Repent

Usuing the acronym PRAY on a method of prayer, we examined "P" yesterday: “P” for praise. Today it is “R” for repent.

After we’ve praised and thanked God for Who He is and all He’s done for us, then it is appropriate to contrast ourselves with Him, recognizing our sins, faults, imperfections – whatever you want to call them. Repent, a decision to do a 180, to turn around and go in a different direction, to turn from self to God. After recognizing God’s greatness, it is easier to see our sin and be drawn to “turn the other direction” in our prayer process.

A prime example is the prophet Isaiah as described in chapter 6. Isaiah “saw the Lord,” attended by mighty angels who were calling out, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
Isaiah’s response: “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”

When we take the time to get a good look at God (through the Bible) and allow Him to search our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24), we’ll see plenty of which to repent. Self-centeredness. Lack of love. An unforgiving spirit. Lust. Greed. Pride. Worry. Lazy approach to knowing God. Have I missed anyone?

Repenting is recognizing our sin, taking responsibility for it, asking or thanking God for His forgiveness, trying to make the situation right and not repeating the same mistake.

Back to Isaiah. His repentance: Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.” Isaiah’s repentance was met by God’s forgiveness. No more guilt. And willingness to be and do whatever the Lord directs, as Isaiah responded to the Lord’s question – “Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Look at God. Know God more deeply. View His holiness throughout Scripture. Allow our God-gaze to shift to self. See our “unholiness.” Repent. Fellowship with God is deepened, laying the foundation for powerful and effective prayer.
P-Praise. R -Repent. And tomorrow it is A in the acronym PRAY.

Prayer

The four components of an effective, fruitful, dynamic walk with Christ according to Brian Tome in his book Welcome to the Revolution are Bible, prayer, community and mission. We’ve looked at the significance of the Bible. Now let’s examine prayer.

I have a large arsenal of books on prayer. I could name many to you that are great expositions on the topic, but two of the best books I’ve read are both entitled “Prayer” – one by Phillip Yancy and the other by Old Hallesby. However, it has been said that the best way to learn about prayer is to pray! Needless to say, there are some tips that make prayer more meaningful.

Tome likes the acronym “pray.” P stands for praise. R for repent. A for ask and Y for yield.

Praise. WE praise God because He is worthy of our praise. Praise helps us value that which is truly valuable and has a component of specific gratitude. Gratitude even during tough times, because we know how godly character qualities can be developed through those experiences.

I find that praising God has a way of de-centralizing self. Extoling God shifts focus from my problems to Him and all He has in store for me. Here’s where quoting praise Scripture back to God is highly meaningful. Memorize Psalm 34:1-10 and try it. Say it out loud. You’ll like it! And, I believe God adores that kind of communication from His children.

I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.

Praising God with a grateful spirit is not only the foundation for our prayer life, but is in my opinion, the greatest deterrent to mental/emotional health problems.

P R A Y - P for Praise. Tomorrow it’s “R” for repent.

Cousins: Kendall Burwick, Barron Olaf, Gabriella Scoleri

This will be the last post on the significance of Bible study as one of the four components of a follower of Jesus Christ. Bible, prayer, community and mission.

Some may be asking, “Where do I begin in reading Scripture?” For the new follower of Jesus, it is recommended that you become very familiar with the Book of John. John is the best book of the Bible that describes who Christ is, His mission and how He wants to penetrate to the very core of our being.

To help internalize what is being read, it is suggested that notes be taken and the Bible marked up with underlining and notes. For example, in the book of James, it says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord.” In my Bible I have written beside that verse, “play golf.” I’ve just taken up the game again and my, how many worms I’ve killed with my flubs and divots, I can’t count that far! Golf – a humbling spiritual experience!

Another suggested game plan in approaching God’s Word is to read the Proverb of the day (today is the 26th, so read Proverbs 26.) Follow with a portion of the Psalms and close with a New Testament passage. Some people have trouble reading, so listen to the Bible on tape.

Another concern is, “what method of study best meets your learning style?” Some enjoy character studies. Study the book of Ruth and dig into her character – what made her so important as to have a complete book written about her. Others appreciate topical studies. That is how my first book on Anger was originated. I looked up every verse that had the words anger, bitterness, wrath, etc. Put it together for a one hour workshop that evolved into a book. I have many “unpublished books” that have provided a means of study that cranks my engine.

Character and topical studies. Some with the gift of teaching really take pleasure in beginning with the first verse of the first chapter of a book and digging into all the Hebrew or Greek meanings throughout the book. Memorizing Scripture is a powerful way of saturating your mind with God’s perspective. A google search on “Bible study methods” will give you many more approaches to God’s Word.

It is important to remember that the Bible is not a history book written many ages past, but it is a living word – God actually communicating with His people. Do we listen?
James 1:22-25 speaks to listening: But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Our next post will address the issue of prayer for the fruitful follower of Jesus

Scriptual Discipline

WE have viewed from Scripture the benefits of reading, studying and memorizing the Bible. A challenge we all face is the discipline necessary to be in the Word consistently.

Some would say that that smacks of legalism – “gotta be in the Word daily.” Could be. However, that person usually has three squares a day, enjoying the benefits of food.

There appears to be a similar facet to gaining nourishment from Scripture. In the Word – nourished. Not in the Word – missing out on that nourishment of God speaking to you. No guilt. No shame. Just, “I missed out on what God would have me hear through His Word today.”

So along with me, develop the discipline!

Proud papa. Happy Barron Olaf.

Will you discover with me one more time, the value of internalizing Scripture?

For prosperity, widsom and success. Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

This is the only place in the early English versions where the word "success" is found. The secret of success is given in verses 5 through 9. Joshua accepted Moses' place of leadership without misgivings. God's will for him was his will, and he did not hesitate. To go "all out" for God was already habitual with him; it is the unfailing prerequisite of eternal success (Deut. 6:3-5; Ps. 1:1-3; Luke 10:25-28).

The Psalmist describes the value of Scripture in 19:7-13 The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart.The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Ps. 119:105). There are times that God speaks to His children directly, sometimes in that quiet inner soul voice and at other times directly through the Scripture. There is a Greek word for that called, “rhema,” defined as meaning "living". The Bible is often spoken of as the "Living" Word of God.

I recall one time specifically that God spoke to me, first through that inner soul voice and then confirmed it with a Biblical passage.
I was approaching the age of 60, praying, “Father, I don’t want to be like many of the characters described in the Bible who started out strong and then fizzled out. I desire to stay strong with you personally and in my vocation.”

As this prayer unfolded over a period of time, I thought God spoke to me, saying, “Multiply.” Shortly after that, 2 Timothy 2:2 leaped off the page to me. Paul speaking, You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. In other words, multiply.

Shortly thereafter, I was asked to take a position at a Christian College, teaching psychology, counseling and coaching women’s basketball. Wow! Invest in the lives of Christian students who will become teachers, preachers, business people who will invest their lives in others. That is multiplication.

We closed the counseling practice. Sold the horse ranch. Moved to Tennessee and made some wonderful connections with students and faculty. Multiplication!

Then an upheaval. It began with my wife, Ann’s death of a brain aneurysm; continued with being unjustly fired by the college; and then, all vocational doors closed until now (10 years). It seemed like I had not really heard from God. This was not “going out strong” as I had planned.

Looking back at the experience, I can now say with confidence that I did in fact hear from God. Multiplication is taking place. I have the privilege of investing in others through small groups, one with one mentoring and just plain ol’ loving on and encouraging others. But for me to “go out strong” He first had to strip away much self-sufficiency, pride and other fleshly baggage that has and is taking place. The process is painful. The product, great. Peace of mind. Contentment. Fulfillment. And more. Going out strong has had a different twist than I had planned.

“Learning to hear God’s voice is a lifelong process. You’ll come to understand with greater clairity the unique dialect that God will use with you. He doesn’t speak the same way to all people.” (Tome) Some Scripture will leap off the page for you. God may speak to you through dreams, or counsel from other people, Our responsibility and privilege is to develop a keen ear to listen for His voice in any situation. We’ll learn to recognize His voice in increments – usually beginning with little issues. As we listen and obey, He can trust us with deeper communication.
The value of internalizing Scripture – hearing the voice of God.

More Significance of Scripture

Three generation Olafs

My current mission is to challenge us to bathe our minds consistently with reading, studying and memorizing the Bible. The benefits are immeasureable. We’re examining what the Bible says of itself.

The Word brings joy and insight for productive living.Psalm 19:8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.

Wanna be really rich? Psalm 119:72 Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.

The Word purifies and knocks down hard places of our self-centeredness. Jeremiah 23:29 Does not my word burn like fire?” says the LORD. “Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?

Lost hope is a component of many suicides or at best, depression. Encouragement is a result of knowing Scripture. Romans 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

Hear what Jesus Christ says about Scripture. Matthew 22:29 Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.

My favorate description of the value of the Bible is 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Amp) Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

This passage elaborates on the effectiveness, source and ways to gain wisdom to live and die successfully. It is inspired by God (literally God-breathed) making Him fully responsible for His word. Scripture is true, reliable, authoritative, permanent and powerful because it comes from God Himself. The Bible teaches us, rebukes us, corrects us and trains us for righteous living and in our interactions with others. We’re speaking of Bible knowledge not for knowledge sake but for transformation – of self and everything we touch.

My denomination states in article of faith number 4. We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by which we understand the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, given by divine inspiration, inerrantly revealing the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith.
“All things necessary to our salvation” means to some that if the particular passage they are reading doesn’t pertain to our salvation, the validity is up for grabs. It turns out to be a “pick and choose” approach to the Bible. “I like this principle. I don’t like that one.” I wonder if that is part of the reason that my church in North America is dwindleing in numbers. In a sense, slowly dying.

Hebrews 4:12 (Amp) For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the [a]breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

This passage describes the power and penetration of God’s word. It is an active, effective force able to penetrate the darkest recesses of our lives, exposing the innermost thoughts and desires. Though we don’t look forward to the pain of the blade, we can anticipate the freedom that comes from the exposure and removal of a “tumor” in our innermost being. A disclosure of an unbiblical, destructive desire or attitude, that when removed brings emotional, mental, and spiritual freedom.

Are you joining me on this mission? More significance of Scripture in tomorrow’s post.

Significance of Scripture

Barron Olaf Burwick - in the driver's seat!!!

The four components of an effective, fruitful, dynamic walk with Christ according to Brian Tome in his book Welcome to the Revolution are Bible, prayer, community and mission.

Tome tells the story of famous writer and thinker G.K. Chesterton who was asked, “If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have one book, which book would it be?” Because Chesterton was an eloquint, outspoken and influential Christ-follower, it was expected that he would respond with, “the Bible.” His response? “I’d want a practical guide to shipbuilding.”

In a sense, a practical guide to shipbuilding describes the Bible. God’s Word is a practical guide to get us where we want to go, to navigate the tumulteous waters that life presents us.

Many are the Christian leaders who claim that our generation has neglected the study of Scripture. We’re missing out on it’s benefits, making our journeys much more difficult. So, my desire is to thoroughly explore with you what the Bible says of itself. The value of being engulfed consistently with Holy Scripture! May I be so bold as to suggest memorization!

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. The Bible is not a pop-psychology flash in the pan system that scratches where people itch. It is long-lasting, for eternity, by which the Creator of the Universe communicates with His people.

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment. I just spent some time in Kentucky with my son and his family, the latest addition being 4-month old Barron Olaf. (Olaf taken from his grandfather’s middle name!!! yea.) Barron would definitely let those within earshot know that it was feeding time. His craving was auditorally magnified for all to hear. How pleasing to him was his parent’s response and subsequent nourishment. Oh, that you and I would consistently cry out for and seek the sustenance of the Word.

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. In fact the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119 is a treatise on the value of God’s Word. Let’s look at the first few verses.

Psalm 119: 1-16 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

Results of following God’s directives? Joy. No guilt. Staying pure. Don’t sin. And the remainder of the 176 verses indicate further value of being familiar with and in adherence to the Bible.

I’m on a mission – to encourage us to saturate our minds with God’s Word. Read it. Study it. Memorize it. The payoff for the discipline involved is immeasurable.

More in tomorrow’s post.

Change - Growth

Pictured is the growth group that meets at my son's house in Ft. Thomas, Ky. What a joy for me to participate while visiting there. Beautiful, authentic people.

“The only people who like being changed are babies with dirty diapers.” (Robert Maranto).

My son’s pastor at Crossroads Church in Cincinatti is not only a dynamic speaker but also an effective writer. Brian Tome is a tremendous change agent, developing a church of 10,000, into a body of Christ-followers, most of whom had given up on church. I’m going to take some concepts out of his book, Welcome to the Revolution, and hope to titilate your appetite for change, that is, growth in Christ.

Rather than focusing on a list of rules or principles for growth, he suggests “stay in the flow of what God is doing.” This takes discipline – a daily choice to stay in the flow, including prayer, Bible reading, community and mission. God gives moments of extra grace – a spiritual turbo boost as it were, to speed us along the flow of what God is doing. However, it takes time and patience to become the person God wants us to be. Our challenge is the hard work of eliminating sin from our lives and adding in other things that are pleasing to God, all the while advancing His Kingdom and blessing others.

We stay in the flow by putting ourselves in a postion where God will do His work in us as we cooperate with Him. Some call this “co-creating” with God. Spiritual formation. That’s the term often used. Envisioning a life wholeheartedly devoted to God, structuring our lives with the four key components of Bible, prayer, community and mission, co-producing with God His life within us and experiencing all He is worth!

“Picture a three-legged stool If you’ve only got one leg, you don’t have a stool. But some people try to exist on one leg. Many try to be Christ-followers on the Bible alone. What happens when you take one leg and try to sit on it? Go ahead. Find a wooden dowel or a broom handle and sit on it. That’s right. You look like a Bible-only person with a stick up your butt. You do need the Bible, but you need the other legs as well.”

The other two legs are prayer and community. The seat of the stool is mission. It’s what holds everything together and serves as the platform of life. The goal of the stool isn’t the legs; it’s the seat. In the same way the goal of our lives is not to read the Bible, have spiritual community or even pray to God. The goal of our lives as Christ-followers involves the revolution happening in us and what our role is in bringing the Kingdom to fruition.

Question to pose: how’s my discipline factor in staying in the flow of what God is doing?

The Discipline in Growth

I so enjoyed my visit to Kentucky with Ray, his family and his growth group that met at his house. PIctured is Ray with Barron Olaf.

A passage of Scripture that has always been a challenge to me is 2 Peter 1:2-8

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.


The first challenge is to grow in my knowledge of God. That means spending consistent time with Him – connecting through prayer and Bible intake. Results? God’s grace, a subsequent peace of mind and everything we need for living a godly life. Wow!


I hear resistance to a daily discipline of solitude. Some say, “That is legalism.” Others report, “That’s not my personality.” And they miss out. Less awareness of God’s grace, peace of mind available and appropriating everything they need for living a godly life.


The passage continues with: And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.


Think of it – “share His divine nature.” Another WOW! His divine nature slowly penetrates my being, causing the corruption of my self-centeredness and all of its “demons” to slowly dissipate. I’m taking on more and more of God’s divine qualities, less and less of fleshly self (that part of me that wants my way at my timing with little thought to others.)


Continuing with the passage, we read:
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises.

Make every effort. That’s discipline. That’s work. So easily disregarded because of mental laziness, disguised as busyness or “that’s not my personality.”

Peter then notes the virtues that produces a well-rounded fruitful Christian life.
Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.


These virtues are cultivated simultaneously in increasing measure. Enough said. Needs no further explanation.


“God, increase my hunger and thirst for your divine nature to permeate my very being.”

Power: "Last" Thoughts

I think this will be the last post on power and it comes from my prayer partner, Dan, from Portland. He reminded me of 1 Chronicles 13 that tells the story of King David desiring to bring back the ark of God.

Begin with verse five: So David assembled all the Israelites, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim. 6 David and all the Israelites with him went to Baalah of Judah (Kiriath Jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name.
7 They moved the ark of God from Abinadab's house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. 8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals and trumpets.
9 When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. 10 The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.
11 Then David was angry because the LORD's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.
12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, "How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?" 13 He did not take the ark to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he had.

Moving ahead two chapters:
1 After David had constructed buildings for himself in the City of David, he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it. 2 Then David said, "No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD chose them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before him forever." …
11 Then David summoned Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab the Levites. 12 He said to them, "You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. 13 It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way." 14 So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves in order to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.

The doctrine of God’s love and grace are prevalent in Christian circles these days, for which I am grateful. However, I believe this passage reminds us that God has His plan for our lives and gives the Bible as a directive for us. As we follow Him, blessing results. Violation of Scripture, of His plan for us, results in “chaff which the wind drives away.”

This passage reminds us, “It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way."

Dan comments: I know we are under the new covenant, but it seems to me that this incident still speaks to us. When we want to use God’s power, as symbolized by the “ark,” we must always approach it with reverence and in a way that honors God. Our best intentions are not good enough. We must seek His face and His will if we are to engage with His power and it must always bring glory to Him.

The book of Acts reminds us “and you shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you…” God’s power is availabale to us but it can’t be used indiscriminately.Thanks Dan for these wise words of challenge.

Going to Kentucky. Be back in a week.

Power Insights from Gary - 2

Continuing Gary’s power observations:
One of the tragedies of the Testaments is the frequent manifestation of power, and event that we read as a milestone, but which does not change the hearts and souls of the nation. God’s miraculous displays never had a lasting positive impact upon the lives of His people who witnessed this testimony of God. I am afraid we are mistaken to think the manifestation of power in our day would have more than an event result. It is not the display of power in the Cross and resurrection that changes lives, miraculous as they are; rather it is the working of the unseen power of God within the heart and soul that changes any of us. As much as we would like to believe that the demonstrative would change lives or draw people closer to God, we have few examples of that being true.

If we go back and read through the miracles of Jesus, we should notice that the miracle is seldom his focus. Most frequently he points them to changing their course of life, a change of heart and soul which is indicated as enduring beyond the moment. It is that idea that we clean the house of the demons but don’t fill it with something better and end up with the end worse than the beginning.

Check how often Jesus did not want the healings and miracles to be publicized; yes, it would have further restricted his movements, made it more difficult to get people to hear his ultimate message, gotten their eyes rather than their hearts. See the number of times that he, Jesus, told people not to tell but they went telling anyway. Would this age not also tend to elevate the event and not the heart of God? Are not men more taken with the obvious Creation than with the Creator? Are not there too many who emphasize the healing and not the Healer? Does not the physical healing seem larger to us than the spiritual healing of the reborn man?

Which demonstrates more about the essence of God: the miraculous display of event power or the abiding change of a life touched in the soul and spirit by God. While the miraculous event power is not exclusive of the abiding life change, power does not imply inner change. Yes, it should be followed by inner change as Jesus usually counseled but all too often the participant becomes anchored to the event rather than to the One behind the means of the event.


Too often we want God to fit a particular role, to use us in a particular role, something we can become comfortable with, something dependable for its regularity. God is more than my expectations, my conceptions, my perceptions; every time I find Him fitting my standards, I find Him becoming too small to be God and I become Lord of my life. I need God to be more than me. I also need Him to be in control of the power and its use on His schedule, for His purposes, at His direction. I need not know why not because He is God and He does not have to answer all my questions in my time, to satisfy my desire to know what He hasn’t revealed.

Thanks Gary Cottle, for your wise words of admonition. One of the concerns I had for my seeming lack of power was praying for and with an athlete last school year who was unable to compete at maximum strength because of injuries. I thought that if God would just heal him (through my prayers) that the man would see God’s power at work and want to give his life to the Lord. Gary’s reminder that the power for changed lives comes from the Holy Spirit with intrinsic movement not necessarily through the manifestations of extrinsic motivation.

One more thought about power in tomorrow's post.

Power Insights from Montana Gary

There is something about the question, “Why do we not have the same power that was demonstrated in the Bible?” that concerns me. For me the question is not about demonstrating the power but rather about possessing this power.

I don’t mean to be picky but in some circles I have participated in, having, possessing has been a measure of being something in the kingdom. I don’t see that being scriptural. Yes, the endowment with power is promised but what is our expectation? Is it to use it as we see need? Is our perception that accurate that we should have this kind of power to use at our discretion?
I find the power that is demonstrated throughout the Bible is subject to self-use. Pick a man with power and he misused it. Adam took what he could reach. Moses struck the rock. Saul was numbered with the prophets but lived in carnality. Many of the kings had the power of God upon them but choose to lead the kingdom astray.

Jesus had the ultimate display of the power of God; he always succeeded in the use of power. There is no example of him trying to do something and failing. That makes quite an example except for one thing—he did not do every miracle that he could have done. There were those he could have healed but didn’t. The fact that he only did what the Father asked him to do is evident in the lame man of Acts 3, lame from birth, known to sit every day at the Beautiful Gate and was now (days after Pentacost) more than 40 years old (vs.22). It is inconceivable that Jesus had not passed by him on his numerous visits to the Temple yet He was not compelled to use the power to deliver him from his condition.

The presence of power is not God’s sole criteria for its practice. That God determines the time and purpose of the use of His power does not set well with us who want to have and use on our schedule, in response to our perception of need.

More from GAry in our next post.

Power: Heading to Conclusion

The fog is clearing. The mist is rising. I believe I’m beginning to get a handle on this quest for God-ordained power. Recall with me the scores of scriptures that challenge us to tap into God’s power for effective living, possibly described best in Acts 1: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

I’d still like to have God’s power to heal the sick, and I believe He will give that to me if He chooses and at His timing. However what I believe He is saying to me now (if I’m listening accurately) is found in 2Cor.12: 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

So I ask myself the question, “what is my greatest weakness? Where do I most need God’s empowering?” The answer I believe is in conquering my self-centeredness.

When I’ve shared that with two of my groups last week, they poo-pood that, one person saying, You’re too hard on yourself. There is no way you are self-centered. You’re always giving of your time and energy to others.” Outwardly, I look others-focused. But inwardly there is a strong pattern of some self hyphenated being - self-sufficient, self-confident, self righteous, self pity, coupled with a tendency toward spiritual pride, and on and on.

How can God’s power be best demonstrated in and through me? Is it in raising the dead, healing the sick and various outward manifestations of signs and wonders? No, I don’t think so. Although I would like to have the gift of healing, I believe God would be most honored by empowering me to continue to grow in setting aside self, focus on loving and serving others and to see my neediness for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live life abundantly, as He promised.

So, what is my (our) role in God’s empowering me (us)? Staying connected with Jesus by hungering and thirsting after the things of the Lord with a spirit of humility and brokenness and being sensitive to who and when He wants to serve and love others through me.This is both a priviledge and a responsibility, probably best happening when I am the least conscious of it.

Could the ultimate expression of power be demonstrated by Jesus when He “got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:4-5

“God, grant me the attitude of Christ so that I may be a clean empty conduit through which Your power flows – however and to whomever you choose, loving, serving and encouraging others being Your witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.".

You won’t want to miss tomorrow’s post. My Montana friend, Gary, has some deep, outstanding insights into this power question that I’ll share with you.

God's Power: Possible Blockades

In our quest for understanding and acquiring God’s power (kratos) avaliable to us, questions we can ask are:
Was kratos available only for people at the time it was written – not for today? Like the dietary laws of the Old Testament?
Is my problem a lack of faith? I don’t REALLY believe that kratos is for me? Like, Mark 9:18-19 …. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I ….”
Is there sin in my life of which I’m not aware that is rendering me powerless? Psalm 66:18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
Am I just misinterpeting Scripture?
Would it lead me to an attitude of power control?
Am I undisciplined; not meeting requirements to obtain kratos?
Is there a resistance to allow God to have control of an area of my life?
Am I nurturing a discontent about life leading to subtle resentment toward God?
Is self sufficiency – self confidence ruling my life rather than Christ-confidence?
Is there a subtle sense of entitlement – God owes me?
Am I not living “a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God?
Am I ignorant of Scripture? Matt. 22:29 Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
A major blockage issue for me, I believe, would be spiritual pride. Am I wanting kratos for the wrong reasons – to edify me? Most of my life I’ve been an approval/recognition addict. Being empowered to do “signs and wonders” could lead to an attitude of, “hey world, look at me. Look at what I can do.” Spiritual pride is the ugliest!

Hmm! That last one has a ring of truth to me!
One more power post tomorrow.