This week I wanted to recommend some thematic study of scripture on prayer in the N.T.: (excerpts taken from Prayer and the Knowledge of God) Day 1. Instructions to Pray Perseverance to pray is not always easy, Paul understands this, that is why it is necessary to exhort one another to maintain some kind of discipline of prayer. Rom 12:12; 1 Cor 7:5; Phil 4:4-6; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:16-21; 1 Tim 2:1, 5:5 Day 2. The Effects of Prayer What kind of effects do our prayers really have for one another? What was Paul's idea of this when he asked others to pray for him? Can you see a connection to the evangelistic reference to prayer from Rom 10:12-13 to Joel 2:32 to Acts 2:21 to Gen 4:26? Rom 10:13; 2 Cor 1:11; Phil 1:19; 1 Tim 4:5 Day 3. Requests for Prayer Prayer is a chief way as Christians we have of experiencing fellowship with one another since we are in Christ together. Prayer transcends the need for physical proximity so we are enable to have genuine fellowship with one another through prayer in spite of being separated physcially. How dedicated are you to praying for those around you? How about those not around you, yet still sharing in Christ with you? Rom 15:30-32; 1 Thes 5:25; 2 Thes 3:1 Day 4. Directions for the Conduct of Prayer How we conduct prayer will show what we understand it to be. This in turn is a reflection of our knowledge of God. 1 Cor 11:4-5; 14:13-19; Eph 5:18-20; 6:18; 1 Tim 2:8 Day 5. Eschatological (end times) Prayer Phil 2:6-11 (particularly focusing on verse 10 of Paul's hymnal here as he refers to the effect of Christ's exultation) Mat 7:21-23; Luke 16:19-31; Mark 5:7-9; Luke 4:41 - How might Jesus' words here shape our eschatological concept of our prayer life? #biblestudy #prayer

I wanted to continue this week with more thoughts and reflections on the topic of prayer: (excerpts taken from Prayer and the Knowledge of God) Day 1. The Lord's Prayer is a pattern for prayer, but must be understood in its context of Jesus' redemptive ministry. Each part of the prayer has it background in the redemptive work of God revealed in the Old Testament. The prayer focuses on God the King, the coming of his kingdom, and what these mean for the subjects of the kingdom. The pattern of the Lord's Prayer demonstrates that all prayer is tied to God's self-revelation of his plan of salvation through Christ. Reflect: Have you become so used to the Lord's Prayer that praying it has become almost mechanical? If so, try spending some time each day reflecting on the significance of the main words and petitions of the prayer. Day 2. Prayer in the N.T. is presented as the climax and fulfillment of prayer in the O.T.. Biblical theology surveys the history of God's people and notes that God must first address his people befoe they can have anything to say to him. Prayer is tied to the covenant-relationships of the people of God, who know God only through this relationship. The O.T. emphasized the function of the mediators of the convenant - prophets, preists, judges and kings - as intercessors for the people. The high point of Israel's history comes with Solomon, who links prayer with kingship, wisdom, covenant and temple. Reflect: When you think about your relationship with God as a praying person, do you think mainly about: your practice of approaching God in prayer, or your mediator who makes prayer possible through his intercession for you? Day 3. The book of Psalms provides the most extensive examples of prayer and praise as it came to be used by all the people of God in the O.T.. Christians can connect with the individual psalms becae all the O.T. people from whom they came find their fulfillment in Jesus, who is the one mediator between God and us. The different kinds of prayer in the PSalms show the different ways pryer came to be used by the people of God. The book of Psalms emphasizes the covenant framework for all prayer, and thus foreshadows the person and work of Christ.Reflect: If the practice of prayer has become mechanical for you, try beginning your prayer each day by reading a psalm 'on your knees'. As you pray a psalm, think about the pathway from the psalm to you through the mediation of Christ. Where relevant, reflect on the psalm's testimony to: the being and character of god the great things he has done for us the suffering we share with the True Israelite, Jesus our destiny to 'dwell in the Lord's house forever' the fact that God knows us better than we know ourselves. Day 4. Prophetic eschatology (Eschatology is the technical term meaning the end or last things {Greek: eschatos, last}). The prophets emphasize certain themes centered on the prayers of repentance of a faithful remnant of Israel who will seek the Lord and call upon him. This prayer activity focuses on the nature of God as the Savior who is faithful to his covenant promises. The temple is seen as central to the redemption as God's house of prayer and the place where the redeemed sing a new song of joyful praise.Reflect: On how the prophets' perspectives on prayer help us to put meaning into the petition 'Your kingdom come' when we pray the Lord's Prayer. Think about the global view of the prophetic eschatology and its implication for the focus of our prayers: in praise and thanksgiving for the saving work of Christ for mission for perseverance in faith until Christ comes again Day 5. The dimensions of prayer in the O.T. are now fulfilled in the earthly ministry of Jesus. There is a transition from the O.T. content of prayer to its fulfillment based on the final revelation of God in Christ. Jesus is shown to be the teacher of prayer, and to give the perfect human response in prayer to the knowledge of God. Acts shows the difficult adjustment of the disciples to the reality of the ascended Christ and the fulfillment of the O.T. promises. the epistles exemplify the full transformation of perspective from O.T. covenant and eschatology to the realization of these in Christ. Revelation points to the consummation of how prayer is related to it. Petition for the reaching of the end is transformed into praise for the glory that is fully revealed.Reflect: Consider the implications for our prayers of the finished work of Christ. When you contemplate God bringing about his purposes, do you mainly think about: a remote future even, or what God has done, id doing, and will do? Think again about the goodness and love of the Father who allows us to share, through prayer, in the achieving of the goals of his sovereign will. Are you learning to think God's thoughts after him? #biblestudy #prayer

This week I wanted to share some daily bite size thoughts and questions about prayer: (excerpts taken from Prayer and the Knowledge of God) Day 1. There are a number of problems that Christians perceive in relation to prayer that often stem from a failure to understand the nature of prayer. The solutions to difficulties with prayer do not lie primarily in godly examples or in legalistic requirements but in understanding the principles involved in prayer. We need to understand how prayer relates to our knowledge of God and of his grace in the gospel. Reflect: When you think about your practice of prayer and, perhaps, some of the problems you experience, do you mainly consider: what you are like as a praying Christian, or what God is like as our heavenly Father who saves us? Day 2. It is the nature of God from all eternity that speaking characterized the communication with the Trinity. The speaking God created all things by his word and made humans in his image. The creating Word has come in the flesh and prayed for his people while on earth. Having done all that is necessary for us to be restored to God, the risen and ascended Word now prays in heaven for his people. The true image of God shows that for us to be in Christ is to be restored to the image of God and, in him, to become praying people.Reflect: Have you ever reflected on our ability to communicate by speech, to think rationally and to be creative as: aspects of our being created in God's image, and redeemed and made perfect by Christ, the true image of God? can we really explain our personhood, and our ability to interact personally using speech, without recourse to a God who is Trinity? Day 3. Jesus is the only the (human) son of the Father. Prayer belongs to the sons of the Father, but we have repudiated that relationship by our sin. As the true son, Jesus calls to the Father with the confidence that he is always heard. When we are united to Christ by faith we receive true sonship in him, and we can consequently pray with the same confidence that we are heard.Reflect: Consider again the real basis of our confidence that God hears our prayers. When the doubts about this assail you, do you think mainly about: how faithful and good a praying person you are, or how faithful and acceptable to God Jesus was on our behalf? have you pondered how central to the gospel our justification by faith is, and how this relates to prayer? Day 4. Prayer is an aspect of how we, as responsible humans, relate to God, as sovereign Lord. In prayer we respond to the reality of God who acted of his own will to redeem us. In saving us God also reveals himself as Father, and his will, his plan and his purpose for the whole creation. In prayer, God allows us to be identified with the outworking of his will for all creation. Thus, to the extent that we know him, we 'think his thoughts after him' and our prayer is part of the means by which God achieves his revealed purpose.Reflect: What moves you to prayer the most: the idea of the power of prayer to move God to act, or the idea of the power of God who allows his dear children to share his revealed purposes? does the revelation of God through his gospel affect the way your think of relationships in 'both-and' terms? Day 5. Prayer is an expression of true faith that is defined by its object: the saving work of Jesus. In prayer we respond to the way God has revealed his name, that is, his character, as the God who is faithful to his covenant promises as they are fulfilled in Jesus. Such a response is possible because of the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing us to faith in God's saving work in Christ. To pray in the Spirit is to pray on the bias of our salvation in Christ, and to pray that God will work out all his plan and purpose revealed in the gospel.Reflect: When you reflect on the weakness of your faith, especially in relation to prayer: do you think mainly about what is wrong with you and your ability to have a strong faith, or do you think mainly about what a strong and wonderful Savior you have faith in? what do you consider the relationship to be between prayer, faith and feelings? ​ #biblestudy #prayer

After posting an article on Facebook that discussed the position of the Christian community as it pertains to the growing legalization of marijuana (at the time of this writing; 21 states as well as the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana use in some form - Washington and Colorado have legalized marijuana use in recreational forms) I thought I would go ahead and write some of my thoughts here. After my post blew up on Facebook, I decided it was a much needed topic to discuss. First, this article can help us to understand some of the health issues and risks involved with marijuana smoke inhalation (not other forms of marijuana (THC) consumption). I believe this is an extremely relevant topic (apart from my Facebook evidence) as I have been with many young people (including myself at one time) where this was a real issue in their life, and interacted with their decisions about following Christ, their faith in Him, and their interpretation of the Scriptures. I think, as with most things, we in the Christian community must be careful not to 'over react' when it comes to discussing the topic of marijuana and whether a person of faith can partake in the Mary Jane. Unfortunately quick reactions tend to fall in line with people's already preconceived notions of Christians being closed minded, overly pious and self-righteous, as well as generally out of touch, bigoted and prejudice toward anything that is different from their 'bubble'. I know this is how I viewed Christians before I became one, and unfortunately the few that I encountered gave me enough of a bad taste that I could write them all off as hypocritical. Ironically perhaps, it wasn't until I got to know a Christian more intimately, as well as the Scriptures, that I came to shift my view of Christianity and Christ himself. Years ago I encounerted a young man in the state of California, after they had legalized marijuana for medicinal use, who had a prescription for his 'insomnia' (he later said that getting a prescription was ridiculously easy). He had faith in Christ and was wanting to follow Him but was having a hard time giving up his use of marijuana. After digging and probing into his motives for his marijuana use, and after much prayer, he decided that he needed to let go of his use of marijuana as he concluded that he simply like getting high and was afraid to give up something that he enjoyed so much (which I think was confounded by the fact that he thought he was receiving genuine medical benefits from smoking). While I believe that we must not be quick to over-react in our discussions with genuine truth seekers (Jn 8:31-ff), I also believe (much like the aforementioned article states) that we should lead people to the truth of the Scriptures by getting to the heart and motives of their decisions. Drunkenness is clearly depicted as a sin and something to be avoided in the Scriptures, and I believe that someone getting high from weed (for recreational use) would certainly fall under the category of what I view to be 'drunkenness', I think the conversation changes when discussing the potentially beneficial medical uses of marijuana (in non-smoke form). Again, I would heavily lean toward exposing the roots of someone's motives as to why they want to use marijuana, and compare and contrast what's in a person's heart to the Scriptures to help guide them in their decision making, rather than taking a blanket position. This is going to be (and already is) something that we must be prepared to deal with and have answers for people who are genuinely seeking The Lord. If we are not prepared to help them in meaningful ways and to have genuine dialogue, we could potentially push them farther from the gospel as we fit their expectations of bigoted Christians. #spirituality

Ever heard: "Jesus got up early to pray, so how much more do we need to?" I have been reading an excellent book on prayer recently; "Prayer and the knowledge of God: What the whole bible teaches" by Graeme Goldsworthy (quickly becoming a favorite author of mine). I have struggled for the past few years with basic questions of the purpose and efficacy of prayer in the midst of unreconciled conflict between my understanding of human 'free will' and God's 'sovereignty'. Questions such as; Why ask God for things that he knows we need anyway? What's the point of praying if everything has been determined beforehand? Can I really change God's mind? I'm not sure if you have ever wrestled with these types of questions, but in spite of my efforts, I had not come to any good conclusions … and so unfortunately my prayer life continues to suffer. Stuck somewhere between; 'I ought to pray', 'I'm not sure the point of this' and 'what do I believe this is really doing?'. However I believe Goldsworthy's book is helping to frame some very important things for me now concerning prayer. Have you ever heard something like this before?" Then again, if the sole motive to pray is, as I have heard it put in sermons, 'Jesus got up early to pray, so how much more do we need to get up early to pray', it is missing the grace of God in the gospel. 'He did it, therefore we ought to' is not the perspective of the gospel unless it linked with, 'He did it for us because we are unable to do it as we ought.'" (pg. 14) This clarified something for me, my prayer should never be motivated out of guilt; that I 'should' be praying; more, better, deeper, earlier, longer, etc. This left me will still another question though, what exactly should I be praying about?" Christians at prayer have only one option: to pray towards the fulfillment of God's revealed purposes for the whole universe. Anything else would be an act of idolatry or of total rebellion against God. All Christian prayer, then, will be oriented towards the gospel and its God-ordained outcome. We might wonder at times about praying for some of the smaller details of our lives, but we shouldn't be put off. Every detail of our lives is caught up in the purpose of God for us. It is not the matters we pray about that are the problem, but what we pray concerning them. We aim to pray in a way that is consistent with God's revelation in the Scripture." (pg. 60-61) This was also extremely helpful as it brought my mind under the influence and sway of God's revealed will in Scripture. If I am praying about something or someone, and I know it is consistent with what God has revealed his will and desire is in the scriptures, then I can have faith and confidence that God will act! Prayer is an aspect of how we, as responsible humans, relate to God, as sovereign Lord. In prayer we respond to the reality of God who acted to his own will to redeem us. In saving us God also reveals himself as Father, and his will, his plan and his purpose for the whole of creation. In prayer, God allows us to be identified with the outworking of his will for all creation. Thus, to the extent that we know him, we 'think his thoughts after him' and our prayer is par of the means by which God achieves his revealed purpose. (pg. 66) What moves you to prayer the most: the idea of the power of prayer to move God to act, or the idea of the power of God who allows his dear children to share in his revealed purposes? (pg. 67) ​ #spirituality

It has been said that "God moves in mysterious ways" and I have found in my experience that this is true. I have seen it more clearly recently... About this time last year, I was coming out of the ministry, something that I did not foresee or really even desire, and I found myself asking God what in the world He was doing (and honestly telling Him that I didn't really like whatever it was that He was doing!). For the first time in my Christian life I found myself embittered, confused and unsure as to the calling for my life. I was discouraged and dismayed, as something I felt so confident of was proving quite unstable. It was a time of real soul searching. And in the middle of all this I had to hustle. I had to provide for my family. I had to make sure that we were ok. All the while, I was mad I was having to do it. I felt like God was testing me under the might of His thumb. Perhaps He was. A year later, my perspective has widened tremendously. Working in a career that I didn't really like while my wife worked weekends and our time together was more limited than ever before. Seeing the dog eat dog of the corporate world so prevalent in capitalistic America. Going to midweek now more tired and worn out from the grind (yet sad to say, more joyful and happy to be amongst the believers than I had in a long time). I wrestled through experiencing the seemingly pointless and depressing truth that most of the hours of my week were spent in a way that didn't really matter in the ultimate and eternal scope of things. Or so it seemed (for more on this topic, read this article). Yet I realized that my hours at work were some of the prime opportunities for me to meet God, and to try to imitate His Son. So I tried fervently to spend the hours at and away from work to have not only a spiritual and eternal effect on people's souls, but also to bring me closer to God, recognizing my toilsome labor as part of life here this side of eternity … at least, I tried to do these things. Ironically perhaps, it was a co-worker that initially caused me to rethink going back into the ministry. After hearing my story of leaving the ministry his reply was "I thought if God called someone, God called them?", and to this I had no good retort. It was the jolt out of discouragement and bitterness I needed to once again evaluate my heart and my faith of what I am here for. Being out of the ministry, where church was no longer my job, was actually a refreshing change. One that brought back a perspective I fear I had all but lost. A perspective of gratitude, and perspective of longing for heaven, rather than a perspective of ambition and trying to make the wheel turn as I desired. Now, as I prepare to enter back into the ministry vocationally, something I feel passionate about and called into, I enter with a different viewpoint. A different mindset. A different goal. One that is less about accomplishing what I am trying to accomplish in the name of God, and getting others to do their part to that end, and more about loving God in a way that is infectious and inspiring, to meet people where they are at in their faith journey and in some way help them closer to Home. More about letting God accomplish whatever it is that He is trying to accomplish, even when it seems mysterious and I lack understanding … and even, no especially, when it is contrary to what I want. #spirituality

We seem to be infatuated with beauty. Youth, vigor and physical beauty are the gods of our time. I consistently see the middle-upper class of society (especially caucasians) longing to be younger. Looking younger, acting younger, dressing younger ... 'forever 21'. When was the last time you saw an elderly successful entertainer or actor (besides those known for their handsomeness)? They are certainly increasingly rare. The wisdom of age and experience seems to be getting traded in for the zeal and beauty that is ever fleeting. But I will admit, we are getting better at slowing down beauty's fleeting nature. Women now in their mid 40's and even 50's look 20 years younger than ever before, in fact young teen girls can look like they are in their early 20's (and unfortunately are often allowed to). Men are not escaping the societal pressures of physical beauty any longer either. Now more than ever, men are held to fit a mold of athleticism, large muscles, ripped abs and low body fat compositions. What is all of this about? I think it could be because we are becoming more and more enamoured with the physical and losing site of the spiritual. I am guilty at times, a culprit as well. Jesus says in John 14 that he is going to prepare a place for us at his Father's house. I feel pretty confident this place will not be endowed with botox, collagen, makeup, fine clothes or any other prop we use to drown out our true selves. My prayer is that I may become more comfortable with who I am, and confidently pursue the things that will last. I must be willing to become counter cultural in order to do this. Beauty is fleeting. But (they) who please the Lord are to be praised. (Prov 31:30) #beauty #culture

After listening to an interview with Rosaria Champagne Butterfield, I was stirred. (Listen to interview here) I was stirred not just because of the content of her story in the interview, which is quite powerful, but of something in particular she said toward the end of the interview having to do with evangelical Christendom sinning against the LGBT community through its often bigoted and demeaning vernacular as they 'outreach'. Not only does this strike a chord for me personally, but I find that too many in the Christian faith still use such demeaning speech, sarcasm, and behavior ... sometimes a simple result of ignorance and being unaware of the damaging effects of their attitudes and actions, and sometimes a product of genuine bigotry, hatred, and self-righteousness. The bottom line is you never know what is going on in someone's heart unless they reveal it to you, and you never know who around you is homosexual or has a gay friend or loved one. Having grown up in an environment that demeans and ostracizes homosexuals, I think its time the Christian community step up and be the first to extend grace, compassion, and a willingness to engage spiritually and otherwise that which has been hated and marginalized for so long. For Christ himself was criticized for his involvement with the 'sinners'. (Mat 9:11) Another interesting and related article here #homosexuality #LGBT

In articulate, down to earth and humorous fashion, Guy Hammond, an evangelist from Nova Scotia Canada - and a friend, writes on the topics of homosexuality and same sex-attraction as it pertains to Christianity. Not only does he write to both the heterosexually attracted Christian and to the same sex attracted Christian, but he does so from the position of being a same sex attracted Christian himself, who once practiced homosexuality before he was a Christian and now has a loving wife and children. Truly inspiring is his humility, vulnerability, and courage ... and much needed. One of the things Mr. Hammond talks about is the common, but misplaced, position of Christians in the social/political arena in regards to gay rights. Indeed it is a hot topic in today’s western culture. Politicians and preachers alike are being asked the question; “what is your position on gay rights?” ... this is even before being asked their position on health care, poverty, or even Jesus himself. Christians take the view that homosexuality is a sin and that it is damnable to hell ... as if it is some greater or more grotesque sin to God than any other. Certainly the gay community feels the weight of the Christian ‘right’ viewpoint condemning them ... just ask. Homosexuality is undoubtedly a sin in the context of Christianity, and is indisputable for those that adhere to the Scriptures being the Holy Word of God, but this is not the point being made here. The point is that we as Christians collectively have come across bigoted, homo-phobic, prejudice, hypocritical, and simply un-loving in regards to the gay community. Jesus is not being portrayed by his followers accurately to this group of people, and it must change - we must repent! Even in the church, amongst the college students that I work with, the gay slander and “homo” jokes are far to common. In the older generation of the church, still stuck in the societal norms of yesteryear often act in a pious and self-righteous way that instead of offering the loving (and life-changing) power of Christ, simply keeps the gay community and the same sex attracted seekers of God out in the world, outside the doors of God’s house! This is further compounded by the Christian activism against the gay-rights movement. We protest same sex marriage and deny certain ‘freedoms’ and ‘rights’ that people could have because of our religious convictions, but are unwilling to get to know these people, know where they come from, and offer genuine, un-bigoted love to them, so unlike Jesus. Shame on us!! Instead of political and social activism primarily (although these things are not wrong in themselves), our position should be one of prayer and love first and foremost (Jn 13:34-35). These are certainly difficult issues, and we must traverse gently, with love and genuine compassion. Even God fearing, spiritually mature people may come to different views on the specifics of how involved to be socially and politically in their personal faith, life, and community. But we must find a way to balance sincere love and strong conviction, accepting the person but not compromising the word ... and we can! For Christ Himself did not condemn the sinner, but loved them, and told them to leave their life of sin (Jn 8). Christ was never involved in the political or social arena of reform, for His was a kingdom not of this world (Jn 18:36); a careful study of the gospels actually shows His direct un-involvement at times (Jn 6:15, Jn 19:11, Mat 26:52-56, Mat 22:17-22). Homosexuality is no different than heterosexual sin, and whom of us can say we are pure in this regard in the eyes of God? (Mat 5:27-30) Let’s not be the ones throwing the first stone. (Jn 8:7) I feel as though I must make a corporate apology for all of Christendom. Not only to the gay community, but to the Muslims, the Jews, and every nation and people that has been attacked, slaughtered, and marginalized in the name of Christ throughout the centuries. Please forgive us, and may the Lord do likewise. #homosexuality #LGBT

Life ... this is war. We wish it weren't. We love vacations, margaritas, sunset beaches, and bonuses at work. We love the feeling of tranquility and peace. In fact we labor to great lengths at times to create a sense of peace, but the peace we inevitably create for ourselves is rendered ineffective (Jn 14:27, Mat 10:34). We have two options; to fight, or to ignore/surrender. Anyone who thinks otherwise, falls into the latter (Eph 2:1-2). For the former, the fighters, we fall into a different category. A category constituted with blood, victory, defeat, disappointment, joy ... but not ignorance. If you think this life is supposed to be easy, if you find yourself dismayed at the fact that you bear scars, if you find yourself disheartened at the struggle ... then remember we are at war. All our lives. It shall never stop. Ever. Oh, but how we long for it to stop. But it won't. Not on this side of life. No matter our efforts, it will not abate. No amount of comfort, money, power, pleasure, prestige, acclaim, or recognition shall ever stop the battle from raging on. The only thing that shall stop it, is death, or our surrender to the Foe that besieges the battle (Rev 12:12, 17). May our properly aligned expectations, enable us to fight valiantly ... and not be surprised when we find ourselves bloodied and entrenched in the middle of a battle field ... Hast thou no scar? Amy Carmichael Hast thou no scar? No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land, I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star, Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound? Yet, I was wounded by the archers, spent. Leaned me against the tree to die, and rent By ravening beasts that compassed me, I swooned: Hast thou no wound? No wound? No scar? Yet as the Master shall the servant be, And pierced are the feet that follow Me; But thine are whole. Can he have followed far Who has no wound nor scar? #spirituality