Choosing Rules over a Relationship

I loved this illustration that speaks about the difference between being a religious rule keeper and having an authentic intimate relationship with GOD.  It’s from the book, “Not A Fan,” by Kyle Idleman

When we learn to truly follow Jesus, we find that obedience to GOD comes from the inside out.  Submission to what GOD wants for our lives flows naturally out of that relationship.  It’s not to say that what we do or don’t do doesn’t matter, but what we do or don’t do must come from who we are as followers of Jesus.

When I got married there were some rules that I said I would live by.  These rules were written and spelled out for me.  When I said, “I Do” I understood I was committing to keeping certain rules.  Rules like:

·         Be faithful to her as long as we both live.

·         Provide for her and meet her needs.

·         Protect her with my life.

·         Be committed to her for better or for worse.

But after I got married I soon discovered that there are other rules I didn’t know about.  But these rules have since been clearly established:

·         I am to keep my closet clean.

·         I am not to make fun of her before 10 am.

·         The toilet seat is to remain down at all times.

·         I am to always have an opinion when asked about two dresses that to an untrained male eye appear to be identical.

·         Listening to her and watching SportsCenter at the same time is tantamount to an emotional affair.

·         Never grow hair on my back.

If I saw our relationship as a bunch of rules I had to keep, I would quickly become bitter and miserable.  I would likely rebel and break the rules when she wasn’t paying attention.  But I am passionately in love with my wife and that translates into a desire to please her.  So I find that cleaning my closet, putting the lid down on the toilet, or other such extravagant acts aren’t cumbersome but actually quite satisfying.  When the relationship on the inside is right, the outside will follow.

"Politics and Religion are Poor Substitutes"

The answer for solving the problems in America is not to be found in politics, or in a specific political party or in a specific political leader.  The answer is for the Church to heed 2 Chronicles 7:14 and for believers to become authentic followers of Jesus.  Let the Church be the Church . . . not political action committees.

Politics, church programs and events, become a substitute for being authentic followers of Christ Jesus . . . they become idols that we worship . . . they require less time and investment on our part . . . they are not as costly as following Jesus (Matthew 10). 

Some authentic followers of Jesus may be called into the world of politics to serve in positions of civil leadership in our communities and they should be obedient to that calling of GOD.  That may be a legitimate way to be “salt and light” in our world.  But the most effective part of their service will be as authentic followers of Jesus who are bearing Spiritual fruit where they serve.

It is the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST that is the power of GOD unto salvation (Romans 1:16), not religious institutions and certainly not political parties or platforms.  It is the onslaught of the true Church of Jesus Christ proclaiming the truth that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” that the gates of hell will be unable to stand against (Matthew 16:13-19) . . . not party platforms.

As true followers of Jesus Christ we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for GOD’s own possession” (2 Peter 2:9) aliens to this world; and yet we are “no longer strangers and aliens, but we are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of GOD’s household” (Ephesians 2:19).  America is not our home . . . we were redeemed for an eternal destiny.  Heaven is our home.  We are not primarily a citizen of the United States of America . . . we are citizens of the Kingdom of GOD first and foremost.

Out of authentic intimacy with GOD through Jesus, Holy Spirit begins "life-ing" out the life of Jesus in us and through us. Holy Spirit then begins producing Spiritual fruit through us (Galatians 5:22-23).   As a result of this spiritual redemptive work of GOD within us we become "salt & light” within the communities in which we live.  Then the people around us who are living outside of GOD’s purposes become more important to us than their sinful lifestyles or their political viewpoints.  (Matthew 5:1-16)

When we begin investing in the lives of the people all around us and they begin seeing Jesus in us they will either be drawn to the Jesus within us or they will be repelled by Him in the same way people were drawn to Jesus or repelled by Him when He walked on this earth in human form.  Our part is simply to be faithful.

Jesus is the hope of the world, not Obama or Romney and not the Democratic or Republican parties.  I think we should stop praying, “God, bless America” and we should repent in humility and brokenness in order that we (America) bless GOD.

Ultimate Purpose for Gays & Straights

This is a good word during this national presidential election season. This also speaks to the mission of Sight Ministry.

 Isaiah 55:1-2: – “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat.  Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.  Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?  Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance.”
"The enjoyment of GOD is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy GOD, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but GOD is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but GOD is the sun. These are but streams. But GOD is the ocean. Therefore it becomes us to spend this life only as a journey toward heaven, as it becomes us to make the seeking of our highest end and proper good, the whole work of our lives; to which we should subordinate all other concerns of life. Why should we labor for, or set our hearts on, anything else, but that which is our proper end, and true happiness? Isn’t that what GOD asks in Isaiah 55:2: 'Why do you . . . labor for that which does not satisfy?'" --Jonathan Edwards (“The Christian Pilgrim”)

Same-sex attractions may be powerful and overwhelming but to embrace them rather than denying them will not bring a person ultimate fulfillment, happiness or contentment. We can apply this also to opposite-sex attractions. We can also apply this to putting our hopes in a presidential candidate. Obama nor Romney is the hope of America. America is not the hope of the world. Sexuality isn't our purpose. GOD is the hope of the world and only Jesus fully satisfies.

What is the most effective thing we can do to bring glory to GOD? Enjoy Him . . . delight in Him . . . find your ultimate satisfaction in Him and in Him alone!

What It Will Cost a Gay Person to Follow Jesus

"Finally a thought crosses my mind: I wonder what Jesus taught whenever he had the big crowds . . . I found that when Jesus had a large crowd, He would most often preach a message that was likely to cause them to leave." -- Kyle Idleman

WOW! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not ice cream sundaes, firework shows and the spectacular "Spectacular!" Jesus' calling to follow Him includes the following: "Do not acquire gold, silver or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even 2 coats, or sandals, or a staff. Don't travel & stay in fancy hotels. You are being sent out to a world of wolves. You will be persecuted by others. You will be betrayed by others; even family members & friends. You will be hated by most everyone. You may actually even be killed. This will be like warfare. You must not love anyone more than you love Me . . . not even family members. Take up your cross and follow Me. You must lose your life in this world. You must lose your love for this world. Now count the cost and follow Me if you dare!" -- Matthew 10

Whether you are gay or straight Jesus calls us to deny the lusts of our flesh and follow Him.  Most are unwilling to pay the price of following Christ Jesus.  Most are unwilling to die to the overwhelming desires of this world.  Most are not even being presented the truth of what it means to follow Jesus.  

If we preached the true Gospel of Jesus Christ I wonder what our churches would look like. Just a thought. I guess I'm being silly and out of touch and misguided.

"Many Gays are attracted to Jesus"

Often we preach and teach scriptural truth in such a harsh way it sounds condemning and judgmental.  Why is it that we expect unbelievers to live in ways contrary to their nature?  Anyone who is not in Christ Jesus continues living out of the Adamic nature . . . the sin nature (the old man).  When a person is truly redeemed they die to the Adamic nature and take on the nature of Jesus Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 6: 2 Corinthians 5:21).

We are not going to reach the typical unbeliever with anger or harshness.  James says, “For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of GOD” (1:20).  Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  And Paul makes a powerful statement in Romans 2:4:  “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of GOD leads you to repentance?”

To speak and teach the radical truth of Jesus Christ with the radical love of Jesus Christ is not to compromise His truth.  On the contrary, by teaching and preaching in this way is to totally rest in the power of the gospel to redeem (Romans 1:16) rather than trusting our weak and powerless efforts of flesh. 

As we lovingly and confidently present the radical truth of GOD’s word His love compels men and women everywhere to follow Him and to obey Him.  This is clearly the practice of Jesus and precisely why sinners were attracted to Him and to His message.   

The very gates of hell themselves shall not prevail against the onslaught of the Church of the living Christ as she proclaims the radical gospel with radical love.

A Dream

In my flesh I desire to fight back, to speak out, to make myself look good before others, to vindicate myself. But Holy Spirit calls me to quite rest in Him, to sit quietly in His presence, to trust Him in every area of my life.

This may appear to be doing nothing but actually I am participating in battles going on in spiritual realms. I am waging war--not with the weapons of the world, but with heavenly weapons, which have divine power to demolish strongholds. Living close to the LORD is a sure defense against evil.

I dream about what would happen if instead of living out of our flesh we would rest in Holy Spirit and allow His life to be "lived-out" within us and through us. I wonder if our churches & beloved Christian ministries would be so full of discord and division and behavior that is so unbecoming of a follower of the Risen LORD.

It is a dream that I pray will become a reality in my life.

[Adapted from, "Jesus Calling"]

Conflict and Flesh Among Believers

Isn't it strange how people (including myself) position themselves to look good or right before others even at the expense of the reputation of someone else.  Where is Jesus in the midst of that?

Another important lesson I'm learning from the LORD during this difficult season . . . I must not believe everything I read or hear. It seems there are usually two sides to every disagreement and conflict.  Give others respect that perhaps they have been misunderstood or even deliberately slandered.  It's amazing what I'm hearing and seeing believers doing to one another.  I do not see Jesus or the fruit of Holy Spirit in any of it. I repent!  You must repent!  The Church must repent!  GOD forgive us & have mercy upon us in this dark hour!

Don't be so quick to pass judgment or make judgment . . . speak to everyone involved . . . but most importantly, seek the LORD and walk in Holy Spirit. Allow His life to  be lived in you and through you.  He will ALWAYS express Himself through you as . . . love . . . joy . . . peace . . . suffering long with the other . . .gentle . . . good . . . faithful . . . humble . . . and He will always refrain from quick speech, self-centered sinful anger, from quick judgments, and will control all responses of our flesh. (Galatians 5:22-23).

Let me close by asking a deeply serious question:  "Are you more concerned about looking good to your friends and winning an arguement or are you more concerned about experiencing intimacy with the Father and being faithful?"  GOD help us all!