Charaktocracy, Part 1

An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy – one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity…Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s trap.
– 1 Timothy 3:2-4, 7 HCSB

The church is not a monarchy. The pastor is not the supreme ruler. The church is not a republic. It is simply impractical to have every member vote on every decision involved in the running of a church unless you want to limit it to ten people. Besides, since when does the flock lead? Unless you attend certain infamous televangelist’s churches, the church is not an ochlocracy which is rule by organized crime. Only the most unhealthy and embittered church is an oligarchy. It should not be ruled by a wealthy minority. The church is not a meritocracy. It is not based on who has the most skill.

I find it interesting that Paul, in his description of the qualifications of elders in the above passage and in Titus 1:5-9, does not emphasize ability. He does not list degrees, skills, intelligence or even spiritual gifts! Instead, the defining characteristic of an elder must be character[1].

This is because leadership does not stem from what you do, but from what you are. What you are determines what you do. Every decision is formed by the interplay between God’s Word, the Holy Spirit and your character. Either you read God’s Word or you don’t. Either you listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance or you don’t. All four of these possibilities are determined by the level of your character. No man can rise above the level of his character.

Our English word character is basically a transliteration of the Greek word charakter. Character is the name we use for the constellation of strengths and weaknesses that form and reveal who we are. Character consists, not of a single statement or a random act, but of those qualities and dispositions that we show consistently--both good and bad. Assessing our character means taking an inventory of our dominant thoughts and actions. As Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do."

Ideally, the church should be a theocracy – God led. But the Lord in His wisdom gave apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, managers and linguists[2] to lead His church into the works for which she was prepared[3]. And the primary qualification of this vast array of men and women who each have served in their respective time and place is that of good character. The church is a theocracy managed by a charaktocracy.

[1] 1 Corinthians 4:2;Deuteronomy 17:14-20
[2] 1 Corinthians 12:28
[3] Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 28:19-20

The Goddess

(Semiramis and Nimrod or Tammuz)

"No! You will not die," the serpent said to the woman. "In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate [it]; – Genesis 3:4-6 (NASB)

There is a recurring theme throughout the course of history that finds its source in this initial act of rebellion. Our ancestress Eve longed for divinity and in reaching for that unattainable state, she plunged the whole world into darkness.
Semiramis (who was both Nimrod’s[1] mother and wife) was considered to be a goddess. Her veneration has continued for millennia, evolving her into numerous forms[2]. She sparked a whole series of mother and son, Madonna and child religions. She was called the “Mother of God” and the “Queen of Heaven.”

She was even venerated as the “Queen of Heaven” by the people of Israel. Jeremiah had to deal with her[3] and it was to her worship that the people turned when Solomon allowed apostasy to proliferate under his rule[4]. The worshippers of Diana rioted in Ephesus when Paul’s gospel message threatened the sale of her figurines[5] (which is oddly reminiscent of the sale of indulgences, statuary and scapula).

Today, many people choose to address God as “she” and do great harm to the Scriptures by twisting it to fit their gender-bending agenda.

We are told that a queenly figure that will dominate the world’s religious scene[6] toward the end of time and that this “harlot” will only find her demise at the hands of masterful traitor called the Antichrist[7].

“What are you saying?” You may ask. “Are you one of those who believe that women should be silent, barefoot and pregnant?” Not in the least. I thank God for the many wonderful examples of strong, godly female leaders ranging from Miriam[8] through Huldah[9], Deborah[10], Esther[11], Anna[12], Junia[13], Philip’s four daughters[14] and on to Priscilla[15].

What I AM saying is that women, in their desire to find equality, need to be careful to not progress beyond that goal to preeminence. They should not “authentein” (meaning rape or pillage) authority[16]. In true Christianity, there is no gender dominance[17]. Instead, there is mutual submission[18].

I am also saying that we need to accept God on His terms. We know that as a Spirit, He has no sexual organs. But if He chooses to present Himself as predominantly male, who are we to argue? Let’s not, in our overzealous drive for sexual equality, create a transsexual god.

[1] Genesis 10:8-12
[2] Ashtaroth, Aphrodite, Venus, Artemis, Diana, Athena, Minerva, Demeter, Ceres, Gaea, Terra, Hera, Juno, Hestia, Vesta and Rhea
[3] Jeremiah 44:17-19, 25
[4] Judges 10:6 (also, Judges 2:13; 1 Samuel 7:3,4; 12:10; 1 Kings 11:5; 2 Kings 23:13)
[5] Acts 19:24-34
[6] Revelation 17:1-5
[7] Revelation 17:16-18
[8] Exodus 15:20-21
[9] 2 Kings 22:11-14, 20
[10] Judges 4:1-9
[11] Esther 4:13-17
[12] Luke 2:36-38
[13] Romans 16:3-7
[14] Acts 15:32
[15] Acts 18:24-28
[16] 1 Timothy 2:11
[17] Galatians 3:28-29
[18] Ephesians 5:21-33

The General’s Name

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit..." - Matthew 28:19-20

Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Hannibal, Genghis Khan, Rommel, Patton, MacArthur, Colin Powel – all are names we recognize. We have heard of some of their tactics: envelopment, strategic withdrawal, blitzkrieg, carpet bombing, shock and awe.

But who were the soldiers who enacted these brilliant maneuvers? We rarely remember the names of the thousands who bled and died, or killed and survived. Instead, we look at the grand strategies in awe for though each hero brought his or her unique talents and character to bear on the challenges placed before them, it was the general’s brilliance that put it all together into a victory.

"Hashem ish milchama; Hashem shemo." "God is a man of war; God is His name.[1]" Under His command, the people of Israel won every battle. Only when they failed to fully obey did they lose.

Notice that the verse ends saying “God is His name.” He does not need weapons and ammunition. When He so chooses, He can split seas and cause them to crash in on themselves. He can send huge hail to devastate an army. He can slow the earth’s rotation so that the sun remains hanging in the sky until all His enemies are defeated. He can open the earth and cause traitors to be swallowed alive. Who needs bullets? He has His powerful name!

“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.[2]" Our General has given us the needed armor and weapons[3]. He has called us to go out and in His name bring down satanic strongholds, liberating those who are held in chains of darkness[4]. He demands that we set aside everything we think we know about strategy and tactics and instead do it His way. And though our general has stepped off our beach, He has promised “I shall return.[5]”

Each of us must be willing to fight the good fight.[6] But do not be mistaken. Our names will probably never be remembered. Our heroic endeavors will merely be threads in the vast tapestry of God’s strategy. It is in His name that we fight – and it is HIS name that will be remembered.

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.[7]

[1] Exodus 15:3
[2] Ephesians 6:12
[3] Ephesians 6:8-10
[4] Isaiah 58:6
[5] Acts 1:10-11
[6] 2 Timothy 4:7
[7] Philippians 2:10-11

Courting Christ: Say I love you often

He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. - John 14:21 (NASB)

A tzaddik was approached by a young construction worker seeking reassurance that he was on the right path. When the elder gently pointed out sins the young man was contentedly living with, he was answered, “Yeah, I know that those are probably sins, but I attend church, and I provide for my wife and I don’t steal. Surely in the end God will accept me.”

The tzaddik countered, “I would like to work for you for a day.” The young man was bemused by the request but agreed.

The tzaddik showed up late and said, “I know I’m late, but it’s ok. I brought a big lunch!” The owner had no idea how one was related to the other but decided to let it go.

He gave the tzaddik instructions to clean up some debris. But when he came back, every bit of garbage was still sitting on the ground. The owner bit his tongue as the elder excused himself, “I didn’t get the garbage picked up like you asked, but I did build a good lunch table!”

The owner asked the tzaddik to plumb a wall with a 4-foot level. Instead, the tzaddik used a 6” torpedo level. Of course, the wall leaned terribly. The owner was fuming internally and barely managed to control himself.

On and on it went. Everything the holy man was told to do was left undone. He always did something different instead.

Finally, the young construction worker could take no more. He roared his disapproval, calling the tzaddik disobedient, rebellious and completely inept. The tzaddik smiled at him and said, “Now you know how God feels when you choose to replace His will with your own.”

God says, “I want you to attend church.[1]” We respond, “But that’s my only day to sleep in!”

God says, “I want you to love your brothers and sisters in Christ and consider them to be greater than yourself[2].” We respond, “But they are just not meeting my needs at that church!”

God says, “The only way to heaven is to accept my beloved Son as your Lord and Savior.[3]” We respond, “Isn’t that a bit arrogant? Surely there is one truth but many paths to that truth!”

Any parent will tell you that the clearest and easiest way for a child to demonstrate love for the parent is through obedience. Jesus was very clear as to his love language. He told us, “If you love me, keep my commandments.[4]”

Don’t claim to be a Christian, a disciple of Christ, a Christ lover and refuse to obey Him. Every time you obey Him, you are saying, “I love you.” Say it often.

[1] Hebrews 10:24-25
[2] Philippians 2:3
[3] 1 Timothy 2:5
[4] John 14:15

Courting Christ: Trust Him, Part 2

They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.” - 2 Chronicles 20:20 (NASB)

Here we see some old, formidable enemies that arose against Jehoshaphat. Who were these enemies? Interestingly, all three enemies were distant relatives. The Meuranites were Edomites who came from Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. The Moabites and Ammonites descended from Lot, Abraham’s nephew. Unfortunately, both the daughters of Lot had child by their father. The firstborn bore a son, and called his name Moab; he was the father of the Moabites. As for the younger, she also bore a son, and called his name Ben-ammi; he was the father of the sons of Ammon[1]. Sometimes it is not strangers who threaten us the most. Sometimes it is those whom we should suspect the least!

God had ordered those nations left alone when Israel first came into the Promised Land well over 500 years before[2]. It had been five centuries since these nations got their reprieve. The Lord is incredibly patient with our sin. But sooner or later sin always brings judgment into our lives and communities. He gave those nations plenty of time to repent. But the time for judgment had arrived.

He wanted the people of those nations to know that He was upset with their ways. They had been close to the truth, but ultimately rejected it. They had had the hope of victory because they had known of God’s promises, but had rejected the truth God had revealed. And this always brings God’s judgment.

For God’s people, however, a threat can become a means to trust God more and see God’s special victory. The threat may seem overwhelming. Perhaps the Israelites could have handled one of the enemies. But they were being ambushed by several nations from various directions[3].

A strategic part of overwhelming threats is their timing. Timing betrays strategy. Coincidence has no strategist moving the pieces about[4].

Actually, these overwhelming circumstances may be better than the ones we think we can handle without calling on the Lord for help. We need to be aware that our enemy works diligently and intelligently to make us fall[5]. But it didn’t matter then, nor does it matter now. Greater is He that is in us than he who is in the world![6] The Israelites did exactly the right thing when they called upon God and then obeyed what He said.

Isn’t it too bad we only call upon the Lord when what we consider precious is threatened? What would our lives be like if we called upon Him daily for other more noble purposes?



[1] Genesis 19:36-38
[2] Numbers 20:17-21; Deuteronomy 2:4-6
[3] 2 Chronicles 20:2
[4] Ephesians 6:12
[5] 1 Peter 5:8
[6] 1 John 4:4

Courting Christ: Trust Him, Part 1

They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.” - 2 Chronicles 20:20 (NASB)

We understand the need for trust between Marines, between police officers or between firemen. Yet we often forget the need for trust in d’vekut (the mystical relationship between God and man). But trust betrayed will founder any relationship.

King Jehoshaphat called on his people to trust God. Consider the circumstances in which he issued his challenge. Three ancient enemies had united against the Israelites and marched up the southern edge of the Dead Sea and the vast enemy armies were upon them before they even realized there was a problem.

I would like to draw your attention to a few characteristics of Jehoshaphat’s prayer that we can develop in our prayer life. First, his prayer was based on faith[1]. He was confident of the answer; saying “You WILL hear and deliver.” And if you pay attention to his use of the word “You”, you realize that he spoke directly to God. He saw no need for intermediaries, even in a day of priests and sacrifices.

Second, notice how he based his prayer on God’s promises[2]. He knew the Scriptures because verse 8 refers to Solomon’s prayer[3]. Many years later, Jesus said, “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.[4]” We need to make sure our prayers are in line with God’s Word.

Third, he made sure he based his prayer on the will of God[5]. He did not say, “God, you must do this or that.” His simple faith was stated in the last line of his prayer, essentially saying, “We do not know what to do, but we look to you[6].”

Trust implies obedience. The Israelites didn’t need to fight, but they still needed to go. They still needed to respond to God. This is always the case. This is where we put our faith to the test. Our active response says that we believe what we heard. We demonstrate our faith by our actions[7].

Jehoshaphat had established a one million man army[8]. He had fortresses, store cities, huge supplies and could muster 1,000,000 valiant warriors, besides those who manned the fortresses! But when the Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites came against him, his first thought was to turn to the Lord.

If we forget the God of righteousness in our response to life’s challenges, we will fail, no matter how vast our material resources may be. Stand and see. Be resolute. Find strength, not in your resources, but in your faith and moral strength.


[1] 2 Chronicles 20:5-9
[2] 2 Chronicles 20:5-9
[3] 2 Chronicles 6-7
[4] John 15:7 HCSB
[5] 2 Chronicles 20:10-13
[6] 2 Chronicles 20:12 HCSB
[7] James 1:22-26; John 14:15
[8] 2 Chronicles 17:12-19

Love’s Boldness

“Now if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, please teach me Your ways, and I will know You and find favor in Your sight. Now consider that this nation is Your people." Then He replied, "My presence will go [with you], and I will give you rest." – Exodus 33:13-14 (NASB)

Ah, love’s sweet boldness. What courage rises within the lover’s heart! A tzaddik, after initial doubts and fears[1], here finally discovers the true possibilities of d’vekut, the mystical communion between God’s Spirit and ours.

When first called, he tried to beg off the responsibilities, using the old cliché “It’s not you, it’s me.” But God pursued, man succumbed and great things happened. This is always the pattern. God is always first. God always initiates. This is why we can take credit for nothing. When we surrender our will to God’s ways, the inherent possibilities of the situation skyrocket to infinitude. Why? Not because we were humble enough or smart enough to yield. We cannot even take credit for that mustard seed of faith because it is God’s Spirit that even makes faith possible[2]. We pursue Him even while His hand supports us[3]. Our possibilities only achieve their lofty height when our pride steps aside and El Olam’s power becomes more readily apparent. In our weakness His strength is revealed[4].

So much more than grand miracles happened for Moses though. Oh yes, rivers turned to blood; insects swarmed; frogs cavorted; darkness fell; firstborn died; great seas were split and armies were drowned. But these events were just the warm up. The true miracle occurred when one man came to love the Yahweh Nissi for who He was rather than for what He could do.

Moses finally came to realize that he didn’t need authoritative credentials[5]. He didn’t need a magical bag of tricks[6]. He did not need Aaron[7]. What he needed was God[8].

“Please,” he begged. The tone was pleading – longing, much like a young man looking into the eyes of his loved one and asking for that first kiss. The tremulous tone, the hesitation at crossing that line…all the markings of young love are there for those who know what to look for.

“Teach me your ways.” Why? So he could use the knowledge to consolidate his position of power? So others would look up to him as a great and wise man? No. It was in order to better know God and find favor in His sight.

What is the sign of true love if not to find our lover fascinating and want to know everything about them? We absolutely want to find favor in their sight. We want to see our longing reflected in their eyes.

God, in His great mercy and condescension, granted the request. “My presence will go with you.” And the result? Rest that only comes from the knowledge that we are loved. Be bold - love greatly and therein find peace.

[1] Exodus 3:11
[2] Isaiah 64:4-9; Job 14:4; Jeremiah 13:23; Matthew 11:27; 1 Corinthians 2:14
[3] Psalm 63:8
[4] 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
[5] Exodus 3:13
[6] Exodus 4:1-5
[7] Exodus 4:13-16
[8] Psalm 42:1-2

Courting Christ: Why Worship God?

Then God spoke all these words, saying, I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. - Exodus 20:1-6 (NASB)

There are three major benefits (among many, many others) to worshipping only God. First of all, it will delight us. God worship will provide the fulfillment we seek. If we seek our happiness in the Lord, He will give us our heart’s desire[1]. The only regret I have ever heard from old Christians about their walk with Christ is that they didn’t come to Him sooner. Didn’t He promise that whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed[2]? Why settle for the artificial and unsatisfying when we can possess the reality?
Second, worshipping God alone will deliver us. It is liberating[3].

• We are set free from needing everyone else’s approval. We won’t have to please a bunch of different people. We only have to please One – the Lord God[4].
• We are set free from our past. We are forgiven of our sins and given strength to overcome the consequences that remain.
• We are set free from our present sin. The Holy Spirit’s power is available to overcome old and deeply ingrained habits.
• We are set free from the fear of death. For us the future is bright and death is no more than a move to a better neighborhood[5].

Third, worshipping only God will develop us. In the process of setting our sights on becoming like Christ[6], we are gradually transformed by the Spirit[7]. Right now, we may not seem like much, but one day we will be like Him[8]. What an amazing concept! The old lie of the devil, that false promise he made to our ancestors long ago was that if we followed his instructions, we could be like gods[9]. But what the devil failed to deliver, God Himself has made possible. We can be like Him. We too can be holy[10].

In order to cultivate a relationship with God, we must be faithful to Him. We must set aside our idolatrous ideas of what He is and take Him as He presents Himself in the Scriptures. We must worship Him and only Him. But when we do – oh, the benefits!

[1] Psalm 37:4
[2] Romans 10:11
[3] John 8:32, 36
[4] Acts 5:29
[5] Philippians 1:21-24
[6] Philippians 3:12-14
[7] 2 Corinthians 3:18
[8] 1 Corinthians 13:12
[9] Genesis 3:5
[10] 1 Peter 1:16

Courting Christ: Why Choose the Lie?

Then God spoke all these words, saying, I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. - Exodus 20:1-6 (NASB)

To worship is to give our highest love and devotion. Have you ever heard someone say, “I worship the ground she walks on”? God says, “Worship only me”, but unfortunately, we tend to worship His creations or benefits. To do so is to worship a lie, however[1].

Do you know anyone that does this? Perhaps instead of obeying God’s command to not neglect assembling with other Christians, they choose to be on the lake, the beach, the golf course or the campground worshiping the god Recreation.

It’s amazing what people will worship today. Some worship nature – radical environmentalists. They worship trees and forests. Otherwise intelligent people worship astrology, crystals, good luck charms, animals… But why would people want to make God into a statue or a form that they can bow down to?

Perhaps they are trying to corner Him – limit Him. If they can make Him a statue or a crystal, then they know exactly where He is. If they don’t want Him around, they can put Him in a drawer, or leave Him at home. Then they can feel a lot better when they do something wrong. If they can keep God on a shelf or at church, then they’ve got Him under control – cornered.

Perhaps they are trying to constrain God – to reduce His power and glory. If God is only a statue or a box or an idea, then He is less imposing or threatening. But this reverses biblical teaching. God made us in His image[2], not the other way around. It’s a lot easier for people to change their image of God than it is to change themselves. If God says, “Don’t commit adultery”, they can just change their image of God to justify their sin. But that is idolatry and it angers the true God[3].

Ultimately, however, this desire to change God is an attempt to control Him. It is an attempt to take His place. It is an attempt to make Him into something or someone who will accept the gift WE want to offer. It is, in essence Cain’s sin[4]. And we know where that ended, don’t we?

[1] Romans 1:25
[2] Genesis 1:26
[3] Romans 1:18-25
[4] Genesis 4:1-8

Courting Christ: Worshipping Mental Gods

Then God spoke all these words, saying, I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. - Exodus 20:1-6 (NASB)

Today’s text speaks right to where we live today, saying basically two things: (1) Don’t idolize anything or anyone and (2) worship only God.

What is an idol? An idol is anything that takes our focus off God and puts it on something else[1]. Upon what is your life centered? What is your primary focus?

Our shrines may not be the ones found in the homes of those who live in other parts of the world, which are made of wood, stone, clay or metal. We build mental rather than metal images. Our shrine in America may be the little box called the TV. On it, we watch and worship images of sex, money and violence.

An idol doesn’t have to be an evil thing; we can idolize a good thing. Some people park their idols in their garage, or at the marina. Some idols remain in safe deposit boxes.

Archaeologists tell us that in every culture throughout history there have been idols: statues of little gods or goddesses. In Bible times and lands, there were three primary idols. There was Baal whose female counter part was Ashtorah. Baal was the god of sex. Mammon was the god of money. And there was Molech who was the god of violence. Sex, money, violence – sound familiar?

For some reason, Humanity has a desire to turn people or things into objects of worship. God does not like that. As a matter of fact, He hates it! Idol worship is a serious thing. Look at verse 5, where the last phrase ends by saying, “..of those who hate me.” God is a jealous God and desires our exclusive worship. As our Groom, He wants us to be faithful to our relationship with Him[2]. Putting anything else ahead of Him is to hate Him.

But why does He want this? Is He like a jealous teenage boyfriend? Not at all. The Good News translation puts it, “For your own good, don’t sin by making an idol in any form at all.[3]” The emphasis is on “For your own good.” He knows that to move away from Him is to move away from spiritual health[4]. Remain far enough away and you are spiritually dead.


[1] Romans 1:22-23
[2] Isaiah 44:6-22; Leviticus 17:7;
[3] Deuteronomy 4:15-16
[4] John 17:1-3; Proverbs 8:36

Courting Christ: Disappointed, Dominated and Deformed

Then God spoke all these words, saying, I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. - Exodus 20:1-6 (NASB)

Idols disappoint because they always promise more than they can deliver. Those who make idols will be disillusioned because their creations are false and lifeless[1]. We think that if we wear a certain brand of clothes we’ll be popular. Or, if we drink a certain type of beer “life doesn’t get any better than this.” Or maybe…if we buy this toothpaste we’ll have sex appeal. But anytime we put our expectation in something other than God we will be disappointed. Only God can fill the vacuum in our hearts.

Idols will dominate us. Paul said, “Before you knew Christ you were controlled by dead idols, who always led you astray.[2]” Notice the emphasis on the words “controlled” and “always led astray.”

Another word for idolatry is “addiction.” We can become addicted to work, sports, sex, drugs, etc. Idolatry, regardless of its form, will lead us astray. We may seek a job promotion to the point that we neglect our families. We may feed a habit so much that it destroys our health. We may become so concerned for the approval of or disapproval of others that it dominates our lives. That’s not just co-dependency – that’s idolatry!

Idols will deform, change and warp us. Why? Because we become what we value most. I call that the Law of Focus. We become our mental focus. David said, “Those who make idols become like them and so will those who trust in them.[3]” We shape an idol and then it returns the favor.

A rich young ruler came to Christ and said “What must I do to follow you and have eternal life?[4]” Jesus gave an odd answer, “Sell everything, give it to the poor and come follow Me.” Jesus never gave this set of instructions to any one else – ever. Why did He say it to this man? Because Jesus knew this man had an idol in his life – money, his bank account.

What are you holding on to today? A relationship, a lifestyle, a career, a habit? An idol! Idols will distract you, dominate you, disappoint you and they will eventually destroy you. God says “Don’t idolize anything! Be faithful to me!”

[1] Jeremiah 10:14
[2] 1 Corinthians 12:2 (GN)
[3] Psalm 115:8 (GN)
[4] Matthew 19:16-30

Christ, the Creator

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. – John 1:1-3 (NASB)

Imagine having whole worlds for your playground! John described the Son of God as the Word that God used to create all things. Can you picture Jesus, the first incarnate being in the universe, speaking and causing light to appear? Can you hear His voice ring out causing frighteningly, beautiful angels to roar into existence?

He witnessed the birth of the Himalayas. He gouged out the Grand Canyon. There is a mind bogglingly huge mountain on Mars called Olympus Mons. It is over 16 miles tall and its caldera is nearly two miles deep. It is so big that it takes up an area as big as Arizona. This amazing mountain was His doing.

Solomon described Him as the Wisdom of God who worked beside the Father to create all things. In Proverbs 8:22-30, Solomon recorded Wisdom (Christ) as saying, “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills I was brought forth; while He had not yet made the earth and the fields, nor the first dust of the world. When He established the heavens, I was there. When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, when He made firm the skies above, when the springs of the deep became fixed, when He set for the sea its boundary so that the water would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth; then I was beside Him, as a master workman.” (NASB)

How beautifully understated! “Master workman” indeed! There is literally nothing He cannot do. He paid as much attention to the span between the galaxies as He did to the crystalline structure of each snowflake. Any work of man loses its resolution at some point. With Jesus’ workmanship, there is infinite detail limited only by our ability to manufacture precise enough instruments.

The Christ Child came to create again. He arrived to deliver His greatest offering: salvation for mankind, reconciliation with God, and an invitation into the intimate relationship the Godhead shared. What a God! What a Savior!

And the amazing thing about this omnipotent, omniscient and infinitely creative God is that He loves us. He did all these wonderful things simply out of a deep, abiding affection for His creatures. Look at how Solomon described the Master’s motivation: “And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in the world, His earth, and having my delight in the sons of men.” (Proverbs 8:31, NASB)

Courting Christ: Raise His Children, Part 2

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. – Colossians 1:9-12 NASB

In raising children, whether biological or spiritual, it is important to have clear goals, or we will flounder and be inconsistent. As I disciple my spiritual children, I pray for and work toward ten specific goals that I see in today’s passage.

1. (v. 9) Knowledge of His will[1]
Like Joshua[2], I encourage them to meditate on and obey the Word of God. This goal is reached through disciplined Bible study and prayer.

2. (v. 9) Spiritual wisdom[3].
This is far more than the human wisdom that comes from experience and learning[4]. This wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit and can lead to insights that far outstrip the human capability.

3. (v. 9) Spiritual understanding[5].
The Holy Spirit, through the Word, can give them keen insight into the inner thoughts and intents of the human heart – both their own and that of others.

4. (v.10) A worthy life[6].
I want them to have a manner of life that is worthy of their Lord, pleasing God in all respects. I want my children to live lives that are marked by gratitude, joy, humility and service. The discipled life is completely centered on and influenced by the Trinity. Family, neighbors, work, church, school, and interests are secondary to and dependent upon the will of God.

5. (v.10-11) Good works that are God-driven[7].
Their lives should be characterized by service, but tempered by the understanding that they can do nothing without God, that their works do not make God love them any more or less and do not make them any more or less saved.

6. (v. 11) Spirit empowerment[8].
There should be power and victory over sin. Everything within the Christian life is empowered by the Holy Spirit. The degree of submission to the Spirit identifies the degree of holiness in the convert’s life. We accomplish as much as we submit to God.

7. (v. 11) Steadfastness[9].
I want strong, steady children who do not waver in the face of life’s difficulties.

8. (v. 11) Patience[10].
Disciples should be patient with the process of discipleship and with each other.

9. (v. 11) Joy[11].
A lack of joy demonstrates a lack of appreciation for God’s sovereignty. We get unhappy when we think God has somehow done us wrong – and that’s a sin.

10. (v. 12) Gratitude[12]. Whatever sacrifice discipleship demands, it is not as much as what Christ demanded of Himself. We must inculcate an attitude of gratitude in those we disciple.

[1] Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 2:2; 3:10; Acts 22:14; Ephesians 1:9; 4:13; Philippians 1:9; 1 Timothy 2:4
[2] Joshua 1:8
[3] Deuteronomy 32:29; Colossians 3:16; 4:5; Psalm 119:99; 1 Corinthians 12:8
[4] Job 12:16
[5] Ephesians 1:17; Romans 1:11; Colossians 2:2; Psalm 119:27; Mark 12:33; Ephesians 5:17; 1 John 5:20
[6] Colossians 2:6; 4:5; Psalm 1:1, 3; 119:3; 128:1; Micah 4:5; Romans 4:12; Ephesians 4:1; 5:2, 15; Philippians 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:12
[7] Acts 9:36; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Titus 3:1, 8, 14
[8] Deuteronomy 33:25; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 40:29, 31; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 3:16
[9] Colossians 3:12; Romans 2:4; 9:22; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:10; 4:2; Hebrews 6:12
[10] Proverbs 24:10; Acts 5:41; Romans 2:7; 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 6:4-6; 12:9-10; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:1-3; Hebrews 10:34-38; 11:34-38; James 1:2-4; 5:7-8; 2 Peter 1:6; Revelation 14:12
[11] Matthew 5:12
[12] Colossians 3:15, 17; 1 Chronicles 29:20; Psalm 79:13; 107:21-22; 116:7; Daniel 2:23; Ephesians 5:4

Courting Christ: Raise His Children, Part 1

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." – John 8:31-32 NASB

We all love the idea of a cuddly little baby. But within a few short years, these babies grow up into room wrecking, mess makers! And then they develop this strange idea that they should be allowed to drive!

Jesus told us that we are to go out and make disciples[1]. Sometimes we get on our Tuesday-night-door-to-door visitation or our mass evangelization kicks and forget that the Great Commission went on to say that we were to not only get them converted, but also baptized, taught and obedient.

We must fight the 'independent' attitude today in which we let everyone learn by himself. Can a child raise himself? Perhaps, but what kind of person will he or she be? How many handicaps could they have avoided if they had a loving, caring adult guiding them to maturity?

We need to think through where we want our spiritual children to be in areas of giving, discipling, evangelizing, family care, loving of neighbors, etc. We can not just assume that people know the right thing to do.

Some people think that discipleship takes place automatically with church attendance. But the average service is usually too general in its approach and not specifically targeted to the needs of a new Christian.

Some people think that discipleship will simply just happen. But Jesus’ teachings are too counter-cultural and contradictory to the innate sin nature to spontaneously be learned without work. And learning is a constant process. Discipleship is not merely for new Christians. We never outgrow the need to grow!

Discipleship is far more than a twelve-week program. Discipleship is a lifestyle. It’s like a diet. If you go off your diet and back to your old ways, you’ll start reverting to your old shape too! Like parenting, discipling or mentoring never ends.

I wish someone had taken me aside when I was a young Christian and guided me in what I should do, how I should live and how to study the Bible. It would have made a tremendous difference in my Christian life. I blundered about. Fortunately, God slowly weaned me through this process. As a church elder, I’m trying to save you from a lot of the mistakes that I made so that you may someday surpass me in your spiritual walk.

That’s what discipleship is. It’s not enough to bear Christ children. You also need to do your part in raising them so that one day they can surpass you. That was the Master’s attitude. He said, "I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these[2]”

[1] Matthew 28:19-20
[2] John 14:12

Courting Christ: Be quick to say I’m sorry

Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness. According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. – Psalm 51:1-2

We instinctively know that any relationship in which no one is willing to admit wrong and apologize is doomed for failure. So, let’s learn a lesson from the life of King David.

David ben Jesse was a young shepherd who very nearly missed greatness. He was so humble and lowly that when the prophet Samuel announced that one of Jesse’s sons would be anointed king, no one even thought to call David.

But after God firmly rejected every other son, David was finally brought in and the Lord expressed His approval. David did not seek leadership; it was thrust upon him. He was anointed king of Israel while there was still a king on the throne. And when the reigning king sought to kill him, David honorably refused to raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed. Instead, he became best friends with his mortal enemy’s son Jonathan and began to do the job of king without the title or pay.

Years later, David was finally established as the king of Israel and began his reign by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He was so overwhelmed with joy over the visible presence of God that he danced in wild abandon.

But one day David sinned. It didn’t matter that he had served long and faithfully against terrible odds. He sinned and it came between him and God. Another prophet by the name of Nathan confronted David who instantly confessed what he’d done.

There were still consequences to his sin. But during the process of his restoration, David wrote the beautiful Psalm 51 from which we may learn how to be restored when we sin. The following principles work equally well in any relationship.

First, we must recognize the fact that we need God’s grace and loving kindness (v.1). We should ask for the forgiveness of our sins (v.2) remorsefully naming it for what it is (v.3). Then we should declare an unconditional surrender to God’s will and judgment (v.4) throwing ourselves upon His mercy. We need to express our innately sinful state and total inability to change on our own (v.5) yet commit ourselves to the process of change (vv.6-7). This process includes the pursuit of truth, wisdom, restitution and right living.

After having done these things, we then may articulate our hope for renewed joy (v.8), imputed purity (v.9), practical purity (v.10), restored relationship (v.11) and spiritual empowerment (v.12). Only then may we rededicate ourselves to giving God the glory (vv.13-15). But in doing so we must make sure that we don’t fall into Cain’s sin of offering the Lord what WE want and then pouting when He doesn’t like it. We must seek what pleases Him (v.16). Not doing so is what got us into trouble in the first place.

Courting Christ: Seek, Find, Seek Some More

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you…and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile. - Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NASB)

The prophet Jeremiah had an incredible relationship with the Lord God. He was the beneficiary of direct revelation, visions, prophecies…and yet he is known as “the weeping prophet.”

Why? He lived in an age where rampant immorality, hypocrisy within the true religion and tolerance for many false religions reigned. In his day, ministers looked for the highest paying position and politicians sought their own good rather than the good of their people. It was a time of war and fear. Sound familiar?

Jeremiah had the unenviable job of telling the people what they were doing wrong and what God was going to do about it. He prophesied the downfall of their country and of terrible dark times that lay ahead of them. But in the middle of all the doom and gloom, God chose to speak directly to His people through his prophet. He gave them (and us) the secret to a restored relationship with the Sovereign King of Kings.

What did God say our approach to devotions should be? To seek Him, find Him and then seek Him more with our whole hearts.

As a result we will find the Lord. He will restore our fortunes. We will be gathered in and find the fellowship and unity we seek and we will be rescued from our exile.

Olympic athletes never tire of trying to shave a little more time off their record. Artists never tire of honing their craft. Our pursuit of God must become a passion. Like David, our souls must follow hard after God, even as His hand is upholding us[1]. We can never take credit for the process. It is God who first draws us. It is God who upholds us.

We must respond to the drawing of the Holy Spirit[2] like a young bride answers the call of her lover. We must be like the lover who draws his loved one into an embrace. He has “captured” his loved one, but continues seeking to “capture” them even more.

You can go a long time without food – but you will go down after only a couple days without water. Our need for God must become a thirst, a real biological imperative. To go a day without God’s presence and conversation is to go without life.

Today, we are taught to be satisfied by our salvation; as though birth without continuous growth and maturation is sufficient.

But God is calling us to a holy dissatisfaction.

[1] Psalm 63:8
[2] John 6:44

Courting Christ: Bear Him Children

I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples. – John 15:5-8 (HCSB)

Probably the greatest drive in women is the need to bear children. It is so common that we actually have named the drive, calling it their “biological clock”. It’s as if they are a walking time bomb and if that need is not met soon, they will explode!

Rachel exemplified the strength of this biological imperative when she cried out to her husband, “Give me children, or else I die.[1]” Hannah was another woman whose prayers were so passionate - so frenetic - that Eli the priest thought she was drunk[2]!

Jesus referred to the salvation experience as a birth[3]. Like His, our spiritual birth is instigated by[4] and confirmed by the Holy Spirit[5]. As a good bride of Christ[6], it should be our greatest desire to give our Groom children. It is, in fact, His greatest desire. The first command He gave Humanity was “be fruitful and multiply.[7]” And the last command He gave before He left His earthly ministry to return to heaven was again essentially “be fruitful and multiply.[8]”

What a wonderful, mysterious and beautiful process physical birth is[9]! What a privilege to participate in such a miracle! But if you are not able to witness and reproduce your faith in others, you are missing out on an equally life-changing experience. It is not a question of HAVING to lead someone to the Lord. It is a question of GETTING to!

Our passion to spiritually reproduce should be irresistible! A barren Christian life should be unacceptable. Like Hannah, we should pray – not just to give birth – but to return the soul to God as a disciple[10].

Leading someone to the Lord is a work of the Spirit. It is impossible to take the credit for birthing a soul into the Kingdom. We need to make sure that the Word is in us, that the Spirit has all of us and that we are sensitive to which way the Spirit is blowing[11].

We must abide in Christ the Vine, not only trusting Him to get to heaven, but also during the course of our physical, human life here on earth. We must live for, listen to and obey Him. If we do, we WILL bear much fruit and God will get the glory.

[1] Genesis 30:1-2
[2] 1 Samuel 1:12-14
[3] John 3:3-8
[4] John 3:8; 1 Corinthians 6:11
[5] Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:10-11; Luke 3:22 cp Ephesians 1:13
[6] Ephesians 5:22-24
[7] Genesis 1:28
[8] Matthew 28:19-20
[9] Psalm 139:13-16
[10] 1 Samuel 1:11 cp Matthew 28:19-20 Note it doesn’t say converts but disciples
[11] John 3:7-8

Courting Christ: Wear His Ring Part 2

Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 10:32-33

Yesterday, we considered the fact that, as well intentioned as we may be in our attempts to identify ourselves with Christ, He has very definite ideas on how He would like that to take place. Outward identification is insufficient. We need to imitate His very thought processes – His attitudes and feelings. Allow me to give you twenty ways that you can identify yourself with Christ by imitating Him. I take these from Philippians 2:1-18

• Pursue a unity of mind with fellow believers rather than the pursuit of your personal goals and perceived needs. v.2
• Seek to develop a unity of affection. Love the same things. Love serving others. Love praising and worshipping the Master. v.2
• Maintain a unity of spirit. God is a spirit and as such must be worshipped in spirit and in truth[1]. Make sure you are attending church for the right reason. The pastor is not the performer and you are not the audience. All the gathered Christians are performers and God is the audience. v.2
• Develop a unity of purpose that is biblically based rather than based on the latest polls of the biggest mega churches in America. v.2
• Develop selflessness. v.3
• Maintain a humble spirit. v.3
• Be able to set aside your rights. v.6-7
• Be willing to serve others with your God-given talents, time and resources. v.7
• Cross cultural barriers in order to better serve others. v.7
• Be absolutely, uncompromisingly and unapologetically obedient to the will of God. v.8
• Discipline yourself to set aside your life for Him and others. v.8
• Teach yourself to graciously accept appropriate praise and authority v.9-11
• Renew your dedication to the discipleship process. v.12
• Rely upon God rather than your own good works. v.13
• Have good attitudes as you go about your daily work, ministry and family time. v.14
• Dedicate yourself to purity and blamelessness. v.15
• Be absolutely dedicated to the Word. v.16
• Keep focused on your purpose – the glorification of Jesus Christ. v.16
• Let your service be characterized by joy. v.17-18
• And be willing to share that joy with others. v.18

Doing these things will clearly identify you as one of His. Like a new bride caught up in the throes of young passionate love, you will be proudly displaying His ring to everyone near you.



[1] John 4:24

Courting Christ: Wear His Ring, Part 1

Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 10:32-33 (NASB)

Why do we wear wedding rings? Do we need a physical reminder of a decision that we made? Surely we can remember the fact that we vowed to dedicate our selves to serving and loving someone for as long as we both shall live? With a 50% divorce rate apparently not!

Why do we need war memorials? Surely we could remember the hundreds of thousands of men and women who over the years, fought so that their loved ones could enjoy freedom? Watching film clips of people throwing refuse and epithets at returning vets, I guess not!

Why do we need tombstones? Surely we can remember the lives and deaths of the loved ones who have contributed so much joy and richness to our lives? From the number of people who actually visit their elderly loved ones in nursing homes while they’re still alive – apparently not!

Why do we feel the need to identify ourselves with sports teams? Why do we ask our police, soldiers, postal workers, firemen and K-Mart workers to wear uniforms? Why do we sometimes ask our children to wear school uniforms or to identify themselves with certain social groups like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or AWANAS?

We routinely identify ourselves with all kinds of activities, both serious and frivolous. We shouldn’t balk when Jesus asks us to identify ourselves with Him, should we?

As a matter of fact, we do many things to identify ourselves with the Christian religion. We wear pretty little jewelry in the shape of crosses, we label our bracelets and ball caps with WWJD (What Would Jesus Do). We put tall steeples on top of buildings in order to publicly identify them as places where the worship of Jesus as God takes place.

But how does Jesus ask us to identify ourselves with Him? He explicitly called Himself our Teacher and said that His life and actions were an example for us to imitate[1].

Paul also admonished us to imitate his imitation of Christ[2]. Jesus wants us to represent Him; to BE Him to the world.

• 1 John 4:17 By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.
  

So what is it about Him that we should imitate? We could talk about His many great works. We could discuss His passion for the poor, the hungry, the needy, the fatherless, the widows or even for justice.

However, in order to accomplish these things, we must imitate the core of the Savior. It is His mindset that we should seek. Tomorrow I’ll give you twenty ways to do just that.

[1] John 13:13-17
[2] 1 Corinthians 11:1

Why?

But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray. For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well-fed. They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people…Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?...When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny. – Psalm 73:2-5, 13, 16-17 (NASB)

Why? Why do good men die young? Why do parents have to bury their children? Why do the wicked flourish while the righteous languish? Why does one live a life of self-gratification and escape unscathed, while another dedicates her life to the service of the neediest and dies infected with a terrible disease? Why do we struggle, moving from pain to pain with just enough joy from time to time to make the pain that much more poignant? Is this any way to run a universe?

I have asked these questions a hundred times as I have stood by death beds and grave sides. I have looked into the eyes of the dying, the sick and the suffering and have been shaken to the depths of my soul.

I have witnessed cruelty on a scale that is unimaginable to most Americans. Christians around the world suffer agonizing persecution for no more reason than their desire to follow Jesus. And the God of love, mercy and grace they worship and serve keeps standing by watching as His people die.

My faith has at times wavered and I confess that I have sometimes even doubted God’s sanity. Like David, “When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless…until.” Until I entered God’s sanctuary, took a breath and got a brief glimpse of what it’s all about.

You see, the world’s false prophets, from the least to the greatest, in trying to profit off of the backs of their flocks, have dealt falsely with us. They have treated the people’s brokenness superficially, claiming “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.[1]”

Because the truth of the matter is that we are at war. It is a great and terrible war that has gone on for millennia and the number of casualties lies in the billions. It is truly the war to end all wars and as in every war, it is the innocent who suffer the most.

Thousands of years ago Humanity, out of a misbegotten pride and clueless naiveté, betrayed God and chose to serve the rebel side. But God demonstrated His true love for us in that while we were still sinners – rebels – God-haters, Christ died for us[2].

The only way to make sense of it all is to acknowledge this war and bravely choose the side of justice regardless of the consequences[3]. Then we must start pushing evil back[4], making every death count[5].

[1] Jeremiah 6:13-14
[2] Romans 5:8
[3] Joshua 24:14-15
[4] Romans 12:21
[5] Philippians 1:20

Courting Christ: Plan special times together

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:14-21 (NASB)

Do you remember when your relationship was passionate and fascinating? Do you remember those long, late-night conversations and the lingering breakfasts when you hated to leave for work?

If someone were to take a picture of your relationship now would it look like “American Gothic”? What happened? Work, dirty dishes, kids…there are probably days when you feel like the only solution is to pull a “Thelma and Louise” and just take off!

But let me give you the same advice Christ gave on how to rekindle lost love:
• Revelation 2:4-5 I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 'Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent.

How do we rekindle lost love? By going back to the beginning and recreating what attracted us at first in our minds. That can only be done by setting aside time for each other.

Why have devotions? Why take time on our knees?
1. So we can be assured of our name – of who we are (v.15)
2. To be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man (v.16)
3. So that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith (v.17)
4. So that we can be rooted and grounded in love (v.17)
5. So that we can fully comprehend Christ’s love (v.18-19a)
6. So that we can be filled with the fullness of the Godhead (v.19b)
7. To develop a relationship with “Him who is able” (v.20)
8. To better glorify God in church and in Jesus to all generations (v.21)

You can’t have the relationship if you don’t have time for the relationship. Look at your schedule. What do you have time for? TV, pizza, work, family, friends, video games, chores? How about a little time for Christ?

Courting Christ: Listen to Him

I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work and muse on Your deeds. Your way, O God, is holy; what god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known Your strength among the peoples. You have by Your power redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. - Psalm 77:11-15 (NASB)

We instinctively know that listening is an important skill in a marriage. In an unsuccessful marriage, both individuals are constantly talking “at” each other. They announce their needs, their desires and complaints. But a successful marriage is built on two individuals sharing their needs. That means there must be some listening going on.

What we sometimes fail to realize is that listening is also a necessary component of our devotional lives. We need to set aside time when we listen to God – when we listen for God. We often complain to God, but we rarely set aside time to listen to God’s complaints.

Oh yes, He has complaints too! Just read through Jeremiah, Amos or Habakkuk and you’ll hear some of them.

On the other hand, we are often so busy telling God we love Him that we fail to hear Him telling us He loves us! We listen so rarely that we may not even recognize His voice when we hear it!

It is only in those long, late night conversations that we can truly come to understand our God and love Him as we should. The Psalmist asked God, “Make me understand the way of your precepts, so I will meditate on your wonders…Give me understanding, that I may observe you law and keep it with my whole heart.[1]”

We usually come to prayer with the goal of making Him understand us: our needs, our desires, our plans and our ideas of how the universe should be run! Go into your prayer closet with the express purpose of coming out with a better understanding of God.

If you were to go on a date and do nothing but talk about yourself, do you think you’d have a second date with that person? If you yammer on and on about yourself to your spouse, do think that loved one is still listening? It is likely you were tuned out at some point.

Go to the Word and ask Christ, “What can I do for you?” “What do you want me to be?” Since His will is always for our good[2], and since His will is always perfect[3], it would probably be well worth your time to hear it.

Listen to your human spouse. Pay attention to your friends. But more importantly, set aside time in your day to listen to your Groom.

[1] Psalm 119:27, 34
[2] Jeremiah 29:11
[3] Romans 12:2

Courting Christ: Be His Helpmeet

Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” – Genesis 2:18

In Genesis 2, we read that Eve was created to be Adam’s “helper”. In some circles today, it is taught that for a woman to be a helpmeet, she must be considered almost an “add-on” to the man. She merely adds decoration or increased capacity.

But that’s not the picture we get from God. In Genesis 2, we discover that man was considered incomplete and insufficient when alone. The man needed the woman. Woman was not created to be man’s slave, nor his boss. She is to come alongside him, complete him and enable him.

It is an interesting yet seldom acknowledged point that Christ’s sufferings are incomplete and we are to fulfill them until His coming. Paul said, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions.[1]”

What is Paul saying? Is he saying that Christ’s salvation work on the cross was insufficient and somehow we must finish the job for Him? Not at all. He is saying is that Christ took on the sufferings of the world, helped shoulder some of its burdens and as His bride, we must do the same.

Jesus said that not only would we take on this aspect of His job, but that we would actually surpass Him[2]! Not only will we take to heart what He does, we will do even more! Our goal as His bride should always be to bring Him glory.

But because we still struggle with sin, even after we are His, whatever we do for Him must be done through His power[3]. We must glorify Christ. This is a command! We must surpass his works if we truly love Him.

Eighteen years ago, I married a woman who had never seen a boxing match, much less a full-contact martial arts contest. But because she loved me, she began to learn about martial arts and fighting in general.

She attended the fights: the ones in which I participated as a fighter, the ones in which I was a referee and the ones in which I was a coach. Why? Because she loved me. She became interested in the things that interested me.

Now I pastor a small rural church. And again, she has taken my interests and calling to heart. She organizes the worship services, prepares the bulletins, leads the choir, picks most of the music for the soloists, teaches children’s church, helps with VBS, plays piano sometimes and keeps me organized and dressed properly.

Jesus is passionate about alleviating suffering. Jesus is passionate about the poor. Jesus is passionate about saving the lost from a Godless eternity in hell. What are you passionate about?



[1] Colossians 1:24
[2] John 14:12-15
[3] John 14:13-14