Lifeling Journey

Well here we are in a new year and I have taken up the challenge to attempt to record something of my exploration of life through this means. I have commenced a new book titled "The Lego Principle" (The power of connecting to God and one another) by Joey Bonifacio. For those who have followed this blog previously you will know this follows something of a strong belief of mine that we are to be about "connecting" - to God, each other and our community.

Along with reading this I have commenced again the Life Journal Reading Plan today, and along with a great friend look to explore the passages together in relation to "what has God to say to us". Thus it was shared with me the reminder from the creation story, that God doesn't want us to be alone. Often I refer to this in the sense that inherently within each of us is a need for, longing for relationship. In the first place this is with God as Creator and beyond this with each other. We are not created to be as islands standing alone, rather purposed in creation to interact and know love through our relationships with each other.

Joey Bonifacio in his exploration of discipleship takes us back to the Matthew 28: 19-20 passage -

¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,^[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)  
 

He commences with this notion of baptism and what this might mean for us in relation to what it meant for Jesus as He too was baptised and the strong connection this forms with God. The emphasis placed upon being "fully immersed, submerged, and soaked. Every part of Him (Jesus) was dedicated and consecrated as He publicly identified Himself with God."

In The Salvation Army I have personally seen our use of the Mercy Seat as a symbolism of the act of baptism whereby our kneeling identifies us with the total surrender to Christ (identifying with Christ in the fully being immersed, submerged and soaked) and rising in the triumphant power of the resurrection with Christ. Note the connectedness we have with Jesus in this act whereby we give over "everything" to live in Him, to be identified with Him in this newness of life.

Go back a moment to the Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3: 13-17) and be reminded of what was of particular significance, not the actual ritual but the result of Jesus' baptism, says Joey Bonifacio. As the words are echoed again for us, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." Words that reflect the strength of the relationship. Words that we might be reminded are for us when we connect to God in our being fully immersed, submerged and soaked in the Spirit  of God.

Connecting...

Well this is a theme I have been convinced about for a long time now. Despite what mission imperatives we might have, such as we do here at Geelong - "changing lives, strengthening families & impacting society", I believe these must have a 'connection' base.

CONNECTING with God
CONNECTING with each other
CONNECTING with our community

Fundamentally, the first is what we were created for, relationship with God. However, it extends to being in a place whereby we follow the plan He has for us, at the same time tapping into a source of strength and power to accomplish what He sets us to do. It is the source of our BEing.

The second is a reminder of the importance and ultimately the need of doing this together, we are to be the 'body' of Christ. We are not a dislocated conglomerate of body parts, we were purposed to be joined together, complimenting each other, working together effectively for the Creator.

Finally, we are to have an external focus (our community) - to be looking and working outside the church - 'others'. Recall the command, 'GO' and make disciples...

The image and analogy that best works for me is the Lego block. None of the above will just happen, like a Lego block with multiple connectors, they have to be pressed together to form a connection. There is something intentional about the act of connecting. We need to be purposeful in our acts. Think about it a moment - the Lego blocks are not dissimilar to us in that they come in all sorts of colours, shapes and sizes, yet the purpose is for them to connect with another part. We too are made for this purpose, so lets ensure we are doing all in our power to ensure this happens with the strongest effect possible.

More on this is to come ...

 

My God...

It is interesting in conversation at times to see how many people have a belief 'in' God. Prevalent today is the thought that God is the same across religions. A figure, being, object, mostly out there somewhere and affecting some things in life, usually to be blamed for the bad things.

1 Kings 5:1-51-4 Hiram king of Tyre sent ambassadors to Solomon when he heard that he had been crowned king in David’s place. Hiram had loved David his whole life. Solomon responded, saying, “You know that David my father was not able to build a temple in honor of God because of the wars he had to fight on all sides, until God finally put them down. But now God has provided peace all around—no one against us, nothing at odds with us.

5 “Now here is what I want to do: Build a temple in honor of God, my God, following the promise that God gave to David my father, namely, ‘Your son whom I will provide to succeed you as king, he will build a house in my honor.’ ”

Here is what stood out 'my God'. The personal relationship that we have with God. It is what often sets Christians apart from others. It is the desire of God that we know Him, His love and care and plan for us each. In the storms and difficult times, He is not remote, removed from it all, He is right there in the midst of it with me - He is MY God and I am His child.

Back to basics ...

I was thinking I could title this one - "Worship 101" - and then for the body of the Blog write the following -

"GOD!"

It really is that simple, isn't it? Oh how I find myself at times complicating things. Getting all concerned with whether I am on track. Whether I have been focused on certain practices, etc, etc. And then I look at the following :

Psalm 96 (New Living Translation)

1 Sing a new song to the Lord!

Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!

2 Sing to the Lord; praise his name.

Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.

3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.

Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

4 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!

He is to be feared above all gods.

5 The gods of other nations are mere idols,

but the Lord made the heavens!

6 Honor and majesty surround him;

strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.

7 O nations of the world, recognize the Lord;

recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.

8 Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!

Bring your offering and come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.

Let all the earth tremble before him.

10 Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.

He will judge all peoples fairly.

11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!

12 Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!

Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise

13 before the Lord, for he is coming!

He is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with justice,

and the nations with his truth.

And I am reminded that it is God whom I am to worship. It is God who deserves my praise. It is God who is my salvation. It is God who deserves my offering (my life - a living sacrifice). It is God who is Holy. It is God who judges. It is God who reigns.

So, back to the first thought then -

Title:  "Worship 101"
"GOD!"

Got your fill and then what ...

Do you remember that first commandment in Exodus 20:

Exodus 20 (New Living Translation)

Ten Commandments for the Covenant Community

1 Then God gave the people all these instructions:

2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from

the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

3 “You must not have any other god but me.

No other god. It might be interpreted, no other thing, whether possession, desire, form of worship. Anything that is placed in preference or prominence over God. You probably know the drill – commonly we might immediately think of money (you cannot serve both God and money, the root of all evil is the love of money, etc.). But we might also be reminded of the preference that we give to possessions in our lives (cars, a house, a boat, etc.). Or what about the striving for a position (leader, CEO, president, etc.). Then it might be an achievement (sports star, personality, one striving for acknowledgement in your field, etc.). That which you are drawn to worship, exalt, give prominence to in your life – over God, before God.

In Hosea God echoes the reminder to His people:

Hosea 13:4-5 (New Living Translation)

4 “I have been the Lord your God

ever since I brought you out of Egypt.

You must acknowledge no God but me,

for there is no other savior.

5 I took care of you in the wilderness,

in that dry and thirsty land.

However that is not all God had to say on this. For we discover that at some point the people had obviously acknowledged Him as Lord, God, the One before all others. How do we know this, for in their satisfaction of knowing this to be true, where God has met them at their point of need, and having been satisfied they now have forgotten, turned their backs on Him.

Hosea 13:6 (New Living Translation)

6 But when you had eaten and were satisfied,

you became proud and forgot me.

It is easy to remember God in the difficult times. When things are on top of us, when we are overawed by the circumstances, when we feel trapped and there seems nowhere else to turn – "O God help me!" And often the testimony we have is – He does - He helps, He provides, He shelters, He comforts, He shields, He loves me.

Yet how soon we can forget. How soon we become complacent to the promise to honour Him for the rest of our lives. How soon we find pleasure in the company of another or something else, over God. How soon we begin to operate on our own, in our own strength and wisdom and limited and deficient knowledge again. Just like the people of Israel – satisfied and moved into being proud and forgetting God.

“Lord, I take the warning given to me today and first I ask that You forgive me for the times I have mirrored the actions of these people of Israel, forgive me for having been proud and having forgotten You. Lord, thank You for ALL You do in and through my life, for every provision You gift to me. I honour You and desire to bring glory to Your name!”

The difference ...

Today I was reminded how much I am glad God is not like me (or any other mortal for that reason). The fact that I (we) can be so quick to rite people off when they have got it wrong. When their lives have messed up big time and I (we) have been offended or disappointed by their actions in some way.

Think about it. If someone we know goes behind our back and tells stuff that we have shared in confidence, or worse still utter lies. We might pretty much cut them off, want nothing more to do with them. And if this were to be repeated time and time again, I am certain we would give up on them.

When I read the many accounts of the people of God getting it so wrong, so often, I would not wonder if God were to say, enough is enough, you will be wiped out – your choice has been made. It seems to be the impression we have of God when He is not happy with a nation who comes against His people. Yet have a look at this passage with me:

Hosea 11:8-11 (New Living Translation)

8 “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?

How can I let you go?

How can I destroy you like Admah

or demolish you like Zeboiim?

My heart is torn within me,

and my compassion overflows.

9 No, I will not unleash my fierce anger.

I will not completely destroy Israel,

for I am God and not a mere mortal.

I am the Holy One living among you,

and I will not come to destroy.

10 For someday the people will follow me.

I, the Lord, will roar like a lion.

And when I roar,

my people will return trembling from the west.

11 Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt.

Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria.

And I will bring them home again,”

says the Lord.

We read through the proceeding verses that the Lord has given so many opportunities. So many warnings. Yet the people continue to worship false gods. They continue to look to satisfying themselves in any way they choose. But, these are His people. His chosen people. He cannot just let them go. He desires for life to be different for them. It rips Him apart to think of loosening them from His care and protection. So the Lord chooses to give them another go, yet again. Better they come up against Him and His love, than me and my unforgiving nature (at times). That is the difference between He and I.

“Lord, I am glad You don’t treat me as I deserve at times. That You do not abandon me to my own devices, rather, You remain faithful and compassionate and slow to anger with me. Help me Lord, not to take this for granted. Help me to allow You to make the changes in my life that are necessary. I surrender this life over to You and Your plan for me.”

Look and see ...

As I was contemplating this tonight I was going to title this, "some just don't get it ...". I realised though this might be a bit different to just not getting it. That would infer to me that there was some difficulty to interpreting the message. Whereas, I think it is a bit more subtle, for as I read these verses from Amos chapters 4 & 5, it appears that ALL these various peoples were given ample signs and they simply did not heed the warning/s. And now they were paying the penalty for this. The common theme interwoven through these verses:

Amos 4:6, 8, 9, 10, 11,  (New Living Translation)

... But still you would not return to me,”

says the Lord.

Amos 4:6 (The Message)

But you never got hungry for me.

You continued to ignore me."

God's Decree.

Can you begin to imagine the heartache of God? Can you see the desire He has? For He wants that His people would recognise the signs and see how He wants to be their God. He wants them to return to Him. It is somewhat a replay of the forgiving Father (New Testament Prodigal Son account). God wants for them to be in relationship with Him.

"Father, I wonder if I should dare ask, is there something I am not seeing? Open my eyes, remove any distractions, let me not miss what You are trying to reveal to me, if this is the case. Help me Lord to be attentive, having eyes let me see, having ears let me hear You voice. Help me to act worthily to the claims I have as Your servant. Help me to be faithful and honourable to You."

What sort of God ...

It is interesting to see how people see God. Have you noticed the amount who see Him as the "BIG Ogre". Out to get those who step out of line from the commandments (mostly), or some even think, just because He can. They want to blame Him for that which is wrong in the world (interesting when they don't actually believe in Him at all). Yet then, when things are extremely impactful upon them, they cry out to Him for help, "if You are there, help me!"

Poor Jonah. Here he is attempting to run from God and the task He has set him. Jonah must have thought he had gotten away with it when he got on the ship for Tarshish. And then the sea begins to buck and sway and all are afraid (apart from Jonah, asleep in the hold). And then he is thrown into the depths of the ocean, alone, turbulent and expectant that life would be snuffed from him I reckon. But then, who would have figured he would be swallowed by a big fish, still alive, for three days even. Well you probably know the story from here, the big fish spews Jonah up onto the beach, he ends up on Nineveh, preaches the message the Lord had for them there, and they repent.

Now we might have thought this was a pretty good outcome. Isn't that the reason that the Message, the Word, is preached? Not according to Jonah, he expected that if the people had been doing wrong and God says they are going to be wiped out for it, then they should be wiped out for it. Funny though, cause Jonah sort of knew the opposite was likely. He knew what God was capable of. Have a look:

Jonah 4:2 (New Living Translation)

2 So he complained to the Lord about it:

“Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord?

That is why I ran away to Tarshish!

I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God,

slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

You are eager to turn back from destroying people.

Now, I reckon you would rather this God that Jonah describes, than the one who is going to wipe out a load of people just because He can (well I suppose because they were disobedient).
 

Capture a moment the picture that these descriptive words - merciful, compassionate, slow to get angry, filled with unfailing love, forgiving. What a sensational God we worship and serve!

 

"Father, I not only desire to experience these attributes applied to my life, but have the message they teach imparted to others through my living. Help me to reflect You in my daily living - merciful, compassionate, slow to get angry, filled with unfailing love, forgiving."

Be strong & courageous ...

There is a message in these verses, all from the one, same chapter, see if you might draw the same conclusion as me:

Joshua 1:6-7, 9, 18 (New Living Translation)

6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.

9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

18 Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous!”

Well I hope you have drawn the same conclusion that I have. For the Lord had a very definite message for Joshua as he took on this almost unenviable task of following Moses as the leader of the Israelites. He (Joshua) was to have confidence in the fact that God had chosen him for this purpose and on these grounds he could have strength and courage.

I love the fact that there are no mixed or clouded messages here. It is plain and simple. The repetitiveness says, this is truth, this is My (God's) promise to you. I (God) want to be clear on this fact.

There is something else though, that we must not overlook. The message from God is pointless and of no benefit to us, IF, we are not listening. And, if we are not willing, in hearing, to stand firm on His promises for us. I think Joshua is a remarkable leader. However, had he not been willing to listen and hear and apply the promises God gave him, he would have been a miserable failure.

"Lord, You implore us that in having ears we need to listen. And yet we are reminded that listening is nothing if we are not willing to act upon the direction or promises You have for us. Help me to listen. Help me to be obedient and faithful to Your message and promises for me."

But God ...

I think one of the really stand out things in the Christian journey is to see the total transforming of a person's life. Where there can be no doubt that they are very different to what they were pre Christ. Some of the old Salvation Army musicals used to capture this well. The person whose life was absorbed in the consumption of large quantities of alcohol, where it had such a grip on the persons life. How they may even be abusive or aggressive in their language, especially toward someone from the church. Then one day, with no apparent plan in mind, the person hears the Gospel (the Good News, the story of Jesus) and it strikes a chord in their life to something being out of place. And with this they make the move forward desirous to be different, to check out this Jesus character and see how He might impact their life. A complete turn-around on the way life was lived previously.

Paul in his letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 1: 12-13) talks something of this. In his description of the responsibility he now has, given to him by God, he recalls how that is not who he was. Rather he was one to blaspheme, insolent, a persecutor of God's people, and then the turning point, are you ready for it:

"But God ..."

Yes, we can note that it was an application of mercy, of generosity and application of grace. However, the point is to note the source of this, it was God who interceded. It is God who is active. It is God who instigates the change. "But God ..."

I wonder if we might let this sink in a moment. So that on the next occasion when we are ready to write someone off because their life seems so out of control, we remember who it is can bring about change. We recall who is able to instigate a shift. Who it is transforms lives. I can't. The person themselves is unlikely to be able to do so. "But God ..."

It's about ...

"The goal of your ministry isn't to have the biggest church.

It isn't to have the most followers.

It isn't even to help the most people.

It's not about you.

It's all about God."

Rick Warren

 I read these words today and it was a stark reminder of how easy it is to be in ministry and yet focused on the wrong stuff. Some would become confused and ask, doesn't God want us to have large churches? Doesn't He want us to have more followers, to win more people to Him? Shouldn't we be concerned for reaching out to and helping more and more people who are struggling. Rick is reminding us that none of this replaces the need for us primarily to be focused on God.

We need to particularly be clear that it is not about us. It is not what I want, or desire or what I think is right. It is not about the denomination or the church. It's all about God. It's all about bringing Him glory. That is the top conviction we need to build our lives upon.

Have a look at this verse:

Romans 11:36 (New Living Translation)

36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power

and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

Romans 11:36 (The Message)

Everything comes from him;

Everything happens through him;

Everything ends up in him.

Always glory! Always praise!

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Rick Warren reminds us, "everything on the planet and in the universe was created for God's glory - that includes you and your church."
 
We are also reminded:
 

Matthew 22:37-38 (New Living Translation)

37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart,

all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.

It's not about seeking the approval of others. It's not about building something big. It's not about us saving people (that is Jesus doing). It's not about us. It is however, about God.
 
"Father, I want to build Your church. I desire to reach out in Your name and touch the lives of people affected by poverty and the ills of life. However, again I am reminded it must be about You. I can do nothing without You. My attention always needs to be upon You and bringing glory to You."

You are special ...

If you ask me what I love about being an Officer in The Salvation Army, I will instinctively tell you it is the privilege of journeying with people, I simply "love it".

Today I had the pleasure to lead worship at Parafield Gardens Corps and to conduct a dedication. As I had been thinking about this for a few weeks, I was drawn to recall again the children's book by Max Lucado - "You Are Special".

The clear message for me is that God does not make mistakes. We are each created in His image. Yes, we are different and unique, just as He designed us to be. Yet, how often do we go about trying to make those around us the same as us? We praise them for the things we think they do well, what we value. We might on the other hand criticise or condemn them on their mistakes, faults, and limitations.

In the story their is one character (Lucia) who does not bear the marks of what others think. We learn the reason for this is because she visits daily the designer and creator (Eli = God).

How complicated life becomes when it is about what others think of me. Whether they approve or disapprove of my actions, behaviours, etc. How I need to visit regularly and sit at the feet of God, my Creator and hear what He expects of me.

"Lord, you designed and created me for a purpose. You gift me for this. Help me to listen to Your voice, what is it You have to say to me. Help me to be faithful to live in accordance with this."

What do you do with your joy ...

Back to my Prayer Coach ...

He (James L. Nicodem) poses the question in relation to those times when you have experienced something good, something joyful, what do you do? Are you like me and you have a tendency to be on the phone to a mate to let them know? It is great to receive good news and it is terrific to be able to share it with another, especially if they are a good friend who really is going to share in the joy with you.

Here's the challenge though:- do you remember the One to whom the joy might be attributed? Do you thank the creator for the stunning sunset, or the magical sight of the rainbow? Do you share your highs and excitement and joy with your God?

Throughout the Scripture there are examples of something special happening and the people letting loose and letting God know their delight and thankfulness, even better, they remember Him to be the source, and praise Him first and foremost.

This is the challenge for me. That God receive my acknowledgement. That God hear my joy. That I desire to share all these good and wondrous and marvelous things with Him. There is much to sing praise for (though this voice might not be the best instrument to do that) and He desires to be in on this celebrating.

"Lord, hear our praises as they rise up to You."