O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I have made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:25-26 (ESV)
The only person who really knows the true nature of God the Father is Jesus the Son. The world's perspective cannot fathom even an approximation of him. But Jesus came to make him known to his own. He offers to his disciples the privilege of knowing the Father the way the Son does. That is an awesome thought.
Since Adam, mankind has been looking at God through the bushes of shame. We have speculated as to his desires and requirements. Some have tried to appease what they perceived to be an angry god. Some have tried to avoid him as an intrusive god. Some have tried to redefine him in their own image. Some have tried to convince themselves that he doesn't exist, so they won't have to deal with him at all. But Jesus came to reveal his true nature. He told Phillip that to see him is to see the Father.
Through faith in Jesus as the Son of God, we can actually know God as Father. We not only know the facts about him as recorded in Scripture, we know him in relationship and in ongoing progressive revelation. There is more treasure to discover in him than we have time in eternity. He is worthy of all our attention. He must not be added into our lives as an addendum. He has given us himself, and he is as faithful to us in revealing the nature of the Father as he was to his original twelve.
Knowing Jesus will result in our being as confident in the love of the Father as he was. People who are confident in being loved are unconquerable and unstoppable. We need not spend another moment in trying to qualify for his love. Jesus has done that. We get what he deserves and can enjoy the fellowship now. We honor him by believing what he says and living in it. Let's give him our trust.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
On 'Cinco de Mayo', Please Check Your 'Actitud' by Lee Grady
Many Christians who defend biblical morality can sound hateful when it comes to immigration policy. What happened to loving our neighbor?
A few years ago I attended my oldest daughter's college graduation ceremony in north Georgia. The school had invited a respected state legislator to address the students—a woman known for her conservative Christian values. I enjoyed some of her remarks, until she suddenly veered onto the subject of immigration policy.
This lady launched into a blistering tirade against illegal immigrants and blamed them for bringing danger, drugs and disease into the United States. An icy chill went through the audience and students began to fidget nervously with their graduation caps. I was embarrassed.
"While U.S. government officials decide how to reform our immigration policies, let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us reform our attitudes toward these precious people we are called to love."
My daughters gasped audibly at this woman's insensitivity, and I hung my head because I realized that a Christian couple from the nation of Colombia was sitting a few chairs from me. Their son, a young man with a passion for youth ministry, was graduating with my daughter.
Since that day I've realized how inconsistent our "American Christian values" often are when it comes to loving foreigners. Some people of faith who are experts at defending unborn life seem ready to pounce on immigrants and send them to the border—without understanding the complexities of our legal naturalization process, and without having compassion on families that could be ripped apart by arbitrary enforcement of our confusing policies.
To celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, I'd like to stand on a street corner and beg everyone: "PLEASE LOVE YOUR HISPANIC NEIGHBOR!" And I would put the Spanish translation on the flip-side: "¡POR FAVOR, AMA A TU PRÓJIMO HISPANA!" I'd also like to call a halt to all the hateful rhetoric by having everyone sit down for dinner. Nothing will make you appreciate Mexican culture more than some enchiladas and chiles rellenos.
I have fallen in love with immigrants. In the last few years I have preached in Russian, Indian, Jamaican, Nigerian, Hispanic and Portuguese churches in the United States. Nowhere have I found such caring communities. They are models of vibrant biblical faith and New Testament compassion.
Their pastors often work secular jobs while trying to look after their congregations. The churches don't have big operating budgets, and they often use rented facilities. But what the people lack in finances they offer in exuberant praise and worship and evangelistic fervor.
It's true that many members of these churches don't have their green cards. (When I offer to pray for people at the altars after church, many come to me with tearful requests about documentation.) Pastors of some immigrant churches spend up to half their time trying to solve immigration problems.
As I have spent time with these people in their homes, listened to their sad stories and offered words of counsel, I have discovered that most of them are not trying to deceive us, misuse the system or get a free ride. Most came here to be closer to their families, and they have gotten lost in an endless, frustrating government paper trail. And some have learned that if they are from certain countries (i.e., poorer ones) they don't have the same access to U.S. citizenship.
Please understand. I am not in favor of opening our borders carelessly so that terrorists can blow up our cities. But I am equally against crafting racist policies that break up families or make poorer immigrants feel as though they are going to be hunted like Jews in Nazi Germany.
My ancestors immigrated to this country in the 1700s from Ireland. Today, a new wave of immigrants is coming here from Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Of course we must be vigilant about national security. But let's remember that most immigrants don't bring drugs, disease or danger; they bring ingenuity, creativity, jobs and, in the case of the immigrants I know, passionate zeal for Jesus Christ.
While U.S. government officials decide how to reform our immigration policies, let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us reform our attitudes toward these precious people we are called to love.
J. Lee Grady served as editor of Charisma for 11 years and is now contributing editor. You can find him on Twitter at leegrady. His newest book is The Holy Spirit Is Not for Sale (Chosen).
A few years ago I attended my oldest daughter's college graduation ceremony in north Georgia. The school had invited a respected state legislator to address the students—a woman known for her conservative Christian values. I enjoyed some of her remarks, until she suddenly veered onto the subject of immigration policy.
This lady launched into a blistering tirade against illegal immigrants and blamed them for bringing danger, drugs and disease into the United States. An icy chill went through the audience and students began to fidget nervously with their graduation caps. I was embarrassed.
"While U.S. government officials decide how to reform our immigration policies, let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us reform our attitudes toward these precious people we are called to love."
My daughters gasped audibly at this woman's insensitivity, and I hung my head because I realized that a Christian couple from the nation of Colombia was sitting a few chairs from me. Their son, a young man with a passion for youth ministry, was graduating with my daughter.
Since that day I've realized how inconsistent our "American Christian values" often are when it comes to loving foreigners. Some people of faith who are experts at defending unborn life seem ready to pounce on immigrants and send them to the border—without understanding the complexities of our legal naturalization process, and without having compassion on families that could be ripped apart by arbitrary enforcement of our confusing policies.
To celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, I'd like to stand on a street corner and beg everyone: "PLEASE LOVE YOUR HISPANIC NEIGHBOR!" And I would put the Spanish translation on the flip-side: "¡POR FAVOR, AMA A TU PRÓJIMO HISPANA!" I'd also like to call a halt to all the hateful rhetoric by having everyone sit down for dinner. Nothing will make you appreciate Mexican culture more than some enchiladas and chiles rellenos.
I have fallen in love with immigrants. In the last few years I have preached in Russian, Indian, Jamaican, Nigerian, Hispanic and Portuguese churches in the United States. Nowhere have I found such caring communities. They are models of vibrant biblical faith and New Testament compassion.
Their pastors often work secular jobs while trying to look after their congregations. The churches don't have big operating budgets, and they often use rented facilities. But what the people lack in finances they offer in exuberant praise and worship and evangelistic fervor.
It's true that many members of these churches don't have their green cards. (When I offer to pray for people at the altars after church, many come to me with tearful requests about documentation.) Pastors of some immigrant churches spend up to half their time trying to solve immigration problems.
As I have spent time with these people in their homes, listened to their sad stories and offered words of counsel, I have discovered that most of them are not trying to deceive us, misuse the system or get a free ride. Most came here to be closer to their families, and they have gotten lost in an endless, frustrating government paper trail. And some have learned that if they are from certain countries (i.e., poorer ones) they don't have the same access to U.S. citizenship.
Please understand. I am not in favor of opening our borders carelessly so that terrorists can blow up our cities. But I am equally against crafting racist policies that break up families or make poorer immigrants feel as though they are going to be hunted like Jews in Nazi Germany.
My ancestors immigrated to this country in the 1700s from Ireland. Today, a new wave of immigrants is coming here from Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Of course we must be vigilant about national security. But let's remember that most immigrants don't bring drugs, disease or danger; they bring ingenuity, creativity, jobs and, in the case of the immigrants I know, passionate zeal for Jesus Christ.
While U.S. government officials decide how to reform our immigration policies, let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us reform our attitudes toward these precious people we are called to love.
J. Lee Grady served as editor of Charisma for 11 years and is now contributing editor. You can find him on Twitter at leegrady. His newest book is The Holy Spirit Is Not for Sale (Chosen).
A Masterpiece in the Making by James Ryle
“All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
“What exactly is God’s purpose for my life?” It is a question asked by every seeking soul through the ages. And our quest is not left unanswered.
Paul tells us plainly in the following verse. God’s purpose is that we “be conformed to the image of His Son” (ch.8:29), and to that end all things work together for our good.
In other words, God uses everything that happens in your life, in one way or another, to make you more and more like Jesus. That’s His purpose for you.
The Greek word Paul uses is prothesis, and it means “a setting forth in His presence.” It is a veiled reference to the Old Testament practice of placing the showbread on the altar in the Holy Place before the Curtain, allowing it to absorb the glory of God before being eaten by the priests. Our lives are to be like this in today’s world; so filled with the absorbed presence of the Lord that others experience Him for themselves when they are around us.
The classic poem by A.S. Wilson says it best, “Not merely in the words you say, not only in your deeds confessed; but in the most unconscious way is Christ expressed. Is it a beatific smile, a holy light upon your brow? Oh no; I felt His presence when you laughed just now.”
There was a hymn we sang during my childhood, “Let others see Jesus in you. Keep telling the story, be faithful and true; let others see Jesus in you.” Seeing that you love God and have been called accoring to His purpose, now make it your purpose to live your life today so that others may see Jesus in you.
For every day in some way God is using all things to make you more and more like Jesus in your character, your conduct, your conversation and your commerce in this world. Cooperate with Him by embracing with a thankful heart whatever His hand permits through the boundary of His protective love — for there is a masterpiece in the making!
“What exactly is God’s purpose for my life?” It is a question asked by every seeking soul through the ages. And our quest is not left unanswered.
Paul tells us plainly in the following verse. God’s purpose is that we “be conformed to the image of His Son” (ch.8:29), and to that end all things work together for our good.
In other words, God uses everything that happens in your life, in one way or another, to make you more and more like Jesus. That’s His purpose for you.
The Greek word Paul uses is prothesis, and it means “a setting forth in His presence.” It is a veiled reference to the Old Testament practice of placing the showbread on the altar in the Holy Place before the Curtain, allowing it to absorb the glory of God before being eaten by the priests. Our lives are to be like this in today’s world; so filled with the absorbed presence of the Lord that others experience Him for themselves when they are around us.
The classic poem by A.S. Wilson says it best, “Not merely in the words you say, not only in your deeds confessed; but in the most unconscious way is Christ expressed. Is it a beatific smile, a holy light upon your brow? Oh no; I felt His presence when you laughed just now.”
There was a hymn we sang during my childhood, “Let others see Jesus in you. Keep telling the story, be faithful and true; let others see Jesus in you.” Seeing that you love God and have been called accoring to His purpose, now make it your purpose to live your life today so that others may see Jesus in you.
For every day in some way God is using all things to make you more and more like Jesus in your character, your conduct, your conversation and your commerce in this world. Cooperate with Him by embracing with a thankful heart whatever His hand permits through the boundary of His protective love — for there is a masterpiece in the making!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Do You Plan to Vacate This Year? by John Chasteen
Vacating must become a discipline.
Vacation time rolls around every year, however, many never take advantage of it. Surprisingly, relaxation is not a natural for countless leaders.
Preconditioned mindsets and unrelenting pressure to succeed produces a drive in leaders that doesn’t equate with relaxation.
Ironically, the scripture reveals that Jesus never condemned mankind for relaxing. As a matter of fact Jesus himself always seemed to be fresh and relaxed, almost as if He was on a vacation.
So how do we learn to relax? What are the keys? Here are a few that will hopefully help.
1. Don’t let yourself feel guilty for taking time off.
Have you ever found yourself feeling guilty for taking time off? I know I have. My advice is-don’t!
In the book of Mark, Jesus told His disciples to, “come apart for a while.” The implication is that if you don’t come apart for a while you will come apart in a while.
2. Don’t let yourself live in a hurried state of mind.
It has been said that hurry is the pace of the 21st century.
We have to understand that there is a huge difference between diligence and hurry. We must learn to pace ourselves.
I like what Joyce Meyer says, “Rushing begins in the mind, just as all actions do. “I have to hurry” is a thought pattern we must avoid.
3. Learn to schedule regular relaxation into your life.
Relaxation is a discipline.
It’s planned and scheduled, anyone can do it. It’s as simple as allowing your self the freedom to have a little get-away; whether it’s geographical or simply a frame of mind.
So, have you scheduled some relaxation time?
Conclusion
How about it, are you vacating this year? Go ahead plan that little get-away. You’ll have no regrets. Ahhh, how nice it is to relax.
Vacation time rolls around every year, however, many never take advantage of it. Surprisingly, relaxation is not a natural for countless leaders.
Preconditioned mindsets and unrelenting pressure to succeed produces a drive in leaders that doesn’t equate with relaxation.
Ironically, the scripture reveals that Jesus never condemned mankind for relaxing. As a matter of fact Jesus himself always seemed to be fresh and relaxed, almost as if He was on a vacation.
So how do we learn to relax? What are the keys? Here are a few that will hopefully help.
1. Don’t let yourself feel guilty for taking time off.
Have you ever found yourself feeling guilty for taking time off? I know I have. My advice is-don’t!
In the book of Mark, Jesus told His disciples to, “come apart for a while.” The implication is that if you don’t come apart for a while you will come apart in a while.
2. Don’t let yourself live in a hurried state of mind.
It has been said that hurry is the pace of the 21st century.
We have to understand that there is a huge difference between diligence and hurry. We must learn to pace ourselves.
I like what Joyce Meyer says, “Rushing begins in the mind, just as all actions do. “I have to hurry” is a thought pattern we must avoid.
3. Learn to schedule regular relaxation into your life.
Relaxation is a discipline.
It’s planned and scheduled, anyone can do it. It’s as simple as allowing your self the freedom to have a little get-away; whether it’s geographical or simply a frame of mind.
So, have you scheduled some relaxation time?
Conclusion
How about it, are you vacating this year? Go ahead plan that little get-away. You’ll have no regrets. Ahhh, how nice it is to relax.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
"Visionary Advancement Strategies" Weekly Articles May 2, 2010
ROBERT'S ARTICLES & QUOTES Vision2advance.blogspot.com
Pondering Quote of the week - We can look at our lives as moments of discipline or regret. Discipline because we see the opportunity to change, and see the past as lessons learned, or regret because we do not have the hope for change and look at the past as a constant weight of perpetual failure. Seek after godly wisdom, and take action into the disciplines that take you on the right path for your future. Forgive yourself for missteps as you seize this day in a positive way.
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"A New Approach to Health Care"
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Pondering Quote of the week - We can look at our lives as moments of discipline or regret. Discipline because we see the opportunity to change, and see the past as lessons learned, or regret because we do not have the hope for change and look at the past as a constant weight of perpetual failure. Seek after godly wisdom, and take action into the disciplines that take you on the right path for your future. Forgive yourself for missteps as you seize this day in a positive way.
ARTICLES FOR THE WEEK
Uncultivated Fruit by Bob Mumford
Shaken by His Love by David VanCronkhite
Intimacy of Wholeness by Greg Austin
The Holy Spirit Is Not an ‘It’ by Lee Grady
The Power of a Thankful Heart by James Ryle
Sanctified in Truth by Dudley Hall
Heart of The Father and Prophetic Warnings by R. Loren Sandford
What has God put on your heart to do? by John Paul Jackson
- Kingdoms and Unlikely Heroes by David VanCronkhite
- Bad Fruit by Bob Mumford
- Expect to See God's Glory! By Francis Frangipane
- Are You Waiting on the Lord? by James Ryle
- A New View of the World by Dudley Hall
- ¡Espere ver la Gloria de Dios! Por Francis Frangipane
- Ten Kinds of People I Cannot Help by Joseph Mattera
Upper Cervival Care
"A New Approach to Health Care"
Advertise your Book or Conference with us.
Over 60,000 can receive your email blast...
Email for prices or questions info@vision2advance.com
Sanctified in Truth by Dudley Hall
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself that they also may be sanctified in truth.
John 17:17-19 (ESV)
As Jesus prays for his followers he establishes their message, their mission, and their authority. They are going to be in the midst of a world that does not operate with the truth of the gospel, but wanders in the uncertainty of purpose and convulses with the pains of decay. These disciples Jesus is leaving behind will be different, and their difference will cause conflict. They will be in the minority and will be pressured to conform to the dominant definitions of reality, but Jesus assures their success by sanctifying them.
His own consecration to fulfill the assignment from the Father makes their consecration possible. Because he was set apart for a particular task - the Cross - that he fulfilled, they are set apart for the particular task of representing him on Earth with the same kind of relationship with the Father that he had demonstrated. He had told them the truth about God in both his words and actions. He had removed the veils of speculation that had clouded mankind's perspective since the Garden of Eden. They now knew he had been sent from God and that he had revealed God to them. In a few days they would have even more understanding of what this meant. They would know that he had fulfilled all the promises of the Old Testament and cleared the way for sinful mankind to be reconciled to the Father.
They would live in the answer of this prayer. They would be able to stand against the strongest ideologies of their day with the simple truth that God had made Jesus both Lord and Christ. They would stand up to the mighty Roman Empire, which could kill the body but not the soul, and watch it fall. They would permeate the known world with the message of the gospel of the kingdom of God and see cultures change or collapse based on the response.
It is now our time to walk in the sanctification of truth. When we are consecrated to live by the captivating message of the gospel, and to make it known in our travels, we will be a part of that same "holiness" that characterized Jesus. We are set apart for special service - not to ecclesial niceties, but to permeate the world with a real answer to its questions and a real solution to its problems.
This means that we cannot afford to neglect the continual renewal of our own minds by the truth. The gospel is so contrary to the natural thought of our surroundings that we must be reminded of it daily. In our effort to be relevant to our culture, we must not lose the transformational power of the gospel. It should be preached every Sunday from Christian pulpits and practiced every day by those who are sanctified in truth.
John 17:17-19 (ESV)
As Jesus prays for his followers he establishes their message, their mission, and their authority. They are going to be in the midst of a world that does not operate with the truth of the gospel, but wanders in the uncertainty of purpose and convulses with the pains of decay. These disciples Jesus is leaving behind will be different, and their difference will cause conflict. They will be in the minority and will be pressured to conform to the dominant definitions of reality, but Jesus assures their success by sanctifying them.
His own consecration to fulfill the assignment from the Father makes their consecration possible. Because he was set apart for a particular task - the Cross - that he fulfilled, they are set apart for the particular task of representing him on Earth with the same kind of relationship with the Father that he had demonstrated. He had told them the truth about God in both his words and actions. He had removed the veils of speculation that had clouded mankind's perspective since the Garden of Eden. They now knew he had been sent from God and that he had revealed God to them. In a few days they would have even more understanding of what this meant. They would know that he had fulfilled all the promises of the Old Testament and cleared the way for sinful mankind to be reconciled to the Father.
They would live in the answer of this prayer. They would be able to stand against the strongest ideologies of their day with the simple truth that God had made Jesus both Lord and Christ. They would stand up to the mighty Roman Empire, which could kill the body but not the soul, and watch it fall. They would permeate the known world with the message of the gospel of the kingdom of God and see cultures change or collapse based on the response.
It is now our time to walk in the sanctification of truth. When we are consecrated to live by the captivating message of the gospel, and to make it known in our travels, we will be a part of that same "holiness" that characterized Jesus. We are set apart for special service - not to ecclesial niceties, but to permeate the world with a real answer to its questions and a real solution to its problems.
This means that we cannot afford to neglect the continual renewal of our own minds by the truth. The gospel is so contrary to the natural thought of our surroundings that we must be reminded of it daily. In our effort to be relevant to our culture, we must not lose the transformational power of the gospel. It should be preached every Sunday from Christian pulpits and practiced every day by those who are sanctified in truth.
The Power of a Thankful Heart by James Ryle
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7).
Several extraordinary things happen to us when we purpose to always be thankful.
First – the power of a thankful heart keeps you from the destructive influence of bitterness, for it lifts you to a higher perspective and lets you see things from God’s point of view. Yes, people will treat you badly and unjustly; but the Lord works all things for your good. Be thankful, and watch Him work.
Second – the power of a thankful heart prevents you from falling into pride; for thankfulness presupposes humility. A grateful man is a humble man; and a humble man receives the grace of God to face and overcome all things.
Third – the power of a thankful heart cultivates peace of mind and composure of character. When your life becomes rooted and built up in the truth of God’s word, there is very little that can disturb your spirit.
Fourth – the power of a thankful heart increases your sense of purpose in God’s work, for you know that He has plans for you; plans to bless you, to prosper you, to use you as a blessing for others, and to bring your life on earth to a happy end.
Fifth – the power of a thankful heart gives you a confident assurance for the future — not only for the life you live on earth, but after you pass from this world into the next; you will enter His presence with thanksgiving, seeing you’ve practiced it your whole life.
Sixth - the power of a thankful heart permeates the atmosphere with positive energy. Your outlook of faith is empowering for others who may not be able to see things so clearly. Your glad disposition brightens their dark moments, like Paul and Silas singing praise to God in the Philippian jail.
And finally - the power of a thankful heart honors God, for it dares to look beyond the obvious to see the actual. Circumstances may be bleak, and things may be bad; the economy of your life may be teetering on collapse, and situations may seem all but hopeless — but God is still in control. Your thankful heart demoralizes the powers of hell and glorifies your heavenly Father.
Abound in thanksgiving today and you’ll see I’m right. All these things and more will be yours!
Several extraordinary things happen to us when we purpose to always be thankful.
First – the power of a thankful heart keeps you from the destructive influence of bitterness, for it lifts you to a higher perspective and lets you see things from God’s point of view. Yes, people will treat you badly and unjustly; but the Lord works all things for your good. Be thankful, and watch Him work.
Second – the power of a thankful heart prevents you from falling into pride; for thankfulness presupposes humility. A grateful man is a humble man; and a humble man receives the grace of God to face and overcome all things.
Third – the power of a thankful heart cultivates peace of mind and composure of character. When your life becomes rooted and built up in the truth of God’s word, there is very little that can disturb your spirit.
Fourth – the power of a thankful heart increases your sense of purpose in God’s work, for you know that He has plans for you; plans to bless you, to prosper you, to use you as a blessing for others, and to bring your life on earth to a happy end.
Fifth – the power of a thankful heart gives you a confident assurance for the future — not only for the life you live on earth, but after you pass from this world into the next; you will enter His presence with thanksgiving, seeing you’ve practiced it your whole life.
Sixth - the power of a thankful heart permeates the atmosphere with positive energy. Your outlook of faith is empowering for others who may not be able to see things so clearly. Your glad disposition brightens their dark moments, like Paul and Silas singing praise to God in the Philippian jail.
And finally - the power of a thankful heart honors God, for it dares to look beyond the obvious to see the actual. Circumstances may be bleak, and things may be bad; the economy of your life may be teetering on collapse, and situations may seem all but hopeless — but God is still in control. Your thankful heart demoralizes the powers of hell and glorifies your heavenly Father.
Abound in thanksgiving today and you’ll see I’m right. All these things and more will be yours!
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