Not Just Individuals...

My grandmother always said that if I am suffering then I must be doing something right but if I am not then the devil is leaving me alone because he has already gotten me.  Do you rejoice at suffering?  Do you see it as a result of God's work?  First Peter 4: 12-13 explores this idea further.  Peter said 

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Peter is telling us to expect and rejoice in suffering.  But he is clear that we should rejoice if the suffering is for Jesus.  Unfortunately, suffering for Jesus is not the only reason for suffering.  Are we suffering for the right reasons?  We need to look at ourselves and our actions to make sure we are not bringing the suffering on ourselves.  

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or a thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. (I Peter 4:15)

We are called to distinguish between suffering for being a believer and suffering because of our actions.  We should seek counsel and pray to determine the cause of our suffering.  We need to seek to find if we are causing our suffering so we can correct our wrongs and continue with the work God has for us.

But this is not just about us as individuals.  This is also true with the church.  Almost weekly our pastor gets up and talks about how we are suffering, we are having trouble paying our bills and meeting our needs.  He also mentions how we are not the only ones, that he had pastor friends whose churches are the same.  But does that make it alright?  We need to know why.  Are we suffering for Christ?  We need to search ourselves as a church body to find out why we are suffering.  Peter also says 

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17) 

If God is going to begin with the church, are the hard times we are going through a result of His judgment for our sins?  Is it a wake-up call to us to repent as He called the churches in Revelation to repent.  Do we compare to Pergamum where we tolerate compromise (Revelation 2:12-17)?  Or Laodicea where we are only lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-22)?  Or are we going through hard times like Smyrna and we just need to hold on (Revelation 2:8-11)?  Or like faithful Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)?


The only way to know the truth as an individual or as a church is to get on our knees and seek God's guidance.  We must open our hearts and minds to what God has for us and be prepared to accept what He tells us.

So then those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.  (I Peter 4:19)

Emergency Preparedness (Part 2)

So what do we do while we wait?  Along with the signs of the end times in Matthew 24, Christ gives us instructions on how to live.  Nine of those instructions are (as listed in Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine)

1.  Watch out that no one deceives you (v. 4).  The only sure way to keep from being deceived is to focus on Christ and His words.

2. Do not be alarmed at the signs; they must happen (v. 6)

3.  Stand firm to the end (v. 13).  "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).  We will not be saved by standing firm, but our persistence to stand firm will show our commitment to Jesus. We may not be suffering for our beliefs but there are people in the world who are.  Christ says that we are one body so if one Christian suffers then we all suffer.  First Corinthians 12:26 says "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it, if one part is honored, every part rejoices wit it."  So do we pray for those who are suffering?  Do we try to help lighten their load?  Some day that could be you or I.

4.  Continue preaching the gospel throughout the world (v. 14).  Christ says that the gospel will be preached in the whole world before His return.  His last command before leaving this earth was the Great Commission.

5.  Be ready to flee from evil and persecution (vv. 16-19).  "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me" (Matthew 5:11).

6.  Know from the signs that Christ's coming and the end are very near (v. 33)

7.  Watch continually for Christ's coming (v. 42).  Christ second coming will be swift and sudden.  There will be no opportunity for last-minute repentance or bargaining.  The choice we have already made will determine our eternal destiny (Life Application Bible p1586).

8.  Be ready spiritually for Christ's return (v. 44).  Christ does not give us these signs to predict His second coming, but He gave them as a warning to be prepared.

9.  Be a faithful and wise servant as you await Christ's coming (vv. 45-46).  Jesus calls us continue His work taking care of those in need.  Showing them who Jesus is by meeting their mental, physical and spiritual needs.  Leading them to Christ so they to may see eternity with Jesus Christ.


So while you watch for the signs of the end times make sure your focus is on following Christ's instruction.  Focusing on these will help you focus on Christ and focusing on Christ will help you prepare for his second coming.

Emergency Preparedness (Part 1)

Since the earthquake in Japan we have been bombarded with information about natural disasters and emergency preparedness every time we turn on the television.  Last week on one of the late night news shows there was a segment about a man living in a city who even had goats and chickens for milk, eggs, babies, and if necessary meat.  Have we gone too far?  Are we truly preparing for what is really important?  Are we too busy living for the future and not preparing for eternity?

We are living in a time that we need to be prepared.  We need to be prepared by recognizing the signs and watching for Jesus' return.  We need to be prepared for where we will spend eternity.  So what are the signs we are to watch for?  According to Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine, Matthew 24:4-38 reveals between 25 and 30 signs of the end times (p149).  It lists the 12 most prominent ones as

the appearance of deceivers (v. 5), wars and rumors of wars (v. 6), famine (v. 7), earthquakes (v. 7), persecution and martyrdom (v. 9), believers being hated around the world (v. 10), apostasy (v. 10) false prophets (v. 11), wickedness and evil overcoming love (v. 12), signs and miracles by false prophets (v. 24), sun and moon darkened (v. 29), and people living carelessly as in the days of Noah (v. 38).

  These are only signs of the end times.  We do not know the time or date when Christ will return because 1 Thessalonians 5:2 tells us "for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."  

So are you watching for the signs?  Are you excited about what is happening in the world around us?  Are you concerned about what is to come?  Are you worried about being physically and financially prepared?  Do you want to look at these events with awe and excitement?  Well, what you need is Jesus Christ.  You need to know and acknowledge what He did for each and every one of us when He became our Savior.  We have that excitement that these signs will lead us to another life, another world.  One where we can live for eternity with our Lord and Savior.  We do not have to do anything except accept Him.  So, is your emergency preparedness kit ready?  Have you said yes to the only one who can see you through every thing?  Do not be left behind because you decided to make the choice too late.

How many ribs?

I am not a typical high school teacher.  My classroom has posters all over the walls and cabinet doors, things hanging from the ceiling, collections of Mr. Potato Heads, etc. It is a busy place but all of it is to help my students learn.

I was teaching Anatomy last year, so I had life size posters on the walls that showed the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.  During math one day, one of my students blurted out the question, "How many ribs do males and females have?"  I had a suspicion about what and why he was asking but I inquired what he meant.  He said "Well, you know that whole story about the man and woman, you know, from the Bible."  I knew alright.  I knew he was talking about Genesis 2:21-22.

So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh.  The the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

I knew where he was headed.  I had taught Anatomy several times and I had prayed numerous times that this question would not come up.  I knew what the Bible said about the creation of man and woman, and I knew the scientific answer.  I had never taken the time to prepare an answer. I knew if I said they each have 24 ribs that it would lead to questions about why shouldn't they have a different number of ribs if God took one rib.  

So what was I to do.  I took a deep breath and said a quick prayer that God would give the words that were needed.  I opened my mouth and what came out was a shock to me.  My answer was they both have 24 ribs.  I know the Bible says that a rib was taken from Adam to create Eve, but God had already created the genetic code (DNA) for the human body.  You learned about how DNA works in biology class.  God taking the rib from Adam did not change his DNA any more than your father loosing a leg before you were born would change his.  You would still be born with two legs.  

The student's response was ok and he went back to work.  My response was "Wow. Where did that come from?"  Then I realized God had answered my prayer.  He gave me the answer I needed in a way to help this student understand.  I felt in this instance the Holy Spirit gave me the gift of wisdom.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit... (1 Corinthians 12:7-8)

According to Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine, the Word of Wisdom is "the supernatural inspiration for speaking the right word at the right time" (p97).  I asked and God gave me the right words to speak at the right time.  All I had to do was ask.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Fruit of the Spirit

I mentioned in earlier posts that I am a teacher.  Typically I teach high school math and science (stop cringing, I enjoy it). As a teacher I depend of the Holy Spirit being part of my life.  I would not be successful or effective without Him.  I need the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22) - in working with my students.  Here are three example of the fruits I have experienced through teaching.

My first example is patience.  I am not a patient person but during the last few years I have had several people mention that they cannot believe how patient I am with students.  What they see is not me but the Holy Spirit.  I do not have the patience to sit with a student for hours after school tutoring them in three, four, and five classes so they can pass for the semester.  I do not have the patience to continually redirect students to do the task at hand.  I do not have the patience to explain over and over in different ways the same concept because a student has trouble grasping or retaining the idea.  But the Holy Spirit gives me the patience to do these things. 

My second example is kindness.  According to Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine, kindness "is related to mercy and grace - unmerited or undeserved kindness" (p92).  This is not an easy fruit to display at times because it causes more work for me.  I see kindness in my class as a fruit of second chances.  Students are not perfect.  They have bad days, bad home lives, they leave things at home, and they forget.  So showing kindness is giving them the chance to redo a test or assignment, turn in a late paper, giving an extension on a deadline, etc.  They do not deserve the kindness, but then we do not deserve it when God forgives our sins or when Jesus was willing to suffer and die for us.

My third example is meekness.  Meekness is "inner strength in the face of difficult or undesirable circumstances beyond the control of the Spirit-filled believer (p92).  Meekness is a hard one because I always want to fall back on childish tendencies when I do not get my way.  One of the difficulties of being a teacher is that your job assignment (classes you teach) can change yearly.  Last year, I was called to the principal's office so he could tell me I would be teaching social studies this year.  I could have screamed, hollered, pitched a fit but what would I have accomplished.  Instead it was meekness that came through.  The Holy Spirit gave me the inner strength to calmly say "OK, thank you for letting me know so I can prepare."  The last thing I wanted was to learn three new curriculum and to spend time over the summer preparing for subjects I had never taught, but the Holy Spirit gave me the strength to cope and move on.

Life is not easy but it is easier when you are not traveling alone.  The Holy Spirit gives you what you need when you need it if you depend on Him and allow it.

It is good to tarry...

Do we live in such a fast food, microwave society that we do not know how to tarry at the cross?  According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, tarry means

1a: to delay or to tardy in acting or doing

b:  to linger in expectation: wait

2: to abide or stay in or at a place

I grew up watching the saints of the church tarry at the cross.  They took their concerns to God in prayer and they waited there on their knees until He answered.  It seems that now we are too busy pushing through our agenda to tarry on the Lord.  I may not have received my baptism in the Holy Spirit nine years ago if I had not tarried.

I wanted to be baptized. I researched, I read my Bible, I talked to my pastor and elders, and I prayed.  But it did not happen.  Then I went to a women's conference, and I just knew it would happen there.  But it did not.  I came home upset, angry and disappointed because I felt let down by the ladies I went with and by God.  I went to church that Sunday night and when the service ended I went to the altar. 

I was there for what seemed like an eternity.  I prayed.  I cried.  But I did not want to leave until I met God at that altar.  Everyone else had left except five others who stayed to pray through with me.  The others had gone on to a sundae social.  But I stayed on my knees.  One of the ladies finally knelt next to me and shared a vision she had with me.  Her vision was a child lost, looking everywhere for her father - going to and from, left and right.  And the Father said "I am right in front of you.  Run into my arms.  I have never left; I am always here."  The Lord wants you to crawl in His lap and fill you with His love - surround you.  Come freely into His arms.

After she walked away, there was a peace that came over me.  I received the baptism with evidence in speaking in tongues that night.  And I learned that I did not have to do or go anywhere special to meet with Jesus.  All I had to do was tarry.  All I had to do was wait and be patient.  God handled the rest.

I waited patiently for the Lord; 

he turned to me and heard my cry.

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire; 

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand. 

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the Lord."

(Psalm 40:1-3)

It is hard to express how thankful I am to God for this gift or to those who were willing to tarry with me. Last night I read a footnote from my Life Application Bible for Acts 1:15-26.  During these verses the apostles were waiting for God's response to who should replace Judas.  The footnote says,

While the apostles waited, they were doing what they could - praying, seeking God's guidance and getting organized.  Waiting for God to work does not mean sitting around doing nothing.  We must do what we can, as long as we don't run ahead of God.

Sometimes it is good to tarry.

My do it myself...

My do it myself - those were words that I used as a child.  I was independent even then.  I was not one to ask for help or to easily accept it.  I am still that way today.  Knowing that has led me to the lessons I learned in the last two weeks.

Two weeks ago, I injured my back, of all things, picking up a half full water bottle.  These weeks have been a lesson in patience.  Patience with myself and patience with others.  I have had to have patience with myself as my life has had to slow down.  You would not know it by looking at me but I am a very active person.  During this time I have had to take time off from work, my treadmill thinks I have forgotten about it, and things have gotten a little messy.  But I have had to learn to say "Oh well."  I need to recover, not do more damage.  I need to be patient so my recovery is weeks not months.  I have to have patience with myself knowing and doing what I need t do to recover.  I have to take the time to vary my activity, remember to take Aleve, use the icepack several times a day and ride the twenty minutes, one-way, to my chiropractor.

That last one leads me to my other lesson - patience with others.  It is easier for me to ask for help from God than it is for me to ask for help from others.  In Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus says

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; know and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

I know that this is true.  I know my Father wants to give me what I need and many times what I want, but I have to have the faith to ask, seek and knock.  I have learned that I have to do that with my earthly father, mother and all those who surround me.  I need to know my limits, I need to share my limits, and I need to ask and seek help to compensate for those limits.  

My students asked me why I was gone and as a private person I did not want to share, but I try to always be honest with them.  So I told them what I had done and what I was going through.  The next thing I knew, three students walked through my classroom door, laid hands on me and prayed.  How humbling and how awesome that my students cared enough to take their time to find me and pray for me.  Without being patient to take the time to share with them when they stopped me to inquire, I would not have had that encouraging, joyful experience.  God had not healed me physically through that prayer (even though I know He could) but I believe God had His reasons.

I have also had to have patience as I have had to ask and seek help.  I have not driven (except two short times) since this happened.  That means I am dependent on someone to take me to work, the doctor, the store, etc.  I have to ask someone to pick things up that are too low or too heavy.  It is humbling to have a student chew you out because you bent down to pick up a single piece of paper from a bottom drawer.  She ended by saying, Ms D all you had to do was ask.  That's all I have to do.  All I have to do is ask - ask my heavenly Father and ask my earthly family and friends.

I need to remember Paul's outlook on his weakness because the same is true for me.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

I know that my injury is nothing compared to what others go through daily.  But I also know that God can teach me even through this minor speed bump. I am grateful and humbled by the love, caring and help I have received.  I have learned that "my do it myself" is not a good philosophy to have or use. I guess my philosophy should be "my do it with help."