Easter Sunday - Adventure Day 50 - 4/12/09

Dear Friends,

Today concludes our 50-Day Journey designed as a time for accelerated spiritual growth. We have been challenged these 7 weeks individually, and corporately as a church family, to participate in a Spiritual adventure purposely designed to push us forward in our walk with the Lord. Hopefully, for most of you, this has proven to be a time of renewed anticipation as we have focused on the Lord's imminent return. I hope you can sense in some way, however limited, new growth - revival even. This would be an answer to prayer.

I invite you to take a moment and switch roles...instead of me sending you an e-mail, how about you sending me one by replying to this message (or sending me a note "snail mail")? It would be extremely helpful if you would let me know what has happened in your life during these weeks as we have considered The Remarkable Revelation. Putting your thoughts and experience into words will not only help you personally evaluate what has gone on in your life, but it will also help me gauge the effectiveness of this shared Spiritual Adventure, and the value of my investing in this kind of regular devotional communication with "my sheep." I'd like to know... what is the primary lesson God has taught you during this Adventure?

I am truly honored to be your pastor, and I thank you for your prayers as we have journeyed together.

The Adventure Day 50 Scripture reading is the very last chapter of the Bible [Read Revelation 22:1-21]. Although it is the "end of the story," it also sounds a lot like the beginning of another truly wonderful one. Personally, I hope the Lord has canoes available to explore the River described in vv. 1-2. "The Throne of God and of the Lamb" will be there, and we "...will see his face" (v4).

Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you... Have a blessed Easter Day!

Pastor Paul

Adventure Day 49 - Holy Saturday, 4/11/09

Revelation 21:1-27 [Today's Adventure Scripture Reading] is for me one of the most precious chapters of the Bible. When giving pastoral care to a dying brother or sister, this is often the passage I am asked to read. It is a passage of overwhelming hope. Having seen Christ's enemies destroyed, John the Apostle finally sees "a new heaven and a new earth," which is the eternal home of the Lamb and his Church. Here, the Lord "...will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (v. 4).

The great blessing of heaven will be unhindered fellowship with God himself. "God will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God" (v.3). We will also enjoy deep friendship with one another. There will be a grand uniting of Old Testament and New Testament believers (signified in the New Jerusalem - the glorified Church and "Bride of Christ" - which will have gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Judah, and foundations inscribed with the names of the twelve Apostles). The symbols that describe the "Church Triumphant" are stunning (vv.9-27), yet the actual manifest presence of God - The LORD Almighty and the Lamb - is its defining and wondrous attribute.

And who goes to this wonderful place we call heaven? "...Only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life" (v27). So, as I am at the bedside of a dying friend, I finish the chapter's reading with the same question I'll ask you, my reader, as I finish today's blog post...

Is your name written there?

God's Peace, friend...
Pastor Paul

Adventure Day 48 - Good Friday, 4/10/09

Our Adventure Bible Reading today [Read Revelation 20:1-15], and Good Friday, each focus on God's ultimate judgment and justice. The devotional reading reminds us that there will come a day when all people will stand before God Almighty seated on "The Great White Throne" and be judged by two criteria: 1) How their life was invested, or "according to what they had done,""and 2) If "...their name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life." Unbelievers will be condemned for their sins. Believers in Christ, whose names are written in the Lamb's Book, will enter into "a new heaven and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1ff -tomorrow's devotional reading) because the names in that book are of those who have been redeemed by "the Lamb who was slain" (Revelation 13:8) for their sins. The believers' recorded deeds attest to their trust in Christ and are also the basis for determining their rewards. The Apostle Paul speaks of this when he writes, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is the proverbial "Judgment Day."

But thank God for that other Judgment Day - the one we now call Good Friday and celebrate today. It is because of that day almost 2000 years ago that we do not need to fear the coming Judgment Day. Christ took on himself the judgment for our sin (Isaiah 53:5,6,11),

He was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned - every one - to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
...And he shall make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.

How you respond to the first Judgment Day (Good Friday), will determine your experience at the second and final Judgment Day, as well as your eternal address (Revelation 20:15). Thanks be to God, "Everyone who believes in Christ will not be put to shame....for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:11-13)!

"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.... We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:1, 37-39).

It's Friday, but Sunday's a Comin'!

Peace, Friends....
Pastor Paul

Adventure Day 47 - 4/9/09 - Maundy Thursday

[Read Revelation 19:1-21] Hallelujah, a word transliterated into most of the world's languages to keep the sound of the word similar to the original Hebrew, means sing or praise the Lord God (Hallel = sing/praise; Yah is the abbreviated form of Yahweh, meaning "I Am" or "He Is", the LORD's name as he revealed it to Moses). This word is featured four times in the first six verses of today's Adventure Bible reading, as shouts of praise to God are raised celebrating the Day of the LORD - Christ's Second Coming as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

As the chapter concludes, God's judgment of the world is complete, the victory is won, the beast and false prophet are overcome and thrown into the "fiery lake of burning sulfur" (v20), and rebellious humanity on earth is destroyed. Meanwhile in heaven (see vv.6-10), the long awaited "Wedding Supper of the Lamb" has begun, and all the saints and angels are gathering around the table to share stories about our awesome God.

Just think of it... this Day could soon be here! Oh the joy to see loved ones again, extended family we've never before met, and the great heroes of the Faith who all were "stepping stones" for our own faith. And to see Jesus.... Hallelujah!

Keep Hoping... and be a participant in the Awakening!
Pastor Paul

Adventure Day 46 - 4/8/09

In this past Sunday's message, I mentioned in my sermon how God's grace always precedes judgment - his love precedes his wrath. I find this one of the most hopeful and encouraging truths of the Gospel story woven throughout Genesis to Revelation. However, there comes a moment when grace rejected ultimately summons judgment, and the holy wrath of God is let loose. Today's Adventure Bible reading [Read Revelation 15:1-16:21] describes in horrific forecast the culmination of human history, a time when God's wrath will be fully "completed" (see v. 1). Here seven plagues are brought upon the earth and all it's inhabitants...so terrible that people curse God (see vv. 9,11&21), yet refuse to repent and surrender to him. The six and seventh "bowls of God's wrath" set up the final stage for the great Day of the Lord (or Second Coming of Christ) - The Battle of Armageddon (v. 16). Then, as the Revelation chapter 16 comes to a close, we hear a great voice from Heaven's throne, saying, "It is finished!"...and into the darkness and evil of this world all heaven breaks loose (literally...just read Revelation 19:11ff). This, my friends, is fascinating reading... it ought to motivate/energize us, for the Day is drawing near.

It reminds me of another day of darkness in this world's history, a day when all of God's wrath was directed at his Son, who bore upon himself the consequence of humankind's sin and rebellion. There from the cross this same Lord used these identical words... "It is finished." We celebrate that Day this week, and call it Good Friday. It was/is "good", because the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the very foundation of God's grace for all those who repent and surrender, before it's too late. The Apostle John summarizes this in his Gospel, saying...

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. - John 3:16-18

Friends, let us be motivated by God's grace... and marvel at his holy wrath and justice.

Maranatha...the Lord is Coming Soon!
Pastor Paul

Adventure Day 45 - 4/7/09

Have you considered responding to the challenge I gave last Sunday in my message to pray earnestly for our church, other churches in our community, and the churches in America? I called for a group of people to set aside one 15-minute segment of time each week for ten weeks to pray for revival, first among the people of God, and then to impact the whole nation.

Without extraordinary praying there will be nothing extraordinary of spiritual nature that will happen. I also hold a conviction that the time has come for pastors and church leaders to call for prayer support form their people that is above and beyond what is usually rendered.

Some of you have already indicated to me you would like to participate in this 10-week "Aaron and Hur Challenge"...I believe more of you are yet to respond, and I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

As we pray this way, I encourage you to specifically ask that signs of the Lord's presence will again be manifested in our church and churches of the area. I went over these three Sundays ago in my message, but here they are again to refresh your memory:

1. An Increase and intense participation in worship;
2. An outpouring of love for one another;
3. A growing boldness in all aspects of prayer;
4. The preaching and hearing of God's Word as anointed by the Holy Spirit;
5. An eager revival of interest in all aspects of Christian service;
6. A remarkable sense of confidence and eagerness in evangelism;
7. A heightened awareness of the need for holiness, and repentant hearts before God;
8. A display of both wisdom and maturity when spiritual warfare begins.

The Adventure Daily Reading today [Read 2 Chronicles 7:1-22] includes that wonderful promise,(v. 14)...

If my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven
and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

This promised grace of God will be manifest, IF....

Oh, that we would bend the knee,
Pastor Paul

Adventure Day 44 - 4/6-09

[Read Ezekiel 37:1-28] Today's devotional reading from the 50 Day Adventure is an Old Testament classic: "...the knee bone's connected to the, thigh bone..." (you probably remember the song, right?). Ezekiel the prophet is given this remarkable vision of a valley of dry bones that are brought back together and enlivened by God's Word. By vision's end, the bones once strewn around the whole valley have become a vast living "revived" army. Then the Lord tells the prophet, "...these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off '." Yet God has a different plan.

There are times for all of us when our experience of life "is dried up and our hope is gone." God can use these disappointments to manifest himself in powerful ways, doing beyond what we expect, going beyond when our strength has expired. Consider these lyrics, among my personal favorites, by Annie J. Flint (He Giveth More Grace):

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Today, ask the Lord to surprise you with renewal/revival, whatever your state of "dryness." Let's ask him use us in bringing renewal/awakening to our church. Did you notice the wonderful question the Lord asks Ezekiel at the beginning of today's Bible reading? (v.3) "Son of man, can these old dry bones live?" He still asks that question, and of course, he knows the answer... he's just wondering if we have faith enough to join him in the joyful hope that he is soon up to something. God is able "to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20).

Praying with Hope,
Pastor Paul

Adventure Sunday 7 - Day 43 - 4/5/09

We said goodbye to Gordy Carlson, one of our church family members, at his "Life Celebration Service" this past Friday. He died of lung cancer last month. While preaching to those gathered to remember Gordy and to support the Carlson family, I said "The farmer plants the seed and works the soil...God gives the rain." We like to think we are in control, but the truth is, God is ultimately in charge. Just like in the life of a crop farmer, we can do all the work assigned to us (and we must, and do it well!), but it is God who provides... he is the Lord of the Harvest.

Revival, or an awakened Church, is much like that. Yes, there is much to do that is our part (i.e., repentance, intercession, sacrificial servanthood/service, worship, etc.), but ultimately it is God who responds and ignites renewed passion and fidelity in the hearts of his people. Another way to say this is "we provide the firewood...he provides the flame" [think Prophet Elijah and the contest with the Baal prophets on Mt. Carmel].

Certainly, however, that part of revival that is our responsibility is best shared with others. It's not a one person job. Today's Adventure Bible reading [Read Exodus 17:8-16] recounts the defeat of the Amalekites by Joshua as Moses lifted up his staff toward God in heaven, flanked on either side by Aaron and Hur. The Scripture says, "Aaron and Hur held Moses' hands up - one on one side, one on the other- so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army...." (vv. 12,13). Just think about all the players who did their specific part to achieve victory that day. Each in his own way was critically important. God's part, of course, was the most strategic, but God's victory that day was intimately linked to the faithfulness of men who fulfilled their specific calling. Think about this for a moment...

- Why couldn't Moses have done his job on his own?
- Why didn't Aaron and Hur just take turns with Moses holding up the staff of God?
- What role did Joshua fill while Moses, Aaron and Hur were on top of the hill?
- Who fought the battle, and who won the victory ...Joshua & his soldiers? ...Moses? ...Aaron & Hur? ...God? (Hint: The answer is Yes).

God may choose to send revival in our day. That's his prerogative, his decision. However, will he find the figurative pile of prepared firewood, ready to ignite? Or, using the other image above, will he find an attentive and available army ready for battle, like the one led by Moses and Joshua? Friends, that's our decision...our prerogative. Oh, that it may not be said of us, like Jesus said in grief of the people of Jerusalem during his Triumphal Entry on the first Palm Sunday, "...you did not recognize the time of God's visitation" (Luke 19:44).

Here's the clincher.... Jesus is about to make another Triumphal Entry on the world's stage. At his First Coming, many people were totally unprepared, or at least preoccupied. They missed the blessing. Oh, may it not be so with us...rather, may our eyes be wide open to recognize the time of God's visitation! Oh Lord of the Harvest, send the rain!

May the Lord bless you and keep you,
May the Lord make his face (presence) to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, a give you his peace.

Your fellow Adventurer,
Pastor Paul

Adventure Day 42 - 4/4/09

In today's Adventure Bible reading [Read Daniel 9:1-19], the Prophet Daniel offers this sober commentary of the plight of God's people in his day: "...disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth." This is profound insight into welcoming revival/awakening in our time. God's favor is unleashed in our lives as we recognize our sins, turn from them (the "reactive" part of repentance) and then give our full attention to God's truth, or Word (the "proactive" part of repentance).

Daniel's prayer is an excellent example of what repentance looks like, and we can learn much from Daniel by studying his words. He includes himself as he confesses the sins of his people (note his continual use of the word "we," not "they"). He appeals to God by citing the Lord's attributes (see vv. 4,7,9,14,16,18...take a moment to read again how the prophet describes God's character...). Then, he appeals to God's great mercy, not any merit of his or his people's own, and begs forgiveness. This is a whole lot more than saying, "Lord, I'm sorry...please forgive me." It is repentance and confession in great detail, and such prayer is always answered by God with his favor/grace.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face (my presence) and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to their prayers...." - II Chronicles 7:14,15

Today, as part of our time alone with God, let us ask him for the grace of such genuine repentance.

God's Peace,
Pastor Paul

Adventure Day 41 - 4/3/09

The starting point of personal revival is repentance, a word that speaks of sorrow for sin and the intention to not continue on the wrong path. Feeling remorseful about sin, yet having little intention of turning from it, is inadequate and shortchanges us from experiencing true forgiveness and the consequent renewal/revival of our relationship with God.

The cross is the ultimate answer to our sin problem. As we by God's grace become convicted of sin, we ought to consider Calvary, the scene of our Lord's crucifixion. There forgiveness on the basis of His shed blood is proclaimed. Jesus died...he endured the cross, that we might be pardoned. His wounds plead on our behalf; they are the only sin antidote that has lasting effect. As we contemplate the great cost of that pardon, we discover motivation to walk away from our sin.

Charles Wesley, the great hymn writer, wrote a lyric as a meditation on this truth - "Arise My Soul, Arise." Read each stanza, and then pause to confess and receive God's forgiveness on the basis of the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.

Draw near with confidence, my friend. Your heavenly Father awaits you with the gift of a costly forgiveness.

God's Peace!
Pastor Paul

Tailpiece: Today's Adventure Bible passage is Mark 14:27-50.

Adventure Day 40 - 4/2/09

[Read Colossians 3:1-17] This passage, our Adventure text for today, shines light on what personal revival actually looks like. As you read these verses, ask yourself...

• What earthly things am I in danger of allowing my mind to be set on, rather than Christ? (see vv. 1&2)
• What are things in my life that need to be "put to death"? ... any of those in the list found in vv. 5-11 that apply most to me?
• Beginning in v. 12, the new Christlike wardrobe we are to "put on" is featured... which of the virtues listed most characterize my life? .... which ones might the Lord want me to "try on" more often?
• Is my life characterized by thanksgiving? (see v. 17)

I like the way the New Living Translation (NLT) renders v. 17 of this passage - may it be true of each of us today...."Whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus..."

Represent Him well, friend!
Pastor Paul

Adventure Day 39 - April Fools Day! - 4/1/09

Dear Co-Adventurers,

If you have read through the historical books of the Old Testament, you will be acquainted with the many disappointing turns made by God's people. In Confirmation Class, we call what we see (repeated many times in Judges - 2 Chronicles) the "sin cycle." Here's how it goes: After a period of peace and prosperity, the people forget God. The inevitable result of their rebellion is difficult times (famine, invasion, etc.). They turn back to God in desperation. He hears their prayers, and honors their Godward response with deliverance. There is a momentary return to faith and loyalty toward God, after which there follows a time of peace and prosperity. Then the cycle repeats itself (again and again!). Actually, it's rather depressing, or in keeping with the April 1st theme, it's so foolish!

Today's Adventure text is one of those great exceptions, a description of King Jehoshaphat of Judah [Read 2 Chronicles 17:1-6]. Here this faithful king is described with the following commendation: "His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord (v. 6)." As he was attentive to the presence of the Lord in his kingdom, a national revival was birthed. Not only did Jehoshaphat take positive steps toward God; he also took proactive steps to eliminate evil influences from his life and the lives of his people. As you read these six verses, can you identify these steps? What might be equivalents of Jehoshaphat's actions you could apply to your life? Finally, did you notice The Lord's response to Jehoshaphat's faithfulness (vv. 3 &5)?

Lord, may our hearts be devoted to your ways... lead us to awakening of faith and loyalty toward you. Help us to be attentive to your presence in our day.

God's Peace,
Pastor Paul