RAW
“Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’ and my foes will rejoice when I fall.”
Psalm 13:3-4
Maybe I am the only one who gets annoyed by this, but when I am disciplining my children, I want eye contact with them. I want them to see the love I have for them in my eyes even if the words I say and the expression of my body language says, ‘You’re in big trouble now.’ When their eyes begin to bounce left and right and their head begins to droop, I find myself asking them the look at me. Sometimes it is said gently as I know from my own experiences growing up that not all discipline should be given in anger. But other times it is said in such frustration that it comes out so raw and demanding, “Look at me!” And there is nothing wrong with being raw, for we see it even in the Bible. There were times when God’s people felt as though God was not looking on them and they too raised their voice and demanded, “Look at me!”
In the Bible, both Daniel and David got raw. Let’s first look at Daniel in chapter 9. It is in verse 19 we read, “O LORD, listen! O LORD, forgive! O LORD, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay…” Who talks like this to God? Who demands of God to listen, act, and do it now? Who gets this blunt in telling God what to do? And yet, Daniel wasn’t reprimanded for his actions or words. He simply was so tired of what was going on that he poured out his heart and his emotions before God. Is this not what God honors? Does not God tell us to cast our cares on Him (I Pet 5:7)?
And look at David in Psalm 13:1-4. He starts out in God’s face demanding answers. “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and everyday have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’ and my foes will rejoice when I fall.’” Again, who talks to God like that? Who gets in God’s face and says, “What? I’m not good enough for You to come and save? You’re too busy to answer my questions? You care about others more than You care about me?”
On an on David went in bombarding God with questions until finally, in verses 5 and 6, he settles down and says, “But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me.”
I find that as a parent, my moments of rawness are settled down by reason. And I find that when I come before God in my angry tizzy, I am reminded that I am not God and it settles me down. It is after the raw bluntness comes out that I can listen and reflect, and remember that God is in control. Here I am asking Him to listen to and answer me, only to be reminded that it is I who needs to listen to Him. I will not be condemned for sharing my heart because He already knows what is now on my mind and heart, troubling me anyway. But if leave the moment yelling for His attention without giving Him mine in return, I will never know that peace that can truly be found in the situation. I encourage you to be raw with God, to tell Him what you think and how you feel. You won’t surprise Him with your emotions. However, just be sure to listen for His reply, for in it you will find the calming peace in your storm.
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Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
PRUNING
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
John 15:1-2
Back in 2001, I lived in a mobile home outside of Nashville. The home was seated on three acres of land. One morning in the spring as I was walking the land I found a pile of 2” x 4”s and scrap sheets of plywood, and suddenly had the urge to build a fence for a garden. Within a few days I had completed the fence, tilled the ground, and planted my seeds. Little did know that that 8’ x 10’ garden would launch me into the pleasure of gardening even still today. I’m not sure how to explain it really, but there is just something about watching what you plant take birth and produce a crop. However, gardening is also a chore. In the garden I found weeds and bugs that had to be removed, but I also found that I had to prune my crops as well. In the early days this was not a chore I kept up with as it was time consuming. I was more interested in the end result than the process. Thankfully I learned since then, and read a few gardening books since then, and now know more of what it takes to have a better harvest. The biggest factor is not the weeds, bugs, or even making sure there is enough water, but rather the pruning. By removing the dying stems and leaves that tend to suck out life I allow for a better growth of my crop. Since doing this chore, I have found a greater return in my harvest.
As people, we too need pruning. It is easy to go through life unaware or unconcerned about the things that suck life from us. Just as this is true, it is also true that rarely will a person be as strong as a cedar, with a heritage of strength, integrity, and beauty on their own. Sadly, most us our either victim to an addiction, depression, divorce, or some other ‘sucker’ that destroys any good fruit that could be produced. Because of this exact reason, Jesus points out that He is the true vine and His Father, God, is the gardener. Any branch or stem in connection with Him will produce fruit. But the branch that tries to grow apart from Him, or in addition to Him, is a sucker. Sucker branches are removed by God the gardener because they steal life from the true vine. Jesus shares in John 15:2, that God, “…cuts off every branch in [Him] that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes…” So then, removal will come to those who are not fastened to Him. And, pruning will come to those who are in Him but may have suckers attached.
I find myself constantly having to be pruned. Oh boy, sometimes it hurts to be stripped of the sucker that has grown like an appendage to me. The tumor that grows in the Spirit on me sucks my life and drains me of my energy and will to move on. But this is the exact reason why I must connect with the vine. In this connection I have life, and I have the care of the gardener. Apart from the vine, I am just a branch with no fruit and the option to be removed from the garden altogether. As long as I am connected to the vine, the gardener will continue to work on me to remove the suckers, the appendages, and the tumors so that I can produce fruit. I then connect myself to the vine, and offer myself to the care of the gardener, because it is my ultimate desire that I bring forth fruit. Is this also your desire? If so, then let us no longer be consumed by what we have been a victim of, but instead connect with the vine. The pruning will follow naturally. Don’t fight it. Embrace the pruning and you will see fruit coming forth.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
John 15:1-2
Back in 2001, I lived in a mobile home outside of Nashville. The home was seated on three acres of land. One morning in the spring as I was walking the land I found a pile of 2” x 4”s and scrap sheets of plywood, and suddenly had the urge to build a fence for a garden. Within a few days I had completed the fence, tilled the ground, and planted my seeds. Little did know that that 8’ x 10’ garden would launch me into the pleasure of gardening even still today. I’m not sure how to explain it really, but there is just something about watching what you plant take birth and produce a crop. However, gardening is also a chore. In the garden I found weeds and bugs that had to be removed, but I also found that I had to prune my crops as well. In the early days this was not a chore I kept up with as it was time consuming. I was more interested in the end result than the process. Thankfully I learned since then, and read a few gardening books since then, and now know more of what it takes to have a better harvest. The biggest factor is not the weeds, bugs, or even making sure there is enough water, but rather the pruning. By removing the dying stems and leaves that tend to suck out life I allow for a better growth of my crop. Since doing this chore, I have found a greater return in my harvest.
As people, we too need pruning. It is easy to go through life unaware or unconcerned about the things that suck life from us. Just as this is true, it is also true that rarely will a person be as strong as a cedar, with a heritage of strength, integrity, and beauty on their own. Sadly, most us our either victim to an addiction, depression, divorce, or some other ‘sucker’ that destroys any good fruit that could be produced. Because of this exact reason, Jesus points out that He is the true vine and His Father, God, is the gardener. Any branch or stem in connection with Him will produce fruit. But the branch that tries to grow apart from Him, or in addition to Him, is a sucker. Sucker branches are removed by God the gardener because they steal life from the true vine. Jesus shares in John 15:2, that God, “…cuts off every branch in [Him] that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes…” So then, removal will come to those who are not fastened to Him. And, pruning will come to those who are in Him but may have suckers attached.
I find myself constantly having to be pruned. Oh boy, sometimes it hurts to be stripped of the sucker that has grown like an appendage to me. The tumor that grows in the Spirit on me sucks my life and drains me of my energy and will to move on. But this is the exact reason why I must connect with the vine. In this connection I have life, and I have the care of the gardener. Apart from the vine, I am just a branch with no fruit and the option to be removed from the garden altogether. As long as I am connected to the vine, the gardener will continue to work on me to remove the suckers, the appendages, and the tumors so that I can produce fruit. I then connect myself to the vine, and offer myself to the care of the gardener, because it is my ultimate desire that I bring forth fruit. Is this also your desire? If so, then let us no longer be consumed by what we have been a victim of, but instead connect with the vine. The pruning will follow naturally. Don’t fight it. Embrace the pruning and you will see fruit coming forth.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL
“You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.”
Psalm 4:7
At the age of thirty-five, John Wesley was converted to Christianity. He would later explain it as a warming of his heart, not his mind, toward Christ, and in that warming he found himself becoming a lover of God. It was shortly after his conversion that he wrote the hymn “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” The first verse of this hymn reads: “Jesus, Lover of my soul/Let me to thy bosom fly.” Sadly, a more acceptable translation of the song is known today, replacing ‘Lover’ with ‘Savior,’ or ‘Refuge.’ But why? According to John Julian, a Methodist pastor and hymnologist, “The difficulty is the term Lover as applied to our Lord.” Yet while the words Savior and refuge rightly explain Him, they do not carry the same meaning that Wesley originally penned. So then the question becomes a personal one. How comfortable are you with referring to the Lord as your Lover?
David had no problem expressing his passion for the LORD. In fact, as the ark was brought into Jerusalem, David danced with all his might before his Lover. His display of affection was so filled with emotion that his wife was embarrassed and stated, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would! (II Sam 6:20)” If that was embarrassing, David advised her it was nothing compared to the undignified response he could continue to give the LORD. His dance had nothing to do with drawing attention to himself but rather it was his expression of zeal for his Lover.
And this was just one example. A quick glance through the Psalms also shows David had no issues with knowing the LORD as his Lover. Psalm 4:7 shows David filled with a great joy from his Lover. The LORD gives forth a river of delight to David in Psalm 36:8. And in Psalm 42:1, David so craves for his Lover that as the deer pants for water so he pants for God. He is smitten by God and finds the love of his Lover better than life itself in Psalm 63:3. Shall we go on and look through the Psalms? David, the man after God’s own heart, wrote these Psalms as a full grown man, not as a teenager caught in infatuation, or as one consumed with lust. He had fought against Goliath and become the warrior that was chanted about, killing his tens-of-thousands. And yet, no record of his love towards his wives matches the detail of the passion he had for his Lover.
Oh Jesus, I want you to be the Lover of my soul. I have been married and divorced, and have found myself desiring marriage again. But now I find myself even more so desiring You as my Lover. I want to forsake the infatuation and lust and find true Love. Let the expressions of David, and the words penned by John Wesley become more than words to me. Let them be the springboard from which I write to You, my Lover, my expression of affection.
“You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.”
Psalm 4:7
At the age of thirty-five, John Wesley was converted to Christianity. He would later explain it as a warming of his heart, not his mind, toward Christ, and in that warming he found himself becoming a lover of God. It was shortly after his conversion that he wrote the hymn “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” The first verse of this hymn reads: “Jesus, Lover of my soul/Let me to thy bosom fly.” Sadly, a more acceptable translation of the song is known today, replacing ‘Lover’ with ‘Savior,’ or ‘Refuge.’ But why? According to John Julian, a Methodist pastor and hymnologist, “The difficulty is the term Lover as applied to our Lord.” Yet while the words Savior and refuge rightly explain Him, they do not carry the same meaning that Wesley originally penned. So then the question becomes a personal one. How comfortable are you with referring to the Lord as your Lover?
David had no problem expressing his passion for the LORD. In fact, as the ark was brought into Jerusalem, David danced with all his might before his Lover. His display of affection was so filled with emotion that his wife was embarrassed and stated, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would! (II Sam 6:20)” If that was embarrassing, David advised her it was nothing compared to the undignified response he could continue to give the LORD. His dance had nothing to do with drawing attention to himself but rather it was his expression of zeal for his Lover.
And this was just one example. A quick glance through the Psalms also shows David had no issues with knowing the LORD as his Lover. Psalm 4:7 shows David filled with a great joy from his Lover. The LORD gives forth a river of delight to David in Psalm 36:8. And in Psalm 42:1, David so craves for his Lover that as the deer pants for water so he pants for God. He is smitten by God and finds the love of his Lover better than life itself in Psalm 63:3. Shall we go on and look through the Psalms? David, the man after God’s own heart, wrote these Psalms as a full grown man, not as a teenager caught in infatuation, or as one consumed with lust. He had fought against Goliath and become the warrior that was chanted about, killing his tens-of-thousands. And yet, no record of his love towards his wives matches the detail of the passion he had for his Lover.
Oh Jesus, I want you to be the Lover of my soul. I have been married and divorced, and have found myself desiring marriage again. But now I find myself even more so desiring You as my Lover. I want to forsake the infatuation and lust and find true Love. Let the expressions of David, and the words penned by John Wesley become more than words to me. Let them be the springboard from which I write to You, my Lover, my expression of affection.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
PURIM
“But when the plot came to the king’s attention, he issued written orders that the evil schemer Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. (Therefore these days were called Purim, for the word pur.)”
Esther 9:25-26a
As we have been looking at for the past few days, today is Purim. Purim marks the deliverance of the Jews as a result of the events taken by Queen Esther when she exposed the evil plan of Haman against the Jewish people. This annual celebration is set as a reminder of how God worked behind the scenes to bring about the salvation for His chosen people. With Mordecai uncovering the wickedness of Haman to Esther, followed by his pep talk to the queen that even she may not be spared from an ill fate, God’s silent plan of why Esther was chosen began to make sense. However, in order for us to understand the celebration of life, let us step back a few days prior to this event.
With the pur cast, the days ahead looked dark. Queen Esther, Mordechai, and Jews throughout the land had taken to prayer and fasting, believing that God would raise His hand in opposition to the fate that lay ahead. And then, the day of risk came. With the knowledge setting in that she too may not be exempt from death, Esther approached the king, an action that in itself could have brought about her death. Yet still she came. And what is more, she found the mercy of the king as he held out his gold scepter to her (Est 5:2). At the king’s request, she spoke that her desire was to have the king and Haman join her for a feast. When night fell, she was joined by these men and asked again what she desired. Her request once more, was that they again join her the next evening for another meal. Esther’s request was once again accepted.
It was on the second night that the true reason for Esther’s request was made known as she pleaded to the king, in the presence of Haman, that her people be spared. Queen Esther spoke, “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life – this is my petition. And spare my people – this is my request. For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation (Est 7:3-4).” Outraged, the king demanded to know who had made a threat on Esther’s life. Then, pointing in the direction where Haman sat, Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman.” Furious, the king left while Haman, knowing his fate, begged now for his life and fell at the seat where Esther sat. This fall happened just as the king was returning, and sealed the fate of Haman the Agagite. The curse of death that Haman had planned for the Jews now became the same curse that would end his life.
So then, with the death of Haman came the adaptation of the ruling the king had already approved. Where once the decree had gone out stating that Jews would die, now the degree was amended to state that the Jews could fight back against any army that opposed them (Est 9:1-5). And this ordinance, also sealed with the king’s signet ring, is the basis of what we celebrate during Purim. The words of Mordechai, the risk of Esther, and the secret hand of God brought about life for the Jews, and in this we celebrate. Again, when it looks as though all hope is gone, it serves us to know that God is still at work. God’s faithfulness and protection will always be there even when we cannot see His physical hand.
“But when the plot came to the king’s attention, he issued written orders that the evil schemer Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. (Therefore these days were called Purim, for the word pur.)”
Esther 9:25-26a
As we have been looking at for the past few days, today is Purim. Purim marks the deliverance of the Jews as a result of the events taken by Queen Esther when she exposed the evil plan of Haman against the Jewish people. This annual celebration is set as a reminder of how God worked behind the scenes to bring about the salvation for His chosen people. With Mordecai uncovering the wickedness of Haman to Esther, followed by his pep talk to the queen that even she may not be spared from an ill fate, God’s silent plan of why Esther was chosen began to make sense. However, in order for us to understand the celebration of life, let us step back a few days prior to this event.
With the pur cast, the days ahead looked dark. Queen Esther, Mordechai, and Jews throughout the land had taken to prayer and fasting, believing that God would raise His hand in opposition to the fate that lay ahead. And then, the day of risk came. With the knowledge setting in that she too may not be exempt from death, Esther approached the king, an action that in itself could have brought about her death. Yet still she came. And what is more, she found the mercy of the king as he held out his gold scepter to her (Est 5:2). At the king’s request, she spoke that her desire was to have the king and Haman join her for a feast. When night fell, she was joined by these men and asked again what she desired. Her request once more, was that they again join her the next evening for another meal. Esther’s request was once again accepted.
It was on the second night that the true reason for Esther’s request was made known as she pleaded to the king, in the presence of Haman, that her people be spared. Queen Esther spoke, “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life – this is my petition. And spare my people – this is my request. For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation (Est 7:3-4).” Outraged, the king demanded to know who had made a threat on Esther’s life. Then, pointing in the direction where Haman sat, Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman.” Furious, the king left while Haman, knowing his fate, begged now for his life and fell at the seat where Esther sat. This fall happened just as the king was returning, and sealed the fate of Haman the Agagite. The curse of death that Haman had planned for the Jews now became the same curse that would end his life.
So then, with the death of Haman came the adaptation of the ruling the king had already approved. Where once the decree had gone out stating that Jews would die, now the degree was amended to state that the Jews could fight back against any army that opposed them (Est 9:1-5). And this ordinance, also sealed with the king’s signet ring, is the basis of what we celebrate during Purim. The words of Mordechai, the risk of Esther, and the secret hand of God brought about life for the Jews, and in this we celebrate. Again, when it looks as though all hope is gone, it serves us to know that God is still at work. God’s faithfulness and protection will always be there even when we cannot see His physical hand.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
ROLL THE DICE
“In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, they cast the pur (that is, the lot) in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.”
Esther 3:7
The main parts of the story of Esther that people are familiar with normally include Esther’s beauty which led to her becoming queen, her going before her husband the king without his calling for her, and the events in the end where the Jews were saved and Haman was hung. I will admit, for the most part that was the extent of what I knew. But as I was looking forward to celebrating the holiday of Purim with my children, I found myself brushing up on the story. It was in this brushing up that a portion I had read over many times jumped off the page. It was in my brushing up that I saw the words, “They cast the pur in the presence of Haman to select a day and month.”
I plan to share more on the story of Esther tomorrow, but quickly I want to set a stage for you concerning this piece of the puzzle. Haman was an Agagite and descended from the Amalekites. It was these people that Moses spoke of when he declared, “The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation (Ex 17:15-16).” The Amalekites from that point on became the antithesis of the Jewish people. As the Jewish people lived lives of holiness in order to honor God, so the people of Amalek lived lives of sin and did not honor God. This same opposite continued throughout history and became a characteristic owned by Haman toward the Jews.
So then, this enemy of the Jewish people cast the pur, otherwise known as a lot. This rolling of the dice was used to determine the date that Haman should move forward to carry out his plan to execute the Jews. Hitler, who also opposed the Jews, used this same method of casting lots in an early version of his ‘Final Solution’. In Hebrew, every name has a numeric value, and when added up, the pur cast by Haman equaled the value for King Agag, his ancestor. With confidence to now move forward, Haman went before the king requesting the extermination of the Jews. Once his request was granted, “…dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the orders to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews – young and old, women and little children – on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods (Est 3:13).”
Yet, our story does not there. The top view of the lots added up to King Agag, but the bottom view of the lots added up to the value of King David, from whose line the Messiah came. You see, things are not always as they seem. Sometimes what we see on the surface looks bleak. But underneath, where so many times we fail to look, God is at work and preparing an answer opposite of what we see right away. As we will learn tomorrow, the enemy was overcome, ultimately destroyed by his own noose. Victory came for the Jews, and it will come for you. Maybe the pur that has been cast over your life shows a bleak and disastrous outcome on the surface. Do not fear, my friend. Although the top may show King Agag, and the enemy has confidently begun his march on you, know that the bottom shows King David, your salvation from the enemy’s hand.
“In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, they cast the pur (that is, the lot) in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.”
Esther 3:7
The main parts of the story of Esther that people are familiar with normally include Esther’s beauty which led to her becoming queen, her going before her husband the king without his calling for her, and the events in the end where the Jews were saved and Haman was hung. I will admit, for the most part that was the extent of what I knew. But as I was looking forward to celebrating the holiday of Purim with my children, I found myself brushing up on the story. It was in this brushing up that a portion I had read over many times jumped off the page. It was in my brushing up that I saw the words, “They cast the pur in the presence of Haman to select a day and month.”
I plan to share more on the story of Esther tomorrow, but quickly I want to set a stage for you concerning this piece of the puzzle. Haman was an Agagite and descended from the Amalekites. It was these people that Moses spoke of when he declared, “The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation (Ex 17:15-16).” The Amalekites from that point on became the antithesis of the Jewish people. As the Jewish people lived lives of holiness in order to honor God, so the people of Amalek lived lives of sin and did not honor God. This same opposite continued throughout history and became a characteristic owned by Haman toward the Jews.
So then, this enemy of the Jewish people cast the pur, otherwise known as a lot. This rolling of the dice was used to determine the date that Haman should move forward to carry out his plan to execute the Jews. Hitler, who also opposed the Jews, used this same method of casting lots in an early version of his ‘Final Solution’. In Hebrew, every name has a numeric value, and when added up, the pur cast by Haman equaled the value for King Agag, his ancestor. With confidence to now move forward, Haman went before the king requesting the extermination of the Jews. Once his request was granted, “…dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the orders to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews – young and old, women and little children – on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods (Est 3:13).”
Yet, our story does not there. The top view of the lots added up to King Agag, but the bottom view of the lots added up to the value of King David, from whose line the Messiah came. You see, things are not always as they seem. Sometimes what we see on the surface looks bleak. But underneath, where so many times we fail to look, God is at work and preparing an answer opposite of what we see right away. As we will learn tomorrow, the enemy was overcome, ultimately destroyed by his own noose. Victory came for the Jews, and it will come for you. Maybe the pur that has been cast over your life shows a bleak and disastrous outcome on the surface. Do not fear, my friend. Although the top may show King Agag, and the enemy has confidently begun his march on you, know that the bottom shows King David, your salvation from the enemy’s hand.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
TAANIT ESTHER
"Esther had them return this answer to Mordekhai: 'Go, assemble all the Jews to be found in Shushan, and have them fast for me, neither eating nor drinking for three days, night and day; also I and the girls attending me will fast the same way. Then I will go in to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.'"
Esther 4:15-16 CJB
Today marks the beginning of one of God's special appointed times; a time of miracles in your life and of destruction against the enemy's plans. This is a season when the plot that the adversary has made against you will suddenly be turned around by God, and a time to usher in favor, blessing, and sudden freedom. The miracle that you need, that even now you are seeking God for, can in an instant be given. For Esther, it was. And as God has no favorites, the miracle He brought for her and the Jewish people, He can bring for you also. The time I am speaking of is Purim. Growing up I knew the basic story of Esther. In reading the detail of her beauty I found myself enchanted with her. But as I have grown more in the faith and researched more about who she was, I have found myself even more so both attracted to her and inspired by her risk. However, before we dive fully into the account of Esther and Purim, let us focus our attention today on fasting.
Although Purim is noted officially on the calendar this year as March 20, the Jewish calendar marks today as the day of fasting in remembrance of Esther. When a Jewish holiday that includes fasting lands on a Sunday, the fast is then moved to the Thursday prior. As that is the case this year, today then starts the fast of Esther, also known as Tannit Esther.
Fasting is a word that many struggle with. I will admit that I have feared it in the past. I am one who enjoys food, whether it be cooking or baking my own, eating out at a restaurant, or just rummaging through the cupboards for a snack. The idea of giving up the chance to eat when there are so many good foods to eat just doesn't sit right. Yet, it is a spiritual discipline. How can not eating be a spiritual discipline. I mean, taking away my food is punishment enough, but how does it glorify God? Perhaps the answer that I come to learn is based on a couple verses. First, we are told in the Ten Commandments to put nothing before God (Ex 20:3). For me, food can very easily become a god and I can easily spend more time in the kitchen than in God's presence. Secondly, if Jesus is the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35), then the real question becomes am I eating my fill of Him. I know I am eating my fill of physical food because the scale tells me so. But am I eating my fill of what really matters? Of what I should be eating freely?
A time of fasting is a time of putting aside the things that have stolen our devotion from God so that purposefully we can seek God. It is easy for us to get wrapped up in other things that we put God on the back burner and forget about Him. Fasting helps us to not, for in the moments when we would be eating, we can then take that time and apply it to time with God. It is in these moments, these minutes or hours that we would be preparing food, eating food, and then cleaning up the dishes, that these duties cease to exists and give us the freedom to be with God.
We see this devotion in this scripture. Esther was approached by a messenger sent by her uncle requesting that she go before the king and beg him to change his decree against the Jews. Her response was that she would indeed go un-beckoned before the king and risk death for this action. But, she did not go unprepared. She called a fast of all the Jews. For three days and nights, all together, they swapped food and drink for prayers of salvation. The odds were stacked against them; death to all Jews was days away. Yet, the Jewish people made a point to petition God instead of cure their cravings. Life was more important than a sandwich, chips, and a diet coke. And life, life in Christ, should be more important to us as well.
What has been stealing life from you? For Esther and the Jews it was a decree of death that Haman had every intention of carrying out. Believe it or not, there is a Haman out for you, and he already has the approval to take you out. John 10:10 tells us that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. But Christ has come to give you life. I encourage you, take a moment, take a meal, take all day or even three, to put aside your physical appetite and feed your soul. And then watch as salvation comes, as favor comes, as blessings come suddenly to you.
"Esther had them return this answer to Mordekhai: 'Go, assemble all the Jews to be found in Shushan, and have them fast for me, neither eating nor drinking for three days, night and day; also I and the girls attending me will fast the same way. Then I will go in to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.'"
Esther 4:15-16 CJB
Today marks the beginning of one of God's special appointed times; a time of miracles in your life and of destruction against the enemy's plans. This is a season when the plot that the adversary has made against you will suddenly be turned around by God, and a time to usher in favor, blessing, and sudden freedom. The miracle that you need, that even now you are seeking God for, can in an instant be given. For Esther, it was. And as God has no favorites, the miracle He brought for her and the Jewish people, He can bring for you also. The time I am speaking of is Purim. Growing up I knew the basic story of Esther. In reading the detail of her beauty I found myself enchanted with her. But as I have grown more in the faith and researched more about who she was, I have found myself even more so both attracted to her and inspired by her risk. However, before we dive fully into the account of Esther and Purim, let us focus our attention today on fasting.
Although Purim is noted officially on the calendar this year as March 20, the Jewish calendar marks today as the day of fasting in remembrance of Esther. When a Jewish holiday that includes fasting lands on a Sunday, the fast is then moved to the Thursday prior. As that is the case this year, today then starts the fast of Esther, also known as Tannit Esther.
Fasting is a word that many struggle with. I will admit that I have feared it in the past. I am one who enjoys food, whether it be cooking or baking my own, eating out at a restaurant, or just rummaging through the cupboards for a snack. The idea of giving up the chance to eat when there are so many good foods to eat just doesn't sit right. Yet, it is a spiritual discipline. How can not eating be a spiritual discipline. I mean, taking away my food is punishment enough, but how does it glorify God? Perhaps the answer that I come to learn is based on a couple verses. First, we are told in the Ten Commandments to put nothing before God (Ex 20:3). For me, food can very easily become a god and I can easily spend more time in the kitchen than in God's presence. Secondly, if Jesus is the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35), then the real question becomes am I eating my fill of Him. I know I am eating my fill of physical food because the scale tells me so. But am I eating my fill of what really matters? Of what I should be eating freely?
A time of fasting is a time of putting aside the things that have stolen our devotion from God so that purposefully we can seek God. It is easy for us to get wrapped up in other things that we put God on the back burner and forget about Him. Fasting helps us to not, for in the moments when we would be eating, we can then take that time and apply it to time with God. It is in these moments, these minutes or hours that we would be preparing food, eating food, and then cleaning up the dishes, that these duties cease to exists and give us the freedom to be with God.
We see this devotion in this scripture. Esther was approached by a messenger sent by her uncle requesting that she go before the king and beg him to change his decree against the Jews. Her response was that she would indeed go un-beckoned before the king and risk death for this action. But, she did not go unprepared. She called a fast of all the Jews. For three days and nights, all together, they swapped food and drink for prayers of salvation. The odds were stacked against them; death to all Jews was days away. Yet, the Jewish people made a point to petition God instead of cure their cravings. Life was more important than a sandwich, chips, and a diet coke. And life, life in Christ, should be more important to us as well.
What has been stealing life from you? For Esther and the Jews it was a decree of death that Haman had every intention of carrying out. Believe it or not, there is a Haman out for you, and he already has the approval to take you out. John 10:10 tells us that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. But Christ has come to give you life. I encourage you, take a moment, take a meal, take all day or even three, to put aside your physical appetite and feed your soul. And then watch as salvation comes, as favor comes, as blessings come suddenly to you.
Monday, March 14, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
“…Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’
Luke 15:6
Six years ago today, at the exact hour I am writing this, I found myself at the hospital. I remember being there with my wife as we were hours away from seeing our new baby. We had chosen not to know the gender, so in addition to the excitement of the birth of another child, we were also anticipating the knowledge of its gender. As the contractions began to increase and the head began to crown, the realization all sank in again. I had been here before and had managed to keep my weak stomach under control and my wobbly legs from giving in. However, I had to fight those same aliments once again and be strong. In what seemed like only a few strong pushes allowed the escape for our baby to enter the world. With the doctor turning the newborn over, I looked and announced, “It’s a girl!”
It has been six years today since she was born, and while at times she has tested my patience, she has never lost my love. I don’t think she ever can, nor can my son. They are mine; my offspring, my joy, my mini-mes. And they will always be mine. For both my children I would gladly lay down my life because of the love I have for them. And why would I not? I read in the Bible that God loved His children so much, His creation, us, that He allowed His Son to die for us. I am looking at the greatest love story ever when I read the Bible and see this kind of love. In fact, it is this same love expressed in the story of the lost sheep that maybe hits closer to home.
The shepherd had a hundred sheep. However, sheep are not the smartest animals. One day, as they were out grazing, one of those sheep strayed away. At night, when the shepherds were returning with their sheep back to home, the shepherd came up one short in his count. Where once there were a hundred, now he counted only ninety-nine. But instead of leaving that out there, or just brushing it off, he went out to search for it. He didn’t care how long the search would last he just knew that sheep needed help. After looking back on the grassy plain and combing the area nearby, he heard a cry. Following the cry he found the sheep. That sheep that had gone off on its own was now found, and being carried on the shepherd’s shoulders back to meet the others.
We are that sheep. Some of us have been found, but some of us have not. To those that are still lost, know that the shepherd has not stopped the search. He loves you dearly. Just call out for help like this sheep, and God will rescue you from the thicket of your life and carry you home. That is what I witnessed last night at a concert…a mass rescue of lost sheep. And as I sat in my chair listening to the sounds of people praying the prayer of salvation, one specific voice caught my attention. Without any prompting from me at all, I heard the sweet sound of my daughter praying with others to receive Christ. Another sheep had been rescued. On the eve of my daughter’s physical birth date she was born into the family of God. That is the best birthday present she could have ever received. It can be yours also. Today can be your birthday also. If you have never done so, or if you have but are lost again, I encourage you to cry out to the shepherd who loves you and so desires to save you. Let this be your happy birthday and allow the Shepherd into your heart.
To the right of this blog you will find the salvation prayer. I am not trying to force you, but am encouraging you to please allow Christ into your heart, to be that Shepherd who searches for you, that Father who would lay down his life for you, and that Friend who will never betray you. Come, let us celebrate your birthday also.
“…Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’
Luke 15:6
Six years ago today, at the exact hour I am writing this, I found myself at the hospital. I remember being there with my wife as we were hours away from seeing our new baby. We had chosen not to know the gender, so in addition to the excitement of the birth of another child, we were also anticipating the knowledge of its gender. As the contractions began to increase and the head began to crown, the realization all sank in again. I had been here before and had managed to keep my weak stomach under control and my wobbly legs from giving in. However, I had to fight those same aliments once again and be strong. In what seemed like only a few strong pushes allowed the escape for our baby to enter the world. With the doctor turning the newborn over, I looked and announced, “It’s a girl!”
It has been six years today since she was born, and while at times she has tested my patience, she has never lost my love. I don’t think she ever can, nor can my son. They are mine; my offspring, my joy, my mini-mes. And they will always be mine. For both my children I would gladly lay down my life because of the love I have for them. And why would I not? I read in the Bible that God loved His children so much, His creation, us, that He allowed His Son to die for us. I am looking at the greatest love story ever when I read the Bible and see this kind of love. In fact, it is this same love expressed in the story of the lost sheep that maybe hits closer to home.
The shepherd had a hundred sheep. However, sheep are not the smartest animals. One day, as they were out grazing, one of those sheep strayed away. At night, when the shepherds were returning with their sheep back to home, the shepherd came up one short in his count. Where once there were a hundred, now he counted only ninety-nine. But instead of leaving that out there, or just brushing it off, he went out to search for it. He didn’t care how long the search would last he just knew that sheep needed help. After looking back on the grassy plain and combing the area nearby, he heard a cry. Following the cry he found the sheep. That sheep that had gone off on its own was now found, and being carried on the shepherd’s shoulders back to meet the others.
We are that sheep. Some of us have been found, but some of us have not. To those that are still lost, know that the shepherd has not stopped the search. He loves you dearly. Just call out for help like this sheep, and God will rescue you from the thicket of your life and carry you home. That is what I witnessed last night at a concert…a mass rescue of lost sheep. And as I sat in my chair listening to the sounds of people praying the prayer of salvation, one specific voice caught my attention. Without any prompting from me at all, I heard the sweet sound of my daughter praying with others to receive Christ. Another sheep had been rescued. On the eve of my daughter’s physical birth date she was born into the family of God. That is the best birthday present she could have ever received. It can be yours also. Today can be your birthday also. If you have never done so, or if you have but are lost again, I encourage you to cry out to the shepherd who loves you and so desires to save you. Let this be your happy birthday and allow the Shepherd into your heart.
To the right of this blog you will find the salvation prayer. I am not trying to force you, but am encouraging you to please allow Christ into your heart, to be that Shepherd who searches for you, that Father who would lay down his life for you, and that Friend who will never betray you. Come, let us celebrate your birthday also.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
HANNAH’S PRAYER
“Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk…”
I Samuel 1:13
Have you ever had such a desire in your heart that you find yourself unable to let it go? I’m not referring to an addictive desire, but a true God given desire. For some it may be the desire to get out of debt, which is Biblical as we are instructed to be the lender and not borrower (Prov 22:7). For others it may be the perusal of a business of their own as they desire to run in the passions God has given them. But for Hannah, in I Samuel 1, her desire was a family, and she found herself in prayer many times with this request, until…
Before we look at Hannah’s prayer, though, let us look at her circumstance. The Bible records that Elkanah, a descendent from the tribe of Ephraim, had taken for himself two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had been able to have children, but Hannah had none. Despite all the times of trying in her intimate moments with her husband, she continued to find herself lacking what she desired the most, a child. Year after year, as the family would travel to Shiloh to worship the LORD, Elkanah would give a portion of the meat sacrificed to Peninnah, her sons, and her daughters, but then give a double portion of meat to Hannah, as a way to reaffirm to her that she was just as loved by him even if together they had no children. But despite her husband’s kindness, it was not the same with Peninnah. Whenever Hannah would go to the house of the LORD, Peninnah was there to provoke her, taunting and ridiculing her until she would break down and cry. Year after year nothing changed, until…
During one of the family’s visits, when Hannah had finished her meal and probably her yearly dose of being teased, she got up and left the table. Unable to hold it any longer, she began to weep bitterly. This caused concern by Eli the Priest, who had more than likely seen a portion of the events as the meal had gone on. He watched Hannah cry, lips moving but lacking noise, and thought she may be under the influence of wine. In reality, though, Hannah was once again pouring her heart out to God. She was pleading with God, “Please give me a son, and I will give him back into your service.” Her heart was being limited only by the words she was speaking, until…
Eli approached Hannah and began to ask her about her drinking problem. I’m sure this came as a shock to Hannah who was probably very sober at the time, but nonetheless she made a point to explain that she was not drunk but rather troubled and calling out to the LORD. But then, not knowing even what she had been praying about, Eli offered her comfort and answered her, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” With that she went back to her table and continued eating her meal. The family left Shiloh the next day and headed back home. At the right time, Elkanah lay with Hannah again. Nothing had been conceived in her body in these intimate moments, until… this time, when Hannah became pregnant.
It wasn’t that Hannah had a special prayer lined up to recite to God when she got to Shiloh, but rather that she refused to give up on the passion that God had placed in her heart. And failing to give up created a stronger well from which her heart drew when she poured it all out before God. This is a lesson that God has been showing me lately. There are desires that God has placed deep in my heart, and quite frankly, I have become annoyed that they have not come to pass. I have the promise; I have the desire; but I have no end result. Yet what God shows me is that I must not give up. How many years did Hannah pray the same prayer before God opened her womb? All we know is the Bible says “year after year.” Is that two, five, ten? God has placed my desires in me, and your desires in you, for a reason. We must not give up in praying them through or we may indeed lose the vision and passion. There will be an end result coming, but we must continue in our prayers, until…
“Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk…”
I Samuel 1:13
Have you ever had such a desire in your heart that you find yourself unable to let it go? I’m not referring to an addictive desire, but a true God given desire. For some it may be the desire to get out of debt, which is Biblical as we are instructed to be the lender and not borrower (Prov 22:7). For others it may be the perusal of a business of their own as they desire to run in the passions God has given them. But for Hannah, in I Samuel 1, her desire was a family, and she found herself in prayer many times with this request, until…
Before we look at Hannah’s prayer, though, let us look at her circumstance. The Bible records that Elkanah, a descendent from the tribe of Ephraim, had taken for himself two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had been able to have children, but Hannah had none. Despite all the times of trying in her intimate moments with her husband, she continued to find herself lacking what she desired the most, a child. Year after year, as the family would travel to Shiloh to worship the LORD, Elkanah would give a portion of the meat sacrificed to Peninnah, her sons, and her daughters, but then give a double portion of meat to Hannah, as a way to reaffirm to her that she was just as loved by him even if together they had no children. But despite her husband’s kindness, it was not the same with Peninnah. Whenever Hannah would go to the house of the LORD, Peninnah was there to provoke her, taunting and ridiculing her until she would break down and cry. Year after year nothing changed, until…
During one of the family’s visits, when Hannah had finished her meal and probably her yearly dose of being teased, she got up and left the table. Unable to hold it any longer, she began to weep bitterly. This caused concern by Eli the Priest, who had more than likely seen a portion of the events as the meal had gone on. He watched Hannah cry, lips moving but lacking noise, and thought she may be under the influence of wine. In reality, though, Hannah was once again pouring her heart out to God. She was pleading with God, “Please give me a son, and I will give him back into your service.” Her heart was being limited only by the words she was speaking, until…
Eli approached Hannah and began to ask her about her drinking problem. I’m sure this came as a shock to Hannah who was probably very sober at the time, but nonetheless she made a point to explain that she was not drunk but rather troubled and calling out to the LORD. But then, not knowing even what she had been praying about, Eli offered her comfort and answered her, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” With that she went back to her table and continued eating her meal. The family left Shiloh the next day and headed back home. At the right time, Elkanah lay with Hannah again. Nothing had been conceived in her body in these intimate moments, until… this time, when Hannah became pregnant.
It wasn’t that Hannah had a special prayer lined up to recite to God when she got to Shiloh, but rather that she refused to give up on the passion that God had placed in her heart. And failing to give up created a stronger well from which her heart drew when she poured it all out before God. This is a lesson that God has been showing me lately. There are desires that God has placed deep in my heart, and quite frankly, I have become annoyed that they have not come to pass. I have the promise; I have the desire; but I have no end result. Yet what God shows me is that I must not give up. How many years did Hannah pray the same prayer before God opened her womb? All we know is the Bible says “year after year.” Is that two, five, ten? God has placed my desires in me, and your desires in you, for a reason. We must not give up in praying them through or we may indeed lose the vision and passion. There will be an end result coming, but we must continue in our prayers, until…
Monday, March 7, 2011
SAFE!
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1
Growing up I remember always being excited to see my cousins. Two of my cousins lived pretty close to us and as such, my brothers, sister, and these two spent many summer days together at grandma’s house. We always found fun things to do, like inventing our own slip ‘n slide out of trash bags and a hose or making our own obstacle course in the backyard. But not every day was full of invention. Other times were filled with more simple games, such as hide and go seek. Grandma’s backyard was a great place for this game. You could hide in or behind the shed, behind her taller garden crops, or behind the wood pile if you wanted to risk the spiders. However, no matter where you hid, you had to know where base was. Without this being defined you would not be safe, and without safety you knew you would be the next to count and look. In each game it appeared the base was a different thing, whether the patio post, the shed door, or grandma herself, but there was always a safe place and you wanted to get to it.
Isn’t life like a big game of hide and seek in a way? We spend time running around and hiding so as not to be found while the clock of life counts down. But then, when the counting is completed, where will we be found? Will we have the wisdom to run to the base of safety, or will we be caught by the counter before we are able to make it to safety? In reading Psalm 46: 1, we find that God is our safety base. It tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” If we look at trouble as the ticking down of the clock and God as the safety spot, then would it not make sense that we should indeed run to safety, run to God?
Psalm 49:5 adds more to this thought in asking, “Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me…” In playing hide and seek, there was always that fear that if I stepped too far from base I may not make it there in time when I was being looked for. At times the risk was too great, so I would hover close to the safety point so that when I was being pursued I was right there, able to touch without being tagged. I knew in those moments that I had nothing to worry. And why should I worry about the counting down if I know already that I am in the arms of safety?
Perhaps another way to understand this thought is in watching a toddler take its first steps. When my children were taking their first big steps on their own, my spouse and I would knell within arms distance of each other. We would cheer on our child, “Walk over to mommy,” or, “Go get daddy.” Sometimes carelessly and other times thoughtfully, one foot would inch out in front of the other and a step would be taken, then another, and another, until finally the child was in the safe arms of the other parent. Though trouble within these steps could be found in a trip, or moment of unbalanced weight, the truth was our children were safe in the refuge of our arms.
God longs to be that spot of safety in our life’s game of hide and seek. He desires to be the safe, strong hand that grips us and surrounds us should we begin to falter in our step. Our Heavenly Father declares Himself as our refuge and strength, our always present help. But the question then becomes, have we run to His safety, or from it? I urge you to consider in this game of hide and go seek, to ensure you are within the reach of safety so that when the counting is done you are found safe in His strong arms. Run to Jesus, the base of safety in life.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1
Growing up I remember always being excited to see my cousins. Two of my cousins lived pretty close to us and as such, my brothers, sister, and these two spent many summer days together at grandma’s house. We always found fun things to do, like inventing our own slip ‘n slide out of trash bags and a hose or making our own obstacle course in the backyard. But not every day was full of invention. Other times were filled with more simple games, such as hide and go seek. Grandma’s backyard was a great place for this game. You could hide in or behind the shed, behind her taller garden crops, or behind the wood pile if you wanted to risk the spiders. However, no matter where you hid, you had to know where base was. Without this being defined you would not be safe, and without safety you knew you would be the next to count and look. In each game it appeared the base was a different thing, whether the patio post, the shed door, or grandma herself, but there was always a safe place and you wanted to get to it.
Isn’t life like a big game of hide and seek in a way? We spend time running around and hiding so as not to be found while the clock of life counts down. But then, when the counting is completed, where will we be found? Will we have the wisdom to run to the base of safety, or will we be caught by the counter before we are able to make it to safety? In reading Psalm 46: 1, we find that God is our safety base. It tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” If we look at trouble as the ticking down of the clock and God as the safety spot, then would it not make sense that we should indeed run to safety, run to God?
Psalm 49:5 adds more to this thought in asking, “Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me…” In playing hide and seek, there was always that fear that if I stepped too far from base I may not make it there in time when I was being looked for. At times the risk was too great, so I would hover close to the safety point so that when I was being pursued I was right there, able to touch without being tagged. I knew in those moments that I had nothing to worry. And why should I worry about the counting down if I know already that I am in the arms of safety?
Perhaps another way to understand this thought is in watching a toddler take its first steps. When my children were taking their first big steps on their own, my spouse and I would knell within arms distance of each other. We would cheer on our child, “Walk over to mommy,” or, “Go get daddy.” Sometimes carelessly and other times thoughtfully, one foot would inch out in front of the other and a step would be taken, then another, and another, until finally the child was in the safe arms of the other parent. Though trouble within these steps could be found in a trip, or moment of unbalanced weight, the truth was our children were safe in the refuge of our arms.
God longs to be that spot of safety in our life’s game of hide and seek. He desires to be the safe, strong hand that grips us and surrounds us should we begin to falter in our step. Our Heavenly Father declares Himself as our refuge and strength, our always present help. But the question then becomes, have we run to His safety, or from it? I urge you to consider in this game of hide and go seek, to ensure you are within the reach of safety so that when the counting is done you are found safe in His strong arms. Run to Jesus, the base of safety in life.
Friday, March 4, 2011
CANDLES
"'For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.'"
Mark 8:35
Rome, 391 A.D. As the Romans were celebrating their victory over the Goths in the north, a peace-loving monk from the province of Asia quietly entered the city. He had no idea what lay ahead, only that God had told him to go to Rome, and out of obedience he went. Swept into the parading crowd of people, this monk by the name of Telemachus found himself pushed into the Coliseum. By this time, Constantine had already put an end to the death of Christians in the Coliseum, and gladiator contests had ceased some seventy years before, but by decree of Honorius as a celebration of Rome's victory, a retraction to the gladiator wars was declared. Telemachus looked out onto the vast dirt space of the Coliseum to see the warriors giving tribute before their fight to the death. Seeing the horror of battle, Telemachus ran out onto the arena's floor and yelled out, "In the name of Christ, stop! Don't despise God's mercy in turning away the sword of your enemies by murdering one another!" The crowd stopped, stunned if only for a moment before the old monk was struck by the butt of a sword in the stomach by one of the gladiators. Telemachus rose back from his doubled-over position and attempted to cease the fight once again. With the crowd worked up in a frenzy, they began to throw objects at the monk. Refusing to back down, the old man continued his plea before being stabbed through by an angry gladiator. Silence came over the crowd again, and this time it stayed. Slumping to his knees, with blood pouring out and life leaving, Telemachus declared once again, "In the name of Jesus, stop!" No one said a word. No one even moved for a while. Then, slowly, one by one, the arena began to empty. Never again were gladiator contests had in the Coliseum following this event.
In Mark 8, as Christ spoke to His disciples, and called the crowd to Him, He gave a challenge. Although given so many years ago, that challenge is still sitting in the balance, waiting for us to answer. Will we grab hold of it, or let it be taken by another? The challenge is this, if we want to be Christ's followers, we must deny ourselves, take up His cross, and follow Him. What does it profit us to gain status, riches, fame, and glory if in the process we lose our soul to the enemy who so desperately wants our soul? When will we, like Telemachus, rise up in the face of opposition and sin and risk our lives for what is right? Sure, it cost him his life, and it may cost us our lives also, but I say, "Bring it on. I am ready." I am willing to take a stand even if it means I must die for my beliefs. I am willing to stand in the shoes of Jim Elliot, Shahbaz Bhatti, and Telemachus if it means that Christ may be lifted up as a result of my sacrifice. I do not want to die, but I am ready to obey Christ in any and every area He calls me, no matter what the end result may be.
I realize I speak boldly, but I cannot help but look at the people who have gone before me and opened the door for my salvation. They are candles in a sea of salvation. Where there was no light, God put His flame in them and they lit up the world. Where darkness once ruled, God kindled their flame to a full on blazing forest fire that has yet to be quenched. Christ could not be quenched when He was on this Earth, He could not be quenched no matter how many times the disciples were stoned and jailed, He could not be quenched no matter how many died for the faith, and He cannot be quenched in me now. I am a result of the fire that He lit in the candles before me, and it is my mission to light many more candles before my life ends.
You may never be called on to chose between your faith and life, but if by some chance you were, how would you answer? You see, this is where saying you're a Christian and being a Christian separates us. For years I said I was a Christian but I did not really live like a Christian. We break it down now days like Christianity is a club to join. Whoo hoo, a free membership, and just for joining I got this really cool fire insurance policy. Why have we reduced it to so little? For those who hold the candles, those like the disciples, Paul, Joan of Arc, William Carey, Jim Elliot, David Livingston, and a host of others, Christianity was no game or club. These men and women took it seriously; serious enough to lay down their lives for it. These, and many others, are the candles that have fanned my flame.
This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
"'For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.'"
Mark 8:35
Rome, 391 A.D. As the Romans were celebrating their victory over the Goths in the north, a peace-loving monk from the province of Asia quietly entered the city. He had no idea what lay ahead, only that God had told him to go to Rome, and out of obedience he went. Swept into the parading crowd of people, this monk by the name of Telemachus found himself pushed into the Coliseum. By this time, Constantine had already put an end to the death of Christians in the Coliseum, and gladiator contests had ceased some seventy years before, but by decree of Honorius as a celebration of Rome's victory, a retraction to the gladiator wars was declared. Telemachus looked out onto the vast dirt space of the Coliseum to see the warriors giving tribute before their fight to the death. Seeing the horror of battle, Telemachus ran out onto the arena's floor and yelled out, "In the name of Christ, stop! Don't despise God's mercy in turning away the sword of your enemies by murdering one another!" The crowd stopped, stunned if only for a moment before the old monk was struck by the butt of a sword in the stomach by one of the gladiators. Telemachus rose back from his doubled-over position and attempted to cease the fight once again. With the crowd worked up in a frenzy, they began to throw objects at the monk. Refusing to back down, the old man continued his plea before being stabbed through by an angry gladiator. Silence came over the crowd again, and this time it stayed. Slumping to his knees, with blood pouring out and life leaving, Telemachus declared once again, "In the name of Jesus, stop!" No one said a word. No one even moved for a while. Then, slowly, one by one, the arena began to empty. Never again were gladiator contests had in the Coliseum following this event.
In Mark 8, as Christ spoke to His disciples, and called the crowd to Him, He gave a challenge. Although given so many years ago, that challenge is still sitting in the balance, waiting for us to answer. Will we grab hold of it, or let it be taken by another? The challenge is this, if we want to be Christ's followers, we must deny ourselves, take up His cross, and follow Him. What does it profit us to gain status, riches, fame, and glory if in the process we lose our soul to the enemy who so desperately wants our soul? When will we, like Telemachus, rise up in the face of opposition and sin and risk our lives for what is right? Sure, it cost him his life, and it may cost us our lives also, but I say, "Bring it on. I am ready." I am willing to take a stand even if it means I must die for my beliefs. I am willing to stand in the shoes of Jim Elliot, Shahbaz Bhatti, and Telemachus if it means that Christ may be lifted up as a result of my sacrifice. I do not want to die, but I am ready to obey Christ in any and every area He calls me, no matter what the end result may be.
I realize I speak boldly, but I cannot help but look at the people who have gone before me and opened the door for my salvation. They are candles in a sea of salvation. Where there was no light, God put His flame in them and they lit up the world. Where darkness once ruled, God kindled their flame to a full on blazing forest fire that has yet to be quenched. Christ could not be quenched when He was on this Earth, He could not be quenched no matter how many times the disciples were stoned and jailed, He could not be quenched no matter how many died for the faith, and He cannot be quenched in me now. I am a result of the fire that He lit in the candles before me, and it is my mission to light many more candles before my life ends.
You may never be called on to chose between your faith and life, but if by some chance you were, how would you answer? You see, this is where saying you're a Christian and being a Christian separates us. For years I said I was a Christian but I did not really live like a Christian. We break it down now days like Christianity is a club to join. Whoo hoo, a free membership, and just for joining I got this really cool fire insurance policy. Why have we reduced it to so little? For those who hold the candles, those like the disciples, Paul, Joan of Arc, William Carey, Jim Elliot, David Livingston, and a host of others, Christianity was no game or club. These men and women took it seriously; serious enough to lay down their lives for it. These, and many others, are the candles that have fanned my flame.
This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
FAN THE FIRE
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”
Hebrews 10:39
Recent news events move us from the remote jungles of Ecuador to the city of Islamabad, Pakistan. Only yesterday, March 2, 2011, was it reported that self-described Taliban gunman assassinated the nation’s minorities minister. Shahbaz Bhatti, who months before began getting death threats in relation to his religion, was shot a total of eight times, being pronounced dead on arrival when his driver, who was also shot, pulled up at the hospital. Bhatti was the only Christian in Pakistan’s cabinet. Following a prompting, he made a video four months prior that fully described his stance for God. In it he spoke, “…I want to share that I believe in Jesus Christ, who has given His own life for us. I know what is the meaning of the cross, and I am a follower of the cross. And I am ready to die for this cause…” Despite the threats, however, Bhatti did not back down nor cease to speak for marginalized Christians and other minorities. As this belief clearly went against the Islamic dominance of the country, the Taliban took matters into their own hands.
We have grown up hearing the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and of Daniel, and of David, but have we truly grasped the allegiance behind the stories. For the three Hebrew boys, their allegiance was to God alone, as they with purpose would not bow down to a pagan idol, even with their life on the line. They knew that the enemy was after them, to tear them from the positions of authority God had allowed them to be placed in. But even when the king gave them one final chance to change their minds, they stood true in the pledge to God.
What about Daniel? He cared nothing for the rules to pray only to the king, but rather because of his allegiance to God, he continued to pray. He also knew the death threats of his time, but did not back down. Lions could not steal from him his allegiance, nor could their growls surrender the pledge he had made to follow after God.
And let us think about David. Before he was made king he first conquered the giant that stood in opposition of the army of God. He cried out, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine who defies God.” To ask that bold a question of one who towers over you takes either stupid pills, or an allegiance to God who has proven Himself time and time again. For David, it was allegiance, and this is the God I serve.
How dare we sit comfortable in our lazy boy watching television when our brothers and sisters of the faith are being killed for the same allegiance we take for granted. How audacious our thoughts to think that because it does not happen in America we are safe. The truth is we are all in danger of this same fate. An angry neighbor of a different faith, a spiritual jihad acted out against us, another September 11, and life as we know it can change in a moment and find us standing against a firing squad for our beliefs. So then now, before that moment happens, I urge you to question of yourself, are these just stories or a passion that lives in you? When the time comes, will you give in to the death threats or will you stand up in allegiance to God Almighty?
One of my favorite historical martyrs is Joan of Arc. Some called her crazy because she said that voices spoke to her, giving her instruction. Obeying the voices she would describe as past saints, Joan led the Dauphin of France’s army in a series of victories, which in turn changed the course of the Hundred Years’ War. Although this action made her a saint to some, it also made her a rebellious heretic to others. But Joan of Arc never backed down in her allegiance to God and doing as He had called her to. At the age of 19, however, she was burned alive at the stake for heresy. To her, these stories were something more. They were a relationship built on devotion. And her model, her passion, her allegiance, fans my flame, as does the recent death of Shahbaz Bhatti. May this fire burn so hot in us that it will be said of us also that we did not shrink back in the face of death.
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”
Hebrews 10:39
Recent news events move us from the remote jungles of Ecuador to the city of Islamabad, Pakistan. Only yesterday, March 2, 2011, was it reported that self-described Taliban gunman assassinated the nation’s minorities minister. Shahbaz Bhatti, who months before began getting death threats in relation to his religion, was shot a total of eight times, being pronounced dead on arrival when his driver, who was also shot, pulled up at the hospital. Bhatti was the only Christian in Pakistan’s cabinet. Following a prompting, he made a video four months prior that fully described his stance for God. In it he spoke, “…I want to share that I believe in Jesus Christ, who has given His own life for us. I know what is the meaning of the cross, and I am a follower of the cross. And I am ready to die for this cause…” Despite the threats, however, Bhatti did not back down nor cease to speak for marginalized Christians and other minorities. As this belief clearly went against the Islamic dominance of the country, the Taliban took matters into their own hands.
We have grown up hearing the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and of Daniel, and of David, but have we truly grasped the allegiance behind the stories. For the three Hebrew boys, their allegiance was to God alone, as they with purpose would not bow down to a pagan idol, even with their life on the line. They knew that the enemy was after them, to tear them from the positions of authority God had allowed them to be placed in. But even when the king gave them one final chance to change their minds, they stood true in the pledge to God.
What about Daniel? He cared nothing for the rules to pray only to the king, but rather because of his allegiance to God, he continued to pray. He also knew the death threats of his time, but did not back down. Lions could not steal from him his allegiance, nor could their growls surrender the pledge he had made to follow after God.
And let us think about David. Before he was made king he first conquered the giant that stood in opposition of the army of God. He cried out, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine who defies God.” To ask that bold a question of one who towers over you takes either stupid pills, or an allegiance to God who has proven Himself time and time again. For David, it was allegiance, and this is the God I serve.
How dare we sit comfortable in our lazy boy watching television when our brothers and sisters of the faith are being killed for the same allegiance we take for granted. How audacious our thoughts to think that because it does not happen in America we are safe. The truth is we are all in danger of this same fate. An angry neighbor of a different faith, a spiritual jihad acted out against us, another September 11, and life as we know it can change in a moment and find us standing against a firing squad for our beliefs. So then now, before that moment happens, I urge you to question of yourself, are these just stories or a passion that lives in you? When the time comes, will you give in to the death threats or will you stand up in allegiance to God Almighty?
One of my favorite historical martyrs is Joan of Arc. Some called her crazy because she said that voices spoke to her, giving her instruction. Obeying the voices she would describe as past saints, Joan led the Dauphin of France’s army in a series of victories, which in turn changed the course of the Hundred Years’ War. Although this action made her a saint to some, it also made her a rebellious heretic to others. But Joan of Arc never backed down in her allegiance to God and doing as He had called her to. At the age of 19, however, she was burned alive at the stake for heresy. To her, these stories were something more. They were a relationship built on devotion. And her model, her passion, her allegiance, fans my flame, as does the recent death of Shahbaz Bhatti. May this fire burn so hot in us that it will be said of us also that we did not shrink back in the face of death.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
BURNING HEART
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying the gospel of God’s grace.”
Acts 20:22-24
Keeping in line with this week’s theme of fire, I want us to travel to the jungle of Ecuador, or more specifically to the area of the Auca Indians. It was on October 28, 1949, that the following words were penned in the journal of Jim Elliot. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” With a desire to share God with those who did not know Him, Elliot found his wife, friends, and himself fulfilling the call of taking the Word to the remote jungle people. As this calling increased in passion in his heart, the missionaries made plans to make contact with the tribe. In their first attempt, they flew low over the village, speaking through a loudspeaker, and offering a basket of gifts. Months later, the men built a base camp a short distance from the Indian village, along the Curaray River. It was here that they were approached by the Indians, which then opened the door for them to visit the Indian village also. However, although progress seemed to be being made, January 8, 1956 proved fateful. The arrival of a large band of warriors from the tribe attacked the five men on one of their visits, killing them all.
What was it that burned so deep in the heart of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, and Roger Youderian? What was it that drove them from their homes in America to a remote people group miles away? What was it that caused them to put their lives on the line? It was fire. These men had pledged their allegiance to God that they would go where He said go, and do what He said do. It wasn’t just words to them, but a pledge they walked out. They laid it all on the line to follow what God had placed in their hearts, not knowing what lay ahead.
This is the same fire and passion that compelled Paul as he set out for Jerusalem in Acts 20:23-25. He was warned by the Spirit that danger lay ahead, yet still inside him was a burning to move forward in the mission God had placed in his heart. The King James Version reads that Paul was “bound in the spirit” to go to Jerusalem, meaning that he was fastened in his decision, he was chained to his choice, and forbidden to go a different way. When God knocked him off his donkey, He instilled a renewed purpose in his heart, and Paul could not run away from it. Furthermore, hell could not keep Paul away from it. Paul didn’t let one knock down keep him down, or one knock out put him out. He continued to race till the end, caring only for the purpose God had given him and not for the details of his life. He, like Jim Elliot, was single minded in the calling burning in his heart.
Are we? Has God given you and me a mission that burns so hot inside us that we feel we will explode if it doesn’t become fulfilled? Then what are we waiting for? What are we doing to prepare for this task? Are we being frightened by the fear of the unknown? Sure, the end result may be death, but is that not the highest prize? Read again the word of Jim Elliot, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” We cannot live forever, but while we live we are given a purpose. Eternal life cannot be taken from us even when physical life can. But let us not throw our true passion and fire to the side simply because we fear death.
Within me is a fire. Within me is the calling to bring others to Christ and to strengthen those who have accepted Him but need a little encouragement. It may cost me my life to do so, but I will not back down. I am compelled by the Spirit in my mission and I cannot quench this fire in my heart. I pray the same is true of you. But moreover, I pray that you also will step out in the passion that burns in you.
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying the gospel of God’s grace.”
Acts 20:22-24
Keeping in line with this week’s theme of fire, I want us to travel to the jungle of Ecuador, or more specifically to the area of the Auca Indians. It was on October 28, 1949, that the following words were penned in the journal of Jim Elliot. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” With a desire to share God with those who did not know Him, Elliot found his wife, friends, and himself fulfilling the call of taking the Word to the remote jungle people. As this calling increased in passion in his heart, the missionaries made plans to make contact with the tribe. In their first attempt, they flew low over the village, speaking through a loudspeaker, and offering a basket of gifts. Months later, the men built a base camp a short distance from the Indian village, along the Curaray River. It was here that they were approached by the Indians, which then opened the door for them to visit the Indian village also. However, although progress seemed to be being made, January 8, 1956 proved fateful. The arrival of a large band of warriors from the tribe attacked the five men on one of their visits, killing them all.
What was it that burned so deep in the heart of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, and Roger Youderian? What was it that drove them from their homes in America to a remote people group miles away? What was it that caused them to put their lives on the line? It was fire. These men had pledged their allegiance to God that they would go where He said go, and do what He said do. It wasn’t just words to them, but a pledge they walked out. They laid it all on the line to follow what God had placed in their hearts, not knowing what lay ahead.
This is the same fire and passion that compelled Paul as he set out for Jerusalem in Acts 20:23-25. He was warned by the Spirit that danger lay ahead, yet still inside him was a burning to move forward in the mission God had placed in his heart. The King James Version reads that Paul was “bound in the spirit” to go to Jerusalem, meaning that he was fastened in his decision, he was chained to his choice, and forbidden to go a different way. When God knocked him off his donkey, He instilled a renewed purpose in his heart, and Paul could not run away from it. Furthermore, hell could not keep Paul away from it. Paul didn’t let one knock down keep him down, or one knock out put him out. He continued to race till the end, caring only for the purpose God had given him and not for the details of his life. He, like Jim Elliot, was single minded in the calling burning in his heart.
Are we? Has God given you and me a mission that burns so hot inside us that we feel we will explode if it doesn’t become fulfilled? Then what are we waiting for? What are we doing to prepare for this task? Are we being frightened by the fear of the unknown? Sure, the end result may be death, but is that not the highest prize? Read again the word of Jim Elliot, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” We cannot live forever, but while we live we are given a purpose. Eternal life cannot be taken from us even when physical life can. But let us not throw our true passion and fire to the side simply because we fear death.
Within me is a fire. Within me is the calling to bring others to Christ and to strengthen those who have accepted Him but need a little encouragement. It may cost me my life to do so, but I will not back down. I am compelled by the Spirit in my mission and I cannot quench this fire in my heart. I pray the same is true of you. But moreover, I pray that you also will step out in the passion that burns in you.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
ALLEGIANCE
“And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But those who endure to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 10:22 NLT
Moving from Tunisia to the north, and traveling back about 87 years, we set the stage for our next stop in our journey of fire. This time we find ourselves landing on November 9, 1923 in the streets of Munich, Bavaria. A hatter by trade, Andreas Bauriedl was part of the unsuccessful Nazi Beer Hall Putsch that worked for the power of Munich to be given into the hands of Hitler. However, in a standoff with Munich police, Bauriedl was fired upon and hit in the abdomen, killing him and thus causing him to fall upon the Nazi flag later named Blutfahne. He and fifteen others were deemed as the first ‘blood martyrs’ and were remembered by Hitler. The stains of blood from these martyrs that soaked the flag left an incredible impression on the uprising leader, and it was this same blood stained flag that Hitler would later use for the swearing in of new recruits in front of the Feldherrnhalle. It was also this same flag that became visible at annual party rallies at Nuremberg, where the touching of other Nazi banners with the Blutfahne was an act of allegiance.
Allegiance, the word carries weight. As Americans, we ‘pledge allegiance’ to a flag. We give our sole devotion to an item or person that we strongly believe in and support. The New Living Translation of the Bible uses this word in Matthew 10:22, speaking about an allegiance given to God. This word for allegiance is HUPOMENO in the Greek, and means to abide, endure, preserve in the face of misfortune and trial. I wonder if we have given our allegiance to God. The men of Hitler gave their allegiance to him, as they purposefully stood on the vanguard against the police of Munich over a person they believed in. And they made a point to share their devotion to their leader by touching their city’s flag to that stained with the spilled blood. America has done the same, as we have fought in wars over freedom because we so strongly pledge to the principle of a free person or nation. We have proven this in the Civil War in the fight over slavery. We have proven this more recently as well in our fight to defend our own nation in a battle against terrorism. But have we purposefully and strongly pledged to our God personally? Or, have we talked it up all this time but have a backup plan should life get hard?
In order for us to be on fire for God, we must come to a point where we are willing to pledge our allegiance to Him. Not some little half-hearted allegiance, but rather full allegiance, ‘no backup plan’ allegiance, ‘no matter what’ allegiance. Yes, as Matthew says, we will be hated, we will be mocked, and we will be humiliated by others, but those who endure will know salvation. In some ways we have to weigh the benefit package. Is the jesting and ridicule and hatred worth the prize? It is if you want to burn, and I want to burn. I grow tired of wimpy Christian life, lip service, peer-pressured altar calls, and stagnant sermons. I want us to burn. I am sick of Christian rationalization, of us personally thinking that we are the exception to God’s rules, of believers who would rather hide sin than confront it. I want us to burn. But the burn starts with allegiance, and I can only choose that for myself.
I know where I stand. I know who I have given my allegiance to in the past, and who I give it to now. I know that at work I may be to butt of people’s jokes because I am a little different, I believe a little different, I act a little different. But I do not care. All I know is that I want to be used; I want to be a flame for God. I cannot do that until I give Him every part of me, submitting my whole self to Him, and pledging my full allegiance to Him. I then state it once more, I pledge allegiance to my God.
“And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But those who endure to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 10:22 NLT
Moving from Tunisia to the north, and traveling back about 87 years, we set the stage for our next stop in our journey of fire. This time we find ourselves landing on November 9, 1923 in the streets of Munich, Bavaria. A hatter by trade, Andreas Bauriedl was part of the unsuccessful Nazi Beer Hall Putsch that worked for the power of Munich to be given into the hands of Hitler. However, in a standoff with Munich police, Bauriedl was fired upon and hit in the abdomen, killing him and thus causing him to fall upon the Nazi flag later named Blutfahne. He and fifteen others were deemed as the first ‘blood martyrs’ and were remembered by Hitler. The stains of blood from these martyrs that soaked the flag left an incredible impression on the uprising leader, and it was this same blood stained flag that Hitler would later use for the swearing in of new recruits in front of the Feldherrnhalle. It was also this same flag that became visible at annual party rallies at Nuremberg, where the touching of other Nazi banners with the Blutfahne was an act of allegiance.
Allegiance, the word carries weight. As Americans, we ‘pledge allegiance’ to a flag. We give our sole devotion to an item or person that we strongly believe in and support. The New Living Translation of the Bible uses this word in Matthew 10:22, speaking about an allegiance given to God. This word for allegiance is HUPOMENO in the Greek, and means to abide, endure, preserve in the face of misfortune and trial. I wonder if we have given our allegiance to God. The men of Hitler gave their allegiance to him, as they purposefully stood on the vanguard against the police of Munich over a person they believed in. And they made a point to share their devotion to their leader by touching their city’s flag to that stained with the spilled blood. America has done the same, as we have fought in wars over freedom because we so strongly pledge to the principle of a free person or nation. We have proven this in the Civil War in the fight over slavery. We have proven this more recently as well in our fight to defend our own nation in a battle against terrorism. But have we purposefully and strongly pledged to our God personally? Or, have we talked it up all this time but have a backup plan should life get hard?
In order for us to be on fire for God, we must come to a point where we are willing to pledge our allegiance to Him. Not some little half-hearted allegiance, but rather full allegiance, ‘no backup plan’ allegiance, ‘no matter what’ allegiance. Yes, as Matthew says, we will be hated, we will be mocked, and we will be humiliated by others, but those who endure will know salvation. In some ways we have to weigh the benefit package. Is the jesting and ridicule and hatred worth the prize? It is if you want to burn, and I want to burn. I grow tired of wimpy Christian life, lip service, peer-pressured altar calls, and stagnant sermons. I want us to burn. I am sick of Christian rationalization, of us personally thinking that we are the exception to God’s rules, of believers who would rather hide sin than confront it. I want us to burn. But the burn starts with allegiance, and I can only choose that for myself.
I know where I stand. I know who I have given my allegiance to in the past, and who I give it to now. I know that at work I may be to butt of people’s jokes because I am a little different, I believe a little different, I act a little different. But I do not care. All I know is that I want to be used; I want to be a flame for God. I cannot do that until I give Him every part of me, submitting my whole self to Him, and pledging my full allegiance to Him. I then state it once more, I pledge allegiance to my God.
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