A Living Sea

Don't you love it when the Lord overlaps scripture and images and stories in your life thereby giving you a glimpse into something bigger - something that you hadn't seen before or hadn't seen in that way?

After our recent church business meeting, I was so excited to recognize where the Lord has positioned our church and how unified we were in seeking Him and His purpose for Galilee. That Sunday morning's message had me reflecting on being willing to go to Christ with our hands open and letting Him put our portion, or loaves and fish if you will, into our hands. Pastor Dave explained the need for us to be willing to then turn around and give out those loaves those fish to those He places around us as they need to be poured into. Then, once we've emptied our hands, to be willing to turn back around and be filled again, to have that platter heaped, in order to be shared once more. The plan coming forward from the business meeting reflected that thinking so clearly!

The next day, I was reading Personal Disciple-making by Christopher Adsit (1988, Thomas Nelson Publishing). In that book, he speaks about the Sea of Galilee. He states that several rivers flow into the Sea of Galilee and feed the sea and one river flows out of the Sea of Galilee - the Jordan River. Sixty or so miles downstream, the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea also has other rivers that flow into it. However, it doesn't have any rivers that flow out of it. Can you see the parallel imagery? Can you see the water pouring into the Sea of Galilee and then being poured out feeding the lush river valley? Can you see the water pouring Into the Dead Sea but the Dead Sea not releasing it and not thriving or allowing the surrounding regions to thrive?!

I want to be the Sea of Galilee! I want us to be the Sea of Galilee! We are Galilee Baptist Church! We want to thrive for Your glory, Lord! We want to be poured into and we want to pour ourselves out for You alone, in Jesus name alone!

The Rain of Life

I am looking out the window at the rain as it is falling.  Each little raindrop, gently dropping to the surface.  And it makes me think of the things that our Father causes to "fall" into our lives.  We all know that the rain is necessary.  We don't always like it, but we recognize that we need it and are okay with that - usually.  

We may grumble (and I sometimes do) about the gloom and want the sunshine, but we recognize that we must have the rain.  And so it is with life.  We need the trials to make us strong.  Most of the time they come as little droplets, gently falling around us.  The burnt toast first thing in the morning or not being able to find that piece of paper we're looking for.   At other times, they are more of a jolt - like getting up in the middle of the night with a crying baby, or dealing with a sarcastic remark made by someone close to us.  And then there are the storms, the driving rain that pounds down on us breaking off tree limbs and blowing things out of place, disrupting our lives and bringing major upheaval.  The hard things in life. They are different for all of us, but they do come.  For the child of God,  each trial, whether the little raindrop that falls gently or the ravaging storm that threatens destruction, comes directly from the hands of our loving Father to bring about good in our lives, benefits that would not be realized apart from the trial.  He does not send them capriciously or without purpose.  The rain cleanses and the wind carries away the things that are weak and shaky, and then the sunshine.  However long the storms last, the sun shines again, and we are better for having weathered them - if we walk through them trusting the goodness and faithfulness of our loving Father.   Thankful for the storms - and the sunshine that follows.

Thankfulness as a New Psychological Treatment?

I recently read a causal reference to gratitude as a method of therapy used to treat depression. This prompted a bit of research to see if the practice was truly being used as a counseling tool. Here is a sampling of what I found: 

Positive Psychology is a new area of psychology that focuses on the conditions that contribute to flourishing or optimal functioning."Positive Psychology is founded on the belief that people want more than an end to suffering. People want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play. We have the opportunity to create a science and a profession that not only heals psychological damage but also builds strengths to enable people to achieve the best things in life." Professor Martin Seligman, founder of Positive Psychology.
Positive Psychology researchers have identified many everyday activities that improve well being. These include; keeping a gratitude diary, performing small acts of kindness, learning to savor enjoyable moments and varying pleasant experiences to avoid routine.

 http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/depression/treatments/psychological.cfm

This area of psychology may be new but the concept behind it is not. God has designed us for purpose.  He has knit us together and realizes our every emotion. This writing is not meant to be a statement about depression or its treatment – but let us consider that a practice that has gained usage as a psychological counseling tool has benefit to each individual for everyday life. We are instructed throughout scripture to be thankful. 

Consider Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As we look to the Lord and at God’s directives regarding thankfulness, we see our perspective shifted so that within our struggles we can still be praising God, we can still be obedient, we can parallel Christ’s sufferings, even if only somewhat, which then allows us to draw nearer to Him than we otherwise could dream. Additionally and most importantly, cultivating that thankful spirit allows us to give God the glory and honor He is due.

As we shift from the season of Thanksgiving to the Christmas season, let us not let go of giving thanks! Especially, when it is hard. By doing so we acknowledge that He is God, that He is in control and that we believe His promises are true. With that perspective we can then in everything give thanks, that our Lord might be exalted in all heaven and on the earth!

Isaiah 12:4-5

 And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. 

Pastor Appreciation

Well, October has come and gone, and so has our responsibility to show appreciation for our pastors, right?  Well, none of us would ever come out and say that, would we?  But what do we actually do?  Once we’ve sent them cards or made them a special treat or contributed to a gift to show our appreciation - or maybe even done all three, what then?  Have we done enough? 

            Scripture tells us that we are to “appreciate those who diligently labor among [us], and have charge over [us] in the Lord and give [us] instruction, and that [we] esteem them very highly in love because of their work…” 1Thess. 5:12-13   It doesn’t tell us that this responsibility begins on October 1 and ends on October 31 each year.  This is an ongoing responsibility. 

            So, just what does this look like?  Are we to continue to send them cards or give them treats or buy them gifts?  While these things are good, there are other ways we can do this throughout the year. 

            One way is given for us in the remainder of verse 13 which is not included above.  Immediately after we are told to esteem them highly in love because of their work, we are told to “live in peace with one another.”  Isn’t this the desire of every true shepherd of the flock - that his people would get along with each other.  So, as Rom. 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” 

            This leads to another example of how we can appreciate our pastors.  If you are a parent and you have taught or are teaching your children the good and right way to live, even if they get along with each other but they completely disregard whatever else you have taught them, does this give you the message that they have appreciated your efforts to bring them up right? In the same way, we show a lack of appreciation for those who labor among us by disregarding their instruction.  Since the work of a pastor is to exhort us to trust God, to honor and obey Him with our lives, when we do so, we are not only honoring and obeying the Lord (which is of the utmost importance), but we are also honoring and appreciating our pastors as well (and also in this way honoring the Lord.)

            Another way of honoring them is actually touched on (and assumed) in the above verses, and that is that we labor among them.  The verse actually says that they labor among us, but this implies that we are also working.  We are not to have the attitude that it is all their responsibility because they are getting paid to do the work.  We are to be involved with them in the work.

            That work takes many forms - from the purely practical things like helping to keep the property maintained in a way that honors the Lord, serving others through the helping hands ministry, watching children in the nursery or keeping the church checkbook balanced, to teaching a class or leading a Bible study or helping out with the summer Day Camp ministry.  But the overarching “work” that we have been given to do, in which we as believers are all partners is that of making disciples.  All of the above examples contribute in some way to that end.  Then there is the very personal one on one experiences of our everyday lives where we rub shoulders with others - ministering to their needs and speaking to them in ways that would point them to the Lord Jesus.  As we do this, we bring joy to the hearts of our shepherds.

            There are other ways of appreciating and esteeming our pastors highly in love, but there is just one more to be mentioned here and it was left for last intentionally - not because it is the least important, but because it is of the utmost importance.  And that is that we are to pray for our pastors - fervently and consistently.  When we do the other things mentioned above, we are doing what we can, and that is wonderful.  But when we pray for them, we are asking God to do what He can do on their behalf.  His ability to know just what their needs are at any given moment and His power to help them, unlike ours, are unlimited.  He can do what is humanly impossible for us to do.  And this is far better.  And as we faithfully and diligently pray for our pastors, there’s even a good chance that our heavenly Father may show us other ways that we might be an encouragement and a help to them as well. 

            So, even though October is over, please don’t neglect your responsibility before the Lord to “appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” 1Thess. 5:12-13

Note: These words were not written by any of your pastors. 

What Will Your Life Say In the Upcoming Holiday Season?

“God began to teach me that there is a huge difference between ‘entertaining’ and offering hospitality.” –Karen Ehman

What happens between the time we think of an opportunity to be hospitable and we talk ourselves out of it? Doubts of whether our guests will be comfortable or not start to crowd out that initial desire. Focus on self distracts us from focusing on others.

“New Testament Christians simply welcomed these people, inviting them to join in for a few days as they went about their daily routine. Maybe we should take a cue from them.” – Karen Ehman 

‘A Life That Says Welcome, Simple Ways to Open Your Heart and Home to Others’ by Karen Ehman analyzes the why and how of offering hospitality. She addresses the real issues of our hearts as well as the practical issues of our homes. There are creative ideas for ways to open our homes and even to offer hospitality on the road! She writes from years of personal experience as well as the experiences of those who have been her mentors. During the coming season there will be extra opportunities to offer hospitality. Reading this book may help us to be encouraged and prepare our hearts to have a life that says Welcome!  

                                                                                                         K.T.

The Good News of Relationship

The next miracle to explore is the final one in this examination and yet it is the one that makes everything come together. It is also the one that gives me the most pause and the most peace!

It is the Relational Good News. Those words are Bill Tell’s from the same book I have been musing about over the last few months. The book is called “Lay It All Down” and it has challenged me to reexamine my faith in God. It has confirmed my salvation and challenged my heart which had become a bit staid and less teachable than it ought to be. This term, Relational Good News, is a tad formal for me. In the church we recognize this as the doctrine of adoption. In my soul, it is the ability to address the Majestic Lord of the universe as “Abba, Father,” as seen in Romans. 

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:14-17 ESV)

Wow! Amazing! Humbling!

The very stunning reminder that the Creator -of Heaven, of earth and of all things- desires to commune and communicate with me causes me to stop and try to process the magnitude of that Good News! Each one of us has the privilege of being called a son or daughter of the Living God, when we choose to accept Jesus’ gift of redemptive life.

Consider the act of adoption in the Roman Empire. This legal proceeding by the ruling class placed children in patria potestas or the power of the father ( Barclay ). This meant they were under the absolute protection and control of the father and they were thereby expected to bring honor and longevity to the family name. It also conveyed benefits on the child. It gave the ability to have interaction with the father, to draw on the resources of the family including inheritance and to receive the parent's affections.

This adoption practice was often used by the ruling Roman class to gain heirs. A slave’s life would be transformed. The slave would be completely separated and removed from his or her previous life and family. All ties and allegiances would be severed. Then a new life would begin with all the new privileges and responsibilities. The adopted child had a new social status which could give vast benefits…depending on the father.

The parallel is clear. We, in Christ have this new status! We have a relationship with the Father God who lets us be adopted as His children so we have this whole list of benefits. It calls upon us to bring honor and longevity to Him as our adopted Father.

This study of adoption has me marveling yet again at the grace of God. His plan and provision are vast. I know my exploration of adoption is not complete. I challenge you to look into the doctrine of adoption and share your findings with someone else. God will use His Word to give insight that will bless and teach you and others. Enjoy this amazing relationship!

Free to Bear Fruit

This week we will close out our exploration of the Transformational Good News.  Our new hearts, as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) are now free to shift focus from not sinning to being obedient and loving. This then takes us another step. We are now free to bear fruit. Our healthy hearts are unencumbered and therefore able to bear good fruit.  Matthew’s gospel states:

“So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.  A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:17-18 ESV)

If you ever consider becoming a viticulturist you will undoubtedly need to study up on how to produce the best grapes. Exploring this subject, you will learn that obtaining a good harvest takes both care and knowledge.  Some liken it to parenting. The vines require soil rich with the correct ratio of nutrients as well as the right amount of water. Too much water and the plants drown before the fruit is ripe.  Too little means the vines wither leading to small or shriveled grapes. The amount of sun and wind also play significant roles in grape production.  Good, long exposure to the sunlight is ideal, but too much can scorch.  Wind is necessary, but desired in moderation.   The wind keeps the plants and grapes from growing bacteria and molds from too much moisture.  However, heavy winds can rip the fruit from the vines or the vines from their trellises. The balance of these factors is critical.

Can we see the parallels?  Is it any wonder that Jesus likens Himself to the vine and us to branches?

So with our transformed hearts, we have this ability to produce good fruit by living out our new natures through the work of the Holy Spirit. But our natures can need careful tending. That is the job of the Spirit working in us to bear fruit. And that fruit is:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)

Bill Tell in his book, Lay It All Down (p. 161) suggests that the phrase “against such things there is no law” is referring to the inner qualities that direct our behavior.  These cannot be legislated, unlike our behaviors. As new creations we are free obey, free to love and free to bear fruit in the form of these inner qualities. May we continue to realize all are our transformed hearts have available and be fruitful.