Purpose and Procedure



   Spiritual goals are wonderful! And by "spiritual goals," I don't just mean the overall mission of witnessing, helping people see God's goodness and seek Him; but specific objectives that accomplish that. Like raising a certain amount of funds for a program, or finishing a tangible project. The absolute fact that God will use these things to save people, and to build up His eternal kingdom is an awesome thing, and it's such a blessing that He's given us all a way to participate.
    But at the same time, it can be stressful, right? Because such a potentially powerful final result takes a lot of work, often a long process, and when working through that long process, there's plenty of time to worry about messing something up. We know ourselves way too well to expect that we'll do a perfect job. Yet we--at least, I assume most people--stress about the concept of risking the final result by human error.
    But a few weeks ago at a Bible study, I heard something that really blows this kind of worry out of the water. It's a simple reminder of something we already know, really: God is with us, so what we do in ministry isn't all in our hands because the Lord guides us in the process! His Holy Spirit is stated to be the One who "bears witness" (1 John 5:6), He's called the "Helper" who will abide with us (John 14:16), and there are verses all through Proverbs where it's stated that God is the one who guides our steps (like 3:5-6, 16:3, and 16:9). The Lord has promised to never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), so naturally that must mean He won't leave alone in good work either. He'll help us be strong and encouraged to complete the work He's given us to accomplish!
    So the ultimate purpose and the procedure of a ministry-related goal is safely in God's hands, just as we are; isn't that a relief? :)

A.W. Tozer: "To Be Right with God"



This is kind of what it can feel like when one tires to contribute
God's truth into a discussion.

"To be right with God often means to be in trouble with men."

~A. W. Tozer

    It's good to live life walking in God's ways. Believing His truth, we have peace and joy; staying away from things and practices He warns us of, we have safety; and in developing godly attributes (like love, patience, and faith), we have a full, productive life. Following God's will is good, both for us and for those around us.
    But we all know that living for God isn't a bowl of ice cream. We still go through problems that other people experience (though the Lord leads us out of them with far more peace), but more than that, we face problems that come because we choose to live according to the Lord's will.
    Like sharing the gospel, for example. That's good news (it's the message that God loves everyone and offers salvation from sins based on pure grace!), but in this world, it's not very acceptable to say that the gospel of Christ is absolute truth. Or that certain sinful practices are wrong. Just mentioning Christ in a conversation with friends can prompt them to walk away, or pretend to ignore you and keep talking about their own philosophy. And it's not just talking about spiritual matters, but sometimes just obeying God's commandments can get us in hot water--like refusing to join everyone else in approving of an ungodly practice. Following God's way instead of the often-popular sinful ways can get us glares, it can get us shunned, and in a lot of places, it can get us harmed or even killed.
    But doing what God says is right doesn't only get us in trouble; it's not merely some unpopular thing that we have to do. Doing God's will--hearing and obeying the things He teaches us--is a good thing to do. It's what's right because it's truth, and because the Lord is our God, our Creator and our Redeemer. He has always done the right thing, and His kind wisdom deserves to be harkened to.
    Plus, obedience is pleasing to the Lord (1 Samuel 15:22). And doing what's right in His eyes when it means losing approval from others is like making a sacrifice for Him, showing Him that He means more to us than being accepted by society. And I think that makes Him very, very glad.
    That makes a loss of temporary popularity worth it, don't you agree? Have you ever had a moment where you had to pay a costly price for doing what God says is right?

Albert Einstein and Science and God

 

"The more I study science, the more I believe in God."

~Albert Einstein

    Science is so epic.
    It not only shows what exists, but how it exists. And it pairs up so perfectly with the Bible, which not only states what exists, but also why it exists.
    It drives me nuts when people try to say that science disproves God's existence, because when one really looks into it, they can see that the exact opposite is true! God's fingerprints are all over creation (Romans 1:20 says that this in itself is enough for a person to believe He's real). Plus, science (and archaeology, studies of history, and the Dead Sea Scrolls) not only shows that our faith in Him isn't completely blind, but seeing things like laminin and the creative design of genetic coding is sort of comforting. It's a reminder of how intricately thoughtful God is, and how much consideration He's put into making us and everything else.
    Books/articles/documentaries that talk about how science supports (not contradicts) God's word are the best! Some of my favorite books about God and science are Evolution Exposed by Roger Patterson, and the Case for books by Lee Stroble. There are also some really great articles on this website called godandscience.org.
    Do you have a favorite concept/fact about God's hand in science? Or a quote? Please feel free to share in the comments section! :)

Some Thoughts on the Book of Jeremiah

    I've been reading the book of Jeremiah in the Bible lately. Fifty-two chapters seemed like a lot at first, but it's gone by surprisingly quickly.
    And man, is it an interesting read! A divine call, prophecies about an invasion, prophecies about the Messiah, various reigns of kings, betrayal, promises of redemption. These are just a few major things about the book, and there are lots of others as well.
    -Jeremiah himself is an interesting factor to begin with. Sometimes called "the weeping prophet," we get to see other shades of his personality and his emotions as he goes through a 20+ year-long ministry. He grieves for his nation, yearns for his people to turn back to the true God, but he also gets really angry once or twice when persecutors seriously wound him. But even when he seems to be seething with humiliation and pain, he doesn't lose his temper at the people or yell at God. Instead, when he goes to the Lord with his problems and pain, he respects Him and asks for help (Jeremiah 18:18-20 and Chapter 20 are some instances of this). It's a nice example to follow, taking our problems calmly and faithfully to the Lord, "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NKJ).
    -The way God protects Jeremiah and the few people who help him is also a really cool thing to consider. Basically everyone in the country had him in their crosshairs; rulers, religious leaders, even his own neighbors. Jeremiah's life was threatened numerous times, he was thrown into prison for a crime he didn't commit, and he almost starved to death there. But throughout it all, he lived. And so did Jeremiah's scribe Baruch (Jeremiah 45:5), and Ebed-Melech, the man who saved Jeremiah's life by getting him out of a waterless cistern (Jeremiah 39:18), because God was protecting each of them. I just think it's a really great reminder of how He protects and guides us through whatever craziness we might face in life.
    -It was also very enlightening how the book of Jeremiah talks about what happened after the Babylonian invasion. It explains why the remnant that was left behind and their descendants weren't around when Zerubbabel and the people he led came back to the land. The after-invasion chapters also show what happened to Jeremiah after his immediate prophecies came to pass, which answers a couple other questions.
    -And of course, there are a lot of good verses in this book. Personally, Jeremiah 1:5, 1:8, and 20:9 in particular stuck out to me. They're beautiful statements that comfort and inspire, and encourage us to keep witnessing for the Lord.
    What do you think of the book of Jeremiah? Is it your favorite of the prophecy books in the Bible?

William J. Toms: the Only Bible Some People Ever Read

 

"'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father in heaven.'" Matthew :16 (NKJ)

 

"Be careful how you live; you will be the only Bible some people ever read."

~William J. Toms

    This quote is right on! Living with care, following Christ's examples and exhortations, living a godly life; it's a great witness that can show people how awesome and strengthening it is to have a relationship with the true and living God. It can show them a different picture of Christianity than what they might have heard.
    In addition to doing good, however, I think it's also very important to take the next step and actually tell people about Jesus. An act can speak paragraphs, but actually saying the words ensures that the true message gets across. Someone just being impressed with how "good" we are doesn't mean that they understand that God is the one who causes the good in us. They've got to actually hear the explanation in order to understand the meaning of the act; right?
    Words and action. They're good on their own, but together they're complete.
    Have you ever heard William J. Toms' quote before? What do you think of it?

Following the Leader

    There's a verse in the Word that says we as believers are "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20, NKJ). An ambassador is a representative of something--usually a nation. Our being called to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ means that we're supposed to be living representatives of Him, showing the world what God's character is like and how He leads us.
    Man, can saying that be a lot easier than doing it.
    It's not impossible. But hasn't everyone had one of those moments when they've wanted to give a rudely sarcastic person a piece of their own medicine? Or just frown--dare I say glare?--at someone when they're behaving disrespectfully and obnoxiously? It's not righteous to do those things, but the temptation's like a massive itch on the inside. And the fact that lots of other people around us and characters in books and movies lash back at offenders doesn't really help either.
    But the fact is, Jesus Christ didn't do those kind of things. He lived a completely righteous life, speaking and behaving peaceably. He selflessly healed countless people when He had to have been getting tired, had patience with His disciples when they made mistakes, and at His crucifixion . . . He let people insult Him, slander Him, and even hit Him, but He never hit back. He never got bitter. He didn't get into arguments with every person who hurled an insult at Him. He held back His power and never lost His temper. And that takes an immeasurable amount of strength to do.
    Along with His pure words, His conduct speaks volumes of righteousness, forgiveness, and genuine love for humanity. So in conclusion, as representatives of Him, it'd be extremely wise to look at Him and follow His example. To do as Paul suggested in 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJ): "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."

A Few Thoughts On Joseph

    The story of Joseph (the son of Jacob, not the husband of Mary) is a really fascinating one. It's got brotherhood, betrayal, integrity, righteousness, faith in God, an incredible rise to power, forgiveness, and peculiar dreams.
    Said dreams, at first, didn't seem to bring their bearer, Joseph, much good. The first two times he talked about them, he was scolded by his family, his brothers became bitter against him, and they eventually sold him out--literally. Then he ended up in prison interpreting the dreams of prison mates. He had to tell one that he was going to die, and when he asked the other to have someone get him out of prison, he was completely forgotten.
    Then, two years later, he was called up by the country's ruler to interpret his dream. And immediately, Joseph went to do it.
    Which seems incredible considering what had happened to him so far. There were so many things that could've kept Joseph from speaking.
    Fear of something bad happening, for example--this was the ruler of the land; if Joseph did something wrong or even just offensive, he could be executed. Then there was the possibility of bitterness--it's so tempting to be angry when you've been kicked more than once. Joseph also must have been plagued with doubts at some point--his initial dreams about wheat sheaves and the lights in the sky hadn't come to pass yet, after all.
    Fear, bitterness, and doubt. All of these things are powerful motivations to keep quiet. So why did Joseph take the risk? Why did he dare to speak of dreams again?
    In Genesis 41:16 (NKJ), Joseph tells the Pharaoh that: "'It is not in me: God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.'" He understood that God was the one who gave him any wisdom in anything--that He was the one who gave him dreams and interpretations of them. Joseph also believed that God had put him there in that situation and that God had given him things to say of dreams.
    He had faith that God had given him the gift and was willing to risk his life on it--and he was not only righteous in doing so, but right. Since Joseph didn't succumb to fear, bitterness, or doubt, God used him to save more than one nation from a severe famine. He used the situation to give Joseph authority and to reunite him with his family in forgiveness.
    So among being a story of integrity, righteousness, coming to power, and faith, the story of Joseph seems to also be a story of using the gifts that God gives, even when it has a cost.
    Genesis has so many awesome stories like this. Isn't it cool? Which story in Genesis is your favorite?

Psalm 105:1

 

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples."

Psalm 105:1 (NKJ)

 

    In other words: praise the Lord, rely on Him, and talk about Him to other people.
    All are vital and wonderful things . . . though the last one can be really difficult sometimes, can't it? Talking to people about Jesus, telling them that God loves them. Risking being rejected and annoying the person you're trying to help.
    But speaking out is specifically what God has told us to do. And even if someone rejects God's word initially, it doesn't mean s/he won't be open to it later and remember the message they first heard.
    Being shy can make talking to people difficult, especially about such an important topic. But the Lord is with us; it's His Holy Spirit who gives us the words to say; and even if people reject us, He won't. He will give us the strength, faith, and the words we need to say just the right thing.
    Hope you have a wonderful week! :)

Out Of The Comfort Zone

 

    No one would voluntarily slap the palm of their hand onto a burner they know is piping hot, right? Of course not; because it would hurt--a lot. And not a lot of people would agree to walk across a tightrope over a canyon unless they're incredibly daring and well trained. It's a proven fact of life that most people do not do things that cause them discomfort unless they absolutely have to. It's not often that someone voluntarily chooses to leave their comfort zone.
    We're safe in the comfort zone. A person is in their element there, and can usually predict what's going to happen. There are no unpleasant surprises and no serious risks. Outside of the comfort zone is the unknown--which can sometimes be really frightening.
    But there are also adventures out there. Thrilling ones well worth having. Often in life, God beckons us out of the comfort zone to take us on journeys like these. To help us grow and to do awesome things. Sure, there might be some unpleasant dips in the road, but as long as God is guiding you, there's going to be a good end.
    It could be small or something huge. Reciting a speech in front of a group of people, or going on a mission trip. But whatever it is, as long as the Lord is by your side, things are sure to be great!

Psalm 46:1-3

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah."

Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJ)

Jeremiah 1:8

"'Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,' says the LORD."

Jeremiah 1:8

    I can't be the only one who's afraid of making people angry with my words, right?
    Surely it's understandable. People are not pleasant when they're angry, and when that unpleasantness is directed towards you, it's not fun. At all.
    As Christians, we want to talk about God, tell people how wonderful it is to have a relationship with Him, and show them how to get saved. But when we do that, there's a real risk of being mocked, branded as narrow-minded, or of making that person really ticked off at us. Of course no one wants that to happen--so a lot of people are scared of mentioning God at all.
    But God encourages us and tells us not to be afraid. He is with us all the time, and He'll give us the right words to say. Sure, you might be put down or made fun of. But if someone listens and becomes interested in God as a result, isn't it totally worth it?