Come to First Baptist tomorrow to hear about my first wife (Romans 7:1-6).
If you have ever struggled with serving God out of the crushing weight of obligation, this message is for you. There is hope through Jesus Christ and the freedom of serving Him out of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 5:41 (NIV)
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
This picture was taken over the weekend (photo from ojaipost.com and an article by Evan Austin entitled “Destroy? Satan?” on July 3rd). More than being a simple act of graffiti, I believe it communicates a message from the spiritual realm. It is a reminder that there are very real forces of evil that intend to destroy this valley and are working diligently to do so. It is a call to the church to wake up and engage the enemy in the authority and power delegated to us by Jesus Christ. We are reminded that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12). While the evil one comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus comes to bring abundant life. Let this picture be a call to battle. And let us be reminded that, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4, NIV).”
One of the things I appreciate so much about this church family is that we are learners. We love to study God’s Word and to read the material of gifted teachers to enhance our understanding. Frequently I hear someone say, “I was just reading…” That always brings joy to a pastor, provided the material is from a biblically sound author. Summer is a great time to read—whether sitting on the back porch sipping lemonade, or at the beach listening to the waves. So, I thought I would share with you a summer reading list. These are some of the books I have been reading lately and would recommend to you.
1. The Bible – Don’t go rushing to read a human author until you have spent significant time with the divine author. There are many good books, but only one Word of God. It alone is the sword of the Spirit and full of divine power. If you would like some encouragement in your study of the Scriptures, join a pod (Life Transformation Group). If you are not sure how to do this, give me a call.
2. A Place of Healing: Wrestling With the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God’s Sovereignty by Joni Eareckson Tada. This is the best book I have read regarding this subject and by an author who certainly writes from a position of authority.
3. Just Courage: God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Christian by Gary Haugen. This book will open your eyes to a much larger perspective of what God is doing in the world and challenge you to participate. It specifically focuses on God’s call for His Church to rescue those suffering injustice.
4. Revival’s Golden Key: How to Share Your Faith Simply, Effectively, Biblically…the Way Jesus Did by Ray Comfort. For decades now we have been taught to share the Gospel by beginning with “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life…” This book examines the tragic results of this approach and how it has shaped generations of self-centered, shallow Christians. There is a better, biblical starting point for sharing our faith.
5. Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity, and the Things We Made Up by Francis Chan. I haven’t actually read this book yet as it just came out yesterday. But I trust Chan and look forward to his perspective on hell in contrast to Rob Bell’s Love Wins. Wait for a full endorsement until I read it, but I am expecting a solid, biblical treatment of this subject.
Happy reading! Let me know what books you recommend.
When I was a kid I struggled with lots of anxiety issues. I constantly played the “What if…” game in my mind. Sleep was a real challenge. When I hit Jr. High I seemed to outgrow the anxiety. But I now realize that I merely learned how to distract myself from it through a focus on achievement (control) and a preoccupation with sports (escape). My recent health issues and accompanying fear have shown me that the anxiety has been there all along, hiding beneath the surface, and robbing me of true joy.
A wise friend shared some great insight with me this week. She said that the cultural approach to dealing with fear and anxiety is to disassociate from it. Learn how to think about something else–your “happy place” if you will. The problem is that the anxiety is still there and will rear its ugly head when given the opportunity. Further, focusing on a “happy place” distracts us from giving our full attention to God. We become preoccupied with other, lesser things.
God, on the other hand, has a different approach. He desires to take us by the hand and to face the fear and anxiety head on. As expressed in the book Just Courage by Gary Haugen, he takes us to our boundary of fear and wants to set us free. Biblical examples include Abraham and the Rich Young Ruler. Abraham had to face the fear of giving up his most prized possession, his son Isaac. God took him to that boundary of fear and set Abraham free. The Rich Young Ruler had to face the fear of giving up his most prized possession, financial security. God took him to that boundary of fear, but in contrast to Abraham’s faith, the Rich Young Ruler walked away, choosing control over freedom. He would continue to live in fear and anxiety and without the joy of the Lord.
What is causing fear and anxiety in your life? Are you simply trying to cover it up with happy thoughts or worldly distractions. God wants to set you free. But it will require taking the journey to face those fears head on. At that moment of truth we are given the choice: will I trust God to lead me through the fear, or will I walk away.
God has brought me to my boundary of fear. I am more than anxious about my health and the future. But He is reaching out His nail scarred hand, offering to take me through it so that I will be set free. On the other side is a brand new life of peace, faith, and joy as I learn to trust Him completely. Please pray for me that I will cling tightly to His hand as I pray the same for you.
Christy and I were blessed to go to Big Bear Lake for a short getaway Monday and Tuesday night. The lodging was a prize I won at a pastor’s gathering. It is fascinating to drive through high desert for so long until you begin a steep ascent into the mountains (7000 feet) and experience this:
Ephes. 3:18 (NLT)
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.
(photo courtesy of the Haman family and 2011 Spring Break trip. Thanks for inviting Josh.)
We met with the neurologist today and are very encouraged. Yesterday’s MRI showed no MS or tumor. She admitted that in light of my symptoms she was looking at the possiblility of MS. The MRI did reveal degeneration in the discs of my neck which are pinching the nerves and causing the numbness in my hands, feet, legs, and arms. It is possible that this is the root cause of my arm issues which prompted the ulnar nerve surgery in March. The cervical discs are definitely an issue but certainly small in comparision with some of the other possibilities. The initial treatment for this will be physical therapy. Yesterday’s EEG showed some “slowing” on the right side of my brain, so she prescribed a light dosage of anti-seizure medication that is supposed to also help in the short term with the nerve pain. The issues with my face (blurred vision, ringing ear, and numb cheek) are likely from a migraine–perhaps induced by stress.
Thank you all for your prayers. One of the areas I have certainly been blessed are many expressions of love and support. There is still a ways to go on this journey, especially the spiritual part about which I look forward to sharing more in the future.
(As long as I am being transparent on the worldwide web, my Vitamin D is deficient and my cholesterol is high).
With My Own Eyes 