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Revelation

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By Brian Waple

Normally, I try to write these articles in a way that is encouraging to others.  My desire in what I write is to take the challenges we face as a body…challenges that seem to hijack our focus away from God and redirect that focus back towards God and the loving grace and mercy He has for His people and this church.  During normal times I feel I can write with a clear sense of God’s purpose, and this has helped me find a peace, which I trust brings peace to the reader as well.

But as we all know these are not normal times.  There are a lot of hard, unprecedented things going on right now and I have a difficult time seeing where God is working in the midst of it all.  As a believer, I know that God is in control of all things, but it’s become difficult for me to understand exactly where He is in the day to day.  It’s sad to see what these events are doing to our country.  And as an Elder, it’s become increasingly disheartening to see what these events have done to our Elim community.  As things have unfolded, I fear we are becoming more and more divided…polarized.  And this polarization is not so much a result of the events of the day (it’s expected that we would all have our individual views about what’s happening in this country and how we should respond), but in how we use our views to criticize, judge and marginalize others. 

In the midst of all these polarizing views and divisive stands, I have been asking, “God, what are you doing?  What are you revealing to me, to your church?”  I wonder if, during this time of uncertainty, God could be using these situations to reveal who I am and where my heart, and the hearts of His Body the church, truly are.  I don’t think this is a question of salvation, but more about how I am living life as a follower of Jesus.  Is it pretty?  Not always.  If I’m courageous enough to look, God is showing me more and more how judgemental I can really be.  As long as I have a simpatico relationship with someone, it’s pretty easy to hear them.  But, if I sense resistence or criticism or a difference in what I believe, I attribute something wrong with them and it takes a lot more energy and willingness to be open to hearing them and seeing any truth to what they have to say.  This type of judgement is detrimental individually and as a community, and the judgement we are warned against in Matthew, for as we read, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1, NLT)

Therefore, my desire is to be less judgemental.  But, being less judgemental and more open to others takes effort and is not something that feels natural to me.  Plus, as a person who likes control, this is all very conflicting.  How can I do it?  Well, there’s the rub…something else He is revealing to me is that I can’t change in my own power.  As Paul says, “I have discovered this principle of life – that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.” (Romans 7:21, NLT)  As hard as I may try this is largely a transformation of the heart, not the mind.  In the end, I realize I can only be obedient by placing all of this before Him in prayer.

As I said in the beginning these are not normal times, and during this period it’s hard to see where God is working.  But, perhaps we need to shift our focus.  I heard a line from a pastor recently that really impressed me: “God is revealed in the conflicted moments, not just in the resolution.”  We find ourselves living in many conflicted moments.  What is being revealed there for you?

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Seeking God in the Face of Adversity

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By Bill Naron

Each of us can no doubt remember a time before the COVID-19 pandemic. A time when there was no government shutdown and when churches gathered physically. In the face of our struggle against this disease, many aspects of our lives have changed. For many, the stay-at-home order and the resulting inability to gather with the ones we love is difficult. In some ways, this is a type of suffering that is not “normal” for us as Americans.

This hardship we are experiencing has disrupted our usual way of life. We are not able to go and to do the things that we would typically do. We are not able to gather with our friends and family. We are not able to corporately worship, as a body of believers, in the way we are accustomed to gathering. A suffering of this nature is not something that we, as Americans, have much experience with.

A week ago, as I was perusing YouTube, I came across a video by Francis Chan entitled “Message to the Hong Kong Church.” He read from the Psalms, specifically 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” When I heard these words, I stopped cold. It resonated with me and was like a breath of fresh air.

“Be still and know that I am God.” What a powerful statement that is and what a great reminder of Who is in control. I know that there are many different opinions about the things that are happening and how Christians should engage. As I heard these words, they reminded me of Daniel. In Daniel chapter 6, the other high officials who served King Darius deceived him into signing a law that no one could pray to any god but him for 30 days. But God’s faithful servant Daniel did what he always did – the right thing. He defied the order and continued to pray to God

Right now, as we face this hardship together as a body and as we mindfully navigate these perilous times, there are three things we should not neglect to practice. First, we need to “be still” and know that God is on His throne. Second, we need to pray for our leaders at Elim and in the Church throughout the world, and for governmental authorities. And third and finally, we need to follow the example of the prophet Daniel, who made trusting, following and pleasing God the top priority in his life, regardless of the personal cost.

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Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose

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By Brian Waple

I was reminded recently of a TV show from the mid-2000s called Friday Night Lights. The show chronicles the stories of several high school students in the small, football-crazy town of Dillon, Texas. One of the touchstone phrases heard throughout the show, as spoken by the head football coach, is “clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” That mantra touches on the passion the boys feel for football and is a clarion call for them to stretch to levels beyond themselves. When he says it among a throng of enthusiastic players, it’s meant to inspire them before the upcoming game.

Honestly, I must admit it’s hard to feel inspired during this current age of Coronavirus. And I think in light of everything going on, it’s easy for us to forget that God is still on His throne. I do believe that God is using this time to transform His people, but that message can get lost in the fog as I watch the steady deterioration of normalcy as we know it. It’s hard to have eyes that clearly focus on Him as I see on the periphery what this crisis is doing to our economy and the change it is bringing to our day-to-day lives. And it’s hard to have a heart filled with passion for Him as I sense the desperation, helplessness, and isolation that is running rampant. It can seem that in this challenge, we’re on the losing side.

But throughout Scripture, I find assurance that God cares for His people, especially when we have to go through these intense seasons of struggle and everything seems so out of control. For example, the psalmist tells us, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, NLT) Or rather than focusing on the fear and anxiety of their own struggles, Paul tells the Philippians, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT). These words help me see that God is still in control of all of this.

As we continue to journey further into this new normal that we find ourselves, I pray that we will all take time to rest in God’s peace, assurance, and comfort through prayer. God is calling us to keep our eyes clearby focusing on him and our hearts full with His truth. In doing so, we won’t lose, for God is still, and will always be, on His throne and in control over all. And I ask that we continue to connect safely with each other, especially those who are particularly vulnerable during this time.

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RIGHT NOW!

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Jeff Foerster

Hazard! Warning! Attention! These words demand a response. So, too, does the present moment demand a response. Some have begun by giving in to fear—engaging in panic buying (or selling) and similar activity. But this is not the way of Jesus.

This time is a gift. By way of governmental authority, we have been given a “time-out.” However, many of our service workers, especially health care professionals, are working overtime in an environment of exposure. These are our “soldiers” in this fight on the front lines, risking themselves to protect many. They and their families need our support, including prayer.

For the rest of us, we’ve been enlisted to participate by not participating. We’ve been asked to stay home. Restaurants are closed for dining, movie theaters and sports arenas are shuttered, and travel has been inhibited. Some of us are more vulnerable and have isolated from nearly all physical social contact to avoid infection. For most, this leads to more time at home. What to do?

You may have read an article or watched a video describing options to pass the time away. “Stay busy,” they say. Tackle your to-do list, binge watch a whole season, try out a new recipe, give in to anxiety. Okay, so I added last one. Instead, I’d like to offer you a couple of different options:

  • Look out!
  • Do nothing.

Look out for the needs of others. Pray for our nation and our leaders in each area and level of government. They need God’s help. They need His salvation. Also, find others to connect with digitally or virtually, by web or by phone. Use this time even as an excuse to call someone that you haven’t before. Be proactive in asking what needs others have, and seek to be generous. Look for opportunity outside our church body as well. Share what you find with others and remember that your words and actions contain power. Watch diligently for opportunity and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

Do nothing. Snatch time from the thief that says, “Stay busy.” Don’t give in to the temptation of passing your time away or filling it with second-best things. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The translation I linked says, “cease striving.” Stop. Turn as an individual, or as a family, to our Everlasting Father. Sit in silence, pray, read Scripture, sing, walk, and talk. Ask Him what work He is doing within you as you experience this situation. Cast all your fear upon Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Shower Him with praise and adoration, as He rightly deserves. Laugh with Him. Cry with Him. Talk with Him. Wonder with Him. Enjoy Him, right now and forever!

Don’t miss this historic opportunity—this time when God can be seen and experienced with greater clarity because many things such as money and security and routine have been stripped away. A vacuum is created, and I don’t wish for you to fill it just for it to be filled. Don’t long or settle for “blessings” from the Master’s table and neglect the Master himself. This is a time to enter into joy and thanksgiving because of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ! He is the same yesterday, and today, and forevermore. Hallelujah!

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There’s More!

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By Martin Schlomer

Last Sunday, we looked at the first part of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:16-17, where he prays:

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, SO THAT you may KNOW Him BETTER. (NIV)

Paul’s point is that there is more!

Do you want more? Any relationship that doesn’t grow over time will stagnate and fade away. The relationship that started with connection and joy will stagnate and fade away. Passion becomes duty. This can happen with our relationship with our Father. This is why Paul says there’s more!

Was Paul’s prayer for these friends answered? Did they ever experience more? Yes, they did! However, as we all know, relationships are fragile! Over time, passion turned to duty. Twenty-five years after Paul wrote this letter, Jesus told the Ephesians the following:

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: …. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 2:1-5)

How did this happen? We don’t know. We only know that it happened. They lost sight that there was more. How do we pursue more? This question has many layers. I offer the following to help you move forward in this relationship.

First, grab a friend and pray together. Ask our Father to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better. Don’t stop! Keep asking. Our Father is deeply interested in those who are serious about what they want and not simply casual in their approach.

Second, sit down with several people you respect and work through the following questions. These people can be those from your small group, a mentor, or a close friend you’ve known for years. Here are the questions:

  • How has your relationship with God—how you experience Him—changed over the years?
  • What means has He used to grow this relationship?
  • Are there specific experiences you can share and lessons you learned?
  • What advice would you give to those who are early in their journey?

This journey must be a priority! As I said last Sunday, let’s walk this out together!

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Pray without Ceasing

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By Jeff Foerster

 

 

 

Pray without ceasing. What? This instruction blows my mind, my one-track mind. I don’t multitask. I don’t multitask because if I attempt it, something gets broken or someone gets hurt. For me, to “pray without ceasing” means becoming a monk and giving up driving a car, washing laundry, or even cooking a meal. I have about as much chance at successfully obeying this command as I do with “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Prayer is relational conversation.

Praying without ceasing makes a lot more sense when I consider that God is with me. He is with me as sure as a friend sitting across from me at a café or sharing a good meal at a restaurant. What do you talk about with others? You talk about how you’ve been spending your time, what happened while at work, what made you upset, that you couldn’t believe that guy in that car who did that thing or that woman in that place who said what she said—imagine her nerve! You sit around recalling that time that thing happened and you laugh ‘til tears stream down your face and your gut cries out for mercy. You share what makes you sad and what brings fear to your heart. You listen to what the other person thinks is important, and you wrestle with ideas and plans and hopes and dreams. You are in relationship.

What do you believe?

What do you believe about prayer? Not what you think—what you would tell me you believe. What do you actually believe? Do you know? To know, you must look to your actions, your “fruit.”

Here’s another way to say the same thing: How is your relationship with Jesus? I didn’t ask for your theology—what you think about Him, or what you believe about His sacrifice, as important as these are. I’m not asking you if you have prayed to receive His forgiveness, though without it there is no relationship. I am asking if you are close to Him, or if “distant” would be a more apt description. Is He called when you need something, when other avenues fail? Or do you talk to Him about everything? Do you share the triumphs and failings of the day as well as listen for His response, His questions, His leading? What would happen if you stopped talking with your spouse or your best friend for a day? A week? A month? Distance would grow, and your relationship would wither.

God is much more than any person you are connected to. He cares for you with greater passion and greater wisdom, and He knows you better than even you do. He is more than a resource for you to employ. He is heaven itself, in a person. To pray without ceasing means to lean into relationship with Jesus, with the Spirit, with the Father. Brian Sharpe spoke of A.C.T.S. in the Sunday sermon as a tool to help engagement in prayer, conversation starters. These concepts are found in the Scriptures—sometimes referred to as God’s love letters to humanity. In these, God woos us with His undying love with which He died for us. Time and again His message is one of control—He’s got it and I can let it go. The plan was formed long ago before the first of us were formed from earth. We are His beloved creations to whom He has endowed the right to become His children. God has engaged us; He made the first move, but an intimate relationship requires 100% from both—what will you do?

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