my soul to become so busy. You've told us to trade our burden for yours (v.29) and that in exchange we will find rest for our souls. When the burden that I'm carrying is too heavy remind me that it is MY burden I'm carrying, not Yours, for Your burden is light (v.30). Forgive me, Lord, for living my life as if I don't need You."

Maybe it's time to stop what you're doing, take all of your worries and stress, lay them down spiritually at Jesus' feet, invite Him to refresh your soul anew and experience a fresh power of Jesus working through you and in your life.

Or maybe you'll just continue down the road that you're on... that seems to be working out pretty well for ya, huh?

Is It WHAT or WHO?

The other day I had a visitor stop by my office from our neighborhood to discuss some questions/thoughts of his about the Bible, specifically the book of Revelation. I was the 3rd hyde park staff member that he had spoken to about this, the 1st two not giving him an answer to his liking . (writers note: most people who want to discuss this kind of stuff already have their minds made up and their purpose for coming is to argue with/prove you wrong).

As he came into my office I offered him a seat and asked, "what kind of questions do you have?" to which he asked my interpretation on some of the signs spoken of. I shared that my interpretations were not my interpretations at all, as people through the years have spoken of what different things MAY mean and the symbolism involved. (by the way: I'm not an anti-signs guy or anything - just saying that I'm not that smart - God showed these things to John and he couldn't even adequately describe them in an earthly way).

As the conversation evolved I noticed it was all about the things that he was worked up about so I offered, "You know, the focus of the book of Revelation is not a bunch of future "revelations", the focus is the One who is being 'revealed - Jesus Christ'" I shared that in order to properly learn from the book of Revelation you must take your focus off of the "what" and refocus on the "who" meaning that Jesus will use that book to reveal Himself to you just as He is revealing Himself to the world.

Wrong answer apparently... by the end of our conversation I discovered that He has issues with Jesus' humanity, the scriptures, scientists view of the scriptures, the Trinity even to the point that he thinks that Jesus Himself will not return but one "like him" (based on this verse).

• Do I believe that it speaks of things that will happen in the future: yes.
• Do I believe that all of the things that are DESCRIBED in the book will happen: yes.
• Do I know exactly what all those things are and what they are actually describing: no - I believe John did his best to show us heavenly things which his earthly eyes/mind couldn't comprehend
• Do I believe that Jesus is coming back: ABSOLUTELY!
• Do I believe that you better be ready when He does: Yes - you better make sure that you have truly repented of your sin and entered into relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son.

But I must admit, I don't think a lot about end times. I have studied it during the past 10 years (pretty extensively) and know what many people have taught. The reason that I don't fret about the end times is because I believe that the book of Revelation is the Revelation of Jesus Christ as the King of all kings and the Lord of all. I have decided to live for Him passionately, share Him with you freely and whatever happens tomorrow I will be ready for because my hope is firmly planted in Him and I trust Him and the salvation that He has promised through His Word.

See for me, it's not about WHAT will be revealed but about WHO will be revealed. How 'bout you?

Jesus Used Witchcraft?

(religious) People are so quick to judge...

 ³²While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. ³³And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."
 ³⁴But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."

Amazing! They were accusing God of using witchcraft to do miracles. We see similar accusations so often in the stupid fights among people in churches today who have issues with anything outside of their "religious" preference; whenever someone uses a method they personally don't agree with it's of Satan. Doesn't matter to some if there really is no scriptural reference in their favor, they just decide that they are judge and it's not of God. 

You know, in another place (Luke 11) in scripture Jesus says in reference to comments similar to the Matthew reference above,

¹⁷Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. ¹⁸If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebub.

This argument has been going on for over 2,000 years - people thinking they know so much that they actually condemned the One that they thought they were honoring. I believe that if we're talking about things that matter (like the message) than let's discuss - if we're talking about your preferences, likes and dislikes (methods) it's opinion and unproductive to the building of the Kingdom of God that Jesus so often spoke about. 

You know the worst part is I've been that guy - I don't wanna be him anymore. I admit that it's so much easier to condemn and go on living your sanctified church-bubble life than to be challenged to deal with the truth and confront legalistic teaching whose clear boundaries are easier to obey and much less messy than living in the freedom that Christ's sacrifice calls us to. It's easier to be the guy who points out the faults of all than to be a demonstration of Jesus to the world.  

Nothing in particular brings this on...the comment is just a random thought written in the margins of my bible that I decided to share. I do, however, get wearied of seeing people who say they love God attacking people who say they love God - what about you? 

HQ, Not Battlefield

Sometimes, because of human nature (the lay word for SIN) we fool ourselves into believing that the spiritual battles we find ourselves in take place at or in the church. At times there are certainly spiritual battles that take place at the church - battles for deliverance from sin and bondage, battles for righteousness. But for too many believers in the church today I have observed through the years that the church has become the battlefield.

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

The building where the church meets should be the command headquarters, not the battlefield. Your congregational renewal can take place here; you can get a refill of love, inspiration, excitement and fellowship. At the church you can talk about Jesus with like-minded people, sing about Jesus, pray to Jesus...

When you come in humbleness, brought about by a heart that is broken because of your sin or the direction of your life, a heart that is truly surrendered to God, you can be filled with power that allows you to accomplish things in this world that most people only dream about.

Personally we're in a daily battle for...

1. Control of our thoughts and plans: without a plan we meander through life reacting to things that happen. Living this way is the equivalent to perpetually playing defense - you don't have many opportunities to score if all you do is play defense because you're too busy trying to keep the other team from scoring. May our mind daily be surrendered to and controlled by Christ - may He lead us and set the agenda for our days.
2. For the souls we come into contact with: how easy is it to not think spiritually about the people we come into contact with? "God, help us to see that every person we meet and converse with is a person that You gave Your life for".

It's too easy to be distracted by the wrong things - help us to be good soldiers and see God's plan in our days that we might react appropriately. 

At That Moment

Matthew 27:51-54 (New International Version)

51At that moment (italics mine) the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son^[a]of God!"

"At that moment". What a statement. At that moment everything changed. Our price was paid...the veil was torn (v.51), the curtain between Holy God and sinful man removed...no longer did we enter by the offerings of sacrificial animals administered by your chosen priest - now, You come to us. What an amazing act...

"At that moment" the dead rose and "holy" people were resurrected (v. 52,53). I bet this was huge!! "did you see (fill in the blank)? He came back 2 life!" You have to admit, it wasn't an everyday occurance.

"At that moment" the centurion standing watch over his dying body "saw" the earthquake and everything else that happend and (terrified) exclaimed, "Surely He was the Son of God!" (v.54). These same guys who had been involved in this sham of a trial and sentence. I wonder what it was that finally showed them truth? (reminds me of: 17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter,^[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades^[c] will not overcome it.^{[d] Matthew 16:17-18 (NIV)}

^{"At that moment" - it was finished and we were forgiven by your death, but it's your resurrection that brings to us new life - it's what we "live for".}

^{At that moment... I remember my "moment". Have you had "that moment" in your life personally?}

Is Lumberton a Dying City?

So, after all the talk about this past Sunday's message, "I Got This One!" I will close with this question AND statement:

What about Lumberton, IS it a dying city?

The economic indicators say it is; Forbes magazine says it is; Here's what I think...

I think that hyde park can play a huge role in the future expansion and success of our city. I think that hyde park is important to Lumberton because it is filled with the people who will make Lumberton a success. When I look at hyde park and think about our future as a congregation I see...

• a church of influence - a church that is so powerful that it can't be ignored, a church whose presence in our community is so encompassing that buildings can't contain its influence.
• I see a church that has worship that is so passionate that it "touches heaven while it changes earth". I see a church whose worship is so life-changing that it influences churches throughout our region in such a way that it changes the landscape of church music and helps to reach an unreached generation.
• I look at hyde park and I see a a church that is filled with repentant sinners (that's you and I) responding to Jesus' call to salvation. I see a church that is SO dependent upon the movement of the holy spirit and has a message that is so clear that people HAVE to surrender their hearts to Him!

What will this do for our city? I believe that as people surrender their hearts and their treasure, their lives, their families (and even their bank accounts - Matt 6:19-21) to the Lord He will begin to bless their jobs, their businesses and their families. Yes, I believe that God can use you to make your neighborhood better, your workplace better, your whole life better because JESUS WILL BE AT THE CENTER OF EVERY BIT OF YOUR LIFE and everyone will know it and they will want it too. Your situation may seem hopeless but God says, "I got this one!", he can handle this... WILL... YOU... LET... HIM?