Wise words from the past...

This was just too good to leave before my eyes only.

C.H. Spurgeon's Morning Devotional

Friday February 26, 2010

"Salvation is of the Lord."-Jonah 2:9 Salvation is the work of God. It is He alone who quickens the soul "dead in trespasses and sins," and it is He also who maintains the soul in its spiritual life. He is both "Alpha and Omega." "Salvation is of the Lord." If I am prayerful, God makes me prayerful; if I have graces, they are God's gifts to me; if I hold on in a consistent life, it is because He upholds me with His hand. I do nothing whatever towards my own preservation, except what God Himself first does in me. Whatever I have, all my goodness is of the Lord alone. Wherein I sin, that is my own; but wherein I act rightly, that is of God, wholly and completely. If I have repulsed a spiritual enemy, the Lord's strength nerved my arm. Do I live before men a consecrated life? It is not I, but Christ who liveth in me. Am I sanctified? I did not cleanse myself: God's Holy Spirit sanctifies me. Am I weaned from the world? I am weaned by God's chastisements sanctified to my good. Do I grow in knowledge? The great Instructor teaches me. All my jewels were fashioned by heavenly art. I find in God all that I want; but I find in myself nothing but sin and misery. "He only is my rock and my salvation." Do I feed on the Word? That Word would be no food for me unless the Lord made it food for my soul, and helped me to feed upon it. Do I live on the manna which comes down from heaven? What is that manna but Jesus Christ himself incarnate, whose body and whose blood I eat and drink? Am I continually receiving fresh increase of strength? Where do I gather my might? My help cometh from heaven's hills: without Jesus I can do nothing. As a branch cannot bring forth fruit except it abide in the vine, no more can I, except I abide in Him. What Jonah learned in the great deep, let me learn this morning in my closet: "Salvation is of the Lord." For His Kingdom...

The tyrannical "gift of gab"...

I love to speak. I love speaking to large groups and small groups. I love having one on one conversations and also, dialoging with multiple people at once. I relish the opportunity to verbally present at least some sort of quasi-beneficial narrative or proposition to any and all whose ears would perk in my general vicinity. If I ever find it a proper time to interject with an opinion or proverbial "food for thought," I spring into vocal action. Needless to say, I'm a talker.

The good news is that I work with students and have ample opportunity to speak both to and with them. I absolutely love these students. I enjoy sharing with them God's Word, bits pieces of life, advice, stories and sometimes even tough love. I find myself continually engaged with these students in the sharing of thoughts, hopes, dreams and difficulties via word of mouth. I'm thrilled and, count it a great privilege when I get invited to lead chapel or speak to small groups or address a class. It is both a grand privilege and supreme responsibility to share the words of life to these students. Grant it, I'm not always as eloquent and pristine in my presentation of encouragement or love or rebuke as I'd hope to be. However, I believe that God has given me this "gift of gab" for this very purpose. I cherish the ministry God has seen fit to allow me participation in and would not trade it for the world. I mean, hey, I love to talk and that's just what I get to do on a daily basis.

However, as of late I have found that this love of talking, this "gift of gab", can become quite tyrannical if I do not, by God's Spirit, keep it in check. You see, not every situation calls for my input or opinion. Not every arena needs or even allows for my waxing excellent on some great concept or dynamic truth. There are just some instances when any words that I might conjure up would fall far short any self imposed goal secretly set upon them. It is in these situations that I find myself at war with my own tyrannical mind and tongue.

Certainly Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This is an instructive statement giving not only opportunity but permission to impart guidance and wise counsel. One of the most helpful and promising ways of doing this is... you guessed it, through words, conversation and verbal instruction. Yet, we also know, via the life of Job, that it is not always the words, conversation and instruction of man that a person needs most - often it's God's. This is not only wise but necessary. Ultimately, it is the counsel of God that will heal, empower, preserve and sustain. This is not something that I don't know, but something that I believe with all my heart, mind and soul. The hard part about this is that I always feel like I'm the instrument God is going to use to play His symphonic melody to the people I encounter. Sometimes, though, it's my role to just listen.

It is in those moments that I realize that God is working in spite of me. Even as I fight with my own tyrannical "gift of gab" and suppress it as the enemy in this circumstance, I find God beautifully and artfully speaking into peoples' lives. He is active even when I am not. Though He has gifted me to speak, He does not always want me to do so - sometimes I have to just listen and let Him do His thing.

So, to those of you whom I've counseled lately, God is working. Though I may not have had the most profound wisdom to share with you, God is working. When you feel alone and it seems like the walls are closing in and you need someone to talk to, God is there. James 4:8a says, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." Go to Him. Let He who has the supreme "gift of gab" speak to your weary hearts and bear you along in whatever trouble you are facing.

For His Kingdom...

When all seems lost...

This morning my devotions took me to Psalm 54. This is a personal lament of David. He had been hiding out among the Ziphites, seeking solemn reprieve from Saul who was hungry for David's life. Yet, he was quickly compromised by those whom he was resting in. As such, this is a cry of a wounded and anguished heart. It is a reminder that David was a real person, with real feelings and real needs. He was not always a zealous warrior or a stately king. Here he is a helpless child who longs for the rescue of his omnipotent heavenly Father.

David's hiding place has been given up to Saul - he has been betrayed! He is left in a shriveled state of utter aloneness in the surrounding company of many foes. He lay in the in den of strangers in desperate need of a deliverer. David must have felt such hurt, confusion and loss. I can only imagine the flood of emotions that may have threatened to take him over like a mighty wave. He surly felt that sinking feeling of utter abandonment in the depths of his being. Thus, he not only needed a deliver, but longed for one - one who would come as a friend among enemies. So, David cries out to his God for help. He has absolute confidence in the mighty name (power) of God! He is assured that God is His faithful helper and friend and will not leave his child in distress. God does not forsake His people - especially in the air of certain trouble.

Thus, if God is able to deliver David from the sword of his pursuer, He can certainly deliver me from ANY of my troubles! He is a mighty God and is mighty to save! Let His Spirit arise within His people and show us the extent of God's wonderful love and protection.

For His Kingdom...

D-Now 2010

Well, it's that time again...

Time for another zany adventure via the Student Ministries!

D-Now (Discipleship Now) Weekend 2010 is quickly approaching and I wanted to share just a little bit about it with all of you.

D-Now is a discipleship focused, fun-filled weekend! It includes elements of biblical study, service and, of course... lots of AWESOMENESS!!! The students will be taking a journey of discipleship alongside some amazing leaders and volunteers. They will be both engaged and challenged by God's Word and His work. They will be staying in host homes on Friday and Saturday night. The event starts promptly @ 5:00 pm on Friday night and will end after CRPC's 2nd service (about 1:00 pm) on Sunday afternoon. See below for more information or call Elizabeth Miehle @ 954-334-5183

Cost: $99 (includes everything)

Information & Registration: http://www.crpc.org/connect/students

All forms and $$$ due by: March 8, 2010 (middle school) & April 12, 2010 (high school)

Hurry and register today... space is filling up!!!

For His Kingdom...

Take 2...

So, I've missed a few days. Thing is... it's not that I didn't do my devo's (not saying that in a proud, sort of duty bound way), but just that I don't like being on the computer over the weekend. I find the weekend is the time I get to really spend with my wife Amy. I enjoy chatting with her, running errands together and basically just getting in that quality time that seems so easily to slip away during our busy week days. So, I'm not trying to make any excuses, just to simply say that sometimes other things are just more important.

With that, here is today's little reflection.

Psalm 53

Sometimes it seems that my own "foolish" heart denies God. In practice, I often deny the reality of God's work and His very presence. If I'm honest, I quite frequently function as if God were somehow absent from this life. Thus, I act and look much like one of those who lacks understanding and heavenly knowledge. I presume that this is not an isolated feeling or reality significant only to me. It is perhaps the honest affirmation of most people who are genuinely seeking God. Our daily lives are much like the life of the "fool" in verse 1 - we say in our hearts (likely subconsciously) that there is no God. And so, when God looks down from heaven, I am rightly counted among the "none who does good, not even one."

However, there is a great difference between myself and the fool. The fool denies God b/c his heart is hard and he does not know the God who might soften it. I, on the other hand, have had my dark and hard heart transformed by the radical and wonderful grace of God! Though, I may at times functionally "act the fool," I am not a "fool" through and through. God has regenerated my heart and is in the process of making it more and more like His own.

So, when God looks down from heaven, He does not see Chris Perry in myself, He sees me "in Christ!" I have been joined to Christ; I in Him and He in me! I am now a Son of God; an heir with Christ Himself! I am one of "His people!" This is both perplexing and freeing all at the same time. Perplexing b/c I do not daily see myself as God does. I see the sinner, poor and needy, weak and wounded. I live with a constant understanding of my own "functional foolishness." Thus, I am driven to God daily in confession and repentance; seeking a refocusing of my attention and life upon Him. This reality is also freeing b/c I know God sees me different than I see myself - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has com." (2 Cor. 5:17). He sees me as His own! In Christ I have been redeemed, accepted and made new. God is at work in me, on me and through me! Thus, "when God restores the fortunes of His people" I will too sing and rejoice and be glad along with all His people.

For His Kingdom...

Who's paying the bill?

Psalm 49:7-9; 15:

"7 Truly no man can ransom another,

or give to God the price of his life,
8 for the ransom of their life is costly
and can never suffice,
9 that he should live on forever
and never see the pit.

15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,
for he will receive me.

Both rich and poor find their way to the grave. Some have a quick and often effortless journey. While others reach that ever leveling destination after long travels and many adventures. Nevertheless, it is an unavoidable end that eerily haunts ands and awaits us all. This the Psalmist contemplates. This he thinks upon, wondering and marveling at its inevitability.

From his meditation he realizes that though the grave shall be the final abode for all men that the wealthy seem to forget this. He notes that the rich boast much and often in their riches; they find their comfort and security in their abundance. They are self-sufficient and have all things at their fingertips. Yet, he calls them foolish. Why?

The answer lies in the above quoted verses. See, the Psalmist knows God and knows the end of the story, so to speak. He knows that in the end of all things, riches and wealth are futile and fleeting. For not even the richest and a most lavish man cannot ransom himself or another to God. He has not near what it takes to pay what he owes to God. For the debt that man stands accountable to God for is infinite and eternal; but his wealth is merely temporal. For, the ransom of one's life is costly and what we, or those richer than we, have to offer can never suffice.

It is only God who can ransom us - and He will! God, in His infinite riches, though disguised and displayed as poverty, will ransom our souls! He loves His people too much to leave us for the troubles of the grave.

In Christ we can have hope. Hope of a life beyond the grave. This is the gospel. That Christ came to die a death that we deserved in order to pay a debt that we could not pay. On the cross He accomplished this and proved it by rising from the grave 3 days later. Thus, in a power beyond all death and sin, He calls us to join in His resurrection. He commits to save our lives if we just believe! Just believe in Him and what He has done. This, the bible tells us, will make us into the richest people to ever live!

For His Kingdom...

And it's here...

Only 2 days into my devotional upload project and I've already missed a morning! Thankfully God does not require devo's to be @ a certain time of day. In fact, He does not require devo's at all! God in His faithfulness requires noting from us accept belief; and even that, in and of itself, is a gift!

This is the amazing news; the gospel! God takes care of EVERYTHING for us! He not only justified us by His finished work on the cross, but He sanctifies us by His abiding Spirit. The Apostle Paul tells us in the letter to the church at Philippi that, "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" - Phil. 1:6. It's God who is preserving me and sustaining my growth. No amount of bible reading and prayer, or simply lack thereof can thwart what He has already intended to do from before creation! Simply reading the bible and praying for the sake of attaining some favor with God is a futile effort.

However, I must say, God does use His Word and prayer in the life and growth of His people. But, it's not to achieve something. Again, the Apostle Paul, in the letter to the Ephesian church, says He "has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." - Eph. 1:3. We have everything we could ever need or want! Thus, our daily devotions, bible reading, meditation and prayer, are not to gain ground with God, but are to draw us near to Him. Through those means we see more of God and His lovely and sometimes perplexing attributes. This is God's way of readjusting our focus. He shows us His son!

Though I missed my morning devo's, I hope in God! He will see me through even when I stumble, fall, fail and flounder. Thus, I praise Him! He is my help and my strong tower! May I always find shelter in Him!

For His Kingdom...

What we're talking about at Gangway these days

Just FYI. For parents or anyone reading the blog. CRPC student ministry has been going through Galatians. Every week we post a few questions for discussion. Posted below are the questions for this week and next. If you are in a community at Coral Ridge the questions may look familiar. This is because these questions come from Tim Keller's study on Galatians which most if not all community groups are going through.

Gangway February 17th & 18th

Read Galatians Chapter 3:1-14

Questions:

1. What can we learn from 3:1-3 about how the Galatians came to Christ from paganism? (What was presented to them? How did they respond? What was the result?

2. What can we learn from 3:3-5 about how the Galatians are to grow spiritually, now that they are Christians? How are the Galatians to grow?

3. Paul warns the Galatians that it's easy to fall back into a works righteousness as we try to overcome sin. How does believing the gospel help us overcome sin?

4. In (v.6) What does it mean that Abraham's faith was credited? On what basis does God credit righteousness to Abraham?

5. How was Abraham's saving faith a model for us?

6. What does it mean that Jesus did not simply take our curse but "became a curse" for us? (vv. 10-14).


Gangway February 24th & 25th

Read Galatians 3:15-25

Questions:

1. What is the difference between receiving something by promise or receiving something by law? (v. 18)

2. What is the purpose of the Law? (vv. 19-22)

3. how does the law "lead a person to Christ?" (vv. 23-25)

4. If we are not under the law's supervision (v. 25)..., does that mean we can live any way we wish? How is the law viewed differently in a relationship with God by grace rather than performance?

Hear ye, hear ye...

Psalm 47

The Lord God, He reigns! God is king over all the earth! There is no square inch of all that is physical (and spiritual for that matter) that God is not sovereign over. But, more specifically, He governs in the affairs of men. He has absolute charge over the people of this world. Yet, He is not a king like those of old - wretched, feared, dangerous. For, He rules not just with authority only, but with love, patience and kindness. He is no tyrant! He does not order his subjects with fear of punishment and pain. No! He goes before His people - He is the Lord, mighty in battle, strong to deliver. He offers peace to His people; care and delight. He is the great protector; the great example of true kingship!

All this and more is our God, our King! Thus, we should rejoice! We should sing and clap and dance and make merry in our God, our King! He reigns both now and forevermore. He sits on an eternal throne in an eternal kingdom and is, even now, gathering to Himself an eternal people. For that reason, He has chosen us; He has rescued us; He is subduing our enemies; He is preparing us and making us ready for His return.

So... rejoice in our King, He is our everything!!!

For His Kingdom...

My daily devos...

So, I thought that sense I'm pretty much a failure at writing anything new and noteworthy that I would start just posting my daily devotions each day. Of course, I will be trying to keep this short and sweet, so it will not consist of all my devotional musings but that which God lays most heavily upon me that day.

This will do a couple of things (hopefully). It will keep me accountable to a daily devotional time w/God as I awake each day already thinking of the myriad of things I need (or so I think) to do. It may also spark some better material that I might then share to the relief of those who get tired of my daily gabbing. Finally, I hope that it will be an encouragement to you, the readers.

So, here goes...

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

- Psalm 46:10

In the entirety of the Psalm, the Psalmist speaks of God's protection and care for His people. Truly, God is a refuge for His people; He is our only sure foundation and solid rock upon which we might brave the experiences of this world. Though natural disaster and/or human agitation and calamity may fall upon us we are to hope in God - for our God is both creator and sustainer of life! We have a God who is strong to save! He will protect us in our most horrific times and deliver us from our pressing foes - both from within and without. This is the God the Psalmist speaks to us of.

But, then comes God's word to His people. He tells us to "Be still, and know that I am God." This is a strange word to us today. Stillness and quietness are a lost art form amongst us. Busyness, busyness, busyness... this is what seems to define the Christian person in our midst. But, God says "be still" - He wants us to settle down, take a break and just marvel in Him. He wants us to put away all of our distractions (people or otherwise) and "know" Him. He also reminds us that He "is God." We are not God and we must recognize this. We cannot see the future; we cannot altar the past and we surly cannot manipulate the present. Whatever may come upon us is often out of our control - but not God's. He is God and He is our hope and security. Thus, He "will be exalted." He will be high and lifted up in all things! He is lifted up among the "nations" and the "earth." Both people and nature are subject to God's sovereign love and purpose. He will bring glory to Himself and good to His creation - this is His promise.

Thus, it must be in stillness that I find this rejuvenated picture of my great heavenly Father. He desires that I stop, not that I seem unproductive, but that I may draw near to the one who is ever productive. It is in these still and quiet times that I know that God is God and I am not. This serves as the catalyst to my shifting perspective that God is all I need!

For His Kingdom...

A few exciting things...

There are many exciting and wonderful things going on here at our church these days. I just wanted to take a moment to comment on a few of them.

1. We are joyfully pleased to have 8 vibrant and very talented young adults interning here at the church. These 8 interns will be working with us in the Student Ministries on Thursdays and will be really helping us out as we seek to move the ministry forward.

2. Discipleship Now (D-Now) weekend is coming up in March for both middle and high school. This is going to be a fun-filled weekend of worship, activities, service projects and intense discipleship. We are hoping for a really great turn out so that as many of our students as possible will become familiar with what we're doing in the Student Ministries. So... if you have any middle school or high school students or would like to be a host home, please give us a call!

3. Amy and I are having a BOY!!!

Hopefully these things excite you as much as they do me! We look forward to all that God will be doing in the lives of our students. We pray that seeds of revival are being sown and nurtured so that we might see a great work of God break into our midst! So, please... pray with us!

For His Kingdom...