THANKSGIVING!

It was last year, around this time I was sitting in a rocking chair inside with a book looking out the window at the beautiful mountains of the great state of Colorado. I went to visit my Colorado family. Before we took part in eating, we had a time of worship and a devotional. I remember praying through the passage for the devotional. Exodus 15 came to the forefront of my mind.

1 "Then Moses and the people
of Israel sang this song
to the LORD, saying,
"I will sing to the LORD,
for he has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
2 The LORD is my strength
and my song,
and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him."
Exodus 15:1,2

Moses is responding with joy in triumph to who God is and how God redeemed them from the hands of the Egyptians. Moses was commission to go to Pharaoh. He felt he was unable so God said bring Aaron. Aaron will speak and I will speak to you. Moses went to Pharaoh to ask to let the Israelites go worship and every time Pharaoh said "No". Until the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh's heart was hard. Actually, even after the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh realized what took place and chased after the Israelites. God is at hand. God is their strength. God brought about victory as verse 1 states. In the second verse, not is God their strength and source of joy but of salvation. Because he rescued the Israelites from destruction, they praise Him. They praise Him. Through praise, they remember the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is true that God is and will always be. Let us exalt God and remember all that he has done for your father's.

19For when the horses of Pharaoh
with his chariots and his horsemen
went into the sea, the
LORD brought back the waters
of the sea upon them,
but the people of Israel walked
on dry ground in the midst of the sea.
20Then Miriam the prophetess,
the sister of Aaron,
took a tambourine in her hand,
and all the women went out
after her with tambourines and dancing.
21And Miriam sang to them:
"Sing to the LORD,
for he has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea."
Exodus 15:19-21

On Thanksgiving, remember all the things God has brought you through and remember all the people he has put into your life. The people who have spurred you on to faith and good deeds.

For those who are alone, I want you to know that God is ever present in your time of need. He is not far off, distant and apathetic.

My last bit of encouragement is verse 6 of Philippians:

do not be anxious
about anything,
but in everything
by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6

PERSONAL!

The news has been non-stop in regard to TSA rules and regulations. People have been complaining that this inspection is too personal or too invasive. They was even a report of a guy who wet himself during this process. Honestly, who is this comfortable with a complete stranger in the manner of the photo above?

To make this scene more uncomfortable, you are being set aside for security reasons.

In truth, I am not sure how I would respond to this sort of security but the outcry is clear. Too personal! It is distressing.

People need comfort. The comfort can come in the form of law or in another person. Comfort is necessary due to the stress of being personally offended even afflicted.

Paul in his second letter to the church of Corinth in chapter 7 expresses this comfort.

I am acting with great
boldness toward you;
I have great pride in you;
I am filled with comfort.
In all our
affliction, I am overflowing
with joy.
- 2 Corinthians 7:4

Overflowing with joy. When our bubbles are burst or when our personal comfort zone is infringed upon, do we respond with joy?

Paul continues to speak of the comfort that was brought to him.

He says God is the one who comforts and provided the comfort of sending Titus. Titus came with a message of longing and mourning. Essentially, the church is bearing the weight of the ministry and would love to see him again. Paul rejoices because of them and their repentance, not his affliction. Even in his affliction, he is other focused.

He speaks of godly grief and defines it.

9As it is, I rejoice,
not because you were grieved,
but because you were grieved into repenting.
For you felt a godly grief,
so that you suffered
no loss through us.
10For godly grief produces
a repentance that leads to
salvation without regret,
whereas worldly grief produces death.
2 Corinthians 7:9,10

Paul says godly grief produces a repentance (a change) that leads to salvation without regret. The word in the ESV is regret. The root word is ametameletos. It means not repentant of, unregretted. It is only used twice in the New Testament. In this passage and in Romans 11:29. This verse could be rendered. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation affording supreme joy.

Joy. Joy even amongst sorrow.

EARNED!

This past weekend TNT was showing Saving Private Ryan and The Patriot. I call those justice movies. Movies like Braveheart and Gladiator would be included as well. I have seen the movie Saving Private Ryan several times but I never grasped the final battle until now.

Throughout the movie Tom Hanks plays the captain and in the middle of the movie is rationalizing death and life of his fellow men. This is the night they were explaining the mission. A profound statement was said that the man is the mission. Captain went on to say that he better cure cancer and do something great. He said that because essentially he is risking his life for the life of another man. That was the mission.

The image above is the final scene where Captain Miller and Private James Francis Ryan meet on the battle field. Captain Miller's last words, "earn it."

For Christ also suffered once for sins,
the righteous for the unrighteous,
that he might bring us to God,
being put to death in the flesh
but made alive in the spirit,
1 Peter 3:18

He also came to call sinners to repent. To turn from a life that will bring separation from God. To turn to Him "...the Way, the Truth, the Life."

For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him should not
perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world
to condemn the world, but in order
that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:16,17

We have a Samaritan woman who comes to draw water in the middle of the day. Jesus ask her to give him a drink. She is confused because his a Jew and she is not. Beyond the confusion, He tells her about her past and that a time is coming when worship will not be geographical. A time when worshipers will worship "...in spirit and in truth."

The woman leaves and tell the town to come see Jesus. The town's people response to the woman.
They said to the woman, "It is no longer
because of what you said that we believe,
for we have heard for ourselves,
and we know that this is indeed
the Savior of the world."
John 4:42

Again in John 12.

If anyone hears my words and does not keep them,
I do not judge him;
for I did not come to judge the world
but to save the world.
John 12:47

We are enemies of God because of sin. Sin separates us from God because God is holy.

He is the propitiation
for our sins, and not for
ours only
but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:2

I love the word propitiation. It is not a theological term that only theologians should know. It means the wrath of God the we are suppose to receive because we have sinned against a Holy God is put upon Jesus.

In this is love, not that we have
loved God but that he loved us
and sent his Son to be the
propitiation for our sins....And we have seen and testify that
the Father has sent his Son
to be the Savior of the world.
1 John 4:10,14

When Captain Miller said "earn it," to Private James Francis Ryan he remembered that until the day he died. The next scene in the movie shows him and his family. He was uneasy in bringing his wife, children and grand-children. A now older James Ryan cries to his wife and asked her if he was a good man. He wanted to earn it.

Jesus's last words.

I thirst.
John 19:28

It is finished.
John 19:30

THREE DOCTORS!

His name is Carlos (not real name). He received his doctorate of medical practice over in Cuba. He is very articulate. He finished the top of his class. He has a sub-specialty as well. This same man is working as certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the United States.

Is there a digression of profession?

Fundamentally no, no one is over-qualified to work. He understands that he needs to feed his family when they came to Florida. His understanding brought about a great deal of humility. It is hard to realize the complexity of that decision without further knowledge of the closed door.

I bring up Carlos because I confess I was rude and uncaring. I was playing "gatekeeper". Also, I asked him who sent him and when did our ADON call. He answered both questions wrong, which I proceeded to tell him of that fact. For some even with the wrong information I still made the walk-in arrangement. After the meeting, I received his resume and saw all of the above listed facts. I can only think of humility and/or humiliation.

And being found
in human form, he humbled himself
by
becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:8

I understand Carlos is not Jesus. It takes humility in form to go from a physician to nurse aide.

His name is Paul. He received his M.D. in South India. He is a missionary, specifically medical missions. He explained to me all the missionary journeys he has been on and how to evangelize to Hindus. He explained the differences between north and south Indian food. He even showed me how to start a church overseas. In the way he explained it, it take years of serving the community before you build a building. Serve the community until they ask why.

9 Therefore God has highly
exalted him and bestowed
on him the name
that is above every
name, 10 so that at
the name of Jesus
every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11

Therefore, Jesus in his obedience was exalted. Exalted above every name. He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus echoes this in John 17.

1 When Jesus had spoken
these words, he lifted
up his eyes to
heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come;
glorify your Son that
the Son may glorify you,
2 since you have given
him authority over all flesh,
to give eternal life
to all whom
you have given him.
3 And this is eternal life,
that they know you
the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you
have sent. 4 I glorified you on
earth, having accomplished the work
that you gave me to do.
5 And now, Father, glorify me
in your own presence
with the glory that I had
with you before the world existed.
John 17:1-5

Paul continues his admonition to the church of Philippi after talking about Jesus in his humility was given full authority. He speaks to the church in regard to their obedience. In the open statement to the beloved he speaks to their integrity of heart then to their integrity of behavior in the world.

12 Therefore, my beloved,
as you have always obeyed,
so now, not only as in my presence
but much more in my absence,
work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling,
13 for it is God
who works in you,
both to will and to work
for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without
grumbling or questioning, 15 that you
may be blameless and innocent,
children of God without blemish
in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation,
among whom you shine as lights
in the world,
16 holding fast to the word of life,
so that in the day of Christ
I may be proud that
I did not run in vain or
labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be
poured out as a drink offering
upon the sacrificial offering of your faith,
I am glad and rejoice with you all.
18 Likewise you also should be
glad and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2:12-18

Dr. Babu Paul was helpful in having me see that we are to be lights in the world. There are times when may want to complain like an Israelite but remember you want to do all things for the glory of God. You want to help the sick. You want to help the poor. You want to, not have to.

Luke as Colossians 4:14 says, "Luke the beloved physician..." wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Luke and the book of Acts. We have an observation by the physician in Luke 5.

27 After this he went out
and saw a tax collector named
Levi, sitting at the tax booth.
And he said to him, "Follow me."
28 And leaving everything,
he rose and followed him.


29 And Levi made him a great feast
in his house, and there was a
large company of tax collectors
and others reclining at table with them.
30 And the Pharisees and their scribes
grumbled at his disciples,
saying, "Why do you eat and drink
with tax collectors and sinners?"
31 And Jesus answered them, "Those who are
well have no need of a physician,
but those who are sick.
32 I have not come
to call the righteous
but sinners to repentance."
Luke 5:27-32

Don't play gatekeeper for the True Physician.

Send the sick and faint of heart to the True Physician.

Don't let the religious company distract you from the Beauty of Jesus Christ.

ANTICIPATION!

It was great. I found out that Jason Upton was coming to Fort Lauderdale. I have been listening to his music exclusive for 9 months straight. I bought my tickets online in June and was anticipating the tickets would be sold out.

The concert was held at the church called, "Church of the Healing Rain." The church is fairly small looking on the outside and looking from the perspective of going to a church that has over twenty thousand people. The people were friendly but that is not why I went there. I was ready. I purchased my ticket in advance. Finally, the time came as I walk into the sanctuary that Jason Upton walk out on the stage toward his Korg piano. There were a total of 4 on the stage. A drummer, electric guitarist, bass and Jason Upton on the keyboard.

I couldn't help it. I couldn't help but to cry through the first song. I was trying to understand such great emotion that came over me. Was it the anticipation has finally settled? Was it that my favorite song was played first? Or was it the feeling of expectancy in the room that brought me to tears?

"Jesus wept."
John 11:35

Jesus is expressing a feeling. Not only did Jesus weep, but he was hungry and thirsty and tired. Yes, Jesus is the one mediator between God and man. Jesus.

"When Mary came to
the place where Jesus
was and saw Him,
she dropped down at His feet,
saying to Him, Lord,
if You had been here,
my brother would not have died."
- John 11:32

Martha in verse 21 said the very same thing. Martha heard directly from Jesus that he is the Resurrection and the Life. That your brother will rise and not when you anticipate. Martha is the one that tells Mary the Teacher is close and is asking for you. Mary proceeds "...if you had been here, my brother would not have died." It is important to get into the scriptures and feel how Mary and Martha are feeling. It is a sober setting. Sober due to death of a brother. Sober due to expectations of Jesus not being there. Just a thought, there is probably disbelief that he actually died considering the nature of the relationship with Jesus.

"Jesus wept."
John 11:35

Then.

"The Jews said,
See how [tenderly] He loved him!
But some of them
said, Could not He Who
opened a blind man's eyes
have prevented this man from dying?"
John 11:36,37 AMP

I was always told that Jesus wept because of the unbelief of the people present. The Scriptures need to take complete and utter precedence over what scholars, theologians or anyone thinks. In verse 37, we have a peculiar question.

Could not He Who opened a blind man's eyes have prevented this man from dying?
In KJV, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man would not have died?

When some of them said, could not this man, the greek word is houtos. Literally, meaning this. Houtos is used in both instances of this verse. Meaning some of them, are questioning Jesus's authority to heal the blind man. Furthermore, if Jesus really did open the blind man's eyes then Lazarus would not have died. How audacious? If I understand that question correctly, some of the Jews are question Jesus Christ, their coming Messiah, who is right in front of them and yet did not believe.

The occurrence of the man who was born blind is in John 9. The Jews did not see again what was right in front of them. I have always pondered their unbelief. Did they anticipate a different coming?

Jesus wept.

I wept because people in the room at the Jason Upton concert anticipated not a man playing guitar but another opportunity to worship God, this time in song and dance.


Believe God to do great things because He is God, not houtos.

TEMPLATE!

The image above is a piece of a whole template. The template I had ready access to is now in full display at cccfau.org. I find this template compelling due to the simplicity of color and of design. The attraction is the piece displayed above. I love that image. Slightly cloudy, emphasis on slight, and white light beaming through. In all of creation, I look for the evidences of grace. I seek out those things that bring glory to God or speak of His nature.

The image above is a piece of a whole template. There are times when we see the surface of an image but miss the texture. The characteristic appearance of the surface are Campus Crusade for Christ At Florida Atlantic University. Campus Crusade for Christ at FAU is a piece of a whole university.

The beauty of a piece or being apart of a whole template is that you have access to the whole. As a disciple of Christ and fellow member of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12), we have full access because of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our whole template. His birth, sinless life, humble death, glorious return on the third day and ascension to the right hand of the Father.

14For he himself is our peace,
who has made the two one
and has destroyed the barrier,
the dividing wall of hostility,
15by abolishing in his flesh
the law with its commandments and regulations.
His purpose was to create
in himself one new man
out of the two,
thus making peace,
16and in this one body
to reconcile both
of them
to God through the cross,
by which he put to death their hostility.
17He came and preached peace
to you who were far away
and peace to those
who were near. 18For through him
we both have access to the
Father by one Spirit.
Ephesians 2:14-18

One of my favorite New Testament books to read again and again is the book of Ephesians. Chapter 2 is probably my favorite chapter in that book. Paul continues in the first three chapters reminding them of the mystery of the gospel which is revealed in chapter 3. But in chapter 2, he reminds them of their position. That they were dead as dead dead.

"4But because of his great love for us,
God,
who is rich in mercy,"
Ephesians 2:4

Then continues an exposition on God is the one who raised Christ, God is the one who gives the gift of faith; and God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus which God again did in advance. Verse eleven has a "therefore" taking into consideration the previous context and bringing it together with division that current Jews and Gentiles have. Now Jesus's blood is what brings us near. Which leads to our passage, Christ brought us together. Christ reconciled a relationship that can only be repaired with perfection.

The beauty of template is that a foundation is already laid.

19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens,
but fellow citizens with God's people
and members of God's household,
20built on the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself
as the chief cornerstone.
21In him the whole building is
joined together and rises to
become a holy temple in the Lord.
22And in him you too are
being built together to
become a dwelling in which God
lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22

Let us remember, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is beautiful. It is where we receive joy and joy only comes from the Lord. Praise God for laying the foundation. Praise God for knowing ALL the details.

UNKNOWN

In the past week, I have been doing research on a health complications my dad is having at the moment. One thing that still remains from my research is that because the cause is unknown so also is the prevention unknown.

Even though there is active research, there are still no known causes. I have been reading through Ephesians and Colossians. In Ephesians 6 starting at verse 19 through 24.

19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
21Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
23Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Ephesians 6:19-24

Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus. In the last chapter, he talks about obedience then the full armor of God. That is where we start.

Paul says whenever he opens his mouth he wants to boldly make known the mystery of the gospel. In Ephesians 3, Paul expounds upon the mystery in verse 6.

6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

For this gospel, the gospel that breaks that dividing wall of hostility, the gospel that has a chief cornerstone, the gospel that has Gentiles as heirs together with Israel and the gospel for which Paul is willing to die for not on the testimony of others but himself.

To be known by Christ.

14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Because the cause is known, so also is the prevention.

This photo is called old and new. This photo reminds me of Paul's second letter to the church of Corinth.

Therefore if anyone
is in Christ,
he is a new creature;
the old things
passed away;
behold,
new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Paul is encouraging the church by literally saying as a matter of fact that the old has passed away factually (parerchomai) and now is new or recently made or fresh or recent or unused or unworn.

Now all these
things are from God,
who reconciled us
to Himself through Christ
and gave us the
ministry of reconciliation,
2 Corinthians 5:18

It is all about Christ and that he gave us the ministry or service opportunity of exchange. Ministry is service. It is one who executes the commands of others. That is the ministry Christ gave us. Other centered focus on bringing people to Jesus.

namely,
that God was
in Christ reconciling
the world to Himself,
not counting their trespasses
against them, and He has committed
to us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:19

Twenty-Five!

Finally, I can rent of car and not pay the 25 and under fee. I will have lower car insurance, unless I get in an accident to raise my monthly rate. If I did not get any of those benefits, it does not matter. I am breathing. I thank God for breathing.

I started the day of my birthday with a Destiny(niece) on my chest then blessed me with vomit to the shirt. A wonderful big breakfast. I went to the park with my family. Relaxed until it was time to go to Hannah's graduation. After the graduation, it was a great time of food, fellowship and exhortation.

Leading up to May 22, I was reflecting on this verse.

A good name
is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death
better than the day of birth.
Ecclesiates 7:1

This verse as well:

A good name
is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is
better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1

TICKET!

Raffles always are popular at work because the ideal of a chance to win motivates the staff to participate. Raffles remind me of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. I was humming the song I've got a golden ticket. I was skipping around going to drink out of an endless fountain of milk chocolate or at least in my head. It is funny how simple things like a raffle could bring such joy.

In reflection about joy, The church of the Thessalonians comes to mind.

16Be joyful always;
17pray continually;
18give thanks
in all circumstances, for this
is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Paul gives the church final instructions. In verse 16, it is a command for them to rejoice exceedingly. Even in the midst of suffering.
6You became imitators of us
and of the Lord;
in spite of severe suffering,
you welcomed the message with
the joy given by the
Holy Spirit. 7And so you
became a model to all the
believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
8The Lord's message rang out
from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—
your faith in God has
become known everywhere. Therefore we
do not need to say
anything about it,
9for they themselves report what kind of reception
you gave us. They tell
how you turned to God
from idols to serve the
living and true God,
10and to wait for
his Son from heaven,
whom he raised from
the dead—Jesus, who rescues
us from the coming wrath.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10

In verse 17 and 18, again, Paul is commanding them to pray (in all circumstances which includes suffering) and to give thanks, for thelema - the purpose of God or of what God wishes. So we give thanks for God sent his one and only Son to pay the penalty of sin. Because of sin the wrath of God is on you, which is why Jesus is our Propitiator.

I am reminded of this church because I was frustrated this morning at work but God used this ticket for me to give thanks. I was given a monotonous task was writing each staff member on a ticket. About halfway through, my boss says not to waste a ticket so write the names on both the top and bottom. She had no idea where I stopped to go to write on the bottom but God did. So, I wrote start at the beginning with a new set of names and literally when I finished the list every employee was counted for without waste. The tickets evened out without my counting them or anything. They evened out and I just laughed because certain tedious task frustrate me. Opening up envelopes and writing down someone's else name, do not ask why.

LAMENT!

The dictionary states that Lament is a cry of sorrow and grief; to express grief verbally and a mournful poem.

I reading through Lamentations currently and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I had some introductory hurdles but God got me through those opportunities. The book is still a little difficult to grasp considering the context as a whole.

One of my favorite passages is Lamentations 3:24-26 but the whole chapter of three is solid.

I say to myself,
"The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for
him." The LORD is good to those
whose hope is in him, to
the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:24-26

After careful reading, chapter 3 of Lamentations really captures the whole book. You have desolation, destruction, desert, and defilement in this book and in this chapter. Now, we know that all this happen as a result of disobedience. The best place that really encapsulates Israel's disobedience and the outcome is Deuteronomy 28:15-68.

In the first portion of the this chapter, we see the confusion, frustration and curses. In the latter portion we are reminded that the Lord is gracious and compassionate.

Deu 4:31 KJV - (For the LORD thy God [is]
a merciful God;) he will not
forsake thee, neither destroy thee,
nor forget the covenant of thy fathers
which he sware unto them.

Deu 4:32 KJV - For ask now
of the days that are past,
which were before thee,
since the day
that God created man upon the earth,
and [ask] from the one side of
heaven unto the other
, whether there hath been
[any such thing] as this great thing [is],
or hath been heard like it?

Deu 4:33 KJV - Did [ever] people hear
the voice of God speaking out of
the midst of the fire,
as thou hast heard, and live?

Deu 4:34 KJV - Or hath God
assayed to go [and] take him
a nation from the midst of
[another] nation, by temptations,
by signs, and by wonders,
and by war, and by a mighty hand,
and by a stretched out arm,
and by great terrors,
according to all that the LORD your God
did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Deu 4:35 KJV - Unto thee it was shewed,
that thou mightest know that the LORD he [is] God;
[there is] none else beside him.

Deu 4:36 KJV - Out of heaven
he made thee to hear his voice,
that he might instruct thee:
and upon earth he shewed
thee his great fire;
and thou heardest his words
out of the midst of the fire.

Deu 4:37 KJV - And because he loved thy fathers,
therefore he chose their seed after them,
and brought thee out in his
sight with his mighty power out of Egypt;

Deu 4:38 KJV - To drive out nations
from before thee greater and mightier
than thou [art],
to bring thee in,
to give thee their land
[for] an inheritance,
as [it is] this day.

Deu 4:39 KJV - Know therefore this day,
and consider [it] in thine heart,
that the LORD he [is] God in heaven above,
and upon the earth beneath: [there is] none else.

Deu 4:40 KJV - Thou shalt keep therefore
his statutes, and his commandments,
which I command thee this day,
that it may go well with thee,
and with thy children after thee,
and that thou mayest prolong
[thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee,
for ever.


Let us lament. When we lament, it brings about a needed repentance and exaltation of our Great, Compassionate And Awesome LORD GOD.

CAREER?

I want to preface before I continue writing this blog.

Preface: In preparation to write this blog, I have read Working For God by Andrew Murray and the scriptures extensively.

This post has come out of several conversations with friends and even for myself I want to biblical go through this topic. Also, I remember listening to a chapel services from Dallas Theological Seminary on this very topic.

I want to pose a theme question. Can you work a career(job) and fulfill a calling at the same time?

You may read this and automatically say "yes!" I think the question is simplistic in nature but very complex because we need a proper definition of career and calling.

Career connotes objects of authority. When I think of a career, I think of one's occupation as defined by the dictionary. Another definition would be "a general progression of your working or professional life." When I think of career think of choice. You choose to receive training in this area and now you need "dadada (drumroll please)" experience. You work on experience to enable yourself to manage those with no experience some designated time in the future.

Is that it? Is there no more to working in a career than that? Not trying to demean the process but doesn't a follower of Christ live for more than that. Now, I do want to state that the work itself can be done to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,"

A career has objects, A calling has an object.

In the 27th chapter of Working for God he says, "The gospel never takes away anything from us without giving us something better in its stead. It meets the desire for riches by the command to be rich in good works. Good works are the coin that is current in God's kingdom: according to these will be the reward in the world to come. By abounding in good works we lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Even here on earth they constitute a treasure, in the testimony of a good conscience, in the consciousness of being well pleasing to God (1 John 3) in the power of blessing others."

Titus 2:14 - who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Calling.

John 1:12 - But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

When I think of calling, I think of life and the "Christian" answer Jesus giving His life for me. I think of the everyday of life, though. Calling does not have words like retirement. Your calling is a lifelong endeavor for the glory of God.

Andrew Murray spoke extensively about good works and the first passage of scripture that comes to mind is James 2:14-26 for me.

James 2:26 - For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

I do not like sharing stories of myself but I am qualify because that is what I am about to do. My very first job out of college that I took with a temporary mindset and the job was only temporary to me. Before I continue, when I say temporary I mean ready to leave and go do something else. I will perfect every task but I know this job has a definite end date. Initial it was in hopes to go overseas with the Peace Corps which requires a hard-earned Bachelor's degree. This job, however, does not need a degree. By definition, I would be over-qualified to work. I began to question statements or phrases like over-qualified, thank God it is Friday t.g.i.f, the weekend is almost here, or my favorite phrase when things are slow is to not say that it is slow. Who is over-qualified to work? Why thank God only for Friday? What happens when the weekend comes? What happens when you say it is slow or fast and how does that change the pace of work that is already taken place and will continue? Maybe, I have too much time on my hands to think about those kind of questions. Are those questions not valid, though?

If I can work, I work with all of my heart. Colossians 3:23,24 - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
If I can give thanks, I thank God in unceasing reverence. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
If I can have weekends, I want to look for the opportunity to rest. I want to look for the opportunity to find solitude in Him. All the instances of Jesus withdrawing from the crowds and even the apostles. Here is one instance, Matthew 26:36-39 - Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray." And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."

A career can only fill. A calling fulfills.

Do what you are called to do not what you are supposed to do.

I hope that answers the theme question.

Jason's Video

Anxious

Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak at Carmen's class on the Life of Christ. I enjoy studying the Bible and going to the root words. I am one of those people who constantly tweak and the presentation is never good enough. Of course, I ask myself, "what does 'good' enough really mean?"

If I believe that it is the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that transforms lives then it is not a matter of 'good' or 'bad' because God is at work. I am there to proclaim, to herald that Gospel.

There is an element of respect for time. So, I agonize over the time frame by which I am allotted to herald. I over-prepare because it is easier to take information out then to add it in after the fact. In my preparation, I do not put in jokes or examples yet examples come out and depending on the subject matter there could be appealing commentary.

I was thinking about this anxious and agonizing process. It is probably human nature that or at least I know my personality is wanting everything thing to be done perfectly. I understand that the work that we do because the people are the church not the building is an act of worship to God.

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6,7"

In light of Philippians, Paul is saying to be anxious about nothing. He is imperatively saying be anxious about nothing. He is encouraging his brothers and sisters who are his joy and crown.

Paul setup this verse in verse 5.

"Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]." - Philippians 4:5 (Amplified)

I can't help not but to obey and not be anxious considering that as we are lights in the world. Let all men know, perceive, and recognize your unselfishness, your consideraness, and another word used is gentleness.

I love those words because it involves the fruit of the Spirit. And I end with Galatians 5:22-24

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

Powerpoint For Engage 2-18-10

Also, Here is the .pdf link.
Bible Document

Balance

When I do something, I do it with all of my heart. I am a natural zealous person for topics of that keep my attention. Not that I need much to keep me occupied but the principle stands true that when I am captivated I am full on passionate. I had some great advice given recently. I will summarize in my own words. I am the kind of person that wants to dive in and look into the Greek and Hebrew. Just going deep. I want so desperately for all those in my influence to go deep.

Yes, going deep is vital and exhorting our brothers and sisters in the faith to run that marathon is vital. It is also vital understand those under your care.

It is a balance of presenting the Word of God exegetically while not presenting the Scriptures in a way that can not be replicated/duplicated to instill confidence in the believer. Now, I understand that God is sovereign, eternal, everywhere and everything is in His grasp by a spoken word.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14

Jesus came full of grace and truth. That literal perfect balance.

When given the opportunity to speak, I am aware that "yes" the Gospel is Good News and it is hard.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

I herald with the passion God has given and pray that He instills a confidence to stand firm on the Word.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1,2

This Is The Post I Made On The Trinity

ENGAGE!: Conversation with Victor / Update #3 / Follow-up

Zeal

Lately it feels like I have been talking about zeal with guys. Also, that is one of the things that from what I am told guys see in me and want to be around.

A desperate zeal for God and the things of God.
A strong zeal for hatred of sin.

As I am blogging I recount the passage in the Gospel of John.

John 2:17 - His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."

G2205 - zēlos
excitement of mind, ardour, fervour of spirit

The context in the Book of John 2, Jesus finished performing His first Miracle. The Water into Wine and in John 2:11, "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." Then Jesus goes from a Wedding to The Temple and found those selling oxen, pigeons, sheep and money changers.

I have always heard that this is the example of righteous anger or How to Properly Turn Tables. Ruminating currently, this passage could be put into words close to my heart an example of issues to wage war over and actively over zealously make things right for the Kingdom of God.

So, when Jesus goes to Capernaum stays a few days then to Jerusalem where the Passover is at hand. I have some keywords that I pull from John 2:13-17

* In verse 13, we know as believers that Jesus is 100% God, some would use the word divine, and 100% man. Because He is God, He knows the hearts of men and knows what awaits Him in Jerusalem yet He still goes in order as we later see to fulfill the scriptures. I love those lines like "according to the scriptures." In verse 13 alone, I see obedience and humility.

* In verse 14, we have observation. Not just observation... but observation of a problem and verse 15 is the solution. I love all throughout scripture that God uses questions to engage humanity to delve deeper but here we have right-standing reaction.

* In verse 15, In the previous paragraph I stated right-standing reaction and proper use of non-verbal communication.

* In verse 16, we have verbal communication and excommunication of those who are violating His Fathers House.

* In verse 17, I see remembrance of the Scriptures Psalms 69:9. I remember conversation I had with professors and I remember them saying that the twelve apostles were the New Testament. In that remembrance that the fervour is consuming.

Zeal. Let us be zealous of God and for the things of God. Let us have a zeal for hatred of sin (singular!).

I appreciate all the comments. I did not do a typical exposition. I wanted to keep the context of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ zeal for His Father's House.

Does God Hate Haiti?

I was going to write something talking about the sovereignty of God and how He loves his lost sheep. I was going to write that the problem is sin not voodoo magic and deals with the devil. Then I read Dr. Mohler's article and I do not need to add anything so here is the link Does God Hate Haiti. I know it is two weeks later but people still have reservation due to aftershocks that are now happening.

Blessing And Favor,
Lonzo