We at Memorial Drive have encountered a wonderful experience of meeting God in Spirit form. We are and will continue to grow into interactive work with Him.
I took three stabs at teaching about the Holy Spirit at Memorial beginning in the late 70s. Each quarter quickly jumped to the track of what He doesn't do and we never regained focus beyond our inherited fears.
The fourth try was different. I realized my mistake of the first three takes and announced to the class we would not entertain any comments as to what the Spirit doesn't do. We were well versed there. What we wanted to research was what He does do.
Due to His authentic leading, I did not teach the class. The class taught me. We probed the Word of God together for it was our source....of course. I would toss a bone and the class would think together. They began to make such astute observations, my time as the teacher during class was to jot down their findings.
The result of those morsels was a book that I first titled, The Holy Spirit Makes No Earthy Sense. I drew heavy criticism for the title and more criticism for the content. To explain, the title implies He makes heavenly sense; but not earthly. For the content? Well...I just had to take it and move on.
The result of God's breaking in to this congregation in Spirit form continues to be one of over-joy. Fear of where this would lead has been quenched by His productivity as promised in Galatians 5:22-23. We are growing in patience, kindness, love, etc. It is His trademark among His people.
Finally, one of the greater gifts of this study is to realize how free we are to yield control of every nook and cranny of kingdom work. We sow. We try. If it does work, we tell God, Thank you. If it doesn't work, we tell God, Thank you.
The over-joy of the Holy Spirit allows us to engage in a new world that is far above our heads.
(BTW--The Holy Spirit Makes No Earthly Sense didn't sell well. Howard Publishing eventually shipped the unsellables to South Africa and the book went out of print. My son Tim was on a mission trip to SA years later. The people he stayed with were intrigued by this new book they had purchased. It was this book. Soon after, I began to get an abundant amount of calls for the book that was now out of print.
I rewrote the book putting it in workbook form and renamed it Empowering the Ordinary (The Holy Spirit Helping Inadequate Believers.) I have self-published the book these past twenty years and cannot keep them in stock. Small groups are studying this workbook all over the country and in other nations. It has been translated into Russian. Hmmm....it seems the Holy Spirit is working among us! How fun!)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE ANNOYING PEOPLE
What is one to do with those in our circles who simply grate on our nerves? You know the type; they think weird. Silly. Foolish. Strange. Out-of-sync. Ignorant. Even obstinate or, worse yet, obnoxious.
What to do?
They don't seem to go away. At times it seems they even multiply. What's that all about?
I would recommend two ways to handle such odd personalities:
This does not bother me. Rather, I feel grateful any would let me into the room. Rejection doesn't bother me as it once did for I now know I've earned it. I am a nobody; just like Paul felt in II Cor. 12:11.
Blessings to you as you find God lets you fit into His day!
What to do?
They don't seem to go away. At times it seems they even multiply. What's that all about?
I would recommend two ways to handle such odd personalities:
- Believe in them by noting the great qualities each possesses for each has gifts from God that we need.
- Realize first and foremost that each of us is annoying to several others and they don't know what to do with us either.
This does not bother me. Rather, I feel grateful any would let me into the room. Rejection doesn't bother me as it once did for I now know I've earned it. I am a nobody; just like Paul felt in II Cor. 12:11.
Blessings to you as you find God lets you fit into His day!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
EXPERIENCING THE DEPTHS OF JESUS CHRIST
Jeanne Guyon wrote Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ (Originally A Method of Prayer) that first appeared in France around 1685. It is guestimated that this book is one of the most influential ever written.
It is one of my favorites.
I am rereading it and it remains a meaningful volume as it calls us to deeper union with Him.
This book eventually made its way to Louis XIV for the purpose of tattling on her. Guyon was immediately arrested and imprisoned. Many of her books were gathered and burned. Not surprisingly, her influence grew even more.
Guyon's writing heavily influenced the Quakers and then a young man named John Wesley. Any familiar with the deep writings of Jesse Penn-Lewis would find it no surprise that Guyon's concepts are buried within.
During the 1920s this book made its way to China. It had a profound impact on the shaping of the heart of one we would know as Watchman Nee.
Fenelon? Count Zinzendorf? And, Hudson Taylor? All influenced by Guyon.
While these writings and this story carry fascination to me, the greater encouragement comes for all to realize we have the ability in Christ to shine over great distances and even centuries. Know Him and give Him room to extend through you into unimaginable regions of time and pockets of influence!
It is one of my favorites.
I am rereading it and it remains a meaningful volume as it calls us to deeper union with Him.
This book eventually made its way to Louis XIV for the purpose of tattling on her. Guyon was immediately arrested and imprisoned. Many of her books were gathered and burned. Not surprisingly, her influence grew even more.
Guyon's writing heavily influenced the Quakers and then a young man named John Wesley. Any familiar with the deep writings of Jesse Penn-Lewis would find it no surprise that Guyon's concepts are buried within.
During the 1920s this book made its way to China. It had a profound impact on the shaping of the heart of one we would know as Watchman Nee.
Fenelon? Count Zinzendorf? And, Hudson Taylor? All influenced by Guyon.
While these writings and this story carry fascination to me, the greater encouragement comes for all to realize we have the ability in Christ to shine over great distances and even centuries. Know Him and give Him room to extend through you into unimaginable regions of time and pockets of influence!
Monday, May 28, 2012
SATURATED WITH LOVE FOR GOD
The American church is long on activity and short on love for God. Even much of our past evangelistic clarions have called for preparation to go to heaven; not to dwell upon knowing God.
Thus, herds gather to do church stuff in church stuff ways with that inner yearn that our names be among those drawn from Father's hat at the Judgment.
Are we a people whose lips flow with public thankfulness and gratitude throughout our business days? Or are we, in general, more apt to faithfully assemble offering our stamp of approval at the end of services?
Strange isn't it that the greatest commandment of loving God--along with the second--are met with basic yawn for want of hearing what's working among us and how we can go do it in a way that generates creative interest.
Michael Molinos charged, Experience has shown that many believers, even after fifty years of this external exercise, are void of God. They are also full of themselves, having nothing of the true spiritual man except the name.
Our timid voices in song and our sterile body language during worship and praise--myself very much included--begs for thought to be given as to how we become a people intensely saturated with the love of God.
Such sacrifices of public praise designed to give vibrant honor to Him will leave us blessed while expanding a contagion within our needy communities.
Thus, herds gather to do church stuff in church stuff ways with that inner yearn that our names be among those drawn from Father's hat at the Judgment.
Are we a people whose lips flow with public thankfulness and gratitude throughout our business days? Or are we, in general, more apt to faithfully assemble offering our stamp of approval at the end of services?
Strange isn't it that the greatest commandment of loving God--along with the second--are met with basic yawn for want of hearing what's working among us and how we can go do it in a way that generates creative interest.
Michael Molinos charged, Experience has shown that many believers, even after fifty years of this external exercise, are void of God. They are also full of themselves, having nothing of the true spiritual man except the name.
Our timid voices in song and our sterile body language during worship and praise--myself very much included--begs for thought to be given as to how we become a people intensely saturated with the love of God.
Such sacrifices of public praise designed to give vibrant honor to Him will leave us blessed while expanding a contagion within our needy communities.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
NEW OR FEW
Archaic.
Nearly every church I know battles a choking power called traditionalism. Some congregations make the adjustments; but more fight for the-way-we've-always-done-it air 'til their dying breath. For these there is always that many are called but few are chosen passage coupled with the song God Bless the Narrow Way.
Some authors have been devoted to writing against change in the church and change agents. Shame on them.
God is the Lord of an eternal system which includes a great amount of perpetual new. He created creation and then calls all to become a new creation.
Archaic habit is not faithfulness. It is a death trap held tightly in the grip of comfort of any generation.....including mine. Those who want change today will not want it tomorrow. A new generation, therefore, will have to take up the same battle each has encountered along the way.
Honestly, I like how church is now. Yet, as one turning 65 I must evaluate whether I am new day by day or stuck. Stuck isn't good.
New doesn't imply skirting the Word. It means the opposite; continually maturing in it. New is not a three letter word from Satan. Rather it is a great hope for all generations.
Archaicism isn't a mark of "still being faithful", my friend. It is a mark of rigidity and unopenness to His Holy Word. New or few....stuck in tradition is not a sign of faithfulness.
Nearly every church I know battles a choking power called traditionalism. Some congregations make the adjustments; but more fight for the-way-we've-always-done-it air 'til their dying breath. For these there is always that many are called but few are chosen passage coupled with the song God Bless the Narrow Way.
Some authors have been devoted to writing against change in the church and change agents. Shame on them.
God is the Lord of an eternal system which includes a great amount of perpetual new. He created creation and then calls all to become a new creation.
Archaic habit is not faithfulness. It is a death trap held tightly in the grip of comfort of any generation.....including mine. Those who want change today will not want it tomorrow. A new generation, therefore, will have to take up the same battle each has encountered along the way.
Honestly, I like how church is now. Yet, as one turning 65 I must evaluate whether I am new day by day or stuck. Stuck isn't good.
New doesn't imply skirting the Word. It means the opposite; continually maturing in it. New is not a three letter word from Satan. Rather it is a great hope for all generations.
Archaicism isn't a mark of "still being faithful", my friend. It is a mark of rigidity and unopenness to His Holy Word. New or few....stuck in tradition is not a sign of faithfulness.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
WHY I DIDN'T LIKE JOHN 10:9
I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and shall find pasture.
Call me silly; but when I first became a student of the Word, I didn't like this passage. It gave us too much freedom; in and out. I guess mom's scolding words still rang in my head, Either get in or out; but quit opening that door!
Plus, with the adamant teaching in my newly found church that one could never be sure one is saved, I felt the Bible would be better off to say, Get in and stay in for you might go back out an be lost. After all, if one can be born again one can assuredly be lost again!
Ah, but the task of freedom and her radiant challenges to us narrow ones. Freedom, in and out, authorized by Him.
I marvel at the new life at Memorial Drive over these past ten or twelve years. As far as human engagement, I see the positive difference is created by our elders. They have not only led us, they have allowed themselves the freedom to grow in the Spirit with us.
Our four assertively lead with desire to get on board with the Spirit; regardless of fear or the threat of fear from others. These men are simply willing to go in and out with God's possibilities just to see if we might strike oil out in some of those pastures. Too many in their position keep tight reign on church efforts in the name of responsibility; yea even logic.
Yet, the Door Shepherd said I want that in and out flexibility in my sheep to find; to discover. The church discovers treasures of Father when we are given permission to search, to roam, and to simpy try. I am thankful for all elders like ours who remain eager to give-it-a-try with the assurance some of our ideas are ridiculous while others are just ridiculous enough they probably will work.
I didn't like John 10:9 because I thought is gave the sheep too much flexibility to move about and they would get in trouble. Ah, once again my perception was different than what Jesus had in mind. Go figure.
Call me silly; but when I first became a student of the Word, I didn't like this passage. It gave us too much freedom; in and out. I guess mom's scolding words still rang in my head, Either get in or out; but quit opening that door!
Plus, with the adamant teaching in my newly found church that one could never be sure one is saved, I felt the Bible would be better off to say, Get in and stay in for you might go back out an be lost. After all, if one can be born again one can assuredly be lost again!
Ah, but the task of freedom and her radiant challenges to us narrow ones. Freedom, in and out, authorized by Him.
I marvel at the new life at Memorial Drive over these past ten or twelve years. As far as human engagement, I see the positive difference is created by our elders. They have not only led us, they have allowed themselves the freedom to grow in the Spirit with us.
Our four assertively lead with desire to get on board with the Spirit; regardless of fear or the threat of fear from others. These men are simply willing to go in and out with God's possibilities just to see if we might strike oil out in some of those pastures. Too many in their position keep tight reign on church efforts in the name of responsibility; yea even logic.
Yet, the Door Shepherd said I want that in and out flexibility in my sheep to find; to discover. The church discovers treasures of Father when we are given permission to search, to roam, and to simpy try. I am thankful for all elders like ours who remain eager to give-it-a-try with the assurance some of our ideas are ridiculous while others are just ridiculous enough they probably will work.
I didn't like John 10:9 because I thought is gave the sheep too much flexibility to move about and they would get in trouble. Ah, once again my perception was different than what Jesus had in mind. Go figure.
Friday, May 25, 2012
THE THREE OR MAINLY CHURCH OF WE
For millions of Christians God is no more real than He is to the non-Christian. They go through life trying to love an ideal and be loyal to a mere principle.
A. W. Tozer made the above statement--thirty years ago. I think it to be stunning, alarming, and true.
How can this be?
I'll make a guess.
From experience, I believe God has become terribly unreal in churches because congregational doctrines have become the god-of-the-mind. What we believe has trumped Who we believe. While organizational arrangement excites the worker, Father has slipped in the religious rankings.
We are in deep need of experiencing God--the Lively One, the Profound One, the Active One.
Every congregation and each individual within must perpetually check ourselves that we not have taken on habit-rot. Personally, I am very comfortable with our church as is. Evidently, the younger generations do not find my comfort zone to offer an Experiential God.
Questions must be asked. Are these leaving us because of their true hunger for Him or simply because we have failed to design church around their preferred comfort zones? One thing for sure is that we must be a people that call all to know God and His suffering Son and His abiding Holy Spirit.
Without the Three, we are merely a bulky, sluggish, conglomerate of we.
A. W. Tozer made the above statement--thirty years ago. I think it to be stunning, alarming, and true.
How can this be?
I'll make a guess.
From experience, I believe God has become terribly unreal in churches because congregational doctrines have become the god-of-the-mind. What we believe has trumped Who we believe. While organizational arrangement excites the worker, Father has slipped in the religious rankings.
We are in deep need of experiencing God--the Lively One, the Profound One, the Active One.
Every congregation and each individual within must perpetually check ourselves that we not have taken on habit-rot. Personally, I am very comfortable with our church as is. Evidently, the younger generations do not find my comfort zone to offer an Experiential God.
Questions must be asked. Are these leaving us because of their true hunger for Him or simply because we have failed to design church around their preferred comfort zones? One thing for sure is that we must be a people that call all to know God and His suffering Son and His abiding Holy Spirit.
Without the Three, we are merely a bulky, sluggish, conglomerate of we.
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