Have you ever noticed how wars start? Someone wants something and will use force to get it. This can be on a personal scale or a national scale. One hits. Another hits back. People debate the justification for a war all the time. Some reasons seem silly. Others are complex. Some seem justified. Other just look like someone wants to pick a fight. There is one sure war worth fighting.
Paul describes our armor in Ephesian six but he ends with "19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." The great apostle needs prayer. This part of the war is offence. Paul wants to make the message known, and he knows that it is a battle. Our enemy would be content if we just stayed in our own club. If we go out, he will fight back.
Don't be scared, but don't be naive either. He fights dirty. Our Commander has already won, so we don't need to worry there. But, if we want to see God work in our community and use us, watch for the push back.
Pastor Joe
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Kingdom Clash
I received the best present for Christmas: a gps. I get lost even with the clearest of directions. Now, I drive right to my destination (usually). Sometimes, I disagree with the gps. Patiently, it announces, "Recalculating." It should say, "Look, you didn't listen...now you're off course." Sure enough, gps was right and I was wrong. Yet some day soon, I will disregard it again because once in a rare while, it is wrong.
God gives us direction too. We find the primarily in his Word. He commands to love, serve, worship him, and speak truth. Many of our questions about direction in life can be answered by his Word. But, sometimes, we do not like the answer. It does not fit our plans. It is uncomfortable. It goes against the grain. It might even hurt. Then, like gps, we say, "No, I like this way instead." Unlike gps, God is never wrong. We just think he is because our kingdom clashes with his.
The word that comes to mind is faith. Two issues are in play. First, will I obey when his plans smack against mine? Obedience reflects invisible faith. I will follow him even if my own kingdom suffers. Second, will I trust despite what the circumstances say? Peter walked on water until he focused on the waves. Those waves said, "Panic!" Jesus said, "Come." So, we swallow hard, listen to Jesus, and refuse enslavement to circumstances.
Had a clash of wills lately with God? Ignored his direction? You and I both know he is never wrong. Let him do his "recalculation." He can always get us back on course.
Pastor Joe
God gives us direction too. We find the primarily in his Word. He commands to love, serve, worship him, and speak truth. Many of our questions about direction in life can be answered by his Word. But, sometimes, we do not like the answer. It does not fit our plans. It is uncomfortable. It goes against the grain. It might even hurt. Then, like gps, we say, "No, I like this way instead." Unlike gps, God is never wrong. We just think he is because our kingdom clashes with his.
The word that comes to mind is faith. Two issues are in play. First, will I obey when his plans smack against mine? Obedience reflects invisible faith. I will follow him even if my own kingdom suffers. Second, will I trust despite what the circumstances say? Peter walked on water until he focused on the waves. Those waves said, "Panic!" Jesus said, "Come." So, we swallow hard, listen to Jesus, and refuse enslavement to circumstances.
Had a clash of wills lately with God? Ignored his direction? You and I both know he is never wrong. Let him do his "recalculation." He can always get us back on course.
Pastor Joe
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