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Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
Recently, Pastor John spoke to us from Revelation 3:14-21, and the problem of judging that can be all-too-common in our lives.
The problem stems, in part, from the same malady the Laodicean church had - thinking to ourselves, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,” and yet, “not realizing that [we] are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17) - instead of, perhaps, following Jesus’ directive to, “first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).
As we know, Biblically, there is “judging” (right from wrong, identifying & disciplining sin) and there is judging (condemning, treating as inferior, looking down on). This post is about the latter.
- Have you ever struggled with being judgmental? How did God help you to see that?
- How about this: do you see judging as a problem in the Body of Christ today? How can it be remedied?
Read full post...
Recently, Pastor John spoke to us from Revelation 3:14-21, and the problem of judging that can be all-too-common in our lives.
The problem stems, in part, from the same malady the Laodicean church had - thinking to ourselves, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,” and yet, “not realizing that [we] are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17) - instead of, perhaps, following Jesus’ directive to, “first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).
As we know, Biblically, there is “judging” (right from wrong, identifying & disciplining sin) and there is judging (condemning, treating as inferior, looking down on). This post is about the latter.
- Have you ever struggled with being judgmental? How did God help you to see that?
- How about this: do you see judging as a problem in the Body of Christ today? How can it be remedied?
Called (And Blessed) To Pray
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Changes to my spiritual temperature seem to happen slowly, almost imperceptibly, and I usually don’t even realize I’ve changed until sometime later. Well, it happened again. I had been in the habit of quieting myself to listen and talk to God, but I didn’t notice that slipping away until now (which is months later). I noticed now because God’s been calling me back to quiet with Him, and I’ve been so blessed and refreshed by these times - and I’ve MISSED that.
So, tell me, what do you appreciate most about your prayer times with God?
Read full post...
Changes to my spiritual temperature seem to happen slowly, almost imperceptibly, and I usually don’t even realize I’ve changed until sometime later. Well, it happened again. I had been in the habit of quieting myself to listen and talk to God, but I didn’t notice that slipping away until now (which is months later). I noticed now because God’s been calling me back to quiet with Him, and I’ve been so blessed and refreshed by these times - and I’ve MISSED that.
So, tell me, what do you appreciate most about your prayer times with God?
Kathy Schlentrich’s Hope
Friday, February 5th, 2010
This week, as DEC turns our attention to the Christian’s hope (what it is, where it comes from, what it means for today), I thought I’d share a testimony, of sorts, of the hope a Christian has - and what it means, practically speaking.
My friend, Kathy Schlentrich, kindly offered to share a song she wrote called, “Against All Hope.” She agreed to let me post it here on my blog. Of her song, Kathy writes,
“I wrote this song in response to my mother’s death from cancer. There was no evidence when she died that she had a saving relationship with the Lord and people said to me that she could have accepted him before she died, but that thought didn’t give me peace. What finally brought me to a place of standing on the rock of faith was not the uncertain hope that my mother had accepted the Lord before she died, but rather the certain hope that God is good and just, and that I can trust Him to be the Righteous Judge of the whole world.”
I hope you’ll find Kathy’s lyrics encouraging. I had hoped to post Kathy’s recording here as well - and as soon as technology catches up with me, I’ll come back and add it. Thanks again, Kathy. 
Against All Hope
Words & Music by Kathy Schlentrich
Against all hope, I am hoping to receive
Against all hope, I am choosing to believe
The promise you have given that what you say, you’ll do
Against all hope, I place my hope in you
I place my hope in you, O Lord
And I believe that you will keep your word
I place my hope in you, O Lord
And I believe that you will keep your word
Against all hope
You are good, you are faithful every day
Lord of all, I will trust you, come what may
Powerful but gentle, righteous, kind and true
Against all hope, I place my hope in you
Against all hope, I place my hope in you
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed
Romans 4:18
Read full post...
This week, as DEC turns our attention to the Christian’s hope (what it is, where it comes from, what it means for today), I thought I’d share a testimony, of sorts, of the hope a Christian has - and what it means, practically speaking.
My friend, Kathy Schlentrich, kindly offered to share a song she wrote called, “Against All Hope.” She agreed to let me post it here on my blog. Of her song, Kathy writes,
“I wrote this song in response to my mother’s death from cancer. There was no evidence when she died that she had a saving relationship with the Lord and people said to me that she could have accepted him before she died, but that thought didn’t give me peace. What finally brought me to a place of standing on the rock of faith was not the uncertain hope that my mother had accepted the Lord before she died, but rather the certain hope that God is good and just, and that I can trust Him to be the Righteous Judge of the whole world.”
I hope you’ll find Kathy’s lyrics encouraging. I had hoped to post Kathy’s recording here as well - and as soon as technology catches up with me, I’ll come back and add it. Thanks again, Kathy.
Against All Hope
Words & Music by Kathy Schlentrich
Against all hope, I am hoping to receive
Against all hope, I am choosing to believe
The promise you have given that what you say, you’ll do
Against all hope, I place my hope in you
I place my hope in you, O Lord
And I believe that you will keep your word
I place my hope in you, O Lord
And I believe that you will keep your word
Against all hope
You are good, you are faithful every day
Lord of all, I will trust you, come what may
Powerful but gentle, righteous, kind and true
Against all hope, I place my hope in you
Against all hope, I place my hope in you
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed
Romans 4:18
My God Is For Me
Friday, January 15th, 2010
In light of God’s perfect and proactive plan to grant forgiveness, righteousness and eternal life to the unworthy (including the “chief of all sinners”), it’s time to celebrate and say, as the Apostle Paul did to his Roman readers, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? For I am sure that neither death nor life… Nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31,38-39 ESV).
Selah,
Chris
(Oh, here’s my meditation on this. Lord willing, we’ll be singing this in 2 weeks -the choir sounds great on it!)
My God is for me, He’s not against me
And if God is with me what shall I fear?
He who died for me - Emmanuel to me -
Lives today in me, drawing me near
CHORUS
Nothing can separate me from the Father’s love
I am secure in Him whatever may come
He who was crucified and was raised back to life
Always stands by my side in power and love
My God has loved me, gave himself for me
Set His seal on me, washed in His blood
No great Accuser of things behind me
Can stand in the presence of my saving God
CHORUS
BRIDGE
I belong to Him
He’s my God and Friend
To the very end ever near me
I am not my own
I am not alone
He has told me He’s never leaving
Read full post...
In light of God’s perfect and proactive plan to grant forgiveness, righteousness and eternal life to the unworthy (including the “chief of all sinners”), it’s time to celebrate and say, as the Apostle Paul did to his Roman readers, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? For I am sure that neither death nor life… Nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31,38-39 ESV).
Selah,
Chris
(Oh, here’s my meditation on this. Lord willing, we’ll be singing this in 2 weeks -the choir sounds great on it!)
My God is for me, He’s not against me
And if God is with me what shall I fear?
He who died for me - Emmanuel to me -
Lives today in me, drawing me near
CHORUS
Nothing can separate me from the Father’s love
I am secure in Him whatever may come
He who was crucified and was raised back to life
Always stands by my side in power and love
My God has loved me, gave himself for me
Set His seal on me, washed in His blood
No great Accuser of things behind me
Can stand in the presence of my saving God
CHORUS
BRIDGE
I belong to Him
He’s my God and Friend
To the very end ever near me
I am not my own
I am not alone
He has told me He’s never leaving
Reminded Of The Gospel
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
This week I’ve been reminded in a potent way of how powerful and how central the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to the Christian church. And how easily it slips away from us, and we begin to oh-so-subtly rely upon our good works, efforts and intentions to secure the approval and love of God. I suppose it happens to all of us sometimes. But what tragedy and idolatry can result from that.
May His Gospel transform our affections, our intellect and our will. May God’s people love and serve and surrender to Him with all our heart, mind and soul. And may He be glorified for the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us so that He could take on our sin and God’s wrath against that sin, and bequeath His pristine holiness, His righteousness to those who come to Him in faith. It is by grace we have been saved!
Thank You, thank You, thank YOU, Lord Jesus!
Amen.
Read full post...
This week I’ve been reminded in a potent way of how powerful and how central the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to the Christian church. And how easily it slips away from us, and we begin to oh-so-subtly rely upon our good works, efforts and intentions to secure the approval and love of God. I suppose it happens to all of us sometimes. But what tragedy and idolatry can result from that.
May His Gospel transform our affections, our intellect and our will. May God’s people love and serve and surrender to Him with all our heart, mind and soul. And may He be glorified for the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us so that He could take on our sin and God’s wrath against that sin, and bequeath His pristine holiness, His righteousness to those who come to Him in faith. It is by grace we have been saved!
Thank You, thank You, thank YOU, Lord Jesus!
Amen.
Advent Is For Worshipers (Part 2)
Thursday, November 26th, 2009
In honor of the Advent season which is upon us, here is part 2 of a 2-part article originally shared in DEC’s “The Times” newsletter. Part 1 of this article can be found here. Enjoy and comment!
Emmanuel
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)
“God with us.”
The name itself implies that we have to have room in order for Jesus to be there. No room, no Jesus. He is with us. Maybe the question this Christmas is, “Are we with God?”
Will busyness and overcommitment crowd Jesus out this Advent season, or will we cultivate hearts that say, “O come, Emmanuel! Ransom us! Rescue us!” Will our hearts cry out with the author of the Revelation, who wrote:
He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 (ESV)
In some ways, today is no different than the night Jesus was born: busy streets, people struggling to meet their responsibilities and crowds competing for high-demand items. Yet amid the noise and clamor of that night, God himself stepped into time. And above it all, a star pointed willing eyes toward this Miracle Child.
…And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9 (ESV)
Amid all of our noise and clamor, there’s a light today to point willing eyes to the Messiah. Actually, it’s a city on a hill. And while store fliers and party invitations are clamoring for our attention, God whispers, “Let your light so shine…”
So let’s not miss it this year. Let’s make room, be available. Be attentive. Let the flames of our longing hearts light the way for others. And our hearts, lips and lives declare, “O come, Emmanuel!”
Prayer
God, our hearts and lives are gifts from your hand. We pray that you’d fill them with genuine faith - a faith that would make us receptive - eager! - for you this Christmas. Rescue us from busyness and forgive us for allowing other occupants take your place. By your grace, we are your temple. We have room for you. We have a throne for you! For your praise of your great name, King Jesus. Amen.
Read full post...
In honor of the Advent season which is upon us, here is part 2 of a 2-part article originally shared in DEC’s “The Times” newsletter. Part 1 of this article can be found here. Enjoy and comment!
Emmanuel
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)
“God with us.”
The name itself implies that we have to have room in order for Jesus to be there. No room, no Jesus. He is with us. Maybe the question this Christmas is, “Are we with God?”
Will busyness and overcommitment crowd Jesus out this Advent season, or will we cultivate hearts that say, “O come, Emmanuel! Ransom us! Rescue us!” Will our hearts cry out with the author of the Revelation, who wrote:
He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 (ESV)
In some ways, today is no different than the night Jesus was born: busy streets, people struggling to meet their responsibilities and crowds competing for high-demand items. Yet amid the noise and clamor of that night, God himself stepped into time. And above it all, a star pointed willing eyes toward this Miracle Child.
…And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9 (ESV)
Amid all of our noise and clamor, there’s a light today to point willing eyes to the Messiah. Actually, it’s a city on a hill. And while store fliers and party invitations are clamoring for our attention, God whispers, “Let your light so shine…”
So let’s not miss it this year. Let’s make room, be available. Be attentive. Let the flames of our longing hearts light the way for others. And our hearts, lips and lives declare, “O come, Emmanuel!”
Prayer
God, our hearts and lives are gifts from your hand. We pray that you’d fill them with genuine faith - a faith that would make us receptive - eager! - for you this Christmas. Rescue us from busyness and forgive us for allowing other occupants take your place. By your grace, we are your temple. We have room for you. We have a throne for you! For your praise of your great name, King Jesus. Amen.
Do Not Be Silent (Part 1)
Monday, August 17th, 2009
No One But You
A few weeks ago, the Lord reminded me of the vast importance of worshiping God, and along with that came a reminder: no one else can love God for us, or give Him the glory that WE were created to give Him.
Having great friends in our lives who visibly love God in what they do, how they talk and how they worship Him is a blessing, for sure. But that’s not the same as actually doing it! Listening to our favorite worship artist is not the same as loving God. Attending church where the worship team pours out their hearts to God doesn’t mean that we do it. I’m the only one in my life who can worship God for me. I’m the only one who can deliberately live my life for the glory of God.
If you’ve gotten stuck vicariously living out your relationship with God through others, can I encourage you to step back into it? Get out of your comfort zone and walk by faith. God’s looking for you, and He’s ready to walk with you again.
It’s the difference between looking at a postcard of the Grand Canyon and standing on its rim.
Read full post...
No One But You
A few weeks ago, the Lord reminded me of the vast importance of worshiping God, and along with that came a reminder: no one else can love God for us, or give Him the glory that WE were created to give Him.
Having great friends in our lives who visibly love God in what they do, how they talk and how they worship Him is a blessing, for sure. But that’s not the same as actually doing it! Listening to our favorite worship artist is not the same as loving God. Attending church where the worship team pours out their hearts to God doesn’t mean that we do it. I’m the only one in my life who can worship God for me. I’m the only one who can deliberately live my life for the glory of God.
If you’ve gotten stuck vicariously living out your relationship with God through others, can I encourage you to step back into it? Get out of your comfort zone and walk by faith. God’s looking for you, and He’s ready to walk with you again.
It’s the difference between looking at a postcard of the Grand Canyon and standing on its rim.
With Your Whole Heart
Friday, August 7th, 2009
I’ve been preparing to introduce a new song to the church by reading Psalm 9:1-2 and the verses have really captivated my heart.
Psalm 9:1-2 (ESV)
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
I don’t think about my relationship with God in terms like this as much as I would like to. I want to live in response to the glorious worth of God and the mercy He has poured out on me with urgent, humble gratitude. I’m pretty sure God was really talking to me because as I meditated on it, a whole bunch of other verses flooded my mind.
Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Mark 12:30 (ESV)
“‘And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”
Mark 7:6-7 (ESV)
…’This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me…’”
Anybody have any reflections on these verses? I know my heart’s hearing a calling…
P.S., You’ll find out what that new song is on Sunday!
Read full post...
I’ve been preparing to introduce a new song to the church by reading Psalm 9:1-2 and the verses have really captivated my heart.
Psalm 9:1-2 (ESV)
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
I don’t think about my relationship with God in terms like this as much as I would like to. I want to live in response to the glorious worth of God and the mercy He has poured out on me with urgent, humble gratitude. I’m pretty sure God was really talking to me because as I meditated on it, a whole bunch of other verses flooded my mind.
Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Mark 12:30 (ESV)
“‘And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”
Mark 7:6-7 (ESV)
…’This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me…’”
Anybody have any reflections on these verses? I know my heart’s hearing a calling…
P.S., You’ll find out what that new song is on Sunday!
No Substitute For Loving God
Saturday, August 1st, 2009
“Do you love me?” The words probably haunted Peter on the beach that day. And, frankly, I hear the hesitation and humility in his voice when he answered. The man who would have once answered quickly with self-assurance simply says, “You know, Lord.”
Maybe Peter isn’t the only one getting asked that question today.
“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.’” Revelation 2:2-5 (ESV)
Even as we read this, some of us are forming arguments in our minds to defend our works and busyness, and preparing to offer a definition of love that accomodates where we’re living today. But in the end, we will offer no excuses, no rationalizations, nor will we explain the original meaning of the word “love” to Jesus. Maybe it’s not that difficult, anyway. Maybe it’s our pride and self-adulation that makes it that kind of difficult.
“Do you love me?” I think it’s a question I’m going to be asking myself a lot more because nobody can worship God for me, and there is, apparently, no substitute for loving God.
Read full post...
“Do you love me?” The words probably haunted Peter on the beach that day. And, frankly, I hear the hesitation and humility in his voice when he answered. The man who would have once answered quickly with self-assurance simply says, “You know, Lord.”
Maybe Peter isn’t the only one getting asked that question today.
“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.’” Revelation 2:2-5 (ESV)
Even as we read this, some of us are forming arguments in our minds to defend our works and busyness, and preparing to offer a definition of love that accomodates where we’re living today. But in the end, we will offer no excuses, no rationalizations, nor will we explain the original meaning of the word “love” to Jesus. Maybe it’s not that difficult, anyway. Maybe it’s our pride and self-adulation that makes it that kind of difficult.
“Do you love me?” I think it’s a question I’m going to be asking myself a lot more because nobody can worship God for me, and there is, apparently, no substitute for loving God.
Question: What Role Does The Bible Play In Daily Life?
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
I often pray, “God let me see the Scripture in this.” When I’m in some kind of relational situation or counseling someone or facing an opportunity in my life, I ask God to show me true wisdom by bringing to mind Bible verses that apply to what I’m seeing.
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”
So what role, if any, does the Bible play in your life?
Read full post...
I often pray, “God let me see the Scripture in this.” When I’m in some kind of relational situation or counseling someone or facing an opportunity in my life, I ask God to show me true wisdom by bringing to mind Bible verses that apply to what I’m seeing.
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”
So what role, if any, does the Bible play in your life?