It is hard to describe San Francisco. It is beautiful, complex, joyful, sad, warm and cold! It is a city where humanity in all of its shapes and conditions is clear to see. If you come to this city, bring your biggest and best love and pack your warm clothes!
On Christmas day here in the city it was very, very cold, windy and rainy. It made for a wonderful indoor Christmas but a shocking day for a walk.
This morning the sun is out and there cannot be a more beautiful city landscape that I have ever seen. Today San Francisco is clear and clean after a day of intense rain, wind and cold. All the very good things are clearly seen on a day like today. It is an easy day to have hope.
I think the rainy, cold and windy days of pain in our lives have the same effect on the landscape of our souls. When we go through days of intense wind, rain and cold in our inner lives, the cleanest and clearest days can follow.
No matter how deep our dark night of the soul is, the Son has not gone away. He is there. He always has the last and most beautiful word.
The landscape of a soul after deep suffering is often the most beautiful soul we will ever see. It is worth the wait to see the contrast just one day in the son can make.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Abiding-in other words
Some people accuse me of only knowing one chapter in the Bible--John 15. That is not true! I know at least two or three and Colossians 3 is one of the three.
It is true that I seem to always begin in John 15 when it comes to explaining the Christian life. It is true I almost always end in John 15 when explaining the goal of the Christian life. It is true that I am deliberately repetitive when it comes to sharing what has blessed me most.
Abiding is, however, described in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation using different metaphors and examples.
For example consider this line from Colossians chapter two. "Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase which is from God."
The phrase "holding fast to the Head..." is abiding in different words. How far will you get is you lose connection to your head?
How much does what is in your head have to do with what you can do? How important is your head to your ability to stay connected to those you love? What happens if for even one moment you lose your head?
Every believer has the same "Head" to stay connected to. That is Jesus. As surely as a branch is nothing more that what its Vine allows it to be, so, too, our Head, Jesus, sets our limits and our potential. We can be as good as our Head, Jesus, allows us to be.
Want to abide? Hold fast to Jesus as the Head of your life. Be careful not to let others become the head of your life. There are lines of people vying for your attention in order to become the head of your life. They want to use you for their ends.
You have the mind of Christ right now. Why in the world would you want a better mind than the One that abides in you?
See, we are back at John 15 again. Maybe it is holding on to the Head, Jesus, that keep sending me back there.
The next time you are inclined to think you have nothing to offer this world, remember to "hold fast to the Head." Abiide.
It is true that I seem to always begin in John 15 when it comes to explaining the Christian life. It is true I almost always end in John 15 when explaining the goal of the Christian life. It is true that I am deliberately repetitive when it comes to sharing what has blessed me most.
Abiding is, however, described in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation using different metaphors and examples.
For example consider this line from Colossians chapter two. "Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase which is from God."
The phrase "holding fast to the Head..." is abiding in different words. How far will you get is you lose connection to your head?
How much does what is in your head have to do with what you can do? How important is your head to your ability to stay connected to those you love? What happens if for even one moment you lose your head?
Every believer has the same "Head" to stay connected to. That is Jesus. As surely as a branch is nothing more that what its Vine allows it to be, so, too, our Head, Jesus, sets our limits and our potential. We can be as good as our Head, Jesus, allows us to be.
Want to abide? Hold fast to Jesus as the Head of your life. Be careful not to let others become the head of your life. There are lines of people vying for your attention in order to become the head of your life. They want to use you for their ends.
You have the mind of Christ right now. Why in the world would you want a better mind than the One that abides in you?
See, we are back at John 15 again. Maybe it is holding on to the Head, Jesus, that keep sending me back there.
The next time you are inclined to think you have nothing to offer this world, remember to "hold fast to the Head." Abiide.
The Hidden Life
"For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Col. 3:3
For you died.....What once stimulated you to live as you did no longer does...no longer can. You died. No going back now. You died. No one from here can require of you any more than they already have. You died. You are already living the above life.
And your life is hidden... The truest you is hidden from any other death. Don't ever be afraid death can ever find you again. You are hidden with Christ in God.
On this Christmas eve 2008 we ask how is my life? First we should ask "where is my life?". My life is hidden with Christ in God. My life is a perfect as it will ever be with Christ if I can just learn to see my life from where it was and now where it is.
I often ask people "How is your life?" They almost always begin to give me a description of their current circumstances and pain. I cannot ever recall anyone saying..."Oh, I died, but my life is perfectly hidden with Christ in God. My life is precious enough to God that He has already taken my life into HImself to keep it safe for me and for HIm."
Hidden things are precious. Hidden things are safe. Hidden things are being kept for a very special future moment. The most precious things are hidden in the best hiding place. That is why we are hidden with Christ in God.
Mary's little baby was hidden in her until just the right moment. When that right moment came the hidden One became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory full of grace and truth. Hidden is not forever, but it is for us for now.
Don't despise the hidden things. Treasure them. Your life is hidden, but it will soon be revealed as safely kept as Jesus' life was until His birth.
Our day of birth as the children of God will soon come. You only hide best what you want to keep most. God has plans for us all.
For you died.....What once stimulated you to live as you did no longer does...no longer can. You died. No going back now. You died. No one from here can require of you any more than they already have. You died. You are already living the above life.
And your life is hidden... The truest you is hidden from any other death. Don't ever be afraid death can ever find you again. You are hidden with Christ in God.
On this Christmas eve 2008 we ask how is my life? First we should ask "where is my life?". My life is hidden with Christ in God. My life is a perfect as it will ever be with Christ if I can just learn to see my life from where it was and now where it is.
I often ask people "How is your life?" They almost always begin to give me a description of their current circumstances and pain. I cannot ever recall anyone saying..."Oh, I died, but my life is perfectly hidden with Christ in God. My life is precious enough to God that He has already taken my life into HImself to keep it safe for me and for HIm."
Hidden things are precious. Hidden things are safe. Hidden things are being kept for a very special future moment. The most precious things are hidden in the best hiding place. That is why we are hidden with Christ in God.
Mary's little baby was hidden in her until just the right moment. When that right moment came the hidden One became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory full of grace and truth. Hidden is not forever, but it is for us for now.
Don't despise the hidden things. Treasure them. Your life is hidden, but it will soon be revealed as safely kept as Jesus' life was until His birth.
Our day of birth as the children of God will soon come. You only hide best what you want to keep most. God has plans for us all.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
San Francisco
Ken and Kellie McCord have fallen in love with San Francisco. Through their family and friends Pam and I have also come to love this complex and beautiful city.
What we have come to see in this gateway city is that people are people and they need to be loved 24X7 and moment by moment. The continuous love of Jesus is the only hope for any city.
Ken and Kellie have loved so well for the past 8 years.
On Sunday afternoon of the Christmas week 2008 Ken and Kellie hosted a Christmas party in their home for the employees of the the Nhance wood restoration company they are partners in here in the city. Nhance is truly a "kingdom company". It does more than restore wood. It restores lives and lives the Gospel.
Take a close look at the photo and you will see what makes this city so inviting to anyone who wants to love the world Jesus loves.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
On Being One
Ages ago when our children were toddlers, I remember a scene that repeated itself in all four of our little ones. Pam or I would be busy doing something and those little bodies would suddenly appear and ask "What are your doing?"
I remember busily washing the car and hearing Kenny, Kevin, Rachel or Rebekah say "Dad, what are you doing?" I would answer "Washing the car." They would run off to do something else and in about ten minutes run back into my presence and ask "Dad, what are you doing?" This would go on for quite awhile until they got tired or I got irritated. Sometimes one of them would say "Can I help?" Sometimes I would say "Sure!" When I said "sure" we became one.
I know the same thing was happening to Pam when the boys or the girls came running up asking as she cooked "What are you doing?"
It was comical and it was precious. I can't believe I let it irritate me! I can't believe I didn't say "sure" more often.
The children were not looking for answers. They were looking for connection. They were looking for oneness.
Our relationship to our Heavenly Father is like a child's relationship to its Father. We come running up to God and asking "What are you doing?" He tells us "I being one with you to take care of you" and we run off to soon return. We ask again and He says "I am being one with you to take care of you." We run away and return again with the same question.
Even though we do not realize it fully, what we really want from our Heavenly Father is what Jesus called "oneness" in John 17. It is connection and fellowship. Oneness is far better than answers
Oneness is what I call a barrier-free relationship and it is awesome. Author Thomas Kelly described it like this "Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may continuously return."
The Trinity now abides in me just as Jesus promised. I can continuously run into the presence of Father, Son and Holy Spirit at any moment I chose and ask "What are you doing?" They will not get irritated. They will say "We are being one with you to take care of you?" Then I will ask "Can I help?" They will say over and over again "Sure, stay--abide with us"
As life moves on things change. Now our daughters and sons are busy with their own families. When I see them online or I call because I can't stand not connecting with them, I interrupt their busy lives and say "What are you doing?". I know what they are doing.
I want connection. I want oneness. It is nice that they don't get irritated when dad shows up and asks the same question over and over.
Dads want oneness, too. That is why the Trinity is in you right now.
I remember busily washing the car and hearing Kenny, Kevin, Rachel or Rebekah say "Dad, what are you doing?" I would answer "Washing the car." They would run off to do something else and in about ten minutes run back into my presence and ask "Dad, what are you doing?" This would go on for quite awhile until they got tired or I got irritated. Sometimes one of them would say "Can I help?" Sometimes I would say "Sure!" When I said "sure" we became one.
I know the same thing was happening to Pam when the boys or the girls came running up asking as she cooked "What are you doing?"
It was comical and it was precious. I can't believe I let it irritate me! I can't believe I didn't say "sure" more often.
The children were not looking for answers. They were looking for connection. They were looking for oneness.
Our relationship to our Heavenly Father is like a child's relationship to its Father. We come running up to God and asking "What are you doing?" He tells us "I being one with you to take care of you" and we run off to soon return. We ask again and He says "I am being one with you to take care of you." We run away and return again with the same question.
Even though we do not realize it fully, what we really want from our Heavenly Father is what Jesus called "oneness" in John 17. It is connection and fellowship. Oneness is far better than answers
Oneness is what I call a barrier-free relationship and it is awesome. Author Thomas Kelly described it like this "Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may continuously return."
The Trinity now abides in me just as Jesus promised. I can continuously run into the presence of Father, Son and Holy Spirit at any moment I chose and ask "What are you doing?" They will not get irritated. They will say "We are being one with you to take care of you?" Then I will ask "Can I help?" They will say over and over again "Sure, stay--abide with us"
As life moves on things change. Now our daughters and sons are busy with their own families. When I see them online or I call because I can't stand not connecting with them, I interrupt their busy lives and say "What are you doing?". I know what they are doing.
I want connection. I want oneness. It is nice that they don't get irritated when dad shows up and asks the same question over and over.
Dads want oneness, too. That is why the Trinity is in you right now.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Brains are not enough
I have come to enjoy two TV shows because they challenge my thinking and they keep me guessing. One show is "DR. HOUSE".
The other is "BONES". The writers of these shows are among the best. Congratulations to them all.
One thing, however, that is striking about these shows is the contrast between the character's professional brilliance as scientists and doctors and their complete inability to start and sustain a loving relationship for even one episode. I challenge you to watch any of today's hit shows and see where brilliance or intelligence equals sustained love. It is as if brilliance in one's field means failure in one's relationships.
Last night Pam and I watched an episode of House and one of Bones. We bring these shows on DVD from the USA so we can avoid most of what is on the TV down here in Brazil. As we watched it suddenly dawned on me that Christians have a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate brilliance exactly where today's TV writers and executives don't think it exists---in relationships.
Because Christ dwells in us we can and should be brilliant at sustaining relationships. That is what will keep us eternally relevant in any culture. This is where Christians have the edge.
As always, Jesus knew what every culture would be bad at---sustained love.
Let's be brilliant at staying in love with our one and only spouse, our kids, our relatives and our neighbors. We may not make great TV, but let's make great life by sustaining love.
The other is "BONES". The writers of these shows are among the best. Congratulations to them all.
One thing, however, that is striking about these shows is the contrast between the character's professional brilliance as scientists and doctors and their complete inability to start and sustain a loving relationship for even one episode. I challenge you to watch any of today's hit shows and see where brilliance or intelligence equals sustained love. It is as if brilliance in one's field means failure in one's relationships.
Last night Pam and I watched an episode of House and one of Bones. We bring these shows on DVD from the USA so we can avoid most of what is on the TV down here in Brazil. As we watched it suddenly dawned on me that Christians have a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate brilliance exactly where today's TV writers and executives don't think it exists---in relationships.
Because Christ dwells in us we can and should be brilliant at sustaining relationships. That is what will keep us eternally relevant in any culture. This is where Christians have the edge.
As always, Jesus knew what every culture would be bad at---sustained love.
Let's be brilliant at staying in love with our one and only spouse, our kids, our relatives and our neighbors. We may not make great TV, but let's make great life by sustaining love.
Overcoming the World
On the last day of His life on earth before His crucifixion Jesus refers to His Father as a Vinedresser--a farmer.
Hardly the title I would chosen for the King of the Universe and the One who was at that moment overcoming the Evil One through His Son's sustained and sustaining love.
Still, the title is the one Jesus chose. I have come to see why Jesus called His father a farmer during my 57 year journey in the world. God is not about changing the world. He overcomes it one human at a time. He takes the world as it is and does what He wants done through those He chooses. He takes into consideration all the tragic elements of the world and says, "I can grow my crops here in this life." We get angry at God because He does not change the tragic elements of the world, but He goes on with His work--getting His fruit visible and available in the middle of this tragic world.
The crop (fruit) God wants is called love--sustained love. Jesus is the first to have sustained the Farmer's love. Since He did this all excuses about the world being too tough a place for sustained love to exist are eliminated. All excuses are gone for the branches of His sustained love and it is time to harvest the same sustained love crop worldwide.
Every time you pick up a beautiful apple, pear, banana or grape cluster, some farmer has overcome the world for you. For such beautiful fruit to end up on your table, the world was overcome and you benefit from the victory. Thank God for farmers!
The One who overcame the world is now abiding in you to bear the fruit of Jesus' sustained love. No excuses now about the world needing to change before you can bear this fruit. The Farmer knows what He has done and he can do in the world just as it is. He can make us the bearers of sustained love if we will but abide 24/7 and moment by moment in His sustained and sustaining love.
"In the world you will suffer tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Jesus
I am so glad God is a farmer!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Retreat-December 2008
We have just completed our final retreat for 2008. The weekend retreats continue to be our best tool for letting people see clearly that discipleship is as simple as the Vineyard Jesus described in John 15.
This last retreat was our smallest in number but it was powerful in its potential. The participants were a wonderful collection of leaders from three different churches. Their combined influence in their churches is substantial and they all went away determined that others from their churches experience the abiding presence of Jesus as their perfect source and satisfaction moment by moment and 24/7.
The effort expended for a weekend retreat is huge. Our team of volunteers and our partners at the Ebenezer camp have made the 2008 retreat season our best yet. 2009 looks good, too!
Bud and Pam McCord
Captured
I have been absolutely captured by a single thought for some time now. When a thought captures me, it seems that I have to stay with the thought until I follow it until I find out exactly where it will take me. This is often painful and time consuming. It is also exciting and powerful.
The thought is this: I exist to deliver a certain quantity of God's limitless supply of love into the world.
I believe this thought expresses the meaning of bearing one's cross as Jesus said in Luke 14:27 "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.". I am here, like Jesus was here, to deliver God's love into the relationships God has orchestrated for me through the relational network of my experience here in the world.
The delivery of God's love at the right moment and by the chosen person is what glorifies God. My delivery of God's love makes the love of God visible and available to those He has specifically chosen me to love. This delivered love is what Jesus called fruit in John 15.
It is only as God's love is delivered correctly and consistently that lasting relationships can be birthed and sustained between humans. The love Jesus' cross delivered is universal and eternal. The kind I deliver is not universal in its efffect but it can create and sustain relationships God wants to create and sustain. This delivering of love is what allows me to be like Jesus or be a disciple. "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12 As I delivered God's love freely I am like Jesus. Only when I deliver love am I like Jesus.
You exist to deliver a certain quantity of Divine Love. You do not need to produce or sustain this love. You receive it, rejoice in it and release it into the relationships God has given to you. As you do, God is glorified and you are a disciple.
The thought is this: I exist to deliver a certain quantity of God's limitless supply of love into the world.
I believe this thought expresses the meaning of bearing one's cross as Jesus said in Luke 14:27 "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.". I am here, like Jesus was here, to deliver God's love into the relationships God has orchestrated for me through the relational network of my experience here in the world.
The delivery of God's love at the right moment and by the chosen person is what glorifies God. My delivery of God's love makes the love of God visible and available to those He has specifically chosen me to love. This delivered love is what Jesus called fruit in John 15.
It is only as God's love is delivered correctly and consistently that lasting relationships can be birthed and sustained between humans. The love Jesus' cross delivered is universal and eternal. The kind I deliver is not universal in its efffect but it can create and sustain relationships God wants to create and sustain. This delivering of love is what allows me to be like Jesus or be a disciple. "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12 As I delivered God's love freely I am like Jesus. Only when I deliver love am I like Jesus.
You exist to deliver a certain quantity of Divine Love. You do not need to produce or sustain this love. You receive it, rejoice in it and release it into the relationships God has given to you. As you do, God is glorified and you are a disciple.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
One of those nights
Every now and then I have "one of those nights" A night of rest, restlessness and revelation. A night where I wrestle with sleep, myself and God things.
What set this night off was a sermon at the church here in Brazil where I am on the pastoral team. Our pastor, Carlito, is one of the finest young leaders I have ever met in any country. He is 38 years old and filled with energy and vision. I love seeing him lead and hearing him preach. He is a formula one doer.
He began a series last night called "2009-The Best Year of Your Life." Having been a senior pastor for many years it has been a real change for me to be a listener in most of the services I attend at church. I never realized how people listen to their pastor's sermon and evaluate their pastor's motives at the same time! I thought people evaluated the content of my messages and not the content of my motives.
As Carlito preached about the coming year, I knew he was motivating the church to not slow down in 2009. I knew he was motivating himself not to slow down. I knew he was trying to motivate me not to slow down. I was not in the mood to be motivated by a 38 year old to run at his pace in my 57 year old body.
Still, the sermon was almost irresistible. Carlito is good!
As I tried to go to sleep the idea of 2009 being the best year of my life was filling my mind. The rest, restlessness and revelation followed into the early hours of the morning. I rested. I wrestled. I received a new revelation about my life.
Here is the revelation. 2009 will be the best year of my life since Jesus is my perfect life and I have no intention of knowing Him less, loving Him less or abiding in Him less. I will have a perfect life in 2009 because I already have a perfect life in 2008. My life will be better because I will know Him better if I abide in Him even more consistently.
If the economy is my life, 2009 looks less. If politics is my life, my scotch-irish guy lost and 2009 looks less. (I hope I am wrong!)
To top the night off I decided to go downstairs and get on a treadmill and do some exercises. As I looked down at the controls of the treadmill I noticed that it has a chart for determining maximum cardiovascular benefit according to one's age.
The scale begins at age 20 and ends at age 65. That means the treadmill is set up for me to use for another 7 years.
If my physical DNA is the determining factor of 2009 being the best year of my life, things don't look good either.
Thank God the DNA of my new birth and new life in Jesus is still in its infancy and will last forever and only get better as I cooperate better.
2009 will be a very good year but I still won't run like a 38 year old. I will run at the pace of my perfect life--Jesus.
That may be even faster than Carlito!
What set this night off was a sermon at the church here in Brazil where I am on the pastoral team. Our pastor, Carlito, is one of the finest young leaders I have ever met in any country. He is 38 years old and filled with energy and vision. I love seeing him lead and hearing him preach. He is a formula one doer.
He began a series last night called "2009-The Best Year of Your Life." Having been a senior pastor for many years it has been a real change for me to be a listener in most of the services I attend at church. I never realized how people listen to their pastor's sermon and evaluate their pastor's motives at the same time! I thought people evaluated the content of my messages and not the content of my motives.
As Carlito preached about the coming year, I knew he was motivating the church to not slow down in 2009. I knew he was motivating himself not to slow down. I knew he was trying to motivate me not to slow down. I was not in the mood to be motivated by a 38 year old to run at his pace in my 57 year old body.
Still, the sermon was almost irresistible. Carlito is good!
As I tried to go to sleep the idea of 2009 being the best year of my life was filling my mind. The rest, restlessness and revelation followed into the early hours of the morning. I rested. I wrestled. I received a new revelation about my life.
Here is the revelation. 2009 will be the best year of my life since Jesus is my perfect life and I have no intention of knowing Him less, loving Him less or abiding in Him less. I will have a perfect life in 2009 because I already have a perfect life in 2008. My life will be better because I will know Him better if I abide in Him even more consistently.
If the economy is my life, 2009 looks less. If politics is my life, my scotch-irish guy lost and 2009 looks less. (I hope I am wrong!)
To top the night off I decided to go downstairs and get on a treadmill and do some exercises. As I looked down at the controls of the treadmill I noticed that it has a chart for determining maximum cardiovascular benefit according to one's age.
The scale begins at age 20 and ends at age 65. That means the treadmill is set up for me to use for another 7 years.
If my physical DNA is the determining factor of 2009 being the best year of my life, things don't look good either.
Thank God the DNA of my new birth and new life in Jesus is still in its infancy and will last forever and only get better as I cooperate better.
2009 will be a very good year but I still won't run like a 38 year old. I will run at the pace of my perfect life--Jesus.
That may be even faster than Carlito!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Portugal
Today is my last day in Portugal--for now. What an interesting place!
History is everywhere. The culture is fascinating. The evangelical church is only 1.4 percent of the population of 11 million!
Compare that with 25% of the population of Brazil.
The pastors and leaders I met are heroes. They work in the middle of a first world economy but the spiritual "economy" is fighting a truly uphill climb.
Here are a few thoughts and a few pictures from Portugal.
1. Christians are the same everywhere, but they are definitely impacted by the culture that surrounds them. The portuguese culture is a melancholy culture. According to the pastors here, the people of Portugal have a tendency to see life as always tragic. They expect trouble. This has an interesting impact on the health, wealth and prosperity message that is so powerful in the USA and in Brazil. It does not have much appeal here.
2. Social customs are are generational and hard to change anywhere. Europeans see wine as a part of every meal except breakfast. I think a sermon about drinking wine would be a challenge. It would be kind of like preaching against Hamburgers at the headquarters for McDonalds. Everyone knows that hamburgers make you fat, but they have also made McDonalds rich.
3. The abide message is powerful anywhere. The two mentoring days I led on Nov. 24th and 25th were received the same way they are received in Brazil. The difference here seems to be that the melancholy nature of the portuguese makes them deeply reflective and deeply emotional. As I spoke it was like they were a deep river that flowed with the thoughts. It was moving to feel the depth of their thinking and emotion.
4. I believe the abide message is perfect for a country where only 1.4% of the population truly understands the Gospel.
Lord willing, I will be back.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
People Who Inspire
As a part of the pastoral team of the First Baptist Church in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, I meet some of the world's finest Christian leaders. This weekend was no exception as we launched the P.E.A.C.E initiative across Brazil.
Rick Warren is famous for being able to simplify and mobilize. In the missions area Rick has done it again. He has made a very complex task as simple as the PEACE. P--Plant churches E-- Equip Leaders A--Assist the poor C--Care for the sick E--Educate the next generation.
This simple plan has mobilized hundreds of churches in the USA, India, Africa and now in Brazil.
To get this message and motivation clear here in Brazil we were privileged to hearfrom a pastor named Straton from Ruanda, AFrica and from the international director of PEACE, Mike Constantz and his co-worker Mark from the Saddleback church in California.
These are quality people! I was inspired.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
What do you say?
I cannot remember a time in my life when a greater number of my dearest friends were suffering as my friends are suffering now.
What do I say?
Do I say to them and to myself "God can", "God might" or "God will"? Are these the options? God can heal you or help you. God might heal you or help you. God will help you or heal you. Which are the words of comfort?
As I spent some hours awake last night praying and wrestling with waves of frustration and even anger at what I am seeing, these thoughts pounded on my soul demanding a choice. What do you say to those you love when they suffer?
Then another option came. "God is". God is loving me and my friends right now. God's name is "I Am" not I can, I might or I will.
God is loving my friends. I should, too.
What do you say? Try "God is". God is loving you and I am loving you, too. When I said this to myself my soul rested for the first time in a while. Everything changed because His love does not.
Pray for my friends that they will know "God is". Pray for me that I will not forget "God is".
What do I say?
Do I say to them and to myself "God can", "God might" or "God will"? Are these the options? God can heal you or help you. God might heal you or help you. God will help you or heal you. Which are the words of comfort?
As I spent some hours awake last night praying and wrestling with waves of frustration and even anger at what I am seeing, these thoughts pounded on my soul demanding a choice. What do you say to those you love when they suffer?
Then another option came. "God is". God is loving me and my friends right now. God's name is "I Am" not I can, I might or I will.
God is loving my friends. I should, too.
What do you say? Try "God is". God is loving you and I am loving you, too. When I said this to myself my soul rested for the first time in a while. Everything changed because His love does not.
Pray for my friends that they will know "God is". Pray for me that I will not forget "God is".
Monday, November 17, 2008
When Love Stops
Events of the last few weeks have left me nearly breathless. So many things have happened to people we love. It has been hard to watch and experience. It has taken my breath away.
When love stops people always suffer. Ministers are to be the examples of love that does not stop. When they fail to live to this standard people get hurt--really hurt.
All of us are guilty of stopping the flow of love. We all sin. Sin stops love-always. Ministers, however, are supposed to be qualified to be ministers because they have consistently led environments where love did not stop. They have loving families. They have stable, loving kids. They are seen as loving in the community. A minister helps keep love from stopping by his example. Ministers who do not expand sustained love disqualify themselves for Christian leadership.
As wonderful as growing a church numerically is, growing love is the goal. Ministers must be held to the standard of love and not the standard of growth and progress. If love shrinks under a minister's leadership the minister must be lovingly confronted.
A church is meant to be a community of sustained love like a Vineyard. That is what only Abiding in the Vine can produce.
Those who would covet the position of a minister or leader in a church must be qualified by clear evidence that they know how to lead the expansion of continuous love. They must know how to bear the fruit of love through abiding.
Perhaps grieving the Holy Spirit is like having one's breath taken away. The Holy Spirit is the breath of God's love. How must the Holy Spirit feel when he sees love stop?
When love stops people always suffer. Ministers are to be the examples of love that does not stop. When they fail to live to this standard people get hurt--really hurt.
All of us are guilty of stopping the flow of love. We all sin. Sin stops love-always. Ministers, however, are supposed to be qualified to be ministers because they have consistently led environments where love did not stop. They have loving families. They have stable, loving kids. They are seen as loving in the community. A minister helps keep love from stopping by his example. Ministers who do not expand sustained love disqualify themselves for Christian leadership.
As wonderful as growing a church numerically is, growing love is the goal. Ministers must be held to the standard of love and not the standard of growth and progress. If love shrinks under a minister's leadership the minister must be lovingly confronted.
A church is meant to be a community of sustained love like a Vineyard. That is what only Abiding in the Vine can produce.
Those who would covet the position of a minister or leader in a church must be qualified by clear evidence that they know how to lead the expansion of continuous love. They must know how to bear the fruit of love through abiding.
Perhaps grieving the Holy Spirit is like having one's breath taken away. The Holy Spirit is the breath of God's love. How must the Holy Spirit feel when he sees love stop?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Quiet Evangelism
For many, many years I have tried in subtle and not so subtle ways to modify my wife's behaviour. Pam has lovingly refused to be made in my image.
I have tried to convince Pam that submission means to let me make these changes. She has consistently and quietly refused to buy this line of thinking. How wonderful she lovingly refused! The past 37 years of marriage has proven that she knew that God made her in just the right way.
Just yesterday another person received Christ as their Saviour because of Pam being Pam.
Pam's influence is the kind that lives out the words--"Preach the Gospel always. When necessary use words."
I am still tempted to try the Bud definition of submission on Pam from time to time. Both she and God smile and continue to rejoice in how God has made her to be her.
My ideas were not all bad. It is just that God's ideas are always best.
I have tried to convince Pam that submission means to let me make these changes. She has consistently and quietly refused to buy this line of thinking. How wonderful she lovingly refused! The past 37 years of marriage has proven that she knew that God made her in just the right way.
Just yesterday another person received Christ as their Saviour because of Pam being Pam.
Pam's influence is the kind that lives out the words--"Preach the Gospel always. When necessary use words."
I am still tempted to try the Bud definition of submission on Pam from time to time. Both she and God smile and continue to rejoice in how God has made her to be her.
My ideas were not all bad. It is just that God's ideas are always best.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Stimulus--Response
When the message of Jesus perfect presence in us is taught to a group of believers, the result is amazing. Hearing this good news of Jesus' presence causes people to sense immediate hope and rest for their souls. Why is that?
I believe it is because the vision of a perfect life and perfect love abiding in us 24X7 and moment by moment raises the hope of permanent freedom from the tyranny of the secret evil impulses we all carry and we all hate. It raises hope that what the Scriptures calls "the flesh" can be dealt with.
For purposes of these brief thoughts, let's define evil as any impulse or stimulus that gives me permission to be unloving to anyone at any time. When I find in me a way to give myself permission to mistreat anyone I am in the grip of evil. That may sound extreme but a clear reading of the sermon on the mount will show that Jesus demands a no evil and complete love standard for all who would be salt and light. The sermon on the mount describes a life of no evil and a life filled with only love. The sermon on the mount describes Jesus and what he intends for all of us as we abide in Him. Evil must go.
With this thought in mind about evil being the ability to give oneself permission to mistreat, hate or abuse others, read the following article on the Austrian father who held his own daughter captive and had 7 children with her. Notice the power of this permission he found to mistreat. He says this permission came from the abuse he received at the hands his mother. Warning--the story is graphic.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,442925,00.html (Cut and paste this site into your browser if it does not appear as a link)
If we do not help people become stimulated by the very presence of Jesus in them (disciple them) , then they, too, will resemble volcanos that are just waiting to explode. Only a stimulus that is perfect love and stimulates to love 24X7 can conquer the evil stimulus that says I have a permanent and living excuse not to love. To love without stopping like Jesus did, I must be loved without stopping. Jesus abiding in me is that stimulating and unstopping love that changes everything.
Jesus in me changes my permission to be evil, into a permission to love.
This Austrian father could have been saved from the evil stimulus that was planted in him during childhood. He could have been free to love. Jesus could have set him free and still can. That is the power of stimulus and response.
In your own heart check and see if you have given yourself permission to mistreat, hate or abuse out of the pain of your past. Recognize that your will cannot overcome this permission that is driven by your past pain. Focus on Jesus and see His constant presence and love as your only hope. You are loved by Jesus. Abide in that love and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh which gives you permission to explode into other's lives without permission from them.
I believe it is because the vision of a perfect life and perfect love abiding in us 24X7 and moment by moment raises the hope of permanent freedom from the tyranny of the secret evil impulses we all carry and we all hate. It raises hope that what the Scriptures calls "the flesh" can be dealt with.
For purposes of these brief thoughts, let's define evil as any impulse or stimulus that gives me permission to be unloving to anyone at any time. When I find in me a way to give myself permission to mistreat anyone I am in the grip of evil. That may sound extreme but a clear reading of the sermon on the mount will show that Jesus demands a no evil and complete love standard for all who would be salt and light. The sermon on the mount describes a life of no evil and a life filled with only love. The sermon on the mount describes Jesus and what he intends for all of us as we abide in Him. Evil must go.
With this thought in mind about evil being the ability to give oneself permission to mistreat, hate or abuse others, read the following article on the Austrian father who held his own daughter captive and had 7 children with her. Notice the power of this permission he found to mistreat. He says this permission came from the abuse he received at the hands his mother. Warning--the story is graphic.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,442925,00.html (Cut and paste this site into your browser if it does not appear as a link)
If we do not help people become stimulated by the very presence of Jesus in them (disciple them) , then they, too, will resemble volcanos that are just waiting to explode. Only a stimulus that is perfect love and stimulates to love 24X7 can conquer the evil stimulus that says I have a permanent and living excuse not to love. To love without stopping like Jesus did, I must be loved without stopping. Jesus abiding in me is that stimulating and unstopping love that changes everything.
Jesus in me changes my permission to be evil, into a permission to love.
This Austrian father could have been saved from the evil stimulus that was planted in him during childhood. He could have been free to love. Jesus could have set him free and still can. That is the power of stimulus and response.
In your own heart check and see if you have given yourself permission to mistreat, hate or abuse out of the pain of your past. Recognize that your will cannot overcome this permission that is driven by your past pain. Focus on Jesus and see His constant presence and love as your only hope. You are loved by Jesus. Abide in that love and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh which gives you permission to explode into other's lives without permission from them.
The Big Moment
What is the most important moment of your day? Is this moment predictable and repetitive? Is there something you can do to make this important moment your best moment of every day?
I believe that the most important moment of your day is your first moment of awareness when you wake up each morning.
It is that moment when all the stimuli of your world come rushing into your mind demanding an audience with the one they insist must take control.
Pushing these stimuli back and welcoming Jesus as the only true stimulus is the most critical thing we can do each day.
Here is how author C.S. Lewis describes this moment in his book Mere Christianity.
"Listening to that other Voice
That is why the real problem of the Christian life comes when people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment
you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each
morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting
that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings
and frettings; coming in out of the wind.
We can only do it for moments at first. But from these moments the new sort of life will be spreading through our
system: because now we are letting Him work at the right part of us. It is the difference between paint, which is merely
laid on the surface, and a dye or stain which soaks right through."
I remember reading about the life of George Mueller. For many, many years this man of faith led an orphanage in Great Britain that managed to care for thousands of orphans without asking for help. George Mueller asked God and God helped.
Mueller had a habit of walking in the woods near the orphanage each morning. It was said of him that he would not come back to the orphanage until he was genuinely happy. Sounds almost impossible doesn't it?
A friend named Mike Wells taught me to start each day putting my hand over my heart and saying the words "Jesus, you are welcome here." Little did I know how profound that habit is for spiritual health and happiness.
Look back to your first moment today. Who got your first and best attention? If it was not Jesus, you missed the most important moment of the day. What did you say to all those pressing stimuli that wanted you to take control? If you took control because of their demands, is it any wonder you are tired and stressed by 10 A.M.?
The good news is, Jesus was there then and Jesus is still there now. Welcome Him now and let the burden of control lift.
I believe that the most important moment of your day is your first moment of awareness when you wake up each morning.
It is that moment when all the stimuli of your world come rushing into your mind demanding an audience with the one they insist must take control.
Pushing these stimuli back and welcoming Jesus as the only true stimulus is the most critical thing we can do each day.
Here is how author C.S. Lewis describes this moment in his book Mere Christianity.
"Listening to that other Voice
That is why the real problem of the Christian life comes when people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment
you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each
morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting
that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings
and frettings; coming in out of the wind.
We can only do it for moments at first. But from these moments the new sort of life will be spreading through our
system: because now we are letting Him work at the right part of us. It is the difference between paint, which is merely
laid on the surface, and a dye or stain which soaks right through."
I remember reading about the life of George Mueller. For many, many years this man of faith led an orphanage in Great Britain that managed to care for thousands of orphans without asking for help. George Mueller asked God and God helped.
Mueller had a habit of walking in the woods near the orphanage each morning. It was said of him that he would not come back to the orphanage until he was genuinely happy. Sounds almost impossible doesn't it?
A friend named Mike Wells taught me to start each day putting my hand over my heart and saying the words "Jesus, you are welcome here." Little did I know how profound that habit is for spiritual health and happiness.
Look back to your first moment today. Who got your first and best attention? If it was not Jesus, you missed the most important moment of the day. What did you say to all those pressing stimuli that wanted you to take control? If you took control because of their demands, is it any wonder you are tired and stressed by 10 A.M.?
The good news is, Jesus was there then and Jesus is still there now. Welcome Him now and let the burden of control lift.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Irritation
Anyone who has known me for at least 20 years can recall a time or two (or three!) when I became irritated. (Perhaps upset or ticked would be better word choices) Well, by God's grace and abiding that is now a very infrequent sight in my life. (And all God's people said "Amen!")
Well, I need to confess. This past Monday I was ticked, upset and irritated. It all started with a trip to southern Brazil by air.
A friend had offered to take me to the airport which is an hour away from my home. I told him I needed to be at the airport at 10:15 A.M. He understood me to say I wanted to be picked up at 10:15 A.M. When he did not show up at 9:15 A.M. I tried to call him on my brand new cell phone. It did not work. I was ticked, upset and irritated.
I finally got through to him and we left for the airport at 9:45. I missed my flight. The next one was three hours later.
I was ticked, upset and irritated. I felt really convicted of this state of mind but it was like an itch I needed to scratch.
Finally, I gave in and went back to abiding. Immediately I was calm. It really works.
I had a nice lunch and then I got in line to board my plane. When I did I saw the pastor of Brazil's largest church. They only have 34,000 members. I had met him on many occasions and had given him my book in Portuguese. I really wanted to have a talk with him someday and here we were in line together. We exchanged the traditional Brazilian hug and entered the plane.
I was in 11D. He was in 11F with no one in 11E. We had an hour and a half to talk about the Christian life. He told me that he has had his entire staff memorize John 15 since reading my book and hearing me preach on abiding.
For this moment to happen God had to confuse my friend, make me late, block my cell phone and re-schedule my flight.
If you think this was just a coincidence, think again. God orchestrates our circumstances every day. God even let me get upset, ticked and irritated just so this moment could teach me to let Him control what only He can control which is everything.
Well, I need to confess. This past Monday I was ticked, upset and irritated. It all started with a trip to southern Brazil by air.
A friend had offered to take me to the airport which is an hour away from my home. I told him I needed to be at the airport at 10:15 A.M. He understood me to say I wanted to be picked up at 10:15 A.M. When he did not show up at 9:15 A.M. I tried to call him on my brand new cell phone. It did not work. I was ticked, upset and irritated.
I finally got through to him and we left for the airport at 9:45. I missed my flight. The next one was three hours later.
I was ticked, upset and irritated. I felt really convicted of this state of mind but it was like an itch I needed to scratch.
Finally, I gave in and went back to abiding. Immediately I was calm. It really works.
I had a nice lunch and then I got in line to board my plane. When I did I saw the pastor of Brazil's largest church. They only have 34,000 members. I had met him on many occasions and had given him my book in Portuguese. I really wanted to have a talk with him someday and here we were in line together. We exchanged the traditional Brazilian hug and entered the plane.
I was in 11D. He was in 11F with no one in 11E. We had an hour and a half to talk about the Christian life. He told me that he has had his entire staff memorize John 15 since reading my book and hearing me preach on abiding.
For this moment to happen God had to confuse my friend, make me late, block my cell phone and re-schedule my flight.
If you think this was just a coincidence, think again. God orchestrates our circumstances every day. God even let me get upset, ticked and irritated just so this moment could teach me to let Him control what only He can control which is everything.
The Work
In John chapter 6 Jesus tells a group of hard working seekers that the true work of God is to believe. These people had recently been fed by Jesus' miraculously and gracefully provided fish and loaves. Having received this wonderful gift of grace from the hand of God, they promptly decided they would work for more. They worked hard at following Jesus looking for more grace food. Things have not changed much since then. People still think the first taste of grace is free and then we must work for the next meal of grace.
The work of God, Jesus says, is to believe. We are to work from grace and perfection and not for grace and perfection.
Our biggest job each day is to come before Jesus believing He is as generous with us today as He was the first time we experienced His grace.
If the Christian life is a lot of work for you, it is not the Christian life. Do the real work of the Christian life. Believe Jesus is being generous with you right now and forever. We work from grace, not for it. What a job! Sounds like abiding to me.
The work of God, Jesus says, is to believe. We are to work from grace and perfection and not for grace and perfection.
Our biggest job each day is to come before Jesus believing He is as generous with us today as He was the first time we experienced His grace.
If the Christian life is a lot of work for you, it is not the Christian life. Do the real work of the Christian life. Believe Jesus is being generous with you right now and forever. We work from grace, not for it. What a job! Sounds like abiding to me.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Another Retreat
The Abide retreats continue to be our best method for having a great dialog about living moment by moment satisfied in the perfect presence of Jesus. Oct. 3-5 we had another great retreat.
One of the retreat participants was the president of the Angolan Baptist Churches from Angola, Africa. We have tentatively set late August for our first trip to Angola. Should be exciting!
To all of our abide supporters, this is your ministry, too. I can't wait for some of you to come to Brazil and join in a retreat with us. Some retreats are planned for the USA, too. We will keep you posted.
Notice the new deck that provides retreat participants to relax between teaching sessions. Abide supporters provided the funds. It works wonderfully.
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