I stood in the center of my grandfather's room, clinging to his bed, as picture frames rattled against the bare white walls. I called out for my grandmother, unsure of where she was at the time. Shortly after, she appeared in the entryway of the bedroom, her fingers tightly clenching the door frame in order to restore her balance. She looked up to the heavens, calling upon the name of Yeshua in her native tongue--Greek. This whole incident probably took place within a minute's time, but it felt like an eternity. I spoke with a friend recently about the day that my hometown experienced its first earthquake in years. I jokingly explained how I believed it was time for the rapture!
Needless to say, the rapture never came or perhaps it did and I've just been left behind! Nonetheless, something significant happened yesterday. I suddenly became very aware of how life as we know it can change in a split second. Earlier that day, I was taking my grandparents to a doctor's appointment and just hours later we were in the midst of an earthquake. I think of all the major disasters that have occurred within my lifetime--the tsunami in Japan, the earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Katrina, 9/11. These are just to name a few, but so monumental in impact. Thousands of lives were lost in these unexpected tragedies. Those who have survived to tell it would probably describe where they were or what they were doing as just the usual routine before their lives were interrupted and changed forever.
The earthquake that hit Maryland and the neighboring states was minor and I am grateful to say that we suffered minimal damage. Although we did not face disaster in such a large scale as those tragedies mentioned earlier, my spirit was alarmed and my eyes were awakened. The first thought to cross my mind was how I hadn't seized the opportunity to talk about Jesus with my grandfather. I have prayed for healing with him over various ailments, but I never talked to him about receiving the gift of salvation. It made me question how serious I am about witnessing to others, including my own family. After all, the most important decision we make determines whether or not we spend eternity in the kingdom of heaven!
In addition, I have spent some time thinking about what I would be doing now if I knew the exact date, the hour, or even the month of Jesus' arrival. However, Jesus reveals through scripture, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matthew 24:36). What does the bible tell us we should be doing in the interim? In Acts 1:10-11, scripture reveals that the disciples witnessed Jesus' ascension into heaven. "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven'". In other words, we should not be enslaved to the waiting period which paralyzes us from taking care of business as He's ordained here on this earth. Instead, we are called to action. "'But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:43-44).
I encourage us all to live as though the clouds were parting this very moment preparing the way for Jesus' descension upon the earth. If He were to enter your household unexpectedly, what would He witness you doing? He could very well catch our hands rummaging through a cookie jar rather than clasped in an attitude of prayer.
We have no control over acts of nature, terrorist attacks, disease, or famine, but I pray they do not go unwarranted. God makes beautiful things of the rubble and debris that is left in our lives when the walls come tumbling down. But, we must trust that He is in control. If these tragedies we face in life do not stir us up into action and awaken us from our sleepy complacency, what will?
One thing I have learned in the wake of the recent earthquake is that I've become caught up in the distractions of this world. I need to pray more, spend time in His word, witness to others, and trust that He is fully in control. Whether my life were taken from me now or I live to witness the Day of Judgement, I would hope it means something, that I fulfilled my purpose here on earth. I pray to be an instrumental part in leading others to the Lord. But, it shouldn't take these moments for us to put things into perspective. Let us seize the opportunity we have now to love more, pray more, and live in constant view of the second coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
You have Beautiful Feet!
Mary sat by Jesus' feet, anointed them with oil, gently gathered her hair now resting down the small of her back, and wiped the remnant. Thereafter, the bible states, “And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil" (John 12:3). As I envision this scripture, I start to sketch the facial structure of Mary, as tears of gratitude roll down the contours of her pale cheeks. I pretend to know her life story, a desperate heart that led her to the Lord. But, more importantly, I attempt to understand what compelled her to open that flask of spikenard, a very costly oil, and pour it on her Master’s feet. I want to breathe in the sweet fragrance of servitude that dripped from the mouth of that bottle, permeating the room where she laid graciously before Him. This scripture serves as a precursor to one of the most monumental displays of humility that takes place in scripture—the night that Jesus cleanses the feet of His disciples before the Feast of Passover.
Scripture reveals in John 13:5-7, “He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, are You washing my feet?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.’” Simon Peter is hesitant at first and perhaps embarrassed to allow His Lord to take on this subservient role. But, Jesus makes it known, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8). We see here that the cleansing of feet is a significant process through which we are made clean through Christ. We must allow Him to prepare in us a clean heart as we enter into the body of Christ.
Later, when Jesus finished washing the disciples' feet, He stated, "’You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you’" (John 13:13-15). What is Jesus teaching us here? I think it is evident that he is reinforcing the simple truth that we are to serve one another humbly, without regard to social status or position of authority. In this example, we witness the greatest authority to ever walk this earth humble Himself at the feet of His disciples. We should be more than capable of humbling ourselves at the feet of fellow man.
Another invaluable lesson that is revealed through this passage is that we are to follow His lead. The feet are the vessel of which we navigate through life. John 13:10 states, "'...He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean...'". When we walk with God, He continuously cleanses us from the defilement we contract along the way. Jesus washed away our sins through baptism, and we now have the choice to sanctify ourselves through repentance. Needless to say, we are all a work-in-progress. However, God ministers to our pain and shame and He uses them just the same. There will come a time when God tells us to go and minister to others. Our testimony is just an open door through which we can share the good news. Scripture states in Romans 15:15, “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” Jesus knew that He would soon no longer be with His disciples in the flesh, therefore the cleansing of their feet was symbolic for the preparation taking place in them before they would witness to others after His resurrection. In the same way, God cleanses our feet as He prepares us to preach in our spheres of influence. Yes, we will still walk through the muck and mire just the same as everyone else, but the difference is this: We have a God who loves us and is concerned with our “hygiene”. In all seriousness though, our sanctification is God’s ultimate will for our lives.
Psalm 119:105 tells us that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Psalm 91:12 states, “In their [angels’] hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Here we are reminded that our feet are the source of a fall. Therefore, we should remain careful of our steps. If we are in God’s word, He shall illuminate our path. If we remain in God’s will, our feet shall be cleansed by His living water.
How beautiful are the feet of those who profess and proclaim the name of Jesus! How beautiful are the feet of those who serve at the feet of others! How beautiful are the feet of those who humble themselves before the Lord, following His footprints, fragrant with Mary's oil.
Scripture reveals in John 13:5-7, “He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, are You washing my feet?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.’” Simon Peter is hesitant at first and perhaps embarrassed to allow His Lord to take on this subservient role. But, Jesus makes it known, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8). We see here that the cleansing of feet is a significant process through which we are made clean through Christ. We must allow Him to prepare in us a clean heart as we enter into the body of Christ.
Later, when Jesus finished washing the disciples' feet, He stated, "’You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you’" (John 13:13-15). What is Jesus teaching us here? I think it is evident that he is reinforcing the simple truth that we are to serve one another humbly, without regard to social status or position of authority. In this example, we witness the greatest authority to ever walk this earth humble Himself at the feet of His disciples. We should be more than capable of humbling ourselves at the feet of fellow man.
Another invaluable lesson that is revealed through this passage is that we are to follow His lead. The feet are the vessel of which we navigate through life. John 13:10 states, "'...He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean...'". When we walk with God, He continuously cleanses us from the defilement we contract along the way. Jesus washed away our sins through baptism, and we now have the choice to sanctify ourselves through repentance. Needless to say, we are all a work-in-progress. However, God ministers to our pain and shame and He uses them just the same. There will come a time when God tells us to go and minister to others. Our testimony is just an open door through which we can share the good news. Scripture states in Romans 15:15, “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” Jesus knew that He would soon no longer be with His disciples in the flesh, therefore the cleansing of their feet was symbolic for the preparation taking place in them before they would witness to others after His resurrection. In the same way, God cleanses our feet as He prepares us to preach in our spheres of influence. Yes, we will still walk through the muck and mire just the same as everyone else, but the difference is this: We have a God who loves us and is concerned with our “hygiene”. In all seriousness though, our sanctification is God’s ultimate will for our lives.
Psalm 119:105 tells us that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Psalm 91:12 states, “In their [angels’] hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Here we are reminded that our feet are the source of a fall. Therefore, we should remain careful of our steps. If we are in God’s word, He shall illuminate our path. If we remain in God’s will, our feet shall be cleansed by His living water.
How beautiful are the feet of those who profess and proclaim the name of Jesus! How beautiful are the feet of those who serve at the feet of others! How beautiful are the feet of those who humble themselves before the Lord, following His footprints, fragrant with Mary's oil.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Come, Holy Spirit, Come!
Upon returning back to my hometown in Maryland, I have now faced a whirlwind of life-altering decisions, one of which has been trying to find a home church. I have spent various sunday mornings stepping foot into sanctuary after sanctuary, some well-lit and beautifully adorned with gold trim and colorful mosaic windows. Others are less ornate, humble, and difficult to spot as they are tucked away in inconspicuous locations, such as an office park. Naturally, the appearance of the church plays very little part in my decision. However, what I have been taking note of is what takes place beyond the front doors. Will I be met with a body of believers who will love on me and accept me into their spiritual family with open arms? How is the worship? How is the message? But, it is here where I have to stop and remind myself not to base my decision upon emotion. I am not looking for a feel-good service, some place where I go to be entertained. What I am truly searching for is the presence of the Holy Spirit.
What saddens me nowadays is that I have found the church playing church. We dress up nice, enter the corridors of the sanctuary, make friendly conversation with the usher, nodd and wave at our neighbor, sit down, and then stare at the pulpit before us. We are sung to by the worship team and on cue applaud after every song as if sitting through a community theater performance. The message is spoken like a rehearsed monologue. Moments later, a basket is passed around, as members shuffle inside their purses/wallets trying to scrounge up a few bucks to throw in. This reminds me all too much of an empty baseball cap passed around to tourists on the boardwalk of Venice Beach. I hate to make this comparison, but I am only speaking upon what I have seen.
Children that were once taught sunday school lessons behind a desk and in front of a chalk board are now placed in front of a tv screen. There are toys strewn about on the floors of the "classrooms", giving the impression of a daycare center rather than a bible school. There is not a lesson planned nor rehearsal of scripture, no children's worship, and no talk of Jesus. The mention of God has been taken out of our public school systems, are we now taking Him out of church?
There is a dilution of the Word that is being fed to us and a watered-down version of sunday morning service that is offered out like lemonade on various corners of our neighborhoods. No wonder our society has fallen victim to the lies and deceits of this world. We are missing the one vital part of church and that, my friends, is the Holy Spirit. This is the same Holy Spirit that showed up in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost. The bible states "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they [disciples] were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:2-4). What I would like to address in this scripture is what took place before the arrival of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:1, we find that the disciples "were all with one accord in one place". In other words, they were praying together in agreement, like-minded, and driven with the same purpose in the same place of worship. They were all fervently seeking the presence of the Lord. From this day forward, the Holy Spirit came upon each and everyone of them. The apostles performed signs and wonders. They sold their possessions and distributed their wealth evenly subject to need. Now, each disciple was of no value or rank higher than another. They had all things in common. As a result, we find the church grows by the thousands. "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:46-47).
This scripture states yet again that the disciples were "with one accord". We find the church moving and growing by the power of the Holy Spirit because of the disciples' commitment to the Lord. They didn't seek their own interests or wonder how the church might serve them. Instead, they gave everything they had in order to do just the opposite--serve. They died to themselves daily with "simplicity of heart" and they were content. Scripture doesn't say that the church grew through Paul's exhortation of feel-good messages or outstanding worship. On the contrary, it was the Lord that brought the increase. He searched the heart of the church and found their commitment, obedience, and desire to put the church's needs above their own. As a result, thousands of souls were saved!
Now, let's fast forward 2,000 years later. What is the practical application of this scripture in the church today? I am compelled to believe that the Holy Spirit moves when a body of believers are with one accord. When we come together in fellowship, commune with one another, and have one desire--to see God move, this welcomes the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we shut out the world's view of church as entertainment and take ourselves out of the equation, we make room for the Holy Spirit to sweep in through sanctuaries across the world, just as the gust of wind breezed through the quarters of the disciples' upper room. How often do we earnestly seek God's presence in church? How often do we praise without reservation? How often does a preacher put down his/her index cards and just follow the lead of the Holy Spirit? Not often. But, I urge you, fellow Christians, to not settle for church that conducts business as usual.
We are created to worship a God that manifests Himself in such a powerful way, in ways we can not even imagine. We are given the authority to usher in His presence when we give our all to Him. In Revelation 3:15, the Lord addresses the lukewarm church, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot, I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." However, later we find that the Lord gives an open invitation to receive Him despite the church's faults. Scripture states, "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 3:20-22).
Are we open to receiving the invitation of the Holy Spirit into our church? Remember, God has no concern for the church that looks good on paper. He desires humility, an unfailing belief in the power of the Holy Spirit, and a desire to see the Holy Spirit move. Let us welcome His Spirit into our place of worship. Let us unite as the church was created with one accord and be prepared to witness miracles, signs, and wonders. Marriages can be restored, the sick can be healed, and our needs can be met when we believe and submit to the power of the Holy Spirit. We are the church. We can make the choice today to accept lukewarm faith or "hear what the Spirit says to the church". Open the invitation and receive. Come, Holy Spirit, Come!
What saddens me nowadays is that I have found the church playing church. We dress up nice, enter the corridors of the sanctuary, make friendly conversation with the usher, nodd and wave at our neighbor, sit down, and then stare at the pulpit before us. We are sung to by the worship team and on cue applaud after every song as if sitting through a community theater performance. The message is spoken like a rehearsed monologue. Moments later, a basket is passed around, as members shuffle inside their purses/wallets trying to scrounge up a few bucks to throw in. This reminds me all too much of an empty baseball cap passed around to tourists on the boardwalk of Venice Beach. I hate to make this comparison, but I am only speaking upon what I have seen.
Children that were once taught sunday school lessons behind a desk and in front of a chalk board are now placed in front of a tv screen. There are toys strewn about on the floors of the "classrooms", giving the impression of a daycare center rather than a bible school. There is not a lesson planned nor rehearsal of scripture, no children's worship, and no talk of Jesus. The mention of God has been taken out of our public school systems, are we now taking Him out of church?
There is a dilution of the Word that is being fed to us and a watered-down version of sunday morning service that is offered out like lemonade on various corners of our neighborhoods. No wonder our society has fallen victim to the lies and deceits of this world. We are missing the one vital part of church and that, my friends, is the Holy Spirit. This is the same Holy Spirit that showed up in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost. The bible states "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they [disciples] were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:2-4). What I would like to address in this scripture is what took place before the arrival of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:1, we find that the disciples "were all with one accord in one place". In other words, they were praying together in agreement, like-minded, and driven with the same purpose in the same place of worship. They were all fervently seeking the presence of the Lord. From this day forward, the Holy Spirit came upon each and everyone of them. The apostles performed signs and wonders. They sold their possessions and distributed their wealth evenly subject to need. Now, each disciple was of no value or rank higher than another. They had all things in common. As a result, we find the church grows by the thousands. "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:46-47).
This scripture states yet again that the disciples were "with one accord". We find the church moving and growing by the power of the Holy Spirit because of the disciples' commitment to the Lord. They didn't seek their own interests or wonder how the church might serve them. Instead, they gave everything they had in order to do just the opposite--serve. They died to themselves daily with "simplicity of heart" and they were content. Scripture doesn't say that the church grew through Paul's exhortation of feel-good messages or outstanding worship. On the contrary, it was the Lord that brought the increase. He searched the heart of the church and found their commitment, obedience, and desire to put the church's needs above their own. As a result, thousands of souls were saved!
Now, let's fast forward 2,000 years later. What is the practical application of this scripture in the church today? I am compelled to believe that the Holy Spirit moves when a body of believers are with one accord. When we come together in fellowship, commune with one another, and have one desire--to see God move, this welcomes the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we shut out the world's view of church as entertainment and take ourselves out of the equation, we make room for the Holy Spirit to sweep in through sanctuaries across the world, just as the gust of wind breezed through the quarters of the disciples' upper room. How often do we earnestly seek God's presence in church? How often do we praise without reservation? How often does a preacher put down his/her index cards and just follow the lead of the Holy Spirit? Not often. But, I urge you, fellow Christians, to not settle for church that conducts business as usual.
We are created to worship a God that manifests Himself in such a powerful way, in ways we can not even imagine. We are given the authority to usher in His presence when we give our all to Him. In Revelation 3:15, the Lord addresses the lukewarm church, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot, I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." However, later we find that the Lord gives an open invitation to receive Him despite the church's faults. Scripture states, "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 3:20-22).
Are we open to receiving the invitation of the Holy Spirit into our church? Remember, God has no concern for the church that looks good on paper. He desires humility, an unfailing belief in the power of the Holy Spirit, and a desire to see the Holy Spirit move. Let us welcome His Spirit into our place of worship. Let us unite as the church was created with one accord and be prepared to witness miracles, signs, and wonders. Marriages can be restored, the sick can be healed, and our needs can be met when we believe and submit to the power of the Holy Spirit. We are the church. We can make the choice today to accept lukewarm faith or "hear what the Spirit says to the church". Open the invitation and receive. Come, Holy Spirit, Come!
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