Last April, Francis Chan, author of the best seller Crazy Love, resigned his position as pastor of Cornerstone Church, a megachurch in Simi Valley, California, which he founded in 1994. According to Chan, God was calling him to “pursue a new adventure.” There was no scandal or coercion involved in his decision—he was following what he described as “a leading from the Lord.”
I was surprised when I heard about Chan’s resignation and watched to see what would develop as a result. What happened next actually surprised me more than the resignation announcement itself. Several of Chan’s peers, also megachurch pastors, openly questioned and criticized his decision to leave the church. These criticisms went something like this:
1. “Everybody thinks you are coco for coco-puffs.” In plain English this insulting comment means, “Are you crazy?”
2. “Why leave when you don’t know what you are going to do?”
3. “Are you establishing a bad pattern that you will repeat again in a few years?”
I watched an interview with Francis Chan, Mark Driscoll (pastor of Mars Hill Church, Seattle) and Joshua Harris (pastor of Covenant Life Church, Gaithersburg, MD). Questions and criticisms came out of this interview, but what I didn’t see was as disturbing to me as what I did see. I didn’t hear anything remotely scriptural to back up suggestions that what Chan was doing was wrong. Secondly, I didn’t hear anything from the critics about seeking the face of God for direction. Instead what I heard was largely, “Well, here’s what I think or believe.”
The prevailing, unspoken statement of criticism of Francis Chan seemed to be: “Why would you step down when you have a thriving church? That can’t be right.”
As I watched the interview and later also read some of the printed material about this matter, I am left with a large reservation about these critics. “I wonder if these men acknowledge God as the Lord of the vineyard” (Luke 20:13).
Is there a biblical precedent for what Chan has done? The answer is yes.
In Acts 11 word reached the church in Jerusalem that something unusual was happening in Antioch. Large numbers of Jews and larger numbers of Gentiles were getting saved and becoming a part of the church. The elders in Jerusalem were concerned about what they heard and sent Barnabas to Antioch to investigate on their behalf.
A brief word about Antioch; it was the third largest city in the entire Roman Empire and an important center of commerce, with more Gentiles than Jews living and doing business there. It was to Antioch that some Christian Jews had fled to escape the persecution in Jerusalem. These Christian Jews interacted in business with the Gentiles and within a short time Gentiles began receiving Christ in greater numbers than Jews. In contemporary language, “a spiritual awakening” had begun. This was a surprising development in the early church and that is what the leaders sent Barnabas to investigate.
Barnabas was delighted at what he saw and he encouraged the Antioch church to be wholehearted in their devotion to the Lord. Barnabas stayed and began to minister to the church, which continued to grow.
After a while Barnabas realized that he needed help in leading this exploding and unique church, and the Holy Spirit brought to his mind a man he had come to know about six years earlier. Saul (we know him as Paul), after his conversion, had only been with the leaders in Jerusalem for a few weeks when the brethren there banished him to his hometown of Tarsus (Acts 9:26-30). Acts 11:25 tells us that Barnabas went to Tarsus, found Paul, and persuaded him to join him in Antioch.
For a year Paul and Barnabas worked to establish the church in Antioch. Paul was the perfect fit for this church: highly educated, a rabbi, a lawyer, and an Old Testament scholar. All this, coupled with his courage and leadership skills and his assertion that God had called him to reach the Gentile world, made Paul a great choice to be involved in organizing and growing the church in Antioch.
We are told that after a year (Acts 13:1-3), the Holy Spirit instructed the church to “release Barnabas and Paul to the work to which I have called them.” So the church did as they had been divinely led: “They fasted and prayed, and placed their hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:3). This is truly the New Testament church in action.
Could Paul have stayed in Antioch and had a great ministry? The answer is yes, he could have. The church in Antioch was very likely the largest church in the world at that time. Some historical writers suggest that the Antioch church could have numbered up to 30,000. What God was doing in Antioch was a microcosm of what He would later do throughout the whole Gentile world. Christianity would stop being a Jewish sect but would be available to all. Paul could have stayed in Antioch and pastored this great church, written books and letters, trained missionaries, and developed the doctrines that fill the pages of his thirteen letters.
So why would Paul step down from this tremendous success and step out into a world of the unknown? Because God told him to! It’s interesting to note that the church in Antioch lost its two top leaders, because Barnabas went with Paul on his missionary adventure. But it still thrived! The church in Antioch had a reliance on the Holy Spirit and His leading that is sadly missing in today’s church.
So, to Francis Chan, ignore the critics and do what God had led you to do. Join Abraham in going out even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).
Bravo, Francis Chan, bravo!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
BACK ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY
David’s entrance onto the big stage was a surprise to him and everyone else. While delivering supplies to his brothers who were serving in King Saul’s army, David unexpectedly stumbled into the classic “David versus Goliath” battle. His victory over the giant made him an instant hero in the eyes of the Jewish nation, but when his fame surpassed that of King Saul, he knew he had a problem. The king was a violent man and his jealousy turned to hatred and attempted murder. David’s flashy entrance quickly became a seven-year trial during which time his character was formed and he went from being a cliché-spouting, quasi-Christian to becoming a man of God.
During his years of running and hiding, the pressure on David was relentless. 1 Samuel 23:14 says, “Saul sought him every day.” Three thousand battle-hardened mercenaries were sent to find and kill the upstart and while David was not yet the man of God he would become, his character was being formed in the furnace of affliction. David’s inexperience under such profound pressure caused him to make mistakes, one of which was to compromise and enter the enemy territory of self-reliance.
Hounded by Saul’s warriors, David crossed over into the land of the Philistines and lied in an attempt to get into their good graces. 1 Samuel 27:4 tells us that when Saul heard about David’s crossing over, he called off his army. It seemed that the pressure was off David— or was it? David had crossed a line into the enemy’s camp; he had crossed the line of compromise. 1 Samuel 27:1-2 exposes the heart of David’s failure at this time: “David thought to himself…the best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines.” When David crossed the line and stopped trusting God for everything, and decided to take things into his own hands, he began to see what a lie he was living. The lying and compromise had only begun and the pressure from which he sought relief continued.
One of the great concerns I have about the church today is the tremendous emphasis being put upon self-confidence, self-reliance. Let me say this as directly as I can. When we enter into the realm of self-reliance or when self-confidence becomes too large a part of our Christian experience, we can count on the strength and wisdom of heaven departing just as it did in David’s case. How does the emergence of self-reliance show up in the church? Trust me, this is not rocket science. When there is a descending or nonexistent value placed on prayer (private and corporate), self-reliance and self-confidence have taken its place and the strength and wisdom of heaven has departed. And this is the way it is in much of the church today.
David’s self-will caused him to enter into a life of deceit. Some of the Philistines believed his glib song and dance routine but most didn’t. One of the Philistine kings gave David the city of Ziklag for the home of his army and it was from there that David and his men went out raiding to get provisions to support their families. The Philistines thought David was raiding in Jewish territory and he lied to them and said he was, but he actually was raiding nomadic tribes that were not friends of the Jews or Philistines. Self-reliance leads one to a life of compromise.
David and his men returned home after a raid and found their city burned to the ground. Their families had been taken captive by the Amalekites (1 Samuel 29) and the men were devastated, heartbroken. They wept aloud over the tragedy—the Bible says they wept until they had no strength left to weep. In their deep distress, the warriors became angry at David and spoke of killing him and David finally came to his senses. He reached rock bottom and realized what his compromise had done…but he got back on the road to victory!
“David encouraged himself in the Lord” (1 Samuel 30:6). I think we put the wrong spin on this statement. We tend to view this as David reminding himself of all the good things God had done for him and then he was built up and encouraged. While I am sure that eventually happened, the first thing David had to do to get back on the victory road was get back in right relationship with God. The word encourage means “to make sure, make strong, to repair something that has been broken.” That happened when “David inquired of the Lord” (30:8). David dropped the presumption of self-will, acknowledged his failure, and in humility asked God what he should do. God quickly answered His heartbroken child and when David put his hand in his Father’s hand, he was saying, “I can’t do this on my own. I’ve tried and failed. Look at the mess I’m in. Father, lead me to victory!”
The rest of the story is triumphant. God gave David and his men the direction they needed to get back on the road to victory. They got their families, their possessions, and more back from the Amalekites and David went on to become the greatest warrior king in the history of Israel.
Mark well what I am about to say. Within two days of David’s returning from his successful expedition to recover all that had been lost, word reached David that Saul was dead. Coincidence? I think not! The road to victory was solidified for David when he humbled himself and inquired of the Lord. God then had David’s tormentor removed and David went on to do what God had called him to.
Important to finding and staying on the road to victory is dealing with the presumption of self-will. Until you can freely pray, “Not my will but thine be done,” as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane, you will find the road to victory elusive and the wisdom and strength of heaven a faint memory.
During his years of running and hiding, the pressure on David was relentless. 1 Samuel 23:14 says, “Saul sought him every day.” Three thousand battle-hardened mercenaries were sent to find and kill the upstart and while David was not yet the man of God he would become, his character was being formed in the furnace of affliction. David’s inexperience under such profound pressure caused him to make mistakes, one of which was to compromise and enter the enemy territory of self-reliance.
Hounded by Saul’s warriors, David crossed over into the land of the Philistines and lied in an attempt to get into their good graces. 1 Samuel 27:4 tells us that when Saul heard about David’s crossing over, he called off his army. It seemed that the pressure was off David— or was it? David had crossed a line into the enemy’s camp; he had crossed the line of compromise. 1 Samuel 27:1-2 exposes the heart of David’s failure at this time: “David thought to himself…the best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines.” When David crossed the line and stopped trusting God for everything, and decided to take things into his own hands, he began to see what a lie he was living. The lying and compromise had only begun and the pressure from which he sought relief continued.
One of the great concerns I have about the church today is the tremendous emphasis being put upon self-confidence, self-reliance. Let me say this as directly as I can. When we enter into the realm of self-reliance or when self-confidence becomes too large a part of our Christian experience, we can count on the strength and wisdom of heaven departing just as it did in David’s case. How does the emergence of self-reliance show up in the church? Trust me, this is not rocket science. When there is a descending or nonexistent value placed on prayer (private and corporate), self-reliance and self-confidence have taken its place and the strength and wisdom of heaven has departed. And this is the way it is in much of the church today.
David’s self-will caused him to enter into a life of deceit. Some of the Philistines believed his glib song and dance routine but most didn’t. One of the Philistine kings gave David the city of Ziklag for the home of his army and it was from there that David and his men went out raiding to get provisions to support their families. The Philistines thought David was raiding in Jewish territory and he lied to them and said he was, but he actually was raiding nomadic tribes that were not friends of the Jews or Philistines. Self-reliance leads one to a life of compromise.
David and his men returned home after a raid and found their city burned to the ground. Their families had been taken captive by the Amalekites (1 Samuel 29) and the men were devastated, heartbroken. They wept aloud over the tragedy—the Bible says they wept until they had no strength left to weep. In their deep distress, the warriors became angry at David and spoke of killing him and David finally came to his senses. He reached rock bottom and realized what his compromise had done…but he got back on the road to victory!
“David encouraged himself in the Lord” (1 Samuel 30:6). I think we put the wrong spin on this statement. We tend to view this as David reminding himself of all the good things God had done for him and then he was built up and encouraged. While I am sure that eventually happened, the first thing David had to do to get back on the victory road was get back in right relationship with God. The word encourage means “to make sure, make strong, to repair something that has been broken.” That happened when “David inquired of the Lord” (30:8). David dropped the presumption of self-will, acknowledged his failure, and in humility asked God what he should do. God quickly answered His heartbroken child and when David put his hand in his Father’s hand, he was saying, “I can’t do this on my own. I’ve tried and failed. Look at the mess I’m in. Father, lead me to victory!”
The rest of the story is triumphant. God gave David and his men the direction they needed to get back on the road to victory. They got their families, their possessions, and more back from the Amalekites and David went on to become the greatest warrior king in the history of Israel.
Mark well what I am about to say. Within two days of David’s returning from his successful expedition to recover all that had been lost, word reached David that Saul was dead. Coincidence? I think not! The road to victory was solidified for David when he humbled himself and inquired of the Lord. God then had David’s tormentor removed and David went on to do what God had called him to.
Important to finding and staying on the road to victory is dealing with the presumption of self-will. Until you can freely pray, “Not my will but thine be done,” as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane, you will find the road to victory elusive and the wisdom and strength of heaven a faint memory.
Friday, December 17, 2010
I ABSOLUTELY BELIEVE GOD HEALS TODAY!
I don’t plan to write many additional blogs about my health challenge—no need to burden others—but I decided to let you know we are making progress. And I wanted to share that I have not fallen under the bus of depression or self-pity. So thank you for your continued prayers!
If you’re totally ignorant of the procedures involved in chemo/radiation (as I was), let me give you a brief update and overview. I’m completing my second week of treatment—two down, five to go, with a few days off over the holidays. Monday is chemo day so I arrive at the oncology center early, meet with the oncologist, have blood work done, get weighed, etc. Then on to the infusion room, which is a large, open space lined with about 12 recliner-type chairs occupied by patients of varying ages. On my first day, armed with my laptop, Bible and latest David Baldacci novel, I chose my chair in a corner by the window. The nurses attached what would be the first of several bags of hydration fluids and chemotherapy drugs (via medi-port in my chest), and I settled in for a long day. Oh joy!
I repeat this process every Monday and although it’s painless, it can get a little tedious because of the long hours of sitting. There are television sets scattered around the room with available earphones but who wants to watch daytime TV?
There are some really interesting folks in the infusion room. Jerry, the man sitting next to me, was reading a book on Galatians when I sat down my first day. I immediately commented on the book and we had a delightful conversation about Galatians, the Bible, and church in general.
A lady came in for an infusion accompanied by two friends who pulled up chairs to form a little circle around her. I noticed they were having a Bible study and one of the friends, obviously the leader, was a colorful study herself. She looked as though she could have come right off the stage of the Grand Ole Opry of old—long, blonde, big hair; satiny dress; vivid make-up. Only in Texas, folks! But they love the Lord and were unashamed in their witness!
People came and went all day, some with their own private entourage of four or five people. Just so you understand, that’s not the way it happened with me. Carol dropped me off at the front door of the clinic at 8:30 and with a wave said, “I’m going to the mall—see you about three o’clock.” John Wayne walked into the clinic muttering something about “pilgrims.” Some of you reading this don’t know me so you don’t know when I’m joking. Trust me when I tell you that what I just said is a really bad joke and my wife will make me pay!
About 2:30 the radiation technician came and off I went, chemo IV pole and all, into the radiation room. There they place a mask on my face that’s been marked in order to be precise with the radiation beams. The mask had been made previously by warming plastic mesh and forming it to my face. They clip it down to hold my head steady (think Freddy Krueger).
Everything is computerized and after I’m on the table, the computer goes to work above my head. For about 15 minutes all I hear is the whine and whir of the machinery and an occasional click—and then it’s over.
So, I have chemo every Monday and radiation Monday through Friday. So far the side effects have been minimal. Fatigue is probably the hardest to deal with at this point. I try to keep a semblance of a schedule but I quickly run out of energy and have had to put some of my ministry assignments on hold for now. Very little nausea, however, and for that I am grateful.
Spiritually I feel great. A few mornings ago I was praying and suddenly was overtaken by the presence of the Lord. I realized that some of my friends were in prayer for me right at that moment. It was powerful—and I thank you!
Every day I continue to talk with the Lord about healing and, of course, I have questions for Him. “Why me?” and “Why am I not instantly healed?” And every day my Father takes me by the hand and leads me through the day. If God’s leading will not get me to healing then I’ll never get there.
Ultimate healing is to be where He wants me to be, when He wants me to be there. When He says He will lead us and we put our hand in His, honestly now, where do you think He is going to take us? Do you think He will lead us into depression, sickness or disease? No! He is leading us to wholeness and health—which may not come instantly but it will come! However, when it comes is not our call.
I absolutely and without equivocation believe that God heals the sick today just as He did when Jesus was alive. But I must confess that at times I get a little irritated by some of the silliness that surrounds the message of healing and health. In a month or so I’m going to write a little on what the Bible affirms about healing, debunk a few myths, and generally give the devil, sickness and disease a black eye.
We are on the road to victory!
If you’re totally ignorant of the procedures involved in chemo/radiation (as I was), let me give you a brief update and overview. I’m completing my second week of treatment—two down, five to go, with a few days off over the holidays. Monday is chemo day so I arrive at the oncology center early, meet with the oncologist, have blood work done, get weighed, etc. Then on to the infusion room, which is a large, open space lined with about 12 recliner-type chairs occupied by patients of varying ages. On my first day, armed with my laptop, Bible and latest David Baldacci novel, I chose my chair in a corner by the window. The nurses attached what would be the first of several bags of hydration fluids and chemotherapy drugs (via medi-port in my chest), and I settled in for a long day. Oh joy!
I repeat this process every Monday and although it’s painless, it can get a little tedious because of the long hours of sitting. There are television sets scattered around the room with available earphones but who wants to watch daytime TV?
There are some really interesting folks in the infusion room. Jerry, the man sitting next to me, was reading a book on Galatians when I sat down my first day. I immediately commented on the book and we had a delightful conversation about Galatians, the Bible, and church in general.
A lady came in for an infusion accompanied by two friends who pulled up chairs to form a little circle around her. I noticed they were having a Bible study and one of the friends, obviously the leader, was a colorful study herself. She looked as though she could have come right off the stage of the Grand Ole Opry of old—long, blonde, big hair; satiny dress; vivid make-up. Only in Texas, folks! But they love the Lord and were unashamed in their witness!
People came and went all day, some with their own private entourage of four or five people. Just so you understand, that’s not the way it happened with me. Carol dropped me off at the front door of the clinic at 8:30 and with a wave said, “I’m going to the mall—see you about three o’clock.” John Wayne walked into the clinic muttering something about “pilgrims.” Some of you reading this don’t know me so you don’t know when I’m joking. Trust me when I tell you that what I just said is a really bad joke and my wife will make me pay!
About 2:30 the radiation technician came and off I went, chemo IV pole and all, into the radiation room. There they place a mask on my face that’s been marked in order to be precise with the radiation beams. The mask had been made previously by warming plastic mesh and forming it to my face. They clip it down to hold my head steady (think Freddy Krueger).
Everything is computerized and after I’m on the table, the computer goes to work above my head. For about 15 minutes all I hear is the whine and whir of the machinery and an occasional click—and then it’s over.
So, I have chemo every Monday and radiation Monday through Friday. So far the side effects have been minimal. Fatigue is probably the hardest to deal with at this point. I try to keep a semblance of a schedule but I quickly run out of energy and have had to put some of my ministry assignments on hold for now. Very little nausea, however, and for that I am grateful.
Spiritually I feel great. A few mornings ago I was praying and suddenly was overtaken by the presence of the Lord. I realized that some of my friends were in prayer for me right at that moment. It was powerful—and I thank you!
Every day I continue to talk with the Lord about healing and, of course, I have questions for Him. “Why me?” and “Why am I not instantly healed?” And every day my Father takes me by the hand and leads me through the day. If God’s leading will not get me to healing then I’ll never get there.
Ultimate healing is to be where He wants me to be, when He wants me to be there. When He says He will lead us and we put our hand in His, honestly now, where do you think He is going to take us? Do you think He will lead us into depression, sickness or disease? No! He is leading us to wholeness and health—which may not come instantly but it will come! However, when it comes is not our call.
I absolutely and without equivocation believe that God heals the sick today just as He did when Jesus was alive. But I must confess that at times I get a little irritated by some of the silliness that surrounds the message of healing and health. In a month or so I’m going to write a little on what the Bible affirms about healing, debunk a few myths, and generally give the devil, sickness and disease a black eye.
We are on the road to victory!
Friday, December 10, 2010
MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS
Mountaintop vistas are etched into the human psyche as a symbol of triumph. When confronted with a problem/challenge, it is common to respond with chest-thumping bravado and proclaim, “I’ll climb that mountain!” The whole world celebrated when the highest mountain in the world finally succumbed to the skills of adventurer Sir Edmond Hillary.
I think it is natural that we talk about mountaintop experiences as being essentially positive. In contrast would be the valley experiences, which are tended to be viewed as essentially negative. We talk about being “down” in contrast to being “up.”
All this is great rhetoric for motivational speeches and inspirational books but not so great when it comes to teaching us to actually live a productive and victorious life as a Christian.
The mountaintop is a great place to visit; the views are magnificent, but frankly the top of the Colorado Rockies is not a great place to live. When Hillary finally triumphed over the treacherous Everest and planted his feet on the highest peak in the world, he took a look around, stayed just a few minutes, and began the descent back to real life. He had not come to the mountaintop to stay, just to visit. A city is almost never located at the top of a mountain. The corridors of life are almost always built in a valley or on the plains that lead up to the mountains.
Valleys are the places of everyday life. They are the places where most of the fruit of life is grown and harvested, where battles are won and lost, where most of life is lived. None of us really derive the character qualities God desires for our lives while we are on the mountain. It’s in the valley where fruit is planted, nurtured and harvested. In the valley, it is more difficult to see ahead; the clouds often cover the valley and limit our sight. It’s in the valley that we learn to live and walk by faith.
Whenever we stand on the mountain, we are able to see clearly. It is the best vantage point from which to view what lies ahead. God allows us the mountaintop experience at times, so go to the mountaintop whenever you can, clear your head, look into the future, and enjoy the grand vista. But remember that the fullness of your life is not there; we go to the mountains so that we can cross them and continue our journey of faith.
Our God is the God of the mountains and the valleys. Real life is the continual experience of having “ups and downs.” Those who teach that all of the spiritual life is only an “up” experience are seriously misguided.
In 1 Kings 20:23 an enemy army brought an accusation against Israel, and especially against God, when they said, “Their gods are gods of the hills.” The enemy leaders then went on to say, “If we can fight them on the plains, we can destroy them!”
Why would they say something like that? They were not members of the Jewish faith, so what would lead them to that particular observation and accusation?
Could it be that they had observed the Jewish people living excitedly for God when things were going well, when victory over enemies had been achieved, when life was good and they were “up”? Could it be that the Amereans (the enemy) also saw Israel when things were “down” and observed them struggling, grumbling, complaining and generally not living for God? And so the enemy came with a brutal accusation: “You have a good-time god! Your god is a god of the mountain because the only time you worship and live righteously is when things are going well and you are ‘up.’ Your god is a god of the mountain and not the valley because you sure don’t live for him when you are ‘down.’”
God sent an unnamed prophet to the king of Israel with a message, “Because the Amareans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands and you will know that I am the Lord” (1 Kings 20:28).
The message was not for the enemy, it was for God’s people! The message was for God’s people to know that “I am the Lord.” He is the Lord of the mountains and the valleys—He is the Lord of all of life’s experiences—He is the Lord!
The Psalmist David understood this principle well! David had an up-and-down life and perhaps that’s why his writings are so beloved. He wrote about both the mountaintop and valley experiences. One of his valley statements was, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, FOR YOU ARE WITH ME…” (Psalm 23:4).
He’s the God of the mountains and the valley; He is our God, and whether we are “up” or “down” He is always with us! He is the Lord!
I think it is natural that we talk about mountaintop experiences as being essentially positive. In contrast would be the valley experiences, which are tended to be viewed as essentially negative. We talk about being “down” in contrast to being “up.”
All this is great rhetoric for motivational speeches and inspirational books but not so great when it comes to teaching us to actually live a productive and victorious life as a Christian.
The mountaintop is a great place to visit; the views are magnificent, but frankly the top of the Colorado Rockies is not a great place to live. When Hillary finally triumphed over the treacherous Everest and planted his feet on the highest peak in the world, he took a look around, stayed just a few minutes, and began the descent back to real life. He had not come to the mountaintop to stay, just to visit. A city is almost never located at the top of a mountain. The corridors of life are almost always built in a valley or on the plains that lead up to the mountains.
Valleys are the places of everyday life. They are the places where most of the fruit of life is grown and harvested, where battles are won and lost, where most of life is lived. None of us really derive the character qualities God desires for our lives while we are on the mountain. It’s in the valley where fruit is planted, nurtured and harvested. In the valley, it is more difficult to see ahead; the clouds often cover the valley and limit our sight. It’s in the valley that we learn to live and walk by faith.
Whenever we stand on the mountain, we are able to see clearly. It is the best vantage point from which to view what lies ahead. God allows us the mountaintop experience at times, so go to the mountaintop whenever you can, clear your head, look into the future, and enjoy the grand vista. But remember that the fullness of your life is not there; we go to the mountains so that we can cross them and continue our journey of faith.
Our God is the God of the mountains and the valleys. Real life is the continual experience of having “ups and downs.” Those who teach that all of the spiritual life is only an “up” experience are seriously misguided.
In 1 Kings 20:23 an enemy army brought an accusation against Israel, and especially against God, when they said, “Their gods are gods of the hills.” The enemy leaders then went on to say, “If we can fight them on the plains, we can destroy them!”
Why would they say something like that? They were not members of the Jewish faith, so what would lead them to that particular observation and accusation?
Could it be that they had observed the Jewish people living excitedly for God when things were going well, when victory over enemies had been achieved, when life was good and they were “up”? Could it be that the Amereans (the enemy) also saw Israel when things were “down” and observed them struggling, grumbling, complaining and generally not living for God? And so the enemy came with a brutal accusation: “You have a good-time god! Your god is a god of the mountain because the only time you worship and live righteously is when things are going well and you are ‘up.’ Your god is a god of the mountain and not the valley because you sure don’t live for him when you are ‘down.’”
God sent an unnamed prophet to the king of Israel with a message, “Because the Amareans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands and you will know that I am the Lord” (1 Kings 20:28).
The message was not for the enemy, it was for God’s people! The message was for God’s people to know that “I am the Lord.” He is the Lord of the mountains and the valleys—He is the Lord of all of life’s experiences—He is the Lord!
The Psalmist David understood this principle well! David had an up-and-down life and perhaps that’s why his writings are so beloved. He wrote about both the mountaintop and valley experiences. One of his valley statements was, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, FOR YOU ARE WITH ME…” (Psalm 23:4).
He’s the God of the mountains and the valley; He is our God, and whether we are “up” or “down” He is always with us! He is the Lord!
Friday, December 3, 2010
BUT NOW, THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SAYS!
It was more than difficult to sit in the medical office listening to the treatment plan and being advised of the difficulties and pain of the weeks ahead. To have medical professionals describe the cancerous tumor on my neck as difficult to deal with because of its location was not greatly encouraging. All in all, it was a painful and discouraging hour.
About seven or eight weeks ago I discovered a swelling on the left side of my neck right along the jaw in the lymph gland area. After a couple of trips to the doctor, treatment by antibiotics, a CT Scan and a needle biopsy, my doctor called to tell me that the growth was cancerous. That set off a whole string of other doctors getting involved. Suddenly I had a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, an ear-nose-throat surgeon, and I had more scans and additional biopsies taken from my throat and tongue. I can heartily recommend that you not have your tonsils removed at my age! That procedure opened up a door of pain and discomfort that I have not experienced before.
Before Carol and I sat down with the radiation oncologist’s staff to hear them lay out for us the treatment plan and fully explain what would be involved, we prepared ourselves both spiritually and medically for what was to come.
Spiritually we have taken our stand for healing. We both believe that God heals the sick and our foundational healing Scriptures are Isaiah 53:4-5 and Psalm 91:1-3. We had the elders of our church anoint me with oil and pray for healing; we have enlisted an army of family and friends to stand with us in prayer and faith; and every day I cry out to God for healing. I know that the Lord has not given this infirmity to me and I also know that He has not, at this time, taken it from me. I understand that right now this is the “deep water” I am to walk through and I am at peace.
On the medical side the Lord has supernaturally led us to some of the very best cancer specialists in this area. The doors have opened for almost immediate appointments and the care has been incredible.
All through the process I knew the doctors were not telling us everything about the level of difficulty and the side effects of the treatment. I can tell when someone is holding something back but eventually most of that came out. The radiation nurse told us, “I wish I could tell you different but the last couple of weeks of treatment are going to be hellish. The pain and soreness in the neck and throat is going to build up until you won’t want to eat or drink anything because it will just be too painful.”
It was a sober drive home and in the SUV Carol reminded me of a passage of Scripture that I had shared with our daughter Leslie the day before. I had printed out a copy of Isaiah 43 and it was sitting on my desk when I got home. The passage reads like God participated in the conversation in the doctor’s office and He was now having the final word.
“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you….he who formed you…. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you…you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God…you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you…do not be afraid, for I am with you…" (Isaiah 43:1-5 NIV).
I am not writing this blog post to elicit pity or sympathy…frankly I don’t want either. I have prepared this because some of you, like me, are going through your own deep waters, your own fires of tribulation, and a few of you are about ready to give up. His promise to you is the same as it is to me: “You are mine…you are precious and honored in my sight…I love you…do not be afraid!”
We do go through treacherous experiences but He will be with us to protect and keep us. We will pass through rivers of trouble and pain that will threaten to overwhelm us but He will not allow that to happen—His hand will restrain the destruction. We will go through fires of temptation and affliction; we’ll feel the heat but we will not be burned nor will we be destroyed.
I love God more today than I ever have in my life. I trust Him and because I am passing through deep waters doesn’t mean that somehow I have failed Him or that I am lacking in faith. It means I am passing through deep waters and He will show Himself strong on my behalf.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (Jesus to the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:9).
“For when I am weak, then I am strong” (Paul’s declaration, 2 Corinthians 12:10).
About seven or eight weeks ago I discovered a swelling on the left side of my neck right along the jaw in the lymph gland area. After a couple of trips to the doctor, treatment by antibiotics, a CT Scan and a needle biopsy, my doctor called to tell me that the growth was cancerous. That set off a whole string of other doctors getting involved. Suddenly I had a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, an ear-nose-throat surgeon, and I had more scans and additional biopsies taken from my throat and tongue. I can heartily recommend that you not have your tonsils removed at my age! That procedure opened up a door of pain and discomfort that I have not experienced before.
Before Carol and I sat down with the radiation oncologist’s staff to hear them lay out for us the treatment plan and fully explain what would be involved, we prepared ourselves both spiritually and medically for what was to come.
Spiritually we have taken our stand for healing. We both believe that God heals the sick and our foundational healing Scriptures are Isaiah 53:4-5 and Psalm 91:1-3. We had the elders of our church anoint me with oil and pray for healing; we have enlisted an army of family and friends to stand with us in prayer and faith; and every day I cry out to God for healing. I know that the Lord has not given this infirmity to me and I also know that He has not, at this time, taken it from me. I understand that right now this is the “deep water” I am to walk through and I am at peace.
On the medical side the Lord has supernaturally led us to some of the very best cancer specialists in this area. The doors have opened for almost immediate appointments and the care has been incredible.
All through the process I knew the doctors were not telling us everything about the level of difficulty and the side effects of the treatment. I can tell when someone is holding something back but eventually most of that came out. The radiation nurse told us, “I wish I could tell you different but the last couple of weeks of treatment are going to be hellish. The pain and soreness in the neck and throat is going to build up until you won’t want to eat or drink anything because it will just be too painful.”
It was a sober drive home and in the SUV Carol reminded me of a passage of Scripture that I had shared with our daughter Leslie the day before. I had printed out a copy of Isaiah 43 and it was sitting on my desk when I got home. The passage reads like God participated in the conversation in the doctor’s office and He was now having the final word.
“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you….he who formed you…. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you…you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God…you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you…do not be afraid, for I am with you…" (Isaiah 43:1-5 NIV).
I am not writing this blog post to elicit pity or sympathy…frankly I don’t want either. I have prepared this because some of you, like me, are going through your own deep waters, your own fires of tribulation, and a few of you are about ready to give up. His promise to you is the same as it is to me: “You are mine…you are precious and honored in my sight…I love you…do not be afraid!”
We do go through treacherous experiences but He will be with us to protect and keep us. We will pass through rivers of trouble and pain that will threaten to overwhelm us but He will not allow that to happen—His hand will restrain the destruction. We will go through fires of temptation and affliction; we’ll feel the heat but we will not be burned nor will we be destroyed.
I love God more today than I ever have in my life. I trust Him and because I am passing through deep waters doesn’t mean that somehow I have failed Him or that I am lacking in faith. It means I am passing through deep waters and He will show Himself strong on my behalf.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (Jesus to the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:9).
“For when I am weak, then I am strong” (Paul’s declaration, 2 Corinthians 12:10).
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