Plop me down in front of the television at just about any time of day and within an hour or so, I’ll be dozing off. Even for a football game, movie, or the local news that I actually want to watch.
However, when I get up before dawn and snuggle into some insulated camouflage in a near-freezing deer blind with only three or four hours of sleep under my belt, I stay alert and awake all morning (and, because I don’t drink coffee, it’s not the caffeine keeping me going). I’m just too apprehensive that if I lose focus for even a few seconds I’ll miss the opportunity to take Buckzilla.
Some folks fuss that it gets pretty boring to sit there for hours just waiting and watching. Some guys will take books to read, ipods to listen to, or even a laptop to get some extra work done. But I can’t do any of that. I feel compelled to continually scour the landscape, watching, listening, hoping.
Much more often than not, I go back to camp empty-handed. But, when I’m in that blind again, I’m reinvigorated, refocused, and ready. I’m alert.
It seems to be much more difficult for me to maintain that level of alertness, however, in my daily walk. We have been told over and over that we need to “be alert:”
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
[F]rom among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. (Acts 20:30-31, NASB)
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13, NASB)
But . . . “be alert” for what? For what are we supposed to be waiting and watching?
Well, when I’m hunting, I have to watch for subtle movements. Deer seldom come bounding into a clearing to announce their presence. Even when keeping a focused watch, all of the sudden a deer is standing twenty feet from the edge of the woods without ever drawing attention to his entry into the field. It’s almost as if he appeared out of nowhere.
Sometimes, by intently combing the brush and tree lines, I may notice that a portion of a smoother, more symmetrical outline can be seen behind the branches and grass. Patient and careful observation may then yield a flick of an ear or even a blink of an eye. But the deer aren’t wearing blaze orange, jumping up and down, or doing anything else to draw attention to themselves. They come and go and hope to avoid any detection at all as they go about their business.
That’s what we need to be alert for every day.
Yes, the Bible tells us “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) But the “roaring lion” is related to what happens when you’re not alert. We must be alert for the prowling, the subtle stalking, the insidious infiltration into our lives.
There’s no need for a precautionary command to “be alert” for a ten ton stampeding elephant. The danger is quite obvious. But we must be alert for those things that are only slight variations in what the landscape around us should look like, almost imperceptible changes.
And it’s more important to know what things are supposed to look like than to try to figure what specific things to be looking for. In other words, rather than focusing on what “the enemy” looks like, focus on what God’s plan looks like. Anything that doesn’t fit perfectly into that, should draw your attention.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is –
His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Know His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Be alert for anything (no matter how small) that isn’t perfectly consistent with that.
Take aim.
Destroy it.
We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons,
to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning
and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle
that keeps people from knowing God.
We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
(2 Corinthians 10:4-5, NLT)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Seeking Approval
I’ve got a confession to make: I don’t like to pray in public.
O.K., I know that corporate prayer makes a lot of people nervous - the whole ‘speaking in public’ thing, and all. But that’s not what I mean; I’m O.K. with that aspect.
The problem is that when confronted with praying in public, a spiritual battle begins within me. It is a spiritual battle that rages on in many other areas of my life as well. It is a battle discussed by Paul in Galatians 1:10: Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? (NRSV)
My battle when praying in public: I fight to keep from praying words for the other people to hear versus praying solely to God. I struggle with praying to impress those in the room; to sound ‘pious,’ ‘holy,’ and ‘mature.’ I prefer to wage my battle by praying silently – for just God to hear. But circumstances often force the issue and put me right in the middle of the battle.
But, like I said, this is a battle that flows over into many other areas of my life. I often find myself trying to do even good things – Kingdom things – with the wrong motivations. “Will my extraordinary ‘spirituality’ be recognized in this?” “Will the pastor notice my contribution?” “What will they think of me if I can do that?”
Sometimes I give the battle to the Lord and He does mighty things. Sometimes I just ‘man up’ and the battle results in hay and straw (see 1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
Several years ago, a friend told me a phrase that has helped me some in this battle. He said, “If you knew how little people think of you, you wouldn’t care how little people think of you.” Knowing that I’m easily befuddled, he went on to explain how seldom people actually contemplate their opinions and judgments of others, especially those who are not within their constant sphere of contact. So, since most people will seldom, if ever, even think about me, what they think about me shouldn’t really matter to me.
But God, on the other hand, is constantly thinking about me. How difficult it is for me to fathom your thoughts about me, O God! How vast is their sum total! If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. (Psalm 139:17-18, NET) And what He thinks about me matters. His opinion counts. His approval is of singular importance. He is the One I need to please.
Now don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying that I need to try to ‘please God’ in order to earn my way to heaven or to deserve His love, or anything like that. Those things are already taken care of – by Him, of course.
I can’t make God love me more by my actions. But, by my actions I can love God more. By acknowledging and focusing on Him as the only One whose opinion matters, I start to love and worship Him as He deserves. And I start to align my life with the life He intends for me.
Because He is perfectly holy (in His thoughts, His actions, and His essence), by seeking His approval (rather than man’s) I am seeking His holiness, I am moving toward His holiness. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. (1 Peter 1:15-17)
So, does it make any sense to be so concerned with pleasing men and gaining their approval rather than seeking only God’s approval? Of course not. But getting that truth from my thinking into my heart and then into my actions is a work in progress.
God loves me more than I can realize.
He thinks about me more than I can imagine (Psalm 139).
I would sure like to know that when He is thinking about me, a smile creeps across His face.
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval.
Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and
who correctly explains the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15, NLT
Seeking to please Him,
Craig Hollingsworth
O.K., I know that corporate prayer makes a lot of people nervous - the whole ‘speaking in public’ thing, and all. But that’s not what I mean; I’m O.K. with that aspect.
The problem is that when confronted with praying in public, a spiritual battle begins within me. It is a spiritual battle that rages on in many other areas of my life as well. It is a battle discussed by Paul in Galatians 1:10: Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? (NRSV)
My battle when praying in public: I fight to keep from praying words for the other people to hear versus praying solely to God. I struggle with praying to impress those in the room; to sound ‘pious,’ ‘holy,’ and ‘mature.’ I prefer to wage my battle by praying silently – for just God to hear. But circumstances often force the issue and put me right in the middle of the battle.
But, like I said, this is a battle that flows over into many other areas of my life. I often find myself trying to do even good things – Kingdom things – with the wrong motivations. “Will my extraordinary ‘spirituality’ be recognized in this?” “Will the pastor notice my contribution?” “What will they think of me if I can do that?”
Sometimes I give the battle to the Lord and He does mighty things. Sometimes I just ‘man up’ and the battle results in hay and straw (see 1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
Several years ago, a friend told me a phrase that has helped me some in this battle. He said, “If you knew how little people think of you, you wouldn’t care how little people think of you.” Knowing that I’m easily befuddled, he went on to explain how seldom people actually contemplate their opinions and judgments of others, especially those who are not within their constant sphere of contact. So, since most people will seldom, if ever, even think about me, what they think about me shouldn’t really matter to me.
But God, on the other hand, is constantly thinking about me. How difficult it is for me to fathom your thoughts about me, O God! How vast is their sum total! If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. (Psalm 139:17-18, NET) And what He thinks about me matters. His opinion counts. His approval is of singular importance. He is the One I need to please.
Now don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying that I need to try to ‘please God’ in order to earn my way to heaven or to deserve His love, or anything like that. Those things are already taken care of – by Him, of course.
I can’t make God love me more by my actions. But, by my actions I can love God more. By acknowledging and focusing on Him as the only One whose opinion matters, I start to love and worship Him as He deserves. And I start to align my life with the life He intends for me.
Because He is perfectly holy (in His thoughts, His actions, and His essence), by seeking His approval (rather than man’s) I am seeking His holiness, I am moving toward His holiness. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. (1 Peter 1:15-17)
So, does it make any sense to be so concerned with pleasing men and gaining their approval rather than seeking only God’s approval? Of course not. But getting that truth from my thinking into my heart and then into my actions is a work in progress.
God loves me more than I can realize.
He thinks about me more than I can imagine (Psalm 139).
I would sure like to know that when He is thinking about me, a smile creeps across His face.
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval.
Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and
who correctly explains the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15, NLT
Seeking to please Him,
Craig Hollingsworth
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Significantly Not As Described
Do you use eBay, craigslist, or any of the other on-line “garage sales?” I certainly do. In fact, I’ve bought sunglasses, skis, cel phone accessories, tickets, clothes, and even cows through those sources. Sometimes ‘new,’ sometimes ‘used.’ (I’m not sure if the ‘new’ or the ‘used’ tag would apply to the cows.)
However, my initial exposure and continued primary experience with eBay has been as a seller.
Several years ago, we discovered that we could try to move some of our old inventory through eBay - things we’ve had trouble selling to the few customers that came into one of our brick and mortar stores could be offered to hundreds, or even thousands of ‘virtual’ customers. It hasn’t been a ‘road to riches,’ but we have been able to recoup some investment, often selling items well below our cost in order to create some cash flow and lessen potential losses on those items.
Occasionally, we have a problem. For example, a lady bought something from us on eBay for a Christmas present. A couple of weeks after Christmas, she decided she wanted to return it. So she filed a ‘dispute’ with eBay alleging the item was ‘Significantly Not As Described.’ According to eBay’s User Agreement, an item is ‘Significantly Not As Described’ when “the seller clearly misrepresented the details of the item in a way that affects its value or usability.” Examples they give include: “The item is a completely different item than that represented by the seller in the listing,” or “The condition of the item is significantly different,” or “The item is unusable and was not disclosed as such,” or “The item was advertised as authentic but is not authentic.”
Don’t get me started about the manner eBay handles disputes, etc. Suffice it to say that no investigation was done and eBay just granted a refund without any consideration of the facts, issues, or positions of the parties.
Sooooo . . . .
Genesis 1:27 tells us: “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him.” Now, I don’t know about you, but when I look at the image in my mirror, I think, “This item would definitely be classified as Significantly Not As Described!”
“Where’s the value?”
“There is no ‘usability’ in that?!”
“The condition of this item is infinitely different than stated!”
“How can this item be ‘authentic’?”
Nevertheless, regardless of the condition of me, God has resolved this dispute in my favor. He stands behind His claim (“in His image”) and He provides an unconditional, eternal warranty. He doesn’t base His judgment of what I am on what I see, but on what He sees. And He sees things through what His Son has done for me and what I will someday be.
What is it that He sees in me? What else would be in the ‘listing’ of who/what I am? What is the ‘representation’ He has made about me?
For starters:
I am God's child (John 1:12); I am a friend of Jesus (John 15:15); I have been justified (Romans 5:1); I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17); I have been bought with a price and I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20); I am a member of Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12:27); I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child (Ephesians 1:3-8); I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins (Colossians 1:13-14); I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:9-10); I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16).
I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine (John 15:5); I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16); I am God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16); I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21); I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm (Ephesians 2:6); I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10); I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12); I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
I am free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2); I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances (Romans 8:28); I am free from any attacks brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:31-39); I have been established, anointed and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22); I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me (Philippians 1:6); I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20); I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7); I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
I don’t know why He purchased me. But I’m sure glad He did.
As Described,
Craig Hollingsworth
However, my initial exposure and continued primary experience with eBay has been as a seller.
Several years ago, we discovered that we could try to move some of our old inventory through eBay - things we’ve had trouble selling to the few customers that came into one of our brick and mortar stores could be offered to hundreds, or even thousands of ‘virtual’ customers. It hasn’t been a ‘road to riches,’ but we have been able to recoup some investment, often selling items well below our cost in order to create some cash flow and lessen potential losses on those items.
Occasionally, we have a problem. For example, a lady bought something from us on eBay for a Christmas present. A couple of weeks after Christmas, she decided she wanted to return it. So she filed a ‘dispute’ with eBay alleging the item was ‘Significantly Not As Described.’ According to eBay’s User Agreement, an item is ‘Significantly Not As Described’ when “the seller clearly misrepresented the details of the item in a way that affects its value or usability.” Examples they give include: “The item is a completely different item than that represented by the seller in the listing,” or “The condition of the item is significantly different,” or “The item is unusable and was not disclosed as such,” or “The item was advertised as authentic but is not authentic.”
Don’t get me started about the manner eBay handles disputes, etc. Suffice it to say that no investigation was done and eBay just granted a refund without any consideration of the facts, issues, or positions of the parties.
Sooooo . . . .
Genesis 1:27 tells us: “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him.” Now, I don’t know about you, but when I look at the image in my mirror, I think, “This item would definitely be classified as Significantly Not As Described!”
“Where’s the value?”
“There is no ‘usability’ in that?!”
“The condition of this item is infinitely different than stated!”
“How can this item be ‘authentic’?”
Nevertheless, regardless of the condition of me, God has resolved this dispute in my favor. He stands behind His claim (“in His image”) and He provides an unconditional, eternal warranty. He doesn’t base His judgment of what I am on what I see, but on what He sees. And He sees things through what His Son has done for me and what I will someday be.
What is it that He sees in me? What else would be in the ‘listing’ of who/what I am? What is the ‘representation’ He has made about me?
For starters:
I am God's child (John 1:12); I am a friend of Jesus (John 15:15); I have been justified (Romans 5:1); I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17); I have been bought with a price and I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20); I am a member of Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12:27); I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child (Ephesians 1:3-8); I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins (Colossians 1:13-14); I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:9-10); I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16).
I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine (John 15:5); I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16); I am God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16); I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21); I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm (Ephesians 2:6); I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10); I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12); I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
I am free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2); I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances (Romans 8:28); I am free from any attacks brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:31-39); I have been established, anointed and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22); I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me (Philippians 1:6); I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20); I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7); I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
I don’t know why He purchased me. But I’m sure glad He did.
As Described,
Craig Hollingsworth
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Second Guessers Anonymous
To my consternation, I must admit that I have carried on a particular trait of my father’s – one that tended to frustrate the bejebbers out of me growing up. When I turn something over to someone else to get done, once that project is handled, I tend to throw cold water on their accomplishment by ‘second guessing’ what was done.
“Why didn’t you do it this way?” “Did you consider that when working on it?” “I probably would have handled it this way . . .”
I’ve turned the issue over to someone else to handle; if I didn’t consider them capable of handling it, I wouldn’t have done so in the first place; it relieves me of the burden . . . So why do I proceed to ‘second guess’ what they’ve done?
This same tendency often follows me into my dealings with God, as well. Such ‘second guessing’ of God was certainly evident at a recent gathering I attended.
A friend invited me to participate in a discussion of a ministry opportunity that God laid on his heart. My friend had spent months in study, meditation, and prayer to confirm God’s plan. So, he laid out where God was leading him to a few of us.
We started with a couple of hours of making lists, drawing charts, and listening to one guy say, “Have you considered . . .?” While another guy pointed out, “Perhaps it could be done like . . .” And still another chimed in, “You ought to look at . . .” And then one man stood up and said (basically): “Gentlemen – we need to shut up. It’s obvious that he has turned this over to God and that God has given him a plan. We need to put our agendas aside and support him. If it’s God’s plan, can we improve it?”
Whoa. My natural inclination would be to get offended and defensive. However, everyone in that room knew that he was right. He spoke out of love and he spoke the truth. And it was obvious that he had more faith in God’s ability to handle the issue than the rest of us put together.
We like to echo the sentiment “Let go and let God,” but what we often mean is “Give it to God – but be there to give God some guidance and assistance and be prepared to take over when things take a turn.” That’s second guessing. That’s a lack of faith.
Do you ask God for help?
Do you truly give Him your burdens and your hurts?
Is your God big enough to handle what you take to Him?
Do you really trust God with whatever issues you have?
Do you believe that God loves you and that He knows best?
I second guess others because I think I know the best way. I second guess others because I want them to do things my way. I second guess others because (deep down) I’m afraid they’ll screw it up.
But does any of that apply to God? Of course not.
There is absolutely no room for second guessing God. "I do have faith! Please help me to have even more." (Mark 9:24, CEV)
Trying to trust more,
Craig Hollingsworth
“Why didn’t you do it this way?” “Did you consider that when working on it?” “I probably would have handled it this way . . .”
I’ve turned the issue over to someone else to handle; if I didn’t consider them capable of handling it, I wouldn’t have done so in the first place; it relieves me of the burden . . . So why do I proceed to ‘second guess’ what they’ve done?
This same tendency often follows me into my dealings with God, as well. Such ‘second guessing’ of God was certainly evident at a recent gathering I attended.
A friend invited me to participate in a discussion of a ministry opportunity that God laid on his heart. My friend had spent months in study, meditation, and prayer to confirm God’s plan. So, he laid out where God was leading him to a few of us.
We started with a couple of hours of making lists, drawing charts, and listening to one guy say, “Have you considered . . .?” While another guy pointed out, “Perhaps it could be done like . . .” And still another chimed in, “You ought to look at . . .” And then one man stood up and said (basically): “Gentlemen – we need to shut up. It’s obvious that he has turned this over to God and that God has given him a plan. We need to put our agendas aside and support him. If it’s God’s plan, can we improve it?”
Whoa. My natural inclination would be to get offended and defensive. However, everyone in that room knew that he was right. He spoke out of love and he spoke the truth. And it was obvious that he had more faith in God’s ability to handle the issue than the rest of us put together.
We like to echo the sentiment “Let go and let God,” but what we often mean is “Give it to God – but be there to give God some guidance and assistance and be prepared to take over when things take a turn.” That’s second guessing. That’s a lack of faith.
Do you ask God for help?
Do you truly give Him your burdens and your hurts?
Is your God big enough to handle what you take to Him?
Do you really trust God with whatever issues you have?
Do you believe that God loves you and that He knows best?
I second guess others because I think I know the best way. I second guess others because I want them to do things my way. I second guess others because (deep down) I’m afraid they’ll screw it up.
But does any of that apply to God? Of course not.
There is absolutely no room for second guessing God. "I do have faith! Please help me to have even more." (Mark 9:24, CEV)
Trying to trust more,
Craig Hollingsworth
Thursday, April 23, 2009
A Friend of God
Several years ago, as a counselor at a youth retreat, I listened as the youth minister closed the weekend with an informal communion service. He began with words similar to words I had heard so many times before, “And on that night, Jesus met with several of his friends for a special dinner . . .”
I have no idea what he said after that because my mind went off into another world. I was simply overwhelmed with emotions as I contemplated what it must have been like to have been one of Jesus’ friends. What it must have been like to know the man; to have spent virtually every minute of every day for three years with him!
What would it have been like to warm my hands over the campfire with Jesus? What joy to have shared a good “belly laugh” with him as we walked beside the Sea of Galilee. Oh, to have felt his embrace as I returned from time away from him preaching the good news (Mark 6:30).
Did Jesus prefer dates or olives? When skipping stones on the Jordan, did Jesus throw with his left or his right hand? Did he speak with a Galilean accent as did Peter? What was his favorite color? Was he an early riser? What size sandal did he wear?
He was a man - like me - and his friends would have known these things (and more) about the man from Galilee.
The Gospel accounts are sprinkled with glimpses into the humanity of Jesus – those things that show that he was a man and experienced the same things in this life that we do. For example:
> He was born (Luke 2:6-7) and he died (Mark 15:37)
> He was circumcised as every good Jewish boy was (Luke 2:21)
> He learned and he grew – through adolescence and puberty (Luke 2:52)
> He was scolded by his mom (Luke 2:48)
> He had a family (Matt. 13:55, Mark 6:3)
> He experienced hunger (Mark 11:12, Matt. 4:2) and thirst (John 4:7, 19:28)
> He worked at a job (Mark 6:3)
> He was tempted (Matt. 4:1-11, Mark 1:13)
> He cried (John 11:35 - death of a friend, Luke 19:41) and experienced sorrow and anguish (Matt. 26:38). Yet he knew joy as well (John 15:11, 17:13)
> He dealt with stress (Luke 22:44) and disappointment (Matt. 23:37)
> He got tired and needed rest (Mark 4:38, John 4:6)
> He became angry (Matt. 16:23, 17:17, 21:12-13, Mark 3:5)
> He knew poverty (Luke 9:58, Matt. 8:20)
> He understood love (John 11:36, 15:12-13)
> He felt compassion (Matt. 9:36, 14:14, 15:32)
> He sang songs (Mark 14:26)
> He needed to pray (Matt. 14:23, 26:36)
> He was amazed (Matt. 8:10)
But why is it important that Jesus was a man and that he experienced the same things we do? Because a sacrifice had to be made to reconcile a lost world to God. And while that sacrifice had to be completely free from sin, it would have been too small a thing for a God who is totally incapable of sinning to be that sacrifice. Instead, a human body and soul had to be prepared (Heb. 10:5-10). “For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” Heb. 2:17 (NIV).
Jesus is completely able to understand and sympathize with our weaknesses and infirmities because he went through every single thing that we have, yet he did so, as a 100% man, without sinning. (Heb. 4:15)
“When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death - and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth - even those long ago dead and buried - will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.” Phil. 2:7-11 (MSG)
What an incredible man! What an awesome Savior! What a glorious God!
We may often think that there were only a few men and women who had the inconceivably blessed opportunity on this earth to be friends of this man from Galilee.
But that is not the case.
Jesus calls us his friends. (John 15:15) And he makes it possible for us to know him better and better every day.
It may be a while before we know the color of Jesus’ eyes and whether he likes olives on His pizza, but we can learn more about his heart each day.
Are you investing in that friendship the same way Jesus has?
A friend of God,
Craig Hollingsworth
I have no idea what he said after that because my mind went off into another world. I was simply overwhelmed with emotions as I contemplated what it must have been like to have been one of Jesus’ friends. What it must have been like to know the man; to have spent virtually every minute of every day for three years with him!
What would it have been like to warm my hands over the campfire with Jesus? What joy to have shared a good “belly laugh” with him as we walked beside the Sea of Galilee. Oh, to have felt his embrace as I returned from time away from him preaching the good news (Mark 6:30).
Did Jesus prefer dates or olives? When skipping stones on the Jordan, did Jesus throw with his left or his right hand? Did he speak with a Galilean accent as did Peter? What was his favorite color? Was he an early riser? What size sandal did he wear?
He was a man - like me - and his friends would have known these things (and more) about the man from Galilee.
The Gospel accounts are sprinkled with glimpses into the humanity of Jesus – those things that show that he was a man and experienced the same things in this life that we do. For example:
> He was born (Luke 2:6-7) and he died (Mark 15:37)
> He was circumcised as every good Jewish boy was (Luke 2:21)
> He learned and he grew – through adolescence and puberty (Luke 2:52)
> He was scolded by his mom (Luke 2:48)
> He had a family (Matt. 13:55, Mark 6:3)
> He experienced hunger (Mark 11:12, Matt. 4:2) and thirst (John 4:7, 19:28)
> He worked at a job (Mark 6:3)
> He was tempted (Matt. 4:1-11, Mark 1:13)
> He cried (John 11:35 - death of a friend, Luke 19:41) and experienced sorrow and anguish (Matt. 26:38). Yet he knew joy as well (John 15:11, 17:13)
> He dealt with stress (Luke 22:44) and disappointment (Matt. 23:37)
> He got tired and needed rest (Mark 4:38, John 4:6)
> He became angry (Matt. 16:23, 17:17, 21:12-13, Mark 3:5)
> He knew poverty (Luke 9:58, Matt. 8:20)
> He understood love (John 11:36, 15:12-13)
> He felt compassion (Matt. 9:36, 14:14, 15:32)
> He sang songs (Mark 14:26)
> He needed to pray (Matt. 14:23, 26:36)
> He was amazed (Matt. 8:10)
But why is it important that Jesus was a man and that he experienced the same things we do? Because a sacrifice had to be made to reconcile a lost world to God. And while that sacrifice had to be completely free from sin, it would have been too small a thing for a God who is totally incapable of sinning to be that sacrifice. Instead, a human body and soul had to be prepared (Heb. 10:5-10). “For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” Heb. 2:17 (NIV).
Jesus is completely able to understand and sympathize with our weaknesses and infirmities because he went through every single thing that we have, yet he did so, as a 100% man, without sinning. (Heb. 4:15)
“When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death - and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth - even those long ago dead and buried - will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.” Phil. 2:7-11 (MSG)
What an incredible man! What an awesome Savior! What a glorious God!
We may often think that there were only a few men and women who had the inconceivably blessed opportunity on this earth to be friends of this man from Galilee.
But that is not the case.
Jesus calls us his friends. (John 15:15) And he makes it possible for us to know him better and better every day.
It may be a while before we know the color of Jesus’ eyes and whether he likes olives on His pizza, but we can learn more about his heart each day.
Are you investing in that friendship the same way Jesus has?
A friend of God,
Craig Hollingsworth
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
After Easter
Whew! Easter was certainly a busy day for us – We got the kids ready for church; attended an early worship service; served at a couple of other services; hauled everyone to the in-law’s for lunch, egg hunts, and visiting with extended family; went home to load up food and change cloths; went to my parents to prepare dinner and for more eating, egg hunting, and game playing; traveled back home; got everyone ready for bed; collapsed.
And then . . . as I was resting my head on my nice, soft pillow - I wondered about that very first “Easter” night. That had been a pretty hectic day, too.
The disciples were all in hiding, afraid that the same thing that had happened to Jesus on Friday would also happen to them. They had pinned all of their hopes for their future, and the future of their people, on Jesus.
But He was captured, tortured, and killed.
The disciples weren’t in an upper room together to pray for what direction the ‘ministry’ was to take next. I’m convinced that they were all huddled together in fear and despair and on the very brink of renouncing whatever vestiges of ‘faith’ remained. Every noise they heard sent shivers down their spines, bringing dread that soldiers were at the door.
It was all over.
Then Mary Magdalene and the other Mary reported that Jesus was not in His tomb. What!?! And then two disciples reported that they had actually encountered Jesus on their way down to Emmaus! How . . ?!
No one knew what to make of all of that.
And then - and then - Jesus appeared in body right there among them!
They saw Him crucified, dead, and buried. Yet – there He was! Alive!
Jesus ministered to them and then they watched as He physically ascended into heaven. He told them to go and minister to others in His Name.
Whoa.
Do you think those disciples just laid their heads on their pillows and peacefully dozed off that night? Can you even imagine what was going on in their minds on that night?
The excitement.
The fantastic joy.
The unbelievable realization that Jesus had conquered death; that He was alive and with the Father; that He was Who He said He was; and He did what He said He’d do.
The anticipation of what was to come. The adrenaline. The eagerness to let others know the Truth!
They had to feel like they were about to burst.
And do you know what? Jesus is just as alive today.
The ‘good news’ is just as good.
He is real. He is risen. He is God.
He has appeared to us. He is with us.
Easter wasn’t a ‘once and done.’ It isn’t a ‘once a year.’
Easter is eternal – it bridges the gap between death and Life. Every day. For all days.
Are you excited about that? Are you really excited?
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Happy to be made alive,
Craig Hollingsworth
And then . . . as I was resting my head on my nice, soft pillow - I wondered about that very first “Easter” night. That had been a pretty hectic day, too.
The disciples were all in hiding, afraid that the same thing that had happened to Jesus on Friday would also happen to them. They had pinned all of their hopes for their future, and the future of their people, on Jesus.
But He was captured, tortured, and killed.
The disciples weren’t in an upper room together to pray for what direction the ‘ministry’ was to take next. I’m convinced that they were all huddled together in fear and despair and on the very brink of renouncing whatever vestiges of ‘faith’ remained. Every noise they heard sent shivers down their spines, bringing dread that soldiers were at the door.
It was all over.
Then Mary Magdalene and the other Mary reported that Jesus was not in His tomb. What!?! And then two disciples reported that they had actually encountered Jesus on their way down to Emmaus! How . . ?!
No one knew what to make of all of that.
And then - and then - Jesus appeared in body right there among them!
They saw Him crucified, dead, and buried. Yet – there He was! Alive!
Jesus ministered to them and then they watched as He physically ascended into heaven. He told them to go and minister to others in His Name.
Whoa.
Do you think those disciples just laid their heads on their pillows and peacefully dozed off that night? Can you even imagine what was going on in their minds on that night?
The excitement.
The fantastic joy.
The unbelievable realization that Jesus had conquered death; that He was alive and with the Father; that He was Who He said He was; and He did what He said He’d do.
The anticipation of what was to come. The adrenaline. The eagerness to let others know the Truth!
They had to feel like they were about to burst.
And do you know what? Jesus is just as alive today.
The ‘good news’ is just as good.
He is real. He is risen. He is God.
He has appeared to us. He is with us.
Easter wasn’t a ‘once and done.’ It isn’t a ‘once a year.’
Easter is eternal – it bridges the gap between death and Life. Every day. For all days.
Are you excited about that? Are you really excited?
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Happy to be made alive,
Craig Hollingsworth
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
To Be Continued
As He hung on the cross, His body beaten, bloody, and pierced, Jesus knew that death was at hand. He mustered the last bit of strength He had and pushed on the spike driven through His feet to raise Himself up enough to inhale a final breath. And with that last breath, He exhaled, “It is finished.”
That’s when the prince of this world began to gloat at what he perceived was a concession speech. While he had been a first-hand witness to Jesus’ pre-incarnate glory and majesty in eternities past, this was the moment he had longed for since he had fallen from heaven - ‘God’s people’ had rejected God’s very own Son.
Although Jesus had spent three years ‘campaigning’ throughout the land, Lucifer had likewise been hard at work. His efforts had resulted in the masses refusing to acknowledge Jesus, the religious leaders trying to discredit and marginalize Him, Jesus’ closest friends betraying or abandoning Him, and the government treating Jesus as a common criminal.
Yes - that ‘angel of light’ (see 1 Corinthians 11:14) was truly beaming at what he believed was the final capitulation of the battle. He believed Jesus was acknowledging that it was ‘The End.’
But – PRAISE GOD! – that’s not where the story ended.
The issues were much bigger than ‘popularity’ or pride or religious ‘dogma.’ The stakes were much higher than any created being (including Satan) could fathom. And the perfect plan that had been set in motion before the dawn of time was still unfolding.
No, what appeared to be a victory for the forces of darkness was actually the first phase of Satan’s defeat. While Satan was wallowing in his supposed victory, the story played on. It wasn’t ‘the end’ at all – at least not for Jesus.
And not for us, either.
Because God’s children are human beings - made of flesh and blood - the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. (Hebrews 2:14-15 NLT)
‘Death’ couldn’t hold Jesus. It was no match for Him. He conquered death and rose victoriously in Life.
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
That’s when the prince of this world began to gloat at what he perceived was a concession speech. While he had been a first-hand witness to Jesus’ pre-incarnate glory and majesty in eternities past, this was the moment he had longed for since he had fallen from heaven - ‘God’s people’ had rejected God’s very own Son.
Although Jesus had spent three years ‘campaigning’ throughout the land, Lucifer had likewise been hard at work. His efforts had resulted in the masses refusing to acknowledge Jesus, the religious leaders trying to discredit and marginalize Him, Jesus’ closest friends betraying or abandoning Him, and the government treating Jesus as a common criminal.
Yes - that ‘angel of light’ (see 1 Corinthians 11:14) was truly beaming at what he believed was the final capitulation of the battle. He believed Jesus was acknowledging that it was ‘The End.’
But – PRAISE GOD! – that’s not where the story ended.
The issues were much bigger than ‘popularity’ or pride or religious ‘dogma.’ The stakes were much higher than any created being (including Satan) could fathom. And the perfect plan that had been set in motion before the dawn of time was still unfolding.
No, what appeared to be a victory for the forces of darkness was actually the first phase of Satan’s defeat. While Satan was wallowing in his supposed victory, the story played on. It wasn’t ‘the end’ at all – at least not for Jesus.
And not for us, either.
Because God’s children are human beings - made of flesh and blood - the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. (Hebrews 2:14-15 NLT)
‘Death’ couldn’t hold Jesus. It was no match for Him. He conquered death and rose victoriously in Life.
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
For sin is the sting that results in death . . .
But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NLT
Jesus’ statement “It is finished” was not a concession of defeat. It was a proclamation of victory. He was letting all creation know that on that cross, His mission was flawlessly completed.
And He was declaring for all eternity that the Life that flowed from His completed work was . . . TO BE CONTINUED.
I am the resurrection and the life.
Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.
John 11:25-26 NLT
A continuation,
Craig Hollingsworth
For sin is the sting that results in death . . .
But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NLT
Jesus’ statement “It is finished” was not a concession of defeat. It was a proclamation of victory. He was letting all creation know that on that cross, His mission was flawlessly completed.
And He was declaring for all eternity that the Life that flowed from His completed work was . . . TO BE CONTINUED.
I am the resurrection and the life.
Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.
John 11:25-26 NLT
A continuation,
Craig Hollingsworth
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