So, it came and passed.  All the hub-bub about doomsday and judgement seems to be forgotten and laughed off now …

I have many questions and curiosities about this event:

1. Who came up with this theory of May 21st being the beginning of the end of the world?
2. Who is Harold Camping?
3. Why did the media give this any credence?
4. Is he a false prophet?
5. What should Christians do now?

Who came up with this theory of May 21st being the beginning of the end of the world?

Fortunately, someone took the time to explain this theory.  There is a man named Harold Camping who formulated a belief that specific numbers and passages in the Bible led to the Calculation that May 21st, 2011 would be judgement day.  Apparently Camping is an ardent Christian and lover of the Bible.

Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven,but My Father only.

Who is Harold Camping?

Camping is an 89 year old broadcaster on the Familiy Radio network (150 stations across America).  He is also the president of Family Radio.  I have to assume that his position in the media realm is what made anybody pay attention to his theory of judgment day.

Why did the media give this any credence?

I don’t fault Camping with wanting to know and understand scripture better … but I do have an issue with him proclaiming his belief as a media source. Its easy to see Camping using his own platform, Family Radio, to communicate his beliefs. But why … oh why did the secular media decide to pick this up? I guess its scandal, its sensationalist. Is it news though? Also, as a news reporter, why were there no counterpoints to Camping’s theory? I didn’t see any other Christian interviewed or asked for a biblical counterpoint to Camping’s theory. Really news media? You couldn’t bother to call the local seminary and ask for a scholar’s opinion on this? This in my opinion is why listening to the news is so biased and sometimes untrustworthy because in an effort to gain viewers and readers, news outlets are only looking for the scandal angle and not really interested in the truth.

Is Camping a false prophet?

I can’t really speak to his status as a prophet at all. Does Camping prophesy on a regular basis? Did the Lord ask him to communicate this doomsday message to other Christians? It doesn’t appear so to me. It looks to me like Camping is something of a Bible scholar and communicated some information he thought to be true. So, how can you classify Camping as a false prophet? Is he leading people away from the Lord? Did he miss the rapture date? Absolutely, but missing an interpretation of the Bible (contrived or not) doesn’t classify him as a false prophet in my opinion.  I think if the Lord came down and pointed out all of our theological beliefs, we would all be ashamed.

What should Christians do now?
Personally, I’m a little angry to be “lumped” in with Harold Camping as a loon or idiot. However, I believe the Lord is much more interested in the unity of the body and that we as Christians should support Camping in his faith …even if we disagree with his math or interpretation of Biblical numbers. Is Camping a lover of Jesus? I think we should be much more interested in that piece of information rather than how many times he has failed or misinterpreted. It is a shame that we as Christians are more interested in chastising and distancing ourselves from believers who have fallen or made mistakes. Have we as believers ever been wrong? sinful even? Thank God that Jesus doesn’t turn His back on us whenever we fail. We can never be good enough to get into Heaven or good enough to please God. It is only by HIs grace and belief in Jesus’ work on the cross that makes us acceptable to God.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

I think now, Christians as a whole need to continue to fulfill the Great Commission.  Just because the rapture didn’t occur on May 21st, doesn’t mean that it isn’t coming.  Be thankful that we do have more time on earth.  Just as Paul said, I long go to heaven, but if I remain it is to your benefit.

I am reminded of the parable of the 10 virgins … we all need to keep our lamps filled with oil for when the bridegroom does return … so that Jesus doesn’t find us sleeping and unaware.

the following entry was taken from today’s Daily Grace Inspirations by Joseph Prince

Your Answer Is In His Word

Proverbs 4:20–22
20My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. 21Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; 22for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.

God has given us a sure way to receive the answers to our problems and challenges. It is His Word. Every answer or solution we need is found in the Bible.

Yet, many Christians are not walking victoriously in certain areas of their lives. This is because the devil continuously wages a war of distraction against them. He has managed to take them away from the one thing that can bring them victory — the Word. He will do everything possible to prevent them from opening the Bible because he knows that the Word will deliver them.

The distraction can be very subtle: A lot of things to get done, a lot of TV programs that interest you, or it may take the form of a big problem that makes you feel that you need to focus all your attention on it. The enemy knows that if he can get you to take your eyes off the Word of God, he can keep you from winning the battle.

When you are going through a tough time, it is not enough to know that God’s answer to the problem is “somewhere in the Bible”. Find the scripture in which God has promised the solution. Meditate on it until the truth of that scripture is revealed to you. When you do this, no demon or devil can prevent that word from God from bearing fruit in your life.

Even Jesus Himself used the Word to defeat the devil in the wilderness — “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4) The way to defeat the enemy is with “It is written…”

My friend, there is no substitute for the written Word. God tells us that we will find life and health if we give our attention to His Word and keep it in the midst of our hearts. So get into the Word and let God’s promises abide in you.

John 21:17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

You and I have both heard of people stating that they left a church because they weren’t being fed.  What exactly does that mean?  … not being fed …

Maybe the worship doesn’t make us fall to our knees or shout out in joy.

Maybe the teaching didn’t address our most urgent need.

Maybe the opening prayer sounded a little too recited.

Maybe the offering … always taking but never giving.

Maybe nobody said, “hi” or “thanks for being here” or “can I pray for you” on the way in our out.

… and that’s why the color yellow makes me sad.

You know what makes me sad?

Christians who want the pastors, teachers, leaders, ushers, nursery workers and everybody else to give something, while they sit in a pew and offer nothing in return to God or to their brothers and sisters.

If you’re not a new believer, then each of us should be bringing something more than, what can you, church, do for me today.

What are we doing for the (not our) church?

Did I pray for someone who needed it?

Did I say thanks to the pastor for his time and effort preparing to face a group of possibly ungrateful people?

Did I share a verse with someone who needed some encouragement?

Did I even notice what the Holy Spirit was doing in the service all around me?

Have I volunteered to stack chairs (thanks Tim Hawkins)?

1Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

When we feel like our church is not feeding us, it is more likely we are not feeding the church. Probably we are not feeding ourselves.  Have I prayed today? Have I read the Word today? Have I listened to a teaching today? Have I meditated on God’s goodness, kindness, mercy, grace, forgiveness, or love today? Have I even looked outside the window and noticed God’s creation all around?

Do you love Jesus (as Jesus asked Peter)?  Then feed His sheep.  I know you’re not the pastor, neither am I.  But we don’t have to be to share a verse or a song or word of encouragement to a brother or sister.  Let’s start with that so that “the church may be built up.”

I was reading Matthew 8 today and came across a couple of instances where Jesus healing power was in effect.  The thing I noticed with both of these examples is the faith and attitude of the people looking to receive healing.  What I realized is Jesus was impressed and compelled to move on their behalf due to their posture.

posture (n):

Our posture or positioning in our hearts greatly effects God’s ability to move in our lives and on our behalf.

Matthew 8:2 (NLT)

² Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

Here the leper approached the Lord knowing full well that He had the power to heal him.  And just as the Lord taught His disciples to pray, “not my will, but Yours be done”, this man submitted himself to the Lord’s will by saying “if you are willing.”  He didn’t know if Jesus would say “yes” or “no”.  He didn’t demand it from him.  He didn’t beg.  He didn’t fast or try to earn it, he simply humbled himself before (he approached and knelt) the Lord and simply submitted himself to Jesus’ will.

Matthew 8:5-8 (NLT)

⁵ When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, ⁶ “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”

⁷ Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

⁸ But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.

In this example, Jesus pointed out the man’s great faith.  While having great faith is fantastic, I was impressed with his posture.  He understood his position with respect to God.  He knew he was not worthy.  He was not deserving.  Yet the officer understood that Jesus was the authority in this circumstance, not the officer.   The officer assumed a position of humility in requesting the healing from Jesus.

What is my spiritual posture?

How do I approach Jesus?

Am I kneeling in humility?

Am I willing to submit to His will on all matters?

Am I willing to believe Jesus’ words without having Him come physically into my midst?

I was reading Acts 17 today and came across this verse:

Acts 17:12b (NLT)
…they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

The Bereans were receiving the Good News about Jesus, but they were intent to discover the truth on the matter.  How much more do we in this day and age of so much information need to search for the truth in a matter?  There are so many people claiming to have truth, but are we diligently searching the Bible to discover if what they are saying is actual truth?

This can apply from anything from Sunday’s sermon, some famous life guru telling you how to live, a friend’s advice, or a prophetic word given.

Search The Word for yourself today and make sure you are holding steadfastly to the Way, the Truth and the Life!

Phillipians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

I was reading this verse and realized, I’m not really sure I know what supplication actually is.

sup·pli·cate (sŭp’lĭ-kāt’)
v.   tr.

1. To ask for humbly or earnestly, as by praying.
2. To make a humble entreaty to; beseech.

v. intr.

1. To make a humble, earnest petition; beg.

I really like the last one … to humbly and earnestly beg.  I recently was researching one of the words in the new testament for worship … which is proskuneo and one of the meanings of that is to kiss towards (as a dog licks his master’s hand).  I think the imagery of praying in an open, honest, humble manner in the same manner a dog begs humbly for something by licking their master’s hand.

The definition of supplication really illustrates our posture in prayer.  Be earnest. Be real. Be humble. We are in no position to demand anything.  We are making a plea to One who is in authority. We are petitioning … making a formal request.  Something God already knows we need or want.  If He already knows, then why does he require us to make entreaty (formally request)?  My opinion is He wants to see in what manner we ask.  I know with my kids, I appreciate it when they ask in cute ways.  Or are polite.  Or show their emotions tied to what they are asking.  I think our heavenly Father is the same way.  He knows what we want, but He loves to see how we are going to ask.

So, throw away your formal prayers. Throw away your formulas.  Understand our position.  We’re kids trying to convince our Father.  Reveal your heart.

Arthur Burt is a 97 year old preacher from the UK who has been a treasured spiritual influence in my life for almost 40 years. He began preaching so long ago that he traveled in a horse drawn covered wagon throughout the north of England. On one evangelistic tour he parked his wagon near a dairy farm run by a gentleman who was also a believer in Jesus. Being a generous man, he told Arthur,

“I have plenty of milk. If you want some in the morning to go with your breakfast, come on by. I’ll give you all you want”.

The next morning Arthur remembered the generous offer, picked up a coffee cup, climbed out of his caravan, and found the dairy farmer in the barn with the cows. When my preacher friend walked up holding his little cup, the farmer looked at Arthur, looked at the cup, looked at his cows, and then looked back at Arthur with disgust.

“Bucket or nothing!” he said.”What?!” Arthur said.”Bucket or nothing! I’m not going to waste my time filling up that little cup. If you want some of my milk, bring me a bucket… bucket or nothing!”Arthur scratched his head, then ran off to get a bucket. Every morning the farmer filled it up. Here is the moral of the story. Arthur frequently remembered the dairy farmer over the years as he was asking God for things. He discovered over and again that God wanted to do more for him than he wanted Him to. Often we go to Him with a coffee cup when He wants us to bring a bucket. Our lack of faith reminds me of this verse: “Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel” (Psalms 78:41).

II Kings 4 records the story of the poverty struck widow woman whose sons were about to become slaves to pay off a debt. When she appealed for help to Elisha the prophet, he asked her what she had in her house. She said,

“Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil. Then he said, ‘Go borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors, empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones’” (I Kings 4:2-4).This story has a happy ending. When she ran out of the empty pots the oil stopped flowing. Then, and only then did it cease! She had more than enough to pay off her debts and live on the rest. By faith, the widow woman tapped into the fullness of God.

The Lord didn’t determine the amount of oil she got, she did. He never runs out. We just need to learn how to access heaven’s bounty. It is time to stop limiting God.

reposted from Waking Up

If you’re like me, you struggle with consistency and motivation in your devotion times.  Why is it so hard to be disciplined?  Is it the flesh battling against the spirit?  Is it genetics?  I was reading John 15 (the vine and the branches) today and saw a promise that I would like a “Yes and Amen” to … that I could ask for whatever I desire and it will done for me by my Father in heaven.

John 15:7-8

⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

So, unless I am amiss in my understanding, it appears that Jesus is saying that if God’s Word lives in me (not simply knowledge stored in my not-so-picture perfect memory, but lives and effects my thinking and emotions), then He will do whatever I ask … so that the Father may be glorified and I would see God’s hand in my life (ie: fruit).

I’m reminded of a powerful scene in the movie “Cool Runnings” where Yul Brenner is looking at a picture of this enormous house, dreaming of living there some day.  And along comes Sanka who crushes his dream by limiting his thinking to what people think can be achieved.  I like to think of this as Satan trying to put thoughts into our heads which cause doubt.  Along comes Junior, who takes the crumpled picture of Buckingham Palace, and encourages Yul to not give up hope, not to give up faith, but to keep striving for the impossible.  I see this as the how the Father sees us … “stick with me kid … nothing is impossible with Me”.  …ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you

Cool Runnings -

Yul: … after I win the olympics, I’m going to live right down there (shows a picture to Sanka).

Sanka: Hahaha Hahaha

Yul: (angry) What are you laughing about?

Sanka: That’s Buckingham Palace.  (Yul take a second look at his picture)  If you plan on living there, you’re gonna have to marry the queen.

Yul: <crumples up his motivation>
….
Junior: Go ahead Yul Brennar you go get your palace.

You can see this scene in its entirety by skipping to 8:30 in the video below:

Then see the conclusion of the scene in this video: