I will not be blogging in 2012.

I will be praying for you. Pray for me as I seek a new direction from the Lord. I'm retiring from the Army on February 15. I'll be spending some time re-orienting and discerning God's call for the second half of my life and ministry! Thanks for the privilege of sharing my thoughts from the Scriptures. Keep seeking His kingdom, Mike

Dressing for a wedding

The Bride of the Lamb will be dressed in fine white linen representing her righteous acts (Rev 19:8) We should live like we’re preparing for the wedding. We must be diligent to present ourselves “without spot or wrinkle” on that coming day. The fine white linen is also our uniform. We will be clothed in white as we ride in the ranks behind Jesus when he comes to battle the devil and reign over the earth. (Rev 19:14) Is your uniform “squared away?” As a bride prepares for her wedding; as a Soldier prepares for inspection, so we must live in preparation for the coming day! Thank you Jesus that your robe is dipped in blood that my robe may be white.

Disappointing delusions

The world’s systems are treacherous. They cannot trust one another. In the end they will implode and consume one another (Rev 17:2, 16). If the world cannot trust itself, far be it from me to put my faith in Babylon. While it may give its adherants temporary ease, prosperity and luxury it cannot be relied upon for eternal things; security, significance, and salvation. I must not sell myself to the corrupt system. Rather, I must rely completely on Christ since he alone is trustworthy.

Arm yourself for this purpose

At long last His kingdom will come. Christ will return with salvation, authority and power. (Rev 12:10) However, things will get worse before they get better. Terror will come to the earth and sea for the devil will be thrown down to us in great anger, knowing that his time is short. (Rev 12:12) This calls for endurance. No one knows the day or the hour that Jesus will rescue his people. (Mat 24:36) Some are destined for prison, sword, and persecution. (Rev 12:9-10, 14:12) Your faithfulness now is indicative of your faithfulness then. He who is faithful with a little will be faithful with much. (Luk 16:10) Now is the time to train yourself in godliness (1Ti 4:7-8)

Wooing and warning

The Revelation is a bitter-sweet book. (Rev 10:9) On the one hand we see the fulfillment of God’s mysterious plan and the redemption of his people. (Rev 7:14) On the other we see the judgment of those who refuse to repent even in the face of supernatural wrath. (Rev 9:20) While I long for the day when God will glorify his people and restore his creation, I know that it must get much worse before it gets better. Revelation is a complicated book with a simple message: God is going to judge. Repent and receive his grace and mercy while time remains. Though the book is filled with judgment, it’s purpose is redemptive.

The indirect pursuit of happiness

The Lamb who was slain receives a seven-fold reward (Rev 5:12). This perfect reward includes power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing. These are all the things that man pursues by his own means at the expense of his brethren. They are not inherently evil, but man commits evil in his lust for them. Jesus’ shows us that these things are given by the Father. They are not to be pursued directly. Rather, they are a reward for obedience and sacrifice. Reward is gained through stewardship, not human strength and strategy. Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust can destroy (Mat 6:20).

We can do better

Early in the church’s history false teachers taught that we should take advantage of God’s grace to do the sinful things we want to do without repercussion (Jud 1:4). Jude had higher expectations of the church than that. He worshipped a God who is able to keep you from falling away and bring you into his glorious presence without a single fault (Jud 1:24). Many of us have become comfortable with our spiritual apathy and have decided to let nature take it’s course while relying on the grace of God. To those of us who have fallen into this trap the Jesus writes, “Remember your first love. Look how far you have fallen. Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.” (Rev 2:4-5) Some of us need to “dig deep,” and rediscover the joy of our salvation and the motivation to follow Christ, living as He did and doing the kind of works He did.

Ingrown churches

Many of our churches are focused on one personality. One pastor occupies the pulpit on Sundays and Wednesdays. We hear one perspective. While I understand the need for unity of command and a pastor who jealously guards his pulpit, this can become a problem. Diptrophes would not allow others to speak in his church and the Apostle John rebuked him for it (3Jo 1:9-10). The early church was less closed and less ingrown. John was preventing the evolution of a cult by demanding cross-pollination. Our churches should not be focused on a personality, but on the truth. We should all be familiar enough with the Scriptures that we can critically evaluate each message and correct any false teaching (Act 17:11). This might help our churches become more outwardly focused and less defensive.

How to spot a Christian

The truth about who you are is not what you believe about yourself, or even what you say about yourself. It is what you do. “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (1Jo 2:6) If you believe you are a Christian and you say you are a disciple you should live like Jesus did. The distinguishing characteristic of Jesus’ life was love. (1Jo 2:8) Therefore the church should be distinguished not only by what she believes and says, but more important, by what she does. Lord, show me how to love and lead your people into incarnational service so that we might reveal your glory to those who seek you.

The grace of suffering

Peter concludes his first letter with the assurance that suffering is a part of God’s grace (1Pe 5:12). Suffering makes us stronger. It gives us an opportunity to share in the ministry of Christ. It proves our faith. Trials indicate God’s confidence in us. Just as He did with Job, occasionally God says, “Have you considered my servant ______ (insert your name here).” He presents us as his champions, confident that we will prevail. We have the promise that “after we have suffered for a little while, He will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish” us. (1Pe 5:10). God grant you strength to endure the grace of suffering.

Captured by the enemy

“Abstain from fleshly lusts (worldly desires) which wage war against the soul.” (1Pe 2:11) I have often seen the ravages sustained by a heart captured by the world. I have seen men captured by materialism, immorality, ambition and competition. Women are deceived into living hollow lives when the world convinces them that external beauty is most important. (1Pe 3:3-4) Neglecting their inner beauty, in search of love, they go to great lengths to modify their external appearance. Hair, make up, jewellery, clothing, surgery, anorexia, bulimia, death. Beware of the world’s values. They lure you into a trap that results in captivity and estrangement from the kingdom that Christ desires for you. Avoid becoming a prisoner of the world rather than free in Christ.

Salvation appreciation

It is good to remember the fate from which Jesus saved us. What would your life look like without the grace of Christ? We lose the sense of relief, joy and resolve that we first experienced in Christ. The less we appreciate what he has done for us, the less we will be motivated to do for others. Peter reminds us of the magnitude of our salvation in 1Peter 1:1-12. Then he reminds us that this great salvation should result in sincere and fervent love for others (1Pe 1:22). Lord, restore to me the joy of my salvation and let your love flow through me to those around me.

Get a grip

Fatigue is a fact of life. Hence the Scriptures’ constant encouragement to endure. “Take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.” (Heb 12:12 NLT) The key to endurance is to rest and re-grip. The only way to be defeated in the Christian life is to quit. God allows time for rest, seasons of refreshment, reorienting. Take advantage of them. Then get another grip and drive on. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen. It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Heb 11:1,6)

Grace abuse

For a believer, there are not many acts more heinous than “grace abuse.” Grace abuse is the presumption of forgiveness with full intention of continuing in sin. Paul anticipated this problem and asked, “should we go on sinning that grace will abound?” His answer, “May it never be!” (Rom 6:1-2) The author of Hebrews tells us that if we deliberately continue in sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth there is no longer a sacrifice for those sins. (Heb 10:26) We have trampled on God’s Son and insulted the Holy Spirit. (Heb 10:26-29) We have used our blood-bought freedom as a covering for evil (1Pe 2:16). Does this mean the believer loses his salvation? I think not. I think he faces the earthly consequences of his sin even unto death (1Jo 5:17, 1Co 5:5). I think he loses heavenly reward due to his poor stewardship of God’s gifts (1Co 3:15) Christian, repent! There is much at stake. Don’t be satisfied to be saved “as through fire.” Rather, be diligent to make certain of your calling and election so that the entrance to the kingdom will be abundantly supplied to you. (2Pe 1:10-11)

Seminary of suffering

Jesus learned obedience through suffering (Heb 4:8). His learning was to qualify him as a faithful, empathetic High Priest (Heb 4:9-10). We too are priests in the order of Jesus. That is we represent the people before God and offer sacrifices on their behalf. In order to perform this role, we too must endure the seminary of suffering. Paul said that we “fill up that which is lacking in Christ’s suffering.” (Col 1:24) When you become a follower of Christ, you accept your role as a priest and therefore your appointment in the school of suffering.

Resting in the Lord

Resting in the Lord involves ceasing your own labor and relying on His work (Heb 4:10). However, this rest must be constantly guarded. We are continually tempted to go back to relying on our own works to save us. Scripture warns us to be careful that our own hearts are not evil and unbelieving. Rather, we are to encourage one another day after day to continue to believe and rest in the Lord (Heb 3:12-13). Resting in God does not imply inactivity. It means being occupied with God’s plan and purpose as opposed to our own. It is doing those “good works” which God planned beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10)

Letting go

As a parent there comes a time when you must let go of your children. A teacher must release his disciple. Paul was letting go of Timothy in his second letter to his spiritual son. His parting words are very instructive. “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witness entrust to faithful men who will teach others also.” (2Ti 2:2) “You know what I teach, how I live, my purpose in life, my faith, patience, love and endurance...remain faithful in the things you have been taught.” (2Ti 3:10, 14) “You have been taught the Scriptures from childhood...they are profitable for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.” (2Ti 3:16) Mark Harris sings it well, “Let my love give you roots and help you find your wings.”

Do gooders

Paul told Titus to teach people to “do good so they would not be unproductive.” (Tit 3:11) He told Timothy to instruct wealthy folks to use their money to “do good.” (1Ti 6:18). It is important that we program a habit of doing good into our lives. Rather than “random acts of kindness,” which are good, but, well, random...we should have a disciplined system of doing good. Is there something you volunteer to do regularly? Can you be counted on to be there? Do you take it as seriously as your job? Do you give to worthy causes systematically? Is a portion of your income dedicated to sharing with others? I encourage you (along with Paul) to build giving and serving into your regular habits (and you can still practice “random acts of kindness” too!)

The lost art of hospitality

The Scriptures put a high premium on hospitality. Paul said an elder must enjoy hosting people in his home (1Ti 3:2). Peter commanded, “Be hospitable without complaint.” (1Pe 4:9) Because of our increasingly independent and isolated society we are losing the art of hospitality. Having people in your home for longer periods of time fosters relationships that lead to encouragement and growth. It allows for a more natural transmission of wisdom by example. Spending a weekend with someone would be much more effective than preaching at them for an hour. I am considering the idea of hosting “mini-retreats” in my home. The concept would be to have two other couples over for a weekend of bible study, fellowship and fun. Pray for Kathy and me as we pursue this application of hospitality.

Be, know, DO

Paul said the purpose of his instruction was love. (1Tim 1:5) He warned that many would want to be teachers but would not understand what they are teaching (1Ti 1:7). Here again, we see an emphasis on doing rather than knowing. Paul clearly wants us to serve one another in practical ways, not just dole out high plane answers and Scriptural prescriptions. To the Corinthians he said, “If I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I’m a clanging gong...” (1Co 13) No doubt the Scripture is important, but none of us apply as much as we know. Really, we could spend our lives working on, “it is better to give than to receive,” or “love your neighbor as yourself” or “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Focus on doing, not just knowing!

Deceptive religion

Religion is a dangerous thing. We can be very religious and miss God’s will entirely. Faith without works is dead (Jam 2:14-17). Even devotion to the Scriptures can evolve into useless religion. James said, “Be doers of the word, not merely hearers,” (Jam 1:22) and “Let not many of you become teachers.” (Jam 3:1). Pure religion involves action. It is caring for people. (Jam 1:27) It is meeting practical needs in the name of Jesus. Those who have lived long in the faith understand this. They prove their faith by doing good works in the humility that comes with wisdom (Jam 3:13).

Where peace begins

What everyone really wants is peace. They may not be able to articulate it, but they are in search of peace of mind, heart and soul. Paul wrote that this peace is found only in Christ. In fact he gives us the practical steps to achieve it: 1) don’t worry, 2) pray 3) ask God for what you need 4) be thankful. (Phil 4:6-7) If we follow theses steps an inexplicable peace will guard our hearts and minds. During this season we may not be able to bring about “peace on earth,” but perhaps we can cultivate an internal peace that will bless those around us.

Fill up, pour out

Following Jesus means emulating his sacrifice. Giving yourself to others involves some inherent suffering. You cannot sacrifice unless you have something to give. Paul says that what we have to give is what Jesus gives to us; the encouragement, comfort and fellowship that are found in Christ and His Spirit (Phil 2:1) We are to fill up on the blessings of Christ and pour ourselves out for others. Nobody is going to choose to suffer without some promise of remuneration. Again, we follow Christ’s example. He was obedient to death knowing that his Father would reward him with a name that is above all names (Phil 2:5-11). Being a disciple of Jesus is to become a channel of blessing; receiving the spiritual resources to pour out on others in full expectation that God will refill and reward us.

Be different, make a difference

What distinguishes God’s chosen people? Happiness? Pride? Religion? Exclusiveness? No, none of these. Paul said that, as God’s chosen people, we should be merciful, kind, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving (Col 3:12-13). Now those are qualities that will set you apart from the crowd! Train these characteristics into your character and you will truly be distinct from those around you. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (Joh 13:35). Lord, make my life different from the the crowd and attractive to those who desperately need you. Use me as a lure to draw people to you.

The gift of loving

Loving people does not come naturally. It is a gift from the Holy Spirit (Col 1:8). We all have our quirks and foibles. If you are easily offended you will soon be driven from society. Loving people is choosing not to be offended, to forbear, forgive, give the benefit of the doubt (1Co 13). While extending maximum grace and latitude to those around you, you must do your best not to offend. You must abstain from demanding your rights and stating your opinions. It seems unfair, but that is what true love is; sacrificing yourself for others. You can only manage to pull it off by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The privilege of ministry

Paul had a keen sense of the grace of God in calling him to preach the gospel. It was his privilege to reveal the mystery and equip God’s people (Eph 3:8-9, 4:12). As such he sought to walk in a manner worthy of his calling so as not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:1, 30). Lord, revive in me the joy and privilege of ministry. Help me to carry out my calling in a way that makes you proud, gives me joy and benefits your people!

A reason for living

In Christ we have hope and worth. We have a hope of purpose in this life and reward in the next. We have worth in that we are God’s children; His inheritance for whom He has given His life (Eph 1:18). Hope and worth are critical emotional / spiritual needs for human beings. In recent years the Army’s suicide rate has been rising. Indeed, suicide has almost become a fad among young people. I’m convinced that people end their lives because they lack hope and worth. If you’re at the end of your rope and you just want to stop the pain, look to Jesus. In him your most critical needs are met. He came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly! (Joh 10:10).

Calm in crisis

The soldiers and sailors on the ship that bore Paul to Rome were in such crisis that they barely ate. Their lives had been in peril from a storm for two weeks. Paul was the calming voice of faith in the midst of the storm. He encouraged them to eat and assured them that they would not die (Act 27:33-34). We have all been in crisis. Perhaps you’re in one now. What a comfort to know that God is in control of the situation. Nothing happens unless he allows it. You will not die until He ordains it. And for believers, that is not the worst thing that could happen, for “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21) In the worst of times, listen to the calming voice of faith. He holds you in the palm of his hand (Joh 10:28-29). Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ (Rom 8:38-39).

Leveraging the law

Paul, when he saw that he was in peril of being turned over to the Jews, appealed to Caesar (Act 25:11). He often leveraged his Roman citizenship to preserve his life and advance the gospel (Act 22:28, Act 16:37). Some might think it would have been more noble for Paul to conceal his identity and rely on God alone, but God builds us into who he needs including arranging our citizenship. Nehemiah relied on the king for protection and provision (Neh 2:7), while Ezra chose to rely on God alone (Ezra 8:22). There is no shame in leveraging the worldly powers for the sake of the heavenly kingdom. It is a matter of personal conviction and God’s leading.

Religion gone wrong

One way to know that your religion is rotten is when it becomes exclusive. The Jews tolerated Paul until he mentioned that God commissioned him to carry the message of the Messiah to the Gentiles (Act 24:21-22). They had become ingrown, insecure and paranoid. Anytime religion develops an “us versus them” mentality it’s in trouble, not only spiritually, but practically. How will a movement grow if other are excluded? As Christians, it’s important to protect the orthodoxy of the gospel but not be limiting it’s dissemination. People will abuse the message (Corinthians, Galatians), but that is a risk God is willing to take. Our job is to spread the good news freely without regard to nationality, race, religion, gender or social status (2Co 5:19). Jesus is for everyone!

Simple message, lifetime of application

Paul had one message with three points: Repent, turn to God, have faith in Jesus (Act 20:21). That is simply stated but applied with great difficulty. We must overcome our natural tendency to rationalize and justify our sin and acknowledge our need for forgiveness. We must turn to God and away from the world, the flesh and the devil which constantly woo us with strong appeal and clever strategies. We must learn to trust Jesus as we follow his example of holiness, service and suffering. As a shepherd and guardian of the flock, I must continually emphasize this message in His blood-bought church (Acts 20:28).

The cure for immaturity

Paul grieved when his “children” wandered from the truth (2Co 11:4). He preached and prayed and served and sacrificed, but the more he loved, the less he was loved in return (2Co 12:15). We have all experienced this with our children or with someone we tried to help. The problem with children is that they are immature. It takes time and pain to grow up. Though it breaks a parent’s (or pastor’s) heart to see his children experience pain, it is part of the maturing process (2Co 13:9, 11). It is unavoidable. Don’t be surprised by suffering. Don’t let resistance dampen your faith. Don’t let it deter you from devotion to Christ.