Last week, we discovered in Revelation 4 that when we need to know we can: “Come up here!” Further, in Revelation 5, the 24 elders did not come before the throne to see what must take place without their harps and singing (without worship). Understanding the will and way of God begins in worship.
But, the elders also had something else in their hands: the prayers of the saints. With these prayers, they sang a new song for the Lamb to open the scroll to reveal and fulfill the will of God in history:
6Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." (Revelation 5.6-10)
The prayers of the saints are somehow inherently related to the opening of the seals and the working out of God’s will and kingdom in history. So, if you want to discover God’s will, pray! If you want God’s will to be done in and through your life, pray!
Worship and prayer. Two essential ingredients to know and do the will of God. Yet they are not simply means to an end. They are ends in themselves. Worship and Pray. Do it because He is God. Along the way you will not only get to know God, you will get to know his will.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Special Thanksgiving Edition!
Psalm 147 is a great Psalm for Thanksgiving. Read it at the table before you eat:
1 Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
6 The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.
8 He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.
10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man;
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
12 Extol the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion,
13 for he strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you.
14 He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
15 He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
16 He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast?
18 He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
19 He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel.
20 He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD.
As I read this Psalm, I was thankful that God:
- Builds up my "city" (family and friends)... v 2
- Gathers me to his heart when I feel unwanted... v2
- Heals my broken heart... v 3
- Binds up my wounds... v 3
- Sustains me in my humility... v 6
- Delights in me as I fear (reverence) him and hope in him... v 11
- Secures me with his strength... v 13
- Grants me peace in my relationships and emotions... v 14
- Satisfies me with the Living Bread come down from heaven... v 14
- Reveals his Word to me so that I understand his will... vv 19-20
When You Need-to-Know - part I
“Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this” (Revelation 4.1)
Do you need to know and be ready for what is next? “Come up here!” Do you need to know what to do after the church is revived (chapters 2 and 3)? “Come up here!” Do you need to know what is next in your spiritual growth and ministry? “Come up here!” Do you need to know how to bring people to Christ and disciple them and incorporate them into the family of God? “Come up here!”
“Come up here!” That is God’s call to us when we need to know. “Come up here!”
Come – Make a decision and exert effort
Up – A high place, a holy life, a lofty goal
Here – A place of worship (See Revelation 4 and 5)
What John was to be shown starts in chapter 6 with the opening of the seals. But first, the disciple is called to a place of worship. If we are in a place where we need to know (and who isn’t?), we must first of all find a place – in our lives, our schedule, our priorities – of worship. If you need to know, “Come up here!”
View tomorrow for a special holiday edition to help you observe Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Reflecting on a Sunday in the Lord’s House
How thankful I am for the opportunity to speak at Sciotoville Church of the Nazarene the past two Sundays. Thanks to those of you who prayed for me and for the services.
What a blessing it was for me to meet and worship with those fine folks. I came away strengthened in my spirit and encouraged in my soul. God helped us as we worshiped in song, and there was a strong desire on the part of his people just to praise and thank God for his blessings. I heard many wonderful testimonies as I waited to take my turn to preach.
God helped me as I preached from John 1.12-13: “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” My topic was Children of God are born, not made. Though the visible “response” was not intense, there was a sense that God was planting seeds of truth in the hearts of many. And, I am thankful for the response of those who came to pray at the altar. God helped them in definite ways. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness!
Also, I want to thank God for the wonderful Sunday school class that Lana and I were in the past two weeks. Both lessons were just what I needed to hear. The teacher this past Sunday – Pastor Ed – reminded us that though we pray and God promises, there may be (may very well be!) a delay in the fulfillment of our prayers and God’s promises. This does not mean that our prayers are ineffective nor does it mean that God’s promises are not certain. It means simply that we don’t see all the particulars and the myriad connections that make up the will of God. As Pastor Ed taught, my mind went to a scripture that has been a refuge for my soul in the last year: “I am still confident of this – I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27.13-14). Lana and I are in a position of waiting, and I needed the reminder that came through the Spirit in class.
Lana and I are thankful for the Sciotoville Nazarenes who graciously welcomed us as guests in their services these past two weeks. And we are thankful for the small role that we were allowed to play in the ongoing fulfillment of God’s purposes for that congregation.
Have a great Tuesday! Oh, I heard something on the radio this past week about doing a little more exercise this week so you don’t gain the 2 pounds that are typical for Americans celebrating Thanksgiving. So maybe we should all just take a hike!
What a blessing it was for me to meet and worship with those fine folks. I came away strengthened in my spirit and encouraged in my soul. God helped us as we worshiped in song, and there was a strong desire on the part of his people just to praise and thank God for his blessings. I heard many wonderful testimonies as I waited to take my turn to preach.
God helped me as I preached from John 1.12-13: “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” My topic was Children of God are born, not made. Though the visible “response” was not intense, there was a sense that God was planting seeds of truth in the hearts of many. And, I am thankful for the response of those who came to pray at the altar. God helped them in definite ways. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness!
Also, I want to thank God for the wonderful Sunday school class that Lana and I were in the past two weeks. Both lessons were just what I needed to hear. The teacher this past Sunday – Pastor Ed – reminded us that though we pray and God promises, there may be (may very well be!) a delay in the fulfillment of our prayers and God’s promises. This does not mean that our prayers are ineffective nor does it mean that God’s promises are not certain. It means simply that we don’t see all the particulars and the myriad connections that make up the will of God. As Pastor Ed taught, my mind went to a scripture that has been a refuge for my soul in the last year: “I am still confident of this – I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27.13-14). Lana and I are in a position of waiting, and I needed the reminder that came through the Spirit in class.
Lana and I are thankful for the Sciotoville Nazarenes who graciously welcomed us as guests in their services these past two weeks. And we are thankful for the small role that we were allowed to play in the ongoing fulfillment of God’s purposes for that congregation.
Have a great Tuesday! Oh, I heard something on the radio this past week about doing a little more exercise this week so you don’t gain the 2 pounds that are typical for Americans celebrating Thanksgiving. So maybe we should all just take a hike!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Who Can Stand?
What a contrast! In Revelation 6 we read:
12I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"
A few verses over, in Revelation 7, we find quite a different picture:
9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
13Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"
14I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. 17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb have the confidence and the desire to stand before the Lamb. Are you standing? I trust that you are.
May God give you a great Monday!
12I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"
A few verses over, in Revelation 7, we find quite a different picture:
9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
13Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"
14I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. 17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb have the confidence and the desire to stand before the Lamb. Are you standing? I trust that you are.
May God give you a great Monday!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Hearts and Hands
"Are you in accord with me as I am in accord with you?... If so, give me your hand... Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD" (2 Kings 10.15-16, NIV).
"Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart?... If it be, give me thine hand... Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD" (KJV).
I don't understand everything about this story in the Bible, nor do I condone what Jehu was doing. The simplest way for me to process this is to realize that Jehu was simply a part of the fulfillment of the prophecy against the house of Ahab. Ahab's sins had caused his family to suffer. Be that as it may, Jehu's assignment was difficult and misunderstood. As a leader he looked for help and support where he could find it. When he happened upon Jehonadab, he found one upon whom he looked for encouragement. He must have sensed (from their past history or from Jehonadab's reaction when they met?) that Jehonadab was sympathetic to the cause of righteousness. So he said to him (paraphrased), "Is your heart right with me? Mine is with you. And with the LORD. Let's join hands in the work."
As I read this story, I was reminded that all leaders encounter hard things. When you are in a hard place, making hard decisions, doing hard works - you will need the hearts and hands of loyal and faithful friends and followers. These friends must be in your company where they can witness your zeal for the LORD and where you can witness theirs. May God grant every leader in his work the friends and followers that are necessary for the encouragement of His servant and the accomplishment of His purpose.
Many of you are those hearts and hands of support with me. Thank you. (Please continue to pray for this week's service at Sciotoville... May souls come to know Christ!) And, may God give you hearts and hands to encourage you, too.
Have a great weekend!
"Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart?... If it be, give me thine hand... Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD" (KJV).
I don't understand everything about this story in the Bible, nor do I condone what Jehu was doing. The simplest way for me to process this is to realize that Jehu was simply a part of the fulfillment of the prophecy against the house of Ahab. Ahab's sins had caused his family to suffer. Be that as it may, Jehu's assignment was difficult and misunderstood. As a leader he looked for help and support where he could find it. When he happened upon Jehonadab, he found one upon whom he looked for encouragement. He must have sensed (from their past history or from Jehonadab's reaction when they met?) that Jehonadab was sympathetic to the cause of righteousness. So he said to him (paraphrased), "Is your heart right with me? Mine is with you. And with the LORD. Let's join hands in the work."
As I read this story, I was reminded that all leaders encounter hard things. When you are in a hard place, making hard decisions, doing hard works - you will need the hearts and hands of loyal and faithful friends and followers. These friends must be in your company where they can witness your zeal for the LORD and where you can witness theirs. May God grant every leader in his work the friends and followers that are necessary for the encouragement of His servant and the accomplishment of His purpose.
Many of you are those hearts and hands of support with me. Thank you. (Please continue to pray for this week's service at Sciotoville... May souls come to know Christ!) And, may God give you hearts and hands to encourage you, too.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Point of Personal Privilege
This morning I am introducing a new “label” for my postings. In blogs labeled “Point of Personal Privilege,” I share matters concerning my ministry and family. I hope you will enjoy them.
I preached last week at Sciotoville Church of the Nazarene (Ohio) and will return there this week. I am going there as “pulpit supply.” I think that’s a technical term meaning – “We couldn’t find anybody else so will you do it?”!
I don't want this to be just two weeks of fill-in for Sciotoville and for Pastor Scott. I want supernatural results because we have trusted and we have obeyed God. I believe that God made this appointment between preacher and people. My excitement about this Sunday’s service is growing. God is ready to do something! I can hardly wait to see what it is!
Join me in fasting a meal today or tomorrow or Saturday. Encourage others that you know to pray for the service. Pray for the people of that church to be Spirit-empowered to invite their unchurched family and friends. Pray that unbelievers will respond to these invitations. Pray that God moves powerfully on the hearts of these invited people leading up to and in the service. Pray that the presence of God moves everyone in the service. Pray that I and the Christians there will be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. And especially pray this for those who will come to the altar to pray with people. I believe these folks are hungry for a move of God. The Holy Spirit reminded me yesterday that they “have said yes to God and want to go forward.”
“Pray also for me that I may fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should” (Ephesians 6.19-20). “Pray for me, too, that God may open a door for my message, so that I may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” Colossians 4.3-4).
I am reminded of what one preacher said to me: “God didn’t call me to preach to pews!” So, I’m praying for a packed house this week. I want – for God’s glory and their good – God’s house to be full. It’s amazing how exciting this prayer is when I am not in a position to do anything about it or to receive anything from it. May God pour out revival on his church in this day! I would be humbled to witness his hand of grace and his heart of love moving at the Nazarene Church in Sciotoville, Ohio.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’"
“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him!”
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briars the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign which will not be destroyed.”
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”
“And afterward I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!”
Why am I feeling this way about this Sunday's service? Our God is moving in my soul! As I said above, I believe God has appointed these two services together for his purposes and glory. I feel as if God has been just waiting to do something wonderful in my life and in that church in these two weeks. I have a sense of anticipation and the confirmation of faith that God will do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine.
Ask largely, my friends! Ask largely!
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