American Dream Part 2
Just to refresh your memory, hermeneutics is the key to all studies.
The study of interpretation of the Bible; the study of the principles of Biblical exegesis
I believe this means, to take all of what the Bible references on a topic and interpret them in a fashion that is consistent with the theme and context of the word and the text. (And if it ain’t there, don’t say it is). The word exegesis means out of, not in to. What do I get “out of” what I read, not what can I read into what I read.
Member vs Membership
My references books for this next portion are Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, and the New World Dictionary, and, oh yes, the Bible, The New Analytical Bible, KJV, and the New American Standard Bible.
The New World Dictionary defines member in this fashion: 1. a part or organ of a human or animal body. 2. a part of a plant, considered with regard to structure or position rather than function. 3. a distinct part or element of a whole, of a mathematic equation, 4. a person belonging to some association, society, community , party etc.
Membership: the state of being, or status as a member, 2. members collective, 3. the number of members.
The New Analytical Bible’s definition of member: part of the body.
Membership: The New Analytical Bible does not contain the word “membership”.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Member: no definition is given; membership is not listed as a word used anywhere in the Bible.
The discussion should be over at this point, but I press on.
There are only three references in the Old Testament for the words member or members. There are thirty-four references in the New Testament for member or members. Most of the references are in Romans and I and II Corinthians
I have heard it said by many preachers that I admire, “Let the plain things be the main things and let the main things be the plain things”.
I truly believe that we are members of the body of Christ; all, at any time of history, from any point around the world, who have named the Name of Jesus as their Savior. Although there are many and very close similarities in the two words, the act of “becoming a member” or on a “membership role or list”, I do not believe it is a biblical idea, dogma or mandate. I am active in a local expression of the “Body of Christ” because He has placed me there. I am there for a reason, sometimes I know why and sometimes it is not revealed until I have been there for a “season”. That main reason for my being there is for “body building”, of which I wrote about in an earlier paper. It is not for my glory or my lording over others, I am part of the body and to glorify the Lord, no one is more important than any other as defined in I Corinthians 12, even the Pastor. We all just have different forms and functions. When did Paul, Peter, James or John really talk about becoming a member of a local body of Christ? All of their writings were focused on knowing Jesus and keeping the faith. They taught about the sovereignty of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. None of them talked about membership or being on a list. Other that Paul who told a church to put widows on a list in order that they would not be left out and not be properly taken care of.
If I come and declare my allegiance to a particular local gathering as to God’s calling of me to this body, is that not the same as “becoming a member”? Just to be put on a list and declared by others that they accept me as part of their “body or fellowship”, seems anti-climactic. If I give my time, talents, energy and tithes to this local expression of the body of Christ, and pray for its leadership, does that not mean I am a member of that local expression of the body of Christ?
This brings me to the next point of eldership and church government. I believe that an Elder led body is scripturally correct. A “voting membership” is not a biblical doctrine. Thus, why have a “membership role”? If I don’t “get to vote”, do I “get a say” in the issues that will affect me and my family? Then the question becomes, “Do the Elders (shepherds, pastors) know their “flock” well enough to lead or judge rightly, the condition of the flock and lead them in a correct manner? Do the shepherds move about in the congregation to touch, feel and sense the needs as a shepherd of a flock of sheep would do? Do the shepherds feel as though they are the “ones with the knowledge” and they alone know what God is doing? And that brings me to, are the shepherds not just a “part of the body”? And what part? Do they not need the other seemly members also, as described in I Corinthians 12? I have attended churches which had both typed of leadership and considered myself as a member of each body. Neither type has done a very good job of informing the members or asking for prayer about major issues and direction for the church.
I have been told by both types of leadership that “they considered me as part of the overall leadership team of the church” and yet, none of the “elders or pastor” have asked my thinking on any issue. And I had attended and been considered as a member for 10 and 20 years respectively.
We really do need each other! I guess I’ve just been around too long and seen too much in the “body politic” of many different churches, and the control of money, time and people. I have seen too many churches over the years that have used many different types of leadership and membership to not speak out.
Just an old man’s ramblings; what do you think?
Ron
reskewsquad.blogspot.com
Friday, July 16, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The American Dream and The American Gospel
Hermeneutics
The study of interpretation of the Bible; the study of the principles of Biblical exegesis
I believe this means, to take all of what the Bible references on a topic and interpret them in a fashion that is consistent with the theme and context of the word and the text. (And if it ain’t there, don’t say it is). The word exegesis means out of, not in to. What do I get “out of” what I read, not what can I read into what I read.
My writings come from a fertile and active mind. The inspiration comes from a variety of conversations, musings, or thought processes. All, to me, have a meaning and purpose in order to clarify a position or standard by which to live and conduct ones life.
Most of my writings will take a course like this; inspiration, thought, prayer, study and prayer. Then, after several days, when I have time, I will sit down at the computer and begin to write. Sometimes, as I write, even more thoughts and perspectives come to me. Sometimes, like now, my computer is doing crazy things and I will save what I have and shut it down and go back to bed. I do most of my writing between 2 and 5 AM. Which explains a lot, right?
All of my writings, as of late, are based on a Biblical doctrine (truth) and a belief that I hold because of study. What “bugs” me most, is the thinking today in the “church” (as a whole) is this “Americanized Gospel”, as if, “If works in America it will work anywhere”. For instance… the prosperity gospel or name it and claim it. Now if I take that topic and try to make it work in the rest of the world, the people in third world countries will be very disappointed in the outcome. Why? Because they have no financial means to start the process. But then, those proclaimers will tell them, “You don’t have enough faith”. Am I making sense or is it just the 3:30 AM blues?
In other words, I take what the Bible says to determine what I believe. I don’t take what I believe and find something in the Bible that sounds like that and make it fit. That’s where I’m going in this writing. Will, what I believe the Bible says; work, no matter where it is preached? Paul and the other Apostles wrote in the first century, we are reading it and living our lives according to it in the twenty-first century. Are we understanding it and living it as the Apostles wrote it? Do we let the Bible speak for itself, Genesis through Revelation, in context as God intended?
If King David had wives and concubines and Solomon did also, then doesn’t it seem right that I can do the same? I’m stretching to make my point. Many people say, “I think there is sufficient evidence to build my case”. I am into “Building the Body” (which is a previous writing) rather than “building my case” (which I am trying to do now). That is really not “my case”, but determining what the Bible really says about a topic.
To my main thesis for this writing….
The American Dream and The American Gospel
My Pastor inspired this part of my writing. How does the
“American Dream" fit into the “church”, or does it? Has the “American Dream” crept into the church and caused the “American Gospel”?
Peace and prosperity have become “by words” in the church today. America has lived in a time and place that supplies that type of “peace and security”. Thus, it only allows the church to slip, slide and relax into a false state of ease and comfort. And, if “you” are not in that place of ease and comfort, then there is something wrong with you.
Do you think “Christianly”? Do you live “Christianly”? Would you live the same way if you were a missionary in Thailand or in the Congo in Africa, or in China? How would your surroundings affect your thinking? Would you be more aware of you lack of food and water, “normal food and clean water”? Where would your “American” thinking be then? What is “normal” anyway?
Does normal depend on location and culture? I think it does. Thus, should the gospel become “normal” to fit the culture? As the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans, “may it never be”.
So then, my question to ponder is this, “Is it Biblical or is it Cultural”? Can you find, in a hermeneutical sense, reasons for why you live the Gospel the way you do? Do not stretch to find a few verses to meet your needs and discard the other verses that oppose your selected viewing area. My next question is this, “What will the “church” allow to come into their midst and take up a place of importance?
My daughter just emailed me a web link from a good Christian organization about “The Emergent Church” and asked what I thought? I’d like you to meet her sometime. She’s a thinker, she’s a studier of the Bible and she loves her dad. Anyway, I told her, The Emergent church is nothing new, it is just “repackaged” for the 21st century, and straight out of hell. If you’re not familiar… it’s a come as you are and we will not judge you, you’re just as good as we are and “I’m OK and so are you”. Yes, Jesus is cool, but we aren’t going to make you follow our beliefs or make you feel uncomfortable.
Back to my point… Is that thinking, “Biblical or Cultural”? From where I sit, it is not Biblical. Then there’s “tolerance”. Well, didn’t Jesus teach tolerance? With statements like, “I Am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by Me”. I say, no, He did not teach tolerance. Why do you think the middle-east has been torn apart for thousands of years? Why don’t the Muslim’s tolerate the Jews? Everyone asks the Jews to tolerate the “Palestinians’” and the Muslims, why does tolerance not work both directions?
Back to the Church….
I have a quiz I like to have people take which asks the question, “Is it Biblical or is it Cultural”? This quiz has about thirty questions. It has some silly questions like, Should the carpet in the sanctuary only be red? Try asking that question in a little village in a remote part of Africa that has dirt floors and a thatched roof. But some of the questions are ones that most Christian should not have trouble with answering, “Biblical”. Yet some miss those questions. Why???
1. They don’t know (read) the Bible to begin with
2. They have never been taught that they are responsible for their own growth.
3. They have been caught up in the rhetoric of easy believe’ism.
4. They have believed that they are Americans and the “bad stuff” is for those other people.
5. They have bought into the “American Dream in the American Church” syndrome.
6. They have never encountered the true Jesus of the Bible. The one who was a bloody mess from the beating. The one who hung on the cross in agony.
The American Dream has crept into the church and has distorted the True Gospel. In II Thessalonians 2:1-3, Paul tells it like this, “Now we request of you, brothers, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not quickly be shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by spirit or a message or a letter as if from us that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy (falling away) comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction”. The types of things mentioned above are just a few examples of that apostasy and the process by which the gospel has been altered. I could never understand how or why people could “walk away from Jesus”, but now I see more clearly that they never really “knew” Him. And this will remain one of the mysteries of the Bible, one of the things that only God knows; did they or didn’t they… but what if… I think they… they said… they came to church all the time…. But only God knows the heart of a man, and He will judge him rightly.
So then, have you been on the slippery path of the “Americanized Gospel”? Or, are you staying true to the Bible and its true teachings? Does a little buzzer go off in your head when you hear a Pastor or Preacher talk about the best way for you to become prosperous? If you’re sick and you Pastor tells you it’s your fault and if you only had enough faith, you wouldn’t be sick. Do you believe him?
I’m looking for someone to tell me how to become more like Jesus. How about you?
Ron
reskewsquad.blogspot.com
reskew@aol.com
Hermeneutics
The study of interpretation of the Bible; the study of the principles of Biblical exegesis
I believe this means, to take all of what the Bible references on a topic and interpret them in a fashion that is consistent with the theme and context of the word and the text. (And if it ain’t there, don’t say it is). The word exegesis means out of, not in to. What do I get “out of” what I read, not what can I read into what I read.
My writings come from a fertile and active mind. The inspiration comes from a variety of conversations, musings, or thought processes. All, to me, have a meaning and purpose in order to clarify a position or standard by which to live and conduct ones life.
Most of my writings will take a course like this; inspiration, thought, prayer, study and prayer. Then, after several days, when I have time, I will sit down at the computer and begin to write. Sometimes, as I write, even more thoughts and perspectives come to me. Sometimes, like now, my computer is doing crazy things and I will save what I have and shut it down and go back to bed. I do most of my writing between 2 and 5 AM. Which explains a lot, right?
All of my writings, as of late, are based on a Biblical doctrine (truth) and a belief that I hold because of study. What “bugs” me most, is the thinking today in the “church” (as a whole) is this “Americanized Gospel”, as if, “If works in America it will work anywhere”. For instance… the prosperity gospel or name it and claim it. Now if I take that topic and try to make it work in the rest of the world, the people in third world countries will be very disappointed in the outcome. Why? Because they have no financial means to start the process. But then, those proclaimers will tell them, “You don’t have enough faith”. Am I making sense or is it just the 3:30 AM blues?
In other words, I take what the Bible says to determine what I believe. I don’t take what I believe and find something in the Bible that sounds like that and make it fit. That’s where I’m going in this writing. Will, what I believe the Bible says; work, no matter where it is preached? Paul and the other Apostles wrote in the first century, we are reading it and living our lives according to it in the twenty-first century. Are we understanding it and living it as the Apostles wrote it? Do we let the Bible speak for itself, Genesis through Revelation, in context as God intended?
If King David had wives and concubines and Solomon did also, then doesn’t it seem right that I can do the same? I’m stretching to make my point. Many people say, “I think there is sufficient evidence to build my case”. I am into “Building the Body” (which is a previous writing) rather than “building my case” (which I am trying to do now). That is really not “my case”, but determining what the Bible really says about a topic.
To my main thesis for this writing….
The American Dream and The American Gospel
My Pastor inspired this part of my writing. How does the
“American Dream" fit into the “church”, or does it? Has the “American Dream” crept into the church and caused the “American Gospel”?
Peace and prosperity have become “by words” in the church today. America has lived in a time and place that supplies that type of “peace and security”. Thus, it only allows the church to slip, slide and relax into a false state of ease and comfort. And, if “you” are not in that place of ease and comfort, then there is something wrong with you.
Do you think “Christianly”? Do you live “Christianly”? Would you live the same way if you were a missionary in Thailand or in the Congo in Africa, or in China? How would your surroundings affect your thinking? Would you be more aware of you lack of food and water, “normal food and clean water”? Where would your “American” thinking be then? What is “normal” anyway?
Does normal depend on location and culture? I think it does. Thus, should the gospel become “normal” to fit the culture? As the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans, “may it never be”.
So then, my question to ponder is this, “Is it Biblical or is it Cultural”? Can you find, in a hermeneutical sense, reasons for why you live the Gospel the way you do? Do not stretch to find a few verses to meet your needs and discard the other verses that oppose your selected viewing area. My next question is this, “What will the “church” allow to come into their midst and take up a place of importance?
My daughter just emailed me a web link from a good Christian organization about “The Emergent Church” and asked what I thought? I’d like you to meet her sometime. She’s a thinker, she’s a studier of the Bible and she loves her dad. Anyway, I told her, The Emergent church is nothing new, it is just “repackaged” for the 21st century, and straight out of hell. If you’re not familiar… it’s a come as you are and we will not judge you, you’re just as good as we are and “I’m OK and so are you”. Yes, Jesus is cool, but we aren’t going to make you follow our beliefs or make you feel uncomfortable.
Back to my point… Is that thinking, “Biblical or Cultural”? From where I sit, it is not Biblical. Then there’s “tolerance”. Well, didn’t Jesus teach tolerance? With statements like, “I Am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by Me”. I say, no, He did not teach tolerance. Why do you think the middle-east has been torn apart for thousands of years? Why don’t the Muslim’s tolerate the Jews? Everyone asks the Jews to tolerate the “Palestinians’” and the Muslims, why does tolerance not work both directions?
Back to the Church….
I have a quiz I like to have people take which asks the question, “Is it Biblical or is it Cultural”? This quiz has about thirty questions. It has some silly questions like, Should the carpet in the sanctuary only be red? Try asking that question in a little village in a remote part of Africa that has dirt floors and a thatched roof. But some of the questions are ones that most Christian should not have trouble with answering, “Biblical”. Yet some miss those questions. Why???
1. They don’t know (read) the Bible to begin with
2. They have never been taught that they are responsible for their own growth.
3. They have been caught up in the rhetoric of easy believe’ism.
4. They have believed that they are Americans and the “bad stuff” is for those other people.
5. They have bought into the “American Dream in the American Church” syndrome.
6. They have never encountered the true Jesus of the Bible. The one who was a bloody mess from the beating. The one who hung on the cross in agony.
The American Dream has crept into the church and has distorted the True Gospel. In II Thessalonians 2:1-3, Paul tells it like this, “Now we request of you, brothers, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not quickly be shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by spirit or a message or a letter as if from us that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy (falling away) comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction”. The types of things mentioned above are just a few examples of that apostasy and the process by which the gospel has been altered. I could never understand how or why people could “walk away from Jesus”, but now I see more clearly that they never really “knew” Him. And this will remain one of the mysteries of the Bible, one of the things that only God knows; did they or didn’t they… but what if… I think they… they said… they came to church all the time…. But only God knows the heart of a man, and He will judge him rightly.
So then, have you been on the slippery path of the “Americanized Gospel”? Or, are you staying true to the Bible and its true teachings? Does a little buzzer go off in your head when you hear a Pastor or Preacher talk about the best way for you to become prosperous? If you’re sick and you Pastor tells you it’s your fault and if you only had enough faith, you wouldn’t be sick. Do you believe him?
I’m looking for someone to tell me how to become more like Jesus. How about you?
Ron
reskewsquad.blogspot.com
reskew@aol.com
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Body Building
In my younger days, starting in high school, I lifted weights. It was just something that the athletes did to help in development and train for sports. It was not part of the schools program; we had to go to a local gym that specialized in body building for body building competition.
There were different types of programs depending upon what you wanted to accomplish. In all of the programs, there were the basics, exercise, nutrition and rest. I can remember the season of life I was in and the purpose for lifting, which is not the topic of conversation for now.
My regimen went like this; Monday, Wednesday and Friday were lift days. This meant that on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday I rested. The diet went something like this; I would leave work and hit McDonalds. I would order three hamburger patties and a chocolate shake, no bun, no pickles, no catsup. This caused quite a stir for the first two to three weeks. “You can’t just order the meat; you have to get the bun also”. Different days and different crews is why it took so long. Eventually, when they saw me coming, my order would be ready. After my workout, that took about two hours, I would go eat dinner.
Weight lifting workouts went something like this; stationary bike for about 10 minutes (warm up), squats and leg lifts (lower body), then arms and chest (upper body). The regimen was heavy weight, few repetitions, for building mass in the muscles. For definition or cut, it would be light weight and many, many repetitions’. In that framework were sets, usually three sets of ten or three sets of fifteen.
Most exercise or weight loss trainers will tell you that if you have a partner your workout will be easier; it’s that encouragement and accountability thing.
The manager of the gym told my workout partner and myself that he had never seen anyone “bulk up” as fast as we did, and he was a “professional body builder” himself and performed in body building competition. I will admit, we were committed to body building and each other.
Of course there is a point to my writing.
If you will turn with me in the Bible to Ephesians the fourth chapter and the eleventh verse, I will begin. Context: Paul is writing to the Ephesians to instruct them about the way they should live their lives when they become Christians and what God has done to enable them to do so. In verse one Paul instructs them to “walk in a manner worthy of your calling”, that of being a Christ follower.
Ephesians 4: 11,12 “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, and to the building up of the body of Christ”.
These people are your partners in your spiritual workout. These are the people who instruct you and guide you in your own maturing in Christ-likeness. These are the people who feed you, develop you, set out a regimen or a program for you to follow and learn the ways of Christ; in order that, you may grow to the point of feeding yourself and then move on to become one who instructs others; that you may become one who develops others and help them get stronger and wiser in their walk with the Lord.
And that brings me to the a few more verses. Ephesians 4: 13, “to the attaining of unity”. Unity doesn’t mean sameness. As in the military, a unit could be a squad, it could be a platoon, it could be a company; many members with one goal or purpose.
Ephesians 4:14 “no longer tossed about by waves or carried about by doctrine, or trickery of men”. In other words, you will know the truth about Jesus and not be persuaded by men that there are “other truths” you should know about.
Ephesians 4:16 “the whole body is being fitted and held together, for the proper work of the body”. God has a plan and a purpose for the “Body of Christ”, the body as a whole, and each individual member. Don’t think you are not important. In I Corinthians 12 Paul discusses the body and the functioning of the body by use of the “gifts of the Holy Spirit”. In this passage he declares, if we were all an eye where would the sense of smell be? This is another topic for another day.
But for now, ‘We really do need each other”. Stay close to others, don’t wander off, don’t get caught up in the philosophies of man, don’t mix the Bible with the other religion’s teaching or the worlds teaching. Find that person or a group of people who you can encourage and be encouraged, where you can be accountable and hold others accountable. Don’t forget to rest… rest in the ever loving arms of the Savior, Jesus.
So, what do you say, you ready to partner-up? Let’s do some “body building”!
Following the Shepherd,
Ron
In my younger days, starting in high school, I lifted weights. It was just something that the athletes did to help in development and train for sports. It was not part of the schools program; we had to go to a local gym that specialized in body building for body building competition.
There were different types of programs depending upon what you wanted to accomplish. In all of the programs, there were the basics, exercise, nutrition and rest. I can remember the season of life I was in and the purpose for lifting, which is not the topic of conversation for now.
My regimen went like this; Monday, Wednesday and Friday were lift days. This meant that on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday I rested. The diet went something like this; I would leave work and hit McDonalds. I would order three hamburger patties and a chocolate shake, no bun, no pickles, no catsup. This caused quite a stir for the first two to three weeks. “You can’t just order the meat; you have to get the bun also”. Different days and different crews is why it took so long. Eventually, when they saw me coming, my order would be ready. After my workout, that took about two hours, I would go eat dinner.
Weight lifting workouts went something like this; stationary bike for about 10 minutes (warm up), squats and leg lifts (lower body), then arms and chest (upper body). The regimen was heavy weight, few repetitions, for building mass in the muscles. For definition or cut, it would be light weight and many, many repetitions’. In that framework were sets, usually three sets of ten or three sets of fifteen.
Most exercise or weight loss trainers will tell you that if you have a partner your workout will be easier; it’s that encouragement and accountability thing.
The manager of the gym told my workout partner and myself that he had never seen anyone “bulk up” as fast as we did, and he was a “professional body builder” himself and performed in body building competition. I will admit, we were committed to body building and each other.
Of course there is a point to my writing.
If you will turn with me in the Bible to Ephesians the fourth chapter and the eleventh verse, I will begin. Context: Paul is writing to the Ephesians to instruct them about the way they should live their lives when they become Christians and what God has done to enable them to do so. In verse one Paul instructs them to “walk in a manner worthy of your calling”, that of being a Christ follower.
Ephesians 4: 11,12 “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, and to the building up of the body of Christ”.
These people are your partners in your spiritual workout. These are the people who instruct you and guide you in your own maturing in Christ-likeness. These are the people who feed you, develop you, set out a regimen or a program for you to follow and learn the ways of Christ; in order that, you may grow to the point of feeding yourself and then move on to become one who instructs others; that you may become one who develops others and help them get stronger and wiser in their walk with the Lord.
And that brings me to the a few more verses. Ephesians 4: 13, “to the attaining of unity”. Unity doesn’t mean sameness. As in the military, a unit could be a squad, it could be a platoon, it could be a company; many members with one goal or purpose.
Ephesians 4:14 “no longer tossed about by waves or carried about by doctrine, or trickery of men”. In other words, you will know the truth about Jesus and not be persuaded by men that there are “other truths” you should know about.
Ephesians 4:16 “the whole body is being fitted and held together, for the proper work of the body”. God has a plan and a purpose for the “Body of Christ”, the body as a whole, and each individual member. Don’t think you are not important. In I Corinthians 12 Paul discusses the body and the functioning of the body by use of the “gifts of the Holy Spirit”. In this passage he declares, if we were all an eye where would the sense of smell be? This is another topic for another day.
But for now, ‘We really do need each other”. Stay close to others, don’t wander off, don’t get caught up in the philosophies of man, don’t mix the Bible with the other religion’s teaching or the worlds teaching. Find that person or a group of people who you can encourage and be encouraged, where you can be accountable and hold others accountable. Don’t forget to rest… rest in the ever loving arms of the Savior, Jesus.
So, what do you say, you ready to partner-up? Let’s do some “body building”!
Following the Shepherd,
Ron
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
WHY?
So… what’s the big idea? What’s the problem? Can’t I ask why when I want to? I’ve been doing it all my life!
Anyone who has been around children, even for a short period of time, will have to answer the question, “Why?”
Last night our Bible study watched a video from James McDonald called simply, “Why?” He started with a true story about a man whose great desire was to be a “full time” missionary and worked hard to get ready to serve and raise his support. He purchased his ticket, said good-bye to his parents and got on the plane to fly to his assignment. The plane crashed within hours of its departure and he was killed. The parents received a letter from their son, which he had written just moments before he got on the plane. Just a note scribbled on a magazine page he had torn out, that said something to the effect, I love what I’m doing, I love you. In the middle of the magazine page was a bold print of one word… “Why?”
The discussion after the video was about the “Why” questions in our lives. Is it proper to ask God “Why?” Or, “God, why me?” Or, “God, do you really know what You’re doing?” Or the, “What have I done to deserve this?” Of course we think about all the bad things that happen to us. “Why do I have cancer? Why did my child rebel? Why did my business fail? Why did I lose my job? Why did my spouse walk out? But God, aren’t You supposed to protect me? They said, If I trust in Jesus, everything would be fine!
These types of questions and statements are designed to limit God. He can only do things that make sense to us. But, but, but…, I read this scripture that said, He would take all my diseases, and heal all my sickness. And He said, My yoke is easy and my burden is light. Then, why do I feel all this heaviness, sadness and sorrow?
It’s because you are thinking like a normal human being and you are looking for the easy way out. You have been taught, wrongly, to read the Bible for what you can get. You have never been taught to read the Bible for what it says, fully and completely in its context for the truth that God has shown over and over. Why did the Israelites go through so many hard times? Because they did not listen to what god was telling them. They did the “cafeteria” method of religion; I can go down the line and choose whatever I want.
I think we need to ask the question in a different manner. Why can’t God be God? After all, didn’t He create everything? Maybe some will even have a problem with that statement, but then that would make you God… I don’t think so…. Ask Job. Even though he was upright in the sight of the Lord, he was still a sinner, one of the created beings.
I digress…. God has to be God and He has to have a “master plan”, which He says He has. Some familiar scriptures, Ps 139, I formed you in your mothers womb. Jeremiah 1, I knew you before you were born. Jeremiah 29, I know the plans I have for you. These verses were all written in times of sorrow and doubting and confusion for the writer. They were all asking the question, “Why?” Our “hero’s” of the faith all ask the question. All of our hero’s got the same answer that we get. “Do you love Me? Do you trust Me?
Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Some of you know his answer, “Lord… I like you a lot”. Jesus asked a second time, “Peter, do you love Me”? Peter’s answer was, “Lord I really have great affection for You”. The third time, Jesus asked, “Peter do you love Me”? Peter could only reply, “Lord, You know all things”. We know that Jesus was using the word agape signifying an “all out, unconditional love for Him”. Peter’s best response was, “Lord, You know all things”. Because He does. That’s what we rest in. We don’t rest in what we can figure out or scheme around, but we rest in Him.
The Names of God and of Jesus are an essential study or just getting the poster that has the names on it is good to read from time to time. Just a few, Alpha and Omega, He is the first and the last, the One Who was and is and is to come. I am the vine and you are the branches, if you abide in Me, you will bear much fruit. Jehovah-Jirah, my provider.
My basic “why” question is, “God, why did you choose me”? Jesus says, No one comes to the Me unless he is drawn by the Father. He also says, You did not choose Me, but I chose you. So, What in Your loving providence, happened, that You chose me?
I love the old adage, “When everything else fails, read the directions”. Do you read enough of the Bible, which means all of it Genesis to Revelation, to know the God Who wrote it? Or are you still using it for the flowery fluff just to make you fell good? Do you know that hard times will come? Do you know the God who will get you through those hard times? Has he been faithful in the past? Is that not an indication that He will be faithful in the present and in the future?
I hope I have given you some things to think about. I hope I have given you someone to think about.
Following the Shepherd,
Ron
reskewsquad.blogspot.com
So… what’s the big idea? What’s the problem? Can’t I ask why when I want to? I’ve been doing it all my life!
Anyone who has been around children, even for a short period of time, will have to answer the question, “Why?”
Last night our Bible study watched a video from James McDonald called simply, “Why?” He started with a true story about a man whose great desire was to be a “full time” missionary and worked hard to get ready to serve and raise his support. He purchased his ticket, said good-bye to his parents and got on the plane to fly to his assignment. The plane crashed within hours of its departure and he was killed. The parents received a letter from their son, which he had written just moments before he got on the plane. Just a note scribbled on a magazine page he had torn out, that said something to the effect, I love what I’m doing, I love you. In the middle of the magazine page was a bold print of one word… “Why?”
The discussion after the video was about the “Why” questions in our lives. Is it proper to ask God “Why?” Or, “God, why me?” Or, “God, do you really know what You’re doing?” Or the, “What have I done to deserve this?” Of course we think about all the bad things that happen to us. “Why do I have cancer? Why did my child rebel? Why did my business fail? Why did I lose my job? Why did my spouse walk out? But God, aren’t You supposed to protect me? They said, If I trust in Jesus, everything would be fine!
These types of questions and statements are designed to limit God. He can only do things that make sense to us. But, but, but…, I read this scripture that said, He would take all my diseases, and heal all my sickness. And He said, My yoke is easy and my burden is light. Then, why do I feel all this heaviness, sadness and sorrow?
It’s because you are thinking like a normal human being and you are looking for the easy way out. You have been taught, wrongly, to read the Bible for what you can get. You have never been taught to read the Bible for what it says, fully and completely in its context for the truth that God has shown over and over. Why did the Israelites go through so many hard times? Because they did not listen to what god was telling them. They did the “cafeteria” method of religion; I can go down the line and choose whatever I want.
I think we need to ask the question in a different manner. Why can’t God be God? After all, didn’t He create everything? Maybe some will even have a problem with that statement, but then that would make you God… I don’t think so…. Ask Job. Even though he was upright in the sight of the Lord, he was still a sinner, one of the created beings.
I digress…. God has to be God and He has to have a “master plan”, which He says He has. Some familiar scriptures, Ps 139, I formed you in your mothers womb. Jeremiah 1, I knew you before you were born. Jeremiah 29, I know the plans I have for you. These verses were all written in times of sorrow and doubting and confusion for the writer. They were all asking the question, “Why?” Our “hero’s” of the faith all ask the question. All of our hero’s got the same answer that we get. “Do you love Me? Do you trust Me?
Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Some of you know his answer, “Lord… I like you a lot”. Jesus asked a second time, “Peter, do you love Me”? Peter’s answer was, “Lord I really have great affection for You”. The third time, Jesus asked, “Peter do you love Me”? Peter could only reply, “Lord, You know all things”. We know that Jesus was using the word agape signifying an “all out, unconditional love for Him”. Peter’s best response was, “Lord, You know all things”. Because He does. That’s what we rest in. We don’t rest in what we can figure out or scheme around, but we rest in Him.
The Names of God and of Jesus are an essential study or just getting the poster that has the names on it is good to read from time to time. Just a few, Alpha and Omega, He is the first and the last, the One Who was and is and is to come. I am the vine and you are the branches, if you abide in Me, you will bear much fruit. Jehovah-Jirah, my provider.
My basic “why” question is, “God, why did you choose me”? Jesus says, No one comes to the Me unless he is drawn by the Father. He also says, You did not choose Me, but I chose you. So, What in Your loving providence, happened, that You chose me?
I love the old adage, “When everything else fails, read the directions”. Do you read enough of the Bible, which means all of it Genesis to Revelation, to know the God Who wrote it? Or are you still using it for the flowery fluff just to make you fell good? Do you know that hard times will come? Do you know the God who will get you through those hard times? Has he been faithful in the past? Is that not an indication that He will be faithful in the present and in the future?
I hope I have given you some things to think about. I hope I have given you someone to think about.
Following the Shepherd,
Ron
reskewsquad.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
What If – What Is
Only one letter is different in the title, but that one letter will describe a world of difference.
Last night I was talking to a friend, which may shock some of you that I have a friend, at Bible Study. Yes I study the Bible, it is not a book that occupies a space on the table or sits on a shelf somewhere. Any way, I had shared part of my life’s story about how I came to know Jesus as my personal Savior. The story included the fact that I had been married for two and a half years in the late ‘60’s, that’s the 1960’s not the 1860’s, I old, but not that old. I came to know the Lord in 1974 and shortly after that the Lord revealed to me my shortcomings in the marriage. I told the Lord, “She is somewhere in California and I don’t know where. Have her call me in the next week and I will ask forgiveness for my faults in the marriage.
I must insert here that she left me while I was at “Summer Camp” in the National Guard, for two weeks. I came home and she told me she wanted a separation. This action turned into her living with another man for several months and then she moved to California with him. When she left for California, I filed for a divorce. And the rest is history.
Back to my story…. I told the Lord, “Have her call me within the next week and I will ask for her forgiveness”. She called two days later. I had moved two or three times in those eight or ten years, so you have to know, “It’s a God thing”. I did what I said I would do and asked her forgiveness and she told me it was all her fault and it was OK. I went back to my mistakes and faults and asked again for her forgiveness. She accepted it request and started to cry and said she had to go. That was in the spring of 1975.
I did some Bible study about a year and a half later, on the topic of marriage and divorce, which would have been in late 1976. Let me first say that God hates divorce. It is a ripping and tearing of the flesh of the two that have become one. The scar is always there and the wound is very deep, even if they are not Christians in the true Biblical sense; and more-so in the true Christian marriage. My marriage to that woman was before I was a Christian, but the scar was deep and the nerves were pulsing.
She called me in, I think 1978, and was back in Indy and asked if I could go to her father’s funeral with her. I told her no, because I had remarried in July of 1977. The phone call was very short after that.
This is where the “What if” comes into play. In 1987 or so, she called me and told me she had finally gotten this “Jesus thing”, and had asked Jesus to be her Savior. My mind began to play the “what if” game. What would have happened if I had waited for her to come to know the Lord? Would God have been more please if we were to remarry and start life together again? I had to stop myself from playing that game. There are no “what if’s” in God’s economy. I couldn’t let it happen then and I can’t live my life today, “playing that game”. I would not have the great kids I have or the great in-laws and
out-laws I have. Not to mention the wonderful G’kids I have. Life would have been totally different. And I don’t think I could live with that.
That brings me to “What Is”…. When I did my study on marriage and divorce, I took that information and made life decisions based on God’s Bible. I did not make decisions on how I felt that day. My feelings change based on several influences and I would probably make some bad decisions if I did not “run it past God’s guidelines”, the Bible.
I must now look at and live my life according to His word and the leading of His Holy Spirit. There are no “What If’s” in the Bible. There is an abundance of “What Is”. So, “What is” in your life? Are you playing the game and falling for the temptations of what might be? There are always answers if you are willing to look for them. Then you have to have the courage to live by them.
I have been studying the Bible for nearly to 36 years, I am not a Biblical Scholar, but a serious student of the Bible. If you have question about your life and things that don’t seem to be right, drop me an email, reskew@aol.com title it “Life Questions”, some of your emails might go to spam, so I need to know I need to answer it.
Following the Shepherd,
Ron
reskewsquad.blogspot.com
Only one letter is different in the title, but that one letter will describe a world of difference.
Last night I was talking to a friend, which may shock some of you that I have a friend, at Bible Study. Yes I study the Bible, it is not a book that occupies a space on the table or sits on a shelf somewhere. Any way, I had shared part of my life’s story about how I came to know Jesus as my personal Savior. The story included the fact that I had been married for two and a half years in the late ‘60’s, that’s the 1960’s not the 1860’s, I old, but not that old. I came to know the Lord in 1974 and shortly after that the Lord revealed to me my shortcomings in the marriage. I told the Lord, “She is somewhere in California and I don’t know where. Have her call me in the next week and I will ask forgiveness for my faults in the marriage.
I must insert here that she left me while I was at “Summer Camp” in the National Guard, for two weeks. I came home and she told me she wanted a separation. This action turned into her living with another man for several months and then she moved to California with him. When she left for California, I filed for a divorce. And the rest is history.
Back to my story…. I told the Lord, “Have her call me within the next week and I will ask for her forgiveness”. She called two days later. I had moved two or three times in those eight or ten years, so you have to know, “It’s a God thing”. I did what I said I would do and asked her forgiveness and she told me it was all her fault and it was OK. I went back to my mistakes and faults and asked again for her forgiveness. She accepted it request and started to cry and said she had to go. That was in the spring of 1975.
I did some Bible study about a year and a half later, on the topic of marriage and divorce, which would have been in late 1976. Let me first say that God hates divorce. It is a ripping and tearing of the flesh of the two that have become one. The scar is always there and the wound is very deep, even if they are not Christians in the true Biblical sense; and more-so in the true Christian marriage. My marriage to that woman was before I was a Christian, but the scar was deep and the nerves were pulsing.
She called me in, I think 1978, and was back in Indy and asked if I could go to her father’s funeral with her. I told her no, because I had remarried in July of 1977. The phone call was very short after that.
This is where the “What if” comes into play. In 1987 or so, she called me and told me she had finally gotten this “Jesus thing”, and had asked Jesus to be her Savior. My mind began to play the “what if” game. What would have happened if I had waited for her to come to know the Lord? Would God have been more please if we were to remarry and start life together again? I had to stop myself from playing that game. There are no “what if’s” in God’s economy. I couldn’t let it happen then and I can’t live my life today, “playing that game”. I would not have the great kids I have or the great in-laws and
out-laws I have. Not to mention the wonderful G’kids I have. Life would have been totally different. And I don’t think I could live with that.
That brings me to “What Is”…. When I did my study on marriage and divorce, I took that information and made life decisions based on God’s Bible. I did not make decisions on how I felt that day. My feelings change based on several influences and I would probably make some bad decisions if I did not “run it past God’s guidelines”, the Bible.
I must now look at and live my life according to His word and the leading of His Holy Spirit. There are no “What If’s” in the Bible. There is an abundance of “What Is”. So, “What is” in your life? Are you playing the game and falling for the temptations of what might be? There are always answers if you are willing to look for them. Then you have to have the courage to live by them.
I have been studying the Bible for nearly to 36 years, I am not a Biblical Scholar, but a serious student of the Bible. If you have question about your life and things that don’t seem to be right, drop me an email, reskew@aol.com title it “Life Questions”, some of your emails might go to spam, so I need to know I need to answer it.
Following the Shepherd,
Ron
reskewsquad.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Truth About Relatives
There is a new “reality” show on T.V. now, 2010. I don’t know what the name is, but some of the stars are Lisa Kudro, Spike Lee, and Brook Shield. I have not watched it; I only have seen the “trailers” and advertisements for it. But, these people look for their relatives from decades and centuries past and see how they have come from a long line of kings and queens. If I’m wrong, someone please let me know. I doubt if any of these stars will find a scoundrel in their family tree.
If I were to say to you, “How many of you are related to “Jack the Ripper?” would you raise your hand? What about Gingis Kahn? What about Mao? Even if you are not oriental, could your search bring you to a point in history to show you are related. I have heard of many family tree searches that lead to kings and queens and people of prominence being found by the person doing the search. None tell you that you come from a long line of “gypsies, tramps and thieves”.
And there are some that tell you, “Your first ancestors were apes”. It is that evolutionary strand that runs through all of us. Darwin told his followers that, “If my theories are found to be wrong in the future, discount all that I have said or thought”. And many have, but some kept the myth, the lie, alive for their own purposes. But, no one from that “camp” tells you that about Darwin. Yes, apes have a similar DNA and the word “similar” is the key. The term for a “word studier” escapes me at the present, it begins with and “e”. The word similar does not mean “the same” or “identical”. It more describes things that are closely related, and that seems to be related to our topic. There are distinct differences and not interchangeable in DNA structure. No, I’m not a scientist, but I play one on T.V. You don’t have to be a scientist to think logical about many issues outside your expertise.
Example: The space scientists are looking for water on Mars or one of the other planets they have landed and “planet exploration devise”, a robot. Because they know water is a key to maintaining life, as we know it. My thinking is this: What does it take to make water? You need some H’s and some 2’s and some O’s, then these elements have to be connected in the right form or fashion. The scientist can’t make the connection in the laboratory, so why does he think he can make the connection in space? Oh yes, one other thing. When we do send a man in space what does he take with him? He has to take some H’s, some 2’s and some O’s. He has to take along water and oxygen. If there’s no oxygen there can be no water. Does that make sense?
That’s the type of thing I am talking about when it comes to relatives. If you look back you will find some really bad people in your past. It may not take but a few generations. If your last name is James, are you related to Jesse James? If two people have the same last name are they related? If one is of Caucasian descent and the other is of African or Asian descent? How did it happen and where did it all start? I thought you’d never ask.
I am not sure if I have written anything, lately, that did not turn to the spiritual side of things. I take everything to the Bible and see if it makes sense from that perspective. Why, you ask? If you want a thorough explanation go to Josh McDowell’s Evidence that Demands a Verdict. My short version is this. It was written over a period of about 4000 years, by 40 authors, with varying roles and occupations from Kings to doctors, to shepherds, and fishermen, on two continents, and is the explanation of God’s story about man. And one more, small item, it is without contradiction.
Back to relatives: We’re all in this together. It is explained over and over in the Bible. In the beginning… God…. Then it tells us that He created man and woman. Them be our relatives. You can read the “begat’s” in Genesis. But then, God became angry with “those men” (several decades later), and destroyed the earth with a flood, saving only eight, Noah’s family. Then… them be out relatives.
But to my point…. Why should we find some scoundrels in our family tree? It is because of the other issue about our relatives. That is the sin issue. God removed Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden because they disobeyed Him and broke the relationship of love, obedience and trust. God gave them the tree of life and the tree of good and evil, as we now call them. They chose the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If then, they would have eaten from the tree of life; they would have spent eternity in the state of disobedience, sin, with no way out. So, God removed them from the Garden to protect them. In that process, He made a sacrifice, a blood offering. From that point on, man was a scoundrel. That’s the long – story – short.
So, don’t believe everything you hear and see on T.V., or the internet, even my stuff, read the books…, the what? Do people read anymore? I mean books. But, that’s another topic for another day. I think there are more people today who are illiterate than in times past. They read blogs and face book and twitter, and opinions about opinions. They read anything except the material that presents the facts.
By the way… my blog is: reskewsquad.blogspot.com
Other responses can be sent to reskew@aol.com
Following the Shepherd,
Ron
There is a new “reality” show on T.V. now, 2010. I don’t know what the name is, but some of the stars are Lisa Kudro, Spike Lee, and Brook Shield. I have not watched it; I only have seen the “trailers” and advertisements for it. But, these people look for their relatives from decades and centuries past and see how they have come from a long line of kings and queens. If I’m wrong, someone please let me know. I doubt if any of these stars will find a scoundrel in their family tree.
If I were to say to you, “How many of you are related to “Jack the Ripper?” would you raise your hand? What about Gingis Kahn? What about Mao? Even if you are not oriental, could your search bring you to a point in history to show you are related. I have heard of many family tree searches that lead to kings and queens and people of prominence being found by the person doing the search. None tell you that you come from a long line of “gypsies, tramps and thieves”.
And there are some that tell you, “Your first ancestors were apes”. It is that evolutionary strand that runs through all of us. Darwin told his followers that, “If my theories are found to be wrong in the future, discount all that I have said or thought”. And many have, but some kept the myth, the lie, alive for their own purposes. But, no one from that “camp” tells you that about Darwin. Yes, apes have a similar DNA and the word “similar” is the key. The term for a “word studier” escapes me at the present, it begins with and “e”. The word similar does not mean “the same” or “identical”. It more describes things that are closely related, and that seems to be related to our topic. There are distinct differences and not interchangeable in DNA structure. No, I’m not a scientist, but I play one on T.V. You don’t have to be a scientist to think logical about many issues outside your expertise.
Example: The space scientists are looking for water on Mars or one of the other planets they have landed and “planet exploration devise”, a robot. Because they know water is a key to maintaining life, as we know it. My thinking is this: What does it take to make water? You need some H’s and some 2’s and some O’s, then these elements have to be connected in the right form or fashion. The scientist can’t make the connection in the laboratory, so why does he think he can make the connection in space? Oh yes, one other thing. When we do send a man in space what does he take with him? He has to take some H’s, some 2’s and some O’s. He has to take along water and oxygen. If there’s no oxygen there can be no water. Does that make sense?
That’s the type of thing I am talking about when it comes to relatives. If you look back you will find some really bad people in your past. It may not take but a few generations. If your last name is James, are you related to Jesse James? If two people have the same last name are they related? If one is of Caucasian descent and the other is of African or Asian descent? How did it happen and where did it all start? I thought you’d never ask.
I am not sure if I have written anything, lately, that did not turn to the spiritual side of things. I take everything to the Bible and see if it makes sense from that perspective. Why, you ask? If you want a thorough explanation go to Josh McDowell’s Evidence that Demands a Verdict. My short version is this. It was written over a period of about 4000 years, by 40 authors, with varying roles and occupations from Kings to doctors, to shepherds, and fishermen, on two continents, and is the explanation of God’s story about man. And one more, small item, it is without contradiction.
Back to relatives: We’re all in this together. It is explained over and over in the Bible. In the beginning… God…. Then it tells us that He created man and woman. Them be our relatives. You can read the “begat’s” in Genesis. But then, God became angry with “those men” (several decades later), and destroyed the earth with a flood, saving only eight, Noah’s family. Then… them be out relatives.
But to my point…. Why should we find some scoundrels in our family tree? It is because of the other issue about our relatives. That is the sin issue. God removed Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden because they disobeyed Him and broke the relationship of love, obedience and trust. God gave them the tree of life and the tree of good and evil, as we now call them. They chose the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If then, they would have eaten from the tree of life; they would have spent eternity in the state of disobedience, sin, with no way out. So, God removed them from the Garden to protect them. In that process, He made a sacrifice, a blood offering. From that point on, man was a scoundrel. That’s the long – story – short.
So, don’t believe everything you hear and see on T.V., or the internet, even my stuff, read the books…, the what? Do people read anymore? I mean books. But, that’s another topic for another day. I think there are more people today who are illiterate than in times past. They read blogs and face book and twitter, and opinions about opinions. They read anything except the material that presents the facts.
By the way… my blog is: reskewsquad.blogspot.com
Other responses can be sent to reskew@aol.com
Following the Shepherd,
Ron
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Battle Within
Dream 2
I was trying to get some key people together to go over the plans for the new year in ministry. Those who had been involved with the ministry last year and said they would help this year. As people started showing up I knew there was not enough room to hold them all, actually more came than I expected. And to my surprise, many whom I did not even know. I talked to someone I did know and decided to move the meeting to a place that had more space. But that got confusing, because the person I talked to had two offices and we couldn’t understand which office we were talking about.
Then the band showed up. Not a full complete band, but what seemed like a “pep band”, drums and horns. I asked them to stop playing and they continued to finish up the song they were playing and slowly, but very slowly, drug out the ending in a long drone. Finally, I had to start collecting the drummer’s sticks so they would stop playing. I was very angry and the longer it went on the angrier I got.
After that I tried to get everyone’s attention and as I got the attention of a few some others would start up conversations on their own. I would concentrate on that group and another would start up. Finally I had everyone’s attention, but I heard talking from the hallway behind me. I made a request that, “If you can’t see me, move into the room where you can, we have plenty of room”. The people in the hall, busted down the wall to walk through instead of walking around the corner. Now I would have to pay for the repairs to the wall when we got finished. And I got angrier. Then the conversations started again and pats of the band began to play again.
Then I woke up…. I heard these words, “Write down what I have to say”.
This is My church! I am trying to get them to see and understand the mission I have for them. I am trying to gather together those who have been faithful in the past and give them instructions for the future. The true battle is about to begin and they need to listen and be aware of many things. More people have come to the meeting than were invited. They were invited by people I invited, but I did not invite them. Those are the one’s who are causing the confusion and creating the distractions. Many are having conversations among themselves and I am not in the midst. Their planning looks good, but I am not in the plans. Their musicians are very talented, but they take no time for Me. They play their own tune and create music that I am not pleased with. I have sent people to correct and instruct them, but they don’t listen to their advice, as I have instructed. Those talking outside in the hall are those I wish to hear My message. Instead of walking in My ways and in My directions, have come in their own way and have cause more destruction in doing so.
Yes, I am very angry! I have talked and instructed and warned and begged, but few would listed to Me. My path is narrow and My words will divide. I did not say, “Build it they will come”. I said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel”.
I did not say, “Can’t we all just get along”? I gave absolutes and not merely suggestions. I did not say, “Be tolerant of one another”. I said, “Love your enemy and pray for him”.
Yes, oh yes, in the midst of all of My anger, I heard a small one crying out in the middle of the night, and I went to comfort him. I held him in my arms and sang sweet songs to him. I gave to him spiritual food, and soothed his soul. I looked at him and saw the smallness of his frame. I saw the weakness of his being. I loved him, and told him so.
Goodnight,
Sleep soundly,
Jesus
Dream 2
I was trying to get some key people together to go over the plans for the new year in ministry. Those who had been involved with the ministry last year and said they would help this year. As people started showing up I knew there was not enough room to hold them all, actually more came than I expected. And to my surprise, many whom I did not even know. I talked to someone I did know and decided to move the meeting to a place that had more space. But that got confusing, because the person I talked to had two offices and we couldn’t understand which office we were talking about.
Then the band showed up. Not a full complete band, but what seemed like a “pep band”, drums and horns. I asked them to stop playing and they continued to finish up the song they were playing and slowly, but very slowly, drug out the ending in a long drone. Finally, I had to start collecting the drummer’s sticks so they would stop playing. I was very angry and the longer it went on the angrier I got.
After that I tried to get everyone’s attention and as I got the attention of a few some others would start up conversations on their own. I would concentrate on that group and another would start up. Finally I had everyone’s attention, but I heard talking from the hallway behind me. I made a request that, “If you can’t see me, move into the room where you can, we have plenty of room”. The people in the hall, busted down the wall to walk through instead of walking around the corner. Now I would have to pay for the repairs to the wall when we got finished. And I got angrier. Then the conversations started again and pats of the band began to play again.
Then I woke up…. I heard these words, “Write down what I have to say”.
This is My church! I am trying to get them to see and understand the mission I have for them. I am trying to gather together those who have been faithful in the past and give them instructions for the future. The true battle is about to begin and they need to listen and be aware of many things. More people have come to the meeting than were invited. They were invited by people I invited, but I did not invite them. Those are the one’s who are causing the confusion and creating the distractions. Many are having conversations among themselves and I am not in the midst. Their planning looks good, but I am not in the plans. Their musicians are very talented, but they take no time for Me. They play their own tune and create music that I am not pleased with. I have sent people to correct and instruct them, but they don’t listen to their advice, as I have instructed. Those talking outside in the hall are those I wish to hear My message. Instead of walking in My ways and in My directions, have come in their own way and have cause more destruction in doing so.
Yes, I am very angry! I have talked and instructed and warned and begged, but few would listed to Me. My path is narrow and My words will divide. I did not say, “Build it they will come”. I said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel”.
I did not say, “Can’t we all just get along”? I gave absolutes and not merely suggestions. I did not say, “Be tolerant of one another”. I said, “Love your enemy and pray for him”.
Yes, oh yes, in the midst of all of My anger, I heard a small one crying out in the middle of the night, and I went to comfort him. I held him in my arms and sang sweet songs to him. I gave to him spiritual food, and soothed his soul. I looked at him and saw the smallness of his frame. I saw the weakness of his being. I loved him, and told him so.
Goodnight,
Sleep soundly,
Jesus
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