No shortcuts

“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God lead the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.”   Exodus 13:17-18

This passage really caught my attention during one of my recent daily devotional readings.

As the People of God, under the leadership of God’s servant Moses were leaving their time of slavery and oppression in Egypt, it was God’s choice that they were not to take the shorter more direct route (via what some commentators refer to as the Way of the Philistines). Rather, God’s preferred travel plan was a longer way around, enroute to the Promised Land of Canaan.

It appears that God was calling upon his People to embark on a faith journey, rather than one of convenience or maybe even battle.

I don’t know about you, but the pace of life and ministry has been incredibly hectic for me so far this year. It feels like I am being constantly bombarded with an ever-increasing number of important and urgent demands upon my time – each requiring due diligence and attention.

It is during such times, coupled with the pressures of living in an I-want-it-now society that I find it tempting to want to take a few short-cuts.

I suspect you will be able to identify with this kind of rationale - taking the shorter route (often perceived as an easier route) means that I can check things off the to-do list in order to get to those more important tasks (or to take just a little time out) more quickly.

Or, it could also mean that when faced with a season of adversity, afflication or a particular challenge that I would much rather have it over and done with quickly, rather than choosing to persevere and be patient.

Does it really matter which method or road we choose to take to arrive at a preferred destination or a desired outcome?

Surely what matters is that we get there…right?

As I consider the personal application of the Exodus 13 passage I sense God is saying that there can be no short-cuts when following his call along the road of faith.

The main thing I believe he wants me to remember is to trust and follow him; to let him lead; learning his lessons...even if it might mean going the long way around.

During this current season I have appreciated God’s gentle reminder to persevere and to be patient; being anxious for nothing. 

Perhaps you can identify with this…

If so, then may God enable you to stay the course; following His lead; learning the lessons He wants to teach along the way.

 

“By faith he [Moses] left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”                Hebrews 11:27

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”                            James 1:12

Easter Sonrise reflections.

“Why is it important to believe that Jesus          rose from the dead?” 

It's a question I've been thinking about as I prepare to participate in an upcoming short-term mission project in Thailand. On Easter Sunday I will have the opportunity to preach amongst an emerging faith community of local Thai young people in Korat, NE Thailand.

Crossing countries, cultures and climates will provide quite a contrast to my usual Easter experience at home with the family in Melbourne. It will be a different environment but the message does not change.

I believe that Easter is such an appropriate time for us to revisit what we as Christ-followers believe to be true about the Person and work of Jesus…

Is it sufficient to believe that Jesus suffered and died on the cross to pay the price for our sin?

Is it sufficient to believe that by dying on the cross Jesus offered himself as the perfect sacrifice before a holy God?

Is it sufficient to believe that by dying on the cross and by being the perfect sacrifice that Jesus has made the way open for us to find forgiveness and a restored relationship with God?

The cross is central to our faith as Christians. However, the bible tells me that if we leave the story there, at the cross, then the story is incomplete – it is not the full picture.

So, why then is it important to understand why Jesus rose from the dead?

The bible provides a number of reasons to explain why Jesus had to rise from the dead. Here are four that I believe we need to be familiar with;

1.    1. To fulfil what he had said he would do.

Jesus himself said that he would go to die on the cross and on the third day he would be raised to life again (Matthew 20:17-19).

If Jesus had not been raised to life again on the third day, then this would make Jesus either a liar or insane. The resurrection fulfilled what Jesus said would happen.

2.    2. To return to be with his father in heaven and send the Holy Spirit to live in the heart of the Christian believer (John 14:15-18, 26, 16:7).  Acts 2:1-4 informs us about how this happened for the first believers at Pentecost.

3.     3. To go away to prepare a place for us in heaven.      (John 14:1-4) The Apostle Paul explains that "we are citizens of heaven where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly awaiting for him to return as our Saviour." (Philippians 3:20). A.W. Pink says; "Christ would do all that was necessary to secure for His people a welcome and permanent place in Heaven."
  

      4. To ensure victory over death.

The Apostle Paul expands on this in 1 Corinthians 15.

“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.” vs 17,18

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead…for since death came through a man (Adam), the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man (Jesus). For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” vs 20-22

“Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting?”  vs 55

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  vs 56,57

The resurrection of Christ offers us incredible hope – it assures the Christ-follower that death is not the end of the story – rather, death opens up a new chapter of a life spent in eternal glory with God and all those who belong to Christ!

So how, then, can the resurrection of Christ inform the way we live our lives this Easter and every day, wherever we are in God's world?

~ we can remember that we serve a living Saviour.

~ we can be thankful for the hope, security and future we have in Christ.

~ we can be empowered to live purposeful lives through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 

~ we can take and tell this wonderful message to others.

May the living Lord Jesus be your Source of hope, joy and renewed commitment this Easter season.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:2-3

the next chapter

“The stages of life require me to change my approach to ministry but not why I do ministry.”

Gary Fenton, Your Ministry’s Next Chapter

I’ve just recently entered a new chapter of Christian ministry - still serving within the same Missions Organisation (Campus Crusade for Christ Aust), but in a rather different role from where I’ve been involved for the past ten years or so. 

The page has definitely turned for me following a relatively steady season of transition, handover, closure and commissioning. I’m thankful for the opportunity of serving God in a different environment with all the associated responsibilities and demands, but also with people whom I already know (and who know me), to some extent. Whilst I will say that there’s a lot for me to get my head around and much more to learn, I know that I’m where God wants me to be and that I’m up for this new challenge.

The Webster online dictionary defines chapter as;

“a series of related events forming an episode; any distinct period in history or in a person's life.”

Businessdictionary.com defines chapter this way;

“main division of a book or text. As a unit, a chapter is complete in itself but is intimately tied to the other chapters through the theme or plot of the work.”

I can definitely relate to these definitions, especially at this time of new beginnings. 

As I reflect on where the bookmark is currently placed in my story (ie just a few pages into the commencement of a new chapter), I can already observe that there are some things I’m discovering that seem rather familiar and that resonate with some of the earlier chapters in my story – there is a consistency of characters, themes and storyline over time.

As a person of faith, I also find it reassuring to know that I’m not the author of this new chapter, nor the story of my life (I must admit there have been times when I’ve wanted to write at least a few pages myself!). 

Rather, it is God Who has written (is writing?) my story. He is in charge of the main narrative. He alone knows what specific characters, themes, twists and turns are featured in the pages and later chapters that are to follow.

I’m thinking I’m in for a pretty good read.

“The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.”         Psalm 32:8

New Year's Eve 2011

"We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!  But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love."  1 Corinthians 13:12-13  The Message

2011 is rapidly drawing to a close - a new year will soon be here.

I, probably like many people, like to use this time to pause and reflect a little on what has gone before, whilst also giving consideration to what might lay ahead in the year that is to come.

Over the years I have used a variety of approaches and environments to provide me with the space and stimulation to assist me in my annual review. Sometimes I've sat and journalled in a favourite park or cafe. Other times I've wandered through a cemetery (always pretty quiet there!).

This year I'm hoping to do things a little differently and will involve my immediate family - up close and personal. This evening we will reflect honestly and openly around the meal table. It will be interesting to see what emerges as we eat and share and listen together. We'll then watch a movie together and we might even break out a few sparklers to light up our night as the evening progresses.

The questions I've written on our kitchen blackboard to guide our discussion are;

*What's one word that best describes what 2011 has been like for you?

*What's been a specific highlight for you this year?

*What have you found most challenging about the year?

*Name something you've done for the first time in 2011.

After we've thrown these questions around for a while, we'll then consider one final question (which I see as a prayer request) looking forward into the new year;

*What is one thing you're hoping for in 2012?

I really enjoy our round-table family discussions. Tonight I'm believing God for an enriching time together...might even hear his still small voice somewhere in the mix - I'd welcome that!

May the God of all seasons inform your 2011 reflections. May He also enable you to become someone who will trust steadily, hope unswervingly and love extravagently in 2012.

'Tis the season to be...

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…”   John 1:14

The Christmas season is well and truly upon us.

Some people refer to this time of year as the silly season.
Others call it the busy season. My letterbox tells me it’s the season for junk mail...LOTS of it. Some people say it is the season of giving and receiving. Yet, for others, it might be a lonely season...perhaps even a sad season.

What does this Christmas season look like for you? How would you describe it?

For the Christ-follower, Christmas is a time of year when we can especially remember and celebrate the arrival of God’s Son Jesus into our world.

John 1:14 says: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…”

Jesus is God’s gift to mankind…Jesus is the GREATEST gift of all!!

In John 1:12 we’re told; “to all who received the Word (Jesus), to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God...”   

God gave us Jesus to make it possible for us to become God’s children and by believing in and receiving Jesus, we can receive the free gift of eternal life.

Romans 6:23 reminds us of this where the Apostle Paul writes;”the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  

A key Christmas tradition in many families will be the giving and receiving of gifts.

For many children, this is perhaps the BIG DEAL at Christmas…

 Parents and Grandparents ask;

“What do you want for Christmas?”

Friends ask each other; 
"What are you getting for Christmas?" 
 

How about you? What do you really want for Christmas this year…?

The Bible tells us that as God’s children we have the privilege of being able to ask our Father God for what we need in accordance with His will and purpose.

1 John 5:14-15 says; "And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for."

What an incredible privilege it is to be able to approach God with confidence, knowing that He hears and responds to our prayer requests.

In Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus says; “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Jesus goes on to underscore the generosity and goodness of God by pointing out that even sinful people know how to give good gifts to their own children, so how much more will our heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. (vs 9-11).

The Bible makes it clear that God encourages His children to ask Him to provide for their needs.

Have you taken time out amongst the busyness of the season to stop and consider what you could ask God for this Christmas?  Can you identify one specific burden, need, or desire that is on your heart, which you can bring before God regularly in prayer, especially during this Christmas season?

I guess we'd all like to receive an early Christmas present - well, maybe God will bless us in this regard, yet, I can't help thinking that just as Jesus entered our world in the fullness of time (in accordance with God's perfect will and purpose), we may have to wait...

If this is the case for you, then my encouragement is to persit with the asking - keep bringing your request before God - He knows what you need and when you need it - be willing to bring this request before God until you get God’s answer, no matter how long it might take.

Merry Christmas!

extreme faith

"If there were never any clouds (sorrows and sufferings) in our lives, we would have no faith. God does not come near us without clouds."

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

How do you cope (or not cope) through the stormy seasons of life; especially when the clouds roll in and God seems to be silent or far away?

In the Old Testament Book of the same name we're given the story of a God-fearing man named Job whose faith is severely tested when some serious storm clouds roll in.

Job is described as a man who was blameless and upright; who shunned evil. He had a large family and a lot of property. Job was known as the greatest man in the East.

We will most likely be familiar with the story of Job. I suspect, if we were to be honest, that we will also be able to identify with some of the key characters and scenes that feature in the account of Job.

Job's story stretches across some 42 chapters - it's not exactly bedtime reading, there is a "happy" ending, but it's quite a journey to get there!

What's the underlying theme of Job? Author Phillip Yancey says: "The point of the Book of Job is faith: Where is God when it hurts?"

Must say I'm fascinated by the collection of in-depth conversations that are recorded in this story.

Early on in the piece there are two fairly succinct convo's recorded between the LORD and Satan. An extreme season of God-allowed testing and suffering then follows.

After the first extreme test (Satan strikes everything Job has - property and people) we're told that Job did not sin by charging God with any wrongdoing. In fact, his response was to worship God through hardship and testing!

Following a second, more personally physical test for Job, Mrs Job tells her husband to curse God and die. He responds by calling her a foolish woman and refuses to throw away his integrity.

Job is soon joined by his three friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. These guys clearly identified with Job in his pain then after a week of silent companionship the conversation really gets going - they clearly made up for the days of solitude!

There's a LOT that is being said - as I read it, I get the sense there are some pretty strong emotional tones and convictions flowing through all these words...it seems that there was a real faith-wrestle going on here!!

My take on it is that what these guys were basically saying to Job was that human suffering is always in proportion to one's sins! They were telling Job that he deserved to suffer.

When the three friends had finished having their say, another guy, Elihu, after waiting his turn and somehow having heard what had already been said, is compelled to add his own perspective; providing many more words of instruction to Job.

He essentially seems to be saying that God is far more knowledgeable, more powerful than man.  He, too, says that God repays man for what his conduct deserves and that there is nowhere anyone can hide from God. Elihu calls upon Job to stop and consider the wonders of God - a God Who is beyond man's reach.

During all this time God was silent. No apparent response to Job’s tough situation, or the advice of his mates. I wonder if Job was thinking..”Where is God in this…?”

Not until the end of the Book do we read of God breaking His silence (just imagine how God would have felt, listening in on so many words between those few guys!!).

God speaks from a storm (...clouds). The LORD rolls out a series of questions for Job. They're mostly a list of statements about just how powerful and creative and mighty and in-control He is.

Job then has his final word. He responds to God.

He acknowledges that God is in control. He repents.

The story closes out with Job praying for his friends. God accepts his prayer and makes Job prosperous again, giving him twice as much as he had before - a new season had come; so much so that the Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first; before the clouds and the friends with their counsel rolled in. In fact, before he died Job got to see his children’s, children’s, children’s, children.

Happy ending..?

Does every cloud have a 'silver lining'..?

I'm not so sure, but we can be assured from this story that in the end, Job got to enjoy a delightful inheritance.

*        *         *         *         *         *         *         *

A few points to ponder, especially if you may be experiencing a stormy season at this time;

*How do you relate to God during a time of testing (praise, worship, maintain integrity, ask questions, curse Him)?

*How is God relating to you (is He silent or speaking?)

*Job teaches us that extreme seasons require extreme faith.

 

*some people (friends and others) may sit in silence or talk with us through our struggles. What is said may also test our faith.

*There are times when God will be silent, other times when God clearly speaks.

*There are times when God allows Satan to test God’s people.

*God welcomes our worship, even in the tough times.

"Where reasons are given, we don't need faith. Where only darkness surrounds us, we have no means for seeing except by faith."

Elisabeth Elliot

Called by God

The topic of God's call and ministry calling has come onto my radar from a variety of sources this week.

This is something I have wrestled with a lot over the years. From time-to-time I've studied in detail what God's Word (and especially the lives of certain Bible characters) have to say about the matter. Through dialogue with people in ministry, personal experience and facilitating a hefty amount of youth ministry training God's Spirit has helped me to develop some fairly deep convictions about what it means to be called by God.

Four key bible passages which I see as foundational concerning any consideration of God’s calling are;

Nehemiah 2:12 (heart burden)

“..what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem..”

Ephesians 4:1,2 (live worthy)

“..I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

2 Thessalonians 1:11 (power to fulfil)

“..we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.”

Hebrews 3:1 (heavenly calling)

“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.”

So what then does it mean for us to be called into ministry…to be ministers of the gospel of Jesus?

As I’ve taken time to study a number of ‘call of God’ passages in the Old Testament I see a very clear pattern [not a formula!] emerging time and time again.

Men such as Moses, Gideon, Jeremiah and others have shown me that... 

• God has a specific purpose/assignment at a point or season in time,
• Because it is from God, the purpose/assignment is God-sized - it’s not something man can complete or fulfil on his own.
• God calls a particular person to serve Him and the fulfilment of His purpose.
• The person tends to stand out for their ordinariness!! They’re often not the kind of person that would be chosen by the people of the day.
• The person is in no doubt that they have heard from God – He gets their attention!
• God’s call is often accompanied by some kind of visual sign or imagery (burning bush, branch of almond tree, fleece, etc).
• The person responding to God’s voice & God’s call says something like; “Who me?” “Why me?” “Not me!!”, or (to paraphrase in today's language) “you’ve got to be kidding!”
• The person experiences some form of personal crisis of belief  or test of faith.
• When the person eventually says ‘yes’ to accepting God’s call, God tends to confirm and affirm His call and person, & finally,
• God gets the job done through the person and the glory goes to…God - His purpose prevails!

I see it all as a process of alignment. Applied to the person of faith I think Henry Blackaby says it best;

 “You have to decide whether you are going to do what you want and ask God to bless it, or to go to work where he is working.”

 *           *           *           *           *           *   

Some time ago I asked my wife Judy to give me her perspective on God's calling. She always shoots pretty straight. She outlined three key points;

1. Always be open to God’s leading.
2. Don’t stay somewhere just because you might be comfortable there.
3. God does move people on in ministry.

A few questions for further consideration...

What do your own experiences and heart convictions teach you about what it means to be called by God?

What are the greatest hindrances to being effective in fulfilling your calling to stay the course in ministry?

What are some practical ways we can help an emerging generation of leaders discern God’s call upon their lives?  What do they most need from us?

Do you see any links between recruitment and God’s calling into ministry, or are the two mutually exclusive?

"The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self - all your wishes and precautions - to Christ."               CS Lewis, Mere Christianity