Archive for the ‘ Lifestyle ’ Category

The Core Facts: A New Boldness

A wise mind would go find some wisdom over at Proverbial Thought!

To keep up to date, do not forget to go back and read the first two Core Facts that show why Christianity is based on truth and reason: Jesus’ death on the cross and the despair of the Disciples. I give my usual reminder that this is not meant to be an exhaustive study of the arguments, but these posts are primers to get you thinking. If you are interested in a more in-depth look at these points, look up my wonderful youth pastor, Jesse Bollinger, at Fervent Youth.

Now for the third of The Four Core Facts:

The Change in the Disciples’ Willingness to Die

I feel I must first verify for everyone that there were indeed more than 11 or 12 Disciples as evidenced by Jesus appointing 72 to go on a short-term mission (Luke 10) and 120 meeting in “the upper room” between Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost (Acts 1:15). You see, the Twelve Disciples were Jesus’ inner circle, His closest friends entrusted with leading the fledgling Church after His ascension.

And now, we should start with the obvious: Why were the Disciples willing to die?

They firmly believed they had seen the Risen Lord.

Jesus was not just another man. He made the impossible claim that He is God (John 10:30). Jesus backed up this claim through various miracles …

… the ultimate miracle being that He was beaten, crucified, died, and buried, and rose back to life.

The Disciples were convinced they saw Jesus risen from the dead, and that gave them the confidence they needed to willingly face death for the sake of the Gospel.

This change is more than just a willingness to die. This needs to be understood.

People of many beliefs are willing to die for what they believe. That cannot be denied. September 11, 2001 is enough evidence for Americans, and many nations around the world see evidence of this deadly devotion many times a year if not every day.

There are a couple of differences with they young Church. The Disciples had a passion to share the news that Jesus had risen from the dead. They taught a radical message that required change in all who believe.

Just like the Western world today, people in the Roman Empire had an understanding that you could believe anything you wanted, just do not try to tell anyone they are believing wrongly. If you did, you were clearly wrong and must be stopped.

The Disciples started a new revolution of love for all people, no matter how old or young, rich or poor, color, nationality, or societal stance. But it was also a revolution of needing to change yourself: your habits, your thoughts, and especially your beliefs; in other words, that everyone was essentially wrong.

They knew the consequences: Deny your teachings or risk imprisonment, torture, and even death.

This means the Disciples went from a group of cowards who ran away from punishment to not shying away from the threat of suffering and death.

As I said two weeks ago in my fourth point, it would have been easy to stop the early Church from growing beyond several dozen or several thousand people.

If the Disciples had stolen Jesus’ body, most if not all of them would have cracked under torture and the threat of death and admitted to the removal of the body (which Jews would not do, because touching a dead body made you ceremonially unclean … very non-kosher).

If the Disciples had suffered from mass hallucination, all the authorities would have had to do is open the tomb and show them the body and snap them back to reality … or at least stop new converts rather handily.

If the Jewish and/or Roman authorities had stolen the body … THEY COULD HAVE PRODUCED THE BODY!

Did you notice a trend?

The Disciples becoming so bold in the face of the most powerful forces in the known world is not a trivial matter.

The crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth can not be credibly denied.

The Disciples despairing after Jesus was led away is and understandable truth.

The change in the Disciples to endure pain and death for a belief that Jesus was who He said He was and had risen from the dead only helps to prove that Jesus really is the risen Son of God.

It also helps explain the fourth of the Four Core Facts: The Conversion of Saul/Paul

Are there any other thoughts? Is there anything to add?

2012
08/21
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CATEGORY
Apologetics
Carry your cross
Die daily
Disciples
Hope
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Weekend Words & Sunday Stanzas – 07/29/2012

Do not forget to check out David’s commentary today over at Proverbial Thought!

In the middle of the hottest months of the year, I offer a humble look at what our Lord has done for us.

I do not pretend to understand why God loves us so much. I only know that He does and proved it through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Why Us?

Would You look at us.
We are unscrupulous,
We are blasphemous,
All too often callous,
Living lives that are unjust,
Sending each other back to the dust.
For these reasons You sent Jesus.
Why do You love us?
Though we’re dangerous
And live perilous,
Your love is vigorous,
Your will ingenious,
Working with the tedious
To make us prosperous.
Though we are ruthless,
And we are vicious,
Your mind is tireless,
Your arm knows no weakness.
Your will ferocious
With loving kindness
Seeking the baseless
And the soulless,
The overly ambitious,
And the barbarous,
Spiritually delirious,
Of these You’re envious.
You come after us,
Show us You’re glorious,
For our attention, jealous.
Your actions are momentous,
Your love miraculous
Also continuous,
Informing the oblivious
And taming the ludicrous.
You change the obvious
Into the outrageous,
Make the serendipitous
Part of Your purpose.
You are so splendiferous
Taking the rebellious
And reigning victorious!

Taken from deeper words for God from a simple man of God by daniel m  klem, pages 105-106.

2012
07/29
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Poetry
Thankfulness
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Weekend Words & Sunday Stanzas – 07/08/2012

Do not forget to check out Proverbial Thought everyday!

Monsoon season for Arizona started a few weeks ago (while my lovely wife and I were in Illinois), but there has been very little rain to date. We even have been hearing about many wildfires that have destroyed thousands of acres of land, hundreds of homes, and made life all around miserable for many people.

We are also taking our youth group to Colorado Springs for the Desperation Youth Conference.

We all can desperately stand to have more of God and His blessings.

Therefore, the poem for today is also a prayer for the Southwest region of the United States (and other places). It is a prayer for our youth. It is a prayer for all people.

Let it rain
Let it rain
Let Your power come
Let Your will be done
Let Your love flow on
Manifest Your Kingdom

Let it rain
Let it rain
Let Your glory fall
Let our souls stand tall
Make all Your people
Something beautiful

Let it rain
Let it rain
Let Your Spirit move
Let the earth see You
Let people come to
The King of the Jews

Let it rain
Let it rain
Let me see Your face
Let me offer praise
Let my spirit say
Jesus is the Way

Taken fromdeeper words for God from a simple man of Godby daniel m  klem, page 97.

2012
07/08
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CATEGORY
Poetry
Prayer
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A Call To Prayer and Fasting

I am sure I am not the first nor last to issue such a proclamation, but I am at least to the first to do so this way!

This is a two-fold call, but God is calling for a fast:

  1. We must pray for the wildfires: the land destroyed, the lives devastated and inconvenienced, and for a quick end and rebuilding from the destruction.
  2. The youth of our nation. Specifically I wish to ask for prayers for the youth of my congregation who are going to a youth conference next week. We must pray for openness to the Holy Spirit, a clear direction from God, and a fiery passion for our Lord and Savior!

If you are a dedicated prayer warrior, you know what to do!

Some simple instructions:

  1. Take at least three days to fast. It is between you and God which days over the next week.
  2. Fast as God is calling you: complete fast, a “Daniel” fast (fruits and veggies, essentially), no technology, from driving … WHATEVER!
  3. Pray for the wildfires and our nation’s youth. (In fact, make it our global youth, and please think of “my” youth!)

You all know 2 Chronicles 7:14 …

2012
07/01
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CATEGORY
Prayer
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The Marriage Month

June is historically the most popular month for weddings. I am not getting into the history or anything like that (here is some interesting history, though). Today is more of a celebration.

My wife and I just had the opportunity to take a month, a holiday, if you will, and visit family and friends. We had a lot of fun, got to meet and know better family members and friends on both sides, and go to places we could enjoy together.

This month was also a celebration of life and love.

Our trip began because friends of mine were getting married. We were able to celebrate the start of a marriage with loved ones.

My parents celebrated 29 years of marriage while my wife and I celebrated three years. We were able to celebrate marriages in the middle together, one couple with grown children and another without children.

We celebrated the loss of a wonderful woman who lived for over 90 years, making a great impact on many lives. The day her life was celebrated in a very beautiful and spirit-filled memorial service, a child was born to a young couple within the family.

On the final weekend of our trip, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of that newborn’s great grandparents surrounded by extended family and friends (her side … but really for both of us), including that newborn baby girl Zoe (which means Life!). We were able to celebrate a marriage that is full and long.

Through all of this, we were able to remember all of the good times and bad times our families have struggled through; we were able to remember all those whom we have lost; and we were able to build and strengthen relationships, new and old.

Treasure the moments you have with family and friends. Enjoy them, as you should, and give praise to God, as you should.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

2012
06/26
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CATEGORY
Holidays
Love
Marriage
Relationship
Remember
Thankfulness
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Quickie Prayers

A while ago I wrote about praying for others. In my devotional time as of late, I have been reading from 1 Timothy and Nehemiah, and on the same day they talked of prayer … just in different ways.

Pray for others!

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1, NIV) Paul continues by discussing for whom we should pray and a few other items I may discuss in the future, but the focus of today, I remind you, is on prayer.

Sometimes it can be difficult to remember to pray for others later, and we may not have time to offer a “great” prayer for someone. We might even forget to pray for our elected officials and church leaders. I think there is a good way to pray quickly.

Nehemiah’s example

I heard a sermon on Nehemiah several years ago by a man who is being installed as the District Superintendent of the Northwest Illinois (NWIL) district of the Church of the Nazarene, Scott Sherwood.

In chapter two and verses four and five, he read these words: “The king said to me, ‘What is it you want?’ Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, ‘If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.'”

Pastor Scott’s message had little to do with prayer that day, but he made the observation that Nehemiah prayed to God has he spoke. There was not time to go find a quiet place and pray that God would allow the king to hear his request. It was then or never! He made his request to the king his simultaneous quickie prayer to God.

We need to remember that our entire life cannot consist entirely of quickie prayers. We need times of dedicated prayer to truly thrive. Quickie prayers are most effective when sustained by the wisdom and closeness to God that comes from times of personal prayer in a quiet (as quiet as you are able to find) place. That being said …

When we are talking with friends in passing or we do not wish to interrupt something important or just do not have time to stop, these quickie prayers can be just the answer.

It can look something like this:

“Oh, hi! I haven’t seen you in a while! What’s going on?”
“Well, my mom just got admitted to the hospital for cancer.”
“I am so sorry! I will keep you in my prayers, and, God, please watch over this family.”
^—This is the prayer!

… or …

[you see your friend in another car at the stop light]
“Where are you going?”
“I have a job interview!”
“Stay calm and strong! God is with you!” <—Here is this prayer!

… or even …

“I got the job!”
“Praise God!” <—Yep, this is a prayer!

The point is this: as you are giving the encouragement or praise, you are offering it to God as you speak.

I reiterate here that this is a simple way to pray for someone (and not be a liar when you say you will pray and later forget) that can be done so easily, but we also need that bedrock of personal prayer time.

I have gotten in the habit of just talking with God throughout the day about everything (yes, sometimes out loud), but that is yet another topic for another post!

2012
06/19
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Lifestyle
Prayer
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Proverbial Thoughts and Thinking

I have had a really busy month with travelling around, homework, a wedding, and all manner of other things!

You know what … I am on vacation!

So, for today, you can head on over to my contribution at Proverbial Thought (http://proverbialthought.com).

The topic today is about the importance of Bible study and knowing the Word of God. Another passage that goes well with this is 2 Corinthians 10:5. The only way to take every thought captive to be firmly rooted in the Word through the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer.

I think it is time we all work on building the callouses on our knees as we read our Bibles!

2012
06/12
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Bible reading
Holidays
Lifestyle
Prayer
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Traveling Mercies

For most of the month of June (already started!), my wife and I are traveling around Illinois and Wisconsin to visit family and friends.

This has reminded me of a few things.

  • Youth trips in high school, when we would pray before setting out on each trip.
  • Driving around with the youth leader and praying as we got in the car.
  • Big family trips which would start out with a prayer.
  • Going to Morocco and praying with the church before we set out.
  • A particular message the pastor shared about seven years ago.

A new church was going to be launched out of our church. He led up to the announcement by sharing about Ezra taking Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. I am sure you can see the connection: Ezra went out to rebuild the Temple; some of us were going out to build a new congregation.

Something he said really stuck with me, however. It came from Ezra 8:21-23:

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

 The first part that stuck with me was the call to a fast.

We need to remember that God is the one in control, but He wants to hear from us. He desires to hear us ask Him for things.

The second part that stuck with me was that even in our shame and pride, God listens.

Ezra pointedly says “I was ashamed to ask the king . . . because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him.” This pride was not one of a personal nature. Oh, no! This was pride in the promises of God, of which Ezra knew to be true.

Therefore, Ezra prayed, and “he answered our prayer.”

The final part that stuck with me was that this was a “biblical institution of praying for traveling mercies!”

This one may not be the most holy, per se, but that is a direct quote from Pastor Scott. “And here we see the biblical institution of praying for traveling mercies!”

This reminds me that God wants us to ask Him for anything and everything. To be fair, though, we need to remember that His answer is yes when we pray according to His will (see John 14:12-14, and really all of John 14-16). (He may say yes to things “outside of His will,” but that is a matter for another day!)

So, on this fine day, I remind you to take prayer seriously, believe that God will answer, and do not be afraid to ask for His protection on your journeys.

Also, please pray for us as we travel!

2012
05/29
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Bible
Prayer
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Weekend Words & Sunday Stanzas – 05/06/2012

Interestingly enough, today’s post was prepared before I went on the Men’s Retreat and before I prepared this last week’s posting.

I wrote this poem the same day I received my work evaluation at Sign*A*Rama. This was also a month before I lost that job, and I still think God played a role in my losing that job. (I also take responsibility for my own faults) This is a poem about living for God and not this world.

ultimate evaluation

at work we get evaluations

usually to recap how we’re doing

sometimes we get promotions

sometimes we go packing

the evaluation we need to work for

won’t be seen until we’re fired from life

this evaluation comes from the Lord

will we spend eternity in darkness or light

as we work towards this holy end

we need to ensure we are good with God

when we reach this ultimate evaluation

have we been living for the Blood

Taken from deeper words for God from a simple man of Godby daniel m  klem, page 57.

2012
05/06
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Lifestyle
Poetry
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Weekend Words & Sunday Stanzas – 04/08/2012

Happy Resurrection Sunday! He is Risen!

If you are not friends with me on Facebook, you do not know yet of my update from Good Friday. Our annual Cross Walk was only four of us, and instead of going to our usual place it was just down the road from the cross’s home. We only walked it a half-mile each way. This ended up being the most amazing Cross Walk I have been on for two reasons:

  1. I basically dressed as Jesus, and it was cool.
  2. Along our path were several homes. In one home was this elderly woman who is living with her youngest daughter. She explained to us that between 1984 and 2009 she lost two sons, a daughter, and her husband to illnesses and accidents. All she has left are her oldest son, 51, and her youngest daughter, 41. On this past Palm Sunday, her 50-year-old daughter-in-law succumbed to cancer. She spent the week not only missing her daughter-in-law but also feeling depression and sadness over her passed family members. She had been praying for strength and release, when all of a sudden, out her window, she saw Jesus carrying a cross down the street. (You guessed it folks, it was me) Our little Walk allowed Christ to use us to bring comfort and hope to this woman.

If that is not the message of the gospel, well … yeah.

On a slightly different note, on January 2007, I heard a message about prayer. It was centered around 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

This poem was a result. It is also a prayer:

i want to pray

when i speak
i want to pray
when i think
i want to pray
when i move
i want to pray
as i live
i want to pray
as i worship
i want to pray
as i pray
i want You to answer

Taken from simple words for God from a simple man of God by daniel m  klem, page 50.

Seek the risen Lord. He wants to answer!

May you be blessed with His grace, peace, and love today and always!

2012
04/08
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CATEGORY
Easter
Good Friday
Poetry
Prayer
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