People, prayer, and me

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
(Matthew 9:35-38 ESV)

Two big questions that came to mind:

  *How do I see people and do I have compassion?

  *What do I ask God for?



Yet another passage that isn't centered around my selfish desires...

Reviews, leadership links, and other gems

For those that are interested...

This will be a place to find short reviews of books and articles, some leadership and church culture links, and other gems.

You can also follow me on twitter.

Soli Deo gloria - Todd

1 Corinthians 16 - serving

Miracles Do Happen. Proof.
Originally uploaded by velo_city.

—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints—

1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

May we emulate and take our instructions (v 15) from brothers and sisters who serve.

Bits of Brainerd

Lord's day, March 13. At noon I thought it impossible for me to preach, by reason of bodily weakness and inward deadness. In the first prayer I was so weak that I could hardly stand; but in the sermon God strengthened me, so that I spake near an hour and a half with sweet freedom, clearness, and some tender power, from Gen. 5:24, "And Enoch walked with God." I was sweetly assisted to insist on a close walk with God, and to leave this as my parting advice to God's people here, that they should walk with God. May the God of all grace succeed my poor labors in this place!

Bits of Brainerd

Tuesday, February 7. Was much engaged in some sweet meditations on the powers and affections of the godly soul in their pursuit of their beloved object: wrote something of the native language of spiritual sensation, in its soft and tender whispers; declaring, that it now feels and tastes that the Lord is gracious; that he is a complete sufficient and almighty portions; saying,

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is not upon earth that I desire besides this blessed portion. O, I feel it is heaven to please him, and to be just what he would have me to be! O that my soul were holy, as he is holy! O that it were pure, even as Christ is pure; and perfect, as my Father is heaven is perfect! These, I feel, are the sweetest commands in God's book, comprising all others. And shall I break them! must I break them! am I under a necessity of it as long as I live in the world! O my soul, woe, woe is me that I am a sinner, because I now necessarily grieve and offend this blessed God, who is infinite in goodness and grace! Oh, methinks, if he would punish me for my sins, it would not wound my heart so deep to offend him: but though I sin continually, yet he continually repeats his kindness to me! Oh, methinks I could bear any sufferings; but how can I bear to grieve and dishonor this blessed God! How shall I yield ten thousand times more honor to him? What shall I do to glorify and worship this best of beings? O that I could consecrate myself, soul and body, to his service forever! O that I could give up myself to him, so as never more to attempt to be my own, or to have any will or affections that are not perfectly conformed to him! But, alas, alas! I find I cannot be thus entirely devoted to God; I cannot live, and not sin. O ye angels, do ye glorify him incessantly; and if possible, prostrate yourselves lower before the blessed King of heaven? I long to bear a part with you; and, if it were possible, to help you. Oh, when we have done all that we can, to all eternity, we shall not be able to offer the ten thousandth part of the homage that the glorious God deserves!"

Felt something spiritual, devout, resigned, and mortified to the world, much of the day; and especially toward, and in, the evening. Blessed be God, that he enables me to love him for himself.

Bits of Brainerd

Wednesday, January 8. In the evening my heart was drawn out after God in secret: my soul was refreshed and quickened; and, I trust, faith was in exercise. I had great hopes of the ingathering of precious souls to Christ; not only among my own people, but others also. I was sweetly resigned and composed under my bodily weakness; and was willing to live or die, and desirous to labor for God to the utmost of my strength.

Thursday, January 9. Was still very weak, and much exercised with vapory disorders. In the evening enjoyed some enlargement and spirituality in prayer. Oh that I could always spend my time profitably, both in health and weakness!

Jeremiah 17 - Thirst or refreshment

Wind ripples and desert shrub
Originally uploaded by roy.luck.

Thus says the Lord:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength,
whose heart turns away from the Lord.
He is like a shrub in the desert,
and shall not see any good come.
He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,
in an uninhabited salt land.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

- Jeremiah 17:5-8 (ESV)

Bits of Brainerd

Saturday, December 18. Spent much time in prayer in the woods; and seemed raised above the things of the world: my soul was strong in the Lord of hosts; but was sensible of great barrenness.

Bits of Brainerd

"Lord's day, December 12. I felt in the morning as if I had little or no power either to pray or preach; and felt a distressing need of divine help. I went to the meeting trembling; but it pleased God to assist me in prayer and sermon. I think my soul scarce ever penetrated so far into the immaterial world, in any one prayer that ever I made, nor were my devotions ever so free from gross conceptions and imaginations framed from beholding material objects. I preached with some sweetness, from Matt. 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God," etc.; and in the afternoon from Rom. 15:30, "And now I beseech you brethren," etc. There was much affection in the assembly. This has been a sweet Sabbath to me; and blessed be God, I have reason to think, that my religion is becoming more spiritual, by means of my late inward conflicts. Amen. May I always be willing that God should use his own methods with me!"

Bits of Brainerd - introduction

David Brainerd was a missionary to the Native Americans in the 1740's. He suffered many ailments and obstacles, probably including depression. While he only lived a short time (he died at the age of 29), this collection of his journals by Jonathan Edwards has had incredible impact on future generations of missionaries.

For our encouragement, I will post some excerpts from Edwards' book.

The Wikipedia bio (short)

Buy the book (long, but rewarding)

Read it for free (Christian Classics Ethereal Library, requires a search)

Oh, That I May Never Loiter On My Heavenly Journey! Reflections on the Life and Ministry of David Brainerd by John Piper (best place to start)

Romans 15 - why go?

i see
Originally uploaded by Jane Costa Lima.

Why go to places where Christ isn't proclaimed? Paul had this hope:

Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand.
Romans 15:21 (ESV) cf. Isaiah 52:15

Cora laughing

A short video of Cora laughing at some foil paper Carrie is crinkling. Hopefully we can all get some joy from watching a child and her innocent delights.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

Genesis 29 - Fragile structures of hope

Four Brothers
Originally uploaded by caaz-izzi.

When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben [‘see, a son'], for she said, “Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.” She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon [sounds like ‘heard’]. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi [sounds like ‘attached']. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah [sounds like ‘praise']. Then she ceased bearing.
Genesis 29:31-35 (ESV with notes inserted in brackets)

Leah is driven to desperation. She was swapped out for her sister on Rachel’s wedding night. She is hated by her husband, not the least of the reasons being his increased service to her father (7 more years). In her mind, hope resides in her husband’s love; his love will come through Leah giving him sons.

Sons she gives him, and with each one she again thinks, “This will be the time he loves me.” Their names reflect her desperation: Reuben – ‘see, a son’ – a demonstration of her hope, Simeon – ‘heard’ – God has heard and has given her a son to please her husband with, Levi – ‘attached’ – now Jacob will be attached to me. Every son’s name now mocks her attempts to find hope.

Where do we find hope? In the if only’s? If only I had this, if only I had that, then I’d have all I ever wanted. Peering from the outside in, Leah looks ridiculous. But we have the same issues. Our precious hope is placed in schemes that are so fragile and so outlandish that they border on lunacy when revealed.

Leah, I believe, learns true hope in her last son. “This time I will praise the Lord.” Isn’t interesting that the son that becomes the catalyst for her true hope in the Lord, is the very son whose lineage leads to our Savior? The Lion of Judah is the one upon whom our hope should rest.

Exodus 22 - Immigration

Immigration
Originally uploaded by lcars.

You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. Exodus 22:21 (ESV)


Nothing earth-shattering here, but it does seem to me that, as followers of Christ, there should be sense of kindness and compassion when we talk about the immigration issue. On the practical side, I, for one, am glad that people want to come to the US. Normally difficult to reach people are just a car's drive away (maybe closer). And some of the immigrants are believers, going to the cities that most Christians are stumbling over themselves to get out of. (But that would have to be for another passage I guess.)

Acts 23 - Different cities, same Jesus

Temple Mount
Originally uploaded by Christopher Chan.

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” - Acts 23:11 (ESV)

Italian and Israeli culture are about as different now as they were in the 1st Century. Yet, both back then and now, the message of Jesus remains the same. What struck me about this passage is that both Rome and Jerusalem (not to mention the rest of the world) needed to hear about Christ. They still need to hear it.

Do we have the same determination as Paul? Before we start looking to testify about Jesus in Rome (or anywhere else), we should be active in proclaiming Him in our own area.



It is cold today in Algona though. I not complaining or making excuses, I'm just sayin' that there just isn't much of a crowd outside. But our Lord can make things happen even in the coldest of climates. Right Steve?

Acts 6 - The right work at the right time

Paperwork
Originally uploaded by ryan.melissa.

We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
- Acts 6:4 (ESV)

D.A. Carson says this about this passage:

We may not have the Twelve today, but pastors/elders/overseers have inherited this ministry of the word and prayer. That includes not only teaching others, but doing the serious study and preparation and intercession that stand behind good teaching and preaching. There will always be a hundred things to distract you. Do not be distracted from what is central.

Two years ago my wife shared this verse with me along with the corresponding devotional thought from D.A. Carson's For the Love of God vol. 2. I have a copy of this page on my desk to help focus and prioritize what I do. Since I am currently going through this book myself, I was struck again the determination of the Twelve.

Here it is, many days after reading this thought, and I am finally getting around to completing this post. The "hundred distracting things" have been receiving more attention than they should. May the Lord help us all to keep the important the central part of what we do.

John 6 - The real prophet

When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, "This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!" - John 6:14 (ESV)

After Jesus feeds the 5000, he was quickly identified with being the Prophet. An interesting conclusion; I might have gone with, "This is indeed the Caterer who is to come!" or something like that. Why does this sign connect to a Prophet? Is Jesus really this prophet? And who really cares anyway?

The Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15) is predicted by Moses to be (1) like him and (2) from the people of Israel (your brothers). Moses was a prophet during the time when the manna came; Elijah was a prophet that provided cakes for the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17); Elisha was a prophet who multiplied 20 barely loaves to 100 men with leftovers (2 Kings 4). There is an association with the Prophet and one who brings food. Well, more specifically, a type of bread.

Jesus does more here than simply bring the bread (and fish) to the people. John quickly turns our attention to the next day when the people question Jesus' departure. Jesus scolds them for wanting normal bread and not wanting the bread that leads to eternal life. And then the shocker of shockers, Jesus declares that He is the Bread of Life (v 35). They must eat His flesh and drink His blood (vv 53-58); a notion that did not sit well with the crowd that had followed Him (v 66).

What do we want from Jesus? What do we expect Him to give us? We are so often encapsulated and defined by our immediate surroundings and circumstances, that our desires for God's provision reflect this. But at the heart of what Jesus offers is Himself. That is what He still offers. We can watch religious TV with all of its promises of material prosperity, buy handkerchiefs that promise healing, and get the latest self-help book that promises emotional nirvana and miss out on what God is offering to us.

During this time of giving, getting, and making a better you, my hope is that we would all find our greatest satisfaction in the what Jesus offers to us - Himself.

John 2 - The real bridegroom

The master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” - John 2:9-10 (ESV)

This seems to be a case of mistaken identity, or at least a misplaced comment. What is also curious is that the comment is about social norms and the virtues of various wines. The whole thing seems a bit unnecessary. Yet here it is, taking up the better part of two verses.

(1) The comment:
Common sense tells us that the first impression is usually the lasting impression and, therefore, most people put out the best first. While the master of the feast is taking about the wine, the comment is really about Jesus. In this instance however, the best is the last. God's best - temple, high priest, prophet, king, kingdom, covenant, etc. - is now seen here in the coming of Christ.

(2) The bridegroom:
While the master of the feast congratulated the wrong person, at least he got the category right. The bridegroom was responsible. It just wasn't the guy in the tux (or black-tie robe). It was the real bridegroom, Christ. This connection is reinforced in the next chapter by John the Baptist's comment on Jesus increasing while he decreases (John 3:29-30).

This miracle concludes with two important words. The first is manifested. The point of this whole ordeal and miracle was to show people something. Some people think the point was to show Jesus' views on wine, others think it was to show that Jesus doesn't let you down during crunch time (crunch time here = not having enough for the guests). But Jesus was displaying His glory. In a big way, Jesus was showing people who He really was. Much like when Moses (after the golden calf incident) asked to see God's glory, God revealed Himself (Exodus 34).

The second important word is the word believed. The result of this manifestation was belief among the disciples. Do we see Him as a fancy bartender/vendor or do we see Him as someone that we should place our hope in? While Jesus may be handy to have around (especially if you do a bunch of catering), is He worth leaving everything behind?

2 Kings 19 - The Lord Reigns

Assyria taunts
Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?

‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered? Have the gods of the nations delivered them, the nations that my fathers destroyed, Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar? Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, the king of Hena, or the king of Ivvah?’
2 Kings 18:35; 19:10-13 (ESV)

Hezekiah prays
Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. So now, O Lord our God, save us, please, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone.
2 Kings 19:17-19 (ESV)

The Lord demonstrates His plan and His power
Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass, that you should turn fortified cities into heaps of ruins ... For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.
2 Kings 19:25, 34 (ESV)

And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. ... Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went home and lived at Nineveh. And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword and escaped into the land of Ararat.
2 Kings 19:35-37 (ESV)

Without a firm understanding of the Lord's sovereignty, our emotional stability would rise and plummet as we read the morning paper. Notice that the ultimate goal of Hezekiah's prayer was the glory and renown of the Lord, not simple relief from imminent danger. When we know that the Lord really does rule from on high and that the events of this world happen according to His greater plan, there is a confidence to pray for the Lord's glory, even in the most difficult of situations.



* Note on the relief: In an attack in Babylonia (indicated by the date palms), the Assyrians have built a siege ramp against the walls, which they attack with a battering-ram. An enemy archer is being killed beside the palm-tree that has been felled, and there are headless corpses around the city. This relief is found at the British Museum in London.

A prophetic duo

Draweth Nigh
Originally uploaded by Leonard John Matthews.

The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who can meet the king's demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”
Daniel 2:10-11 (ESV)

Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 (ESV)


Predictive prophecies and individual revelation. Surprisingly, I encounter these more than you might think. There are several people who often preface their decisions with the phrase, "The Lord told me..."

In the majority of these cases, they are drawing from a clear command from Scripture that establishes the pattern of what it is like to be a follower of Christ - ex: "The Lord told me that I need to quit looking at explicit junk on the web." At other times it is more hazy - not contrary to Scripture, but yet unclear.

There is a need to communicate the great danger of misrepresenting the Lord and to listen with eyes pouring over pages of Scripture. For some, it may be a way to ratchet up the drama and importance (as they see it) in their lives; they become a local Christian seer. But there are times where it does seem like the Lord spoke to them.

These verses were on the same M'Cheyne day. They are helpful because they communicate that (1) there are things that people don't know and God does - Daniel communicates this more clearly later on - and (2) we should test and evaluate, but not despise.