Blessing & Encouragement

"and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women," -Luke 1:42

I made a friend on a trip to Kenya a couple of years ago. She taught me a new word just yesterday. UBARIKIWE (Be Blessed). I love the beautiful language of Kiswahili! I fell in love with Kenya and many Kenyans too. Can't wait to get back.

Stopping in at a local hub, on the way to work this morning, I ran into another friend, a life-long friend. We said good morning, and when I asked how she was doing ....a giant smile wrapped her face and she said, simply, ..."Blessed!! I am blessed!" Oh my... the power of words. I was certainly not in a bad mood; no "mood" at all I don't suppose. I hadn't even thought about what "mood" I might take on for the day. Yet these few simple words changed my mental "route" for the day. These encouraging words proved to be a guide for my day. I couldn't help it. I was ENCOURAGED!!

"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10) I thought about encouraging words from His word when she spoke those simple words to me. What awesome power God's word has! What awesome power His word has when lived out by another.

UBARIKIWE Jane Njambi Gatuche
UBARIKIWE Michelle!

Surrender to Christ and UBARIKIWE.

Blessings,

Steve Terrell

Our Best Intentions ...Are As Filthy Rags

 ²⁸ "What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' ²⁹ And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went. ³⁰ And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. ³¹ Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. ³² For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him." -Matthew 21:28-32

Well ....what'dya think?? You can relate with this story ....especially if you're a parent. At the end of the day "simple obedience" out-does all good intentions. We want our children to learn that, and we expect them to live by such logic. Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words.

 I love parables .....and coming from the Master Story-teller no less. There are soooo many lessons we can learn, as ministers of the gospel, from Him whom we minister "for"! Let me be careful not to fail to state the obvious. This is the Lord, Himself; Creator of all things, God in the flesh, manifest in flesh. Why wouldn't His stories be perfect? These are not ambiguous, arbitrarily designed visages of one's imagination. They are specifically targeted, Master-crafted, visions of the One who invented imagination.

What lessons can we learn from the Master Story-teller?

Lesson #1:

Beyond even the story at hand ...Jesus' use of parables (earthly story with a heavenly meaning) spoke to people in relative terms, involving the culture around them, and "meeting them where they are". Don't mistake this, in relation to modern evangelicalism, for "bending" to man's means. This is the essence of becoming all things to all men that, by all means, some might be saved! (1 Cor. 9:22) If you can't find logic, or reason, in developing a missional mind-set, going into the highways and byways to reach the lost ....then consider Jesus' methods of "reaching the world with the gospel".

Lesson #2:
In any of Jesus' parables the imperative nature is usually obvious. "Son, go and work...." is not wishy-washy, nor without demand. Don't miss the focus here. Relate what Jesus is trying to get across ...within the details of the story. If we are to "be saved" then it isn't going to be by our own means or methods ...and certainly not by our good intentions. It will be according to "His" means.And don't confuse a parable stating "go and work" with any form of working your way to salvation. It cannot be done. He was speaking to men who understood "work", in terms of lifestyle as well as Mosaic law. They understood "literal obedience" to the law. Jesus simply wanted them to understand simple obedience ....to Him!

Lesson #3:

"Repentance" is seen in verse 29. Regardless of this son's original intentions, or his sinful, disobedient nature ....he, ultimately, changed his mind. This is what true repentance is!! It is not lip-service or only good intentions. Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), says the Scriptures, and there are none righteous ....not even one (Romans 3:10). Our hearts are deceitful and wicked ...who can know it?? (Jeremiah 17:9) If our good intentions will determine our salvation ...we are damned already. Nor will our actions, alone, propel us toward the Father. It is "grace alone" that even opens the door to salvation. The only positive "action" we can perform is that of choosing, by faith, to trust and obey Christ ...resulting in a changed mind / intentions (Romans 12:2) ....repentance.

Lesson #4:

Let's assume, just for a moment, that our intentions are pure. Maybe not even what we would deem pure, but basically "good". Good by who's standard.... ours, yours, mine? What is our heart-felt, inner-most intention ....with most anything?? I'd dare submit it is anything but self-less and pure, or even basically good. Good for us maybe, and just maybe even our selfish intentions can provide some worldly good as a by-product ...but are they "good" according to a standard of sinlessness? Mine aren't. This 2nd son mentioned gave immediate, obedient, "lip-service", but his actions proved to be otherwise. By the way.... (not that this is a side-bar) this only indicates that his original intentions were probably just as disobedient. There was no intention of going to work. Just lip-service. The picture Jesus paints here is that of one who either is a liar from the word "go" ....or a foolish son who doesn't even stop to consider the "cost" of his response. Either way ...disobedience was the result. Yet "grace" would be available to him as well ...if he "chooses" to change his mind (repent).

Can it be said that prostitutes and tax collectors are more righteous than the upstanding citizens of the world (no offense to either profession)? Well, at least speaking of the hypothetical prostitutes and tax collectors Jesus spoke of ...I'd say the answer is YES!!! Not because of anything they had done, or what they "do". For all have sinned and have fallen short of God's glorious standard (Romans 3:23). But the decision to "repent", to change one's mind about Christ, invites righteousness, by God's graceful standard, to be bestowed upon them.

I'd rather be made righteous, than to be righteous, any day.

The Reclamation

It would appear that "The Reformation", while an absolute necessity in the history of "the church", failed to eradicate all of the man-made doctrines, which the church had accumulated. Even if it would have... we have, since, filled "the church" with our own set and brand of "man-made" items; not all bad, per se, in and of themselves, but off the mark to be sure. Unintentional idols which distort, or cloud, our view of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

It would also appear that "the church" is beginning to wake up to this reality. This would seem to be a significant time, in history, that Christ' church should be very careful! Careful not to stifle the Holy Spirit, but also careful not to merely repeat the same errors of those gone before us. Hind-sight truly is 20/20. May we take advantage.

Some have called for "Revolution"! By definition..... this would indicate an overthrow, and replacement, of the "established" system currently in place. I have concerns that this would abandon many good, well-meaning, though sinful, and fallen-short "people" in the process. May we not forget that it is the people of the world that we hope and pray and work toward the goal of communicating the truth of the gospel. God chose "people" to carry out His work ...the good fruit which comes from knowledge and faith in The Risen Savior.

Instead of "revolution", and beyond "reformation" .....maybe a simple "reclamation" is in order for the church. The gospel needs no revolution. It is finished!. The truth requires no reforming. Mankind, those who make up Christ' church, needed that... and probably still do as an age passes. We, as Christ-followers, are called to simply claim, and proclaim, the saving truth of the gospel to a lost world in need of an absolute truth.

Training Up A Next Generation

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word."  -Psalm 119:9

My children roll their eyes at me most days. I think they see me as "overly religious", preachy, and maybe even somewhat hypocritical (as they see my own shortcomings too) ...though I don't set out to be any of those; as if I'm not just as prone to the same temptations and pitfalls of sin in this life. 


In fact, Christian, I would submit that it is of the utmost importance that we let our children know that piousness is of little significance ...compared to an attitude of humility, empathy, and understanding. Recognizing, and / or admitting, our own failures doesn't negate the significance of Godly truth.


Yet all the empathy in the world isn't an excuse not to train our children in the way they should go. I often text my two teen-age boys Scripture bites, just as I will this one, and other nuggets of Godly wisdom. I don't know how much they soak it up, ...but I know that, someday soon, they'll hold their mom and I accountable for how they're brought up. I refuse to fail on the side of laziness, or fear of "looking hoaky". I agree with Joshua... "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." How will they (especially our children) hear ....unless there is a preacher?

a few tweet refs to read

http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-service.html

http://www.simplychurch.com/2011/03/what-about-elders-and-deacons.html

http://theresurgence.com/2011/03/14/to-hell-with-hell

--

Blessings,
Steve Terrell

blog: www.reclaimchristianity.com

"He must increase, but I must decrease."

-John 3:30

You Are Good O' Lord

"You are good and do good; teach me your statutes." -Psalm 119:68

What does it mean to be good ...to do good? You or I don't need to reference a dictionary to get the meaning of "good". I believe the real question may be ...."who" is good? If being good consists of moral excellence, or righteousness, then in all honesty, I am only marginal; even by our own human standards. If doing good is an outward representation of those same qualities ....then I am hit and miss there as well. Don't get me wrong... I ain't a bad guy! Just ask anyone besides my wife!!

Lately, in life, it seems that I have either (a)been under attack by the evil one (yes, I do believe that he prowls around, like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour) or (b)being tested to prove my own resolve and / or endurance. In either case... I am a work in progress ...to put it in a self-defending sort of way. But does this qualify me as all good ...or all bad, for that matter?? Again, depends on whose standard of "good". By the way... if I got to quantify "good" ....it would go something like this...

good (adj.) - depending on how Steve feels, and / or acts, on any given day. - fluctuates with... Steve."

But the psalmist said, of the Lord, "you are good and do good." So if the Creator created, then only He can quantify, and qualify, what is truly "good". This means, also, that nothing He does is bad! Now I have your attention don't I? We don't say it out loud ....but some really "bad things" occur, that I sure know "I" didn't cause, or even allow. What about the folks in Japan this week?? Did the earthquake / tsunami occur because they are bad? Would it not have occurred if they were good, or did good?

The sovereign God decides "good", and by His own standard ..."none is righteous, no, not one;" (Romans 3:10). Either we quantify "good" on God's qualification or we follow our own quantification, and qualification, of good ...or we follow another human's definition and example. If that is you.... how is that "really" working for you?

Whether we define "good" as we go ...and most certainly if we define "good" by God's standard ...then we have a serious problem in the realm of "good". Refer to Romans 3:9-18. But if we read on, in vv. 21-22 we see God's response to our own lack of "good-ness". 

 Be good! Do good! But be wise enough to know that we fall short.. even at our best!! Follow God's standard of good. It will do more than merely give us a right perspective in this life! It will sustain us for eternity.

Reconciled ...Now Your Move

It has been duly noted that Jesus' death on the cross isn't the be all, end all for the purposes of redemption (being bought) ....that had Christ not risen from the dead this story, this path, of redemption would be incomplete. And of course it would! Christ, Himself, said... 'destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." (John 2:19 ESV).

Jesus' death was adequate to pay the debt of our own sin. His resurrection completed a promise to reconcile us unto Himself. "He" was finished! "He" did all that needed to be done ...for us. Yet I believe God bestowed just a little sovereignty to you and I ....the choice to believe, and therefore, be changed.

So, what does it mean to be "reconciled"? We balance our checkbooks ...making debits balance back any credits ...in order to "reconcile" any possible differences. Jesus' death and resurrection, together, paid the cost due us ...and pinned the promise of glory ..not due us.

How should this change us?

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. -2 Corinthians 5:14-15

If we "identify" with Christ, we are claiming death to our old selves. We have to! Anything else just doesn't reconcile, doesn't balance out, doesn't add up. This doesn't mean we are without sin, but it means that we turn from sin, change our "minds" about sin (repentance) and choose to actively "follow" Christ ...instead of our old, worldly, nature.

From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. -2 Corinthians 5:16-21 ESV

What a gift! Who does that?? Only Christ... the sinless, unjustly murdered by sinful man, risen to go and prepare a place for us ...Lord Jesus! Yes, keep "eating", as it nourishes these "human" bodies ....but whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory o God! (1 Cor. 10:31) Present your bodies as a "living" sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord... (Rom. 12:1).

Let these words sink into your heart and mind..... 'For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God'.

The Life of a Christ-follower is a marathon... not a sprint

"And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household." -Matthew 13:57 (ESV)

I'm not so sure Jesus' words, here, were necessarily intended to be attributed to us, but most anyone can relate with what He meant, and it certainly seems to fit the mold for most of us. He had been sharing, in form of "parables", with crowds of people, and with His own disciples present. Verse 55 seems to point to people, which He had been teaching at synagogues in His own home town, asking the question..."hey, isn't this that carpenter's son? Where in the world did he get this kind of knowledge??" These were people, maybe relatives included, who knew Jesus as a carpenter's son, Joseph's son, Mary's son. People probably knew of his upbringing, his humble lifestyle, and meager beginnings.


There seemed to be a built-in "doubt" ....and it would appear to be because they "knew who he was"; at least they thought they did. You can imagine what they likely though.... "yeah, Joseph's boy. Didn't they kinda' run out of town about 30 years ago or so? He doesn't come from any special family, not educated really. I don't know about him."


Though this may be a truth, generally, in "life", and this may be good general advice for all ...I think this reality of Jesus' ministry teaches a very important lesson to His followers.. Christians. Sometimes doubters and nay-sayers come from those closest to you. Sometimes ...within your very own household. 


(a) Don't be derailed by doubters! Don't let this surprise you. It is difficult for people, even thos of best intentions, to overlook a past, a history, they may know of you, or of your family. It makes it difficult to swallow that, through the work of the Holy Spirit, God can have done an amazing transformation of a life. Yet that is precisely one of His specialties, for which He is glorified! Don't be derailed by doubters. And if people in Jesus' own hometown would doubt Him ...in spite of His "obvious" knowledge of God's word, and for those that saw His miracles ...then why should you or I be surprised by the fact that people will have doubts about the change that has been established in us?


(b) Don't be bitter toward doubters! It is important to remember that Jesus' provision of salvation was, and is, for ALL! Being dejected doesn't provide a free pass, or any sort of excuse, for bitterness. Be prepared for this! If these are un-believers ....they are the very people you are trying to reach with the good news of Christ. If they are believers ...then it may be only time, patience, and perseverance that make the truth you carry believable, or hear-able. Stick to it, be salt and light, speak truth, and live truth day by day by day. Don't push your agenda. Rather, allow the Holy Spirit to open doors, and close doors, as He sees fit ...all to fulfill the Lord's purposes ...not your own. He must increase, while we must decrease. The Christ-follower's life is a marathon ...not a race. Stay around people long enough and they're likely to see the best, and the least, of you. If you let this knock you down ....then our example, our witness is deeply cut. When your example is positive, and truth, salt, and light are evident .....let these things simply speak for themselves. Use words when necessary. When your example is shaky, faulty, or poor, display an genuinely repentant heart. No doubt..... some will hang their hats on your failures. Keep on keepin' on. The Lord's work in your life will be developed, and displayed, over the long-haul. Remember, we are a people of no reputation. Our walk with Christ is not for our glamor, but for His glory.

One Day

for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." ¹²So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. - Romans 14:11

Romans chapter 14 says, sooooo clearly, how little time we have for "playing judge". Whatever the reason is that we judge (fear, resentment, envy, pride) PUT IT AWAY! As Paul stated to the Romans ...."Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.." (Rom. 14:10)

Instead of judging a fellow traveler in this journey of life ....we should be compelled to warn those who will hear it, encourage those who need it, and speak truth to those who do not know it.

We are to, as best we can, live in unity with one another. One day each of us will give an account of himself to God. "Fear and trembling" requires no definition here.

A People For His Name

I have heard various definitions of "grace". God's Riches At Christ' Expense, etc. I believe this thing (grace) is nearly an indescribable quality, or attribute, of our Creator God. The Father, as a person "is" grace. He defines it! He quantifies the rules of, and qualifies to whom He may present it. It is His sovereign choice. And what blows my mind is the fact that He chose to present this nearly indescribable gift to ALL. And by Scriptural definition "all" seems to refer to just that ....ALL, everyone! The people / nation of Israel were, from the onset, God's chosen people. Romans chapter 11 refers to a remnant of Israel (God's chosen) who can still choose God, despite their rebellious past. He hasn't given up on those who have given up! This same portion of Scripture also refers to Gentiles (anyone NOT of Israel), and God "grafting" them into His ultimate plan of redemption ...for ALL. So, this covers ALL the bases of mankind. WOW!!! He could have stopped with the Israelites, or He could have "permanently" dismissed us to turn, each to his own way (Isaiah 53:6). But, in His "grace", God seems even to use an attribute such as "jealousy" to arouse the Jewish remnant ..simply by taking from among them (Gentiles or non-Jews) a people for His name (Acts 15:14).

I had a professor state once.... "If I am saved, it is all Christ. If I am lost, it is all me." God's sovereign choice has presented saving grace to ALL of us. And unless you ascribe to the theology of irresistible grace (meaning that God simply chooses whom He chooses, and we have no choice in the matter whatsoever) ...we are given the absolute free-will to accept His grace. 

Un-believer, it is my prayer that this manner of grace speaks to you, for want of a regenerate mind and life, and pray the Holy Spirit of God will take up residence in your life ...that, by His grace, you may be compelled to desire His long-suffering mercy, and freely receive His gift of grace. Christ-follower... it is my prayer that this same saving grace produces, in you and I, a sanctifying grace ...to cause us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds ...in absolute surrender to Him; a people for the sake of His name.

^"1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. ²Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:1-2

Unity in the Body of Christ

I wonder if there has ever been a "forum", of any sort, whereas "Christian" denominations can come together and strategically discuss doctrinal / interpretational differences within Scripture? There sure is plenty of "debate" about it ...but it is quite discombobulated! I've had more than one lost person state.... "you Christians can't even agree on what you believe!" Hard to argue that.

It would be a dream, for me at least, to establish a round-table strategy where we Christ-followers can...

1. line-item the differences in doctrine (teaching) and interpretation (which affects our doctrine / teaching). Generally speaking.... the differences are pretty well "known" within Christian circles. 
2. create a plan to discuss each 
3. create a plan to utilize the best resources available to man to force us to answer our differences one to another; with prayer being the foremost resource, and all things academic, though important, secondly. 

This, instead of remaining in dis-unity.

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift." -Ephesians 4:1-7

Life Is Short

...and if you don't believe life is short ...you're probably still in your twenty-somethings, or younger. Before you even know it, life has crept up on you, and possibly.... passed you. We most commonly relate life with a journey, a road traveled. To that end.... It would seem there are three types of "drivers" in the world...

1. "Cruisers" - those who, effectively, coast through life ...with no real drive, nor vision, for doing better, becoming better, desiring change, etc. ....whether for selfish, or self-less, gain. While the probable absence of selfish-pride is a positive trait ....the lack of drive, or motivation, may give, at least, the perception of apathy. Just a generalization.
2. "Racers" - those who, for mostly self-promoting gain, see life as a goal to be attained, a prize to be won. What can "I" achieve???
3. "Chauffeurs" - those who seem to take a more calm outlook on life. Though time doesn't lengthen for these folks ...the quality "of" the time seems to be paramount. Not just willing that life pass them by without having left a mark, but the mark they leave should count toward a goal which is greater than anything this world has to offer. "Serving" others needs seems to come before their own.

What sort of "driver" are you?

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." -Ps. 90:12

Big Bang Is The Name

I'm going to settle the Big Bang Theory right now. In fact, I'm gonna' blow it completely out of the water...

"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 were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." -John 1:1-5

a. Jesus was before any "bang". He IS the bang!! Somebody get me a t-shirt!

b. If "it" was made ...He made it. No one, no thing, no event ....made Him.

c. "Life" stemmed from Him, as a result of Him.

d. Dark did not come first. Light shone in the darkness. Darkness did not, has not, and will not overcome the Light

e. Case closed

Inconclusive! ...you say?? That's totally up to you. Maybe we've totally mis-undestood the evolutionist. Maybe he has simply mistaken "Jesus" for "Big Bang". No doubt ....He has rocked a world.

Thoughts of Kenya....

I honestly don't know why.... but this morning, as I got ready for work, my heart and mind were back in Kenya (..where I haven't been for 2 years now..). I guess it has never left there ...but thoughts come to the surface, more or less, at times. Maybe the recent loss of a friend has me thinking about this, the most equalizing of human characteristics, ....that we all die, and we all have the same basic need(s).

Our house is a wreck from remodeling a "den". I guess the thought occurred to me that... I have a den to remodel. Don't get too fluffy on me. It's not all Nat'l Geographic / Feed The Hungry stuff in Kenya ....though there's no question that the "don't-haves" grossly out-weigh the "do-haves". No question that there is "desperate" need in Kenya; and lots of 'em, in all shapes and sizes. A wise friend said it to me, on this visit to Kenya, "....everybody needs somethin'." I guess the thought also occurred to me that... I'm going to figure out "where" for lunch, even if I try and be humble and frugal ...instead of wondering if there will be lunch at all. I guess the other thought occurred to me..... that regardless of all that, I'm going to choose either to serve the same sovereign God, through faith in Jesus Christ, as one in Kenya who may have absolutely nothing. Both of us will be held to the same standard of Lordship of Jesus. Lots of thoughts. Not all "pity-thoughts" about "us and them", haves or don't haves, but the absolutely stark reminder that... regardless of our economic, social, or worldly status ....we all serve, or reject, the same, One True, God. He is no respector of men, and shows no partiality  ...instead, a lover of all. Only God can do that, and He did it through His Son.