What if the verse "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's" involves more than paying taxes? I worry about how much attention I pay to "Modern-day-Caesars." I worry even more when I realize that often when I am distracted by "them". I fully acknowledge that, as citizens, we have civic responsibilities. However, when I obsess over those responsibilities more than I am captivated by God, Caesar gets too much attention. Essentially I am taking my eyes off Christ.
In my convoluted defense of my misplaced attention, I equate a righteous position on the issues with following God. Unfortunately, when I follow my argument to its logical conclusion, I find myself placing more trust in Caesar than God. I must confess I have even campaigned with more passion for Caesar than I have for God.
I am reminded of another verse, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood..." Sadly enough I have wrestled with flesh and blood. Chances are we all have if facebook is any indication. I have seen Christians attack George Bush and I have seen them attack Barack Obama. In both instances they are "flesh and blood." We fight in heavenly realms from our prayer closets.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Learning Intercession in 2014
It is a well known fact that I am a complicated soul. Those closest to me literally have “the patience of Job.” I am a not-so-perfect mix of both introvert and extrovert. As 2014 begins I am beginning to grasp why I am the way I am, I am an intercessor. In the past I would reject that title because I don’t pray enough to be an intercessor. I have recently had the revelation that I am and that I do.
What is Intercession? INTERCESSION, n. [L. intercessio, from intercedo.] The act of interceding; mediation; interposition between parties at variance, with a view to reconciliation; prayer or solicitation to one party in favor of another, sometimes against another.
I have been told most of my life that intercession was essentially praying intensely for someone or a group of people. I am not arguing this definition nor am I limiting intercession to it. The last several years God has been teaching to look beyond the simple definitions I have learned. For instance, worship is “singing love songs” to the Father, but worship is also every act of obedience to the will of God. I have learned that that worship in the New Testament Greek is “proskuneo” and prayer is “proseuchomai. “Pros “ is a preposition of direction (suggests that our prayers must be directed towards a specific person). It also suggests a nearness to God, or being in access to His presence. Both words are closely connected. If worship has transcended its definition, then can prayer be bigger than I have previously defined.
Keith Green once wrote a song, “Make my Life a Prayer.” Scripture tells me to “pray without ceasing.” In the Old Testament Hebrew the word “intercession” means to intervene. Can we intervene with our actions? In other words, can God use as the answer to the prayer we are praying for someone? If my neighbor injured his back, should I pray “Oh God in heaven above, my neighbor has hurt his back and his grass is getting high, please send someone to cut his grass.” Or should I pray for his back and then cut his grass. While I do pray for people I enjoy blessing them. I love it when God uses me as the answer to the prayer. Whatever activity is then required is as much intercession as the prayer itself.
Traditional intercession is hard. You spend yourself praying intensely for someone. Your prayers often go unnoticed. I have found this expanded view of intercession to even be more difficult. Not only are you praying intensely but you are visibly investing yourself into someone during their crisis. Just as Christ experienced the investment is often forgotten as soon as the crisis is over or the crisis is there but no longer recognized. Only one leper returned to thank Christ, the other nine never returned. When Christ wanted company in the Garden to pray, they wanted to sleep. A lifestyle of intercession expects to give and give and give and give. Often the gifts are soon forgotten or taken for granted.
I am now full circle. I love people. God has placed some on my “prayer list.” I must pray for them. I love when God uses me to answer their prayers. I feel that emotional and spiritual connection to them, and when I need to be interceded for I must trust that God has someone praying for me and possibly being the answer for me. I must also realize that it may not be those that I have invested in their life. Regardless, God is my comfort, the source of all that I need.
What is Intercession? INTERCESSION, n. [L. intercessio, from intercedo.] The act of interceding; mediation; interposition between parties at variance, with a view to reconciliation; prayer or solicitation to one party in favor of another, sometimes against another.
I have been told most of my life that intercession was essentially praying intensely for someone or a group of people. I am not arguing this definition nor am I limiting intercession to it. The last several years God has been teaching to look beyond the simple definitions I have learned. For instance, worship is “singing love songs” to the Father, but worship is also every act of obedience to the will of God. I have learned that that worship in the New Testament Greek is “proskuneo” and prayer is “proseuchomai. “Pros “ is a preposition of direction (suggests that our prayers must be directed towards a specific person). It also suggests a nearness to God, or being in access to His presence. Both words are closely connected. If worship has transcended its definition, then can prayer be bigger than I have previously defined.
Keith Green once wrote a song, “Make my Life a Prayer.” Scripture tells me to “pray without ceasing.” In the Old Testament Hebrew the word “intercession” means to intervene. Can we intervene with our actions? In other words, can God use as the answer to the prayer we are praying for someone? If my neighbor injured his back, should I pray “Oh God in heaven above, my neighbor has hurt his back and his grass is getting high, please send someone to cut his grass.” Or should I pray for his back and then cut his grass. While I do pray for people I enjoy blessing them. I love it when God uses me as the answer to the prayer. Whatever activity is then required is as much intercession as the prayer itself.
Traditional intercession is hard. You spend yourself praying intensely for someone. Your prayers often go unnoticed. I have found this expanded view of intercession to even be more difficult. Not only are you praying intensely but you are visibly investing yourself into someone during their crisis. Just as Christ experienced the investment is often forgotten as soon as the crisis is over or the crisis is there but no longer recognized. Only one leper returned to thank Christ, the other nine never returned. When Christ wanted company in the Garden to pray, they wanted to sleep. A lifestyle of intercession expects to give and give and give and give. Often the gifts are soon forgotten or taken for granted.
I am now full circle. I love people. God has placed some on my “prayer list.” I must pray for them. I love when God uses me to answer their prayers. I feel that emotional and spiritual connection to them, and when I need to be interceded for I must trust that God has someone praying for me and possibly being the answer for me. I must also realize that it may not be those that I have invested in their life. Regardless, God is my comfort, the source of all that I need.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Scary Verses
There exists what I call “scary verses.” They are “scary” because they are opposite the way many live, think and/or vote. I consider Matthew 25:35-40 to be alarming
Matthew 25:35-40 English Standard Version (ESV) 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
How do we view Jesus? What if the answer to that question are connected to two other questions? How do we view immigrants? How do we view the poor?
Matthew 25:35-40 English Standard Version (ESV) 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
How do we view Jesus? What if the answer to that question are connected to two other questions? How do we view immigrants? How do we view the poor?
Thursday, December 26, 2013
They hate us! I am so happy!
“Jesus calls us to his rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort.” ― A.W. Tozer, Pursuit of God
Phil Roberson, reality tv star, recently stated his views on homosexuality in an interview with GQ Magazine. While he could have been more eloquent in his position, the core of his position is supported by Scripture. Regardless, of his level of eloquence or his knowledge of the Bible, a firestorm ensued especially over social media. A&E indefinitely suspended Roberson for his views beginning a huge online argument over free speech, religious persecution and such.
I find the reaction from the masses intriguing especially those that wear the name of Christ. Granted we have two historic documents that we can use to establish a precedent as how to approach this controversy. The first document is the Constitution of the United States. It clearly states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Those who see this as a freedom of speech issue generally continue to claim that this has also become an instance of religious persecution. This lead us to the second document. It is called the Bible. It reads:
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”
1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
John 15:19 “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
I concede the religious persecution argument. While I am not quick to wave that banner, today I will declare it is persecution. Making this concession requires me to ask the question, “So, what next?” Protests? Boycotts? Campaigning for like-minded politicians?
I want to argue celebration should be our next course of action. The world hates us! Why are we surprised by this? Does not Scripture guarantee it? Are we rejoicing or are we angry?
I find the reaction from the masses intriguing especially those that wear the name of Christ. Granted we have two historic documents that we can use to establish a precedent as how to approach this controversy. The first document is the Constitution of the United States. It clearly states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Those who see this as a freedom of speech issue generally continue to claim that this has also become an instance of religious persecution. This lead us to the second document. It is called the Bible. It reads:
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”
1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
John 15:19 “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
I concede the religious persecution argument. While I am not quick to wave that banner, today I will declare it is persecution. Making this concession requires me to ask the question, “So, what next?” Protests? Boycotts? Campaigning for like-minded politicians?
I want to argue celebration should be our next course of action. The world hates us! Why are we surprised by this? Does not Scripture guarantee it? Are we rejoicing or are we angry?
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Responding to hard issues
How do I, as a Christian, address hard issues that are often guaranteed to incite a negative response?
Am I speaking from a perspective of love? Does my love at least in some way resemble the love of Christ? Don’t answer too quickly, love led Him to the cross. Have I wept, not over the issue, but, over the lives adversely affected by it?
Am I addressing the joy that comes from being inside the will of a sovereign God? Does there seem to be a joy that is undeniably evident, especially to the audience I am targeting?
While truth confronts us and often requires change which can be painful, am I praying for peace and longing for relationship with each other and with the Father. Or am I trying to fight a fight, just for the fun of fighting.
Am I expecting immediate change or am I willing to exhibit patience? Knowing that Father has been very patient with, do I extend the same grace to others.
Are my words kind or hurtful? Again, truth can be painful, but am I using words or a tone that stings solely for the fun of making my point?
Am I communicating what is good? Sometimes, we may not want to hear what is good for it often comes with a price. Nonetheless, God defines what is good.
Am I being faithful in my role as a follower of God? Or am I being faithful to my religious fervor. There may very well be a difference. One requires me to act like Jesus and one allows me to act like a Pharisee?
Am I modeling the gentleness of Christ or am I forcefully making my point?
Am I acting as though I have self-control or do I sound like a raging lunatic?
Finally have I ignored the plank in my eye to attempt to remove the speck in someone else’s eye.
Am I speaking from a perspective of love? Does my love at least in some way resemble the love of Christ? Don’t answer too quickly, love led Him to the cross. Have I wept, not over the issue, but, over the lives adversely affected by it?
Am I addressing the joy that comes from being inside the will of a sovereign God? Does there seem to be a joy that is undeniably evident, especially to the audience I am targeting?
While truth confronts us and often requires change which can be painful, am I praying for peace and longing for relationship with each other and with the Father. Or am I trying to fight a fight, just for the fun of fighting.
Am I expecting immediate change or am I willing to exhibit patience? Knowing that Father has been very patient with, do I extend the same grace to others.
Are my words kind or hurtful? Again, truth can be painful, but am I using words or a tone that stings solely for the fun of making my point?
Am I communicating what is good? Sometimes, we may not want to hear what is good for it often comes with a price. Nonetheless, God defines what is good.
Am I being faithful in my role as a follower of God? Or am I being faithful to my religious fervor. There may very well be a difference. One requires me to act like Jesus and one allows me to act like a Pharisee?
Am I modeling the gentleness of Christ or am I forcefully making my point?
Am I acting as though I have self-control or do I sound like a raging lunatic?
Finally have I ignored the plank in my eye to attempt to remove the speck in someone else’s eye.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Spurgeon's Advice to Young Pastors
Spurgeon's Advice to Young Pastors
by Aaron O'Harra | July 11, 2008
In our preaching class at The Bethlehem Institute some time back we came across wonderful counsel by C. H. Spurgeon. When stepping into a new congregation that is laced with backbiting and gossip, he says:
It is the extreme of unwisdom for a young man fresh from college, or from another charge, to suffer himself to be earwigged by a clique, and to be bribed by kindness and flattery to become a partisan, and so to ruin himself with one-half of his people. Know nothing of parties and cliques, but be the pastor of all the flock, and care for all alike. Blessed are the peacemakers, and one sure way of peacemaking is to let the fire of contention alone. Neither fan it, nor stir it, nor add fuel to it, but let it go out of itself. Begin your ministry with one blind eye and one deaf ear.
Topic: Pastoral Ministry
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/spurgeons-advice-to-young-pastors
Monday, August 20, 2012
My Bookshelf - Adrian Carpenter
(Not the Complete List but a few must-haves....
Adrian’s Bookshelf
The Worship God Is Seeking – David Ruis
The Justice God Is Seeking – David Ruis
Red Moon Rising: How 24-7 Prayer Is Awakening a Generation - Pete Greig, Dave Roberts
Any book by John Piper, AW Tozer,
Favorite Reference Book:
Unger's Concise Bible Dictionary - Merrill F. Unger
Adrian’s Bookshelf
The Worship God Is Seeking – David Ruis
The Justice God Is Seeking – David Ruis
Red Moon Rising: How 24-7 Prayer Is Awakening a Generation - Pete Greig, Dave Roberts
Any book by John Piper, AW Tozer,
Favorite Reference Book:
Unger's Concise Bible Dictionary - Merrill F. Unger
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