– Deuteronomy 28:1-14
In 1918, Irving Berlin wrote “God Bless America”, a song that has touched millions of lives for nearly a century. But some Americans take the lyrics of that masterpiece for granted.
In 1938, Berlin slightly rewrote the lyrics to reflect the tone of the country as war threatened Europe. He created an instant sensation. “God Bless America” was soon heard from shore to shore in churches, town squares, and social gatherings. The song received tremendous air time on the radio. The American people feared the coming war and embraced this song as a unified prayer for peace and protection.
The lyrics pierced the heart of the culture. Millions of Americans prayerfully sang:
God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home.
In the midst of today’s war, it’s a tragedy that we’ve lost touch with this song of faith. Over the past few decades, we’ve shifted away from a national faith in God toward a sometimes self-important, self-centered, and self-empowered lack of faith.
As you cry out to the Lord today, Dr. Stanley challenges you to rediscover “God Bless America.” Lift it up to God in prayer. Speak the words slowly. Let each phrase touch your heart as you make this petition to the King of all nations.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
How Many Angels Can Stand on the Head of a Pin?
And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."
John 1: 51
Today is a little-known feast day on the Christian calendar: the feast of the Archangels. This feast day originated in eastern Christendom before making its way onto the western calendar. This points to a commonly cited difference between East and West: eastern Christians often focus on the unseen supernatural or mystical aspects of the faith more so than their western brothers and sisters.
Modern westerners, immersed in a culture that prizes concrete, scientific observation, are often uncomfortable with talk of angels or miracles. Some modern scholars are so uncomfortable with the spiritual events in the Bible they’ve dedicated their careers to seeking a practical explanation for every single verse. (They’ve yet to succeed).
Of course, being “spiritual” doesn’t necessarily mean you are wiser or holier. There are plenty of misguided individuals in the world who claim to tap into the spiritual realm. In Finding Calcutta, Professor Mary Poplin echoes Paul’s words to the Ephesians when she points out “spiritual is not synonymous with good; spiritual forces may be good or evil, healthy or destructive.”
So what can God’s Word, our most trusted source, teach us about angels and the spiritual realm? While we can’t cover everything here, let’s take a closer look at two angels specifically named in Scripture: Michael and Gabriel
Michael: The name “Michael” means “Who is like God?” We first meet Michael in the Old Testament book of Daniel where he is called “one of the chief princes” (Dan 10: 13) and is identified as a protector of God’s people (Dan. 12: 1). Some scholars believe Michael was the angel who stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians in the parting of the Red Sea. We later see him in the book of Revelation as a warrior who commands an angelic army in battle against Satan and other evil spirits (Revelation 12: 7-9). Michael’s mightiness mirrors God’s strength and justice.
Gabriel: The name Gabriel means “Strength of God.” Scriptures reveal him to be a messenger of God who consistently played a key role in announcing the coming of the Messiah. Like Michael, he first appears in the book of Daniel where he predicts the coming of Christ (Dan 8: 16 – 26). In the New Testament, Gabriel appears to the priest, Zechariah, informing him that he and Elizabeth will miraculously conceive John the Baptist. (Luke 1: 19). But his most famous appearance is to the young, virgin Mary of Nazareth to deliver one of the greatest messages in human history:
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end. (Luke 1: 31 0 33)
Some theologians believe Gabriel was also the angel who visited Joseph in a dream, who brought ”glad tidings of great joy” to the shepherds on Christmas, and who later warned Mary and Joseph about Herod’s terrible decree.
Beyond these two special angels we read of countless unnamed angels throughout Scripture -- protecting the Israelites, singing on Christmas night, comforting Jesus before His agony, and accompanying our Lord on his return at the end of time.
What can we learn from these biblical accounts? Well, we’ll probably never have the answer to the centuries-old debate, “How many angels can stand on the head of a pin?” but we do know:
There is a spiritual realm, and much of God’s plans for heaven and earth unfold beyond our five senses. Truly, "no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Cor 2: 9).
God loves us so much that at certain times He employs his heavenly court to come to our aide.
Evil spiritual beings exist – some of them fallen angels like we read in Revelation - and we must be careful to focus our lives on God and His grace to avoid the influence of evil.
Intersecting Faith & Life: You and I are definitely not angels, but we are called to do God’s work here on earth. Be someone’s “Michael” this week by defending or protecting them. Be someone’s “Gabriel” by sharing the good news of the Gospel.
Further Reading:
Think About Heaven Now
Ephesians 6: 12 – 18
John 1: 51
Today is a little-known feast day on the Christian calendar: the feast of the Archangels. This feast day originated in eastern Christendom before making its way onto the western calendar. This points to a commonly cited difference between East and West: eastern Christians often focus on the unseen supernatural or mystical aspects of the faith more so than their western brothers and sisters.
Modern westerners, immersed in a culture that prizes concrete, scientific observation, are often uncomfortable with talk of angels or miracles. Some modern scholars are so uncomfortable with the spiritual events in the Bible they’ve dedicated their careers to seeking a practical explanation for every single verse. (They’ve yet to succeed).
Of course, being “spiritual” doesn’t necessarily mean you are wiser or holier. There are plenty of misguided individuals in the world who claim to tap into the spiritual realm. In Finding Calcutta, Professor Mary Poplin echoes Paul’s words to the Ephesians when she points out “spiritual is not synonymous with good; spiritual forces may be good or evil, healthy or destructive.”
So what can God’s Word, our most trusted source, teach us about angels and the spiritual realm? While we can’t cover everything here, let’s take a closer look at two angels specifically named in Scripture: Michael and Gabriel
Michael: The name “Michael” means “Who is like God?” We first meet Michael in the Old Testament book of Daniel where he is called “one of the chief princes” (Dan 10: 13) and is identified as a protector of God’s people (Dan. 12: 1). Some scholars believe Michael was the angel who stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians in the parting of the Red Sea. We later see him in the book of Revelation as a warrior who commands an angelic army in battle against Satan and other evil spirits (Revelation 12: 7-9). Michael’s mightiness mirrors God’s strength and justice.
Gabriel: The name Gabriel means “Strength of God.” Scriptures reveal him to be a messenger of God who consistently played a key role in announcing the coming of the Messiah. Like Michael, he first appears in the book of Daniel where he predicts the coming of Christ (Dan 8: 16 – 26). In the New Testament, Gabriel appears to the priest, Zechariah, informing him that he and Elizabeth will miraculously conceive John the Baptist. (Luke 1: 19). But his most famous appearance is to the young, virgin Mary of Nazareth to deliver one of the greatest messages in human history:
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end. (Luke 1: 31 0 33)
Some theologians believe Gabriel was also the angel who visited Joseph in a dream, who brought ”glad tidings of great joy” to the shepherds on Christmas, and who later warned Mary and Joseph about Herod’s terrible decree.
Beyond these two special angels we read of countless unnamed angels throughout Scripture -- protecting the Israelites, singing on Christmas night, comforting Jesus before His agony, and accompanying our Lord on his return at the end of time.
What can we learn from these biblical accounts? Well, we’ll probably never have the answer to the centuries-old debate, “How many angels can stand on the head of a pin?” but we do know:
There is a spiritual realm, and much of God’s plans for heaven and earth unfold beyond our five senses. Truly, "no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Cor 2: 9).
God loves us so much that at certain times He employs his heavenly court to come to our aide.
Evil spiritual beings exist – some of them fallen angels like we read in Revelation - and we must be careful to focus our lives on God and His grace to avoid the influence of evil.
Intersecting Faith & Life: You and I are definitely not angels, but we are called to do God’s work here on earth. Be someone’s “Michael” this week by defending or protecting them. Be someone’s “Gabriel” by sharing the good news of the Gospel.
Further Reading:
Think About Heaven Now
Ephesians 6: 12 – 18
Thursday, October 2, 2008
God’s Purpose for the Ungodly
The Lord’s crucifixion is the most dreadful event described in the pages of Scripture. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, was brutalized, nailed to a cross, and left to died. Yet this agonizing and heartbreaking event was part of a plan God orchestrated even before He created mankind.
The Lord’s willingness to work through ungodly people is one aspect of the story which may seem difficult to understand. But God used the hypocritical Pharisees and the corrupt Roman government to play key roles in the redemption of His children.
Ungodly people served as tools in the plan, but God remained in complete control throughout. As Peter said in Acts 2:23, Jesus was “delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God.” Long before Jesus arrived on earth, the Father knew His Son would sacrifice His life for the salvation of mankind.
God used man’s jealousy, pride, fear, and evil to bring about the death of His own
Son. And … to make eternal life possible for us all. Acts 4:27-28 says the actions of Herod, Pilate, and the people of Israel were determined beforehand according to God’s will.
At times, life can appear random. But we must remember that even when the world seems out of control, God is completely in control. Not one event, not even the death of His Son, is outside of His domain of control. If the Lord can work through unbelievers, what incredible works can He accomplish through those who call him Father?
The Lord’s willingness to work through ungodly people is one aspect of the story which may seem difficult to understand. But God used the hypocritical Pharisees and the corrupt Roman government to play key roles in the redemption of His children.
Ungodly people served as tools in the plan, but God remained in complete control throughout. As Peter said in Acts 2:23, Jesus was “delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God.” Long before Jesus arrived on earth, the Father knew His Son would sacrifice His life for the salvation of mankind.
God used man’s jealousy, pride, fear, and evil to bring about the death of His own
Son. And … to make eternal life possible for us all. Acts 4:27-28 says the actions of Herod, Pilate, and the people of Israel were determined beforehand according to God’s will.
At times, life can appear random. But we must remember that even when the world seems out of control, God is completely in control. Not one event, not even the death of His Son, is outside of His domain of control. If the Lord can work through unbelievers, what incredible works can He accomplish through those who call him Father?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Standard Of Comparison
Years ago, in Manchester England, there lived a factory worker who had a very responsible job. The whistle that marked the beginning and end of the work day was operated by a clock and it was his job to be sure the clock was accurate. So every day on his way to work he stopped by the window of a clock shop. In the window was a very expensive clock and he set his watch by it. Then he set the factory whistle clock by his watch.
The owner began to notice him stopping by the window every day on his way to work, and asked him about it. He explained that he set the factory clock by that fine clock in the window so that the factory whistle would blow on time. The owner laughed. "All this time I've been setting this clock by your factory whistle."
If we measure our lives by the lives of others we will have a poor standard, we will be comparing ourselves with ourselves. Only if we compare our lives to the life of Jesus Christ can we know how closely we measure up, or how far we fall short.
The owner began to notice him stopping by the window every day on his way to work, and asked him about it. He explained that he set the factory clock by that fine clock in the window so that the factory whistle would blow on time. The owner laughed. "All this time I've been setting this clock by your factory whistle."
If we measure our lives by the lives of others we will have a poor standard, we will be comparing ourselves with ourselves. Only if we compare our lives to the life of Jesus Christ can we know how closely we measure up, or how far we fall short.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Using a Wrong Approach
Genesis 3:1-8
God has promised to supply our needs, but that means in His way and time frame. There might be temptations to take a wrong approach in fulfilling those needs, so we must be careful not to push ahead of God or follow a route that leads away from Him.
Some people think their security rests in a bank account, prestige, or possessions. That mindset can lead to becoming a workaholic who sacrifices relationships for financial gain. Or it could tempt certain individuals to engage in illegal or unethical activities. In contrast, by basing our life on the security we have in Christ, we will have peace of mind and heart.
Another unhealthy way to meet our needs involves looking for companionship outside of God's established boundaries. We may find a momentary thrill in connecting intimately with someone new, but in the end, that road brings pain and disappointment.
The Enemy wants us to provide for ourselves in a way that is independent of God and out of line with His will. Satan deceived Adam and Eve by implying that the Lord was keeping some important information from them; he suggested that his course of action, not the Creator's, would make them wise. The first man and woman exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and it cost them dearly. When we apply wrong thinking to our situations, we get ourselves into a lot of trouble too.
It's important to understand what we have received through our relationship with Jesus. Learning to depend on Him will help us avoid wrong approaches to getting what we need.
< Dr Stanley > In touch
God has promised to supply our needs, but that means in His way and time frame. There might be temptations to take a wrong approach in fulfilling those needs, so we must be careful not to push ahead of God or follow a route that leads away from Him.
Some people think their security rests in a bank account, prestige, or possessions. That mindset can lead to becoming a workaholic who sacrifices relationships for financial gain. Or it could tempt certain individuals to engage in illegal or unethical activities. In contrast, by basing our life on the security we have in Christ, we will have peace of mind and heart.
Another unhealthy way to meet our needs involves looking for companionship outside of God's established boundaries. We may find a momentary thrill in connecting intimately with someone new, but in the end, that road brings pain and disappointment.
The Enemy wants us to provide for ourselves in a way that is independent of God and out of line with His will. Satan deceived Adam and Eve by implying that the Lord was keeping some important information from them; he suggested that his course of action, not the Creator's, would make them wise. The first man and woman exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and it cost them dearly. When we apply wrong thinking to our situations, we get ourselves into a lot of trouble too.
It's important to understand what we have received through our relationship with Jesus. Learning to depend on Him will help us avoid wrong approaches to getting what we need.
< Dr Stanley > In touch
Redeemed
Recently Kentucky Ancestors carried a remarkable story written by Edwin Burrows Smith. It concerns a man and wife who, in the first half of the 19th century, bought the freedom of 107 slaves! Paul and Susannah Mitchem were not wealthy, but they did own 450 acres in Virginia. They had lived there for fifty years. They were getting older, they were childless and of modest means. But they had a grand vision. They moved first to North Carolina and then to Kentucky. In 1814 Paul and Susannah sent 49 slaves whom they had bought to William Vinsett who took them to Indiana and freedom.
They then sold their Kentucky land and moved to Indiana where they emancipated another 21. After Paul's death his wife freed another 11. Adding to this the number of earlier emancipations it is reckoned that that one couple bought and set free 107 slaves!
Isn't it amazing what two ordinary people with extraordinary convictions can do? Yet Jesus, a penniless carpenter, freed more slaves than the Mitchems. He freed us all! It cost Him His life! "For you know it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed...but with the precious blood of Christ." (I Peter 1:18,19)
They then sold their Kentucky land and moved to Indiana where they emancipated another 21. After Paul's death his wife freed another 11. Adding to this the number of earlier emancipations it is reckoned that that one couple bought and set free 107 slaves!
Isn't it amazing what two ordinary people with extraordinary convictions can do? Yet Jesus, a penniless carpenter, freed more slaves than the Mitchems. He freed us all! It cost Him His life! "For you know it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed...but with the precious blood of Christ." (I Peter 1:18,19)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Law
Law
At the intersection of Meeting Street and Broad Street in Charleston, South Carolina, is the famous four corners of Law. On one corner is the City Hall, representing City laws. On the next corner is the County Courthouse, representing State laws. On the third corner is the Federal Building, representing Federal laws. On the fourth corner is a Church representing God's law. If you were ranking the four from lowest to highest, you would have to begin with city, then state, then federal and above all God's Law.
Unfortunately, the laws of men are sometimes more respected than the laws of God. The apostles recognized the importance of man's law. See Romans chapter 13. But they also recognized that God's laws are higher, saying, "We ought to obey God rather than men." It can be demonstrated that those who respect God's law will also respect the laws of City, State and Nation unless they directly conflict with God's law. And those who spurn God's Law cannot be trusted to respect the rest.
At the intersection of Meeting Street and Broad Street in Charleston, South Carolina, is the famous four corners of Law. On one corner is the City Hall, representing City laws. On the next corner is the County Courthouse, representing State laws. On the third corner is the Federal Building, representing Federal laws. On the fourth corner is a Church representing God's law. If you were ranking the four from lowest to highest, you would have to begin with city, then state, then federal and above all God's Law.
Unfortunately, the laws of men are sometimes more respected than the laws of God. The apostles recognized the importance of man's law. See Romans chapter 13. But they also recognized that God's laws are higher, saying, "We ought to obey God rather than men." It can be demonstrated that those who respect God's law will also respect the laws of City, State and Nation unless they directly conflict with God's law. And those who spurn God's Law cannot be trusted to respect the rest.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Walking by Faith
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:6-7, NIV
In college, I took a course in which I was instructed to bring a blindfold to class one day.
Sounded a little suspect a first, but I soon found out that it was just a harmless exercise in trust. We were paired up and had to take turns walking around campus while wearing the blindfold. The partner who could see would audibly guide the blindfolded individual.
When we reconvened in the classroom, we were to discuss what we were feeling and thinking while blindfolded. Were we fearful? Did we have faith in our partners? Did we trust in and follow their instructions?
I can't remember if I had a good guide or not. But I do remember not liking be blinded to what I could see. I didn't like being out of control. It was disconcerting, and I was thankful when the exercise was over.
As believers, this illustrates how our lives are to be lived. We all are wearing "invisible blindfolds," if you will. We are never promised that we will see everything we want to see in this life. Nor are we guaranteed to understand our circumstances or why we must face times of hardship and struggle on earth.
Instead, we are told to follow the voice of the Lord. To focus on the eternal, not on the temporal. To trust in what we cannot see.
Several examples in the Bible encourage us in this kind of "by faith" living. ...
Gideon ... who defeated the Midianite army with a force of only 300 men. They carried no weapons-just clay jars and lanterns into a battle with the Midianites, who numbered 135,000! A surprise attack in the dark of night only confused the Midianites, and they turned their swords on each other. Only God could have orchestrated this unbelievable victory (Judges 6-8).
Esther ... who risked her life to save her people from death. As the wife of King Xerxes, Queen Esther could do something to stop Haman, the evil prime minister who was plotting to kill all the Jews in the empire. She could have chosen to play it safe and not speak up. But she obeyed the Lord and bravely approached the king with her request to save the Jews (Esther 1-10).
Jonah ... who lived in the belly of a fish and didn't know if he would make it out alive. When God instructed Jonah to go to Nineveh to warn the people of their sin, he first disobeyed and got on a ship heading the opposite direction. God then brought a storm and caused Jonah to be thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. Jonah prayed and repented, and the fish spit him out. Jonah then went to Nineveh and preached, and God did not destroy the city (Jonah 1-4).
Today, you may feel like you're facing insurmountable opposition-the size of a 135,000-member army! Or perhaps your circumstances make you feel like you're stuck in the hopelessly dark belly of a big fish.
But God knows what opportunities lie ahead for you, so be encouraged! And may you and I continue learning to live each day by faith and not by sight.
Intersecting Faith & Life: Looking back on your life, think of the times when God asked you to do something that seemed "strange" to you. How did you respond at the time? Can you see now that his plan was the best way? Thank him today that, through your life, he has indeed done marvelous works!
2 Corinthians 5:6-7, NIV
In college, I took a course in which I was instructed to bring a blindfold to class one day.
Sounded a little suspect a first, but I soon found out that it was just a harmless exercise in trust. We were paired up and had to take turns walking around campus while wearing the blindfold. The partner who could see would audibly guide the blindfolded individual.
When we reconvened in the classroom, we were to discuss what we were feeling and thinking while blindfolded. Were we fearful? Did we have faith in our partners? Did we trust in and follow their instructions?
I can't remember if I had a good guide or not. But I do remember not liking be blinded to what I could see. I didn't like being out of control. It was disconcerting, and I was thankful when the exercise was over.
As believers, this illustrates how our lives are to be lived. We all are wearing "invisible blindfolds," if you will. We are never promised that we will see everything we want to see in this life. Nor are we guaranteed to understand our circumstances or why we must face times of hardship and struggle on earth.
Instead, we are told to follow the voice of the Lord. To focus on the eternal, not on the temporal. To trust in what we cannot see.
Several examples in the Bible encourage us in this kind of "by faith" living. ...
Gideon ... who defeated the Midianite army with a force of only 300 men. They carried no weapons-just clay jars and lanterns into a battle with the Midianites, who numbered 135,000! A surprise attack in the dark of night only confused the Midianites, and they turned their swords on each other. Only God could have orchestrated this unbelievable victory (Judges 6-8).
Esther ... who risked her life to save her people from death. As the wife of King Xerxes, Queen Esther could do something to stop Haman, the evil prime minister who was plotting to kill all the Jews in the empire. She could have chosen to play it safe and not speak up. But she obeyed the Lord and bravely approached the king with her request to save the Jews (Esther 1-10).
Jonah ... who lived in the belly of a fish and didn't know if he would make it out alive. When God instructed Jonah to go to Nineveh to warn the people of their sin, he first disobeyed and got on a ship heading the opposite direction. God then brought a storm and caused Jonah to be thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. Jonah prayed and repented, and the fish spit him out. Jonah then went to Nineveh and preached, and God did not destroy the city (Jonah 1-4).
Today, you may feel like you're facing insurmountable opposition-the size of a 135,000-member army! Or perhaps your circumstances make you feel like you're stuck in the hopelessly dark belly of a big fish.
But God knows what opportunities lie ahead for you, so be encouraged! And may you and I continue learning to live each day by faith and not by sight.
Intersecting Faith & Life: Looking back on your life, think of the times when God asked you to do something that seemed "strange" to you. How did you respond at the time? Can you see now that his plan was the best way? Thank him today that, through your life, he has indeed done marvelous works!
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