Provocations

Referundum 74

Members of our congregation (Snohomish Community Church) have required regarding my understanding of the same-sex marriage legislation (SB 6239) in the State of Washington, the subsequent R-74 referendum and whether we would have a petition at the church for collecting signatures. There is much I could write and hope to add a few more blogs on this subject in the coming days. In this blog I will focus on the fundamental issue – the definition of marriage.

Let us start with a biblical definition of marriage as articulated by Jesus: “He [God] who created them from the beginning made them both male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife and they shall become one flesh. So they are not longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together let no man separate.’” (Matthew 19: 4-6)

First, he created them “male” and “female.” God designs our sexuality. It is beyond the scope of our discussion here to explore the complexity of sexual identity as it regards same-sex attraction and the homosexual lifestyle. At this point let us focus on the issue of God’s intent for two sexually different individuals to be joined in marriage. We could reference, as well, God’s command to the couple to which this passage speaks when he tells them, “be fruitful and multiply.” This is possible because these individuals, joined in marriage, have the capacity to reproduce after their kind. This is one of the purposes of marriage.

Second, the two, when joined in marriage, become one flesh. The uniqueness of our sexuality was to be expressed in the complimentary relationship of marriage. This relationship was to be between one man and one woman.

Third, marriage is not foundationally a civil union but designed to be a union by God.  God ordains this one-man one-woman marriage relationship and it is not to be separated by man. 

This understanding alone prohibits the acceptance of the alternate definition of marriage being offered by the Washington State Legislature under the new law. The crossed out lines are what was removed under SB 6239 and the underlined is what has been added: “Marriage is…between a male and a female two persons who have each attained the age of eighteen years, and who are otherwise eligible.”

 

Dealing with Discouragement

Jesus brings courage to the discouraged.

This was the core message from yesterday's sermon. I thought I would follow up with some practical pointers. Here a a few things I have found helpful in dealing with discouragement:

1) Identify what it is that is causing you to be discouraged. This may sound simplistic but have you ever felt in the dumps or unmotivated but are not sure why? I have. It helps me to do a little self-analysis and figure out what is the cause. Sometimes I find some goal I have (stated or subconscious) has been blocked. Sometimes I find that I have a stressed relationship in my life. Whatever it is, identify the source of the discouragement so that you can know what you need to do next.

2) Identify what you can and cannot control about the cause of your discouragement. For instance, if I have a blocked goal, is it blocked because of something I have done or not done? Is it caused by someone else or circumstances that are out of my control?

3) Take action on the things you can control and trust God with the things you can not. Actually we trust God no matter what but we need also to take personal responsibility for the things we can do. The things that are out of your control need to be taken to God and trust that he will make something good out of something that to you is frustrating (Romans 8:28). The things that you can control need to be addressed by asking, "What could I do differently that I have done to this point to overcome this obstacle." This is, of course, dependent on being convinced that the goal is honoring to God and a worthwhile goal.

4) Because often discouragment is seeded in personal desires, seek in both your mindset and your actions live out Philippians 2:1-4

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

 5) Worship God knowing that your discouragement provides you the opportunity to trust him and to encouraged by him. Anytime our weaknesses give way to a demonstration of his strength is a reason to worship.

How about you? What have you found helpful in dealing with discouragement?

Readings for the Year

Wow! I just realized how long it has been since I posted anything on my blog. As I reviewed my page I also realized I had not updated my reading list for the year. I have added a few from quick memory. The whole process made me think about reading and what I read. 

Back in November I was at the Evangelical Theological Society Annual Meeting in San Francisco. One of the highlights at the Annual Meeting is the "book room" where all the major publishers offer deep discounts on their books. While some people walk away from this conference with all kinds of ideas on the next book they are going to write, I usually walk away thinking, "I do not need to write anything, everything has already been written."

I read a lot. If you include blogs, twitter feeds, books, periodicals and billboards, I spend a significant amount of time reading. However, surprising to some, I do not consider myself a lover of reading. In fact, at times, I find it tiresome. What I do love is ideas and I love the craft of communication. Thus I read. In reality, I read a lot. I read so much that I realize that much of what is written is repetitive (thus the tiresome statement). New ideas are seldom new just newly stated.

Perhaps that is what I find remarkable about the Bible. It almost always seems fresh to me. I have no idea how many times I have read the Bible. The reality is I have read some portions numerous times and others portions less so (think the listing of genealogies and details of the Mosaic code). However, at each reading it is fresh to me.

Perhaps that is why the writer of Hebrews states, "the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword..." Perhaps that is why the Psalmist constantly extols the word of God with such statements as, "I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love..."

Here is something to consider: Each day before reading anything else, including your e-mail, set aside some time to be refreshed by reading the living Word of God. When the day is done reorient your thinking by closing your day reading God's book. Let his word be the first and last word of the day.

Philippines Update: Day 4

How do you respond when your plans (that you knew were God-honoring) are changed by forces beyond your control?

I had the privilege to meet with the 11 campus Pastor's from Community Bible Church on day four of my visit to Manila. A great group of men serving in some difficult but fruitful situations. If I counted correctly, there were about 25 people who came to faith this past Sunday from their ministries.

These men have planted churches throughout Manila all linked together by a common vision, strategy and the sharing of resources. Again, if I heard correctly, all of them have been planted in the last 4 years. I had the opportunity to listen to the stories of what God was doing and then I shared some leadership principles with them. Let me tell you one of their stories.

One of the youngest Pastor's in the room was faced with trying to figure out what to do when his God-honoring plans were changed by forces outside of his control. He was the one unmarried Pastor among the group (and, yes, they picked on him). He was serving under the leadership of the Pastor from the first campus that CBC launched and had begun gathering a core to launch a new church.

A destructive typhoon came through the area and caused massive flooding. One of the strategies the government used to deal with the situation was to relocated a significant segment of the population to a different area of the city. This relocated group included several of this Pastor's core team members for the new church plant. His first reaction was great discouragement. He had put much time, prayer and work into this team and now it was fragmented and small. Because of the distance and lack of transportation the relocated group was not able to continue.

After prayer and counsel, he made a decision. He would start two churches. One in the original location and one with the people who had been relocated. This might seem like a logical thing for us. Until we take some of the impact into consideration. For instance, this young man has a scooter for transportation and it takes about 2 hours travel between the two locations. He has little financial resources even for his own needs. 

It reminds me of the time in the book of Acts when the early church was scattered out of Jerusalem due to persecution. The result was the spread of the gospel of Jesus throughout the Roman Empire.

The good news is that now there is a growing core of two churches because of one young man's faithfulness and willingness to follow God through situations beyond his control. I ask that you to pray for him. Pray for the two young churches that God would protect them from destructive influences and give them boldness in proclaiming with clarity the gospel to a needy world.

Philippines Update: Day 3

I write this morning with the sound of a thunderstorm rolling through the city. That will likely make my wife jealous since, surprisingly, one of the things she misses about growing up in Memphis are the thunderstorms (minus the tornadoes).

Yesterday (day three of my journey), I had the opportunity to worship with Community Baptist Church and preach at two services. One of the very encouraging aspects of meeting the people here have been the radical life change stories as a result of the commitment to Jesus Christ. Over and over again I hear of the brokenness that was healed and the bondage that was shattered by finding peace in Christ. This peace seems seldom to leads to passivity but translates into a mobilized person willing to take great personal risk to tell others the good news. The number of young people who have come to know the Lord from destructive lifestyles and moved on to leadership roles living full out for Jesus is amazing. Many of these are not only impacting Manila but moving out to other countries as missionaries. I look forward to telling more of their stories in the future.

After Church I gathered with the Lyons family for lunch. It is a great testimony to the vision and heart for missions that Greg and LuAnn have obviously passed on to their children who are serving with them in ministry. We spent some time talking about leadership development and brainstorming some ideas of future ministry partnerships with SCC. Collette also joined us. A widowed school teacher who has fairly recently followed God's call from Kansas to come to the Philippines to teach. By the way she is probably about 60. God does not just call the young people to a radical life-changing experience in missions.

I did not sleep well last night. In fact, for those that are aware of the time difference it is 5:30 am here and I have been up praying, dreaming and typing for about 2 hours. My lack of sleep, however, has little to do with the time change and travel schedule. Rather, I am always energized being around other leaders with a big vision and the willingness to take risk for the kingdom. To share together in this great work of of the kingdom, to challenge one another and to support one another. This is life abundant for me. Continue to pray as I move into a week of ministry to local pastors. I know I will learn from them. Pray that God, in turn, may use me to encourage and strengthen their hearts and minds.

Below is a picture of the garland they gave me to wear while preaching yesterday. Don't do that everyday!

Philippines Day 2

Imagine a city with a with an estimated population at around 21,295,000. Imagine 7 out of 10 of them being under the age of 25. Imagine a high school of 42,000 kids. Welcome to the mission field of Greg Lyons and his Global Surge Team. The city - Metro Manila. 

This morning began with a breakfast with Greg and LuAnn Lyons. To be actively pursuing the above mission field might seem enough for one missions team. Far from it. As God has opened doors, this ministry has continued to expand into other countries and a multi-faceted ministry here in Manila. From youth outreach camps, a biblical college for training Pastors, to multiple ministries of outreach, discipleship and leadership development, this group is moving forward.

Greg is truly a man of vision and a man of action. I look forward to focusing some more on this expansive ministry in the future but let's run down the events of this day. 

After a great breakfast, an overview of the ministry, and some cultural orientation we set off to an encounter with the Kids Jam. Obviously, with stats like I mention above a huge focus of the mission here is to reach the kids and the youth. We met up with a team including Corry Lyons, Greg's son, who is also with Global Surge. Imagine a VBS/Backyard Bible club/Sunday school operated out of a "fun truck" that goes around the various housing areas and connects with kids. The area we went had 500 kids in walking distance. Of the four economic classes in Manila these families are in the "d" class (second lowest). The time is short but the relationships are built over time. They come back week after week on Saturday's and after school during the week. They try to work in areas where their churches (11 campuses) have established small groups to connect with the adults.

Greg, Cory and I then went to lunch and debriefed. I also got to pick their brains some more. Great to see a father and son working so well together and both passionate about what God is doing. After lunch they took me back to my room for a little rest.

This evening we went to one of the church services - Youth Jam. It is a full service primarily focused on youth and young adults. After a set of worship (complete with a band, dancers and a great vocal team), a creative video and skit, I preached on the role of the husband from Ephesians 5 (at their request). The night ended with an alter call led by the Executive Pastor (campus pastor in some church's vocabulary) and a concluding plug for small group outreach parties. There were about 15 people that came down front after the message and I was told that two kids made decisions for Christ. Many in the audience had made decisions for Christ through the camp ministry that they run and we at Snohomish Community Church have helped fund. 

There is much on my mind after this day. Some things to bring back to our ministry context and as always in such situations a brokeness concerning the need worldwide both for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the ministry to the poor. I am very encouraged by the ministry of Greg Lyons. This is a ministry that is getting it done! Greg and, in fact, his entire family has stepped out in faith and God is continuing to bless their efforts.

Off to bed now in order to be ready for another full day including preaching twice in the morning. Before leaving say hello to some of my new Filipino friends:

 

Prayer Reflections for Thursday July 21

It was early in Jesus ministry. He had been rejected at Nazareth. Elsewhere as he taught and healed people crowds began to follow him. He called his first disciples which brought its own unique challenges. Then in Luke 5: 15-16 we read the words, "But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray."

As a Pastor this passage speaks volumes. There is never enough time to meet all the needs and ministry demands. Even success in ministry can be intoxicating and fuel the feeling that you need to always be available to the crowds. Every morning there is the long "to do" and "to meet" list. Jesus, however, took the time to withdraw from the crowds and pray. We see this same example in the early church leaders in Acts 6 where they put a priority on the ministry of the word and prayer. But the application of this passage is not just for Pastors. We all have things clamoring to be done. People wanting our time. These are most often good things and people we value calling for our time. Yet, what do we have to give if we have not first spent our time alone with God.

One writer has stated, "A day without prayer is a boast against God." We are not designed to live independently of our God. We are to live in the reality of his presence, power and glory. Prayer reminds us of these truths. No matter how busy your day or how large the crowds, be sure and take time out to pray. Boast in his power not your own by your commitment to prayer.

 

Prayer Tip: I spoke Sunday about setting aside specific times of prayer and make them a part of your life rhythm. I mentioned in my Monday post that one way to do this is to follow a long standing Christian tradition of having a time of morning prayers, mid-day prayers, and evening prayers. I have often found it helpful to pause at midday to have a time of prayer and reflection. I actually began this while working in the construction industry. I would read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs and then pray as to how I could live that wisdom for the rest of the day. A side benefit of this, other than having a piece of wisdom for the day and returing your focus on the Lord, is that you can read through whole Book of Proverbs in one month.

Prayer Reflections for Wednesday July 20

Meditation is a practice that many have associated with eastern, non-christian religion. However, meditation has a rich Christian heritage that is rooted in Scripture. J.I. Packer has defined meditation from a christian perspective as follows, "Meditation is the activity of calling to mind , and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God."

Christian meditation is, therefore, different from some forms of meditation. Many non-christian forms focus on the emptying of the mind or the merging of the conscious with the unconscious. Christian meditation is about drinking deeply of the nature and character of God with an active but quiet mind. 

Consider mediation from the practice of the Psalmist. Meditation is a recurring theme and focused on the commands, precepts, promises and works of God. Here are a few examples for reflection:

"I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds." Psalm 77:12

"I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways." Psalm 119:15

"Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works." Psalm 119: 27

"I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes." Psalm 119: 48

"Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts." Psalm 119: 78

"My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise." Psalm 119: 148

"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands." Psalm 143:5

"On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate." Psalm 1435:5

One of the more interesting passages regarding meditation is found in Psalm 5 where the Psalmist contrast sinning in anger and meditation, "Be angry, and do not sin; meditate in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent."   Selah Psalm 4:5

I leave you with the following from Thomas Merton in Thoughts in Solitude on prayer and meditation:

"In meditative prayer, one thinks and speaks not only with his mind and lips, but in a certain sense with his whole being. Prayer is then not just a formula for words, or a series of desires springing up in the heart - it is the orientation of our whole body, mind and spirit to God in silence, attention and adoration. All good meditative prayer is a conversation of our entire self to God."

Prayer Tip: One of the ways to practice meditation is Scripture memory. We often think of Scripture memory as a discipline rather than a devotion. If we slow down and memorize the text not for intellectual prowess whereby we can impress others but with the goal of meditating on it . We are then free to meditate on his word and commune with him rather or not we have a bible in front of us. I believe Scripture memory combined with meditation can be a tremendous fuel to a fervent prayer life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayer Reflections for Tuesday July 19

Over the years of practicing and teaching the use of the acronym ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) I have found that people have difficulty distinguishing adoration from thanksgiving. This has also been something I have noticed in the worship songs often written and sung in our churches. Both adoration and thanksgiving have a place in our worship and prayer but there is also a distinction. I believe the fault is in our understanding of adoration. I am not sure I can say it better than Albert Day in An Autobiography of Prayer:

"...the highest adoration is not occupied with the recollection of favors received and mercies extended, though they do help one be aware of the true nature of God. There is still, in all such recollection, a remnant of that self-centeredness which it should be the purpose of prayer to escape. In it, we are still thinking of God in terms of something done to 'me' or for 'me.' We never really adore Him, until we arrive at the moment when we worship Him for what He is in Himself, apart from any consideration of the impact of His Divine Selfhood upon our desires and our welfare. Then we love Him for Himself alone. Then we adore Him, regardless of whether any personal benefit is in anticipation or not. Then it is not what He has done for us or what we expect Him to do for us, but what He has been from eternity before we existed, and what He is now even if we were  not here to need Him, and what he will be forever whether that 'forever' includes us or not - it is that which captivates us and evokes from us the selfless offering of self in worship. That is pure adoration. Nothing less is worthy of the name."

What a transformation such thoughts have on both our prayer life and our worship. To begin each prayer expressing our adoration of our Heavenly Father. This not only is proper but has the power to transform our hearts from the self-centered lover of the gift to the other-centered lover of the giver.

Prayer Tip: A very helpful book that Jane Etter, our women's ministry director, introduced me to is called Disciplines for the Inner Life by Bob and Micheal Benson. It is a bit hard to come by but if you can get one I suggest you do it. It is broken down into 52 chapters (one per week) for the year and a different Scripture and meditation for each day in the week. It is different from most devotionals, however, in that it is really a worship guide with each days reading being broken down into 1) a prayer of invocation; 2) a Psalm; 3) a daily Scripture reading; 3) a selection for meditation; 4) a time of personal meditation; 5) a prayer; 6) a Hymn; 7) a benediction.

Prayer Reflections for Monday July 18

E.M. Bounds is one of the best known writers on prayer. Reflect on his thoughts about devotion and prayer:

"The very essence of prayer is the spirit of devotion. Without devotion prayer is an empty form, a vain round of words...Prayer must be aflame. Its ardor must consume. Prayer without fervor is as a sun without light or heat, or a flower without beauty or fragrance. A soul devoted to God is a fervent soul, and prayer is a creature of that flame." 

Listen to the consuming devotion of the Psalmist in Psalm 63:

              ¹ O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you;

                        my flesh faints for you,

as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

                ²        So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,

beholding your power and glory.

                ³        Because your steadfast love is better than life,

my lips will praise you.

                ⁴        So I will bless you as long as I live;

in your name I will lift up my hands.

                ⁵        My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,

and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,

                ⁶        when I remember you upon my bed,

and meditate on you in the watches of the night;

                ⁷        for you have been my help,

and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

                ⁸        My soul clings to you;

your right hand upholds me.

                ⁹        But those who seek to destroy my life

shall go down into the depths of the earth;

                ¹⁰        they shall be given over to the power of the sword;

they shall be a portion for jackals.

                ¹¹        But the king shall rejoice in God;

all who swear by him shall exult,

for the mouths of liars will be stopped." 

 

What a pleasure it is to be able to pray to the one who has captured our hearts with his love. May our devotion be ever growing and manifest in a prayer life that is aflame with our passion for Him and His will.

Prayer Tip: I spoke Sunday about setting aside specific times of prayer and make them a part of your life rhythm. One way to do this is to follow a long standing Christian tradition of having a time of morning prayers, mid-day prayers, and evening prayers. I find it helpful to focus on the character and nature of God in my morning prayers. This gets my attention flowing in the right direction to start the day. One way this can be done is to read a psalm and on a sheet of paper list if there are any of the following: a characteristic of God revealed, a work that God displayed, and/or a promise that God that has been made. Then pray in view of these. What a great way to better understand God, the object of our devotion.

Note: This blog is a follow-up from a Sunday morning sermon at Snohomish Community Church. I will be posting a blog a day on prayer and a prayer tip from July 18-22.