A Battered Warrior

YOU'RE WHAT????

Matthew 1:18-19  "...Mary, was engaged to be married to Joesph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph , her fiance, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly."

Can you imagine how Joseph must have felt? The woman he loves and is ready to marry tells him she is pregnant! This was not like today where Maury has made millions from people seeking to know who the babies father is - this was back when Joseph could have had Mary stoned for this! The only explanation he has is that it is God's baby... think of that - you are set to be married and told, "By the way I am pregnant, but do not worry I was faithful, the baby is God's."

The next part of the story tells us Joseph had a dream in which an angel confirmed that the child was God's and the importance of the child. The amazing part is that Joseph had the faith to accept the dream and he took Mary as his wife. How hard must it have been to not doubt and question Mary during her pregnancy? Human nature would be jealous and resentful... but Joseph chose to be obedient.

After Jesus was born, Joseph had three more dreams - each required him to relocate his family to protect Jesus. As a father, I understand doing anything for your children though the faith it took to repeatedly relocate your family based on a dream... I recognize that God speaks to his people, but I also recognize that it requires a great deal of faith to act on what we hear.

Read Matthew 1:18- 2:23, try to put yourself in Joseph's position and imagine the faith it took to act as obediently as he did. When God reveals his desires you, how will you react? 

Creation or Creator?

Romans 1:18-23  "But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles."

Paul was writing this to the early church in Rome. As I read the chapter, it was strange how the sins back then were the same as today. Reread Romans 1... it may shock you.

Why do we allow our pride to convince us that we can understand God, anytime we try to define God with human absolutes, we limit Him. We try to understand heavenly and infinite matters with our finite logic... that is impossible. Look at the verse, "... they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused." Our pride tells us we are so much more advanced today than people were back then, but we still can not completely explain the pyramids or the temples in South America!

There is a serious heart condition at work here - for some reason people insist on worshiping the tangible creations instead of the Creator. A creation speaks about the creator; it confirms his talents and his existence but the creator is not totally defined by the thing he created. 

Pray this week that God will reveal himself to you in a new way through his creations... take the time to really look at a flower, the detail, the intelligence in design... look at the sunset or the stars - God's beauty is all around us, we just have to take the time to truly see it. 

How Soon We Forget...

1 Kings 18:38-39  "Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water from the trench! And when al the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, "The Lord - he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!""

The people of Israel had just witnessed God's power and seen an idol exposed. The prophets of Baal spent the entire day summoning their god to accept their offering, all he had to do was send fire to consume it. 450 prophets shouting, dancing, and even bleeding to entice their god to show himself as the true god - but nothing happened. Elijah not only asked God to send fire but Elijah actually soaked the offering and wood with 12 jars of water. All of Israel witnessed it, they confessed the "Lord is God!"

What happened later? People tend to have short term memories. Remember when Moses led them out of Egypt - God parted the Sea for them to escape and destroyed their enemies. Shortly after-wards they "honored" God by making a golden calf... It is easy to read the Bible and ask ourselves, "How could they be so blind?" Are we any different?

I personally have seen God provide and then shortly there after doubt -  after all, worry is a form of doubt! I believe that our memory is effected by our pride, we tend to want to take credit for things. When we take the credit, we minimize God. If our God is small then our worries and problems seem larger - this cycle leads us to focus on our issues and forget about God. It is so easy to get caught up in our day to day lives but what if we took a few more minutes each day to focus solely on God and trust Him with our problems. How would our lives be changed if we spent a little more time with God and a little less time with ourselves?

A Note To A Father...

Father,

    Before I knew you, you knew me and held me close. Before I could recognize your voice, you were there to sooth me during anxious times. When I was innocent, helpless, and lost you were always there to guide me. You were there to encourage me as I began to crawl and walk – tended to my scrapes caused by my many failures… but you never failed to support me. As I took my first steps, I received my confidence by clinging to your finger.

    When I was younger I would cry – frustrated, hurt, hungry, or mad – I did not need to justify my tears but you were always there to help me. You offered a hug when I hurt, encouragement when I was frustrated, and when the tears stopped we would always try to learn from the experience.  Along the way we have been through many trials, but you have always been there. Riding a bike, catching a ball – you helped get me through them all.

    During my awkward teenage years, you were there to help me cope with rejection and my first broken heart. You told me I was special no matter what anyone said – I believed it, even though I knew it was what a father was “supposed to say.” When I would start to venture out and felt the world staring in judgment of me, ready to pounce and crush my childish dreams – I would look and see your face, the sparkle in your eye and somehow I would find the courage to try. Soon I started to drive and venture farther away, I did not see you as often but I never heard you complain. I know now how hard that must have been to let go… but you knew I needed space to make way.

    There was a time when I barely spoke – forgot our lessons and our chat, though not really forgotten – just ignored. I found myself broken and battered, but I still continued on. In my heart I knew you were there, but I never reached out to call. I was stubborn and determined to make it on my own, be my own man – strong and independent. Looking back now I missed so much. I was a fool and I am embarrassed by myself and that I turned my back on what I knew was right and true.

    I am a father now, though I prefer the term daddy. I catch myself sitting and thinking of the awesome responsibility that I have. Two little girls in my care, they learn from me both good and bad… I am worthy of the title of “father”? As they grow they will internally use me as a starting point to judge all fathers – even you... That thought scares me. I am I worthy to be called a “father”? A true father is fair and just – but always compassionate and loving, even in discipline. I guess I know what I must do…

    -Father I am sorry… I am sorry for all the times I turned away from you. When I chose to follow my own path and was too stubborn and proud to cry out to you. I was too ashamed of myself and proud to be humble – even though I knew it was right. I have wasted so much time; so many opportunities have been missed. I shudder to think about where I would be had I not taken my own, self serving path. I know that you are an amazing and forgiving God. I know you will and have forgiven me… you have plans for me and my life – I am so sorry. I ask that you use me and that you make me a worthy and healthy example of an earthly “father”. That my daughters see a strong and loving man – one that is humble and compassionate… one worthy to be called a father (though they call me daddy). God you are my father – but times I need to think of you as a daddy too. It helps remind me that I am but a child and I need to keep my child like faith and rely on you for strength and wisdom. God I am so sorry… but I am glad to call you my daddy and honor you on father’s day.

    -Amen

20/20 But Still Blind...

Judges 16:15-16   "Then Delilah pouted, "How can you tell me, 'I love you,' when you don't share your secrets with me? You've made fun of me three times now, and you still haven't told me what makes you so strong!" She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it."

 

Samson was a man of great strength but he had one weakness - women. If you look at Judges 14 -16, Samson's life is plagued with drama related to women. A women ultimately betrayed him and it cost him everything.

When I studied the account of Samson and Delilah, I caught myself saying, "How can you be so stupid?... She has tested everything you have told her and coincidently just as you wake up Philistines come for you!" Then I stop and think about my life. Satan knows our weaknesses and is a master of temptation.

Delilah constantly nagged, Samson took his eyes off God and he caved. Satan continually tempts us.... without turning it over to God and relying on Him for our strength we are in a perilous situation. Samson was tempted by lust and women. Samson was blinded well before the Philistines took his eyes... have you had your vision checked lately?

How Do You Co-Parent???

 

How do you co-parent? There are many classes and books with suggestions on how to be successful in a co-parenting relationship. They are filled with studies and strategies, but I think they operate on a huge assumption - that the parents can communicate effectively. In today's politically correct world, no one wants to accept the fact that sometimes the ideal scenario is totally impractical.

In California especially there is a huge push to have both parents actively involved in the children's lives, which I agree with whole heartedly. However what happens when one parent refuses to honor the other parent's input, comply with court orders, and insists on attacking the other parent instead of trying to work towards meeting the child's needs? This process is additionally difficult when the children are younger because the courts do not like to talk to the children - I understand it can be a stressful experience but they ignore the stress that child experiences in their day to day life.

What do we do? I wish I had an answer. It seems like no one wants to listen to the reality of the situations the piece of paper which the judged signed has created. No one wants to believe that an adult can be so selfish and deceitful even to the detriment of their own children... no one wants to believe, but it happens. In my experience there has never been any repercussions for the violations of the court order, therefore without consequences the abuse and behavior continues.

The tragedy is that the children must endure this behavior. The courts want parents to come to an agreement and conduct themselves as responsible adults - we all wish that were the case. It is just frustrating as a father to feel so helpless when I know my daughters are hurting. I know I can only control my actions and the environment that I create for them, but at some point there has to be a wake up call.

 Sorry to vent - I just believe I am not alone...

 

A Warning Or Comfort?

Acts 21:10-14  "Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. He came over, took Paul's belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, "The Holy Spirit declares, 'So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.'" When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. But he said, "Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus." When it was clear that we couldn't persuade him, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done.""

Paul was warned that he would suffer if he returned to Jerusalem. The other believers understood the prophecies to be a warning for Paul to not return to Jerusalem - obviously God would warn them to avoid suffering. Paul went anyway. Jesus knew he would be beaten and ultimately crucified when he was praying in the garden, but he went anyway. Why? Why would God let us know of pending suffering if we were not meant to avoid it?

I believe that God sometimes tells us what is coming not only to help us prepare for it, but to reassure us that He is in control. Suffering builds character. There are certain lessons that we can not learn and depths our faith can not reach without suffering.

Sometimes God's warning is like Him putting his hand on our shoulder and telling us, "WE will get through this, I am right here with you."  What more do we need? 

 

Where Is Your Focus...

Numbers 13:27-28  "This was their report to Moses: "We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country - a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak."

The twelve scouts reported back to Moses what they saw when they explored the Promised Land. Ten of the twelve lost focus, they forgot God's promise and focused on fear. They saw fortified cities, giants, and the large populations... they made their enemies seem larger than life. Later in the chapter they said they felt like grasshoppers compared to the men they saw. They forgot about God. Because they chose to focus on what they felt was the impossible and did not believe in Godthey wandered for 40 years; a simple lack of faith and disobedience cost them dearly.

Life brings us many challenges, but we can not allow ourselves to lose focus. Our God is bigger than any of our problems and nothing is impossible for him. God is not limited by our reason, our perceptions, or our expectations - Thank God!

 

 

 

A Challenge....

Proverbs 28:27  "Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed."

Proverbs 19:17  "If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord - and he will repay you!"

 

DO YOU SEE ME?

I am everywhere but you do not see

Who I am, Who I was, or meant to be.

When I look at you; You turn the other way,

I wasn’t always what you almost saw today.

A father, a mother, little girls or boys,

Like you, I was small and played with toys.

Back then you’d share and play with me,

Things have change;  Me, you do not see!

Lifetime of choices have taken their toll,

Faith,  hope, and love – they have been stole.

Bruised and battered and almost broken,

Seen me all over but you’ve never spoken.

“Jesus loves you,” you might claim,

Why don’t you ever ask my name?

    -TG

 

 

   I wanted to put out a challenge - I know that we all see homeless people everyday and sometimes we give them a couple dollars or some of our lunch etc... How often do you truly acknowledge them as a person? Not judge them for their current circumstance, but honestly tried to connect to them on a personal level?

I know that "times are tough," but I personally took an inventory of the money I spend each week on soda, snacks, and other miscellaneous non essential items and it kind of surprised me. I have decided to give a set amount each day - but instead of giving it to an organization I want to give it to a person. Each morning I will pray that God puts a person that needs a little help in my path and leads me to interact with them and that God will be honored through our encounter.

I think sometimes we miss the point of helping someone - I think sometimes people will give someone a couple dollars to help their own conscience... but they are missing the point. It is about God, not about making us feel better or buying atonement.

I challenge you to pray about this and if you feel God is speaking to you, pray each morning that God will set up an "appointment" for you each day. Dare to ask their name, tell them that you prayed God would use you and that He set up your meeting. Dare to share a little love with your fellow man...

 

Religious Elitists?

Acts 17:22-23  "So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about."

 

When Paul was preaching in Athens he did not immediately alienate them by condemning their culture or their beliefs. He did not force feed them with a lot of Old Testament teaching, he met them on a common ground. He spoke in terms that they knew and were familiar with. He did not compromise his message or his beliefs, he simply found a way to relate to the people.

We do not have to blend in to our society, but we need to be able to relate to people. God has called people from all walks of life for a reason - maybe part of that is to be able to relate to one another. How much more believable it a testimony from a person that has "been there", you know they can relate to you?

Sometimes Christians forget that we are called to share the gospel with the ends of the Earth; we were not called to screen the "applicants". God's gift can not be earned, it is given freely and it is not for us to decide who receives the message...

Just 'Cause It's Normal Doesn't Make It Right!

Genesis 19:1-9    "That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground. "My lords," he said, "come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guest for the night. You may then get up early in the morning and be on your way again." "Oh, no," they replied. "We'll just spend the night out here in the city square." But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate. But before they retired for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the house. They shouted to Lot, "Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!" So Lot stepped outside to talk to them, shutting the door behind him. "Please, my brothers," he begged, "don't do such a wicked thing. Look, I have two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do with them as you wish. But please, leave these men alone, for they are my guests and are under my protection." "Stand back!" they shouted. "This fellow came to town as an outsider, and now he's acting like our judge! We'll treat you far worse than those other men!" And they lunged toward Lot to break down the door."

As a father, this story totally confuses me. How could a father offer his own daughters to be raped by a mob? Part of this has to do with the customs of the time that required Lot to protect his guests, others speculate that Lot knew the men would not accept his daughters... but either way the prevalence of sin in Sodom is undeniable.

Later in the story we see that Lot tried to encourage his family to leave, but he was not believed - he had lost his credibility. Sodom was truly a Godless place. Even with the impending doom and the angels warning, Lot's wife could not turn away completely...

After I read this chapter I began to think about our world, society today, and what has become acceptable behavior. Our moral fiber is in a continual state of decline... look back at movies in the 60's and 70's that were rated R and now look at our PG movies (if you can find one) - I believe a lot of our rated R movies today would have never been produced twenty years ago. We have become desensitized to sexual content, nudity, profanity, etc. The more we are exposed the more acceptable an activity (or sin) becomes. We deceive ourselves into thinking, "it is not that bad," simply because it has become a "norm" in society. The sin has not changed - the hardness of our hearts has only increased.

The people at Sodom believed their conduct was acceptable - it was their norm. What areas of your life have become acceptable to you, a place where your norm that is not aligned with God's law? Just because the world finds something acceptable, does not make it right.

The Royal....

http://www.therocksandiego.org/theroyal/

The link above is to a series the church is doing called the Royal. It is designed to help you understand and get more out of reading your Bible. The site will be updated regularly and the course should run throughout the rest of the year. Hope you enjoy.

Credit Where Credit Is Due...

Acts 12:21-23  "... When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, "It's the voice of a god, not a man!" Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died."

Herod took the glory instead of honoring God... it cost him his life. Granted, Herod was not the nicest of men - he had James beheaded and Peter arrested, but the Bible says he was struck with sickness for taking the glory instead of giving it to God.

Human pride is behind many of our sins; it keeps us from admitting our faults, confessing our transgressions, seeking forgiveness, and causes us to isolate ourselves from others out of fear they might know who we really are. Herod's pride lead to his death.

Take time to reflect on instanceswhen you have taken the credit for God's work, when you think you did something on your own, or believe something happened by purely your own efforts... be thankful God is merciful and spend sometime acknowledging all the ways He has blessed your life and is at work in it. 

From Max Lucado

James 4:4  "Anyone who wants to be a friend of the world becomes God's enemy."

 

    John the Baptist would never get hired today. No church would touch him. He was a public relations disaster. He "wore clothes made from camel's hair, had a leather belt around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey" (Mark 1:6). Who would want to look at a guy like that every Sunday?

His message was as rough as his dress: a no-nonsense, bare-fisted challenge to repent because God was on his way.

John the Baptist set himself apart for one task, to be a voice of Christ. Everything about John centered on his purpose. His dress. His diet. His actions. His demands.

You don't have to be like the world to have an impact on the world. You don't have to be like the crowd to change the crowd. You don't have to lower yourself down to their level to lift them up to your level. Holiness doesn't seek to be odd. Holiness seeks to be like God. 

Who Are You....

Acts 11:15-17  "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So if God gave them the same gifts as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"

 Peter posed the question to the apostles and the brothers in Judea after he returned from sharing God's message with Cornelius (some gentiles). They were criticizing him about eating with the gentiles etc, I thought it was interesting that they were questioning Peter this way. Some of the men questioning him had been the same men who had witnessed Jesus' ministry first hand but they still were critical of who could accept God's gifts.

I started thinking about religions today and the churches. How many churches truly embrace people - not their members, but people. It seems some of our churches have been victimized by our pride and we have answered Peter's question - we are! Maybe we need to really look at ourselves and have we allowed our doctrine, our religion, or even our personal actions and attitudes to oppose God? God has many gifts to give - salvation and forgiveness included, so who are we to oppose God?

Thoughts From Experiencing God...

"You may be saying, 'God, hurry up and make me mature.' And God is saying, 'I'm moving just as fast in your life as you will allow Me. When you are ready for your next lesson, I will bring a new truth into your life.'" (Experiencing Godby Henry and Richard Blackaby)

 

 

Not much more to say... I know I find myself trying to hurry God often, patience is hard for me to learn. Thank God that he loves me and that God is love - "Love is patient."
 

 

Saul or Paul, Either Way One Bad Man...

Acts 9:1-9  "Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the hight priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them - both men and women - back to Jerusalem in chains. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" "Who are you, lord?" Saul asked. And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink."

Saul was very zealous in his Jewish beliefs, that is why he was so anxious to pursue the Christians. Damascus was about a 150 mile trip from Jerusalem, the man was motivated. Damascus was also a very commercial city at the time and by squashing Christianity there, Saul effectively limit the spread of this "new movement." Saul was also present at Stephen's stoning, the men who stoned Stephen actually placed their coats at Saul's feet. Saul was a key figure in the persecution of the early church.

The rest of the chapter tells how Saul's eye sight was restored and how he eventually linked up with the apostles in Jerusalem, but at what cost. Saul went from a man of great influence and power to being hunted; from a proud man to being blinded; once  he demanded respect and fear now he was being smuggled out of cities in baskets.

Following Jesus cost Saul everything, he was an up and coming member of the Jewish faith and following Jesus made him a hated man. Look at all the time he would later spend in Jail, being a victim of the persecution he so readily gave others...What will it cost us?

He later wrote, "... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:11-13)

Whatever the cost, I pray to learn to be content...

The Magic of BAND-AIDS...

Tonight my daughter had a scrape from a fall she had a school. The teacher gave her a couple Band-Aids so I did not see the actual cut, but knowing my daughter I assumed it was a simple paper-cut. When I went to replace her Band-Aids I noticed that she actually did have some pretty good scrapes. As she saw her cuts the tears began to flow but after a little Neosporin and fresh Band-Aids she was back to her smiling self. What ever happened to the "Magic of Band-Aids?"

There is Magic in that little box, every child knows that a "Band-Aid makes it all better." When did we outgrow Band-Aids? Wouldn't it be nice if there were Band-Aids for emotional wounds, just slap one on and all the pain was magically erased; wait a few days to take it off and the blemish is all gone!

The best I can figure is somewhere between age nine and twelve we became "too cool" for Band-Aids, our desire to fit in with the crowd stole the magic power of the Band-Aid. Little did we know then that the same crowd we wanted to belong to would be the source of most of our emotional cuts growing up.

Now as an adult I find myself reading my Bible and leaning on God to heal my pain. I was thinking about the "faith" my daughter has in her Band-Aids, maybe that is what God meant by child-like faith. God still has "magic Band-Aids"; if we let Him and place our trust in Him, He will heal us. Only problem that I still struggle with is the same one every little kid has, I have to sit still and let him tend to my injuries.... even when it "stings a little."

What Are Your Motives?

Acts 8:9-23  "A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as "the Great One - the Power of God." They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic. But now the people believed Philip's message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God's message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid hands on the people, he offered them money to buy this power. 'let me have this power, too," he exclaimed, "so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!" But Peter replied, "May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's gift can be bought! You have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin."

 

 

As I was reading the account of Simon the Sorcerer, I was drawn to the rebuke Simon was given by Peter. Peter's strong words were directed at Simon's heart and his motives for wanting the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then the next logical question, to me, came to mind - Was Simon saved?

The passage said that Simon believed and was baptized - but in James 2:19 when it is speaking about faith without deeds etc, "You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder." Therefore believing itself is not enough. The passage said that Simon believed Philip's message - so I think he probably did accept Philip's message and believe in Jesus. Maybe Simon's issue was the same that many of us face - a heart condition.

Simon was the man - he was called "the Great One." He was a powerful man and had captivated the minds of the people of Samaria, then came Philip. Philip stole the show, Philip had real power that God had given him. Simon witnessed these miracles and was obviously curious. The wording of the texts leads me to believe that Simon heard and received Philip's message - because it makes no distinction between Simon believing and the others. Simon's salvation was between Simon and God, only God truly knows the heart of a man.

Now Simon sees this "special" power that Peter and John have, he wants it. He sees this as something valuable and I believe, a way to regain his "position" in the community. So Simon's pride takes over and he tries to buy the Holy Spirit - to become the first franchisee in Samaria. "Just think all the new Christians would have to come to Simon to get the "gift" and if he made a few bucks along the way..."

Obviously Peter's rebuke shows how misguided Simon's thoughts and heart were, Peter also reinforces that God's gifts can not be bought. Peter makes it clear that it is God's choice to forgive us - that forgiveness in itself is a gift. Simon begged them to pray for him, so I do believe he understood his mistake despite his heart condition.

Maybe we have not tried to "buy" God's blessings or gifts in our lives, but maybe we have tried to negotiate with him... our ways might not have been as obvious as Simon's, but sometimes we need to check our heart condition too.

Borrowed Thoughts on Leadership

"A third element in the making of a leader - besides the right raw material and the right life experiences - is the right character. Character, is absolutely critical in leadership. America's current moral decline is directly linked to the fact that we have elected, appointed, and hired too many leaders who have no character. In recent years, some have tried to argue that character doesn't really matter in leadership; what a man does in his private life supposedly should not factor in whether he is deemed fit for a public leadership role. That perspective is diametrically opposed to what the Bible teaches. Character does matter in leadership. It matters a lot.

In fact, character is what makes leadership possible. People simply cannot respect or trust those who lack character. And if they do not respect a man, they will not follow him. Time and truth go hand in hand. Leaders without character eventually disappoint their followers and lose their confidence. The only reason such people are often popular is that they make other people who have no character feel better about themselves. But they aren't real leaders.

Lasting leadership is grounded in character. Character produces respect. Respect produces trust. And trust motivates followers."

While reading John MacArthur's book this paragraph grabbed me... Character not only applies to leaders, it applies to everyone.