Wednesday, January 20, 2016

The Fear Factor


I was reading through Acts 9 recently. I tried not to focus on the story or Saul/Paul because I wanted see what other things God’s word reveals in that chapter. Verse 31 caught my attention. It is after Barnabas brings Saul/Paul to the Apostles and then was sent to Tarsus.

Then this is recorded by Luke: “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”

Saul/Paul is gone so there is no one really leading the charge against the church so there was a time of peace. During this time of peace the Holy Spirit did some work on the church. When the church gives room for the Spirit to work three things can happen.

1)      The church is strengthened.

2)      The church is encouraged.

3)      The church grows in numbers.

Why is this a reality in some churches and not in others? I believe because of the last line in this verse, “living in fear of the Lord.” Is it possible that one of the characteristics of disciples in the early church was the “Fear Factor?” After Ananias and Sapphira both dropped dead when they lied to the Spirit it says, “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” (Acts 5:11)

Instead of fearing the persecution of the world, the driving force behind allowing the Spirit to lead is fearing God. So the question is “Who do you fear? Man or God?” The answer to this question determines who it is you are going to try to please. If your goal is to try to make everyone happy and please them then you will probably quench the Spirit in the life of the church and your own life.

It you goal is to please God, then you will give room for the Spirit to do its work: to give strength, to encourage and produce growth.

Solomon had it right when he wrote: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” Proverbs 9:10-12

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Living in the Divine Space

I was in a meeting this week and someone mentioned something about the Divine space. A space where you are alone with God. Just you with the creator and the redeemer.

Since that day I have really been thinking about how often I live in that Divine space.

In Hebrews 10:22 it says, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

The image that comes to mind when I think of drawing near to God is a child who snuggles up close to a parent or grandparent with a book to have them read to them. Or a child that snuggles up close to someone to watch a movie for the 30th time or a television show.

How often do you enter into that Divine space with God?

As I began to think through the Divine space even more I was reminded of one of my favorite professors, Dr. Joe Ellis. He introduced me to a book by Brother Lawrence called “The Practice of the Presence of God.” Brother Lawrence dedicated his life to “practicing the presence of God.” The summary of his principle was, “Live as though God is beside you and with you all the time—as indeed He is.”

Do you live within this Divine space?

My guess is not all the time. However I believe we should, like Brother Lawrence strive to live as though God is beside us all the time.

Brother Lawrence offered this prayer in his writings:
“I here and now submit myself again totally to you, without any reserve, not claiming your   presence as a right but resigning myself completely to your good and perfect will.”


Let’s all strive to live within the Divine space, surrendering ourselves fully to God. 

Thursday, January 7, 2016

What is New for 2016?

At 12:01 am January 1st I was with some friends celebrating the coming of the New Year. The year 2015 will never be here again. It's gone. However 2015 went for you, whether it was a good year or a bad year, it is gone. So what is 2016 going to be like?

While there are some unforeseen things that could happen you do have the ability to make 2016 better than 2015. The biggest thing you can do to make 2016 better is to follow the wisdom from Isaiah the prophet.

     "Forget the former things;
          do not dwell in the past." Isaiah 43:18

There is nothing you can do about 2015 so stop dwelling on it! It's gone!

2016 is a "New" year. Look to the future. What changes can you make starting right now that can make 2016 better than 2015? Exercise regularly? Eat more healthy? Work on some of your relationships that have been hard?

Don't dwell on not being healthy, difficult relationships, a difficult work environment or struggling with an addiction. Decide today you are going to develop a plan to make 2016 better than 2015.

Isaiah goes on to write.

     "See, I am doing a New thing!
           Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
      I am making a way in the desert
           and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

Do you realize God is all about bringing life to the desert and wasteland? Do you realize he wants to do something "New" in your life?

So focus on what God wants to do with you. Don't dwell on the past, look toward a restoring God who wants 2016 to be better than 2015.

Maybe life has been going the wrong direction because you do not trust God enough to let Him do a New Thing, to restore a little peace to your life.

Maybe for 2016 to be better than 2015 you need to decide to let God do His work in you.