"...True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers that the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." -Jesus
Yesterday I was talking with some students about one of the more exceptional gifts... speaking in tongues. We were discussing what we thought by it and I was trying to be careful not to impose my thoughts on the topic but also not to allow anyone to have dumb ideas about it. But, I think I erred on the side of being overly cautious. God is spirit. And I think the church doesn't have a way to cope with this statement, "God is spirit." I mean we know that there is a Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. We know that the bible says that Jesus promises this spirit to his believing followers. We know that the bible says that he is transforming us by his spirit and that the spirit is living in us.
But, what the heck does that mean?! It is rare to see spirit transformed individuals... Usually, I find a bunch of people that say they know Jesus, but I couldn't tell the difference between them and anyone else!? So, I think because of an absence of the Spirit we don't know what to make of gifts that require so much of the Spirit to even be possible. Think about it; the only way that someone could speak in a different language that they have no training in and actual communicate the Gospel of God is by a phenomenal act of the Spirit. Most other 'gifts' can be faked and can ride on the strength of man. Unfortunately, in my experience they do in a lot of places... However, tongues cannot be faked. If it is faked then it sounds and looks stupid I am sure. We should pray for a deeper understanding of the spiritual realm because God is spirit. We shouldn't scoff at a display of the spirit simply because we are so unspiritual that it doesn't make sense to us.
Which brings us back to the text... "the time is coming when worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth." The time is coming. If it would please God, I pray that I am one of those worshipers. I pray that I would understand what it means to worship in spirit and truth. And I pray that I can help lead our youth group to be and do that as well. I understand worshiping in truth. I know there are plenty of people that worship false notions of God and he is Truth. He does not allow ignorant idol worship to pass as anything close to worshipping the One true God.... So we need a right understanding of who He is. And, this is found wed to the Words inscribed in his Book. But, worshiping in spirit is something that I know I need to work on. I need to pray for a display, for an indwelling, for a manifestation of God Himself in Spirit, and for an understanding of how to worship Him in Spirit.
God please crush my puny understanding of you. Blow in here in a way that shatters windows and knocks down walls. Don't let my stupid understanding of you stifle what you want to do here!? God teach us to be worshipers that worship you in spirit and in truth. Let us be a group of worshipers that you are seeking! If it pleases you, teach us to worship you!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Spiritual Hold Up
This has been on my heart for about a week... I was recently talking with someone about the dangers in Nairobi Kenya. I have been to Kenya on several occasions including this past January when the elections erupted and the nation was in turmoil.
We were talking about an instance when someone was held up in an attempt to get money from them... This is common in underdeveloped countries and even in major cities like LA or Detroit. But this particular story took place in Kenya. The tendency that we have as reasonable responsible people is to avoid any situations that could lead us into a similar setting. So, we avoid high crime areas like the bad parts of Detroit or LA and we definately avoid places like Kenya. I mean who would willingly put themselves in harms way?!
Here are my thoughts; first, if you trust that you are a better watchman than God over your own life, you are sadly mistaken. I could die in South Beloit today and it wouldn't be out of the ordinary. My heart could stop beating because I drank too much coffee this morning and it feels like it might leap out of my chest and then stop working. I could ride my bike to work tomorrow and get clipped by a car. The reality that I have to live with is that safety is a myth. Comfort is actually a spiritual killer, and that God is more trustworthy than a risk analysis agent. I trust him in Kenya, I trust him in Detroit, I trust him in LA, period, the end.
Secondly, I am in far more danger here than Kenya. If I believe the bible to be true then I understand that my body and my life are fleeting. That my spirit and my soul are eternal. That I should place more emphasis on the health of my soul than the comforts of my worldly life. That being held up at gunpoint in Kenya would actually gain for me an eternal reward (whether I die in that moment or I am spared and continue to minister). And, that the gun barrel of this world is actually jammed down my throat and ready to destroy me. Think about this with me. How many different worldly guns are pointed at you today? Will you watch TV today? Will you surf the internet? Those are both tools that Satan wants to use to destroy you. Not that all TV and internet use is bad, it is just a convenient instrument for our enemy. Then it gets even worse. There are barrels that don't even have the appearance of evil. You can go to church and be spiritually held up. There are many that have the 'appearance of godliness but deny the power' (1 Timothy 3:5) and they attend worship services?!?! You can be exposed to them and actually become like them. I am far more scared of that than any light and momentary trouble of physical danger. I am more worried for family and friends that they will be spiritually held up and that they don't even see the dangers. What spiritual dangers have you found yourself in today? Realize how camouflaged the enemy is in America. It is not always easy to see and sometimes we mistake the enemy for our friend. Ask God to reveal to you today different things that pose a threat to your spiritual well being. Then go on the offense and rid yourself of those threats.
We were talking about an instance when someone was held up in an attempt to get money from them... This is common in underdeveloped countries and even in major cities like LA or Detroit. But this particular story took place in Kenya. The tendency that we have as reasonable responsible people is to avoid any situations that could lead us into a similar setting. So, we avoid high crime areas like the bad parts of Detroit or LA and we definately avoid places like Kenya. I mean who would willingly put themselves in harms way?!
Here are my thoughts; first, if you trust that you are a better watchman than God over your own life, you are sadly mistaken. I could die in South Beloit today and it wouldn't be out of the ordinary. My heart could stop beating because I drank too much coffee this morning and it feels like it might leap out of my chest and then stop working. I could ride my bike to work tomorrow and get clipped by a car. The reality that I have to live with is that safety is a myth. Comfort is actually a spiritual killer, and that God is more trustworthy than a risk analysis agent. I trust him in Kenya, I trust him in Detroit, I trust him in LA, period, the end.
Secondly, I am in far more danger here than Kenya. If I believe the bible to be true then I understand that my body and my life are fleeting. That my spirit and my soul are eternal. That I should place more emphasis on the health of my soul than the comforts of my worldly life. That being held up at gunpoint in Kenya would actually gain for me an eternal reward (whether I die in that moment or I am spared and continue to minister). And, that the gun barrel of this world is actually jammed down my throat and ready to destroy me. Think about this with me. How many different worldly guns are pointed at you today? Will you watch TV today? Will you surf the internet? Those are both tools that Satan wants to use to destroy you. Not that all TV and internet use is bad, it is just a convenient instrument for our enemy. Then it gets even worse. There are barrels that don't even have the appearance of evil. You can go to church and be spiritually held up. There are many that have the 'appearance of godliness but deny the power' (1 Timothy 3:5) and they attend worship services?!?! You can be exposed to them and actually become like them. I am far more scared of that than any light and momentary trouble of physical danger. I am more worried for family and friends that they will be spiritually held up and that they don't even see the dangers. What spiritual dangers have you found yourself in today? Realize how camouflaged the enemy is in America. It is not always easy to see and sometimes we mistake the enemy for our friend. Ask God to reveal to you today different things that pose a threat to your spiritual well being. Then go on the offense and rid yourself of those threats.
Friday at ECE
Friday was our last day of the actual conference and I was pleased with how it went... In the morning we hosted a carnival for local underprivileged students. Our students were in charge of a treasure hunt game and a frozen t-shirt race. It was really fun. And, it was really cool to watch our students minister.
Friday night was crazy! I was praying, "God show up in a way that is unmistakable." He honored that prayer. Friday night worship was anointed. Arron Chambers spoke to us about how Jesus used Peter, with all of his failures, so he can use us. 3 of our students responded to the call to vocational ministry!? It was so encouraging to see that some of our students feel that there is nothing more important than giving themselves completely to the cause of Christ.
What a week?!? I can't believe how incredible it was... Pray for our students as they resume life. They are no longer with 15 other students every day that are passionate about Jesus, they no longer have a scheduled time every morning to do a devotional, they no longer have a worship session daily to vent their adoration, and unfortunately the world doesn't want them to stay fired up. So, please pray that they would continue to pursue Jesus with everything they can.
Friday night was crazy! I was praying, "God show up in a way that is unmistakable." He honored that prayer. Friday night worship was anointed. Arron Chambers spoke to us about how Jesus used Peter, with all of his failures, so he can use us. 3 of our students responded to the call to vocational ministry!? It was so encouraging to see that some of our students feel that there is nothing more important than giving themselves completely to the cause of Christ.
What a week?!? I can't believe how incredible it was... Pray for our students as they resume life. They are no longer with 15 other students every day that are passionate about Jesus, they no longer have a scheduled time every morning to do a devotional, they no longer have a worship session daily to vent their adoration, and unfortunately the world doesn't want them to stay fired up. So, please pray that they would continue to pursue Jesus with everything they can.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Home Sweet Home
We made it back safely! I am a little wearied by the trip and life in general so hopefully this report makes sense. Last night we slept in the gym at a church and trekked the rest of the way today. We are all a little exhausted but we made it back and said our goodbyes a little bit ago.
Let me just quickly tell you about the last couple days. Thursday night worship was in the dark. They killed all the lights and played the whole set in the dark. It was setting the tone for the story of Jonah and his prayer of praise in the belly of the fish... Before we went in to worship we did a little biblical prep work with our group. We looked at Revelation 4. So, our hearts were primed. At one point our worship leader started singing a song called Holy by Waterdeep and because I was thinking of the greatness of our God and the Seraphs crying "Holy Holy Holy" I began to weep. My voice trembled as I fearfully sang to my King. Then I looked around and saw silhouettes of our group either joyfully praising or fearfully worshiping. It made my heart race.
As Arron unpacked the story of Jonah, hearts were pierced. 3 from our group made a stand, publicly repenting of sin and getting right before God! It was a joy to walk them through a prayer of repentance and see the joy of the Lord in them as grace washed over them!
I will save Friday night's report for tomorrow... I have so much to say but too little energy to effectively communicate.
Let me just quickly tell you about the last couple days. Thursday night worship was in the dark. They killed all the lights and played the whole set in the dark. It was setting the tone for the story of Jonah and his prayer of praise in the belly of the fish... Before we went in to worship we did a little biblical prep work with our group. We looked at Revelation 4. So, our hearts were primed. At one point our worship leader started singing a song called Holy by Waterdeep and because I was thinking of the greatness of our God and the Seraphs crying "Holy Holy Holy" I began to weep. My voice trembled as I fearfully sang to my King. Then I looked around and saw silhouettes of our group either joyfully praising or fearfully worshiping. It made my heart race.
As Arron unpacked the story of Jonah, hearts were pierced. 3 from our group made a stand, publicly repenting of sin and getting right before God! It was a joy to walk them through a prayer of repentance and see the joy of the Lord in them as grace washed over them!
I will save Friday night's report for tomorrow... I have so much to say but too little energy to effectively communicate.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Midweek ECE Report
So it is Thursday afternoon and we are at Roanoke Bible College. Since our last update we traveled 10 hours to Columbus Ohio, where we slept in a parking lot due to a miss communication. Then from there we traveled 14 hours to Elizabeth City, NC where RBC is located. We have ventured to the Outer Banks beaches twice, we have eaten boberry biscuits from Bojangles, we have surfed, we have straightened a Goody's Department Store, we have heard 40 or so shrieks from our hyper keynote speaker Arron Chambers, we are getting stoked on the Word, and we are worshiping our God and King. This has been an incredible trip so far.... Tomorrow we will be hosting a carnival for some young children from the area. Pray for our time with them.
One of the things that has been most encouraging about this trip is the relationships that are being built. There are several students that I have been blessed to spend some time with this week. There are conversations happening that would otherwise never have happened. So, I am encouraged and I know that these friendships will last when we get home as well.
God bless. I will try to recap when we get home. Peace.
One of the things that has been most encouraging about this trip is the relationships that are being built. There are several students that I have been blessed to spend some time with this week. There are conversations happening that would otherwise never have happened. So, I am encouraged and I know that these friendships will last when we get home as well.
God bless. I will try to recap when we get home. Peace.
Friday, July 18, 2008
East Coast Encounter
Top: worship
Above: Operation 12 team at ECE 2006
East Coast Encounter 2008
Tomorrow afternoon we will get in 2 vans with 19 people and drive 16 hours to Elizabeth City North Carolina! It is going to be an exciting trip where we will experience worship, teaching, community, service projects, the ocean, bojangles, wakeboarding, and so much more!
Be praying for us. In my experience high school summer trips are like the furnace of affliction... either we bond together after the imperfections are burnt off or we all just burn. I am kidding! It will be super fun and we will display Christ by the way that we love one another on this trip. I am sure that we will create memories that will last a lifetime and that we will shine a little brighter because through this I hope we get a little closer to the Son.
Apologies
I realized last night that the beginning of July was sparse of any posts... I just want to say that I am sorry and most of all to anyone who regularly reads because I fear that they might not ever return to read again; thinking "I checked for 2 weeks and nothing new, so why should I check back again?" Sorry.
The reason is because I went to Minnesota on vacation over the 4th and then we had our day trips to the Wisconsin Dells. So for those 2 weeks I was seldom in my office and I was trying to catch up with other responsibilities when I was here. So, I am simply apologizing.
The reason is because I went to Minnesota on vacation over the 4th and then we had our day trips to the Wisconsin Dells. So for those 2 weeks I was seldom in my office and I was trying to catch up with other responsibilities when I was here. So, I am simply apologizing.
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