New Lenses - How I Met Jesus On MTV!| Be Like Mike! | | Posted by Jared on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 12:22am |  | The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.” Acts 11:1 (NIV)
"Sometimes I dream, that he is me, [you've] got to see that's how I dream to be... (pom papom pom pom...) " As I read Acts 11 that song came to mind. Naturally I went to youtube when I was done and took a listen. Man I love the music in that song. Surprisingly I never noticed the quality of the recording. That was a GREAT AD campaign! I caught myself grinning a couple of times and I'm likely to be singing this song ALL day! But I digress...
It is blowing my mind as I read through the book of Acts how much Peter has become like Jesus. This cuss-bud, fisherman, who denied his friend and Master is healing the sick, raising the dead, having visions in prayer, hearing the Holy Spirit audibly, preaching with power, brought before the Sanhedrin, publicly beaten and criticized for his not so righteous affiliations! Many of those things (healing sick, raising dead etc.) people say Jesus was able to do because He was God. But in Acts the same things are being done by Simon-Peter, John and Paul! We know for CERTAIN they aren't begotten son's of God from virgin births, neither are they Messiahs. So that begs the question, how the heck are they doing that? The obvious easy answer is, by the power of the Holy Spirit!
Throughout the book of Acts we see tangible manifestations when a person receives the Holy Spirit. According to Luke's descriptions, there is a marked difference / noticeable change in a person when the Holy Spirit comes on them that the people around at the time notice. In addition we also see where people can accept the Word and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, but not receive the Holy Spirit. Receipt of the Holy Spirit doesn't seem to be automatic upon baptism, but when it does come on you, it's not in secret and everyone around you at the time can tell.
Stop and think for a moment, do you remember when you were baptized? How about when you received the Holy Spirit?
In some religious circles, Michael, as mentioned in Revelation 12 and Daniel 12, is considered to be another name for Jesus. For the purposes of this post...I'm going along with that belief! :)
“I wanna be, I wanna be like Mike!” Do you? Then together let's pray EARNESTLY to receive the Holy Spirit! Contrary to what the folks at Gatorade would like us to believe, that's really the ONLY way! ;) It was the Holy Spirit that enabled Peter, John, Phillip, Stephen, Paul and the others to have the character of Jesus / Michael and do miraculous things like he did. If we desire to be like Mike, we too NEED the Holy Spirit. The same power that was available to Him is available to us! Peter's experience demonstrates that indeed we can (and should) be like Mike!
A word of caution, being like Mike doesn't just mean the ability to perform miracles! It also involves being persecuted and ostracized for His name's sake. A servant isn't greater than his master. If He did it, we can do it. If He went through it we will too!
"Sometimes I dream, that he is me [you've] got to see that's how I dream to be..."
Thank You Lord For Daily Bread and Gatorade! :)
jesusonmtv.com | | | | | Re-Calculating... | | Posted by Jared on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 3:09pm |  | When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle. Exodus 13:17-18 (NLT)
"Why did it happen this way? Why does it have to be like this? Couldn't He have found another way to deal with this issue and deliver me? Why is this journey to what God promised taking so long?" Do those questions sound familiar? Have you ever found yourself wondering the same thing? Ever prayed for deliverance, saw evidence of God's benevolence, yet question His approach? I have.
That's why I was really excited today to get this glimpse into the mind of God. Moses reveals something in Exodus 13 that I found to be very encouraging when I reflect on my own experience. As God leads me along my Christian journey He takes into consideration the condition of my faith and relationship with Him when determining the route. If He were to take me on the express route to my destination / place of promise, I won't be spiritually equipped to handle the challenges associated with the "express lane" and would likely bailout, give up or turn around. This means that the delay resulting from taking the "long way around" is actually His loving concern for my well-being! The drama at the Red Sea is actually the "lesser of two evils". Rather than complain about it, or being afraid of it, I should really be thankful for it, since it really could be much worse!
I can't imagine though, that the Israelites could picture anything more distressing than just being liberated from Egypt only to be stuck at the Red Sea with nowhere to go and the Egyptians in hot pursuit! Most times, in our own situations, neither can we. Who hasn't wondered "why did God provide X and then turn around and then lead me to this place that threatens to make it useless or take it away?" when trapped at the Red Sea? According to today's verse He does this because we are better able to handle the Red Sea than the alternative. God has power to deliver in either situation but in the land of the Philistines being unprepared spiritually might prevent us from sticking around long enough to actually experience it.
I am soooooo grateful that in His loving wisdom and despite my vociferous protests, God leads me on the roundabout route EVEN when it is through the wilderness. It's not at all comfortable and at times can be incredibly challenging, but it's never been more than I can bear. Like the children of Israel, my limited perspective doesn't allow me to know that this is better suited for my current condition; there's no way I can see that. But God sees and knows and lovingly guides me through congruous challenges until I'm prepared and ready to face my Philistine Giants! I will face the Philistines eventually, they are on the way to the Promised Land, but in His mercy it won't be until I'm ready to trust Him enough to stay the course.
Thank You Lord For Daily Bread!
newlensesbook.com | | | | | Keep On Writing... | | Posted by Jared on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 9:35pm |  | But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21 (NIV)
Gonna keep it short today. Short and to the point. The story of Joseph, particularly these 3 verses, provided a timely reminder to me that despite my circumstances God is working it all out for my good. As Daryl Coley sang "He's preparing me for something I cannot handle right now. He's making me ready just because He cares. He's providing me with what I need, to carry out the next matter in my life."
Joseph’s responsibilities in Potiphar’s household and his being in charge of all those held in the prison prepared him to be the Egyptian prime minister and save many lives. He served twelve years in jail until he completed his training managing both abundance and scarcity. God allowed Moses to be raised in Pharaoh’s house as one of his children, an experience that prepared him to manage a society. To learn how to manage stubborn people effectively, God had him tend Jethro's sheep. God didn’t "promote" either Joseph or Moses until they were ready. In Moses' case the bush didn’t burn for forty years; that’s how long it took him to get ready. If Joseph and Moses had not been faithful with the few seemingly menial tasks with which they had been entrusted, neither would have been adequately equipped to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
“Let me encourage you while I encourage me.” If you're like me and feel like your training experience might be going on a little too long, perhaps it's because we’re not paying attention in class. God won’t graduate us until He determines that we’re ready. Much of our readiness comes from being faithful regardless of where we are and what we've been given to do.
Paul E. Miller in the book A Praying Life offers encouragement to those of us currently serving time in an Egyptian prison or tending Jethro's sheep. He says, "If God is sovereign, then He is in control of all the details of my life. If He is loving, then He is going to be shaping the details of my life for my good. If He is all-wise, then He's not going to do everything I want because I don't know what I need. If He is patient, then He is going to take time to do all this. When we put all these things together--God's sovereignty, love, wisdom and patience--we have a divine story."
God is the architect, the designer. Nothing happens to us that doesn't get His approval. He's writing our story--line by line. Our role is simply to be faithful with the responsibilities entrusted to us while continuing to trust Him. It is my prayer that we endeavor to remain faithful in those little things as we allow God to keep on writing every line of our lives.
Thank You Lord For Daily Bread.
newlensesbook.com
| | | | | Whatchu Talkin 'Bout Willis? | | Posted by Jared on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 8:51am |  | I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, "Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!" Psalm 11:1 (NLT)
Why have I never noticed this verse before? Ok...that's not quite true, it's highlighted in my Bible so that means it registered in my brain at some point in time before today. So let me re-phrase...Why does this stand out to me today?
Re-stated simply this verse said to me this morning, (general, non-specfic application) "Thanks for your well meaning, logical, rational, for all intents and purposes, wise advice. But ahhhhmmm...I trust in God for protection, so there is no reason to run away from this. That action would directly contradict my belief. Yes I know it's dangerous and potentially hazardous to my health to stay here, but ahhhmmmm.... doesn't "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Psalm 34:7 (KJV)
Now here's the specific application, to me, Jared. Sure it seems crazy and unwise to quit my job so that I can attend classes for my Master's in Youth Ministry Leadership program because I can't get my leave approved. I just got this job. Quitting a job in this job market over a class? Not the best idea you had there Jared. There is no guarantee you will get another one. What are you gonna do? You're about to get married. You have a son. You've got bills! C'mon now dude...don't be a ninny. There's nothing wrong with taking a break from the program, withdrawing from the classes and maintaining the safety and security of your job. Plus you love federal holidays! Do you really want to go back to having to work on Thanksgiving and Christmas? Really?
No I don't, but...I trust the Lord for protection. This isn't just a class. Plus it is written..."do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV) Kingdom Business...let's go. www.youtube.com/watch
I know for some...my application may seem a little extreme. But is it really? According to the verse above, is flying to the mountains wise or cowardly? Is it smart or a lack of faith? Take my man Abraham in Genesis 22 today. He was asked to sacrifice his son of promise, the one he waited 25 years for, the one it took a miracle for his wife to conceive! Was the request God made extreme considering He regards the sacrifice of children detestable? Uhhhh...heck yeah! Plus, it's not like Sarah had anymore ticks on her clock! Abraham could have yielded to logic, reason, emotions, human wisdom, and fear. But He didn't. He didn't even allow Sarah to suggest "flying to the mountains" because he didn't consult her for her opinion. He just trusted God and obeyed. So what was the point of God's request? It's simple... "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Genesis 22:12 (NIV)
What do you believe about God? Do you fear Him? Do you trust Him? Do you make time for Him? Is He your protection? Your Provider? Your Comforter? Your friend? Is He #1 in your life? How have you shown Him lately that you believe/love/trust Him? That you trust His Word? That it is living and active in your life; the lamp to your feet and the light to your path? Have you refused to compromise? Stood up for what you believed? Stepped out on faith? Have you been willing to give up that thing He asked you of you? Have you held on to what He's entrusted to your care even when everything inside of you wanted to and felt that it was best, to let it go? Did you stick it out or run away? Have you taken the "smart" road, the easy road or the narrow road?
Saying we believe/love/trust in God is easy. Proving it with our actions? Not so much! Knowing the right thing to do can be even more challenging! Praise God, for giving us His Spirit so that "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
As we encounter those situations which will require us to tangibly manifest what we say we believe, I pray that the Spirit will give us wisdom to recognize dubious counsel and empower us with courage to boldy declare, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18 (NIV)
Thank You Lord For Daily Bread.
newlensesbook.com | | | | | Lullaby and Good Night... | | Posted by Jared on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 5:07pm |  | "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
I have a friend, a dear friend who has sleep issues. This person has a list of rituals that they believe have to be done and things they need to have in order to secure a good night's sleep. Lotion for the feet, a fan blowing on those feet, ear plugs, particular sleeping attire...just to name a few. If one or more of those things is unavailable, this person's capacity for sleep is severely impaired. God forbid there are noises and movement nearby, insomnia is inevitable.
Not being one to have sleep issues--I can sleep anywhere, through anything and be dead to the world, except when there's a lot on my mind--I really couldn't grasp the concept. I understood cognitively, but I was unable empathize; that is before today.
As I processed the scripture above this morning, it dawned on me that although I don't have a list of physical requirements that need to be in place before I can "sleep in peace", I do have a list of intangible, situational requirements. I can sleep in peace, when I'm sure the rent and other bills are paid and I have no concerns about my health or my family. When I'm pretty confident that I will have a job for the foreseeable future and that a cheque is coming on the 1st and the 15th, sleep comes easy. When I don't have to choose between my job, my relationships and my ministry, I can sleep quite comfortably. For me the absence of worry, fear, doubt, anxiety and uncertainty are crucial requirements for a good night's sleep.
But what truly is the source of my comfort? What gives me security? I had to stop and consider that this morning. What I discovered is that my comfort level depends primarily on my circumstances. When the equilibrium of my life is disturbed I am seldom able to "lie down and sleep...in peace". If the boat of my life is tossed by a "furious squall" like the disciples experienced in Mark 4, I highly doubt that I could, as Jesus was able to do, sleep in those conditions. Yet He was able to. How was He able to do that? How can I do likewise? How can I have peace of mind that allows me sleep despite my circumstances?
In the Psalm 4:8 above David gives us the answer. He was able to lie down and sleep in peace because he came to terms with and accepted the fact that ONLY the Lord allows Him to dwell in safety. Although the "rod" and the "staff" in Psalm 23 comfort him in "the valley of the shadow of death", his trust isn't in them. He "fears no evil" only because God is with him. The rod and staff, (which aren't David's by the way), comfort him because they serve as reminders of God's constant presence. In fact the use of the pronoun "Your/Thy" when referencing the “rod and staff” seems to suggest that David didn't even select these items by himself. It seems to imply that they were given to him. If I were David and I had to provide myself with items of comfort for the journey through "the valley of the shadow of death", I'm likely to have chosen a sword, a shield, a helmet, 3 slings and a bag of extra stones...just in case! I would insist on having all of them near me at all times because without them, I would feel helpless, naked and maybe even hopeless. I'd trust more in the "rod and staff" type items than the God who provides them as a comfort for me. Their presence would provide me just enough peace to sleep and then as an afterthought, I'd ask God to protect me.
Rituals and comfort items may help for a time, but what happens to us when they're not available? In order to have peace of mind for a good night's sleep we have to trust God. Period. It's just that simple. Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Our minds can't stay steadfast and so have peace, in the absence of trust in God. We don't trust what we don't know, and trust is developed based on knowledge and experience. Is it possible then, that our ability to "lie down and sleep in peace" in the midst of a "furious squall" is a direct indicator of the depth of our experience with, knowledge of and trust in God?
It is my prayer today that those of us with "sleep issues" would consider replacing our rituals and requirements with the approach Paul recommends to the Philippians.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ...Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4, 6-7 (NIV)
May we all seek deeper knowledge of and relationship with our Heavenly Father, by spending quality time in prayer and His Word. They are key ingredients to a good night's sleep!
Thank You Lord For Daily Bread.
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