Desperate for Deliverance

Luke 13:11, "and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all."

From looking at several other translations, this was clearly a situation where an EVIL SPIRIT had crippled this woman for EIGHTEEN years.

The enemy is STILL crippling people through demonic oppression and possession today. Evil spirits are not fun and games... They certainly are not a laughing matter. What if we rub shoulders every day with men and women who have "been crippled by a spirit"?

How many have been oppressed by unclean spirits, only to be treated and medicated. Why is there no power among Jesus' followers to do what HE DID? Why is our faith so impotent?

"When Jesus saw her, He called her forward and said to her, 'Woman you are SET FREE from your infirmity.' Then He put His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.'" (Luke 13:12-13, NIV, emphasis mine)

We don't know if this woman sought Jesus out, but we do know that Jesus sought her out. As Jesus' followers, we must have eyes that are opened to what's really going on, and the courage to step out in faith and ask God for the impossible.

"Oh God, grant me and our generation the boldness, faith, and anointing to actually follow the ways of Jesus."

Hypocrisy

Luke 12:16, "Jesus began to speak first to His disciples, saying, 'Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.'" (NIV)

Jesus is telling His closest followers to stay alert... keep watch! There is a subtle enemy that starts out extremely small, but if you allow it, will eventually take over and influence everything about you. He is talking about HYPOCRISY. Hypocrisy is the act of wearing different masks. It is acting as if you are a certain person, knowing that the true you is not really being represented. Quite simply, it is an act. It is not genuine or authentic, and like with the Pharisees, it is anything but attractive.

Why did people absolutely flock to Jesus? He told the truth. Always. In fact, Jesus IS the truth! There is no act going on... No pretending!

If you feel like this "yeast of hypocrisy" might be affecting you, join me in praying...

"God, I know that I have been affected by hypocrisy. I pray that You will uproot it and tear it out of my life for Your sake. I want to be truthful in all that I do, say, and AM! Help me to be alert and watchful for the yeast of hypocrisy in my life."

More of Your Spirit

Psalm 104:29b-30 states, "When You take away their breath [ruah/spirit], they die and turn again to dust. When You give them Your breath [or send Your Spirit] life is created, and You renew the face of the earth." (NLT)

As a follower of Jesus, how much do I desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit? The Bible tells us that the Spirit was given to Jesus "without limit" (John 3:34). In Jesus' last words recorded in Luke's gospel, Jesus stated, "And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven" (Luke 24:49).

God longs to "renew the face of the earth" for HIS glory... this happens as we surrender ourselves to Him and receive His Spirit in our lives. God is the initiator... He is the One who gives. But I must receive! I must be surrendered.

Oh Father, please don't ever take Your Spirit from my life! I ask that You would increase my capacity for more of You! Remove everything in my life that would get in the way of Your activity. I understand that without Your breath and Spirit, I die in every way. BUT when You breathe into me, renewal occurs!

How Good is Good Enough?

I've had some interesting Facebook discussions today, so I figured it might be helpful for me to copy, paste, and edit some of what I've been saying...

A majority of Americans probably agree with a common statement that goes something like this: "good people go to heaven and bad people should go to hell." But few of us really take the time to think about the next logical question, “HOW GOOD is good enough?” What measuring stick do we use?

How many lies can I get by with telling before I slide over into the “bad” category? How self-centered can I be? Does it matter if I “fly-off-the-handle” just this once? How judgmental toward others can I be? Is it okay that I horde my resources and show no generosity to those who have nothing? The standard for "how good is good enough" can get pretty fuzzy real quickly. Seriously!

Followers of Jesus simply believe that NONE of us are “good enough.” In Romans 3:23, Paul says that we have ALL fallen short of God’s measurement for goodness. In fact, the first three chapters of Romans are basically devoted to the fact that every human is, at his/her core, sinful. I know this is unpleasant to hear... It sounds judgmental, but it is definitely true of me, and I assume that deep, down, you know it is true of you, as well. Every human being has acted in disregard to God's standard of goodness.

Because we have all made choices to do our own thing and ignore God’s ways, we ALL deserve to be separated from God now and in the afterlife. I don’t deserve His presence after all that I have done to reject Him. Which brings us to the question of hell. I don’t like hell and quite frankly, I wish it wasn’t even in the Bible. But it is! As someone who believes that Jesus told the truth, I can’t get away from the reality of hell.

In fact, it is the very reality of my sin and the very reality of hell that makes Jesus' death and resurrection of UTMOST IMPORTANCE. On the cross, Jesus voluntarily took upon Himself my punishment... my death penalty. The cross makes absolutely NO SENSE, if I don’t first understand my own predicament (and that of the entire human race).

So, every other religion leaves it up to the person to DO enough good things to somehow tip the scales so that our “good deeds” outweigh the bad. But when you really think about it, these attempts are absolutely maddening! How can you ever know for sure? You simply cannot!

Followers of Jesus, on the other hand, believe that Jesus has already taken our punishment. For Christ-followers, it is not about doing-and-trying-and-keeping rules, it is about being so much in awe of Jesus and what He did for us that we WANT to follow Him... We WANT to love others as He has loved us. It is no longer about what I have to do, it is about what I GET TO DO!

Do we ignore God's holiness?

Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of buzz about the love of God. But sometimes I wonder if our western version of Christianity hasn't preached God's love so much that we have forgotten about His holiness and justice--characteristics of God that (like God's love) are also on display throughout the Word of God.

For instance, in Leviticus 10, we see a "Rated R" example of God's response to those who are flippant and half-hearted toward His commandments. In fact, Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu were utterly destroyed by God for not FULLY obeying His instructions. Listen to what God had to say to Aaron, after the event...

"You must distinguish between what is sacred and what is common, between what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean." (Leviticus 10:10, NLT)

This passage makes it absolutely clear that God is just. His holiness is not something to be mocked or ignored. Do we really fear God? I know that I am certainly guilty of not fearing the awesomeness of God's justice and holiness. I too often treat lightly the very weightiness or glory of God.

"Oh God, have mercy. Spare me from the destruction that I deserve. Please put in me a spirit that would DESIRE to fully, completely obey Your every instruction because of my reverence for WHO You are."

Silence in the Face of Opposition

Mark 14:4-5, "...Pilate asked [Jesus], 'Aren't you going to answer them? What about all these charges they are bringing against You?' But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate's surprise." (NLT)

Two thousand years later, I think we are all STILL surprised! In fact, this whole chapter (Mark 14) is absolutely overwhelming, as Jesus' trial, torture, and execution are vividly described. But I'm with Pilate, in that I'm probably most surprised or shocked by Jesus' tone throughout the whole ordeal.

Jesus gives no mini-lectures, explanations or defense statements. He says nothing. If I was in His shoes, it's questionable whether I would have gone through with the whole "cup of suffering"... I DEFINITELY wouldn't have done so QUIETLY! I would have been muttering threats and mentally taking down specific names. But Jesus doesn't do any of that.

Jesus simply endures the whole ridiculous display. Why? Maybe He was showing me that I don't always have to rush to defend myself. I don't have to win every argument. I can trust that my Father is sovereign and He is fully capable of carrying out justice. Maybe Jesus is teaching me the value of silence in the face of opposition.

Something to boast about

"In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise Your name forever." (Psalm 44:8, NIV)

The Psalmist has been acknowledging the sovereignty and might of God in the victories that Israel had experienced. He remembers...

• "what YOU did" (44:1)
• "with YOUR hand YOU drove out the nations" (44:2a)
• "YOU planted our fathers" (44:2b)
• "YOU crushed the peoples" (44:2c)
• "YOU made our fathers flourish" (44:2d)
• "It was YOUR right hand, YOUR arm, and the light of YOUR face" (44:3b)
• "through YOU" (44:5a)
• "through YOUR name" (44:5b)
• "YOU give us victory" (44:7a)
• "YOU put our adversaries to shame" (44:7b)

I need to CONSTANTLY remember that God is the ONLY ONE who has the power to change the situations in my life. Why do I spend so much time trying to advance my name and my reputation... I need to boast in GOD all day long.

"God, help me to continually praise Your name!"

God Has, God Is, God Will...

I love what God says to Moses, regarding the people of Israel, in Exodus 6:

• I have heard the groans of the people (6:5)
• I am well aware of my covenant with them (6:5)
• I am the LORD (YHWH) (6:2-3, 6)
• I will free you from your oppression (6:6)
• I will rescue you from your slavery (6:6)
• I will redeem you (6:6)
• I will claim you as my own people (6:7)
• I will be your God (6:7)
• I will bring you into the land of promise (6:8)
• I will give you the land as your very own special possession (6:8)
• I am the LORD (YHWH) (6:8)

Obviously, God is talking specifically to Moses and the people of Israel, but in this conversation He obviously reveals His character and nature that DOES NOT CHANGE! Is life closing in on you? Do you need to be freed? Rescued? Have you pursued worthless endeavors, and need to be redeemed (purchased back)? Do you need an identity change (to know that you really matter)? Do you need provision? God has! He is! And He will!

Journey is Growing!

It has been so exciting to see what God is doing through Journey Church (not because of how smart we are, but simply because of His grace--remember grace is never deserved)! In fact, 6 of the past 9 Sundays, we have had attendances over 100. Which really doesn't sound like a big deal, until you see the building that we rent and discover that our maximum occupancy is only 120. That means that we have been 83% full for 6 of the past 9 Sundays! In case you haven't realized, this is a PROBLEM!

If we never reach out and refuse to do the things that Jesus has called us to do, we'll be fine, but if we plan on being obedient to His mission, we've got to find a way to to make room for the people that God may be wanting to send to our church.

In light of Jesus' mission, we cannot continue with "business as usual." While the place that we are at is comfortable and easy, we CANNOT afford to rest here. It could have horrifying eternal consequences... We MUST DO SOMETHING!

Beginning Sunday, March 27, we are going to launch our second Sunday morning service. Our service times will be at 9:00 am and 10:45 am. This means that we can continue to connect spiritually lost people to God! This means that there will be space for the people that God is challenging you to reach out to!

So, come on, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work... We've got a great God who is already at work, and He has called us to labor with Him in His great harvest! What a privilege!

Guard it!

What do you do when you are in a war and your superior has entrusted you with the nation's most valuable and sought after asset? You guard it! Courageously and ferociously, you keep watch... You do everything in your power to safeguard and shield it, knowing that your enemy will be just as vigilant.

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." (Proverbs 4:23, NLT)

I've heard this verse hundreds of times (literally), but I've never really thought about the severity of what God is saying through Solomon. This is absolutely vital to everything you do. How I do at protecting my heart will determine the course of my life!

But what does it really mean to "guard your heart"? In its context, Solomon is talking about holding onto wisdom... Treasuring it! So, why must I guard my heart? Because the evil one will do everything in his power to steal, kill and destroy it. He is a lier and he always begins with my heart. He wants to contaminate my heart through sowing seeds of doubt, lust, criticism, self-centeredness, etc.

So, I must be diligent. I must be alert and clear-minded, setting a guard over what I allow into my heart, and constantly examining it.

S.O.A.P.

I am so excited about what God is doing in the lives of our Journey peeps! Several weeks ago, I challenged our attenders to read God's Word every day, and to ask God to show them ONE verse that they could carry around with them throughout that day. In fact, I asked them to take it a step further by purchasing a notebook and writing the following each day:

• S cripture - Actually hand-write the one verse that stood out to you.
• O bservation - What's going on in this verse (remember just a couple of lines)?
• A pplication - How can you actually do what this verse is talking about today?
• P rayer - Based on what you just read, what do you want to say to God? (I've borrowed this SOAP acronym from Pastor Wayne Cordeiro)

While I was fully aware that this strategy for approaching the Bible has been revolutionary in my own life, I don't think I knew how big it would be for our people. I'm amazed at the number of conversations that I've had with people who are actually DOING this! AND they are discovering so many riches from God's Word for their own personal lives! (Can you tell that I'm excited!?)

If you don't already have a strategy for reading God's Word, you owe it to yourself to take 3 weeks to try this out! For 21 straight days, test-drive this approach. If you will do prayerfully and humbly, I am 100% confident that you will begin to hear God's voice in your life in fresh, exciting ways! I double-dog dare you!

A Dangerous Trap?

After Jesus began telling His disciples about the suffering and death that He would endure, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Jesus for His negative confessions. I can just hear Peter, "Come on Jesus, what's up with all of this negativity... All You ever talk about anymore is sacrifice!"

Jesus' response is pretty intriguing. After telling the devil to get behind Him, Jesus says:

"You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's." (Matthew 16:23b, NLT)

What if God really isn't so interested in my comfort? What if His wonderful plan and purpose for my life involves loss? Would I still be willing to follow Him?! Of course, in light of what Jesus did for me on the cross, my answer must be a thousand yeses.

Here's the thing... Unfortunately, whenever you set out on God's path for your life (a course that is almost always fraught with danger and unpopular choices), you will have well-meaning Christians attempt to talk you out of your insanity. They will try to explain why God couldn't possibly want you to get THAT radical in your faith.

In that moment, may you have the wisdom to see things from God's point of view, not from man's! May you have the ability to hear the Holy Spirit's whisper, and may you have the COURAGE to obey!

The Law of Discipline

There is a law or principle that is true of any discipline. Whether you are seeking to become better at a musical instrument, a sport, academics, or business practices, the following principle holds true: "the more I exercise or practice something, the stronger and more improved I will become." It's just one of those laws that can't be side-stepped, and its a principle that we all instinctively know to be true.

Jesus said that this principle ALSO applies to our relationship with Him. Look at what He said to His followers in Matthew 13:12:

Matthew 13.12, “To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them.” (NLT)

Think about that! The more that you seek after Christ and spend time listening to Him through reading His Word, the more that you will understand His ways. But if listening to Christ is not a priority in your life, your relationship with Jesus will become more and more shallow.

Do you want a stronger relationship with Jesus? Put the law of discipline to work today! Schedule time TODAY to listen to Jesus through reading the Bible!

From Amazement to Offense

I'm always interested in how people can experience God's activity in their lives, and then just walk away from Him.

Matthew records an example of this in chapter 13. Jesus has returned to his hometown of Nazareth, and has been given the opportunity to teach in the synagogue. It is interesting to see the people's response:

• First, everyone was "amazed" and "astonished" at Jesus' teaching. Eugene Peterson puts it this way, "He made a real hit, impressing everyone" (Matt 13:54, MSG). I can just picture them elbowing each other, "This guy is awesome... Wow! I've never thought about it that way. This stuff that He is talking about is really life-changing."
• But then something absolutely crazy happens! I can only explain it as a wave of jealousy. Slowly, one by one, they began to scoff: "Wait! This guy isn't that big of a deal! He went to the same high school as me. Why does everyone think he's so amazing?" They actually became so self-absorbed that they couldn't even see God's incredible activity right in front of their noses (13:55)!
• Finally, they "took offense at him" (13:57). They actually became bitter! So much so, that the Bible says that they "refused to believe in him."

What was the result? "And so He did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief" (13:58, NLT). Wow! After beginning with a sense of amazement, because of their own cynicism and critical nature, they totally excused away Jesus and His potential to dramatically change their lives.

Honestly, I can't point my finger at these "crazy Nazarenes," because I've done the same thing! It's absolutely amazing how quickly I can lose my sense of wonder and awe at God's provision in my life. Before long, I'm comparing myself to everyone else and their situations. And if I'm not careful I can quickly move from amazement to offense.

YOU are...

Do you need some strength? Stability? Security? Do you feel like you need to be rescued? Saved? Do you need the strong hands of a protector? Do you need to be shielded from all of the shrapnel of life? Do you need a place of safety?

God longs to provide ALL OF THAT for you! Look at these words from the warrior poet, David:

"I love You, LORD; You are my strength.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;

my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.

He is my shield, the power that saves me,

and my place of safety." (Psalm 18:1-2, NLT, italics mine)

God, help me to see You as You really are. Give me ears to hear Your truth! Instead of running to other sources, help me to instinctively run to You. Thank you for loving me!"

It is beyond My Power...

I was reading in the One Year Bible today, and came across an incredible statement that Joseph made in response to Pharoah's request that Joseph interpret a dream. Here it is...

"'It is beyond my power to do this,' Joseph replied. 'But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.'" (Genesis 41:16, NLT)

Wow! I love that line: "It is beyond my power to do this." I think God loves to get us into situations that are beyond our ability. In fact, it isn't until we're in circumstances that are"way over our head," that God is able to show HIS strength! I need to readily admit and confess my own helplessness and powerlessness!

Think about it...

• It is beyond my power to love Keri as Christ loved the church and gave His life for her.
• It is beyond my power to be everything to my kids that they want me to be.
• It is beyond my power to pastor Journey Church.
• It is beyond my power to change situations that seemed to be doomed.

"But God!" That's what Joseph says! I can't... But God can! It's always been about God and it always WILL BE about Him! Honestly, it's not really about what I can do or cannot do. God can! He has all of the power, wisdom, resources, etc.

So, take a few seconds, and admit to yourself: "It is beyond my power to ______________. But God can!"

Surely, the Lord is in this place

"Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely, the Lord is in this place, and I wasn't even aware of it.'" (Genesis 28:16, NLT)

Never much of an outdoorsman, Jacob was on the run from his extremely jealous and angry brother, Esau. You can just imagine how emotionally drained Jacob must have been. After saying goodbye to his parents (probably for the last time) and running all day, he now finds that there is no place of lodging in sight. I'd be feeling pretty sorry for myself. In fact, the Bible tells us that Jacob is so physically exhausted, that he literally falls asleep propped up against a boulder. And then it happens! Jacob has one of those dreams that is anything but ordinary or typical. He actually encounters God!

As he wakes up, Jacob realizes that God was already here. Even before he was clued into God's presence, God was clued into Jacob's situation. Even in the midst of Jacob's fatigue and exhaustion, God was ready to meet him. With all of the questions swirling around Him, God had not forgotten Jacob.

I'm so grateful that even when I am going in my own direction, God is still willing to step in and initiate relationship with me. At the same time, I'm saddened to think of all of the times when God has been present, and yet I haven't been aware. Too busy with the distractions of this life, I don't even sense His activity.

"Oh God, please help me to see You... to see Your activity, even when it seems that You're a million miles away. Help me to sense Your presence right here in the midst of all of my problems and pain."

Treasure Hunt!

Today, Kyle turns SIX years old! With this in mind, I've been reading some counsel that Solomon recorded for his sons, and I've been trying to really engage with the advice that Solomon was passing along. This morning, I was struck by the following challenge:

"Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures" (Prov 2:2-4, NLT)

Just imagine if I received a trustworthy, authenticated communication that there was buried treasure in the 7 acres field next to our home and that the treasure was valued at a minimum of ten million dollars.

How hard do you think I would work to discover this treasure? There is no doubt that I would work 24-7! I would spend everything we had (and then some) to rent metal detectors, bulldozer equipment, and all sorts of shovels and other equipment.

I would give myself no rest! Facebook and mindless television wouldn't even be options! I guarantee you that I would have INCREDIBLE FOCUS! Interestingly, Solomon tells us to search for wisdom, understanding and insight with that same exact intensity and focus.

"Oh God, give me a passion for Your wisdom... Help me to see the true value of YOUR WORDS!"

You are the Light!

This morning I was reading Matthew 5 in my One Year Bible, and I was struck by the word picture that Jesus uses to describe the relationship of His followers to the world. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house" (5:14-15, NLT).

As our culture seems to slip further into darkness and depravity, we still hear the clear challenge of Jesus, "YOU ARE THE LIGHT." John Stott has made the following observation about Jesus' admonition:

“If the house is dark when the nightfall comes, there is no sense in blaming the house; that is what happens when the sun goes down. The question to ask is ‘Where is the light?’ …It is sheer hypocrisy on our part to raise our eyebrows, shrug our shoulders, or wring our hands. The Lord Jesus told us to be the world’s salt and light. If therefore darkness and rottenness abound, it is largely our fault and we must accept the blame.”

First Things First

In his book, The Next Christians, Gabe Lyons briefly talks about the difference between first and second things. He explains it like this:

"If I want my children to have beautiful imaginations (a second thing), I must first turn off the television, read them descriptive, fantastical books, and give them experiences that let their minds wander and dream (a first thing)... You hardly ever achieve the second things without first focusing on the first things. As C. S. Lewis wrote in his brilliant essay 'First and Second Things,' 'You can't get second things by putting them first; you can get second things only by putting first things first."

Jesus said it this way: "Seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness... Make those things your primary concern, and God will take care of all of the other details of your life" (Matthew 6:33--my paraphrase). I need to make sure that I am putting FIRST THINGS FIRST!