Martin the Cobbler

In perhaps his best book, The Shoemaker's Gift, Leo Tolstoy tells of an elderly shoemaker Martin, believing that God has forsaken him after the loss of his family and that he has little to live for. Martin finds new inspiration when a clergyman leaves behind a Bible. His explorations of Bible stories shine a new light in the darkest corners of his heart.

In the book he asks "But how is one to live for God?" The old man answered: "How one may live for God has been shown us by Christ. Can you read? Then buy the Gospels, and read them: there you will see how God would have you live. You have it all there." These words sank deep into Martin's heart, and that same day he went and bought himself a Testament in large print, and began to read.
He came to  Matthew 7:24-27.  He tried his own life by the standard of those words, asking himself:
"Is my house built on the rock, or on sand?

He read Luke 7:44 and thought: "He gave no water for his feet, gave no kiss, his head with oil he did not anoint?" And Martin took off his spectacles once more, laid them on his book, and pondered.
"He must have been like me, that Pharisee. He too thought only of himself ? how to get a cup of tea, how to keep warm and comfortable; never a thought of his guest. He took care of himself, but for his guest he cared nothing at all. Yet who was the guest? The Lord himself! If he came to me, should I behave like that?"

One night Martin then hears the voice of the Lord say to him that he will come and be his guest tomorrow. Martin is expectant to see the Lord throughout the next day but at the end of the day he has not come. But the people that Martin interacts with throughout his day were those that God had sent his way. When I was hungered, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in." "In so much as ye did it to the least of my brethren  you did it to me."

And Martin understood that his dream had come true; and that the Savior had really come to him that day, and he had welcomed him. He who had repaired the soles of shoes, had his own soul repaired that day.
What great lessons we can learn from this story... and we all have a story to tell each day in the situations that we are given.

You can listen to the audio dramatization of this story presented by the Focus on the Family Radio Theater:

http://media.focusonthefamily.com/fotf/mp3/fof_daily_broadcast/ffd_2012/4_oct_nov_dec/ffd_20121224.mp3

God Became Man

Here is an interesting story from Jon Courson:

Imagine that God takes you on a guided tour of the cosmos, and He says, "Look at that planet over there."
And you say, "Hey, that's... " and you zoom in closer. "Wow, a planet that's totally inhabited by dogs.
"No, no. Look closer." And so you look closer. You zoom in a little tighter and you see that that planet, is inhabited by dogs. The dogs all have their fangs bared. Saliva is running down their mouth. They're bloody, and devouring, and fighting constantly, crazily, wild eyes flaming from within them you see.
"Oh Lord, that's terrible. What's the deal?"
"The whole planet", He says to you, "has been infected with rabies."
"Oh Father, wow, that's sad. Wipe them out."
"Well", He says, "you see, I really love those dogs."
"You do?"
"I really do."
"Well, okay. Help them out."
"I want to. I've got medicine for them that will totally and completely heal them."
"Well, give it to them Father!"
"Therein lies the problem", He says to you. "You see, I'm so big and awesome, and holy, and powerful, that they don't even acknowledge me. The only way that I can really speak to them and make this medicine available for them is if I send somebody to live among them and become just like them. That's why I brought you here.
"Let me get this straight," you say. "Those dogs that are sick and bloodied and fighting and devouring each other, you care about? And You have a medicine to help them?"
"Uh- huh."
"And You can't really connect with them because You're so awesome and big?"
"Right."
"And somebody's got to become like them to relate to them and share with them?"
"Uh-huh."
"And that's why You brought me here?"
"Yeah. I want you to become a dog."
"Wow."
"And not just any kind of dog. We're talking Chihuahua."
"You mean, You want me to become a Chihuahua?"
"That's right. Humble and meek, and the lowly of mind. And there's something else. When you talk to them, they're not going to listen to you. In fact, most of them are going to be viscously antagonistic toward you. In fact, they're going to sink their fangs into you and rip you apart and wipe you out."
"I'm going to become a Chihuahua, and tell these dogs that You have medicine for them, that You care about them, but they're going to turn on me. They're going to sink their fangs into me, they're going to shred me... "
"Yes."
"They're going to kill me."
"Yes."
"But, but,... but after that, I will resurrect you from the dead."
"Whew."
"But it's not that simple. You see, you will then be a resurrected, glorified Chihuahua - - forever. You will be resurrected and glorified, but you will remain a dog throughout eternity."

That's what happened to our Lord, our leader, our love, our hero, our king, our friend. Except that - the step Jesus Christ took down, to become like us; to dwell with us and die for us and remain like us, (for He still is totally human. A hundred percent God, yes, but a hundred percent man. He's locked into His humanity). The step that He took down to become like you and me, is a step far, far more radical than if you became a Chihuahua. I can't help then, but say "Lord, what can I do for You? In light of what You did for me, what can I do for You?" That's why Paul said, "It's the love of Christ that compels us,  because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died."

I'm sure it will take an eternity to grasp just how much he loves us and what it cost Him to purchase us.

Audrey Assad- Winter Snow

The Kinsman Redeemer

The book of Ruth is a classic love story of loyalty and devotion, yet it also contains some surprising insights that go far beyond the historical narrative itself.

One of the principal characters is Naomi, a Bethlehemite, who migrates with her husband and two sons to distant Moab because of a famine. The two sons take Moabite women for wives. During the ten years that follow, Naomi's husband and both her two sons pass away, leaving her destitute.

Upon hearing that things have turned for the better in her native Bethlehem, Naomi decides to return home. She encourages the two young girls to make new lives for themselves among their own people.

However, Ruth refuses, insisting upon remaining with Naomi, declaring one of the most famous commitments in the Scriptures:

Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. Ruth 1:16, 17

Upon returning to Bethlehem, Ruth encounters the hero of the tale, the land owner, Boaz. To follow the plot, one must understand the Law of Redemption. In ancient Israel, land wasn't sold as we are used to. Since God was the real landowner, Israel was simply a tenant under conditions of obedience. When land was "sold," the buyer received only the use of the land, not clear title. There were conditions under which a kinsman of the seller could "redeem" the land back to the original family.

The scroll mentioned in Revelation Chapter 5 was written "within and on the backside," which identifies it as a deed subject to redemption. A Kinsman of Adam, in His role as a Kinsman-redeemer, Jesus will take final possession of what He already purchased with His blood as the sacrificial Lamb. He not only purchased the land; he also purchased a Bride. The Kinsman Redeemer needed to be qualified to fulfill the deed and be willing to fulfill it. Christ was qualified because he came to earth as a man and lived a sinless life. Also he was willing to take on our sin and shame, as he subjecting his will to His Father.

In the Book of Ruth, Naomi is viewed by scholars as a type of Israel, exiled from her land; Boaz is her kinsman, who performs the redemption of the land; and Ruth (a Gentile) is also purchased for a wife. It is interesting that Ruth is introduced to Boaz through an unnamed servant (functioning as the Holy Spirit). The Church, as the Gentile "Bride of Christ," is introduced to the ultimate Kinsman-redeemer by the Holy Spirit also. Boaz is not only the "lord of the harvest," he saves the day by performing the role of a  "Kinsman- Redeemer." In Hebrew tradition, a Kinsman Redeemer was a qualified relative, someone who could step into a situation, and assist with restoring property, financial security, and future inheritance.

Boaz and Ruth marry and have a child, ensuring the continuation of the Davidic line. God works through the actions of a widow, a foreigner, and a wealthy farmer to bring about the birth of the grandfather of King David, which ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus.

It is interesting that the field of Boaz is near where the shepherds received the annoucement of Christ's birth. Caves where shepherds “kept watch over their flock” still abound in the area east of Bethlehem. The angel’s good news was not given to the noble or pious, but to workers of low reputation. Jewish literature ranked “shepherds” among the most despised occupations of the time — but Christ was to identify himself with this occupation when he called himself “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11).

How can we be a Kinsman Redeemer to those in need around us?

1. Notice others. Take a look around you. Who do you see lagging behind?  Someone who has fallen on hard times?

2. Clothe with Comfort & Kindness. Sometimes a big hug or a listening ear is all that one needs. Clothing others with kindness means that we are investing in their desires and care about them.

3. Give. Go out of your way to give. When Boaz noticed Ruth, first he showed compassion to her by listening to her needs. He made sure she was protected by instructing his workers to look after her by giving extra food. Boaz wanted to make sure that no further harm would come to her.  


With the passing of jazz legend Dave Brubeck, here is a musical selection from his last album with his quartet, made 7 years ago at age 84. The other video following is an interview with Dave on World War 2 reflections when he served his country.

Personal Training

 
So another Thanksgiving has come and gone and we are left with fond memories... and excess pounds. Should we feel guilty about this or make a plan to discipline ourselves in matters of physical fitness?

I Timothy 4:8 – “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Paul writes to Timothy pastoring a church in Ephesus. Ephesus is located across from the Aegean Sea next to Greece – a country that worshiped the body at the expense of the spirit. Paul is trying to help Timothy understand and teach proper priorities in one’s life. So, he says in verse 7, “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” The word “discipline” also means train. In verse 8, Paul says physical exercise has its value as well as the pursuit of spiritual fitness. Paul encourages both types of training to take place, but that godliness should always have a higher priority. Paul challenges us to “run the Christian race” and commit ourselves as an athlete – ultimately that our entire life may glorify God. We are using something that is of some value (sports and recreation) to pursue something of greater value (godliness) as we run for “the crown that will last forever.”

Studies have shown that exercise gives us physical and mental concentration, stronger muscles and bones, helps us sleep better, reduces fatigue, depression, and anxiety, fights heart disease, and generally gives a longer, healthier life.

Jason David Frank, who famously fought villains in his white metallic armor as Tommy the Power Ranger, encourages physical fitness through his martial arts clothing line "Jesus Didn’t Tap".  Frank says, “Jesus is the only one that truly didn’t tap. They say, ‘Oh, he was nailed to the cross so he couldn’t tap.’ Well, you can verbally tap, you can verbally cry, ‘I quit! I give up!’ That’s not what he did. He got crucified for all our sins.”

Let's make exercise a priority – it has some value! It is not a waste of time - it is an investment into your life – your quality of life. Pray and ask God to help you – even if you just start a few times a week to get moving for even just 15 minutes. And then live your life passionately for God – with energy!


Jason David Frank video on Fit TV:

Faith in Action

 By faith, George Mueller overcame huge obstacles and established many orphanages throughout England that fed and housed thousands of orphans. Mr. Mueller believed that faith rested upon the Word of God. He said, “When sight ceases, then faith has a chance to work.” As long as there was any possibility of human success, he felt that faith could accomplish nothing. His motto was “God is able to do this; I cannot.”

These kinds of choices are called faith choices or non-feeling choices. They are choices to believe and trust in God (regardless of how we feel) in the midst of huge obstacles. Faith choices are simply saying, “not my will but Thine,” just like Jesus did in Matthew 26:39.

We must take our eyes off the temporal situations and focus on God’s eternal plan. That’s our hope! That’s our destiny! And that’s our future! Not the temporal things of today. He created us, He called us, and He has instilled that ultimate purpose in our hearts. And the only way it will be realized is when we, by faith, align ourselves with His plan.
 
'I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers…that ye may know what is the hope of His calling…what is the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power towards us who believe'…
— Ephesians 1:16–19

As we pursue lives of faith, we can easy be overwhelmed with all the needs that we see around us, leaving us paralyzed feeling unable to act. Ambassador Tony P. Hall,  had this experience when in India. He had the opportunity to meet Mother Teresa and as they were walking through the streets of Calcutta she stopped to care for people along the side of the road. Tony said to her, “What can I possibly do to help end hunger around the world?  I can’t even help the hungry people on this street!”  After a few minutes she said, “Tony, you just need to do the thing that’s in front of you.  No more, no less.”


Orrin Evans - Faith In Action

 

Transhumanism - The Brave New World

The twenty-first century has  already given us a rapid growth in knowledge, and will continue to be stranger than we can imagine, especially in the areas of science and technology. What was once considered science fiction will soon become science fact. In recent years, the concepts of intelligent machines and computers manipulating a person’s mind have become popular through movies such as Short Circuit, The Matrix, and Star Trek Nemesis which proclaimed that "to be human is to seek self-enhancement."

Widely noticed publications, such as the NSF/DOC-sponsored report “Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance” and the final report of the President’s Council on Bioethics, “Beyond Therapy: Biotechnology and the Pursuit of Happiness,” have given close attention to human enhancement through technology.

Bio-technology’s popular uses shows a long list, among them weight loss, hair growth, birth control, teeth straightening, and sex selection of children. Transhumanism takes human enhancement even further, by changing the vision of a perfect man into a human-machine complex properly called “posthuman.” This is an effort to break every human limitation and redefine personhood. Nick Bostrom, Oxford philosophy professor and co-founder of the World Transhumanism Association, writes that posthumans will realize eternal youth and health, gain complete control over their minds and emotions, and “experience novel states of consciousness” that present human minds cannot imagine. Post-humans may even choose to discard their bodies in favor of life as “information patterns on vast super fast computer networks, or transferring their mind into another body to extend their life. This raises questions that the church needs to consider over will this new "person" have a soul and will they have the ability to receive Christ as their Savior?

As the Bible says in Genesis 11:6, "...now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."  How long will it be before His patience is once again exhausted?
Some of the more bizarre terrors in the Book of Revelation seem less strange as we peer into the emerging world of biotechnology.  The "iron mixed with miry clay" in the image of the final world empire portrayed in Nebuchadnezzar's dream of Daniel 2 has also puzzled scholars for centuries. "And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay." - Daniel 2:43
To "mingle themselves with seed of men," they have to be something other than the seed of men.  What can they be?  Are they hybrids produced by cloning?  Are they Nephilim produced by fallen angels? (The Restrainer of 2 Thessalonians 2 may be restraining far more than we have any idea.)
It is time to diligently do our homework; the days are getting stranger with every bizarre breakthrough and our time is getting shorter.  There is no priority in our life more urgent than our spiritual preparation.  None of these things is unanticipated in God's plan for you and me.  And there is no way to be ready for what's coming unless you know your Bible...and unless you have a personal relationship with its Author!

The transformation Christians should be seeking is not the physical or psychological enhancement found in science, reason, or technology, but rather the trans-forming work found only in God’s supernatural work through His Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). Romans 12:2 says:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2
Christians need to be aware of Transhumanism and its various forms, but they need not concern themselves with seeking something they cannot and should not attain—autonomous perfection in a utopian world society. Man’s salvation is found only in the perfect and complete atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his promise of eternal life, as a free gift, to those who believe in him (Romans 3:23-26; Ephesians 2:8-9).

So where does this leave us in regard to the morality of this? The technology per se is not immoral any more than the Internet or television is immoral. It is Man’s use of it and his motivation that is at issue. However, if we attempt to thwart God’s power for our own personal gain, then the use of genetic engineering cannot be condoned. Also, for whatever reason, if the use of the technology is for eugenic purposes or to create biological weapons, it is clearly immoral.

As Christians, we must be the “Watchmen on the Wall” in regard to the use of this technology. We should question—loudly—technology and techniques that might lead to hasty or untested results. We need to provide a moral compass to assure that the results of genetic engineering do not degrade the integrity of Man nor make a mockery of God’s creation.

Singer/songwriter Sara Groves speaks on bio-ethics:

The Artist's Heart - Part 2

This week we will discuss the artist and emotions. We are made to be emotional beings. However, we are not to be haunted by the "dark side" of our emotions but free to live emotionally healthy, instead of unstable, slaves to untrustworthy feelings.
Jesus said "Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted". King David, who was also a poet and songwriter, was an emotional guy. Would David feel at home in your church today or would he see your church as a place only for those who have "arrived"?

To help in managing emotions here are some helpful tips:

1. Be proactive about pursuing truth. (Phil. 4:8). Speak the truth to yourself and others, as David did in Psalm 51:8. The next time you catch yourself overreacting or assuming the worst of a situation, ask your self if you are basing your reaction on truth or speculation.

2. Be proactive on worshiping God. Make a commitment to regularly set aside time to worship God.
John Piper writes,"Worship must engage your emotions and worship must engage your thought. Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy and a church full of unspiritual fighters. Emotion without truth produces empty frenzy and cultivates flaky people who reject the discipline of rigorous thought. True worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who love deep and sound doctrine."
C.S. Lewis called worship "inner health made audible".
Also, worship music can refresh and restore you as well as reading the Psalms.

3. Seek God's will. In the garden, Jesus knew the cross was before him, and the battle within that He was fighting.  His date with the cross was growing closer and closer, and His human emotions began come out. He became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death." -Mark 14:32-34. Can you even imagine the thoughts and emotions that must have been going through His mind?  Jesus felt the fear, but He did not allow His emotions to stand in the way of God's will and God's way.

Personal Action Steps:

1. Make a commitment to read a Psalm a day and journal about what you read.
2. Make a commitment to listen to worship music this week during the time that you would normally watch TV.
3. Habakkuk 3:17-18 was written in a farming society. Rewrite this in your own words using your own work profession.

Recommended book:

Warrior Poets of the 21st Century by Robin Mark
http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Poets-21st-Century-Robin/dp/1932307788

The Artist's Heart - Part 1

For the actor, artist, musician, sound technician, interior decorator, or other creative person, I pray this series will help you gain a better understanding of yourself and how to use your talents in ministry to others.

We see the arts play a big part in the Bible. Ezekiel acted out the siege of Jerusalem and even drew the city skyline as a backdrop (Ezekiel 4). King Solomon made windows with artistic frames (I Kings 6:4, and the temple artwork, such as the columns, had no structural significance. It was beauty for the sake of beauty (2 Chronicles 3:15-17).

The artistic journey begins with a desire to create. But this is only the beginning. The seed to create will in time grow into a full-blown philosophy of artmaking.

Here are some characteristics of a God honoring artist:

1. Excellence In Craft
They purpose to develop skills on par with the talent given them. They pray to be filled with skill, ability and knowledge. They work hard, for as the Scripture says: "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." They study to learn why some things work and others don't.
 
2. Make The Most Of Every Opportunity
They give their best to God in their home, church or university, being seen as faithful in the little things that they might be found ready and prepared for the bigger. They recognize that contemporary tools are nice to have, but are no substitute for astonishing ideas.

3. Find Balance Between Work And Rest
Foolish is the man that thinks he's succeeding just because how hard he is working. As the Scripture says, "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil." Rather than worrying about basic provisions, true artists memorize and trust God's promises to provide.

4. Pray For Humility
True artists pray for humility and don't struggle endlessly against circumstances designed to humble them. Instead they see difficult circumstances as a provision from God and an answer to their prayers. They welcome the discipline of the Lord because it is a testimony of his fatherly love and a sure sign that he is changing them into the man or woman he has designed them to be.

5. Work Against Apathy
True artists work against indifference, unconcern and disdain. They purpose in their lives and their art to do both in such a way as to lead men and women away from such worthless occupation of the mind and heart.

6. Love The Church
Charlie Peacock writes "True artists purpose to love the Church despite indifference or opposition to their work. Though indifference is their enemy they separate it from the brother or sister who is deceived by it. They are eager to find their place in the Body and do not consider themselves exempt from fellowship and church stewardship responsibilities. They love the Church and do all they can to build it up, for how can you love Christ and hate his Church?"

7. Purpose To Think
Meditate on what is lovely and truthful and desire such things in their art. They never stop thinking. They are curious to know what makes things work. They know the power of ideas and pray to use only those whose consequences produce fruit in keeping with the Spirit of God.

8. Know Mission And Destination
They know where they are going and what they are called to do along the way. Their panoramic vision keeps their eyes on the promise ahead. It keeps their eyes on what has gone before in history.

9. Imitate Jesus
True artists imitate Jesus. They pursue greatness in craft in order to give the Lord the best fruit of the talent he has given them, not to build themselves up. They understand that true greatness is found in the heart of the servant.
After Jesus washed the feet of his disciples he told them, "I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:15-17)

Next week we will look at how the artist manages their emotions and how to do well in your creative work.

Rapture Ready?

Through the Gospels, Jesus relied on the Jewish wedding pattern for many of His parables. We can easily miss these allusions if we aren't familiar with the model of ancient Jewish wedding practices.

The Jewish Wedding
The first step, the Ketubah, or Betrothal, was the establishment of the marriage covenant, when the prospective bridegroom took the initiative and paid the price to purchase her.
Once the bridegroom paid the purchase price, the young man and woman were regarded as husband and wife. From that moment on, the bride was declared to be sanctified - set apart - only for her bridegroom.

After the marriage covenant was established, the groom left his bride at her home to go to his father's house, where he remained separated from his bride for approximately 12 months. This afforded the bride time to gather her dowry and prepare for married life.
During this period of separation, the groom prepared a dwelling place in his father's house to later bring his bride. At the end of the separation, the bridegroom came at night to take his bride to live with him. The groom, the best man, and other male escorts left the father's house and conducted a torch-lit procession to the home of the bride. Although the bride was expecting her groom to come for her, she did not know the time of his coming. As a result, the groom's arrival was preceded by a shout, which announced her imminent departure to be gathered with him.

The Ultimate Bride
The New Testament portrays the Church as the Bride of Christ in Ephesians 5:22-33. Paul continually reminds us of the purchase price and the covenant by which we, the Bride, are set apart, or sanctified.
One of the challenges in fully appreciating Paul's epistles is the need to understand the staggering and distinctive advantages afforded the Church, in contrast to those of the Old Testament saints. And it is this role as the Bride of the Bridegroom that is emphasized in the parables and in the Book of Revelation.

The Departure of the Bridegroom
The Bridegroom has departed, and His return to gather His Bride is imminent. He has gone to prepare a place for you and me. (He has been at it for 2,000 years! It must be an amazing place!)
This very doctrine of "imminence" is taught throughout the New Testament and is a cornerstone of the "pre-tribulational" view: there is no event which is a prerequisite condition for His gathering of His Bride.
Jesus (in the Old Testament) explains:
I will go and return to my place, until they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me earnestly. -Hosea 5:15

The Church has been promised:
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour [time] of temptation [trial], which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. -Revelation 3:10

Isaiah 26:20 Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.

To the extent that there are geopolitical and other signs may suggest a soon return of the King on the horizon. This should, indeed, intensify our priorities to immerse in the Word, reexamine our commitments to our Coming King, stay informed on what is happening in the world (especially with Israel) and seriously address each day which remains with a high degree of urgency.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. -Matthew 24:44

1 John 2:28 "And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming."

While we do not know when the Rapture will occur, we can use spiritual discernment to see sign posts for His return. We still have our daily routines, but remember to "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near." Luke 21:28



Are you really ready? Do you really take Him seriously? As we walk daily with the Lord, may we be able to say with Job: My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. (Job 42:5)

Avalon - People Get Ready... Jesus is Comin'

Jazz Theology

While working on a degree in biblical studies, Robert Gelinas headed to a local jazz venue that stayed  open late and offered bottomless cups of coffee. He would talk to the musicians about Jesus, and they would teach him in the ways of jazz. "It was there," says Gelinas, "that I realized that jazz is more than music and, when understood, can be applied to prayer, Bible study, and the way we do church."

Jazz theology is what happens when we express the basic elements of jazz in our relationship with God—syncopation, improvisation, and call and response. These allow us to experience life in concert with Scripture, with other practicing Christians, be used as servant leaders and sing the blues so as not to waste any pain.
Gelinas says "To sing the blues is to embrace the cross of Christ and the cross he calls us to bear. In the process we realize that Jesus not only redeems us from our sin and sadness, he also actually redeems our sin and sadness."

One of the best things we can do is listen to what others are expressing about what God is doing in their lives, so we can serve them as Christ would.
 
Within the dynamic of His eternal will, God improvises. God’s providential jazz liberates slaves and weeps over cities. God has been triumphant and also sad. Jazz portrays the diversity, freedom and eternal freshness of God. Something in us tells us that our knowing about God is to be more than an intellectual knowing. We long for the kind of knowing that goes beyond the intellect without bypassing the intellect. The kind of knowing of God and being known by God that made God take Enoch early. The kind of knowing that rivals Moses and Joshua as they spoke with God face to face. The kind devotion with God that kept Jesus up all night in conversation with his Father. Jazz theology helps with this kind of knowing.

Robert Gelinas spoke on some key features of jazz and how they harmonize with Christianity:


1. Syncopation accents the off beat and produces swing. God is concerned with those overlooked by others and acts in surprising ways.  Acts 17:28 "For in him we live and move and have our being."



2. Improvisation allows one to be creative within a pattern. God has revealed his "song" but we can improvise within the chord changes.



3. Call and response means that we respond to God's initiative. He calls us to love him and live in and through Jesus Christ.

 ”You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16).

4. Jazz groups are ensembles in which the many function as one, without the members losing their unique identity. Christians are united in Christ, but can express their individuality in harmony with others as part of the Body of Christ. "But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. " I Corinthians 12:18

5. Jazz in rooted in the blues. The blues teaches us to embrace our pain until we smile again. Jesus embraced the ultimate pain on the Cross and turned it into our redemption.

Kirk Whalum: The Gospel According to Jazz

God of the City

Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will.

In western culture, we often think that we can change the cultures and systems in which we live. However we often underestimate how much our cultures and systems are actually shaping us. How we think, feel, and live are influenced by the places where we reside. Part of being a sent people is caring about where we live. God cares about the well-being of our city. God’s Spirit is already at work on behalf of the place where we live. Our welfare is always connected to the welfare of the community we are living in. Try as we may, we cannot be insulated from the influences of the neighborhood. God wants us to pray for our communities, invest ourselves in their welfare, and realize that we have an important role to play in our neighborhoods. Endeavor to promote, as far as you can, the prosperity of the places where you interact with others daily.

Jeremiah’s word of encouragement to the Israelites on the brink of despair was that God was at work in the midst of their messy city. The Israelites could settle down, build houses, and seek the welfare of the city where God had sent them into exile because they knew God’s ultimate plans to restore and gather them from all the nations and from all the places where He had driven them. When we understand our spiritual purpose rooted in who God is and who He created us to be, we can look back, like Joseph, over the trials in life, knowing that God has always and will always be with us (Genesis 39:3, 21).

 Remember the scene from the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when the bad guys had stolen the map to find the “Holy Grail,”? Indiana was distressed at what to do next. His father, however, reminded his son not to worry, because: “I wrote the map!” When our own lives seem directionless, we need to remember that our Heavenly Father has already meticulously drawn out the maps of our lives (Psalm 139:13-16). As we seek God and come to know Him more intimately, He will give direction to our lives.

Chris Tomlin: God of this City

The Model Prayer

This prayer is often called "the Lord's Prayer", but it should really be called "the model prayer". Jesus never had to ask the Father for forgiveness. The true Lord’s Prayer is in John 17,  which is a glimpse of the intimacy between the Son and the Father.  But this prayer can be used by us as a model:

Luke 11:2] And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Jesus began with an intimate direct address: Father. The only time He didn’t call Him Father was when He couldn’t from the cross:  “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Ps 22:1). 

Seven Petitions are made in this prayer:

1. “Hallowed...”: “to set apart or sanctify” or, as here, “to treat as holy.” Thus the request was for God’s reputation to be revered by men. [Furthermore: when God’s people pray, His reputation is at stake!
2.  “Thy kingdom come...” John the Baptist, Jesus, the Twelve, and the 72 had been preaching about the coming of God’s kingdom. This is referring to the time when Christ will to rule during the Millennial Reign... and forever!
   
3. “Thy will be done...” We should continually hold up His agenda.  Prayer is God’s way of enlisting us in what He is doing. Getting ourselves to the place where He can trust us with the answer and His mission.  We never need to be afraid of the answers He gives.  Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His highest willingness.
   
   Luke 11:3] Give us day by day our daily bread.
   
   
4. The provisions for the day; we ask Him for needs – not our greeds.
   
   Luke 11:4] And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
   
   
5. The fifth request concerns man’s relationship to God—the forgiveness of sins. In asking for forgiveness of sins a person expresses his faith that God will forgive him (1 John 1:9).  Such a person then evidences his faith by forgiving others.
   
   
6. The sixth request is, “lead us not into temptation.” But why pray this since God does not want people to sin?  The meaning is that Jesus’ followers are to pray to be delivered from situations that would cause them to sin. His disciples, contrary to the Law experts (Luke 10:25-29), realized that they were easily drawn into sin. We are the same. We are all likely to sin and thus we need to pray to be delivered from those temptations.
   
   Our “being saved” in the past tense is being delivered from the penalty of sin (justification). This can be viewed as “being saved in the present tense: delivered from the power of sin (sanctification), by walking by the Holy Spirit.  Therefore Jesus’ followers need to ask God for help to live righteous lives.
   
   
7. Seventh petition: “Deliver us from [the] evil [one]”.

Now is the time to be strategic. Even pray for what is prophesied (thus, ostensibly inevitable). Prayer is God's way of enlisting us in what He is doing. Knowing that the 70 years of captivity were almost over, Daniel prayed for his people. And Gabriel interrupted this prayer by giving Daniel the most fantastic prophecy in the Bible.

Persistence is always a key to victory in any calling. Don't ever give up. You can't get a clear connection with headquarters with excessive static on the line. This can be the result of unconfessed sin, an unforgiving spirit, selfishness, etc. Be serious and organized. Use a notepad or notebook. Keep a battlefield record of victories! 

Recognize that God often will veto our requests for our own good. (Moses' denied entry into the Promised land, Paul's "thorn in the flesh," et al. Even Christ in Gethsemane subjected His petitions to the Father's will.)  
Don't be discouraged; that is a victory for the enemy. Realize that God finds many ways-each day-to ask you, "Do you trust me?" 

Where Are Your Leaves?

As I write this blog, it is almost tomorrow. I just came back from seeing the new movie 'The Odd Life of Timothy Green'. Warning: spoilers below! The movie involves a husband and wife who want more than anything to have a child, but can't. They begin to write down character traits for what they would want to see in their child, put them in a box, and bury it in their garden. That night a rain storm comes and through a miraculous event Timothy appears to them and becomes their son. They discover Timothy has an interesting "birthmark', leaves on his legs. Throughout the movie Timothy loses the leaves as he develops relationships with people, investing in their lives,  and self-sacrificing acts of service. Its not easy for him, as he has to let some experiences go in his life. I won't spoil the ending but it leaves you (no pun intended) with questions like "How can we make the most of the limited time we're given here on earth?" and "How can we build upon past relationships?"
As we read in Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:9, Christians will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of what we did with the time and gifts we were given here on earth.
The judgment seat of Christ is not a place where the Lord will give out punishment for sins committed by the child of God. Rather, it is a place where rewards will be given or lost depending on how one has used his or her life for the Lord. 

God graciously supplies the means by which we may serve Him. He works in us both to will and to do as we volitionally appropriate His grace (Phil. 2:12-13), but the decision to serve, and the diligence employed in doing so, is our responsibility and contribution and God sees this as rewardable.

 We each are given gifts and abilities to serve our Redeemer and Creator here on earth. We are like the seeds in John 12:24 that must fall to the ground and die (to our selfish desires) in order to bear fruit. Invest in treasures that will last eternally: people. Have any leaves fallen off you today? 


Verses to meditate on: 

Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

Colossians 1:29 And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

 

 

Flourish Like a Palm Tree

Psalm 92:12-15 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.

King David tells us here that “the righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.” But we are far removed from the symbols and customs of this past age, so what is he really saying?

1. Palm trees grow to incredible heights (over 200 feet) and straight up. Their root structure is nourished that they fully support the height of the tree. While the storms and winds may cause the tree to bend and sway, when the storms subside the tree stands firm and tall once again having never been uprooted. In addition, they produce edible fruit yearly
2. Cedars of Lebanon can have a trunk base as wide as 8 ft. They are symbols of strength and dignity throughout the Middle East.
This is very applicable to us in that those who are “planted in the house of the Lord” (those who are saved through God’s grace and place their dependence on God, will flourish and grow despite storms, struggles, and age. Nothing in this world can keep them from growing straight and tall (looking to God), being fruitful (nourishing others with God’s love and grace), and growing strong (because His is their rock).
 Now is the time to rise up like the palm tree! 

Canary in a Coal Mine

 Life for a canary in a coal mine can be described in three words: "short but meaningful." Early coal mines did not have ventilation systems, so miners would bring in a caged canary since they are more sensitive to methane and carbon monoxide gas buildup than humans. As long as the bird kept singing, the miners knew their air supply was safe. When the canaries survived and flourished, their work was productive. When the canaries died it was time to evacuate the mine.

The phrase "living like a canary in a coal mine" can refer to someone who serves as a warning to others. The actual canary has little control over its life, but it continued to sing anyway, living without compromise.
And so it is with us, the future is unpredictable. There is much stress, fear, and uncertainty in many people’s heart. We do not know what tomorrow holds for us, but we know who knows everything and that is encouraging. Your life, your security and your future are in the hands of the living God. God is with us and he is in control.
Our past, our present and our future are in His hands. When we understand this truth there is nothing that we can be afraid of because we know who holds our life and future.
There are two ways to deal with your future: in faith or in fear. Remember what Jesus said: In this world, you will have trouble, but don’t be afraid, I have overcome the world.

That is what faith is. That is the assurance that we have. No matter how strong the storm, no matter how high the waves grow and toss us around on the ocean, we can stand firm secure to our Anchor  because he will get us where we need to go.
Once we realize this, each day we can choose to sing like the canary and bring relief to others around us.

Verses to meditate on:

2 Corinthians 1:4  Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Psalm 103:19  The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.

Psalm 31:15  My times are in your hand. 

Laying Down Tracks

Constructed between 1848 and 1854, with more than 20,000 workers, was the Semmering railway. This was an astronomical undertaking seeing this is a steep, treacherous part of the Alps, between Austria and Italy. Even more remarkable is the fact that during the time of laying down tracks there were no trains available yet. These men had a desire in their hearts to open up their community and reach out further than they had before. They built it in preparation knowing that someday the trains would come.

And so it is with us. During the mundane, routine times of life we also can choose to prepare for what may come. Too often the battle is lost in our mind even before we try. Our doubts, fears, and comparing our lives to others can quench the God given talents, gifts, and desires that we may have. Be honest with God. He already knows what is on your heart and has promised to direct your steps.

Now there is no guarantee that every dream or desire we have will happen but we can know that if we have trusted our Savior with keeping us in his hands for eternity, he knows what our daily needs are and will go with us in the journey. And sometimes the journey brings more joy than the destination.

Video: Jeremy Camp singing "My Desire"

Verses to meditate on

Proverbs 27:12 A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”

1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever

I Peter 1:13
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

John 15:7-11

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.