This is part 1 of a series that looks at the person, life and teachings of Jesus to see afresh who and what God is working in and with us to be transformed into. This message looks at some hindrances we may have that need to be addressed so that [...]]]> Jesus Way Part 1

This is part 1 of a series that looks at the person, life and teachings of Jesus to see afresh who and what God is working in and with us to be transformed into. This message looks at some hindrances we may have that need to be addressed so that we can see Him clearly and respond appropriately.

This is part 12 of the series titled “Heaven?”, which looks at what heaven will be like. This message focuses living under the influence of Heaven. What will be the effect on us, if we know what Heaven and our future life there will really be like.

This message looks at some things that do not, or rather should not change, even though we as individuals or as a community may be in the midst of change or transition.

It’s been a while. Miss me?
A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to the church on obedience…..ick.
If I could have picked any other topic I would have.  I mean, Grace? Love? Peace? Those sound nice.  Obedience, however….it just doesn’t give me that same warm and fuzzy feeling [...]]]>

It’s been a while. Miss me?
A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to the church on obedience…..ick.
If I could have picked any other topic I would have.  I mean, Grace? Love? Peace? Those sound nice.  Obedience, however….it just doesn’t give me that same warm and fuzzy feeling inside.  Yet, it was pretty evident that obedience was a topic I needed to  delve deeper into because it was the only word flashing in the darkness of my mind like some tacky, neon sign.

There were 3 points on obedience that we covered, and I’m just going to break ‘em down for you a bit here.

1. It’s a Learned Process.
Even Jesus had to learn obedience. In Luke 2:45-52 we see Jesus as a child learning not only from the elders of the church, but also learning to obey his parents….even the Messiah needed a curfew!
Although obedience in it’s most practical form is learned, the desire is innate.
This kind of sounds like a tough pill to swallow, right?  We are prone to selfishness.  We raise children and need to teach them things like manners and how to share.  With these naturally selfish tendencies I had assumed our most innate desires were toward rebellion.  But, even though the first instincts of my flesh may scream “ANARCHY!”, the core desire of my spirit declares something on the contrary.
There was this psychologist names Stanley Milgram and he set out to uncover any sort of logical explanation for the deplorable things being done to people within concentration camps in WWII.  You can Google it and read up on the experiment yourself, but it involved a fake electric shock generator.  The person ‘receiving’ the shock was in on the experiment.  The person administering the ‘shocks’ was not.  Then there was the experiment conductor who served as the authoritative  figure.  Despite the person’s agonizing screams and claims of heart conditions, the conductor assured the shock administrator that the experiment must go on.  They had hypothesized that only 1-3% of people would continue to administer the shocks, but they discovered that  65% continued.  Here is what they concluded, “We now believe that it has to do with our almost innate behavior that we should do as told, especially from authority persons”.
Aristotle said, “Wicked men obey from fear; good men from love”.
Our motives may vary… perhaps it’s fear, incentives, lack of direction… But, as followers of Christ, what should motivate us to pursue obedience?
Essentially what I am saying is that although somewhere deep within us we want to obey, we daily need to learn the meaning of dying to self.  We hear, and perhaps have experienced, testimonies of how people didn’t realize there was this insatiable void in their lives until they had discovered Christ.  The very fiber of our DNA yearns to know and to please our Creator because somehow we know that His ways are far better than the exhaustion of our own.

2. Requires Risk
Unfortunately for most, we have not had the luxury of a burning bush, or a booming, audible voice and often we are forced to make decisions based not on immediate revelation.
In 2 Samuel 10:12-13, Joab is put in a position where he needs to make a quick decision.  In his book, ‘Don’t Waste Your Life’, John Piper describes Joab’s decision making technique in that moment as using ‘sanctified wisdom’.   He did not know the outcome of the strategic move he needed to make midst a battle, and yet he still believed that God would make good of the decisions he was making.   As we are submitting our lives daily to God and seeking His will, we grow in wisdom.  We have this tremendously generous gift of free will because God actually trusts that we can learn to make wise choices.
Esther made an obedient decision that could have resulted in death, and yet that was a risk she was willing to take for the sake of many people.   It says that she was called for “such a time as this”, but what does that mean?  Each moment is that time.  We are all living out times of service, preparation, patience, risk- all of which are developing a lifestyle of obedient worship.
A.W. Tozer said, “Among the plastic saints of our times, Jesus has to do all the dying, and all we want to hear is another sermon about His dying.”
Sit on that one for a while…
It’s easy to leave the risk taking for others, no?
Sometimes the risks we need to take are in small things.  Like, just remaining where you are.  I was working in a coffee shop and for the longest time, EVERY time I walked down this one hallway, I would contemplate my purpose.  Whether or not I was doing enough or measuring up.  My risks seemed few and so I dubbed it the ‘Hallway of Purpose’.  But in retrospect, I see how staying was imperative for that time and for the relationships being established.  If we can be faithful in the most mundane of things, bigger things will come.

3. Bi-Product of Love
I did some browsing through the Thesaurus  and found that synonymous to obedience is reverence, and synonymous with reverence is adoration.  So, there it is, out of adoration we serve.
Although, let it be known that just because we are learning obedience and serving Him as a natural bi-product of love, this does not ensure emotional highs and surges of joy.  Even Jesus pleaded with God before His crucifixion. His spirit was in such turmoil within Him knowing what was to come, and yet out of love He chose the Father’s will.
Even though we tend to miss the mark  on this obedience stuff, Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”.
There ya have it!  We are learning, and risking, and facing trial and error all in the name of love and yet still there is no condemnation.  We are still welcomed into this relationship and asked to be unashamed and bold.

Ok, I tried to summarize the message as much as I possibly could, and I hope it all made sense. I’ve had to take a lot of costly risks lately for the sake of being obedient to what I know is right.  And although the defeats and the hurts seem to outweigh the victories right now, I know that there is purpose and I know that God is faithful.
So, get to it!  :)

This is part 11 of the series titled “Heaven?”, which looks at what heaven will be like. This message focuses on what kind of body we will have, as well as looking at what age we will be, what will our relationships look like, will we learning, and will we still [...]]]> Heaven Part 11

This is part 11 of the series titled “Heaven?”, which looks at what heaven will be like. This message focuses on what kind of body we will have, as well as looking at what age we will be, what will our relationships look like, will we learning, and will we still have memories from this lifetime.

This is part 10 of the series titled “Heaven?”, which looks at what heaven will be like. This message focuses on finally seeing our heavenly Father and how seeing and knowing Him will transform how we see everything else, especially ourselves. And He invites us right now to grow in our [...]]]> Heaven Part 10

This is part 10 of the series titled “Heaven?”, which looks at what heaven will be like. This message focuses on finally seeing our heavenly Father and how seeing and knowing Him will transform how we see everything else, especially ourselves. And He invites us right now to grow in our relationship and understanding of Him and have our present vision and perspective changed.

In this message Christina Grewelle discusses the process of learning obedience that flows from our relationship with God. She shares how risk, diligence, love and trust in our Father play a role in our pursuit of God and living a lifestyle of obedient worship.

This is part 9 of the series titled “Heaven?”, which looks at what heaven will be like. This message focuses on the aspects of space and time on the future new earth, as well as examining how our current deeds matter for eternity.

This is part 8 of the series titled “Heaven?”, which looks at what is heaven like. This message discusses the role of animals will have in heaven, the New Earth. It also looks at their importance to God, and how humanity and animals are both destined to be restored to live [...]]]> Heaven Part 8

This is part 8 of the series titled “Heaven?”, which looks at what is heaven like. This message discusses the role of animals will have in heaven, the New Earth. It also looks at their importance to God, and how humanity and animals are both destined to be restored to live and relate together in heaven forever.

This is part 7 of the series titled “Heaven?”, which looks at what is heaven like. This message examines the scriptural promises and hope of God reclaiming and restoring the current heavens and earth and giving humanity a very earthy, tangible, physical earth as their eternal heaven, the New Earth.

This is part 6 of the series titled “Heaven?”, which looks at what is heaven like. In this message Mark Fuller discusses the idea of receiving rewards in heaven and calls us to live in light of eternity.

This is part 5 of the series “Heaven?” that will look at what is heaven like. This message is the second half of the discussion on the topic of the “present heaven”; the place a follower of Jesus Christ goes to after their life on earth and while they wait for [...]]]> Heaven Part 5

This is part 5 of the series “Heaven?” that will look at what is heaven like. This message is the second half of the discussion on the topic of the “present heaven”; the place a follower of Jesus Christ goes to after their life on earth and while they wait for the final resurrection.

This is part 4 of the series “Heaven?” that will look at what is heaven like. This message discusses the topic of the present heaven; the place a follower of Jesus Christ goes to after their life on earth and before the New Heavens and New Earth.

On this weekend of remembering the traic events of 9/11, it is also a time to consider how frail we really are as humans, what does our life consist of, where does our true citizenship lie; and to remember and fix our eyes on our only real hope, Jesus.

Once again, it’s been far too long since I have blogged.  It’s been far too long since I’ve done a lot of things productive, actually.

The topics of truth, honesty and grace have been on my mind and heart for some time [...]]]>

Once again, it’s been far too long since I have blogged.  It’s been far too long since I’ve done a lot of things productive, actually.

The topics of truth, honesty and grace have been on my mind and heart for some time now.  I opened my Bible and asked God to show me something specific on this topic…and when I opened up at random to some very irrelevant passages, I cheated a bit and turned to the concordance. 
This is what I found…
Psalm 51 ‘A Prayer of Repentance‘
If you are able to, I would highly recommend looking this one up and soaking it all in.  David was a troubled and sinful man.  He was crying out apologies and woes to God left and right, but there was one part in this particular Psalm that drew me in…
“Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” – v.6
It seems like all God has been calling me to do lately is be honest.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been big on lying to begin with, but I’m learning that when you’re clouding your heart with ugly secrets, it’s just as harmful as blatant deceit.  Harboring this junk becomes easier after a while.  In the ‘church culture’ it’s sort of the norm to keep up with appearances, to keep sin under wraps, and to keep those ugly secrets to yourself.  We are always willing to pray for others who have gotten themselves into some big emotional, physical, financial, spiritual muck…but it’s seems terribly hard to switch roles and allow ourselves to be the ones prayed for.

Well, eventually it will all catch up to you.
Throughout this time in my life I have learned to a greater degree the immeasurable amount of grace God is willing to give me.  It’s like every day is a mulligan and I get a ‘do-over’.
Honesty has become the asphalt paving a road to healing and freedom.  It has filled in the cracks, and leveled out the pot holes.

In that verse David is acknowledging God’s desire for us to just be truthful with Him.  He may already know it all, but you build relationship with someone by communication.  As we communicate honestly with God about the things we stuff down and smudge up our heart with, He begins to reveal wisdom.  I can only look at the past few months as a learning experience, and an opportunity for lasting development and growth.

You’ll also be surprised to find that God places people abundant in Grace all around you just when you need it most.  I have gained a love and appreciation for the community I am in now more than I ever would have if I didn’t originally choose a path of sheer resistance.

Don’t let me fool you, there are still lots of unsightly blotches all over this weathered-as-much-as-a-25-year old’s-heart-can-be-weathered heart, but I will still hold true to the promise that for my ashes He will give me beauty, for my mourning He will repay me gladness, and that (hopefully) soon I will gain much wisdom from all of this painfully exposing honesty.

]]> http://bethesda-fellowship.org/2011/08/22/you-cant-handle-the-truth/feed/ 1 http://bethesda-fellowship.org/2011/08/21/heaven-part-3/ http://bethesda-fellowship.org/2011/08/21/heaven-part-3/#comments Sun, 21 Aug 2011 01:00:13 +0000 bethesda http://bethesda-fellowship.org/?p=2446 Heaven Part 3

This is part 3 of the series “Heaven?”, that will look at what is heaven like. This message looks at what heaven’s alternative (hell) is like and addresses the question: “How does one ensure their eternal destination is heaven and not the other place?”

This is part 2 of the series “Heaven?”, that will look at what is heaven like. This message looks at the common hindrances to us accurately knowing what heaven is like, God’s directive for us set our hearts and minds on things above.

This is part 1 of the series “Heaven?”; that will look at what is heaven like. This is an introduction to the series and looks at the effect of knowing what heaven is like has on our present moments, as well as taking a look at some common misconceptions people have [...]]]> Heaven Part 1

This is part 1 of the series “Heaven?”; that will look at what is heaven like. This is an introduction to the series and looks at the effect of knowing what heaven is like has on our present moments, as well as taking a look at some common misconceptions people have about heaven.

This is part 7 of a series “Thoughts From Revelation. This message is focused on Revelation chapters 19-22. This is where God shows us the culmination of Human history and the creation of the new heavens and new earth.

This is part 6 of a series “Thoughts From Revelation. This message is focused on Revelation chapters 4-5. This is where God gives John his perspective of the unfolding of human history and that He alone holds it in His hand.

This is 5 part of a series “Thoughts From Revelation. This message is focused on the letter to the Ephesian church and his call to them to recover their first love.

This is part 4 of a series “Thoughts From Revelation. This message is focused on Revelation chapters 2-3. This is where we see Jesus’ unwavering commitment to work in and through the “LOCAL” church as His agents of the Kingdom of God in this world.

This is part 3 of a series “Thoughts From Revelation. This message is focused on Revelation 1:9-20. This is where John speaks of having both suffering and the Kingdom during this age and that when John turns to Jesus he hears His words of reassurance.

This is part 2 of a series “Thoughts From Revelation. This message is comes from Revelation chapters 1. This is where God gives us some vantage points to see the unfolding of God’s plan from; vantage points anchor in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

This is part 1 of a series “Thoughts From Revelation. This message is focused on Revelaton chapters 1 and the book being the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the object and content of the Revelation and the soveriegn agent who fulfills its content.

Been sitting on this blog topic for a few days now.  These past couple of weeks seem to have been a whirlwind of events and I have been procrastinating on getting my thoughts in order… and coming back to reality.

A couple weeks ago during Kenny’s message, he mentioned some [...]]]>

Been sitting on this blog topic for a few days now.  These past couple of weeks seem to have been a whirlwind of events and I have been procrastinating on getting my thoughts in order… and coming back to reality.

A couple weeks ago during Kenny’s message, he mentioned some poignant perspectives that I have been bouncing back and forth against my mind’s walls; until now.  (I mean, there are still plenty of things bouncing around like crazy in there, but we’ll save those for another day and another blog….)

Kenny had quoted something, and I don’t know the exact quote or quite who said it, so I will summarize the best I can.  He was saying that often the events of our past become a place of residence for us, when they are merely suppose to be points of reference.  He also was saying that it’s through the power of the resurrection that we are enabled to move forward and be remade beyond past regrets.  Essentially what all this means, is stop dwelling in the past!  Stop holding onto guilt and un-forgiveness.  We dig ourselves so deep and become so cozy in utter discomfort and disdain that we forget that Christ died to bring us into light and into freedom.
I was reading in Isaiah this morning, and that little summarized quote made a bit more sense to me.

⁴ “ Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame;
For you will forget the shame of your youth,
And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
⁵ For your Maker is your husband,
The LORD of hosts is His name;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;
He is called the God of the whole earth.
⁶ For the LORD has called you
Like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit,
Like a youthful wife when you were refused,”
Says your God.
⁷ “ For a mere moment I have forsaken you,
But with great mercies I will gather you.
⁸ With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment;
But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,”…

-Isaiah 54:4-8

Okay, so if you’re a guy you may not be too keen on reading that God is your husband.  But He is speaking to Israel, which is referred to in feminine terms and so in that context it makes more sense. But on a broader scale, He is speaking to His people.  Include yourself in that.  He is saying that the follies of your past are forgotten.  His love for you is unconditional. That although it seems at times that He’s forgotten you, with an everlasting kindness He will show mercy on you.  And all of this is possible because of what is predicted in just one chapter before.  In Isaiah 53, the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus is prophesied.  They know that a savior is to come, and through His atonement there will be freedom from all bondage.  He will be offered as a payment that exceeds monetary value.

The Israelites may have been prisoners in Egypt, but now they were prisoners of Hope.  A Hope in a God that would not forsake them, or dangle their shortcomings over their heads.

And so we are also to be prisoners to this Hope.  No longer trapped within the confinement of our chastisement and shame, but rather bound to this freedom in knowing that our past is not what determines our potential.  The mistakes of our past are to be points of reference used to grow and help others grow as well.

It sort of seems like an oxymoron, right?  I mean, how can we be a prisoner of this Hope that is found through freedom in Christ?  As a prisoner of Hope we are held captive.  Completely captivated by grace and love.  Bound to this freedom in the sense that there’s no other way I’d want to live than to love others and to know that I am loved beyond expression.

This is part five of a series walking with and learning from Jesus as He heads toward Jerusalem to give His life as a ransom. He are confronted with who He really is and what it means to follow Him.

This is part four of a series walking with and learning from Jesus as He heads toward Jerusalem to give His life as a ransom. He are confronted with who He really is and what it means to follow Him.

This is part three of a series walking with and learning from Jesus as He heads toward Jerusalem to give His life as a ransom. He are confronted with who He really is and what it means to follow Him.

It’s pretty early in the morning.  Typically, at this hour, I would not be thinking about anything with any sort of substance.  But this morning, my mind’s been working at breaknecking speeds, well, at least too fast for not yet having coffee.
Been thinking about hurdles in life.  Not the [...]]]>

It’s pretty early in the morning.  Typically, at this hour, I would not be thinking about anything with any sort of substance.  But this morning, my mind’s been working at breaknecking speeds, well, at least too fast for not yet having coffee.
Been thinking about hurdles in life.  Not the typical metaphorical use for life’s hurdles.  You know what I’m talking about; the tragedies, misfortunes, upsets, heartbreaks, etc.  I’m talking about self-made hurdles.  Obstacles we place in our own paths (whether we realize we’re doing it or not).  Hurdles that potentially lead to upsets, misfortunes, heartbreaks, and the like. But do we never really go back to the root of how that road block got there?  We never acknowledge that perhaps it was a poor decision on our part that brought it on.  OK, don’t get me wrong here, I’m not saying to go through life chastising yourself for every wrong turn…
I guess what I’ve really been thinking about this morning is,  am I living my life just in avoidance of constructing these hurdles for myself?  Or am I living to run in sync with God’s heartbeat?  Where has the focus been and where is it going?  Maybe it’s just me here, but I’ve been really thinking this morning….. do we live every day just to dodge creating new hurdles? Meaning, the hurdle is what becomes the focus, not the race itself.  We lose sight of the starting line, the finish line, and the lessons to be learned and joys to be had in between.

I keep using the term ‘hurdle’ and I think I’m starting to sound a bit cliche, so let me specify; sin.  And maybe ‘sin’ isn’t a term you frequent, so let’s call it poor choices.  Mistakes, words spoken carelessly, selfish motives, gossip, lust, infidelity, dishonesty, and the list goes on and on with all of the things we naturally  lean toward.  So maybe we’re just running to feel like ‘good people’.  Avoiding all the strategically placed hurdles, and looking to come out strong….but is that really it?  To be ‘good people’?  As my mind has been reeling this morning, I couldn’t help but wonder if our deepest motive goes farther than that.  Maybe we aren’t just avoiding the bad behavior itself, but the guilt we carry afterward.  Our ingrained longing for acceptance, approval, and to not disappoint or let down.

And so, what am I running for?  To build up my pride’s endurance, or to maintain spiritual health, growth, and to help along others on the way?  Obviously I would prefer to choose the latter, but most of the time I doubt I’m that on track.

Either none of this makes sense, or all of it makes sense.  I haven’t quite figured that out myself yet.

^12-14I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

^15-16So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.

Philippians 3:12-16 (MSG)

Taking time to pray is hard.

Can I get an ‘Amen’?

Don’t get me wrong, I love praying.  Just being able to talk to God so candidly.  And I suppose that throughout the day as I am working things out in my head, those thoughts are being [...]]]>

Taking time to pray is hard.

Can I get an ‘Amen’?

Don’t get me wrong, I love praying.  Just being able to talk to God so candidly.  And I suppose that throughout the day as I am working things out in my head, those thoughts are being directed toward Him, whether I’m acknowledging that or not.
Thursday I sat down after a busy day.  A day where I had intended on committing more time to spend really focused on God.  I woke up telling Him I was going to be attentive the entire day and expectant that I was going to definitively hear from Him.  And then work got busy, and I went to my parents to do laundry, and then to a birthday party for my nephew and then, finally, home.  Don’t get me wrong, all of things that kept me busy throughout the day were not bad things, but when I finally sat down to really focus my attention on Him, my mind was reeling from so much activity and I almost felt like I had been cheating on God all day. Like I had been focusing all of myself on all of the other things going on, that I forgot to listen for Him.  I forgot to hear from Him.  And then this is what I heard….

Beloved, Be still.
Beloved, Be still.
I AM here,
I AM speaking.
But, Beloved, Be still.

My child, Hush your heart.
My child, Hush your heart.
I want to hold you,
I want to heal you.
But, My child, Hush your heart.

My treasure, Know your worth.
My treasure, Know your worth.
With My word
you were spoken.
Now, My treasure, Know your worth.

My redeemed, Rest in Grace.
My redeemed, Rest in Grace.
I have saved you,
you’re Forgiven.
Now, My redeemed, Rest in Grace.

…..and I think I’ll just leave it at that.

a walking contraditcion
healed yet torn apart.
joyful midst the sorrow
with an enlightened, darkened heart.
a staggering, beautiful wreck
restoration in my rubble
clinging tightly in retreat.
awaiting peace in torrent trouble.
laying down, racing on.
finding [...]]]>

a walking contraditcion
healed yet torn apart.
joyful midst the sorrow
with an enlightened, darkened heart.
a staggering, beautiful wreck
restoration in my rubble
clinging tightly in retreat.
awaiting peace in torrent trouble.
laying down, racing on.
finding life in my own end.
freely i’ll bear this cross
it’s for my weakness His strength He’ll lend.

I’ll be honest.  I was distracted during service this morning.  Sometimes we don’t want to admit that.  We want to look attentive, take scrupulous notes, nod and smile and offer an ‘amen’ every now and again.  Sure, I understood the message.  I heard every word and it pierced my heart.  But still, I was distracted.  I have been reading this book by Brennan Manning called The Furious Longing of God, and the themes of the chapters I read yesterday kept confronting me.  He wrote about being a contradiction within his own life.  He then moved on to talk about daily praying this prayer ‘Abba, I belong to You.’  And then onto this concept that love by nature seeks union, and that to seek union with Christ is to lay to rest the scrutiny of constantly monitoring and measuring our spiritual growth.  So, with all of these things circling my mind, a part of the message really hit me this morning.  When a couple of disciples were arguing about who was going to be the greatest among them,  Kenny made a point that I had missed before… for them to be arguing this, they weren’t clearly seeing their value through Abba’s eyes.  They doubted how highly esteemed they were in their relationship with Jesus.  They were too closely monitoring, measuring, and comparing their spiritual growth and allowed those standards to give them their value.
In my distraction, I wrote that poem. I may often be a walking contradiction.  I may be filled with hurt and there are areas of my heart that are still dark and wounded.  I cling to Him so tightly, even while I’m running away from Him.  And yet I belong to Him.  In His eyes, I am deemed worthy of communion with Him, not by what I do to expedite my spiritual growth, but it’s in my faults and contradictions….it’s in the broken and contrite heart that He’s offering strength and security.

Perhaps your mind is also distracted.  Your heart may be distraught and you feel as though your actions, thoughts, words and intentions aren’t measuring up.  Rest in this prayer, “Abba, I belong to You.”

St. Augustine wrote, “In loving me, you made me loveable.”

Be loved.

This is part two of a series walking with and learning from Jesus as He heads toward Jerusalem to give His life as a ransom. He are confronted with who He really is and what it means to follow Him.

This is part one of a series walking with and learning from Jesus as He heads toward Jerusalem to give His life as a ransom. He are confronted with who He really is and what it means to follow Him.

Particle pieces
gathered, gleaned-
recovered.
Stitched and sewn.
Plush patches
mortared with Mercy.
Tears uniquely unexampled.
Yet my Redeemer’s requisition.
Girded and guarded
while broken and bandaged.
My benefactioned breath…
a cloak for the King.

On [...]]]>

Particle pieces
gathered, gleaned-
recovered.
Stitched and sewn.
Plush patches
mortared with Mercy.
Tears uniquely unexampled.
Yet my Redeemer’s requisition.
Girded and guarded
while broken and bandaged.
My benefactioned breath…
a cloak for the King.

On Tuesday nights, a group of young adults meet in various places.  We sometimes meet in cafes, homes, around a fire, and are open for new meeting place suggestions if you’ve got one to offer!  Anyway, this past Tuesday we met in a friend’s home.  It was like a breath of fresh air to be able to enjoy our time together on top of a comfort we can’t always take advantage of in public places; music.  Typically there is a topic of discussion, but for this night in particular, the topic was up for discussion.  Anything goes.  An evening of just singing, meditating, praying, reading, encouraging….and then God spoke.  And it was clear.  A theme began to weave it’s way throughout the various verses being shared and the heart humbling songs being song.  This theme of being broken.  A requirement that baffles what the world demands of us; a broken and contrite heart…a transparency to the foolishness of our ways….and yet an acknowlegement of grace recieved.  There are speakers and authors and professors and evangelists out there trying to sell God to people like He’s a timeshare.  A vacation spot where not much matters.  Pay your maintainance fees, keep the grounds presentable, but there’s no serious full time commited devotion or physical investment.  This isn’t a relationship to be purchased by us because it seems like a luxery worth keeping on hand for when we need it….we were the ones purchased.  We were the ones deemed worthy of dying for.  They may be offering you somthing that’s easily stored within the confines of your already established life, something that won’t require many renovations or much change….but why not pursure something real.  Where brokenness is desired and imprefection is welcomed.  In the transparancy of our foolishness you can come and witness healing and the truth about grace.
Immanuel- God with us.  Not ‘God watching us from a safe distance’ and not ‘God tucked neatly in an accessible spot for when we need Him most’.  Nope. That’s God WITH us.  Always.  Even when we are broken and beat up and not feeling very wise or worthy.  I’ll even go a step further to say Immanuel is God with us ESPECIALLY when we are broken and beat up and not feeling very wise or worthy.
So go ahead, receive a relationship that you don’t deserve to be offered.  It’s here. He is WITH you. But know that it’s not a relationship to be developed under your stipulations and according to your availability.  It demands all your heart and all your soul, but the rewards are eternal.

This is a message from Mark Fuller on becoming an authentic messenger of Hope.

This is a message from Mark Fuller about the need to persevere in doing the work of the Kingdom, taking our place as an under rower, working together with the community of faith in extending the Kingdom.

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

You are the potter
I [...]]]>
Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

These lyrics are so simple.  They aren’t laced with eloquence, or carved with metaphors beyond immediate comprehension.  Nope.  I’ll admit though, as simple as they are and as poignant as they had been in my life, I had an awful hard time remembering this song last night while talking with friends about our favorite and most memorable hymns/songs.
Although the title and tune was a bit fuzzy, the image of when I sang it was very vivid.

I was at a kids camp.  My first time ever going to camp.  I had freedom! (to an extent…I was only 10.)  But I could go to archery, or go to the pool, or to my air conditioned “cabin”.  It was quite the rush.  Yet, with all of those activities and this new found sense of independence, there were daily events that made a deeper impact.

Our chapel services.  We would play crazy games, sing some silly songs, but then would come a time for worship songs, for sincere prayer, for times to sit, stand, kneel, or lay at the alter.  I would spend those times sitting and watching as my peers huddled together and prayed encouragement into each others lives.  WE WERE TEN.  There was crying, healing, laughter, shouting, rejoicing, mourning, dancing, resting, hugging, solitude.  There was GOD. Midst the different responses, He was there and there was no denying it.  My faith became my own that week.  I had encounters with the same God that I had watched my parents encounter, and yet I didn’t have to believe through them anymore….this relationship, it was mine.

We sang that song numorous times that week.  It became my favorite, the one that really made my heart lean and arch and stretch so passionately toward God’s.   I could close my eyes and picture these massive hands sculpting and guiding this gushy, dirty, unformed clay.  I wanted to be that clay.  I wanted to not be molded by culture, to not be chisled by greed, or prodded by pride.  I knew I wanted more.

Lately Grace has been a big topic…  and when I look back at the 15 years of my life that have lapsed since those chapel services at kids camp, I see all the times I allowed God’s hands to get pushed away, and became mold able to anything that could get a good grip on me.  Those lyrics, so easy to read and yet almost painful to respond to.  When you’re ten you can’t imagine the things that will chip away at you, distort and misshape you, or the devastation that will smash you.

So here are my pieces, God.  I can only expect that to get me maleable again, I will need to be put through enough heat for melting to make my life’s pottery ever new.  It will be painful, but the fire only refines; never scorches.

This is part 8 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives. This message discusses the need to recover and embrace the truth that we, His followers, are called to be agents of recovery as God as God extends the Kingdom through [...]]]>

This is part 8 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives. This message discusses the need to recover and embrace the truth that we, His followers, are called to be agents of recovery as God as God extends the Kingdom through the church.

Too often we think of church as a place where people seemingly have it all together.  And then we realize they don’t, so we then view the church as a place of hypocracy.

We are all hypocrites to an extent though, no?

Anyway, I have been thankful lately for this past [...]]]>

Too often we think of church as a place where people seemingly have it all together.  And then we realize they don’t, so we then view the church as a place of hypocracy.

We are all hypocrites to an extent though, no?

Anyway, I have been thankful lately for this past year or so and for a lot of transitions I have been making.  But one of the biggest transitions being made in my heart is moving away from the guilt of not finding faultlessness.

I am thankful that this body of mine, as imperfect and unique as it may be, is called a Temple.  I have been granted this supreme honor of housing the Spirit of God with His love, joy, peace, and all that good stuff.  Our bodies have all been designated as Temples of the Most High.  And yet, with this great responsibility, we were not told what color the walls needed to be painted…there are certain creative freedoms we’ve been allowed.  He created us with expression and passion and color and life and originality.

I’m thankful that when I look throughout the Scriptures, I’m not reading the accounts of great men and women of perfection.  Men and women who lived upper-middle class lifestyles with clean, well kempt clothing.  They were poor.  And if they weren’t poor, Jesus told them they needed to be.  They learned that the things of this present day will fade… it’s what dwells within these fleshly Temples that remains eternal.  By any of today’s standards, Jesus and His followers probably looked like a group of nomadic, dirty hippies.  How would a bunch like that be received today?

I’m thankful that the only thing I’m specifically asked to clothe myself in is righteousness….and even then, it’s only by GRACE that I’m able to even attempt that.  We are welcomed with outstretched arms to enter unashamedly into His presence.  Think on that the next time you wonder if the roof will cave in, or if a bolt of lightening will smite you on the spot as soon as you enter a church.  Come as you are, was the original invitation, and join in with a crowd of imperfect people pursuing something greater.  We are all so quick to discount values based on appearances, yet God is only increasing the value of your heart.  We all have a purpose and a worth far greater than you may realize.

Sooo, what’s stopping you now?

This is part 7 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives. This message discusses the need to recover the centrality of Jesus and His message of the Kingdom as the foundation for the local functional church to be [...]]]> Project Recovery Part 7

This is part 7 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives. This message discusses the need to recover the centrality of Jesus and His message of the Kingdom as the foundation for the local functional church to be a place of recovery.

This is part 6 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives. This message the discusses God’s design for the local church to be a functional place of recovery.

This is part 5 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives. This message discusses the attempts of the enemy to thwart God’s recovery in and through us and how God is faithful to encourage and strengthen us in the journey and [...]]]>

This is part 5 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives. This message discusses the attempts of the enemy to thwart God’s recovery in and through us and how God is faithful to encourage and strengthen us in the journey and faithful to complete His work in and through us.

This is part 4 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives.

This is part 4 of a series discussing three essential aspects of how the church should function as seen in the book of Ephesians. We use the following metaphors “Hospital, Home and Army”, to describe these aspects and their interconnection with each other.

This is part 3 of a series discussing three essential aspects of how the church should function as seen in the book of Ephesians. We use the following metaphors “Hospital, Home and Army”, to describe these aspects and their interconnection with each other.

This is part 2 of a series discussing three essential aspects of how the church should function as seen in the book of Ephesians. We use the following metaphors “Hospital, Home and Army”, to describe these aspects and their interconnection with each other.

This is part 1 of a series discussing three essential aspects of how the church should function as seen in the book of Ephesians. We use the following metaphors “Hospital, Home and Army”, to describe these aspects and their interconnection with each other.

This is part 3 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives.

This is part 2 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives.

Soiling Your earth with greed.

Making what we want, what we need.

Casting lots for our soul’s worth.

Cheapened purpose for Savior’s birth.

Our hearts are rebellious and proud.

Yet distressful cries we make [...]]]>

Soiling Your earth with greed.

Making what we want, what we need.

Casting lots for our soul’s worth.

Cheapened purpose for Savior’s birth.

Our hearts are rebellious and proud.

Yet distressful cries we make loud.

Merciful Lord, Your ear incline!

Your pearls we don behaving as swine.

Overwhelmed with sorrow, our clothes we rend.

Gracious Lord, our hearts please mend.

Forgiving flakes blanket elapsed time.

Pure, redemptive faithfulness beyond reason or rhyme.

So this is a bit of a rough draft of a poem I wrote on Christmas, but I think you get the idea.  I have been reading a lot in the Old Testament and am always really awestruck with the Israelites unfaithfulness, and God’s constant faithfulness.  It seems to be a cycle that I know I can resonate with, and perhaps many of you can as well.  We quickly attempt to take matters into our own hands thinking we know what’s best or that we can speed up the process.  As soon as something goes wrong, we cry out to God for a way out.  It’s amazing that He still comes through.  Granted, we shouldn’t continue to ignore Him knowing He will forgive us later.  In this New Year I challenge you, as I am challenging myself,  to go beyond casual devotion.  Be in awe of His faithfulness to be with you through the selfish times, and then be amazed at His faithfulness to bless you in the selfless times.

Looking forward to what 2011 brings…… I’ll keep you posted.

]]> http://bethesda-fellowship.org/2011/01/08/back-to-reality-life-after-the-holidays/feed/ 0 http://bethesda-fellowship.org/2011/01/02/gods-recovery-plan-part-1/ http://bethesda-fellowship.org/2011/01/02/gods-recovery-plan-part-1/#comments Sun, 02 Jan 2011 10:30:03 +0000 bethesda http://bethesda-fellowship.org/?p=1935

This is part 1 in a series about the God who has set His hand to bring recovery and restoration to our lives.

This is part six of a series looking at the life of Joseph and the lessons we can learn about ourselves and God as we encounter suffering.

Sunday,  a group of us from Bethesda along with some friends, headed out to the Soldiers Home in Holyoke to sing some Christmas Carols.
I cannot honestly tell you that my Holiday spirits and jolly joyousness have truly be up to par this season.  Generally, this time of the year [...]]]>

Sunday,  a group of us from Bethesda along with some friends, headed out to the Soldiers Home in Holyoke to sing some Christmas Carols.
I cannot honestly tell you that my Holiday spirits and jolly joyousness have truly be up to par this season.  Generally, this time of the year is my favorite, but I’m dragging my heels a bit through December this year.
Anyway, as we were up there singing these carols, and laughing the whole way through, something shifted in my heart.  It wasn’t a major shift, but it was significant none-the-less.  Being in front of those people, who were just soaking in every moment of us being there, and knowing that in some small way we were serving them…. that’s what this month should be.  Scratch that.  That’s what EVERY day should be.
Are you searching for the best, fastest acting remedy to restore your joy and peace and so forth? Serve others!
Each person there seemed so blessed to have us there hanging out and talking with them and laughing with them.  It feels like sometimes we are waiting for God to slap us in the face with warm fuzzy feel good days because we ‘deserve’ it.  Because, we go to church and we occasionally offer up a petition or two.  Because we tithe and listen to Christian music.   But if we’re not pouring ourselves out and engaging in the lives of others, if we’re just filling up on serving ourselves and our ‘christian reputation’, have we left any space for God to fill?
So may I encourage you all with this?  If you are feeling low on merriment this season, shift your perspective to acts of selflessness here and there and then just wait for the shifting in your own heart as genuine joy starts trickling in.

PS- That’s George in the center…. We met him when we were there a couple months ago and to say he made an impression would be an understatement.  He’s 99 and as witty and feisty as ever.  You should come with us next time…. if not to sing, just come to meet George, or someone else living there.  They’ve all got amazing stories to share and many jokes to tell.

This is part six of a series called Bethesda 101. This is our membership orientation class and covers the church’s mission, values, priorities, practices, philosophy of ministry, etc.

This is part five of a series called Bethesda 101. This is our membership orientation class and covers the church’s mission, values, priorities, practices, philosophy of ministry, etc.

This is a message by Mark Fuller as an intro to the sermon series “God meant it for Good”. It covers the topic of living in this world in the midst of the tension of the having triumph and trouble in this age.

This is part four of a series called Bethesda 101. This is our membership orientation class and covers the church’s mission, values, priorities, practices, philosophy of ministry, etc.

This is part three of a series called Bethesda 101. This is our membership orientation class and covers the church’s mission, values, priorities, practices, philosophy of ministry, etc.

This is part two of a series called Bethesda 101. This is our membership orientation class and covers the church’s mission, values, priorities, practices, philosophy of ministry, etc.

This part one of a series called Bethesda 101. This is our membership orientation class and covers the church’s mission, values, priorities, practices, philosophy of ministry, etc.

A message from Mark Fuller about grace and how God has provided our justification.

This message looks at the Epistle to the Ephesians and discusses how the church needs to know where she stands and how to walk and how to war.

This is a message by Mark Fuller on a part of Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount on prayer

This is part four of a series on serving and servant-hood. It explores one of the vital characteristic God is looking for in servants; “AVAILABILITY”.

This is part three of a series on serving and servant-hood. It explores John 13 and what enabled Jesus to freely serve. He had answered the big 3 questions: Where did He come from? Where was He I going? And why was He here? Knowing these answers He took a towel and washed [...]]]>

This is part three of a series on serving and servant-hood. It explores John 13 and what enabled Jesus to freely serve. He had answered the big 3 questions: Where did He come from? Where was He I going? And why was He here? Knowing these answers He took a towel and washed the disciple’s feet…

This is part two of a series on serving and servant-hood. It covers the stages of surrender we move through and how through the process of surrendering to God we transition from being seekers to being servants, from being self-focused to being otherly.

This is part one of a series on serving and servant-hood. It is from Phil 2:1-30 and calls us to work out what God is working in us. Specifically the character traits of humility, obedience, and services as seen in the life of Jesus.

This is part 2 in a series on ministering the blessing/Favor of the Father. It looks at how the Father imparted His favor to Jesus and how Jesus in turn ministered the Blessing/Favor of the Father to others, and gave us a model to follow.

This is part 1 in a series on ministering the blessing/Favor of the Father. It looks at how the Father imparted His favor to Jesus and how Jesus in turn ministered the Blessing/Favor of the Father to others, and gave us a model to follow.

This message discusses Paul and how He lived among the Thessalonians and how his lifestyle effected his sharing the gospel with them.

This message reviews the reception of the gospel by the Thessalonians and their response of faith, love, and hope. It also discusses the underlying reasons for their response, which became an example to all.

Part two of messages by Mark Fuller on foundations for transformational Living. This covers positioning yourself to receive the security of the Father’s love.

Part one of messages by Mark Fuller on foundations for transformational Living, Luke 15. This covers topics like the security of the Father’s love, repentance, and realizing our inability.

This is a message discussing the over-arching theme in Jesus’ parables of the relationship between the present and the future; the impact the future consummated Kingdom has on the present and it confronting us to respond to the present from the future reality of the consummated Kingdom.

This is part three of a series on the underlying principles necessary for effective Kingdom ministry as kings and priests to God.

This is part two of a series on the underlying principles necessary for effective Kingdom ministry as kings and priests to God.

This is part one of a series on the underlying principles necessary for effective Kingdom ministry as kings and priests to God.

This is a message is taken from Rev 1:4-9. It discusses the present state and status of believers and their calling to carry out their responsibility of being Kings and Priests.

This is a message about God’s grace being showered on us, even in our wilderness areas, to bring hope, transformation and fruitfulness.

This is a message is taken from Mark chapter 10 as Jesus is “on the road” to Jerusalem to give His life a ransom. In this chapter there are four different people that come to Jesus and there is a contrast to how they approach Him and how that approach influences how they [...]]]>

This is a message is taken from Mark chapter 10 as Jesus is “on the road” to Jerusalem to give His life a ransom. In this chapter there are four different people that come to Jesus and there is a contrast to how they approach Him and how that approach influences how they see and respond to Jesus’ call to follow Him on the road of discipleship.

This is a message about what the Kingdom of God is, His right to rule; and that Kingdom rule in action as God hears and responds to the cry of His people. He is the God who visits and becomes dynamically present. This aspect of the Kingdom of God is seen in the [...]]]>

This is a message about what the Kingdom of God is, His right to rule; and that Kingdom rule in action as God hears and responds to the cry of His people. He is the God who visits and becomes dynamically present. This aspect of the Kingdom of God is seen in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, as God invades time and space in Egypt, delivers the Israelites from being a slave nation and makes them a Kingdom Nation. God still hears our cry and invades time and space to deliver people from captivity to darkness and makes them His special possession, his Kingdom people.

This is a message addressing our tendency toward self-rule and wanting Christ to establish my kingdom agenda and ministry vs. the call to give our self to Christ’s Kingdom rule and to join Him in His agenda and His ministry.

This is a message from Matthew chapters 24 and 25, where the disciples asked Jesus when this age would end and He would come. Jesus’ response outlines the course of this evil age until the end and what our responsibility is until then.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has appointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, [...]]]>

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has appointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;  To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.  And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolation, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolation of many generations.  Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the foreigner shall be your plowmen and your vine dressers.  but you shall be named the priests of the Lord, they shall call you the servants of our God.  You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory you shall boast.  Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion.  Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs. ‘For I, the Lord, love justice;  I hate robbery for burnt offering;  I will direct their work in truth, and will make with them an everlasting covenant.  Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people.  All who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed.’  I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels.  For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sewn to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations.” – ISAIAH 61

This is part five of a series looking at the life of Joseph and the lessons we can learn about ourselves and God as we encounter suffering.

This is part four of a series looking at the life of Joseph and the lessons we can learn about ourselves and God as we encounter suffering.

This is part three of a series looking at the life of Joseph and the lessons we can learn about ourselves and God as we encounter suffering.

This is part two of a series looking at the life of Joseph and the lessons we can learn about ourselves and God as we encounter suffering.

This is part one of a series looking at the life of Joseph and the lessons we can learn about ourselves and God as we encounter suffering.

A teaching on the parables of Jesus in Matt chapter 13

This is part one of a sermon series about what God the Father as revealed about his nature and character (attributes).

This is part two of a sermon series about what God the Father as revealed about his nature and character (attributes).

This is part three of a sermon series about what God the Father as revealed about his nature and character (attributes).

This is part four of a sermon series about what God the Father as revealed about his nature and character (attributes).

This is part five of a sermon series about what God the Father as revealed about his nature and character (attributes).