“How Bright is Your Light”

Here it is the day before another Christmas, and I’m asking a rather personal question: “How Bright is Your Light.” To some this would seem rather intrusive; to others out of place; but to those who see the seasonal times as a good opportunity to let our light shine, they think it is an honest and necessary question.

As we put lights up on our houses, lights on our trees, and even light a candle at a Christmas Eve Candlelight services, we must ponder the question: How bright is our light, especially in light of our Lord’s words: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

What does it mean to  be “the light of the world”? Surely, one answer that pops to mind is our character. We are to bear the fruit of the Spirit, perhaps is another answer, and as we continue reading in our main text, it is also our “good deeds.”

In a culture that shouts down the opposition, perhaps all we have left is the Light of good deeds, don’t you think? As “they” are shouting to stop Christmas carols and praying at school functions; as they shout to forbid even the whisper of the name of the very person whose birthday Christmas celebrates, what would be the best thing to do? We don’t want to join them in a shouting match. No, this is unwise and ill-advised (see 2 Tim. 2:24-26). But our Light can out shine them, right? As we bend down and help a homeless man get up on his feet; or tend to a widow who needs her faucet fixed; or become a “big ear” to a lost teen, then our light will shine so bright it could possible drowned out their shouting. What do you think?  I don’t like asking myself this question either, but I know I must. How about you? How bright is your light? Bright enough to quiet the shouting?

Join me on our journey with Jesus at this Christmas in letting our light shine so bright—even as a small candle light, that they will glorify our Father in heaven.

…  making this Christmas especially merry, indeed.

Main Text: — Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV84)— 14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

  Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.— 2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NIV84)

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.— John 15:8 (NIV84)

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.—1 Peter 3:15–16 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, let the Light of Your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ, shine so bright that others are blinded to my foolishness and folly, and yet they clearly see You in and through my feeble good deeds. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Pastor Mike

“Beyond Mission & Missions; Missionaries & Pith Helmets”

 

Years ago I joined the movement to drop the “s” from Missions. We emphatically flapped out flag: “There is One Mission: The Lord Jesus Christ—died, buried, resurrected and coming again.” Many joined the movement, and still even today many know of no such movement. Then came the missional movement. This is where the church is on a mission of being the church not doing church. Oh, and then theirs the screaming debate of short-term vs. long-term mission projects and missionaries. (Indeed, support for many long-term missionaries has dramatically fallen over the years as “retirement” age arrives for many a traditional long-term missionary….)

I understand the zeal and passion of these debates, but need we allow these differences (these Either/Or worldview responses to a Both/And reality) distract us from ‘making disciples of all ethnic groups’—Both near And far; Both reached And unreached…?

Perhaps you would agree that the Apostle Paul foresaw this debate when he asks a series of challenging questions in his treatise to the Romans: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” —Romans 10:14–15 (NIV84)

Some may discount this by saying we have already reached the world, or technology has given us an array of means to reach far more with less, but I say, let us not discount the human touch. …

Perhaps you you find these Bible nuggets as as fascinating as I have: (1) in spite of an angel being sent to Cornelius, a human agent (Peter) was still sent (cf. Acts 10:23ff); (2) in spite of the Ethiopian Eunuch reading the best “Bible Tract”—Isaiah 53, a human agent (Philip) was still sent (Acts 8:26ff); (3) and in spite of the Lord Jesus Himself appearing to the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus, a human agent was still sent (Acts 9:10ff)! In all three of these instances, a human agent was still ‘necessary’ to bring the good news, or God forbid we should reduce this to a bumper sticker, but to “seal the deal”!

So, how can they hear if on one is sent? If there are no “sent ones” long-term or short-term, how will “they” know?

Brothers and sisters, let us not be distracted by these debates. Some are “called”— sent short-term (look at the minor prophets as an example), and, yes, some are “called” — sent long-term (look at the major prophets as an example). Both short-term and long-term. And it appears that no technology or method or program can supersede the human touch the Lord seems to ‘require’ nonetheless…, though I myself see this as a blessing of being a co-laborer with Him. How about you? Your thoughts on this?

Main Text: — Acts 13:1-3 (ESV)— 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”— Acts 13:2 (NIV84)

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.— 2 Timothy 4:11–12 (NIV84)

But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.— Galatians 1:15–17 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, I quiet my soul to hear your promptings. Do not let me dismiss them out of any fears or feelings of inadequacies. For when You prompt, You empower. Lord Jesus Christ, burn in my soul a passion for You, Your Word, Your People, and the World You so Love! In Your Name. Amen

Pastor Mike

“Feel Unlearned & Unschooled?”

Date: 07-25-15

My Thoughts:

I am most frustrated when I don’t know something and can’t figure it out. Beyond my schooling, personal study, etc., there is still a lot I don’t know, and this frustrates me. There are some things, circumstances or issues I just can’t figure out….

If you feel like I feel or if you even feel you are unlearned and unschooled, then maybe we can both learn the lesson that: This is exactly where the Lord wants us to be.

Huh?

Let me explain what I am learning from Peter and John’s experience….

There they stood before the educated elite of their day. These were they who were deeply studied in Torah. The could not just quote extended passages, more than likely they could quote the entire Torah, and much, if not all, of the Nevi’im (the Prophets) and the Kethuvim (the Writings). These priests and Sadducees were the crème de la crème of their society, of society, in general; the envy of anyone who desired to live a religious life that pleased their God—at least this is how they viewed it….

But before these educated elite stood two “uneducated and untrained men” (from Acts 4:13 NASD95), who had just performed an incontrovertible miracle: They were amazed! Well, amazed as any educated elitist could get, since there is little they do not know or cannot explain, eh?

These educated elitists were so astute that they noted (my paraphrase), “Oh, this explains it, ‘they were with Jesus’!” Though they cannot dismiss the miracle, they can easily dismiss and discredit the ones who ‘did it’. Sound familiar?

Yet this is exactly right where the Lord wants us. This is the lesson I am learning: He wants others to see that we’ve been with Jesus and not that we are super educated or formally trained. (Now, I do not dismiss formal education or studying to show ourselves approved, but I’ve learned these both—and more—need to be “with Jesus.”) The focus needs to be on Jesus. Now you and I both know this, but somehow we have disqualified ourselves because we don’t know enough or get tongue tied. But this is when the Lord shines brightest. Through His Spirit He will give us words and thoughts and ideas and phrases that even the educated elites can refute (though they can dispute, deny or ignore them, eh).

Now if you are still like me, you feel a little strange being so vulnerable, but this is where I’m learning to trust the Lord all the more. I still must study to show myself approved, a workman who need not be ashamed (see 2 Tim. 2:15), but I do not “lean on my own understanding, [but] in all [my] ways acknowledge Him and He will make [my] paths straight” (Pro. 3:5-6 NIV84, emphasis added), even when I’m talking with educated elites.

So whenever I get a chance to share Jesus with others, especially these educated elite types, I can relax & rest in Him and let the Spirit do the talking. Pretty exciting, eh?

Main Text: — Acts 4:13— When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  [NIV84]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. — 1 Corinthians 2:2-5 (NIV84)

 But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of My name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.  — Luke 21:12-15 (NIV84)

 Heavenly Father, let me rest in Your Son’s promise to provide words and reasoning to present Him to others. Dispel any reluctance or fears. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Power, Love and a Sound Mind. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Be A Witness”

 

My Thoughts:

I remember when classes were offered in churches on “how” to witness. We were taught to write down our testimony and how we came to Jesus; then condense it into a 2-3 minute presentation. In other classes we were taught how to you a little ‘gold’ book, or another book of colors with no words….

But, Lifestyle worshiper, I do not see the verb, “do” in our Lord’s command, do you? I see the verb, “be”: “you will be my witnesses…” (v. 8 below; emphasis added). I see this as a whole different training method.

In this training method, I see character the focus and the inner life of the believer the core. The Fruit of the Spirit is the ‘witness,’ and when ripened, attracts others to the Tree of Life.

I was at a semi-pro baseball game with a dear friend in Denver a number of years ago. As we were ‘warming up’ in the stands before the game, along came a vender selling his wares: “Peanuts! Get Your Peanuts!” His delivery was rather entertaining from behind the back to an overhead hook…. My friend commented, “Now that guy enjoys life.” I wasn’t quite clear where that comment came from, but apparently my sober mood prior to the game was part of the ignition. Obviously, I have not forgotten that “passing” comment and have often wondered what kind of fruit my branches were bearing: the Fruit of the Spirit; or some other kind…? In order for me to be a witness for Jesus, I have to yield to some self-inspector of Fruit. How about you? How it your fruit hanging?

Main Text: — Acts 1:8 —  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. [NIV84]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

  You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven — Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV84)

 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. —Matthew 7:20 (NIV84)

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. — Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV84)

 Lord Jesus Christ, as the Fruit of the Spirit ripens in my Life, may my life attract others to You, the Tree of Life. In Your Name, Amen. 

Pastor Mike