A few days ago I read the story about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11). Something about it really captured my heart. I felt a fresh excitement for it. Perhaps it was seeing how Jesus prophesied the instructions, or how His disciples obeyed. Perhaps it was seeing how a whole crowd of people began to go along with prophecy and the will of God - like some kind of holy flash mob - a viral, Spirit-led movement; a beautiful partnership between the sovereign power of God and the submission of mankind.
The story stayed on my heart and lingered in my imagination. A few mornings later I read the story again, asking God to show me why it's caught me. As God was applying the Word to my spirit I felt to ask Him, "What is the colt?" The colt carried Jesus into the town. The colt was prophetically acquired. The colt was the vehicle for Jesus, the one that He chose to enter the city on. The colt was an instrument to help many people respond to Jesus and worship Him.
At that moment, and in answer to my question, God brought to mind an idea that had been hanging around in my head, an idea that I had been praying about. God used this story to encourage me and bring some confirmation that He wants to use this idea to be a vehicle for many men to come to know Him. And, I am encouraged to believe that He could use it virally, that it could spread out for His glory - somehow like it did that day. I would so love to see this in my city.
What's the colt? Has God given you a prophetic idea that He can ride into your town?
Monday, August 22, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The rich man of Penrith
A man saw Jesus in a dream and said, "So Jesus, what can you do for me?"
"Well, with me you would have eternal life."
"I'm sure I'll be right with that. I mean, I'm good to my wife and kids, I work hard, give to charity - well sometimes; I even mow my mum's lawn."
Jesus said, "All those things are good. But it's not enough. I want your heart. I want you to give up on the idea that you've got it all together without me. I want you to stop depending on your money. I want you to stop believing whatever the world tells you."
The man walked away with a heavy heart. Waking soon after feeling disturbed.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:23-27
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Jesus - Author and Perfecter
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Jesus is writing a book and it has your name on it. Mine is called Mark's Faith Race. What's yours called?
The draft is complete. He has marked out a race for you. Now the Master-writer is working and re-working passages to improve the manuscript.
It takes a lot of creativity and determination to complete a book, but Jesus is up for it. Your book was His idea. He started it with excitement and He works passionately to complete it.
Our faith comes from God. It started with Him. It was His desire to impart it to us. And by His grace and strength our faith is increased and improved through every season.
Where our faith has been hindered by past experiences, carrying burdens we shouldn't be, Jesus rewrites a story of healing and freedom. Where you've doubted your faith, taking on lies from the world and the enemy, Jesus renews your mind, rewriting stories of peace and breakthrough.
It is up to Him. It is His work to build our faith. Any other philosophy will result in flagellation where we fail, or our own pats on the back where we succeed. This is dangerous territory.
Be encouraged. Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. He knows what He's doing. He is the one who inspires faith - turning mustardseed faith into mountain-moving faith.
Whatever shape your faith is in - as long as you're alive - the book is still being improved by the perfecter. When the race is over, and our book is published, it will be a glorious day indeed!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Character and the Spirit
This week I enjoyed a brief beginning to a worthwhile discussion that deserves a lot more. It relates to character - our role and the role of God the Spirit. My thought, this year, has been to look for every chance to honour the Holy Spirit and to challenge every chance to overlook His work so it got my attention quickly.
It is easy to over-estimate our own role in character growth. I certainly think that we have a role to play however I think it could be quite dangerous for it not to be balanced by an appreciation for all that God does to help us. Our own pats on the back could easily become self-righteousness. And on the other hand, if we think that it's up to us, then we could become disheartened when we take an honest look at ourselves and acknowledge that we can't do it on our own.
The good news is that we are not on our own. I believe that our journey of character growth has the Spirit's footprints all over it. His role is not limited to one simple download at rebirth, and neither do I see this discussion in the realm of apologetics or systematic theology. I'm talking about how the Spirit helps us in day-to-day, real life - a wonderful life where we are invited to keep in step with Him.
When we were reborn by the Spirit we were given a new nature, and with it our motivations and desires changed. With a balance of carrot and stick (or conviction and inspiration), the Spirit leads us to want to take on His character.
The Spirit leads us into and through many situations and circumstances that test our character. One way or another God allows us to go through tough times that develop patience and perseverance.
Through hard days and average days, God's Word holds us securely. The Spirit breathes on the Word, reminding us of the truth and showing us how to truly live according to it.
Everyday the Great Mentor speaks to us and coaches us. He stirs us to do one thing and He warns us to avoid another. Always positive, always believing in us.
The Spirit's power transforms us - even our character. Where we would have no hope to change a character trait, God can breakthrough - healing us and shaping us. Of course we need to keep walking in it, being renewed and continuing to choose His way as we are reformed.
There is freedom in seeing our own role as small and God's role as big. This leads me to stop contending with the flesh and to simply pray and trust. It is not up to me to change me (or to take the credit) as it is also not up to me to seek to change others but to trust God and pray for Him to have His way.
Being born of His nature means that I will naturally produce His fruit, so I can take no more credit than the branch can take for producing apples. The fruit comes by His nature, His design, His life. This also means that I don't have to strive to produce such fruit - and that such striving is fruitless.
I believe that our role is to simply submit to His wonderful love, power and will. This role is not unimportant or passive, the path to the point of submission may not be without blood. But our part is to simply say 'yes' and let His nature take it's course.
I'd love for you to add to the discussion.
It is easy to over-estimate our own role in character growth. I certainly think that we have a role to play however I think it could be quite dangerous for it not to be balanced by an appreciation for all that God does to help us. Our own pats on the back could easily become self-righteousness. And on the other hand, if we think that it's up to us, then we could become disheartened when we take an honest look at ourselves and acknowledge that we can't do it on our own.
The good news is that we are not on our own. I believe that our journey of character growth has the Spirit's footprints all over it. His role is not limited to one simple download at rebirth, and neither do I see this discussion in the realm of apologetics or systematic theology. I'm talking about how the Spirit helps us in day-to-day, real life - a wonderful life where we are invited to keep in step with Him.
When we were reborn by the Spirit we were given a new nature, and with it our motivations and desires changed. With a balance of carrot and stick (or conviction and inspiration), the Spirit leads us to want to take on His character.
The Spirit leads us into and through many situations and circumstances that test our character. One way or another God allows us to go through tough times that develop patience and perseverance.
Through hard days and average days, God's Word holds us securely. The Spirit breathes on the Word, reminding us of the truth and showing us how to truly live according to it.
Everyday the Great Mentor speaks to us and coaches us. He stirs us to do one thing and He warns us to avoid another. Always positive, always believing in us.
The Spirit's power transforms us - even our character. Where we would have no hope to change a character trait, God can breakthrough - healing us and shaping us. Of course we need to keep walking in it, being renewed and continuing to choose His way as we are reformed.
There is freedom in seeing our own role as small and God's role as big. This leads me to stop contending with the flesh and to simply pray and trust. It is not up to me to change me (or to take the credit) as it is also not up to me to seek to change others but to trust God and pray for Him to have His way.
Being born of His nature means that I will naturally produce His fruit, so I can take no more credit than the branch can take for producing apples. The fruit comes by His nature, His design, His life. This also means that I don't have to strive to produce such fruit - and that such striving is fruitless.
I believe that our role is to simply submit to His wonderful love, power and will. This role is not unimportant or passive, the path to the point of submission may not be without blood. But our part is to simply say 'yes' and let His nature take it's course.
I'd love for you to add to the discussion.
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