THINK ABOUT IT TUESDAY Freezing Simon Peter

Peter stood with them and warmed himself”
(John 18:18)
When the going gets tough the tough take off running? At least that’s what Peter did after Jesus was arrested and taken away. A few hours earlier, Peter boasted that he would never deny the Lord. Too bad, he hadn’t considered the warning that those who think they stand need to take heed lest they fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). Peter denied the Lord. In fact, he vowed cursing and swearing that he didn’t know Jesus. How becoming, a cussing preacher! It was the coldest day in his life and  interesting that the same night Jesus was sweating blood, Peter was shivering at the enemy’s fire. Christ was hot enough to sweat; Peter was so cold and backslidden that he shivered like a shaggy dog left out in the rain. The text says, “…the servants and officers…made a fire of coals, for it was cold…and Peter stood with them and warmed himself”.

Notice he stood “with them”. He hoped to “fit in” rather than stand out. It is the square peg’s attempt to fit in a round hole that doesn't work. Be care who you choose to stand with.Next notice, he “warmed himself”. Believers are supposed to find their warmth in fellowship, prayer, worship, evangelism and so on but the carnal casual Christian forsakes worship and tries to warm his soul with earthly fires,like cars, cash, casinos and cocktails, etc. Obviously the mixture doesn’t jive. Peter had been warned, “Deny yourself or you will deny me” (paraphrase Luke 9:23), but it didn’t soak in. He slept when he should have wept. While Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, Peter napped. Then when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter grabbed a sword and lopped off the high priest’s servant’s ear. You can't win a spiritual battle by using fleshly weapons (2 Corinthians 10:3,4) especially if you have been asleep.The next downward step was that “Peter followed afar off” (Luke 22:54). The distance is widening. Then came the denials; then came the coldness...............

Though a chill filled the air, the love of Jesus remained as hot as ever. Peter may have denied Jesus but Jesus would never deny Peter. First, he anointed a messenger with a prophetic word. Oh, not your typical preacher. He used a rooster. “While he was still speaking, the rooster crowed…So Peter went out and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:60,62). Jesus told the over-confident Peter that before the rooster crows he will have denied Christ three times. Now I’m not an expert on rooster language but I think “cocka-doodle-do” can be translated as, “Chicken!” or "Yes you do too" Peter chickened out and his heart broke in repentance. While Judas’ bowels gushed out in suicide (Acts 1:18), Peter’s heart gushed in sorrow. After the resurrection Jesus made it a point to instruct Mary, “Go tell the disciples and Peter” that He is risen from the dead (Mark 16:7).That was to let him know that Jesus had not given up on him. He still believes in you and calls you by your “new name”, the surname of your new identity, “Peter”, which means, “a rock”. Peter acted like a reed but Jesus called him a rock. What a marvelous example of How God pursues the backslidden cold Christian.He doesn't give up.His goodness and mercy will chase you down...They are in hot pursuit for the duration. Peter's restoration was clinched in a post-resurrection rendezvous, we don’t know where and we don’t know what all was said, but the Bible records, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon [Peter]!” (Luke 24:34) I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to hear that exchange.Jesus prayed for Peter and stayed by him and a few short weeks later Peter became the blazing mouthpiece of Pentecost preaching the birthday sermon of the church. He changed from fear-filled to fire-filled. Peter who was sifted and lifted became gifted. Have you grown cold?What earthly fires are you using to warm your soul? Money,drugs,power?Warm up to Jesus and turn a cold shoulder to the world otherwise you'll find yourself freezing like Simon Peter did.

Nuff Said,

SUPERNATURAL SUNDAY! Getting Even

“…even as Christ also loved the church…” (Ephesians 5:25)

"Justice is about harmony. Revenge is about you making yourself feel better. It's why we have an impartial system..Do you feel the need to get even? "Even" as Stephen lay beneath the pile of stones, cast by his murderers, he prayed, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge”.That was a prayer of harmony.A prayer of even-ness. That was even as his Lord had prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”. Both prayed the same prayer of pardon. Guess you could call him "Even Stephen". Bonk…lame! Let’s look at that word “even”. When Paul commanded, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church”, Some believe that's a lofty goal but certainly attainable. I mean, who can love like Jesus loved? Me? You? Jesus was God in the flesh, didn’t have a sin nature, and never had to live with a wife. But then the word “even” leaped out at me.

“Even” means, on the same level or plane, standing at the same height, it is match play and the score is tied, the two are shoulder to shoulder.Neck and neck. No one above another.I am called to love “even” as Christ, which requires me somehow to be at least on the same playing field as Jesus.If I am even with Christ I'll at least make the attempt to be harmony with everyone else. Be even, not to“get even”. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Its like playing ball between the white lines.The Sermon on the Mount (Mound) commands us to be “even” with the Father. Yes, that is beyond my reach at times, but that is why the Holy Ghost who is “even” in all respects with God has been given us. Christ gave Himself for the church. The Holy Spirit makes us “conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:10). To be “even” with Him I must first conform and fit to His image,which means not throwing as many fits.That sometimes feels like a square peg fitting into a round hole and boy does it hurt.Most of the time it means the flesh doesn't get what it wants-Revenge.

Reconciliation is an evening out process and should be the goal posts we keep our eyes fixed too. The cross evened the score and evened the playing field.All stand on even ground. To say, “I forgive you, is to say that things are even again and reconciled.With us-with Jesus, Because when I forgive you,I am forgiven.Now we have the position and the power to love as He loved. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34), or we could say, “even as I have loved you”. The testing part is that nowhere does He leave room for excuse. If you are thinking about revenge today I would caution you.Revenge as Rachael told Bruce in the movie Batman Begins is only about making yourself feel better.It doesn't even out anything.Only forgiveness can accomplish that..In  our Christian fellowship we are to yield, to sacrifice, to submit to the will of God, to go the second mile and to carry our cross. To be “conformed to the image of his Son” is the whole aim of salvation and sanctification. In my case, I doubt that I will ever be “even” until he takes me home, so until then, I will all struggle with the hardest nine words of the English language-- I'm sorry,Please forgive me,I was wrong. I will keep striving to hit the mark..........AND GET EVEN.....

Nuff Said,

Remembering Taz

Originally posted 5-26-11

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.Blessed be the name of the LORD

” Job 1:21

 

My little buddy Taz was the inspiration for me to start the Prayer group "How Can I pray for you Today" 2 1/2 years ago.I still miss him. Here's how it all came abaout.

My very personal story; ORIGINALLY WRITTEN ON MAY 26th 2011;

My little dog Taz who had once been so healthy and active became disabled suddenly last week. After rushing him the the ER the Vet on staff had determined he had suffered a rupture in his back hence the reason he couldn't walk. His back legs just wouldn't move anymore, a very common problem for a 16 year old in his breed.
The vet put him on pregnazone, a pain killer for dogs. He later told me dogs hide their pain well and rehab for Taz’a condition would be, well..Messy. A dog that can't walk is a dog that can't control his bladder or other functions-if you know what I mean. Taz was my best friend, although he became Diana's dog more than mine, He followed her everywhere, but who doesn't love Diana? She has a way about her even with furry things.
So we went shopping, for diapers-doggie diapers, and baby wipes...lots of baby wipes. We made him a comfortable place to rest. The Vet said rest is what he needed most, after a few days he might be up and around. More than likely he would have a long rehab ahead of him. After another check up the following week Taz was showing signs of rebounding. The doc though optimistic, was always very clear with us that the chances were 50-50 that he'd ever walk again.
I worked with him, Diana worked with, Our friend Jodi dog sat him that weekend and cleaned up after him as though Taz was her own. We were scheduled to take him into the vet today but yesterday he just slept, wouldn't move and hardly ate anything. Last evening I knelt down beside him in the floor right next to his bed made of towels and doggie diapers. I put my hands on him, I stroked his fur, I petted his head, rubbed his ears and played with his toes and I prayed for him-yes I prayed for my little furry friend. I told God that if he was in any pain at all, if there was not even the slightest chance he wouldn't recover, it was OK to take him-Here I am giving God permission? Not that I had any choice in the matter-ALL life is in God’s hands and no matter how much we deny it, we know someday we are going to have to prepare ourselves for the inevitable.
I think about the gift love Taz gave me over the 16 years. He was my pal. He gave me the gift of unconditional friendship. He was always glad to see me, more faithful to me than some people that passed through my life. He never complained that I had worked long hours, never talked back, never once snapped at me that I can remember. He was always a big hit at our small group bible studies; always the center of attention and everyone really loved him. He loved to go for a ride in the car; I swear that Dog's face changed whenever I mentioned the word car! He was a true friend in every sense of the word-not a fair weather friend, always there, always wanting to cuddle and loved to sit on the couch. In his later years he began losing his strength so he couldn't jump, he would walk over to me and just sit there with an expression that suggested "Rod can you help me up"?

On a cold rainy night in January 1995 I brought him home when he was just 8 weeks old. He fit in my jacket pocket. I called him Taz because he spun around like a top when he was happy to see me. Now he and I would take one final ride together -alone being that Diana was out at Covenant Harbor for a youth retreat. This time there would be no stops off at the Dairy Queen for ice cream-Taz loved vanilla, there would be no bouncing from seat to seat, no diversion to Pet smart for a bone. This was his final ride in the car. My heart that was already broke in a million pieces just collapsed thousands more as I wrapped up that little ball of fur for his final ride. I think I have cried a river of tears today. My eyes are still soggy and wrinkled, my heart shattered.
I have always preached that God answers prayer. Sometimes the answer is not what we wanna hear though. I realized today, some prayers that get answered hurt so bad. God answered my prayer and it was quite possibly the most painful prayer I have ever prayed. But I trust my heavenly Father that he knows best for all things...
even for my little pal named Taz...

You're giving me a special gift,

So sorrowfully endowed,

And through these last few cherished days,

Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing

When your best friend is in pain,

And understanding earthly acts

Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,

Beyond, into your soul,

I see in you the magic, that will

Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,

Is why I look to you today,

To do this thing that must be done,

For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,

And chose you as my friend,

And why I've loved you all these years...

My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,

You're giving, means to me,

It gives me back the strength I've lost,

And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,

For that is what friends do.

And know that what you do is right,

For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,

And through your hand I feel,

The courage that's within you,

To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,

Dear friend, and let me run,

Once more a strong and steady dog,

My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,

For I won't be far away,

Forever here, within your heart,

And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,

Your ever faithful friend,

And in your memories I'll run,

...a young dog once again.
 (c) Karen Clouston

Nuff sad.....

FIERY FRIDAY ! Stimulus Package Preaching

…the stimulus of Christ…” (Philippians 2:1 Moffatt)

 

Christ incites, excites and ignites initiative, action and passion. James Moffatt used the word “stimulus” because the Greek word paraklesis can mean exhortation, as in a passionate address that stirs or quickens a person to action. Very interesting, I just read an article about boring preachers. Should boring preachers be fired? Our churches are in desperate need of a stimulus. Paul told the Romans that it “comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. And then added God has used the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1, 21) .Isaiah adds that man has little incentive within himself, “And there is none that…stirs up himself to take hold of thee…” (Isaiah 64:7) Because of that inaction there must come a rousing, and excitement or incitement from the pulpit.In the secular that rousing often takes the form of a pep rally or some contest where you win a cruise to the Bahamas. In the religious world it is called a revival which has become a forgotten word in our churches today. The stimulant, however, invariably dies down and more gasoline has to be thrown on to keep the fire burning. Pastors should be igniting fires instead of constantly having to put them out. There has to be a better way.

Promotional campaigns, giveaways and “go get ‘em” pep talks are all external and therefore cannot be sustained. Christ came “a quickening spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45). His stimulus package is consistent and enduring. He continues “after the power of an endless life” (Hebrews 7:16). Paul called it “regeneration” (Titus 3:5), that is, the generator never stops producing. Other intoxicants have a short shelf life. I mean alcohol only buzzes brain and body for a few minutes with an accompanying emotional thud after it’s over. A jump off the bungee cord deck is exhilarating, but the stimulus is over in around fifteen seconds, costing twenty-five to thirty bucks a pop. Exciting night-life too only lasts the quick night. The woman at the well returned each morning with empty buckets, a testimony of how earthly stimulants can only last a short while, “the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25) The Holy Spirit isn’t a momentary “high”; He’s the Mighty High! “Don’t get your stimulus from wine…but let the Spirit stimulate your souls” (Ephesians 5:18 Phillips).Oh dear.

So what's in it for me preacher? The stimulus of Christ comes from within, “…out of their bellies shall flow rivers of living water…” (John 7:38) What’s inside can’t help but stay there.I couldn’t write these messages without that flow. There is no creativity without the Creator. Oh, Edgar Allan Poe and guys like that did their best work high on morphine, but read their works and ask whether what stimulated them rouses you to your highest and best. Yes, there are unnatural ways to enhance performance but the results are always toxic, to the body for sure and most likely to the soul as well. Then Paul writes of “the stimulus of Christ”. He is a manufacturing plant of invention, ideas, wisdom and record-setting abilities. Those who lean on Him and live by Him win in the long run. Serving Christ doesn’t always win the medal for the short sprint, but it wins out when all the accomplishments of life are added up at the end. His stimulus creates younger looks than can the plastic surgeon. He grants a possession called “life, and that more abundantly”, a state of euphoria that never leaves a hangover or a bad morning aftertaste. So again should boring preachers be fired? If they can't provide the stimulus of Christ....Yes.

Nuff Said,