Did you know that over 1.9 BILLION Christmas cards are sent each year? Yep, that’s the most of any holiday - not even Valentine ’s Day comes close.
And the Bah- Humbug thing to me is that the vast majority of the cards are just.plain.wrong. Especially when it comes to their portrayal of the Reason for the Season!
Now… my heart is not an empty hole, in fact I really don’t have an ounce of Grinchyness in me. But I am concerned about the blatant and misleading perception that the covers of Nativity Christmas cards have created. So if you’ll indulge me for a moment, here is a brief overview of my rant.
• Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus did not have freaky looking halos around their heads
• 3 Kings? No Kings - they were, in fact, scholars and astronomers from Persia
• But were they at the birth? Nope…they arrived over a year later…at Jesus’ HOUSE!
• Ox and Lambs keeping time? Ah, no - you see farm animals don’t have opposable thumbs for drumsticks, plus people don’t give birth with farm animals around. Besides Jesus wasn’t born in a-
• Barn… Most likely He was birthed in a cave used for shelter, not a structure hosting a petting zoo.
• Little Drummer Boy? Wait, that’s Justin Bieber - right?
Anyway, I think you get the point. We’ve sanitized, Santa-fied and commercialized our image of the Holy Night into an ordinary night.
But in reality, this was the Silent Night that was the hush before the spiritual storm that shattered the veil between heaven and earth when angelic armies cried out a victory song: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14, NLT).
But when we take this lightning in a bottle moment and trim it down into a syrupy sweet Hallmark portrait, we end up overstuffing our stomachs and overindulging our materialistic fetishes because that’s what Christmas has been reduced to.
We box up and tie a neat little ribbon on the event that split that calendar and proclaimed that Immanuel - God in the flesh - has been unleashed on our planet!
And what’s worse, our Christmas card lenses blind us from the glorious and life changing proclamation made by the angels:
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (Luke 2:8-11, NLT).
I believe we should be more like the shepherds who received this announcement. By the way -these guys in no way, shape or form resemble Linus with a blanket asking “Lights, please?”. The shepherds of that day were the outcast outsiders who were considered the lowlifes and losers. But the High King of Heaven entrusted them with the message that-
The Savior
The Messiah
And
The Lord
Had been born that day in the little town of Bethlehem.
These three titles were being used at that time to describe Caesar Augustus - the Roman Emperor - but the angels revealed the true nature of this seemingly insignificant baby lying in a manger. What the world needed to know was that a new King - the King of Kings - had come to establish His rule and reign. The Savior who had been chosen by God before the world is now here to deliver all people from the tyranny of sin and death.
Wouldn’t you have thought that a message as crucial as this would have been given to the rich, the powerful, and the influential? Yet God picks those who weren’t even allowed in the Temple to worship Him and to proclaim the message that “God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them!” (Revelation 21:3, NLT).
And what was their reaction to the announcement of the first Christmas and seeing the Christ Child?
“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished” (Luke 2:17-18, NLT).
This Christmas, let’s take a lesson from the poor and dejected shepherds whose entire world was transformed with just one glance at the real Nativity scene. Let’s feel the excitement that welled up inside those men when they realized that God chose them out of all humanity to spread the word that the Word made flesh had come to save the world.
Merry Christmas friends…may we be a living Christmas card that advances THE Cause and tells the real story of our Savior’s birth!
Flash Point Ignite into Action
Statistics show that more people attend church this time of year than any other week. The Christmas season creates a huge opportunity to bring up the birth of Christ, especially when you have the interesting facts about what really happened. Don’t let this chance fly by you like Santa and his reindeer - get out and talk to people like the shepherds did!
Accelerant Feed the Fire
Pray- Jesus, thank you that You came to earth as a baby so that you could experience every aspect of life on this planet you created. Praise You for being the Savior, the Messiah, and the Lord. Help us to be as excited as the shepherds on the first Christmas, and give us the boldness to share the gospel with our friends.
Read- Matthew 1:23.
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’” (NLT).
Check out this humorous “Silent Monks” Christmas video on YouTube and let it inspire you to find your own creative ways to get the word out about Jesus this Christmas season!
www.dare2share.org
© Copyright 2011 Dare 2 Share Ministries
Friday, December 23, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Would Jesus Have Tebowed?
Move over Chuck Norris…you’ve been Tebowed, my roundhouse kicking friend! Why? Because:
When Tim Tebow makes a great play he points to the sky, when other players make a great play they point to Tim Tebow.
Tim Tebow was late for practice one day. The rest of the team had to run laps for being early.
Tim Tebow set Adam and Eve up on a blind date.
Tim Tebow can make a snowman out of rain.
People with amnesia still remember Tim Tebow.
And my personal favorite:
When Tim Tebow was born, he ran an option play on the doctor and made it straight into the nursery untouched. ∗
Yep…unless you’ve been a bit out of touch for the past few weeks, you’ve no doubt been hit by the media bombardment of the Denver Bronco’s quarterback - known as Tim Tebow coverage. And I have a sneaking suspicion that many of you have even been unable to control your urge to get your ‘Tebowing’ on, right?
Which to me begs the question: Would Jesus have Tebowed? In other words, does Christ approve or disapprove of this phenom that has captured the attention of the nation? Well, Jesus was certainly not unclear about how we live out our faith, but His teachings give us a seemingly contradictory picture.
On one hand you have this clear directive:
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6).
But in the same passage of Scripture Christ has charged us with this sacred mission:
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).
And this is why the Heisman trophy and perpetual winner has become one of the most polarizing figures in sports.
In my opinion, Tim Tebow is not guilty of breaking Jesus’ commandment to avoid hypocritical and pretentious prayer. To charge him with that is to assume that his motives are for show and praise, and only God can truly judge a person’s heart.
I also believe that Tim Tebow is being obedient to our calling to be the “light of this world.” It’s hard to argue that #15 isn’t a BIG city on an EXTREMELY elevated hilltop, right? And agree or disagree, he is using his platform to let his good deeds out for all to see.
For example, when he was criticized by another pro quarterback for his public displays of affection for Christ, his response was:
“My relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in my life. So any time I get an opportunity to tell him that I love him or given an opportunity to shout him out on national TV, I'm gonna take that opportunity. And so I look at it as a relationship that I have with him that I want to give him the honor and glory anytime I have the opportunity. And then right after, I give him the honor and glory.”
—Tim Tebow
For me, the issue is not about Tebowing or Tweeting or why I can’t make a snowman out of rain. When I see or hear news about the Broncos QB and his latest statement or action, I can’t help but turn the spotlight on my own heart and ask a few questions:
Where is the hypocrisy in my life? Maybe I don’t pray publically on national television, but I’m certain there are times when I say or act a certain way to look just a little more ‘godly’ than I really am. And is there a time in my day - every day - when I “shut the door and pray to my Father in private”? If not, then you can paint me with the same brush that Tebow’s detractors are so fond of using on him.
And finally…what is the platform of my life? I don’t don the jersey of a professional athlete each day, but I am a light on the stand that God gave me to illuminate my little corner of the world. And so many times I use the excuse of “I don’t want to offend people” as a basket that hides the light and leaves people in the dark.
The truth is - and Tebow would testify to this fact - that if you let your light shine, it is impossible not to offend at least someone. You are part of THE Cause of making disciples who make disciples - so let’s take a lesson from a guy who gets it. Get out and light up the playing field God placed you on - and don’t worry about what others might think.
Oh, and remember, Tim Tebow’s Rice Krispies don’t snap, crackle, pop…they recite John 3:16.
*http://www.tebowisms.net/
Flash Point Ignite Into Action
Tim Tebow is an excellent example of someone who loves Jesus very much and is unashamed to demonstrate it in no uncertain terms. But you don’t have to be an NFL quarterback to make a difference. Don’t hide your light under a basket, let it shine and God will use it in incredible ways for THE Cause!
Accelerant Feed the Fire
PRAY: Jesus, You have called us to put aside our hypocrisy and serve in Your Kingdom as a city on a hill and a light on a stand. Forgive us when we’ve been hypocritical and when we’ve been ashamed to be a light for You. Fill us with Your Spirit so we can go out and light up the playing field to which you have called us.
READ: Philippians 2:14-16. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing..
http://www.dare2share.org/
When Tim Tebow makes a great play he points to the sky, when other players make a great play they point to Tim Tebow.
Tim Tebow was late for practice one day. The rest of the team had to run laps for being early.
Tim Tebow set Adam and Eve up on a blind date.
Tim Tebow can make a snowman out of rain.
People with amnesia still remember Tim Tebow.
And my personal favorite:
When Tim Tebow was born, he ran an option play on the doctor and made it straight into the nursery untouched. ∗
Yep…unless you’ve been a bit out of touch for the past few weeks, you’ve no doubt been hit by the media bombardment of the Denver Bronco’s quarterback - known as Tim Tebow coverage. And I have a sneaking suspicion that many of you have even been unable to control your urge to get your ‘Tebowing’ on, right?
Which to me begs the question: Would Jesus have Tebowed? In other words, does Christ approve or disapprove of this phenom that has captured the attention of the nation? Well, Jesus was certainly not unclear about how we live out our faith, but His teachings give us a seemingly contradictory picture.
On one hand you have this clear directive:
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6).
But in the same passage of Scripture Christ has charged us with this sacred mission:
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).
And this is why the Heisman trophy and perpetual winner has become one of the most polarizing figures in sports.
In my opinion, Tim Tebow is not guilty of breaking Jesus’ commandment to avoid hypocritical and pretentious prayer. To charge him with that is to assume that his motives are for show and praise, and only God can truly judge a person’s heart.
I also believe that Tim Tebow is being obedient to our calling to be the “light of this world.” It’s hard to argue that #15 isn’t a BIG city on an EXTREMELY elevated hilltop, right? And agree or disagree, he is using his platform to let his good deeds out for all to see.
For example, when he was criticized by another pro quarterback for his public displays of affection for Christ, his response was:
“My relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in my life. So any time I get an opportunity to tell him that I love him or given an opportunity to shout him out on national TV, I'm gonna take that opportunity. And so I look at it as a relationship that I have with him that I want to give him the honor and glory anytime I have the opportunity. And then right after, I give him the honor and glory.”
—Tim Tebow
For me, the issue is not about Tebowing or Tweeting or why I can’t make a snowman out of rain. When I see or hear news about the Broncos QB and his latest statement or action, I can’t help but turn the spotlight on my own heart and ask a few questions:
Where is the hypocrisy in my life? Maybe I don’t pray publically on national television, but I’m certain there are times when I say or act a certain way to look just a little more ‘godly’ than I really am. And is there a time in my day - every day - when I “shut the door and pray to my Father in private”? If not, then you can paint me with the same brush that Tebow’s detractors are so fond of using on him.
And finally…what is the platform of my life? I don’t don the jersey of a professional athlete each day, but I am a light on the stand that God gave me to illuminate my little corner of the world. And so many times I use the excuse of “I don’t want to offend people” as a basket that hides the light and leaves people in the dark.
The truth is - and Tebow would testify to this fact - that if you let your light shine, it is impossible not to offend at least someone. You are part of THE Cause of making disciples who make disciples - so let’s take a lesson from a guy who gets it. Get out and light up the playing field God placed you on - and don’t worry about what others might think.
Oh, and remember, Tim Tebow’s Rice Krispies don’t snap, crackle, pop…they recite John 3:16.
*http://www.tebowisms.net/
Flash Point Ignite Into Action
Tim Tebow is an excellent example of someone who loves Jesus very much and is unashamed to demonstrate it in no uncertain terms. But you don’t have to be an NFL quarterback to make a difference. Don’t hide your light under a basket, let it shine and God will use it in incredible ways for THE Cause!
Accelerant Feed the Fire
PRAY: Jesus, You have called us to put aside our hypocrisy and serve in Your Kingdom as a city on a hill and a light on a stand. Forgive us when we’ve been hypocritical and when we’ve been ashamed to be a light for You. Fill us with Your Spirit so we can go out and light up the playing field to which you have called us.
READ: Philippians 2:14-16. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing..
http://www.dare2share.org/
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Twilight movie "Breaking Dawn part 1"
The Twilight of the Twilight Series
Twi-Hards unite again! The first part of the final film has hit the screen, and theaters everywhere are being sold out as the stage is set for the conclusion of this blockbuster series.
Unless, of course, the producers would like to keep chopping up the final final part into more and more parts. In which case you would have Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 ½ , then Breaking Dawn Part 2, then 2.1, etc. But of course the problem there is the possibility of RPatz hitting puberty and subsequently losing the man/boy looks that have earned him the status of pre-pubescent poster child of the decade - right?
Also Jacob the performance enhanced werewolf could lose the abs and then be required to wear a shirt even when it’s raining! And *man* would he be angry - so we’d see a blank stare from him. Then later on he would be in love - so we’d see a blank stare from him.
But for now, we know that that Ed and Bella get hitched, furniture gets broken, half-vampire buns are in the oven - and the rest of the film could only be described as the Twilight series letting the crazy out.
Yep, love bites.
Still I must admit that stories about vampires, werewolves and women who breathe loudly through their noses have a certain appeal. We all have a craving for drama, especially when supernatural elements are involved.
Speaking of which, I have a real account of a supernatural showdown that you probably never heard about:
Jesus and his followers went to the other side of the lake to the area of the Gerasene people. When Jesus got out of the boat, instantly a man with an evil spirit came to him from the burial caves. This man lived in the caves, and no one could tie him up, not even with a chain.
Many times people had used chains to tie the man's hands and feet, but he always broke them off. No one was strong enough to control him. Day and night he would wander around the burial caves and on the hills, screaming and cutting himself with stones. While Jesus was still far away, the man saw him, ran to him, and fell down before him.
The man shouted in a loud voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?
Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"
He answered, "My name is Legion, because we are many spirits." He begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of that area.
A large herd of pigs was feeding on a hill near there. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us into the pigs; let us go into them." So Jesus allowed them to do this. The evil spirits left the man and went into the pigs. Then the herd of pigs—about two thousand of them—rushed down the hill into the lake and were drowned. (Mark 5:1-7; 9-17)
This is one of the strangest moments in the Bible and one of the clearest throwdowns between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan. Jesus went to this 10 city area to share the gospel, but the devil had a different plan. So he sent a man possessed with literally thousands of demons to face off with Christ.
But even a million demons combining their forces doesn’t even hold a candle to the infinity watt power of our Almighty God. With scarcely a thought, Jesus banished the demonic army into a herd of pigs, and then the nearest water source was renamed “Pork Lake.”
Now I’ve never met a Cullen or a wolfboy, but for years Satan sent his minions to keep me from meeting Jesus. But on a picturesque summer day between my freshman and sophomore year in the Rocky Mountains, my Savior expelled the forces of darkness that would have kept me from finding salvation and I trusted in Jesus as my only hope of salvation.
You might say that defining moment was the breaking dawn of God’s love in my life!
And are you curious as to what happened to the guy who Jesus liberated from the demonic oppression? Check this out:
As Jesus was getting back into the boat, the man who was freed from the demons begged to go with him.
Jesus would not let him. He said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you."
So the man left and began to tell the people in the Ten Towns about what Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed. (Mark 5:18-20)
You see, there’s just something supernatural that happens when we know we’ve been forgiven and granted eternal life in heaven. The immortality we’ve been granted through faith in Christ should cause us to make THE Cause the driving force behind everything we do.
So enjoy the 2+ hours of Twilight fantasy, but don’t forget about the reality that there is a battle for your soul and the eternal destinies of your friends!
Flash Point Ignite into Action
The Twilight series and other supernatural books/movies have definitely caused a resurgence in interest in terms of spirituality. This is a great opportunity to ask our friends about their spiritual beliefs, and then pray for God to create space in the conversation about the incredible offer of immortality from Jesus.
Accelerant Feed the Fire
Pray- Jesus, thank you for coming to earth and showing us that you are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thank for defeating the power of the enemy and calling me into salvation. Help me to shine for you in this dark world and lead the charge of THE Cause in my world.
Read- Romans 16:20. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
www.dare2share.org
© Copyright 2011 Dare 2 Share Ministries
Twi-Hards unite again! The first part of the final film has hit the screen, and theaters everywhere are being sold out as the stage is set for the conclusion of this blockbuster series.
Unless, of course, the producers would like to keep chopping up the final final part into more and more parts. In which case you would have Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 ½ , then Breaking Dawn Part 2, then 2.1, etc. But of course the problem there is the possibility of RPatz hitting puberty and subsequently losing the man/boy looks that have earned him the status of pre-pubescent poster child of the decade - right?
Also Jacob the performance enhanced werewolf could lose the abs and then be required to wear a shirt even when it’s raining! And *man* would he be angry - so we’d see a blank stare from him. Then later on he would be in love - so we’d see a blank stare from him.
But for now, we know that that Ed and Bella get hitched, furniture gets broken, half-vampire buns are in the oven - and the rest of the film could only be described as the Twilight series letting the crazy out.
Yep, love bites.
Still I must admit that stories about vampires, werewolves and women who breathe loudly through their noses have a certain appeal. We all have a craving for drama, especially when supernatural elements are involved.
Speaking of which, I have a real account of a supernatural showdown that you probably never heard about:
Jesus and his followers went to the other side of the lake to the area of the Gerasene people. When Jesus got out of the boat, instantly a man with an evil spirit came to him from the burial caves. This man lived in the caves, and no one could tie him up, not even with a chain.
Many times people had used chains to tie the man's hands and feet, but he always broke them off. No one was strong enough to control him. Day and night he would wander around the burial caves and on the hills, screaming and cutting himself with stones. While Jesus was still far away, the man saw him, ran to him, and fell down before him.
The man shouted in a loud voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?
Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"
He answered, "My name is Legion, because we are many spirits." He begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of that area.
A large herd of pigs was feeding on a hill near there. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us into the pigs; let us go into them." So Jesus allowed them to do this. The evil spirits left the man and went into the pigs. Then the herd of pigs—about two thousand of them—rushed down the hill into the lake and were drowned. (Mark 5:1-7; 9-17)
This is one of the strangest moments in the Bible and one of the clearest throwdowns between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan. Jesus went to this 10 city area to share the gospel, but the devil had a different plan. So he sent a man possessed with literally thousands of demons to face off with Christ.
But even a million demons combining their forces doesn’t even hold a candle to the infinity watt power of our Almighty God. With scarcely a thought, Jesus banished the demonic army into a herd of pigs, and then the nearest water source was renamed “Pork Lake.”
Now I’ve never met a Cullen or a wolfboy, but for years Satan sent his minions to keep me from meeting Jesus. But on a picturesque summer day between my freshman and sophomore year in the Rocky Mountains, my Savior expelled the forces of darkness that would have kept me from finding salvation and I trusted in Jesus as my only hope of salvation.
You might say that defining moment was the breaking dawn of God’s love in my life!
And are you curious as to what happened to the guy who Jesus liberated from the demonic oppression? Check this out:
As Jesus was getting back into the boat, the man who was freed from the demons begged to go with him.
Jesus would not let him. He said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you."
So the man left and began to tell the people in the Ten Towns about what Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed. (Mark 5:18-20)
You see, there’s just something supernatural that happens when we know we’ve been forgiven and granted eternal life in heaven. The immortality we’ve been granted through faith in Christ should cause us to make THE Cause the driving force behind everything we do.
So enjoy the 2+ hours of Twilight fantasy, but don’t forget about the reality that there is a battle for your soul and the eternal destinies of your friends!
Flash Point Ignite into Action
The Twilight series and other supernatural books/movies have definitely caused a resurgence in interest in terms of spirituality. This is a great opportunity to ask our friends about their spiritual beliefs, and then pray for God to create space in the conversation about the incredible offer of immortality from Jesus.
Accelerant Feed the Fire
Pray- Jesus, thank you for coming to earth and showing us that you are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thank for defeating the power of the enemy and calling me into salvation. Help me to shine for you in this dark world and lead the charge of THE Cause in my world.
Read- Romans 16:20. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
www.dare2share.org
© Copyright 2011 Dare 2 Share Ministries
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Where Was God on 9/11?
Sometimes I wonder what it’s like to be God…have you?
If you are God, you witness the symphony of light from a billion galaxies as they soar through endless space.
If you are God, you are surrounded by an angelic choir and the voices of praise from every corner of the universe envelop your throne.
And if you are God, you are unceasingly barraged with the wailing and weeping of those in pain and loss. Not a moment goes by that isn’t laced with the sound of tragedy and death.
And ten years ago, there was a day when God witnessed 2,819 innocent lives brutally taken as the towers fell and our entire nation was hurled into a state of shock and disbelief.
What would it have been like to be God on that day?
If you were over the age of 6 or 7, you most likely remember where you were and what you were doing when the first reports of the terrorist attacks hit the airwaves, and after the initial distress tapered off, there were many who asked this question:
Where was God and what was He doing on that day?
Any “‘answer” to this question that comes from a finite and limited human being would be in the category of flawed opinion. It seems to me that if we have a question for God - especially one that involves such a weighty issue - we should let Him answer. So let’s listen to the words of the One who has graciously chosen to speak to us:
The Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness (Psalm 9:7-8).
So the initial answer to “where was God on 9/11?” is simple…He was where He is today 10 years later. He is on the Throne of heaven where He always has been and always will be. He is perfect, so it is impossible for Him to operate outside the parameters of justice and fairness.
But how is it “just” and “fair” when planes are used as weapons of war?
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
In other words, in our limited perspective we take complicated scenarios and try to simplify them so we can try and make sense out of senseless violence. Or worse, in our arrogance we try and take a higher moral position than the God who is the source of all morality in the first place!
But what we should keep in mind is that for reasons known only to an infinite God, the acts of wicked men were allowed to fulfill some kind of purpose. This is one of the most difficult truths about God to wrap our heads and hearts around, but it remains a truth regardless of our understanding or agreement. God is God, and we are not. God is good…all the time…because that is His nature.
So rather than asking “where was God on 9/11/01,” perhaps a better question would be: “Where am I on 9/11/11?” Have I come to the realization that the world is a place of great beauty and love, and it is also the stronghold of unspeakable evil? And because of this reality, I have the highest calling and responsibility in the universe - which is to make disciples who make disciples.
The events that transpired ten years ago are some of the darkest days in the history of the United States. Let the dark memories of this great tragedy remind you of Jesus’ incredible promise:
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12).
Our nation needs the “light that leads to life,” and you carry that light with you wherever you go. God is on His throne and His ways are as far above our ways as the heavens are above the earth. While you may think that the world is asking “where is God?” in times of tragedy, they are also asking “where are His followers when I need them???”
Will you be a first responder?
Flash Point Ignite into Action
The 10th anniversary of 9/11 provides a unique opportunity to talk to your friends about their spiritual beliefs. Don’t let the chance to share the gospel in the midst of our nation’s remembrance of the dark and evil days that pervaded our land.
Accelerate Feed into the Fire
PRAY: Sovereign God and Maker of Heaven and Earth, hear our plea for healing in our land. Comfort those who lost family and friends on 9/11, and use this anniversary to bring many people into Your family. Give me the eyes to see and the heart to respond when opportunities to share the gospel appear.
READ: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
GET: For more insights on why God allows evil in the world, check out the free article Evil: Evil: Blame it on God?
© Copyright 2011 Dare 2 Share Ministries
If you are God, you witness the symphony of light from a billion galaxies as they soar through endless space.
If you are God, you are surrounded by an angelic choir and the voices of praise from every corner of the universe envelop your throne.
And if you are God, you are unceasingly barraged with the wailing and weeping of those in pain and loss. Not a moment goes by that isn’t laced with the sound of tragedy and death.
And ten years ago, there was a day when God witnessed 2,819 innocent lives brutally taken as the towers fell and our entire nation was hurled into a state of shock and disbelief.
What would it have been like to be God on that day?
If you were over the age of 6 or 7, you most likely remember where you were and what you were doing when the first reports of the terrorist attacks hit the airwaves, and after the initial distress tapered off, there were many who asked this question:
Where was God and what was He doing on that day?
Any “‘answer” to this question that comes from a finite and limited human being would be in the category of flawed opinion. It seems to me that if we have a question for God - especially one that involves such a weighty issue - we should let Him answer. So let’s listen to the words of the One who has graciously chosen to speak to us:
The Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness (Psalm 9:7-8).
So the initial answer to “where was God on 9/11?” is simple…He was where He is today 10 years later. He is on the Throne of heaven where He always has been and always will be. He is perfect, so it is impossible for Him to operate outside the parameters of justice and fairness.
But how is it “just” and “fair” when planes are used as weapons of war?
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
In other words, in our limited perspective we take complicated scenarios and try to simplify them so we can try and make sense out of senseless violence. Or worse, in our arrogance we try and take a higher moral position than the God who is the source of all morality in the first place!
But what we should keep in mind is that for reasons known only to an infinite God, the acts of wicked men were allowed to fulfill some kind of purpose. This is one of the most difficult truths about God to wrap our heads and hearts around, but it remains a truth regardless of our understanding or agreement. God is God, and we are not. God is good…all the time…because that is His nature.
So rather than asking “where was God on 9/11/01,” perhaps a better question would be: “Where am I on 9/11/11?” Have I come to the realization that the world is a place of great beauty and love, and it is also the stronghold of unspeakable evil? And because of this reality, I have the highest calling and responsibility in the universe - which is to make disciples who make disciples.
The events that transpired ten years ago are some of the darkest days in the history of the United States. Let the dark memories of this great tragedy remind you of Jesus’ incredible promise:
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12).
Our nation needs the “light that leads to life,” and you carry that light with you wherever you go. God is on His throne and His ways are as far above our ways as the heavens are above the earth. While you may think that the world is asking “where is God?” in times of tragedy, they are also asking “where are His followers when I need them???”
Will you be a first responder?
Flash Point Ignite into Action
The 10th anniversary of 9/11 provides a unique opportunity to talk to your friends about their spiritual beliefs. Don’t let the chance to share the gospel in the midst of our nation’s remembrance of the dark and evil days that pervaded our land.
Accelerate Feed into the Fire
PRAY: Sovereign God and Maker of Heaven and Earth, hear our plea for healing in our land. Comfort those who lost family and friends on 9/11, and use this anniversary to bring many people into Your family. Give me the eyes to see and the heart to respond when opportunities to share the gospel appear.
READ: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
GET: For more insights on why God allows evil in the world, check out the free article Evil: Evil: Blame it on God?
© Copyright 2011 Dare 2 Share Ministries
Friday, September 2, 2011
Let Jesus be the HoH!
Would it be worth $500,000 worth of prize money to be the last one standing on the Big Brother reality show? I realize that’s serious coin, but if you’ve spent any time following along with the house guests, you realize that most folks would rather be half a million dollars poorer than spend extended time with this “family.”
Or perhaps you’re a fan and you have immersed yourself in the drama and unique vocabulary of the program? I particularly like “crybernating”- as in when the houseguest Rachel goes off and has a crying spell for a bit. Or “demasculinize” - which is fairly self-explanatory: “I had a great conversation with Rachel about making sure that she doesn't inadvertently demasculinate me in front of other people."
All these behaviors lead to a somewhat complicated system of procedures that eventually get someone (nominated by the Head of Household) “evicted” from the house, and on it goes until we have a winner.
To me, the fact that Big Brother is now in its 13 season says a lot about its appeal to the general human need to connect and exist in relationships. Even the title indicates this - right? The show should be called Highly Dysfunctional Gold Diggers Who Stab Each Other in the Back…but I guess Big Brother is easier to market - and it tells the truth about the viewers who watch through cameras in the wall to devour the latest gossip or intense encounter between the guests.
And what might be behind our attraction to human interaction? In my opinion, I believe that at some level we all feel a bit lonely - and what better way to alleviate this ache than to jump into a hornet’s nest of relational intermingling and escape our own drama for a while?
But then the show is over, and at some point we need to realize that while these programs are entertaining, they still leave us sensing that there is an incompleteness about us that can’t be healed by anything this world offers.
You should know, however, that there is an offer on the table that isn’t from this earth. It is from Someone who wants to be more than a houseguest in your heart and soul, and the reward He offers dwarfs any amount of cash you could imagine:
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth…All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them” (John 14:15-17; 23).
These are some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples before He is crucified. They are beginning to understand that He will be leaving soon, and they are in a state of near shock as they realize the sadness of losing their best friend in the world.
So the comfort Jesus gives them is a truth about our relationship with God. Did you notice the progression of His promise? When we trust Christ, we enter into relationship with Him, and it is out of that love that we obey His commandments - which are summed up in loving God with everything we are, and loving anyone and everyone with whom we come into contact. And when we are obedient to that charge, we experience the fact that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit actually “make their home inside us”!
Think about it…no matter how alone you feel, you are never alone. And no matter how disconnected you sense you are from friends and family, you are personally and permanently connected to the God of the universe in total love and forgiveness.
But as I mentioned before, God wants to be more than a houseguest…He desires to be the Head of Household for your entire existence. When you let the Holy Spirit fill you, He will evict all the other “houseguests” like guilt, bitterness, and addictions that have made your life miserable.
Perhaps you’ve already experienced this, and you know how incredible life becomes when you live out the reality of your relationship with Jesus Christ. Remember though, that the great news of Jesus’ offer to make His home with us is not to be kept a secret. In many ways, the world is a “Big Brother” in our lives - always watching to see how we handle the daily grind of this world and the pressure cooker of our culture. Is your life so obviously sold out to Christ that they can’t help but be attracted to Him through your life?
Don’t hide the light of Jesus’ love with insecurity and fear…live out THE Cause of Christ with your lives and your lips so others can discover the joy of letting the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make their home in their hearts!
Flash Point Ignite into Action
This week, take some time to reflect on the truth that the Eternal God of the universe has chosen to live inside the core of your being! Wherever you go, He is there to comfort, cheer, guide, protect, and embrace you. Because of His presence in your life, every moment is a divine appointment.
Accelerant Feed the Fire
Pray: Loving Father, eternal Savior, and gracious Holy Spirit, come dwell in my heart through faith and make Your home in my heart. Let others see and hear the difference You’ve made in my life, and use me in Your Cause to make disciples who make disciples.
Read: I Corinthians 6:19-20. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
© Copyright 2011 Dare 2 Share Ministries
Or perhaps you’re a fan and you have immersed yourself in the drama and unique vocabulary of the program? I particularly like “crybernating”- as in when the houseguest Rachel goes off and has a crying spell for a bit. Or “demasculinize” - which is fairly self-explanatory: “I had a great conversation with Rachel about making sure that she doesn't inadvertently demasculinate me in front of other people."
All these behaviors lead to a somewhat complicated system of procedures that eventually get someone (nominated by the Head of Household) “evicted” from the house, and on it goes until we have a winner.
To me, the fact that Big Brother is now in its 13 season says a lot about its appeal to the general human need to connect and exist in relationships. Even the title indicates this - right? The show should be called Highly Dysfunctional Gold Diggers Who Stab Each Other in the Back…but I guess Big Brother is easier to market - and it tells the truth about the viewers who watch through cameras in the wall to devour the latest gossip or intense encounter between the guests.
And what might be behind our attraction to human interaction? In my opinion, I believe that at some level we all feel a bit lonely - and what better way to alleviate this ache than to jump into a hornet’s nest of relational intermingling and escape our own drama for a while?
But then the show is over, and at some point we need to realize that while these programs are entertaining, they still leave us sensing that there is an incompleteness about us that can’t be healed by anything this world offers.
You should know, however, that there is an offer on the table that isn’t from this earth. It is from Someone who wants to be more than a houseguest in your heart and soul, and the reward He offers dwarfs any amount of cash you could imagine:
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth…All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them” (John 14:15-17; 23).
These are some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples before He is crucified. They are beginning to understand that He will be leaving soon, and they are in a state of near shock as they realize the sadness of losing their best friend in the world.
So the comfort Jesus gives them is a truth about our relationship with God. Did you notice the progression of His promise? When we trust Christ, we enter into relationship with Him, and it is out of that love that we obey His commandments - which are summed up in loving God with everything we are, and loving anyone and everyone with whom we come into contact. And when we are obedient to that charge, we experience the fact that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit actually “make their home inside us”!
Think about it…no matter how alone you feel, you are never alone. And no matter how disconnected you sense you are from friends and family, you are personally and permanently connected to the God of the universe in total love and forgiveness.
But as I mentioned before, God wants to be more than a houseguest…He desires to be the Head of Household for your entire existence. When you let the Holy Spirit fill you, He will evict all the other “houseguests” like guilt, bitterness, and addictions that have made your life miserable.
Perhaps you’ve already experienced this, and you know how incredible life becomes when you live out the reality of your relationship with Jesus Christ. Remember though, that the great news of Jesus’ offer to make His home with us is not to be kept a secret. In many ways, the world is a “Big Brother” in our lives - always watching to see how we handle the daily grind of this world and the pressure cooker of our culture. Is your life so obviously sold out to Christ that they can’t help but be attracted to Him through your life?
Don’t hide the light of Jesus’ love with insecurity and fear…live out THE Cause of Christ with your lives and your lips so others can discover the joy of letting the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make their home in their hearts!
Flash Point Ignite into Action
This week, take some time to reflect on the truth that the Eternal God of the universe has chosen to live inside the core of your being! Wherever you go, He is there to comfort, cheer, guide, protect, and embrace you. Because of His presence in your life, every moment is a divine appointment.
Accelerant Feed the Fire
Pray: Loving Father, eternal Savior, and gracious Holy Spirit, come dwell in my heart through faith and make Your home in my heart. Let others see and hear the difference You’ve made in my life, and use me in Your Cause to make disciples who make disciples.
Read: I Corinthians 6:19-20. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
© Copyright 2011 Dare 2 Share Ministries
It's Back to School, So Spill Your Guts!
Ahhh, summer break…
Cool evenings, BBQ’s, concerts, camping and relaxing by the pool.
And remember the first smell of cut grass and the soothing sound of crickets that lent a hand in getting you to sleep?
But it’s all gone now my friend! School is back and you’ve been served up 9 months of papers and projects and performance evaluations!
Now…don’t you feel better having this harsh reality out in the open?
And I can feel your pain…I’m a teacher, and while I may not be doing assigned homework, I am grading it - and trust me, I’d rather be doing it. Bible teachers like me toil long hours instructing students about the greatest Book ever written, and we get answers like these on tests:
• The Bible is full of interesting caricatures. In the first book of the Bible, Guinessis, Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. One of their children, Cain, asked, “Am I my brother’s son?”
• Moses led the Hebrew slaves to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread, which is bread made without any ingredients. Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten commandos. He died before he ever reached Canada but his commandos made it.
• Solomon had three hundred wives and seven hundred porcupines. He was an actual hysterical figure as well as being in the bible. It sounds like he was sort of busy too.
Yep, many times there is an obvious communication breakdown between teacher and student, but now that school is back in session, let me be clear about Jesus’ view of your school and fellow students:
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields” (Matthew 9:35-38).
This is a perfect picture of what Jesus sees when He looks at all the hundreds or thousands of students going to classes, breaking for lunch and headed to practice or home each day after the last bell rings:
He has “compassion” on them-
In the original language of the Bible, the word “compassion” means to literally “spill your guts.” In other words, His heart breaks and He is sick to His stomach when He sees your campus.
Why?
Because just like the people in His day, your friends are “confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
The eyes of our Savior get past the external labels to the condition of the soul. When we come to school, we look at the clothes, the car, the group of friends, and the expressions on faces. But Christ’s gaze cuts through the façade and goes straight into the reality of how a person is feeling. In His day, the people confused about who God is and how they could be forgiven. They were helpless before the powerful religious leaders of that day who led them astray into thinking they had to earn God’s love.
And absolutely nothing has changed.
Your friends are confused by so many competing religions and truth claims, and they feel helpless when they confront their sinful habits and behaviors without Christ’s power.
So did you notice what Jesus’ command to His disciples?
“Pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
What Christ is saying is that your school is bursting at the seams with people who are ready to hear the gospel and respond in faith to this incredible message. The problem is that there are few who are willing to risk their reputation for THE Cause, and before you know it, the school year is over and your friends remain as confused and helpless as before.
So there are basically two ways to look at this season of back to school. You can complain and be bitter that summer is over and you have to plug your brain back into academic disciplines…
OR
You can see your school through the eyes of Jesus, who saw you in the same condition and sent someone to harvest your soul to eternal life. Let your heart break over the fact that your friends have broken lives and shattered dreams. Look past the exterior of people to the perplexed condition of their spirit and powerless state of their lives without Christ.
And when you do, Jesus will use you to reap a harvest for His Kingdom, and each day will be a victory for THE Cause instead of a frustrating exercise for fulfillment!
Flash Point Ignite into Action
Your campus is a harvest of souls that are ready to receive the gift of eternal life and start a journey with Christ that is more meaningful than they could ever imagine! But if you and your Christian friends don’t pray, pursue and persuade those who are confused and helpless, the harvest for this year could be totally wasted!
Accelerant Feed the Fire
Pray: Father I thank You that You called me to my school to be a missionary for THE Cause. I pray that as Lord of the harvest, You would send me out to share the gospel and be a part of the amazing transformation of my school for Your glory.
Read: Matthew 28:18-20. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Get: Sharing Your Faith podcast Check out this free seven minute video from Greg Stier about how to share your faith. Packed with practical how-to tips for sharing Jesus' message with others.
© Copyright 2011 Dare 2 Share Ministries
Cool evenings, BBQ’s, concerts, camping and relaxing by the pool.
And remember the first smell of cut grass and the soothing sound of crickets that lent a hand in getting you to sleep?
But it’s all gone now my friend! School is back and you’ve been served up 9 months of papers and projects and performance evaluations!
Now…don’t you feel better having this harsh reality out in the open?
And I can feel your pain…I’m a teacher, and while I may not be doing assigned homework, I am grading it - and trust me, I’d rather be doing it. Bible teachers like me toil long hours instructing students about the greatest Book ever written, and we get answers like these on tests:
• The Bible is full of interesting caricatures. In the first book of the Bible, Guinessis, Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. One of their children, Cain, asked, “Am I my brother’s son?”
• Moses led the Hebrew slaves to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread, which is bread made without any ingredients. Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten commandos. He died before he ever reached Canada but his commandos made it.
• Solomon had three hundred wives and seven hundred porcupines. He was an actual hysterical figure as well as being in the bible. It sounds like he was sort of busy too.
Yep, many times there is an obvious communication breakdown between teacher and student, but now that school is back in session, let me be clear about Jesus’ view of your school and fellow students:
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields” (Matthew 9:35-38).
This is a perfect picture of what Jesus sees when He looks at all the hundreds or thousands of students going to classes, breaking for lunch and headed to practice or home each day after the last bell rings:
He has “compassion” on them-
In the original language of the Bible, the word “compassion” means to literally “spill your guts.” In other words, His heart breaks and He is sick to His stomach when He sees your campus.
Why?
Because just like the people in His day, your friends are “confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
The eyes of our Savior get past the external labels to the condition of the soul. When we come to school, we look at the clothes, the car, the group of friends, and the expressions on faces. But Christ’s gaze cuts through the façade and goes straight into the reality of how a person is feeling. In His day, the people confused about who God is and how they could be forgiven. They were helpless before the powerful religious leaders of that day who led them astray into thinking they had to earn God’s love.
And absolutely nothing has changed.
Your friends are confused by so many competing religions and truth claims, and they feel helpless when they confront their sinful habits and behaviors without Christ’s power.
So did you notice what Jesus’ command to His disciples?
“Pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
What Christ is saying is that your school is bursting at the seams with people who are ready to hear the gospel and respond in faith to this incredible message. The problem is that there are few who are willing to risk their reputation for THE Cause, and before you know it, the school year is over and your friends remain as confused and helpless as before.
So there are basically two ways to look at this season of back to school. You can complain and be bitter that summer is over and you have to plug your brain back into academic disciplines…
OR
You can see your school through the eyes of Jesus, who saw you in the same condition and sent someone to harvest your soul to eternal life. Let your heart break over the fact that your friends have broken lives and shattered dreams. Look past the exterior of people to the perplexed condition of their spirit and powerless state of their lives without Christ.
And when you do, Jesus will use you to reap a harvest for His Kingdom, and each day will be a victory for THE Cause instead of a frustrating exercise for fulfillment!
Flash Point Ignite into Action
Your campus is a harvest of souls that are ready to receive the gift of eternal life and start a journey with Christ that is more meaningful than they could ever imagine! But if you and your Christian friends don’t pray, pursue and persuade those who are confused and helpless, the harvest for this year could be totally wasted!
Accelerant Feed the Fire
Pray: Father I thank You that You called me to my school to be a missionary for THE Cause. I pray that as Lord of the harvest, You would send me out to share the gospel and be a part of the amazing transformation of my school for Your glory.
Read: Matthew 28:18-20. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Get: Sharing Your Faith podcast Check out this free seven minute video from Greg Stier about how to share your faith. Packed with practical how-to tips for sharing Jesus' message with others.
© Copyright 2011 Dare 2 Share Ministries
Get to know Jesus
Get to know Jesus. The more you get to know Him, the more you fall in love with Him. The more you fall in love with Him, the more you follow Him. The more you follow Him, the more you'll become like Him. The more you become like Him, the more you'll become yourself. ~Ned Erickson
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