Saturday, July 16, 2011
C.S. Lewis quote- Immortals in the making
It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations- these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit- immortal horrors or everlasting splendours. C.S. Lewis The weight of Glory
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Quote from Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision and Samaritan's Purse
Evangelist, Bob Pierce, was a powerful man of God who, as a young man, ministered through Youth with a Mission, and later founded World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse. This is what Dr. Pierce had to say about his own abilities.
“Everything I ever did for the Lord, all my life, proves I am not a clever man. Mostly God had to backhand me into things. Seems I was so dumb, that God could never just say to me, ‘Go from here to there’ as He could to somebody else who would do that. But me? I had to climb over a wall or fall down a well….when for the other guy it would be a fifteen-minute walk. I eventually would get there and at least I did have brains enough to say, ‘Well, the Lord got me here, not my own ability’ - which the Lord seemed to enjoy, because the Bible does say, ‘I am the Lord…and my glory will I not give to another.’ Is 42.8 God had found out, I guess, that doing things through Bob Peirce was one sure way that the people would know that He, the Lord had done it, not me! And I’m grateful for that. If I had got my head swelled, the Lord might have lifted His hands off me. But I knew I didn’t have a lot of gifts like some men have; the ‘gift’ I had was to stumble on things, and somehow God could use that.”
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being in tough situations, difficult circumstances, looking bad in front of other people, being overlooked at work and generally not having things my way. I wonder why God doesn’t prefer putting me in situations where I look good? Wouldn’t that be a better witness to non-Christians, and make them want what I have?
God has a different plan. One that doesn’t make sense to my natural mind. It is a paradox. He said His power flows through weakness. He said the life of Christ flows through our death. He said we have a treasure in clay pots. Why? “So that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves.”
When we find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation, put down, overlooked, in tough circumstances, and we will surrender to it, we can really be glad that the life of Christ is flowing through the cracks in our earthen vessel.
“Everything I ever did for the Lord, all my life, proves I am not a clever man. Mostly God had to backhand me into things. Seems I was so dumb, that God could never just say to me, ‘Go from here to there’ as He could to somebody else who would do that. But me? I had to climb over a wall or fall down a well….when for the other guy it would be a fifteen-minute walk. I eventually would get there and at least I did have brains enough to say, ‘Well, the Lord got me here, not my own ability’ - which the Lord seemed to enjoy, because the Bible does say, ‘I am the Lord…and my glory will I not give to another.’ Is 42.8 God had found out, I guess, that doing things through Bob Peirce was one sure way that the people would know that He, the Lord had done it, not me! And I’m grateful for that. If I had got my head swelled, the Lord might have lifted His hands off me. But I knew I didn’t have a lot of gifts like some men have; the ‘gift’ I had was to stumble on things, and somehow God could use that.”
We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.
2 Cor 4:7
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being in tough situations, difficult circumstances, looking bad in front of other people, being overlooked at work and generally not having things my way. I wonder why God doesn’t prefer putting me in situations where I look good? Wouldn’t that be a better witness to non-Christians, and make them want what I have?
God has a different plan. One that doesn’t make sense to my natural mind. It is a paradox. He said His power flows through weakness. He said the life of Christ flows through our death. He said we have a treasure in clay pots. Why? “So that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves.”
When we find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation, put down, overlooked, in tough circumstances, and we will surrender to it, we can really be glad that the life of Christ is flowing through the cracks in our earthen vessel.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
JESUS, FRIEND OF SINNERS
I heard Billy Graham’s daughter tell about going with her father to a White House dinner when Bill Clinton was in office. It was not long after the scandal with Monica Lewinski was exposed.
She sat with her father at Clinton’s table and during dinner, observed her father treating Clinton with kindness, graciousness and love.
When they left the White House, she asked her father, “How can you treat Clinton so kindly after all he has done?” Billy Graham responded, “It’s God’s job to judge, the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, and my job to love.”
Luke 15:1-2 says, “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Jesus. And the Pharisees and scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’” I’m so thankful He does.
I am also thankful that when God corrects us, there is love, acceptance and hope along with it. I’m sorry to say, when I try to straighten other people out, it just comes out critical and accusing. I think Jesus made it pretty clear that we have our hands full taking the log out of our own eye, and don’t have time to work on other people’s specks. This is not to say there aren't time we genuinely need to "speak the truth in love." I bet President Clinton was more open to hear the truth from Billy Graham because of his love.
In response to a newspaper’s question, “What’s wrong with the world?” Catholic thinker G.K. Chesterton wrote, “Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely G. K. Chesterton.”
She sat with her father at Clinton’s table and during dinner, observed her father treating Clinton with kindness, graciousness and love.
When they left the White House, she asked her father, “How can you treat Clinton so kindly after all he has done?” Billy Graham responded, “It’s God’s job to judge, the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, and my job to love.”
Luke 15:1-2 says, “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Jesus. And the Pharisees and scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’” I’m so thankful He does.
I am also thankful that when God corrects us, there is love, acceptance and hope along with it. I’m sorry to say, when I try to straighten other people out, it just comes out critical and accusing. I think Jesus made it pretty clear that we have our hands full taking the log out of our own eye, and don’t have time to work on other people’s specks. This is not to say there aren't time we genuinely need to "speak the truth in love." I bet President Clinton was more open to hear the truth from Billy Graham because of his love.
In response to a newspaper’s question, “What’s wrong with the world?” Catholic thinker G.K. Chesterton wrote, “Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely G. K. Chesterton.”
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard Lazarus was ill He stayed two days longer in the place where He was.” John 11:5
What?? I would have expected, “Now Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, so He quickly traveled to where they were to heal Lazarus, and spare Martha and Mary the devastation of losing their brother.”
When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. He loved Martha and Mary so much, that when He saw Mary and those with her weeping over the death of Lazarus, He was so moved and troubled, he wept.
Going back to the beginning of the story, Jesus received a message from Martha and Mary saying, “He whom you love is ill.” John 11:3 When Jesus heard it, he told His disciples the illness would not lead to death, but is for the glory of God
Jesus loved Martha and Mary so much, that He wanted them to see God’s glory, even though they would have to experience such pain in order to see it.
Wow! I think that’s how it often is for us. We really get to know God and see His glory in tough times.
What?? I would have expected, “Now Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, so He quickly traveled to where they were to heal Lazarus, and spare Martha and Mary the devastation of losing their brother.”
When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. He loved Martha and Mary so much, that when He saw Mary and those with her weeping over the death of Lazarus, He was so moved and troubled, he wept.
Going back to the beginning of the story, Jesus received a message from Martha and Mary saying, “He whom you love is ill.” John 11:3 When Jesus heard it, he told His disciples the illness would not lead to death, but is for the glory of God
Jesus loved Martha and Mary so much, that He wanted them to see God’s glory, even though they would have to experience such pain in order to see it.
Wow! I think that’s how it often is for us. We really get to know God and see His glory in tough times.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Jesus and Abba Father are one
Since I began following Jesus, I’ve found relating to Him comes pretty easily. Jesus is approachable, He loves me, died for me, He’s merciful and forgiving. However, relating to “Abba” Father has been difficult for me, probably because I had a rather harsh earthly father, and didn’t have a good relationship with him.
As I was reading the gospel of John, chapter 1 this week, I was so struck by how that scripture glorifies Jesus and declares He is God. Somehow, I have thought of God the Father differently than Jesus. I was reminded of some of the things Jesus said. In John 10:30, He said, “I and the Father are one.” The Jews were so angry in response to Jesus statement, they picked up stones to kill him. They were outraged because they knew Jesus was saying He was God. (vs. 33)
In John 14, Jesus told the disciples He was going to prepare a place for them and would come again to bring them with Him. Jesus said, “You know the way to where I am going.“ In response, Thomas argued that they didn’t know where He was going, much less the way. Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” Phillip pleads with Jesus, “Show us the Father and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Phillip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”
Hebrews 1:3 states that Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his nature.” Clearly Jesus and Father God are equally loving, accepting, merciful and forgiving. Also, both are equally powerful, from the beginning, sovereign, and holy. If you have a hard time relating to Father God, get to know Jesus and you will know Abba Father.
As I was reading the gospel of John, chapter 1 this week, I was so struck by how that scripture glorifies Jesus and declares He is God. Somehow, I have thought of God the Father differently than Jesus. I was reminded of some of the things Jesus said. In John 10:30, He said, “I and the Father are one.” The Jews were so angry in response to Jesus statement, they picked up stones to kill him. They were outraged because they knew Jesus was saying He was God. (vs. 33)
In John 14, Jesus told the disciples He was going to prepare a place for them and would come again to bring them with Him. Jesus said, “You know the way to where I am going.“ In response, Thomas argued that they didn’t know where He was going, much less the way. Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” Phillip pleads with Jesus, “Show us the Father and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Phillip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”
Hebrews 1:3 states that Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his nature.” Clearly Jesus and Father God are equally loving, accepting, merciful and forgiving. Also, both are equally powerful, from the beginning, sovereign, and holy. If you have a hard time relating to Father God, get to know Jesus and you will know Abba Father.
An Encounter with God Changes Everything
When I was 20 years old, the most amazing thing happened to me. I was partying with a bunch of my best friends, but I felt so lonely I thought I could die. I was not enjoying the drug I had taken. I felt so overwhelmed with loneliness that I kept going from friend to friend asking for some kind of assurance, but it only got worse.
Finally, I went outside by myself, looked up at the night sky, and said, “I am so alone. I’m just so alone. When it comes down to it, there’s no one who really cares that much. I’m just so alone.” Then I heard such a clear voice, not audibly, but just as real, “You have gone so far away from me, you are so far away!” I knew it was God.
The next day after the drug wore off, I decided I was going to change. I even wrote myself a letter of instructions. Even though for the next few months I continued in the same self-destructive life style, something happened that night that changed my course. I began to have a longing for God.
As the days and weeks went by, having decided to change the way I lived, I realized for the first time I couldn’t do it. As much as I desired to be different, I continued doing things, which later, I wished I hadn’t.
My only Christian friend at that time urged me, “Kathy, just talk to the Lord.” So, the month after my 21st birthday, I decided I would try it. I told God, “I would like to follow you, but I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ve tried to change, but I cannot do it.” Looking back on that moment, it was as if God said, “Okay, finally. Now you are talking. What you are saying is true!”
I can’t explain what occurred that day, but God showed up. He had already given me a longing for Him, I told Him I was not able to follow Him and then the most amazing thing happened. I experienced the presence and power of God, and in a moment, He gave me the ability to say, “Yes, I will follow you, come what may.”
That day, Jesus changed my heart and caused me to have an overwhelming desire to please Him. As I went about my day, the sky was bluer than I’d remembered. I felt new, and nothing has been the same since.
Finally, I went outside by myself, looked up at the night sky, and said, “I am so alone. I’m just so alone. When it comes down to it, there’s no one who really cares that much. I’m just so alone.” Then I heard such a clear voice, not audibly, but just as real, “You have gone so far away from me, you are so far away!” I knew it was God.
The next day after the drug wore off, I decided I was going to change. I even wrote myself a letter of instructions. Even though for the next few months I continued in the same self-destructive life style, something happened that night that changed my course. I began to have a longing for God.
As the days and weeks went by, having decided to change the way I lived, I realized for the first time I couldn’t do it. As much as I desired to be different, I continued doing things, which later, I wished I hadn’t.
My only Christian friend at that time urged me, “Kathy, just talk to the Lord.” So, the month after my 21st birthday, I decided I would try it. I told God, “I would like to follow you, but I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ve tried to change, but I cannot do it.” Looking back on that moment, it was as if God said, “Okay, finally. Now you are talking. What you are saying is true!”
I can’t explain what occurred that day, but God showed up. He had already given me a longing for Him, I told Him I was not able to follow Him and then the most amazing thing happened. I experienced the presence and power of God, and in a moment, He gave me the ability to say, “Yes, I will follow you, come what may.”
That day, Jesus changed my heart and caused me to have an overwhelming desire to please Him. As I went about my day, the sky was bluer than I’d remembered. I felt new, and nothing has been the same since.
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