If God is for us

The prayer that Jesus taught to His followers begins with these familiar words: "Our Father in heaven". We must be careful to not treat the recitation of these words as a mere formality before we offer up petitions to God, for they are rich with faith-building truth.
They remind us that when we pray we are praying to our Father. Who is a father? A father is someone who should love us more than anyone else on the face of the earth. He is someone who should stand up for us, fight for us, provide for us and want what is best for us. There is no better place to be than in the arms of a devoted father. While many people have had bad experiences with their fathers, our Father in heaven is good and loving and perfect. He wants what is good for us and can be trusted, even in the midst of dark and confusing times, to lead us towards the good.
And so we pray to our loving Father. But He is not just any father. While our earthly dad might want what is best for us he is limited. He only has a certain amount of time, money and energy. And while he may want what is best he is limited in wisdom and may not know what is best nor how to achieve it. We don't pray to a limited father but to our Father in heaven. We pray to the One who created the heavens and the earth. The one who knit us together in our mothers' wombs. The one for whom nothing is impossible.

We are not alone

I was recently chatting with a friend about the decline (in numbers) of a well-known local church. And this church is not the only shrinking community of faith in our city. A walk through downtown Toronto will reveal churches which have been turned into condominiums or which have aging and declining populations.
There are thriving churches though. Bodies which are drawing new members and presenting the Gospel with clarity to a thirsty and skeptical crowd. The number of those drawn to even these thriving churches though are but a drop in the bucket when compared to the number of residents in Toronto. It can be lonely to be a Christian here. At work. In school. On the streets. Christians are a minority.
It is important for us to see reality with eyes of faith. I am reminded of this as I consider 2 Kings 6:8-23. It is a passage well-worth reading and reflecting upon. In this portion of Scripture we see that the army of the king of Aram had surrounded the city Elisha and his servant were in. The servant, upon seeing this mighty force, was terrified. But Elisha saw beyond the physical realm.
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 
(2 Kings 6:15-17)
It fills us with courage when we realize that we are not alone in this battle of faith. There is a spiritual realm containing many servants of our Lord Jesus, ready to do His bidding

Transformative Relationships

I recently began reading The Body by Charles Colson. It is a book I remember fondly from my days in Bible college and I decided to crack it open again as I'm working on a paper concerning the church. In the first several pages there were a great number of ideas which grabbed my attention, one of which goes like this: "The hard truth is that we have substituted an institutionalized religion for the life-changing dynamic of a living faith."
Very difficult words to take in. Of course, there are many exceptions to this statement. I have benefited from believers who have given me much more than institutionalized religion - people who have allowed their lives to intersect with mine and who have blessed me with hour upon hour of personal time and with relationship. But there is indeed much truth in this statement.
As a pastor, I know that it is easy to fall into programming at the expense of life-on-life discipleship (and institutionalized religion is nothing more than programming taken to the extreme). I have nothing against programming in and of itself. Sunday school, worship service, soup kitchens and youth group are all examples of programs and each have a vital role to play in the life of believers and in the life of the church. Programming is essential. But it must never be alone. Both programming and transformative relationship must be held in proper balance if we are to be successful in the long-term. If we long to see committed and long-lasting followers of Jesus developed I believe that intentional relationship is just as important as solid programming.
But why do we fall into the trap of offering programs at the expense of close, personal interaction? Let me share three quick thoughts - if you have others please feel free to comment on this post!
1. Transformative relationships are hard work.
If we are going to enter into transformative relationships with other believers it will not be easy. It takes time--hour upon hour, day upon day, week after week, year after year. Many of these relationships last for very long periods of time. Our lives feel busy enough. We are all stressed out by innumerable items. We all desire more time to rest, not more work. We will have to do research to help out those we are meeting with. We will need to pray for them. We will need to be ready for phone calls at all hours of the day and night. In short, such relationships are not for those who desire quick fixes.
2. Transformative relationships are messy.
In these relationships we share our dirty laundry and hear others do the same. We do so for the sake of accountability, for the sake of confession, for the sake of being reminded of the love and forgiveness of Christ, for the sake of finding help in our struggles. And we often hear difficult questions related to the faith. In these relationships doubts about God are aired - doubts which we want easy answers to but for which easy answers do not always exist. 
3. Transformative relationships do not produce the same sort of measurable results as programs do.
When it comes to programs it is easy to measure growth (simply count how many people are coming) and relatively simple to evaluate the content (ask a few of the people who attended if they understand and enjoy what you are doing). With a discipling-relationship growth and success are not as easy to pin down. How can you measure how well someone is growing? And while the content and the discussion may be enjoyed and appreciated, is it the right content for the individual to be focusing on at this stage in their life? This is not always so clear.
4. Programs produce a greater sense of self-fulfillment for the leader.
One of the struggles pastors have is that the work they do is often slow. While a painter can see a room transformed before her eyes in a matter of hours, a pastor preaches to the same person for ten years and may only see one sign of discernible growth in that time frame. Programs have a clear beginning and end. They can be excellent or poor. As already mentioned they can be evaluated and even praised. A leader may feel more fulfilled after pulling off an excellent event than after spending an hour in a coffee shop chatting about an individual's struggle with a regular devotional life.

Thoughts - Romans 1:1-7

I do not like the term "human rights." While I understand what is behind such a phrase, I would prefer the words "human privileges" be used. I believe that nothing we are given in God's creation comes as a right, but rather as a blessing. Furthermore, the minute something becomes a "right" we risk the danger of ceasing to be thankful for it.
Why is it that believers are so protective of our rights? The world certainly enjoys talking about rights. We all want comfort and success and protection. These are all good things. We want help in the pursuit of all that life offers. We desire that no one be left behind or taken advantage of, at least in principle.
As believers, though we personally want to taste all good things, something else takes a higher priority, namely the will of God. We are slaves, and slaves are the property of another. By definition then, slaves have no rights. We are God's possession, to be used however He sees fit. Paul understood this clearly. Do I? 

With a Towel Around His Waist - John 13:1-20

If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.

I think that I would have been a great monarch. I don’t say this for the reasons you might assume (such as wisdom, a face that would look good on a ten dollar bill or a flair for polo) but for one essential personality trait which I possess: I love to be served. There is a certain laziness about me which excels in moments of being waited upon and being cleaned up after. Years of marriage are finally crucifying this sad aspect of my existence, but it has been a hard-fought battle, as Karen, my wife, can testify to.

            One of the most striking episodes in the Gospels is found in John 13:1-20. Here we meet Jesus as the one who serves. You would expect God in the flesh to set up His throne and demand all of humankind to wait on Him. However, Jesus reveals a beautiful aspect of the character of God – He is a God who loves and serves. The One through whom all things were made, the perfect and holy Son of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords takes off His outer robe, wraps a towel about His waist and cleans the dirty, sweaty feet of His followers.
            Foot washing, as you might guess, was a menial task. After walking on dusty ground under a hot sun feet would need to be cleansed. A servant would be made to deny him or herself and carry out this service. Or perhaps the lowest ranking member of a party would be drafted into this job. No one would ever expect the rabbi or master of a party to do this. And yet Jesus, the greatest human being who has ever lived, who was also fully divine, humbled Himself and did it.
            In doing so He set an example for His disciples. If Jesus, the Lord and Teacher served His followers, then these followers must also serve one another. They must follow the standard which He set.
            One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is pride. Do we consider ourselves too great to get down on our hands and knees and serve those in need? Would we rather look after our own interests than seek to help others? Does the call to deny ourselves resonate in our hearts? Is love our battle cry and lifelong motto? The call to discipleship is a call to die to ourselves. What opportunities for service did you take advantage of today?

Thoughts - Romans 1:1-7

Paul makes it clear that he is a slave - not simply a hired worker but a slave. He was bought by God at a great price and therefore his life is not his own. He has no personal rights and is the property of the Creator of the universe and the Redeemer of humankind. God has the right to decide how Paul will spent his life and He chooses to make him an apostle, a sent one, an ambassador of heaven taking the message of redemption to a lost and hurting world. What is it, specifically, that God has set you apart to do?

My Strength or His Strength?

Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.
Psalm 68:28

Over the next several weeks in Faith and Focus we will be examining the topic of fasting. Westerners, as a rule, seem to adore celebration and feasting, but somber periods of prayer, mourning and abstinence are not high on our list of priorities.
While fasting, one often offers up strong and urgent appeals to God. We lay ourselves before His grace, admit that we are powerless to bring about a desired change in the world, our family or our individual lives and we seek His intervention. There is no better place to be, than at the feet of the holy, mighty and loving God in complete humility, dependence and trust.
All too often I try and fix situations with my own intellect or will power and find myself frustrated and my situation unchanged. However, my Father is the all-powerful God who created heaven and earth. He is mighty to deliver me from any situation. May we learn to seek His power first, rather than relying on our own resources. 

The Legitimacy of Seeking a Blessing

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,
Selah
that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.
Psalm 67:1-2

Do you seek the blessing of the Lord? For some, personal blessing is the sole goal of prayer. A better house. More money. Good grades. Health. All for my own comfort and glory. Such prayers are missing something vital. On the other side of the spectrum of petition we find the martyr who feels compelled to pray for others but never for him or herself. "Praying for the self is selfish, and the Christian life is a life of sacrifice," they reason.
In Psalm 67:1-2 we find the perfect balance. The Psalmist prays for personal blessing, but does so with a desire that God will be known and exalted in the earth. Abraham was blessed to be a blessing and it is my contention that we should also seek the blessing of God, not merely for our own well-being, but so that God may be exalted on the earth. When we are blessed by God, people will recognize that He is indeed God and they will turn to Him in faith, worship and love.

Who is Jesus? Saviour (Part 3)

2. Presence Leads to Peace

It is also helpful to realize that the presence of Christ leads to peace. Jesus was who these disciples wanted to be with. He is the one they wanted to listen to. Jesus was the Master they wanted to follow. Being with Christ must have filled these men with peace, while the prospect of losing Him might lead them into feelings of pain and loss.

            In this passage Jesus reveals that He was going to prepare a place for His disciples to dwell. After He did this He would return to them and take them back to be with Him. Knowing that they would one day be with their beloved Lord should have filled their hearts with peace, even in the midst of separation.

            At a night of prayer at our church we sang the song The River by Brian Doerksen. Some of the lyrics are as follows:

            To the river I am going bringing sins I cannot bear,

Come and cleanse me, come forgive me, Lord I need to meet you there.

In these waters, healing mercy flows with freedom from despair,

I am going, to that river, Lord I need to meet you there.

Precious Jesus, I am ready to surrender every care

Take my hand now, lead me closer, Lord I need to meet you there.

As the congregation was singing, I simply imagined myself by a beautiful river bend, surrounded by green grass on a warm day. I pictured myself meeting my Lord and Saviour there by that river. And I felt wonderful joy and peace and rest in my soul. Have you tasted the peace that the presence of Christ brings? Do you wish to know this peace for all eternity?

Who is Jesus? Saviour (Part 2)

1. Faith Leads to Peace

            Just prior to this passage, Jesus reveals to His disciples that He would soon be leaving them. He would be going away and they were not able to follow Him, at least not yet. This must have filled these men with great confusion and sadness. They had put their hope in this man. They were incredibly blessed by this man. They had given up everything to follow this man. And now He was taking off!

            Have you ever been abandoned by someone you cared deeply for? A husband or wife? A mother or father? A boyfriend or girlfriend? A best friend? At such times the pain is unbearable. Nothing else in the world matters.

            Jesus tells His followers not to be troubled. Even though He was leaving them there was reason for hope. It was possible to feel peace. They were not going to be apart from Jesus forever.

            Rather than being troubled, the disciples are told to believe: “Believe in God; believe also in me.” If these men believed in Jesus, they would not feel troubled. Why? Because faith leads to peace.

            It does so for two reasons. First of all, faith is embracing the promises of Christ with confidence. In this passage, Jesus reveals that His followers would be with Him in the future. Jesus was not abandoning them. He would return for His beloved. Trusting in this knowledge would bring peace to their hearts. Secondly, faith brings peace because it is through faith that God saves. And one of the blessings believers ought to experience is peace.

Who Is Jesus? Saviour (Part 1)

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:1-6

The Christian author and editor Philip Yancey writes: "I first got acquainted with Jesus when I was a child, singing “Jesus Loves Me” in Sunday school, addressing bedtime prayers to “Dear Lord Jesus,” watching Bible Club teachers move cutout figures across a flannelgraph board. I associated Jesus with Kool-Aid and sugar cookies and gold stars for good attendance.

            I remember especially one image from Sunday school, an oil painting that hung on the concrete block wall. Jesus had long, flowing hair, unlike that of any man I knew. His face was thin and handsome, his skin waxen and milky white. He wore a robe of scarlet, and the artist had taken pains to show the play of light on its folds. In his arms, Jesus cradled a small sleeping lamb. I imagined myself as that lamb, blessed beyond all telling.

            Recently, I read a book that the elderly Charles Dickens had written to sum up the life of Jesus for his children. In it, the portrait emerges of a sweet Victorian nanny who pats the heads of boys and girls and offers such advice as, “Now, children, you must be nice to your mummy and daddy.” With a start I recalled the Sunday school image of Jesus that I grew up with: someone kind and reassuring, with no sharp edges at all—a Mister Rogers before the age of children’s television. As a child I felt comforted by such a person." (The Jesus I Never Knew, p. 13).

            What are your earliest impressions of Jesus? I remember Him as a very white man wearing a white robe and a blue sash. He also had a cartoon quality about Himself, seeing as I often saw representations of Him from the Picture Bible.

            But more importantly, who is Jesus? Is He the good moral teacher many North Americans make Him out to be? Is He a dangerous and intolerant right-winger? Or is He merely one of God’s many prophets or spokespersons?

            The founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, A. B. Simpson, taught that Jesus was our Saviour, Sanctifier, Healer and Coming King. I would like to take some time to explore these ideas, beginning with Jesus as Saviour.