Prayer Substituted

As I drive to Graham Texas every Wednesday, there is a particular church that stands alone on the side of the road, that grabs my attention every time I pass by. The first few times I drove by, my immediate response was one of comic relief and laughter. I wanted to laugh at just how silly what I saw was. After a few times, the Lord began to stir in me a brokenness for what I was seeing.

Every time I drive by this church, they have something new and creative on their sign, that shows itself as a desperate attempt to grab peoples' attention, and place them in the pews. The majority of the signs are just plain silly. "Come in for a faith lift;" "The person who is steering the boat does not have time to rock it;" "You Think It's Hot Here?" As I said, at first glance my response is that of laughter. But as I began to think on these things, I have been shown all over the place in ministry, that PRAYER IS TOO OFTEN SUBSTITUTED WITH ATTEMPTS OF CREATIVITY. I found that this often rang true in my own heart as well. God began to work a lot in my heart about this.

I am too easily convinced that I have to create new and exciting ways to grab peoples attention, while the Lord is sitting on the throne waiting, and saying, "Just Ask!!!"

Psalm 116 reads:
"I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live."

James 4:8 reads:
"Draw near to God and HE WILL draw near to you."

John 14:12-14 reads:
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it."

Hosea 7:13-14 reads:
"I would redeem them, but they speak lies against Me. And they do not cry to Me from their heart when they wail on their beds; For the sake of grain and new wine they assemble themselves, they turn away from Me."

Could go on forever with the scriptures. Consider the call to pray over your ministry first!!! See what He does!!!

Repentance: A Tradition of Words?

Too often, I have found that professing Christians, very much including myself, are filled with repentant words that are chained down by an unrepentant heart. The evidences of this are as follows: 1) Ill-concerned attitude towards sin and its' offense to a pure/holy/righteous/glorious---God. 2)Continuance in sin (typically excused with presumed notion that we are NOT "more than conquerors," and that we have no choice but to keep on sinnning) 3)An assumed (comfortable) idea of who we want God to be, almost as if we have made God in our own image.

First of all, what is repentance? Simply stated, it is a turning away from something, coupled with a turning toward something. In this case, we are referring to the turning from sin, and the turning towards Christ and His beautiful cross. If you were raised in church or are under the influence of Bible Belt christianity, you probably understand repentance as more of a TRADITION than a transformation of the heart. It has turned into one of those Sunday School answers that everyone would be quick to respond with, while typically having little meaning in the hearts of those who claim to be repentant.

In the church as a whole, (not nessecarily the local church), sin is almost meaningless. "No big deal," or "it's ok, i can just ask for forgiveness." I find that because of the cultural/christian influences that I have experienced, sin does not weigh enough in my own heart either. Sin is too often, not a big enough deal in my heart than it needs to be. My heart is my heart though, so it would be unfair to blame culture on my own unrepentant heart. I would caution Christians to be weary of repentance becoming merely A TRADITION OF WORDS. That's a scary place to be, seeing that the very BASIS OF OUR SALVATION is on repentance, unless easy-believism is your preference, which would indicate a heart that could very possibly be flattering their way to an eternity of punishment. 60-70 good years, at the expense of an eternity. Be weary.

I will give what I believe to be a good example of what true repentance looks like. Psalm 51. Read it. David was caught, and immediately fell to His face in anguish, BECAUSE HE KNEW GOD. Anguish? That can't be right; I'm supposed to be happy...FALSE!!! If we truly know God and His character, we understand the offense of sin against His holiness. It makes sense though; when you've grown up trusting in a God that freely hands out grace coupons, it's easy to begin to claim that as His character, which makes sin not a big deal.

I wish that I could interview a bunch of Christian people's hearts, instead of interviewing a bunch of Christians mouths. I think that if I asked their hearts questions about sin and repentance, I would find answers like these: 1)I believe I am a slave to sin. 2)I believe sin doesnt matter that much. 3)I am not repentant for my sins. ...But we don't have that option, so matters of the heart are left as our own responsibility, and flattery will continue to play its' course in sure destruction. I don't believe you can truly understand His unending love and grace until you understand the weight of sin.

So where do we go from here? Be willing to look at your heart, more than what you say. Beg for God to be gracious, and to transform your heart. Beg for God to blot out your transgressions. Beg for God to create a clean heart in you. Beg for God to renew a steadfast spirit in you. Beg for the Holy Spirit to intercede on your behalf, and to plead your cause for you (Psalm 119:154). And this one's tough---Beg for God to put you in anguish over your sin!!! Scary prayer, but true joy and true freedom are generally born in anguish. Think of the focus we can have on sharing Christ, when the sin in our own hearts is truly addressed.

LET'S MAKE WAR WITH OUR FLESH AND OUR SIN!!! PUT YOUR ARMOR ON AND LET'S GET AFTER IT!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

NO TEST-TAKERS?

"Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-unless indeed you fail the test."
2 Corinthians 13:5

I am learning that there are some verses that people in the church take seriously, and some verses that seem to fall "under the radar." I am saddened that this verse seems to be more of an "under the radar" verse. And it seems that the root of the fact that this verse rarely pierces the hearts of professing Christians, is the fear of not living up to a standard that the church has set before us.

"For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ."
Galatians 1:10

The church today (as a whole) would typically respond in a few different ways to someone who would confess a need to test their salvation. Here are a few:
1. Oh dear! You must not have it. Pray this prayer.
2. That's just the enemy trying to distract you by making you doubt.
3. I see tons of fruit in your life. I know you're a Christian.

Could it be that these three types of responses are actually leading the church into an easy-believism, and urging false converts to remain false converts, for fear of gaining the church's disaproval? Hopefully Not...But Possibly So.

A few things to consider:
1. The church is constantly changing, from Corinth to 2009.
2. God desires our obedience to commands, regardless of the approval of men.
3. Would the enemy make someone who really DOES NOT have salvation, doubt their salvation? It would seem as though he's already got them right where he wants them.


Are you confident in your salvation based on what the church says, or what the Word of God says? Be weary of putting your faith in the church, as the church today is very much different than the church 100 years ago, than the church 1,000 years ago, and so on. I would urge professing Christians to be willing to examine themselves, regardless of the impression that it gives. Especially if, in your heart, you know that you are good at "fakin it." Be careful of developing your own definition of how narrow "the narrow way" (Matt 7:13) is, because as I study the text along with the world around me, I'm beginning to see more and more that "the narrow way" could very possibly be even more narrow than we may think. Make sure your words are in line with your heart, and "test yourselves to see if you are in the faith." Eternity is forever. FOR-E-VER.

Struggle Well-The World is Watching

We live in a fallen world. Because of sin. Therefore, whether lost or saved, there will be suffering. I'm beginning to see that our response to suffering is a HUGE part of what sets us apart from the world, and a HUGE part of what points the world to Christ. Amidst suffering, the lost would tend to run to the world. Seeking to fill voids, fill wounds, medicate hurts and pains through temporary worldly relief. As believers in Christ, our response SHOULD be to cling to the cross. That SHOULD be an evidence that we have a greater hope and a greater joy. It's obviously NOT EASY to always cling to the cross, as I've very much learned over the past few weeks, but if our hope is in Christ, and if our hope is in something more than the world we live in, and if our hope is in the cross, we can suffer well, and proclaim the name of Jesus through our suffering. I want to do that. This is the only way I know how.

"For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Romans 8:18

"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."
Hebrews 12:11

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."
James 1:2-3

"For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart."
Hebrews 12:3

"we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."
2 Corinthians 4:8-10

"but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God."
1 Peter 4:16

"It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Thy statutes."
Psalm 119:71

"The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble, and those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; For Thou, O Lord, hast not forsaked those who seek Thee."
Psalm 9:9-10

"He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds."
Psalm 147:3

"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
Daniel 3:17-18

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Still, blessed be the name of the Lord."
Job 1:21

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

"For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ."
2 Corinthians 1:5

"For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison."
2 Corinthians 4:17

"LET US THEREFORE DRAW NEAR WITH CONFIDENCE TO THE THRONE OF GRACE, THAT WE MAY RECEIVE MERCY AND MAY FIND GRACE TO HELP IN TIME OF NEED."
HEBREWS 4:16



WE HAVE A REASON TO BE JOYFUL!!! ONLY WHEN WE LOOK TO THE CROSS OF CHRIST!!! LET'S TAKE THAT JOY TO THE WORLD!!!

WHERE'S THE SUFFERING?

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation, to all those who believe..."
Romans 1:16



Suffering is not the only evidence of whether or not we are ashamed of our gospel. Merely a part. Just hard to ignore all the accounts of suffering for the sake of the gospel.

Gird Your Loins

Sometimes fear drives me. So often, I find my joy being stolen because of overwhelming fears in my heart. So often I feel as though I am missing out on things, because of being paralyzed with fear. I know for me, that over and over throughout the day, I have fears that I tend to let become a reality, even though THE TRUTH is that they are not. Some particulars: I will never be able to provide for a family; I will never be able to find a wife, nor will I ever be good enough for any woman; I do not have enough talent to be the worship leader that I want to be; I will never get out of debt; I will never have as much Biblical knowledge or wisdom as those I deem knowledgable or wise; I'm a failure, and will continue to be. I could go on. But too often, I listen to the voices of these giants laughing at me, mocking me,telling me I'm not good enough, and let them take my joy, which ultimately only hinders me from these things, and from being used for what God wants to do in my life. I'm really tired. I'm really tired of believing these lies, because they hurt. Do I continue letting fear dictate my decisions, or follow His leading? I want to rest. I need to rest in who God says I am in Him.

Ephesians 6:14 (Armor of God)
"Stand firm therefore, having GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH"

After studying this, I found it interesting that our loins are considered our most vulnerable part. I tell you what; this is where I'm vulnerable. This is where I become paralyzed. Consider this battle that we are in. And consider fighting this battle with your most vulnerable part GIRDED WITH LIES. Almost certain defeat.

So what is TRUTH, and how do we GIRD OUR LOINS? Some examples of TRUTH:
-In the Bible, The Lord says a total of 365 times (one for every day I guess) "Do not fear," generally followed by His assurance that HE WILL BE WITH US WHEREVER WE GO.
-David was laughed at when he sought to fight Goliath. David won.
-Nehemiah was laughed at when he sought to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.
-Noah was laughed at when he sought to build some random boat. He built it, and was saved.
-Joshua was laughed at when he sought to fight the battle of Jericho. The walls fell and they won.
-In the same story, (Joshua) those that were scared, and did not trust that God would be with them in the battle of Jericho, were made to wander around the wilderness aimlessly for forty years, accomplishing nothing.
-Romans says that "in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
-Again, the list goes on and on. (The Bible)

That is TRUTH. That is our protection. Although there are lies and fears that seem very real in my heart, they are ademantly against what would be THE TRUTH of God's Word. In order to rest in TRUTH, or to GIRD MY LOINS WITH TRUTH, I have to know what the TRUTH really is. Again, starts with the Word. So in the battle I face today, these song lyrics are my cry for you and me:

I pray that today, "We would choose to listen and believe the voice of TRUTH," because "the voice of TRUTH tells us a different story, the voice of TRUTH says do not be afraid, the voice of TRUTH says this is for His glory."

ADORNING OUR LIVES WITH DUNG

In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he writes:

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ" (3:8)

What is rubbish? Well, in Paul's reference, he is using a term that was a vulgar term that would have some shock value if it were said in public. The greek translation actually means dung, or fecal matter. In reference to things that are "worthless" or "detestable." As of late, the consideration of earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19)has been overwhelmingly on my heart. I would love to be able to speak in the same confidence that Paul did, and say of myself that I "consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord," but if I'm honest, too often I seek to adorn my life with treasures of dung. No wonder they never satisfy. And without fail, I am always left longing for something greater. No wonder I am left satisfied when I am faced with a void in my heart, and I choose to fall to my knees begging for the nearness of God. His nearness really is our good.

Although I still often choose earthly treasures that only rob my affection for Jesus Christ, I am grateful that the Lord has grabbed my heart, and that He does not cease to be after me, regardless of whether or not I'm covered in dung. The Holy Spirit has stirred this prayer in my heart, and I pray that you will continually pray this scripture over your heart as well. The great truth to rest in is the conclusion of the verse, which tells us that if our hearts line up with this, we "gain Christ."

"I pray that I would consider everything rubbish compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing You. I pray that I would lose all things, and consider them rubbish, so that I may gain more of You."