How do you spend the 365?

It has been said and I know it is true…”time is like money if you don’t decide how you will spend it someone will decide it for you.” So having that thought I am working on how I am going to spend this next year. So let me start with the big things first and work my way down from there.

1. This year I am going to spend it under God’s authority. God is right. God is holy. God knows all. God is in charge, of me and my life. This life isn’t mine it is His. All that I own, all that I have, all that I know, all that I don’t know is all HIS. My desire is to spend 2009 completely submitted to Him. My goal, focus, and purpose is COMPLETE OBEDIENCE. That is where it begins and where it ends.
My Life Passage for 2009 is:
My Life Challenge is:

Philippians 2:3-10 NASU

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

I will challenge myself in the area of selfishness. I will submit in humility to those around me especially God.

4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

I will put the needs of others before my own. I am going to give more away, keep less. I am going to concern myself with the plight of humanity in this lost world.

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

I will not grab onto titles (even if they are justified) or positions and use them as a crutch to hold up my pride.

7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

I will be willing to risk all that I have to take hold of that which is at the heart of God.

8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

I will make God’s kingdom my life and look at trials, troubles, and suffering as part of the life that is here. I will understand that my obedience is essential to my maturity in Jesus.

9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

I will make Jesus the subject of my life in every area. I will concern myself with surrender more than anything else. I will consider His glory more than any other. This is where it starts.

Iconic. The story of Jesus,

Imagine you are the topic of every person who has ever lived.

Imagine your presence is felt throughout the universe.

Imagine if everything depended on your existence.

Imagine your birth is celebrated world wide.

Imagine your birth is so significant that it changed the entire calendar.

Imagine people for thousands of years desiring to be just like you.

Imagine the symbol of your death is one of the most recognizable symbols on planet earth.

Imagine being so famous, so powerful, so incredible, so recognizable, that the whole world forgot about YOU.

ICONIC The Story of Jesus.

There is a prayer taught to children saying: "God is good, God is great..."

How Great?

Read this and consider...

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:15-20 NIV

There’s a star called Betlegeuse.

If Earth was the size of a golfball. Betlegeuse would be the diameter of 6 Empire State Buildings.

————————————–

Numbers are taken lightly.

A million seconds ago was 12 days ago.

A billion seconds ago was…

in 1975.

A trillion seconds ago….

was 700 BC.

A quadrillion seconds ago…

was 30 million 800 thousand years ago.

————————————–

There’s a star called Musepheus.

It’s so big that you can fit 2.7 quadrillion Earth’s inside that one star.

There’s a star called Canus Majoris.

It’s the biggest star found… yet.

If the Earth was a golfball, it would be the size of Mt.Everest.

16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

————————————–

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 NIV

The Hubble Space Telescope took a picture of a black hole in the middle of the Whirlpool Galaxy.

One Large Accident?

————————————–

17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

All living organisms are held together by a unique protein. This protein has been undetected for the most part until the invention of the Electron Microscope. Since then the discovery of this protein has led to our understanding of many things. The protein that hold all things together is known as Laminin.

The following is a graphic depicting Laminin.

Remember this is the glue the holds all living things together.

————————————–

This weekend on the Conway Campus we will be discussing Jesus the Iconic God. For times & directions: mercyscross.com

Ghost Mission

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matt 7:13-14 NIV

We were created to make a difference. God hard wired the human spirit to be more than a spectator in the world. That is why we feel such remorse when we see lives “thrown away” and wasted. It is such a tragedy to see untapped potential, unused talent, and unfulfilled accomplishment. Normally the lives that are wasted are easily recognized. What isn’t so recognizable is the shadow side of our created mission. It is the alter ego of our created purpose. Human beings cannot exist in the absence of purpose. Everyone sells out to a purpose. Even those who we consider a waste are sold out to their purpose. The alcoholic is sold out to the purpose of the next drink, the drug addict is sold to the next high, the business executive is sold to the next business deal. We cannot exist in the absence of purpose. Survivors of the concentration camps controlled by the Nazi’s witnessed that the cruel treatment, and even torture was equaled by the intentional purposeless work they were given to do. In one camp prisoners were forced to dig deep holes through rocky soil for days and even weeks only to fill the holes back in. This endless activities were incredible torture on the mind of those who were created for significance.

Knowing that we are created for an intentional purpose is only half the battle in living out our potential. Another reality is if we are allowed we will find a substitute to God’s purpose for our lives. This is what I call our ghost mission. It is a life you were never intended to live. Ghost Mission isn’t a life that is normally filled with blatant sin. It isn’t a desire to rape, rob or pillage, no it is much more masked that. Normally our ghost missions are not 180 degrees out from our God mission but more like a few degrees off. It is possible that those who live as a ghost are very religious, very successful, and likable. What separates the God mission from the Ghost Mission is one will end in the benefit of others and the other will end in despair.

Crowns in Heaven

Five crowns in heaven…

Incorruptible crown- Life of Christian Discipline
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.(Incorruptible Crown) 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Cor 9:24-27 NIV

Crown of Righteousness- Determined faith in Christ
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Tim 4:6-8 NIV
Crown of Rejoicing -Soul winners crown
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thess 2:17-20 NKJV

Crown of Glory-Shepherds Crown
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:1-4 NIV

Crown of Life-For those who suffer for Jesus
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV

So little to do...

Schedule/reality
5:00 AM review and form a script for video message point.
-Hit the snooze too tired from last nights staff and weekend service meetings left Sherwood around 8:30 (13 hour day)
6:30 AM workout
-Skipped again too tired instead took time to review script for video
-3 emails returned
8:30 AM video new Conway Campus for offering video
-Met videographer and did it in one take.
-15 text messages answering questions.
-5-phone calls during this time
9:00 AM Meet with framers and give them a check
-Done
-Made four phone calls answer questions for framer
-Called contractor (3) times to finalize plans
9:00 AM Meet with landlord to finish permit paperwork
-Done
-Text contractor to forward info to her.
9:30 Schedule Fed-Ex check pick-up for Sound equipment Conway
-Done
10:00 AM Shoot video illustration for message
-Finished in three takes
11:00 AM Eat Lunch and make call backs
-3 calls
12:30PM More call backs
-2 calls
1:00PM Finalize plans for Conway neighborhood mapping for visitation teams.
-Done
-Picked up inverter.
3:00PM Go pick up inverter
-Done
5:00PM Funeral Visitation
-Conflicted with Conway appointment
-Sent email and make call letting them know.
5:00 be in Conway for neighborhood mapping
-Started mapping
8:30 leave Conway
-Tired really tired.
9:00 Bible Study with family
10:45 Sleep
(15 hour day)

Tomorrow…
5:00 AM Go over timing for Invitations EKG component
6:30 AM Workout
8:00 AM Meeting
10:00 AM Funeral
12:00 PM Eat
1:00 PM Meet with Lighting Contractor (Sherwood)
5:00 PM Eat
6:30 PM Meet with visitation team and organize visits (Conway)
9:00 Bible Study with family
10:30 Sleep

Fearless

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Matt 10:28-29 NIV]

Why is fear so detrimental to our forward movement in Jesus? Why is Jesus so adamant about our not being afraid of anything other than Him?

It is amazing that I remember as a kid at night, I was so scared that I would put the covers over my head and breath as shallow as I could because I thought Dracula was real. I was so filled with fear I wouldn’t go to the restroom all night no matter how bad I had to go. In the morning, once the light of day came, I would run as hard as I could to the restroom. Most of us can relate to the fear that made us do funny things as kids, but we really don’t like discussing what fear causes us to do as adults. There are so many fears that even the books struggle documenting them all. Here are just a few: Astraphobia: fear of lightning; Chrometophobia: fear of money; Europhobia: fear of the color red; Cyberphobia: fear of computers (if this is you…thank you for taking such a large step and reading my blog!) Homilphobia: this is the fear of sermons (I have this every Saturday). Then there is even Phobophobia: this is the fear of fear itself! We are scared of a lot of things.

So why is all this fear so bad in God’s eyes? First you have to recognize that what ever you are afraid of, you are subject to. What I mean is what ever holds you in fear controls you. It calls the shots. Fear will stop us when we need to go. Fear will cause us to go when we need to stay. Fear will keep us quiet when we need to speak. It will make us speak when we need to be quiet. You are subject to what ever you are afraid of.

Solomon wrote: “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”, because when we have a healthy fear of God, we make ourselves subject to God. It is interesting that God doesn’t tell us to be fearless, but instead He tells us to fear Him.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Matt 10:28-29 NIV]
At the same time we are told that we are not to be afraid.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. [2 Tim 1:7NLT ]

How does this work?

It works in that we are subject to what we fear, and when we fear God, we don’t fear anything or anyone else. In a since, we are liberated from all fear other than the healthy fear that causes us to follow hard after Christ. Fear God and you will fear nothing else. Don’t fear God and you will be subject to all other fears.

The Enemy part 2

Isaiah 14:13
“I will” raise my throne above the stars of God.


Lucifer wanted God’s Position


WHAT ARE THE STARS OF GOD?

Many times, when we reference the supernatural beings created in Heaven, we use the generic name “Angels”. Some scholars believe this name is a reference to what these spirits DO, not who they are (the name “angel” literally means messenger). Some believe, and I admit to being one of them, that there are many more ranks, and structures to the invisible spirit world than one group. There are hints in scripture to some of these different, yet seldom talked about divisions of spirit beings.

16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -- all things have been created through Him and for Him. Col 1:16 NASU

In Colossians, we see Paul giving credit to Jesus for all of creation. He is inventorying just the highlights of that creation. Notice the inventory: “visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities”. He bounces between the visible things and the invisible things. Dominions and Authorities are both a division of the spirit realm, yet we never talk about either of them.

Now let’s compare Colossians with a list in 1 Peter 3:22

22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him. NASU

This list seems to coincide with Paul’s list of names. Notice that Peter specifically says “gone into heaven” letting us know these divisions exist in heaven.

So why do I believe that there are many more amazing spiritual beings in heaven than one division? Because God is a creative God. The earth is testimony to the creative artistry and diverse imagination God has. From deserts flats, to ocean floors, from icy mountain peaks to green grassy valleys, from lizards that change colors to cats with spots, from horses with stripes to flies with hairs, God is endlessly creative. If the crescendo of God’s creative genius is heaven how much more diversity must exist there? Would God choose to unveil His zenith and show to us a boring canvas?

What does this have to do with Lucifer wanting to be over the Stars of God? Everything, because what Lucifer is saying is that he wants to be over all of the created spiritual world. The reference of “Stars of God” is a reference to ALL the Spirit Beings. This is a much broader title than the title “angels” it refers to much more of the invisible world.

On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone-
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy? Job 38:6-7 NIV

It is amazing to imagine, but Lucifer was the Arch Angel over one of the highest classes of beings God ever created, but that wasn’t good enough. He was a four star general in God’s army but he desired to be Commander in Chief.

Today Satan still wants God’s position in the spirit world. He wants to be over your spiritual maturity, development, and he desires to be the subject of your spiritual worship.

Supernatural-The Enemy

Isaiah 14:12-14
12 "How you have fallen from heaven,
O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who have weakened the nations!
13 "But you said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly
In the recesses of the north.
14'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.'
NASU

I have a love hate relationship with scary movies. I love to “not watch” them. I mean I want to, but as soon as something really scary comes out, I shut my eyes and cover my ears. It’s really silly if you think about spending your hard earned money to get into a movie and “not watch” it. But I do, so now you know. There are some stories contained in the Bible that at times I must admit I want to “not watch” them, especially when the discussion begins about demons, or Satan. But God lets us know that we need to be aware of him (Satan) and his schemes. God also give us comfort by letting us know that He (God) has our back. So this blog entry will begin a series of entries that discuss the Resident Evil, the enemy of our souls.

Before we go very much deeper let me say a few things about Satan that you need to know.
1. Satan is not without beginning, he is not eternal. He was created, there was a time when he was not. He is not self existent.
"You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you. Ezekiel 28:15

2. Satan is limited. Each time he desires to do something, he must ask God for permission.
3. He is not equal with God. He is most likely equal with Michael another Arch Angel. (we’ll discuss this later).

That is good news. If Satan was self-existent, infinite, opposite of God, we would have something to fear. I am not saying that he is weak, dumb, and easily overcome, but he is no match for God.

A snap shot about his desires:

Isaiah 14 contains five “I wills” of Satan. They give us a deep look into the mind of our greatest foe. Lets deal with the first one.

Isaiah 14:13 "But you said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;

The statement “Heaven” actually is a reference to three distinct places. There are 3 heavens. Paul let us know this in his writings to the Corinthians:
2 I was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago. 3 Whether my body was there or just my spirit, I don't know; only God knows. 4 But I do know that I was caught up into paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be told. 5 That experience is something worth boasting about, but I am not going to do it. I am going to boast only about my weaknesses. 2 Cor 12:1-5 NLT

The first heaven is that which surrounds the earth, we call it our atmosphere. The second heaven is the interstellar space, this is referenced in scripture as the place where the angels live. And finally there is the third heaven, this is the Holy of Holies the place where God exists and lives. Lucifer along with the other angels would travel from the second heaven to the third heaven to offer praise and worship to God. Lucifer, at some point, got tired of being a visitor to God’s home and made up his mind he would take it over. Lucifer’s first “I will” reveals that he wanted God’s Place. Does Lucifer, who we now know as Satan or the Devil, still compete for God’s place? How?


What do you think?

Trust or Obey?

Almost every major religion shares one common theme. A god, his expectations for mankind, and punishment for failure. Whether you are a Muslim, Buddhist, chasing a comet or drinking the Kool-Aid this is true. Unfortunately for most Christians this is also true. Our concept of God is that He has certain standards and if you want Him to accept you, you must meet those standards. It seems logical right? I mean after all it seems God wants to control our behavior and if we were to disappoint Him why not bring punishment. A good question is, where did this come from? Many would say simply look at the Old Testament, and you will see the Law glaring at you. Some believe that the Law is the written standard that God gave to us so that we might be accepted by Him. Again most view the Law as God’s check list for our acceptability. Seems right but is it? After all many would point to Jesus and say, “He did away with the Law and now we are made right by God’s grace.” If that is true why did God who is all knowing radically change His plan in mid stream? Why if God is complete with knowledge, past, present, and future make such a blunder in His original arrangement? Maybe the truth is He never changed His plan. Paul let us in on this secret in his Ephesians letter:
“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.” (Eph 1:5 NLT) So by this we know that God’s plan has ALWAYS been to adopt us through Jesus. With that being said then how did we come to the conclusion that the Law is His standard instead of Jesus. It may very well be that we have misinterpreted God’s intentions for some time. Let’s take that lead and journey back to the origins of the Law and see the intent. We may well find that God gave it for very different reasons than we have believed.

The date is 1446 BC and God has called Moses to lead the nation of Israel out of their slavery of Egypt. I think it is important to mention that until this point God has been silent for almost 400 years. Then God breaks the silence. For many they begin their study of the Law at the time when Moses climbs Mount Sinai and gets the stone tablets. I know that for years I have watched Charlton Heston collect the tablets of stone only to descent the mountain and see the mess that Israel had made by worshiping the golden calf. But, that is not where God began to speak. It is very import that we begin where he begins…at the burning bush. The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. (Ex 3:7 NIV) Did you notice it? Did you? God said something very profound in this one simple verse. He said “my people”. Did you see it? Go back and read it again and make sure you see it. This statement is very important. Why? Because the commandments have not yet been given. At this point there is no Law to live out to be accepted or rejected. The Law wouldn’t exist until months later, but God is calling Israel “my people”, that means they were accepted before the law was given. Now let’s fast forward to another event that takes place BEFORE the Law…

The date is somewhere around 1450 BC and God has brought horrible plagues on the nation of Egypt to break the will of the Pharaoh so that the whole world might know that God is God. It is interesting to take note that Egypt believed in multiple Gods, they believed that the Nile was a god; they worshiped frogs, bugs, the sun, and almost everything in creation. When God chose to free Israel from Egypt He systematically dethroned every God that Egypt worshiped. God did that so Israel, who had been under the influence of Egypt, might know that the gods of Egypt were no match for the God of the Hebrews. That is the reason God turned the river Nile to blood, sent the plague of frogs, turned the sun black and all the other plagues. The final blow to the religion of the Egyptians was when the Pharaoh (who was seen as god himself) chose to chase after the Hebrews and would be swallowed up in the Red Sea so that all might know that there is no other God like the God of Israel. Today if you were to journey to Egypt you can travel to the Valley of the Kings and you can see the pyramids, tombs. Each of these elaborate burial chambers document the careful work of that community in their burying of their man kings. One pharaoh’s body is mysteriously missing. Missing because it was swallowed up in the deluge of water when he attempted to usurp the authority of the one true and living God. Scientists still wonder why.

Long before the Sinai experience, God spoke and gave His first commandment. It was during the final plague that God gave careful instruction that would result in freedom or death. On the night of the final plague, the plague of the death of the first born, God would send His death angel in to the nation and every first born would die. The exception would be for those who did what God commanded with His first commandment. God instructed that to escape this great judgment each family would have to slaughter a lamb, and paint its blood on their door post and header. They would then feast on that perfect lamb and eat a unique meal. You have to understand that slaughtering a lamb was not a big deal for the Hebrews, it would be like talking on a cell phone for us. But what got weird was when they had to take it’s blood and smear it on the door posts and header of their houses door. This was a stretch, after all what purpose would it serve? Interestingly enough the purpose of this exercise would be that it had no purpose at all and didn’t make since. Are you confused yet? See God designed a ritual that would not make sense, that served no purpose, to force the Hebrew people to TRUST HIM. God’s first commandment and requirement to escape His judgment was to trust Him. Long before the tablets of stone God made the lamb and the use of its blood the subject and first right of passage into a journey with Him. God made the issue of trust first and foremost in this special relationship with Him. In God’s economy, acceptance isn’t earned, it is believed. The Hebrews would have to make a decision if they were going any further, they would have to decide to trust God or not. The first commandment is the commandment to trust.

So why then the other commandments? If we are accepted by trusting God why give rules? That is a wonderful question. Rules are not conditions for acceptance, they are confirmation of acceptance. God gave rules to the Hebrews so they might know how to behave. They had been slaves for hundreds of years and had never known how to govern themselves; they needed to know how to live. Not killing each other is a great start for God’s community. Not stealing each others stuff is a wonderful start for people who belong to God. And the list goes on and on. God gave the commands because Israel belonged to Him not to make them His possession. In the same way in my house I have rules for MY KIDS often they remind me that other kids (I won’t name names) don’t have to do what I require. I remind them those other kids aren’t MY KIDS, and I can’t rule over them, but my kids are my kids and they have to live by my rules. The commands are proof that we are God’s kids, because God doesn’t give rules to kids that don’t belong to Him.

About 2000 years ago, God did something that made no sense, it seemed to have no purpose (as far as science is concerned) and was somewhat weird. God sent His Son into this world to die. Jesus Christ who is known as the Lamb of God, was born, suffered died, and was raised from the dead. God made a radical requirement that we believe that He (Jesus) died for us. In the same way the Hebrews had to believe in that little lamb and make a decision to use its’ blood we have to believe in God’s Lamb and believe that His blood is necessary for us to go any further with God. God’s requirement for us to miss His judgment and go any further with Him is that we TRUST HIM. You can simply pray to God and let Him know that you trust Him and the judgment that is coming on the world will miss you.

Breath

Many have searched for God. Many believe that they have found His image in the creation. Some say that the finger prints of The Divine are seen in the canyons, or maybe the stars. Some say they can see His face in the clouds. Recently one lady saw the face of God in her toast, someone believed and purchased that toast on Ebay for an incredible amount. But where is God? This is a question that has been asked through out the ages, even some of the heroes of the Bible have pondered and asked this question.

A man named Elijah asked. "Where are you God? Can I see you?" Elijah asked because he was discouraged. I think all of us have asked that question at least once out of discouragement. I know I have. I know I have been with people who have suffered and they have asked the question…”Where are you God?” or “Where was God when this happened to me?” It is a valid question.

Elijah asked it and wanted to see the proof that God was there. So God played along. He sent him out to the mountains to wait and God would pass by. While Elijah waited, a wind came by with such force and violence it tore a mountain in half. But the Lord wasn’t in the wind. Then an earthquake, but the Lord wasn’t in the earthquake. Then fire, still not the Lord. After the fire came a gentle whisper. Here is the record:
12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. 1 Kings 19:12-13 NIV

“gentle whisper” demamah (translated gentle) literally means silent, and qowl (whisper) means voice. So literally where we translate “gentle whisper”- it is to mean a silent voice. God is telling us something significant. He wasn’t in the larger, louder, brighter things he was in a silent voice. So again what is a silent voice? It is a breath. Many of the old sages and translators believe that this still voice or silent voice is breath. God was in the breath.

The Genesis account of the creation of the Bible tells us that “God breathed into the nostrils of man and he became a living soul.” The first thing man had to do to live was receive the breath of God. In that same creation account the name of God is revealed as Yahweh which means “The Lord”. When you pronounce the name of God, “Yahweh” it is the same rhythm as a breath. When God breathed into the nostrils of man, it wasn’t any breath, it was the breath that gives life. It was a silent voice. It was the name of God, Yahweh.

From the time of the creation of man until today every baby will breathe to live. That breath contains something of God. It contains the life giving name of God. Outside of God, there is no life. And unless a person will say the name, they cannot live. They may deny His existence, they may scoff at His work, but they will say His name or die.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath. Ps 39:5 NIV

What is death? Many define it as when we take our last breath. Or when we no longer can breathe. They are right. But it isn’t the absence of the breath that kills as it is the missing name that seperates the dead from the living. The moment the quiet whispered name of God can no longer be said that person is no longer alive. Death is when God takes away His name from their lips and they no longer are living but are simply the compounds, and chemicals that made them up. So maybe that is what the Psalmist is talking about here:

9 When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust. Ps 104:29 NIV


So where is God? Not where we expect. Elijah expected God to show up and save the day. Don’t we do the same? Don’t we want God to be Superman or Robocop and come in and make things better? Instead God let Elijah and us know that you are alive and I am but a breath away. Live.

Hate

Horrible. This is the only word I could utter after having spent the morning combing the halls of the Holocaust Memorial in Israel. Image after image, each one painting a picture of the horror of human hate. I worked very hard not to let the images sink in, at least at first. Then I turned the corner and was face to face with the photograph that broke down my resolve not to cry. It was a print of a woman clinging to her child with her back to her soon to be executioner. The muzzle of the rifle was trained on the neck of the mom, her body tense expecting the blow but still shielding the child from the gruesome sight. The image was recorded just moments before the shot. How horrible to be put in a position of desiring to protect your child and at the same time being helpless against your attacker. It was in the moments of weeping before this print I thought of something that had not occurred to me. Who took the picture?

Who would want a picture of such a nightmarish sight? Why at that moment did he squeeze the shutter open? Was it by accident? Did he really want an image of the bullet piercing the mother and her son, and through mistaken timing had recorded an image milliseconds earlier than intended? Was this to be a trophy for the killer? Was this print circulated around the barracks and laughed at by spineless weak minded murders? The intended reason for the image may never be known but its affect on me is something I will never forget.

In my moment of anguish as I empathized with this mom I was interrupted by a plump red faced woman who blurted out “This is more than I can take, let’s go eat.” I couldn’t believe my ears. Lets go eat? That’s all she had to say about this memorial? This monument represents six million lives that were stripped of dignity, starved of the basics of humanity, and murdered. I guess a representation of such great sacrifice isn’t enough to keep the attention of the complacent millions whose number one is themselves. I almost asked God to let her choke on her “much needed” lunch but asked for forgiveness instead.

There is no happy ending to this story. I left the memorial, dejected, hurt and angry. That day I didn’t feel very Christian. I really didn’t like some people and wondered how God puts up with us.

It has been a week or so since I was there and I still am not real sure what I can do with the emotions I have. So I pray and trust God will give me the answers and grace to press out a life lesson from it all. I am working to understand how to love those like Hitler, and plump red faced self absorbed people. Not there yet.



“Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
-Jesus

God of Creation

In my past life I was a professional photographer and owned my own studio. I recently picked my camera back up and sought to capture images of the world we live in. This beautiful world was a direct result of an intentional compassionate creator. Let me know if you enjoy the images...