Be Still and know that I am God Ps. 46:10
"Be Still" What a concept for us in this day and age. I've been contemplating this for a long time in reference to many areas of life. I'm going to discuss what keeps us from being still, and why we need to be still.I've noticed in America, that being still is not something we want to do. Very few people are still voluntarily. Our society looks down on being still. We feel guilty like we're wasting time if we're still. Stores are now open 24 hours a day, restaurants are open later and later, even open 24 hours a day. With the boom of the Internet, and cable television, we now have both of those 24 hours a day. I'm old enough to remember that television stations used to sign off at night and be off the air until morning. Now, you can find a million ways to waste your money and lots worse on the television all night long. Since the World Trade Center bombings, we now can hear and see the news, and read it across the bottom of the screen all at the same time. The Internet is a huge lure to avoid being still. While it used to be enough just to "surf the net" and get information, and shop; we are now living out our social lives through Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites.Now, I'm not saying that these things are evil in themselves; but I am saying that we have to take a hard look at these things, just like any other thing like television, movies, music and ask ourselves "Is this drawing me closer to God?" I am constantly checking to make sure things in my life have not become idols. I feel that the anonymous/fantasy element of the Internet has a great lure that could take over if we are not careful. I know because I've been there, and it was only God's grace that I did not ruin myself.What are the benefits to being still? First, it gives the body and mind rest. I've heard it said that in this day and age of convenience, we accomplish 2-3 times what we used to in years past. While some people may see that as productive, I also see it as wearing on our bodies and minds 2-3 times faster. Our bodies need times of rest, and I am convinced our minds need it as well. The mental aspect may not be a visible, but it is true all the same. Being still also gives us a chance to stop and assess where we are. There have been times when I've taken a "time out" and realized that I need more sleep, or need to drink more water or eat more healthfully. If we stay in the rat race, we may not notice those things until it's too late. I also believe that being still gives God an opportunity to commune with us. Think about it, what kind of relationship would you have with your spouse if you only passed each other and never really stopped to talk? It would be difficult to have a deep relationship because you would never really know each other. When we stop and be still especially to spend time with God, we are showing Him that we want to invest in our relationship with Him. Again, think in the natural. When we want to invest in a relationship, we spend time finding out what the other persons likes and dislikes are. We spend time doing things that they like to do. We spend time trying to make them happy. Why should this be any different for our relationship with God?It's interesting to me how often we are willing to sit still for many things other than God. We'll sit for two hours and watch a movie or even longer to watch sports. How much more important is our relationship with our Creator? I have found that it is not always easy to discipline myself to be still, but because I know the benefits of being still are great I push past all the noise and get myself to a place of stillness. Busyness is something we need to be aware of, and do what we can to mitigate the busyness in our lives. God knew what He was doing when He included the verse "Be still and know that I am God" in the Bible.What happens when we don't know God? I am immediately drawn to Hosea 4. In this chapter, the Lord has a controversy with the children of Israel. He says in verse 1 that there is no faithfulness, love, pity and mercy or knowledge of God [ from personal experience with Him] in the land. When you follow down to verse 6, you find an often misquoted verse. It reads from the amplified Bible "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation]have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no more preist to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children." We often use this verse to promote "learning", but what this is saying is that they have a lack of knowledge of God. He is judging the priests because they reject knowledge of God. II Timothy 3 says in verses 5, 7 "For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [ their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid all such people. [These weak women will listen to anybody who will teach them]; they are forever inquiring and getting information, but are never able to arrive at a recognition and knowledge of the Truth."I feel that if we don't know God, it is a double punishment. Not only can we fall into error, and risk condemnation; but also, we do not the the good things we need to know to keep our faith. We will not understand God, we will not know or believe His promises to us. If we don't know God, how can we survive life in the world? Romans 10: 17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Have you ever been to Jamba Juice? They ask if you want a free boost in your smoothie. The Word of God is like a Jamba boost. It's a faith boost. From all the things I've read in the Bible about the end times, I know I need that boost for my faith.So, I guess the question is, Do you know how to "Be still and know that I am God" ?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The bridge to Nowhere
I wasn't going to name this post what I named it, I had a couple of other ideas which kept switching in my head. When this phrase dropped into my mind, I knew it described how I'm feeling about things being said in the American church at large. For several years, I've heard people describe the necessity of programs in the church in the following way. We need these programs to be a bridge to bring people to Jesus. Or maybe this: We need to get them in the door so that they can learn about Jesus. I have great problems with these statements because I think they oppose Scripture. There is also another trend in churches these days where we are afraid to use words like "sin" because we're worried that people will be offended and not "get saved". Jesus addresses this in the Bible as well.
First, let's address the bridge theory. Now, I'm not well versed in this theory; I've never actually had a long conversation with anyone who claims this theory. But, I do know what the Word of God says. John 9: 39- 10:5 is a fascinating story. After all of John 9 discusses the blind man who was given sight, Jesus makes the statement in vs. 39 (Amplified Bible) "Then Jesus said, I came into the world for judgment [ as a Separator, in order that there me be separation between those who believe in Me and those who reject Me], to make the sightless see and to make this who see become blind." The Pharisees then asked, "Are we also blind?" And Jesus told them that because they insist that they have no sin, their guilt remains. Immediately following that verse is John 10:1, an extremely powerful verse which struck me about a year ago. It reads, "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way (elsewhere, from some other quarter) is a thief and a robber." And Jesus makes it even clearer in verse 9 "I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture."
When I look at this passage, I think I see what Jesus is trying to say, and it applies to the above topic. The Pharisees did NOT want to be compared to that blind man. They thought that they were so much further ABOVE him, that they totally missed the point. Until they admitted their need like the blind man, they could not accept the gift of salvation. They were trying to get in some other way. The way of good works, of perfect keeping of the law. Jesus said that only those who enter through Him would be saved. That means they have to admit their need. Need is not something that's acceptable these days. No on wants to look "needy". We've cultivated a society that wants to be "self-reliant" and "self- sufficient". And this philosophy is in direct opposition to God. So, the deeper into this self philosophy you are, the harder it will be for you to see your need of God, and actually cry out to Him from that need for salvation. And, as Christians, we cannot make a more comfortable door for people who are too embarrassed or proud to admit their need for Jesus. That is not what the Great Commission is about.
Jesus also said in Matt. 11:6 " And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." This is a powerful statement. If you are offended by being called a sinner, then you don't really need a Savior. The Bible calls us sinners, and if we are offended by this, then salvation is not for us. I am frustrated that people are calling certain terms "Christian speak" and in actuality they are Biblical terms. Saying that someone sinned is in the Bible. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." If you talk about being "born again" or say that you are a "born again Christian" people look at you funny and think you are speaking some sort of secret language. Well, maybe that's true if you think that the Bible is some secret language. Jesus said the words himself. John 3:3 (amplified) "Jesus answered him, I assure you, I most solemnly I tell you, that unless a man is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with and experience) the kingdom of God." I'll be honest with you, I want to see the kingdom of God! I am not going to get my pride up and refuse to be honest and miss the kingdom of God.
When all of this is brought into the Church, I really feel that we are missing the point. I have said it before, and I'll say it again. The church was not meant to be for unbelievers!!! This is a modern day phenomenon brought on the the "seeker" movement. The definition of church in the Strong's Concordance is from the word Ekklesia meaning: It designated a new society of which Jesus was the founder, being as it was a society knit together by the closest spiritual bonds and altogether independent of space." There is nothing in here that says it is a net being cast out to gather up people. There is nothing in here about it is a service to attract people. It is a society knit together in the bonds of Christ. I have to wonder what we've really got going on today. I personally see a lot of 'towers of Babel' where people are saying "Come let us build a church and let us make a name for ourselves." Of course they don't really say that, but if we are denying what Scripture tells us, and we are making our own doors for people to come through as comfortably as possible, what are we doing???? I understand that people just want to see others "get saved" but the truth is, if they don't go through the True Door which is Jesus, they aren't really saved. Jesus was the one who said we must be "born again" so what's wrong with saying those words? I don't care if it's hip or current, they are the words that get you into the kingdom of God.
The truth is, we are only required to bring the message. The True message. We are not required to bring people to church, or get them to say a prayer or sign a commitment card. It may be that in these times, not very many will "get saved". There may be many that reject your message of sinners needing a Savior. The Bible says in Matt. 7:14 "But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straightened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it." I'm concerned that we are not showing the narrow way (Jesus only) and that we are taking people down a broad path with our bridges and programs.
If I had to pick one verse in the Bible as most important, I would choose John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." That makes it pretty clear. To come through Jesus, you have to admit that He did something that you couldn't do. He died on the cross so that you could have fellowship with the Father. To come through Jesus you must drop all ideas of doing it your way, of earning your way to God. When you truly believe that Jesus is the only Way to Heaven, He is the only Truth and that in Him is Life; your own life will become so much more simple.
I challenge you to think about what is going on in American churches. Really stop and challenge what's being said by searching the Bible. I don't think that the Christian life is as complicated as people are making it, but I don't think it's as commercial as they are making it either. Yes, if you choose the narrow path and there are few on it, you may feel uncomfortable and lonely at times. You may wonder if you're on the right path. But if you abide in the Word, which means hold fast to Christ's teachings and live in accordance with them, you cannot be ashamed.
First, let's address the bridge theory. Now, I'm not well versed in this theory; I've never actually had a long conversation with anyone who claims this theory. But, I do know what the Word of God says. John 9: 39- 10:5 is a fascinating story. After all of John 9 discusses the blind man who was given sight, Jesus makes the statement in vs. 39 (Amplified Bible) "Then Jesus said, I came into the world for judgment [ as a Separator, in order that there me be separation between those who believe in Me and those who reject Me], to make the sightless see and to make this who see become blind." The Pharisees then asked, "Are we also blind?" And Jesus told them that because they insist that they have no sin, their guilt remains. Immediately following that verse is John 10:1, an extremely powerful verse which struck me about a year ago. It reads, "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way (elsewhere, from some other quarter) is a thief and a robber." And Jesus makes it even clearer in verse 9 "I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture."
When I look at this passage, I think I see what Jesus is trying to say, and it applies to the above topic. The Pharisees did NOT want to be compared to that blind man. They thought that they were so much further ABOVE him, that they totally missed the point. Until they admitted their need like the blind man, they could not accept the gift of salvation. They were trying to get in some other way. The way of good works, of perfect keeping of the law. Jesus said that only those who enter through Him would be saved. That means they have to admit their need. Need is not something that's acceptable these days. No on wants to look "needy". We've cultivated a society that wants to be "self-reliant" and "self- sufficient". And this philosophy is in direct opposition to God. So, the deeper into this self philosophy you are, the harder it will be for you to see your need of God, and actually cry out to Him from that need for salvation. And, as Christians, we cannot make a more comfortable door for people who are too embarrassed or proud to admit their need for Jesus. That is not what the Great Commission is about.
Jesus also said in Matt. 11:6 " And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." This is a powerful statement. If you are offended by being called a sinner, then you don't really need a Savior. The Bible calls us sinners, and if we are offended by this, then salvation is not for us. I am frustrated that people are calling certain terms "Christian speak" and in actuality they are Biblical terms. Saying that someone sinned is in the Bible. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." If you talk about being "born again" or say that you are a "born again Christian" people look at you funny and think you are speaking some sort of secret language. Well, maybe that's true if you think that the Bible is some secret language. Jesus said the words himself. John 3:3 (amplified) "Jesus answered him, I assure you, I most solemnly I tell you, that unless a man is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with and experience) the kingdom of God." I'll be honest with you, I want to see the kingdom of God! I am not going to get my pride up and refuse to be honest and miss the kingdom of God.
When all of this is brought into the Church, I really feel that we are missing the point. I have said it before, and I'll say it again. The church was not meant to be for unbelievers!!! This is a modern day phenomenon brought on the the "seeker" movement. The definition of church in the Strong's Concordance is from the word Ekklesia meaning: It designated a new society of which Jesus was the founder, being as it was a society knit together by the closest spiritual bonds and altogether independent of space." There is nothing in here that says it is a net being cast out to gather up people. There is nothing in here about it is a service to attract people. It is a society knit together in the bonds of Christ. I have to wonder what we've really got going on today. I personally see a lot of 'towers of Babel' where people are saying "Come let us build a church and let us make a name for ourselves." Of course they don't really say that, but if we are denying what Scripture tells us, and we are making our own doors for people to come through as comfortably as possible, what are we doing???? I understand that people just want to see others "get saved" but the truth is, if they don't go through the True Door which is Jesus, they aren't really saved. Jesus was the one who said we must be "born again" so what's wrong with saying those words? I don't care if it's hip or current, they are the words that get you into the kingdom of God.
The truth is, we are only required to bring the message. The True message. We are not required to bring people to church, or get them to say a prayer or sign a commitment card. It may be that in these times, not very many will "get saved". There may be many that reject your message of sinners needing a Savior. The Bible says in Matt. 7:14 "But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straightened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it." I'm concerned that we are not showing the narrow way (Jesus only) and that we are taking people down a broad path with our bridges and programs.
If I had to pick one verse in the Bible as most important, I would choose John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." That makes it pretty clear. To come through Jesus, you have to admit that He did something that you couldn't do. He died on the cross so that you could have fellowship with the Father. To come through Jesus you must drop all ideas of doing it your way, of earning your way to God. When you truly believe that Jesus is the only Way to Heaven, He is the only Truth and that in Him is Life; your own life will become so much more simple.
I challenge you to think about what is going on in American churches. Really stop and challenge what's being said by searching the Bible. I don't think that the Christian life is as complicated as people are making it, but I don't think it's as commercial as they are making it either. Yes, if you choose the narrow path and there are few on it, you may feel uncomfortable and lonely at times. You may wonder if you're on the right path. But if you abide in the Word, which means hold fast to Christ's teachings and live in accordance with them, you cannot be ashamed.
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