I have had the blessing of traveling around the world and have met many Christians. When meeting with a person who speaks another language there can be barriers. I have learned, however, that there are two words that are the same in all languages: Amen and Hallelujah. Both of these words are transliterated from the ancient Hebrew into NT Greek and, as far as I know, every other language. We can draw a comfort from hearing these commonly used God-words. Just as in the natural, I feel a warmth when I see a McDonald's in a foreign land, I am encouraged when I hear Amen or Hallelujah. At a McDonald's I know that I can order the same sandwich or coffee that I can have anywhere else in the world. those golden arches offer me a sense of stability and continuity. Hearing Amen or Hallelujah tells me that I am among friends who share the same faith and values of all believers around the world.
Amen means truth. Often it is translated as "truly", "verily", or "so be it." II Corinthians 1:20 and Revelation 3:4 say that Jesus is the Amen. He said Himself that he is the truth. Even McDonald's changes its menus Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever(Heb. 13:8). Jesus said, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free". To know Christ is to know the truth incarnate. "In the beginning was the word(logos: meaning logic, reason, or truth) and the word was with God and the word was God. All things were made by Him and nothing was made that was not made by Him...and the word became flesh and dwelt among us"(John ch. 1). We are set free from sin to become what we are meant to be when we embrace the one who is the Amen.
Knowing the Amen leads us to shout "Hallelujah!", which means "praise the Lord" The word is found almost exclusively in the Psalms and Revelation, associated with singing. Christians all over the world sing because they are free. We are created with a need to worship something and the only one really worthy of worship is the living God. One day(and even now) there will be a great multitude in heaven singing, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; because His judgements are true and righteous; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bondservants on her." ' And they said a second time, "Hallelujah! Her smoke rises up forever and ever." 'And the twenty-four elders and the living creatures fell down and worshiped God who on the throne saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!"..."Hallelujah for the Lord Almighty reigns"(Rev. 19:1-6)
When my team wins a game all the fans sing of the victory with great enthusiasm: "Hail to the Redskins, Hail victory! Braves on the warpath, fight for old DC!" When I join with true believers around the world we sing of the victory won for us by the Savior. We sing with enthusiasm, maybe in different languages: "Hallelujah, thine the glory, Hallelujah, Amen.!" And our victory is not a game. Our victory is a win over death. It is the victory of Truth and Life.
Amen! Hallelujah!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
The Security of God
Read Psalm 91
Psalm 91 is one of my favorites and I often claim it for myself. Our security, whether spiritual, physical, or emotional comes from God. The person and work of God's Son, Jesus Christ promises those of us who trust Him protection from ultimate harm. This Psalm answers three critical questions about our security.
The first question is, "Who?"
That is the most important one, because someone can promise security but may not have the willingness or ability to carry it out. The One promising our security is "The Most High" or the God above all Gods. He is "Almighty" which means that God intervenes with saving power when our strength is gone. Think here of the death of Jesus for our sins and his subsequent resurrection for our life. He is "LORD" which tells us that He is our promising God, the One who loves us and has and always will exist. He is "God" which, in the Hebrew is a plural word reminding us of His three-fold nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Second question is, "What?
He brings us protection from the "fowler" or trapper which represents human-made destruction. We have security from "pestilence" which is illness. We are free from "fear". He brings us protection from "destruction" which stands for natural disasters. Vs. 13 reminds us that even the Devil himself cannot ultimately harm us. Notice that the Psalmist makes these claims while he must realize that destruction and disaster are all around. We cannot know why some apparently bad things happen to us but we ought to base our faith and our prayers on what God promises us and leave the results up to Him.
Question three is, "How?"
"His Faithfulness is a shield and bulwark." We can depend on the truth that the LORD is true to His word. His faithfulness reminds us of God's perfect and unchanging character. We can find shelter under His wings. His angels also keep us from all sorts of disasters and difficulties. We are then called to have faith in who God is and what He promises to us. Our faith is expressed in our testimony(vs. 2), our rest in Him(vs. 9), our love for Him(vs. 14), and our calling on Him(vs. 15).
Actually all we have that is good is found in Him. The Apostle Paul talks often about all the blessings that come to the one that is "in Christ". The life comes those of us who are living in Christ is forever and we will see His salvation(vs. 16). Just like creation, God's security is clearly visible--only now it is by faith.
Psalm 91 is one of my favorites and I often claim it for myself. Our security, whether spiritual, physical, or emotional comes from God. The person and work of God's Son, Jesus Christ promises those of us who trust Him protection from ultimate harm. This Psalm answers three critical questions about our security.
The first question is, "Who?"
That is the most important one, because someone can promise security but may not have the willingness or ability to carry it out. The One promising our security is "The Most High" or the God above all Gods. He is "Almighty" which means that God intervenes with saving power when our strength is gone. Think here of the death of Jesus for our sins and his subsequent resurrection for our life. He is "LORD" which tells us that He is our promising God, the One who loves us and has and always will exist. He is "God" which, in the Hebrew is a plural word reminding us of His three-fold nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Second question is, "What?
He brings us protection from the "fowler" or trapper which represents human-made destruction. We have security from "pestilence" which is illness. We are free from "fear". He brings us protection from "destruction" which stands for natural disasters. Vs. 13 reminds us that even the Devil himself cannot ultimately harm us. Notice that the Psalmist makes these claims while he must realize that destruction and disaster are all around. We cannot know why some apparently bad things happen to us but we ought to base our faith and our prayers on what God promises us and leave the results up to Him.
Question three is, "How?"
"His Faithfulness is a shield and bulwark." We can depend on the truth that the LORD is true to His word. His faithfulness reminds us of God's perfect and unchanging character. We can find shelter under His wings. His angels also keep us from all sorts of disasters and difficulties. We are then called to have faith in who God is and what He promises to us. Our faith is expressed in our testimony(vs. 2), our rest in Him(vs. 9), our love for Him(vs. 14), and our calling on Him(vs. 15).
Actually all we have that is good is found in Him. The Apostle Paul talks often about all the blessings that come to the one that is "in Christ". The life comes those of us who are living in Christ is forever and we will see His salvation(vs. 16). Just like creation, God's security is clearly visible--only now it is by faith.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Hooray for Jesus
We seem to be living in more and more in a narcissistic society. A good example of the "it's all about me'
generation we are experiencing is the applause people are now giving to themselves. You see it with guests on TV shows, athletes, celebrities and politicians all clapping for themselves when introduced or saying or doing something significant. Now everyone enjoys being praised but in past times the recipient would acknowledge the applause graciously or with a "who me?" attitude. There are examples in the Bible where someone was regarded as a god and often paid the price for such folly and pride. The good examples are of those like the angel who told John in Revelation not to bow down to him for he said that he was a creature just like John.
Those of us who pour the praise on others without pointing out God's role in it all are helping the push for a 'ME" society. It seems to be all about human accomplishment with little or no glory going to our Creator. A better attitude is found in a very flawed man named David. He looked up into the vast sea of stares in the mighty universe and said, "what is man that Thou takest thought of Him?" Why should God even care about us--especially since we seem to not care about Him. David was a flawed man but he had a heart for God. And when the Messiah came he would be called, "the Son of David" which was quite an honor. This Son of David was the Son of God--He was Jesus and yet, even he said, 'I can do nothing on my own but only what I see the Father doing.
It turns out that God is a self-giving person. And since we are made in his image we are called to be selfless.
And by the way, have you noticed that Cheerleaders don't lead cheers anymore(in High School anyway). They call attention to themselves and they cheer. Rarely do they actually lead a cheer! I turns out that the real cheer leaders are the one who we are supposed to be cheering for. You can see them on the field or court waving their arms imploring the fans to cheer them.
All I can say is, "Hooray for Jesus!"
generation we are experiencing is the applause people are now giving to themselves. You see it with guests on TV shows, athletes, celebrities and politicians all clapping for themselves when introduced or saying or doing something significant. Now everyone enjoys being praised but in past times the recipient would acknowledge the applause graciously or with a "who me?" attitude. There are examples in the Bible where someone was regarded as a god and often paid the price for such folly and pride. The good examples are of those like the angel who told John in Revelation not to bow down to him for he said that he was a creature just like John.
Those of us who pour the praise on others without pointing out God's role in it all are helping the push for a 'ME" society. It seems to be all about human accomplishment with little or no glory going to our Creator. A better attitude is found in a very flawed man named David. He looked up into the vast sea of stares in the mighty universe and said, "what is man that Thou takest thought of Him?" Why should God even care about us--especially since we seem to not care about Him. David was a flawed man but he had a heart for God. And when the Messiah came he would be called, "the Son of David" which was quite an honor. This Son of David was the Son of God--He was Jesus and yet, even he said, 'I can do nothing on my own but only what I see the Father doing.
It turns out that God is a self-giving person. And since we are made in his image we are called to be selfless.
And by the way, have you noticed that Cheerleaders don't lead cheers anymore(in High School anyway). They call attention to themselves and they cheer. Rarely do they actually lead a cheer! I turns out that the real cheer leaders are the one who we are supposed to be cheering for. You can see them on the field or court waving their arms imploring the fans to cheer them.
All I can say is, "Hooray for Jesus!"
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Where Is God?
A few days ago I attended a funeral of a man who had been a great asset to our local community. He truly had been a fine man with a servant's heart. The funeral service lasted over an hour and a half. Eight different speakers extolled the wonderful qualities of the deceased and praised his selfless service to others.
Everything the speakers said was true but I had a terrible feeling that something was wrong. We were, after all, in a church. We had listened to and sung some moving hymns. Yet, on and on, the eulogies went; praising human accomplishment(though well deserved) without any mention of God. Something was terribly wrong with this picture. Finally, the pastor began to speak. At first I thought it was going to be the same litany we had been hearing. Then he said that this man who had meant so much to his family, friends, and community, had expressed his faith in God. There it was! He had faith in God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the one who deserves the praise. All that my friend accomplished pales in comparison to his faith in Christ. As a matter of fact, it was his faith in God that caused him to be the man that he was. Why did it take so long for the mention of God to show up in the eulogies? I don't know the answer to that question but I can say that this funeral service stands for me as a parable of many Christian lives(I'm sorry to say that it has been my life all to often). We tend to compartmentalize our lives. God has His place but it is not first place. We have a relationship with Him and not a moment by moment one.
I really believe that this man had a good relationship with God and is now in heaven. I just wish that fact had been mentioned more often in his funeral. Maybe we all need to have a little more God talk in our words. And I can surely say that I need to keep up my daily commitment to Christ, making sure that I am focusing on Him and serving Him. My friend's life of service is one that I want to emulate. But most of all, I want that service to issue out of a sincere personal relationship with the living God.
Everything the speakers said was true but I had a terrible feeling that something was wrong. We were, after all, in a church. We had listened to and sung some moving hymns. Yet, on and on, the eulogies went; praising human accomplishment(though well deserved) without any mention of God. Something was terribly wrong with this picture. Finally, the pastor began to speak. At first I thought it was going to be the same litany we had been hearing. Then he said that this man who had meant so much to his family, friends, and community, had expressed his faith in God. There it was! He had faith in God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the one who deserves the praise. All that my friend accomplished pales in comparison to his faith in Christ. As a matter of fact, it was his faith in God that caused him to be the man that he was. Why did it take so long for the mention of God to show up in the eulogies? I don't know the answer to that question but I can say that this funeral service stands for me as a parable of many Christian lives(I'm sorry to say that it has been my life all to often). We tend to compartmentalize our lives. God has His place but it is not first place. We have a relationship with Him and not a moment by moment one.
I really believe that this man had a good relationship with God and is now in heaven. I just wish that fact had been mentioned more often in his funeral. Maybe we all need to have a little more God talk in our words. And I can surely say that I need to keep up my daily commitment to Christ, making sure that I am focusing on Him and serving Him. My friend's life of service is one that I want to emulate. But most of all, I want that service to issue out of a sincere personal relationship with the living God.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Happy Birthday, America
This month we are
celebrating America’s
Birthday. A lot of people think that the
USA
is in trouble and on decline. They point
to the economic woes, the corruption in government, the moral decay, and many
other reasons that indicate we have seen our best days. It may be for me, wishful thinking, but I do
not agree. I certainly see all the
negative things going on, especially the moral decline, but I still think we
are a good nation that God will still bless.
If I am wrong and the
doomsayers are right, it’s OK. Of
course, I hate it for my children and grandchildren but my citizenship is not
in this world. Believers in Christ are
citizens of Heaven(Philippians 3:20). I am glad and proud to be an American but my
hope and destiny is in a more lasting Kingdom(see Hebrews 11:8-16). Abraham looked forward to a city with eternal
foundations whose builder and maker was God.
And because He longed for a heavenly homeland, and lived as a nomad on
earth, God is not ashamed to be called his God.
Wherever Abraham went
he tried to make his world a better place.
But He knew where is really belonged and never gave up on it. If the USA and all of the west should
suffer decline the church will still be here and Jesus will still be the King
of Kings. I want to be the best American
I can be. I love my country. But I belong to Jesus Christ and my ultimate
allegiance is to Him and His Kingdom, It
only would have taken 10 righteous people in Sodom from being destroyed. I believe that we have enough righteous people to keep us
safe.
If we are diligent to
do what we can for America
our grand kids will enjoy a wonderful nation.
May it be. Let it be. Dear God,
let it be.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Citizenship in Heaven
Pastor’s Heart
This month we are
celebrating America’s
Birthday. A lot of people think that the
USA
is in trouble and on decline. They point
to the economic woes, the corruption in government, the moral decay, and many
other reasons that indicate we have seen our best days. It may be for me, wishful thinking, but I do
not agree. I certainly see all the
negative things going on, especially the moral decline, but I still think we
are a good nation that God will still bless.
If I am wrong and the
doomsayers are right, it’s OK. Of
course, I hate it for my children and grandchildren but my citizenship is not
in this world. Believers in Christ are
citizens of Heaven(Philippians 3:20). I
am glad and proud to be an American but my hope and destiny is in a more
lasting Kingdom(see Hebrews 11:8-16).
Abraham looked forward to a city with eternal foundations whose builder
and maker was God. And because He longed
for a heavenly homeland, and lived as a nomad on earth, God is not ashamed to
be called his God.
Wherever Abraham went
he tried to make his world a better place.
But He knew where is really belonged and never gave up on it. If the USA and all of the west should
suffer decline the church will still be here and Jesus will still be the King
of Kings. I want to be the best American
I can be. I love my country. But I belong to Jesus Christ and my ultimate
allegiance is to Him and His Kingdom, It
only would have taken 10 righteous people in Sodom from being destroyed. I believe that we have enough righteous people to keep us
safe.
If we are diligent to
do what we can for “American we can do, our grandkids will enjoy a wonderful
nation. May it be. Let it be. Dear God, let it be.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Abba, Daddy and Phil Mickelson
Jesus called His heavenly Father, "Abba"(Mk. 14:35) Abba is best translated into English as "Daddy". Obviously, Jesus had a special relationship with His "Daddy" that they both enjoyed from all eternity.
The amazing thing is that the Bible tells us that we also can refer to God our Father as "Abba. Daddy." We read in Romans 8:14 that we have received the Spirit of Sonship "And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" What does this mean? Well, for sure, it means that we can also have an intimate personal relationship with God. He is awesome. He is Holy. He is Other. He is Almighty. But He is also the believer's Daddy. But we also have all the rights and privileges that come with being a son of God. We learn in Romans 8:17 "Now if we are children, we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ..." That really says it all!
Because of God's love and the sacrifice of His Son we have all the rights and privileges of a child of God.
Apart from God, there are no perfect fathers. There are some men who express very well what God the Father is like. One of those fathers is the golfer Phil Mickelson. Several years ago he was expecting his first child while playing in the U.S. Open which he had never won. He told his wife to call him when she went into delivery and he would walk of the course, even if he was in contention, and come home. The baby was born the day after the tournament and Phil lost by one stroke. Fourteen years later that baby girl was graduating from middle school. Phil was going to be won the favorites to win the 2013 U.S. Open in which he had finished second five tines but still never won. With the tournament to begin on Thursday in Philadelphia, Phil was in California on Wednesday night to see his daughter graduate. After the ceremony he took the red eye back to Philly just in time to play in the Open. The tournament ended on Fathers' Day and it would have been a perfect ending had Mickelson won. Unfortunately he barely missed winning again.
I am sure Phil Mickelson is heart-broken But he has already shown the world and his family what his priorities are. Yes, he wanted to win one of the few titles he has never won. But his family clearly comes first. He gets my vote for Father of the Year. He demonstrated to his daughter that she is loved and he will always be there for her. He has also(perhaps unwittingly) demonstrated the how our Heavenly Father cares about us. God loves us and is always there for us.
I am sure that after Phil gets over this tough loss, he will realize that he is really considered a great man, which, for sure, trumps being a great golfer. He should know that he has encouraged all of us and reminded us of a God who loves us enough to make the ultimate sacrifice for us.
The amazing thing is that the Bible tells us that we also can refer to God our Father as "Abba. Daddy." We read in Romans 8:14 that we have received the Spirit of Sonship "And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" What does this mean? Well, for sure, it means that we can also have an intimate personal relationship with God. He is awesome. He is Holy. He is Other. He is Almighty. But He is also the believer's Daddy. But we also have all the rights and privileges that come with being a son of God. We learn in Romans 8:17 "Now if we are children, we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ..." That really says it all!
Because of God's love and the sacrifice of His Son we have all the rights and privileges of a child of God.
Apart from God, there are no perfect fathers. There are some men who express very well what God the Father is like. One of those fathers is the golfer Phil Mickelson. Several years ago he was expecting his first child while playing in the U.S. Open which he had never won. He told his wife to call him when she went into delivery and he would walk of the course, even if he was in contention, and come home. The baby was born the day after the tournament and Phil lost by one stroke. Fourteen years later that baby girl was graduating from middle school. Phil was going to be won the favorites to win the 2013 U.S. Open in which he had finished second five tines but still never won. With the tournament to begin on Thursday in Philadelphia, Phil was in California on Wednesday night to see his daughter graduate. After the ceremony he took the red eye back to Philly just in time to play in the Open. The tournament ended on Fathers' Day and it would have been a perfect ending had Mickelson won. Unfortunately he barely missed winning again.
I am sure Phil Mickelson is heart-broken But he has already shown the world and his family what his priorities are. Yes, he wanted to win one of the few titles he has never won. But his family clearly comes first. He gets my vote for Father of the Year. He demonstrated to his daughter that she is loved and he will always be there for her. He has also(perhaps unwittingly) demonstrated the how our Heavenly Father cares about us. God loves us and is always there for us.
I am sure that after Phil gets over this tough loss, he will realize that he is really considered a great man, which, for sure, trumps being a great golfer. He should know that he has encouraged all of us and reminded us of a God who loves us enough to make the ultimate sacrifice for us.
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