Pastor John's View

Thought for the Day- Be Ready!

2011-05-09T10:40:00.000-05:00

Reminder to all Prayer House People- This week we are praying in repentance for our nation in preparation for our evangelical band-shell service!
"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
Jesus- Matt 24:44 (NIV)

The lights suddenly flicked on at 5 am Saturday morning and a shout came down the bay. "Attention!" Fifty men scrambled out of their bunks and snapped to rigid attention as Lt. Colonel Adams strode down the floor followed by our lieutenant and Platoon Sergeant Monk.

"You men have five minutes to get dressed and prepare for a snap inspection", bellowed Sgt Monk.
We couldn't believe what we were hearing. You never have inspections on Saturday's once you leave basic training. Usually, passing inspection is a requirement Friday afternoon to earn a weekend pass. This weekend, we were told there would be no inspection on Friday and our passes were just given to us. We went out on the town and had the typical fun that soldiers have (this was pre-salvation for me), and didn't get back in the barracks until 3 am.

Through the fog of sleeplessness combined with the after-effects of a night on the town, we scrambled into our dress uniforms. None of us had gotten ready for this, and as the inspection began, the angry shouting from our Colonel and sergeant at the condition of our lockers, uniforms, and barracks made our stomachs fall through the floor.

Lt Col Adams suddenly appeared in front of me, and began to lay into me about the condition of my squad. Sgt Monk went over to my locker and found that nothing was were it was supposed to be and there was sand in the bottom. He angrily flipped my locker over, sending the contents across the bay. "Corporal Oscar, you call yourself a squad leader? You're the worst of them all!", he screamed in my ear.

As other lockers went flying, and more screaming was heard, the heads of our platoon hung in shame. It's bad enough to fail a platoon or company level inspection, but to fail in front of the colonel caused a deep dread to fall upon us. Not only did we look bad, but our sergeant, lieutenant, and captain also looked bad for having an entire platoon not ready.

At the end of the inspection, Colonel Adams asked us to come down to the day room. He explained to us the reason for the surprise inspection on a weekend. "Men, we are soldiers. We never know when the call will come for us to go to war. We have to maintain a state of readiness at all times, or that lack of readiness will cost us our lives in battle. This is a serious business we are in- and not being ready has serious, and permanent consquences."

That incident has been coming to mind recently as I survey the world we live in, and think about the soon return of Jesus for His bride. Jesus said He will come unexpectedly. He will then give us an inspection, and judge us according to what we have done with what He has given us. Not only will it reflect on us personally, but on those who God has placed in our lives to shepherd us. (see Hebrews 13:17)

This life is a serious business. We are also soldiers of God, and have to maintain a constant state of readiness, because if we don't, the consequences for us and for those that God would have us to reach are serious and permanent.

Love and blessings

2011-03-20T16:36:00.000-05:00

Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from Him.
Ps 62:5

Yesterday, I was studying my critical care textbook and reviewing how the heart works. The heart has its own circulatory system that is a wonder to behold.

The body receives it’s nutrients through the heart actively pumping blood through the body. That little muscle in your chest beats, relaxes, and beats again thousands of times a day. During that process and with every heartbeat, dozens of electrolytes and other chemicals are constantly shifting around to charge, fire, and recharge its own electrical system that keeps it functioning normally. It is a wonder of God’s engineering that in most cases, it does this constantly and flawlessly for 80+ years of our existence.

However, the heart itself has a slightly different way of receiving its life. While the rest of our bodies depend on the heart doing its job to actively pump blood around miles of piping, it receives its nourishment while it is resting in between beats. You see, once the heart pumps it's nutrient rich blood into the main vessel that carries the blood to the body, a valve slaps shut and the a backpressure is created within that vessel (from it stretching) that pushes blood backward into the vessels that supply the heart. While the heart is beating, the valve leafs cover the openings to those vessels, so if the heart never rested it would starve and die.

As I was worshipping this morning, I thought back to the lesson I reviewed the previous day and heard the Holy Spirit speaking to me. He brought to mind the way that the natural heart works, and said the same thing applies to our spirit. Our spirit only can gain nourishment when we are at rest. It is our flesh that is satisfied with always moving, always being active, always doing something. It is like our body- depending on the activity of the heart to survive.

However, spiritually, our spirit and soul is like our heart- it is dependant upon a source outside its own work and activity in order to live. Our spirits need rest in order to grow, in order to mature, and simply to survive in an increasingly broken and messed up world.

Learn to take time to simply stop and rest. Turn off the TV, the computers, the cell phones, and just spend time with God. All the things in life that distract you are like the valve leaves of the heart- blocking the life sustaining power from getting to where it needs to go.

Learn to rest in His presence. It will feel strange at first- all your Christian life you have been told to do something during your God time- pray, worship, read the bible. Those activities are vitally necessary for Christian growth and I am not trying to diminish them.

However, we have lost the ability to simply sit and rest in His presence and allow Him the chance to refresh us, to speak to us, and to simply fellowship and love on us.

I am finding more and more that above all other “Christian” things we do, the key to growing
in Him is this simple thing- learning to rest in Him.
Love and blessings,

Who Is The Focus Of Your Praise?

2010-12-05T19:50:00.000-06:00

Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:24-26, NIV)

I was watching football this afternoon and one of the players made a great catch and ran through four defenders to the 2-yard line, which lead to a touchdown two plays later. The player promptly knelt and then pointed upwards and gave thanks to God for enabling him to make such a great play.

I had a quiet stirring in my spirit. It happens when God is trying to say something to me. I turned down the game and gave my attention to the Holy Spirit and immediately He showed me a principle I’d like to share now with you.

God enjoys when His people praise Him for their accomplishments. It shows a level of appreciation for the blessings He has bestowed, and even a dependence upon Him that gave you the blessings.

I read of another football player this week that, after dropping a crucial pass that would have won the game for his team, wrote on his Twitter-"God, I stick up for you! Why would you do me like that?"

There is also a subtle, yet real danger in only praising God when something good happens. It's a trap of the so-called "Prosperity Gospel" (which isn't a Gospel at all).

God is worthy of our praise at all times, "good" and "bad". Praise that only comes during good or triumphant times is, at its center, focused on what is happening with us and not with the Glory of God. In those circumstances, our praise is not God focused, but is dependant and focused primarily on us. Praise that is not completely focused on God and His character is tainted, and is therefore unbecoming of a gift that is worthy of a Soveriegn King.

A shallow and immature faith will praise God during the good times, and doubt or accuse Him of being uncaring during the bad times. A correct and mature view of God understands Him for who He is- the mighty and sovereign ruler of all that was, is, or ever shall be.

The Apostle Paul gives us the correct view of God with this promise in Romans-

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28-29 NIV)

Take a moment and ask yourself what your view of God is- is it only centered on you and how He is blessing you, or is it focused on who God is at all times?

Your circumstances do not change or affect Him! God is good, all the time, and all the time God is good! Even in the “bad” times, if you yield and focus on God, His love and mercy will shape you into the image of His Son. The callus’ formed by self-focus will fall off, and all that remains will be a vessel worthy of God that sings a heavenly chorus of His goodness.

Trust God and praise Him at all times, because He is worthy of it!

Love and blessings,

Turning 41

2010-12-02T23:45:00.000-06:00

"So teach us to number our days, That we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 (NASB)

I've been having a unsettled feeling the last few weeks. It's like a sense of anticipation tied with expectation that something is about to happen. I suppose it feels like Christmas Eve as a child, knowing that when you wake up, you get to open all those mysterious packages that you've been looking at for weeks.

At 3:15 am, December 3rd, I turn 41. As I think back over my life thus far, I have this sense of uneasiness that I haven't accomplished anything. That causes me to ask myself why I feel the need to accomplish anything- is it pride, vanity, or the desire to actually spend my life doing something that will mean something to others?

There is a quote made famous in a movie several years back- "What we do in life, echoes in eternity". This is very true for every human who has ever lived. No matter how short or long your life is on earth, what you do will follow you into the afterlife. The scripture is clear about this-

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Eccl 12:14)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor 5:10)

I'm not so worried about being punished by God- my sins were wiped away by the blood of Jesus when I turned my life over to Him, and made Him Lord and Savior of my life. I'm very concerned about having nothing to show for the years He has given me. The great man of God Leonard Ravenhill shared this concern in his sermon "The Judgment Seat of Christ", and wrote the following poem-

His Plan For Me

When I stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ

And He shows His plan for me,

The plan of my life as it might have been

Had He had His way - and I see

How I blocked Him here, and checked Him there,

And I would not yield my will,

Will there be grief in my Savior's eyes,

Grief though He loves me still?

Would He have me rich and I stand there poor,

Stripped of all but His grace,

While memory runs like a hunted thing,

Down the paths I cannot retrace.

Lord, of the years that are left to me

I give them to Thy hand

Take me and break me and mold me,

To the pattern that Thou hast planned!

In a few hours, I'll be 41 years old. According to the latest statistics, the average American male lives to be 75 years of age. This means that my life is over halfway complete should I live long enough to obtain that average.

I have this sense that should I die right now and stand before Jesus to give an account of my life, much of what I've accomplished will not survive the fire of his judgment (1 Cor 3:10-14). Furthermore, I feel that what God has given and gifted me in (through whatever abilities I may possess) have been grossly underused.
I believe the anticipation I feel is that of impending eternity. Realistically, it could be years from now before I face His judgment, or it could be before I finish typing this sentence (whew! made it!). Whatever Jesus' will is for me regarding my time on this earth, I want to live whatever time I have left to HIS glory. Much of my life has been me focused. The real purpose of life, as revealed through God's Word and the Holy Spirit is to be HIM focused. So many people go through life and never discover the "meaning of life". As a Christian, I know that answer- it is one word- Jesus! The end. Period.

With that in mind, I take Leonard Ravenhill's poem to heart, and focus on these lines-

Lord, of the years that are left to me

I give them to Thy hand

Take me and break me and mold me,

To the pattern that Thou hast planned!

Lord Jesus, whatever time you have willed for me to remain upon this earth, use for your glory and the furtherance of Your Kingdom. Please squeeze out of me the maximum usage You can get from a human being, and let all of it bring praise to Your Name.

Many blessings,

Thought for the Week- August 23, 2010

2010-08-23T11:27:00.000-05:00

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (Heb 11:13-16, NIV)

The desert sun was breaking the horizon and a soft morning breeze cooled the sweat on the old man’s brow as he continued his climb up the small mountain in front of him. He paused for a moment to catch his breath, and looked up at the climb still awaiting him. Wiping the moisture from his weathered brow, he grasped his staff and continued the slow climb to the summit. His thoughts wandered over the past decades of his journey. His had been a hard road, much like the climb he was taking now. Nearing the summit, his heart began to beat faster, both in anticipation and regret. With one final push, he cleared the final rise and stood at the summit, and saw the land on the other side of the mountain.

Lush green valleys lay before him. Fertile farmlands filled the landscape surrounding small towns that that were well built and easily defended. The wind carried the smell of a rich land up from the valley to his nostrils, as his eye welled with tears looking out over this wonderful landscape. His heart ached to look at such a spectacular view, the end of his journeys, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to not only him but also to his people. Seeing it at last, he could barely contain himself from running down the other side of the mountain and into that paradise.

He leaned heavily on his staff, slowly lowering himself to his knees. Hot tears fell from his eyes as he lifted them to the heavens. “Almighty LORD” he prayed, “Please?”

A gentle wind blew up the mountain, enveloping him in a soft, cool cocoon of Presence. A soft whisper spoke to him, “No”.

He bowed his head in worship and submission, knowing and trusting in the wisdom and justice of God. Moses slowly rose, and with one final look, began his journey back down Mt Nebo.

As part of my reading last week, I read both the accounts of Moses on Mt. Nebo and the chapter in Hebrews posted above. I was struck how quick we (I am very guilty) are to forget the promises of God, and question His decisions and His justice. Moses waited 80 years to come to that place on Mt Nebo, most of them spent in the desert.

Many of us have promises from God that are yet unfulfilled. We walk in the desert of waiting, wondering where God is and questioning in our hearts “Did God really say…??”

The great “Hall of Faith” found in Hebrews 11 was placed in the bible by God to be encouragement to us. God knows that our fickle human hearts are quickly led in directions that are not His direction. He, in His wisdom, has set a time and place for all things. Often times, there is a great deal of time between the promise and the fulfillment of that promise. The reason is He has to prepare us to walk in the fullness of that promise.

In other words, He is like a father promising His son a car when the son is only 5 years old. The son has some growing up to do before he has the maturity to be able to function in that promise. Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew- "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! (Jesus- Matt 7:9-11)

If you have a promise from God, and it has yet to be fulfilled, ask yourself- “Do I need to grow up a little first?” Ask God that question, and see what He says, and in the mean time, believe that it will come to pass, for God is a good God, and all of His promises are “yeah, and amen!”

“Your focus will determine your reality” is a wise proverb. In the Christian’s life, our focus and trust in God will often determine how soon He can fulfill His promises to us, and take us to that next level spiritually.
Many blessings

Thought for the Day- July 30th, 2010

2010-07-30T06:51:00.002-05:00

Prov 24:27 Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. NIV

I’ve been thinking a lot about ways to share Jesus with our community, and as I was reading Father’s Word this morning, this scripture jumped out at me. Although the obvious and primary application of it was referring to a people who’s occupation was primarily agricultural, it’s wisdom speaks also to us today about our life focus.

Too many of us are backwards to the way this scripture instructs us to be- we focus our primary energies on building up our lives, our homes, our families. This focus is not wrong; we should be attentive to these things. However, it is not to be THE thing in our lives.

The stress that threatens to overwhelm us as we try to fulfill multiple roles in life- spouse, provider, good employee, student, Christian worker, ect is the result of a wrong focus, and it makes us feel like the Dutch boy that keeps sticking fingers in the leaking dike. It’s a truly futile effort that if not corrected in time, will lead to all that stress building up to a breaking point until it bursts out of us in ways that will bring great damage to our lives and testimonies.

However, if our focus is on Jesus, none of this will be a burden or even feel like work to us if the Son of God is what we have our eyes on. Jesus is to be the first, middle, last and all encompassing focus of our lives. If that is the case, all the other aspects of life that we are responsible for will fall into place naturally.

That is one of the best evangelic tools we have- the peace of God in what seems to be a very busy and hectic life. We have the Blood of the Lamb covering our sins, the word of our testimony going before us and defining who we are, and everyone sees that these first two premises prove the third- we do not love this life so much as to shirk from death. We can’t be afraid of death, we have already died and have been risen in Christ! We shouldn’t be drawn to the things of this world, we are ambassadors of another realm. Our focus on Jesus makes us dead to hardship, as the joy of our risen Lord strengthens us. This is the secret to living the overcoming life.

The world is crying out for something to give them that kind of joy, peace, and fulfillment. Will your witness in the way you live your life show them that “something”, or better yet, “someone”?

Ask yourself today- where is my focus? The answer will determine how you live not only this day, but your life.

Love and blessings!

Thought for the Day- July 16th, 2010

2010-07-16T05:26:00.000-05:00

"You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:48-49)

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

I was in prayer a few weeks ago with the rest of the pastoral staff. On Tuesdays, we spend about an hour seeking God and praying for our church and it’s attenders. That day, we had a deep spirit of intercession come on us, and I felt compelled to pray and ask God, “Lord, where is the power you promised us? We are filled with the Holy Spirit, we do our best to live concecrated lives. We work tiressly for your kingdom, but we don’t (very often) see the miracles. We don’t see the sudden healing of people with all kinds of hurts. What are we missing as shepherd leaders of your people?”

The Lord’s answer was instantanious- “You can’t have the power of Jesus without having His heart.”

I was very humbled by God’s response. I admit, because of my primary livelyhood as a paramedic, my heart can be very hard at times. I tell myself that it’s a defense mechanism, something that has to be in place to deal with the tragedy I see. Unfortunately, it’s not what God wants in His children, no matter what the reason.

Jesus’ heart was defined by two primary focus’- He loved God with all of His heart, soul, mind, and strength. After that, He loved the people around Him.

Such a simple way to live. It’s so simple that we can’t comprehend it. We look for things we can do, things we can study, things we can add to our spiritual resume’ that will make us more spiritual. Jesus kept it very simple- Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:29-31).

Why do we want spritual power in our lives? Is it to proclaim God’s goodness to the world? Is it to relieve spiritual and physical suffering in others, or is it to draw attention to ourselves?

Do we really love God and others to the point of being willing to live a crucified life, or are we content with the trickle of presence and power that we have now?

Some questions to ponder…

Love and blessings!

2010-05-25T14:35:00.000-05:00

2 Kings 17:32-33
They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed all sorts of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places. They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought. (NIV)

In ancient Israel, it was common for people to try to have the best of two worlds. In public, they would be devoted followers of Yahweh God, and be very particular to law of Moses. In private, they would have their own ways of worship and lifestyle, and this would often be done in “high places”; areas in their lives set aside to worship and live as they wanted in the privacy of their homes.

When we read the history of Israel, it is very easy to get a mindset of, “Well, what are these people doing now? What more does God have to do for them to get them to follow Him wholeheartedly?”

I admit, I’ve had these thoughts when reading the historical or biographical poritions of scripture. Then the Holy Spirit started to personalize those passages for me.

Let me do that for you and modernize this passage a little bit.

2 Kings 17:32-33 (P. John’s amplified modern translation)

“They worshipped the Lord, but they also had in their houses many forms of entertainment, to which they devoted themselves in spite of the warnings to avoid these very things found in God’s Word. They followed their soap operas, their sitcoms, and their reality TV. In addition, they even provoked the Lord to anger with their HBO and Sin-a-max (purposefully misspelled). They worshipped the Lord, but they served and looked just like the nations they were called out of to be a witness. Although they attended church on Sundays, and carried huge study bibles to show their religiosity to everyone, they provoked the Lord to anger by also worshipping the world that His Beloved Son died to save them from.”

Let me ask the question, “What are we doing now? What more does God have to do to get us to follow him wholeheartedly?”

Before people think I’m being “holier than thou”, this is something that the Lord has been hitting me heavy on. I was in staff prayer this morning with the Prayer House staff and was praying over this community and begging God for a revival to break out, for people to understand their need for Christ, and for Jesus’ name to again be held in honor instead of being a common curse word.

God’s reply was simple- His people, particularly those in church leadership, need to get rid of their high places, and then He will move. (2 Chron 7:13-15)

What high places are in your life? If God suddenly appeared in your TV room, would you be ashamed by what is on the screen? Do you give more in time and treasure toward entertainment then toward making sure that the church has enough help and/or money to serve it’s community, and spread the Gospel throughout the world through missions? If God did an audit on your checkbook, would He find that the money He gave you to steward was being used wisely and for eternal purposes?

Just a few questions that God is asking me…and I freely admit it has challenged and convicted me.

How about you?

Love and blessings,

John A. Oscar
Evangelism Pastor
Prayer House Assembly of God

Pray for Israel

2010-03-26T06:54:00.003-05:00

With all of the attention given the health care bill this week, a news story that contains much more far reaching consequences for our country went largely unnoticed. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was snubbed by the White House and our current president when he came to visit and talk about new construction in East Jerusalem.

Background-
Israel wants to build apartment buildings in an area of a city (Jerusalem, Eastern part specifically; it contains the Temple Mount and borders the Mount of Olives) that they've had in their possession for over 35 years. Israel won this area during the 6-Day-War, after a coalition of Arab nations came against Israel in an attempt to destroy the fledgling nation. Israel has kept these lands, even though some in the United Nations claim the lands are disputed and really should belong to the Palestinian people. The Palestinian people are a group comprising of largely former Jordanians (approx 80%) or nationless people, that live in and around Israel. They are generally opposed to the very existence of Israel, as Israel is now occupying land that was their people's prior to Israel re-becoming a nation in 1948 (ignoring that Israel had that land two thousand of year prior).

Currently-
Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the White House this week in order to explain Israel's position and his belief that as a sovereign nation, they have a right to build whatever housing they want on their soil. When the prime minister would not acquiesce to President Obama's insistence that Israel should stop the construction to keep his plans for a peace treaty alive, President Obama walked out of the meeting and told the prime minister to call him when he changed his mind. To do this to a "regular person" would be quite rude, but to a foreign head of state, especially one that is allied with the United States, it is inexcusable.

I know many people would claim that President Obama is a Christian. However, given his policies, beliefs about social issues, and the people that he surrounds himself with, I don't see it. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16 you will know them (false Christians) by their actions (fruits). One indication of a heart that is hard toward the things of God is a hatred toward Israel. President Obama has gone out of his way to be conciliatory to every Muslim, Buddhist, or other national figure that he has gone overseas to visit, or has visited him in Washington. However, whenever an Israeli leader visits, he is rude and insistent that he gets his way.

America has long stood behind Israel because of it's Judeo-Christian heritage. Historically, we have understood the promise from the bible that "Whoever blesses you (Israel, through Abraham) will be blessed, and whoever curses you (Israel) will be cursed" (Gen 12) . However, with the current president, that relationship is becoming more and more strained. President Obama has surrounded himself with people that have spoken out publicly of their hatred of Israel, and often blame Israel for most of the problems in the middle east region. These beliefs have culminated in a rejection of Israels right to sovereignty, and in insulting it's prime minister.

I was very troubled by this, as I know that America has largely rejected God on it's own, and the only thing holding back His wrath is America's friendship and support of Israel. However, with that apparently disappearing, the floodgates of judgment could be opening further on our country. As I prayed about these things this morning, God showed me a few things that may bring some comfort-

As wonderful as our support of Israel has been, it may be holding Israel back from revival and completely trusting God. Israel has a historic tendency to look to foreign governments for it's survival (biblical Egypt in particular) instead of looking to their God.
The prophetic events of Ezekiel 37 have largely taken place in that the nation of Israel has been reborn (dry bones living). In order for the events of Ezekiel 38-39 to take place, Israel will have to be standing alone and in peace with it's neighbors in order for the nations of north and those that surround them to attack them unexpectedly. No one dares to attack Israel directly now because of our pledge of protection.
In another news story, Russia and the USA have announced new atomic weapons treaties, further reducing the number of warheads each country has. This favors Russia much more than the USA as the Russian government can't afford to continue maintaining these arms. It also gives the world the illusion that Russia is interested in peace. Quite the contrary....

If you are following our church's reading list for the day, you are in Isaiah. The prophet tells us this- "You who call upon the Lord, give yourselves no rest; and give HIM no rest, until He establishes Jerusalem, and makes her the praise of all the earth." (Isaiah 62:6-7).

Continue to lift up Israel in your prayers. Pray that she be protected. Pray that she come to know her God. Most of all, pray that she, nationwide, come to know her Messiah, Christ Jesus.

Many blessings

Thought for the Day

2009-11-25T12:42:00.000-06:00

If God has a book of rememberance....what is He going to write in His book today about us?

"You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.'" Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.
Mal 3:14-16 NIV

Rev 21:12 says that one day the books will be opened. One of those books will be John Oscar's book of rememberance when I stand before HIM to give an account of my life.

Will I be ashamed, or will I rejoice with HIM because of the way I lived my life. If we believe that what we believe is really real, then we should live in holy fear thinking ahead toward that day with every decision we have to make.

"Lord, stamp eternity on my mind, heart, and soul. May every thought, word, and decision I make today reflect my total belief that I will stand before you one day to give an account."

Love and blessings,

Thought for the Week- August 24th, 2009

2009-08-23T23:01:00.002-05:00

Luke 1:54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy

This weekend was my 20th High School Reunion. I wasn’t planning on going so I didn’t sign up for it at all. I really didn’t have many friends in high school that would attend the reunion, so I didn’t feel a need to go.
This last Friday I was asked by the YAH (Young at Heart growth group) to be their projectionist for their movie night at church. I gladly accepted as I needed alone time to work on my sermon for Saturday anyway. I set up the movie for them, and went to my office and spent some quality time with God in prayer and study of His word.

After the event was over, the thought came to me that the “ice-breaker” was being held at a restaurant on the way home, so I called Tammie and told her that I might stop by. Besides, I knew David and Amy Maack would be there, so I’d at least have them to talk to.

I walked into the noisy and very crowded restaurant and found the Maacks standing by themselves. I got over to them and had a good time talking to David for along time about various issues as Amy caught up with several of her choir/music friends. As I sat there talking, I watch as my former classmates caught up with each other about what was going on in their lives. It being an adult gathering, there was a lot of alcohol being consumed, and its effects were becoming apparent on several people. After about an hour, I excused myself at went home.

I felt strange the next few days thinking about that night. It was a confusing array of nostalgia, regret, pain, and remembrance- emotions I rarely allow myself to indulge in. I really didn’t talk to anyone except David, and mostly just watched the people that were there. I couldn’t put a finger on exactly how I felt about it until Sunday morning. As my church family worshipped God together, the Holy Spirit moved two people in the service to give “words” from God. One of them dealt with God’s birthing process, and the pressure that brings new life into the world.

Then it hit me- throughout all the conflicting emotions and noise of that night, I finally figured out what God was trying to say to me. He was calling to remembrance the person I was the last time I was with these people. I, like Paul, “was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 1:13)”
God was reminding me the great works HE has done in my life. Although I might not have the earthly position, status, or possessions many in my class had or now have, I was exceedingly rich in the most important and lasting ways- ways that will echo into eternity. Although the last 20 years have been ones of great trial and pain (particularly before I knew God), the reward has been a development of Godly character, substance, wisdom, and humility. Although I don’t claim to have fully obtained this (Phil 3:12-14), the person I was last time I was with those people is completely different from the person I am today. If fact, that person is dead, and the person you see before you today is alive in Christ and Christ alone!

Take a moment and have a time of remembrance this week. Allow God to take you back and rejoice with HIM in what HE has done in your life.

It will blow your mind, lift your heart, and propel your spirit into praising HIM for the exceedingly abundant blessings HE has poured out in your life!

Love and blessings!

Part 2- The Emergent Church’s “Missional” focus

2009-05-31T15:19:00.002-05:00

Greetings everyone!

Part 2- The Emergent Church’s “Missional” focus

To most Christians, a church or movement that is defined as “missional” would be a good thing. We equate the word with those who give their lives to spreading the Gospel and helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Our Christian faith has a rich history of helping the poor, building hospitals, tending to the sick, and being a force for social good as a testimony to the Savior we serve.

However, in the Emergent philosophy, missional has an entirely different meaning. Today we will look at both how they define their mission, and how they put it into practice.

The Emergent Church’s beliefs- Defining the Mission-

Last week we mentioned the eschatological (end-times) belief of the emergent church- they do not believe in a final judgment. Their belief, in varying forms, is that the church through social action and influencing the culture will change the world into heaven on earth. That is the mission of the emergent church. On the surface, it may seem like an admirable thing- bringing “Christian” principles to the forefront of society. However, even a brief look beneath the surface reveals the truth of how they go about being missional.

Emergent Church leader Brian McLaren in his book “The Secret Message of Jesus” defines this mission. McLaren writes, “What if Jesus’ secret message reveals a secret plan? What if he didn’t come to start a new religion, but rather came to start a Political, Social, Religious, Artistic, Economic, Intellectual, and Spiritual Revolution that would give birth to a whole new world?” [The Secret Message of Jesus, McLaren, Brian, pg 4]

Anyone with just a basic understanding of Christian Doctrine can see a huge problem with that. One of the key beliefs revealed to us in the bible is that God is both knowable and wants to be known. The primary way we learn about Him is through the scriptures as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. To suggest that the “secret message of Jesus” has been hidden for 2000 years until the Emergent Church leaders discovered it exposes them for what they are, neo-gnostics. Gnostism (meaning knowledge) was a heresy confronted and defeated by the early church, and has lately been gaining prominence in both books and (later) movies like “The Da-Vinci Code” and “Angels and Demons”. In its most basic form, Gnostism is the belief that only through “secret knowledge” you may discover the true will of god (little “g” intentional) and experience him and/or salvation.

On a personal note, I have to say it is an incredibly egotistical belief to think that you have discovered something in the bible that centuries of brilliant theologians have not seen. This is especially true when what you think you have discovered goes against centuries of accepted Christian doctrine.

The Emergent Church in practice-

We looked at the emergent church’s beliefs first because on both a personal and corporate level, your core beliefs will always govern your actions, and this is clearly seen in the way the emergent church practices their mission.

To accomplish this mission in reaching and influencing as many people as they can, they have a “big tent” philosophy. Last week, I used the example of an emergent church in Haiti incorporating various aspects of voodoo into their service to relate with their community. Admittedly, that may be an extreme example, but it was chosen to clearly illustrate their philosophy of ministry. It all would fit under their “big tent” way of doing ministry- everyone and every belief is included, as they believe that God can be experienced in all things and in all ways. That is the belief of a Unitarian Universalist, not a biblical Christian.

The emergent church places a high value on the subjective religious experiences of its members. If a person who was previously a Buddhist came to their meeting, they would have no problem bringing those teachings into their fellowship, as they would believe “that is how God is revealing himself to that person”. As previously seen, they interpret scripture (and other religious teaching) in ways that make sense to them at the time. They reject any sort of systematic theology or objective truth. They believe god (little “g” intentional) is still in the process of creation and is continually revealing himself to them in new and different ways. Since “god” is doing that, this movement in general accepts every belief in him that is helpful to humanity.

These beliefs and practices are flawed at many levels. For the sake of brevity, I will list just three primary ones here-

1. They violate the 1st and 2nd commandment- you are creating a god that makes sense to you- essentially elevating your understanding above God’s revealed truth found in the bible
2. In incorporating other belief systems into their “church”, they are denying the wider biblical and direct Gospel message of humankind’s sin, God’s love for the sinner and His providing a way through the Lord Jesus Christ to be forgiven of that sin. In doing that, they deny Jesus’ own teaching- “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 14:6)
3. In raising and supporting whatever belief is “helpful to humanity”, no matter what the source of that “help” may be, they shift the object of worship from God to humanity. Again, a violation of the first two commandments.

I will close with one last warning from scripture. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes-, “There is nothing new under the sun.” The apostle Paul fought against this heresy his entire life in ministry and placed this warning in the bible for us even today-

Gal 1:6-9 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. NKJV

I hope this brief expose’ of the emergent church has been helpful to your understanding of this movement. If you would like more information, I recommend Pastor Ron’s Auch's book “The Jesus Sensitive Church” (purchase by clicking here) to see how the church is supposed to be, and then Pastor Bob DeWaay’s book “The Emergent Church, Undefining Christianity” which can be purchased by clicking here. As always, I invite any questions you may have.

Many blessings,
Pastor John
pastorjohn@prayerhouseag.org
www.prayerhouseag.org
http://pastorjohnsview.blogspot.com/

An Emerging Deception, Part 1

2009-05-25T12:10:00.004-05:00

Greetings everyone,

There is a growing movement among many evangelical churches called the Emerging (or Emergent) Church. It is of critical importance that we understand the dangers of this movement.

I am going to come right out and give my opinion right off the bat, and then work to defend it in this and further editions in this blog- this is an extremely dangerous movement. It meets every definition of a cult. To anyone who holds to the traditional interpretation of scripture, it is a damnable error.

On the surface, it looks like a wonderful extension of Christianity- churches that are very active in their communities, very concerned about social issues, and very interested in reaching everyone with their message. However, when one takes an even slightly deeper look into their beliefs and “theology”, one finds a message and theology (or lack thereof) that is very much opposed to the classical/traditional understanding of God, theology, and even Christian Doctrine that is revealed to us in the scriptures.

I’ve been studying this in depth for the last month to try to get an understanding of the complicated issues and philosophies surrounding this movement’s belief structure. This is very difficult as one of their core beliefs is putting practice before theology/beliefs, leading to a wide array of beliefs that are dependant upon local practices. As an example, if an Emergent Church was formed in Haiti, they would incorporate voodoo into their worship practice since that is “how god is revealing himself to these people”1. This is one of the main issues I have with them, but more on that later.

My research is taken from several books, internet articles, and audio messages I’ve listened to pro and con toward this movement. The books include “A Generous Orthodoxy” by Brian McLaren, “The Secret Message of Jesus…” by the same author, miscellaneous writings and speeches/debates of Doug Pagitt, and the primary text I’m using which is “The Emergent Church, Undefining Christianity” by Bob Dewaay, which extensively quotes from the previous texts as well as several other Emerging Church leaders.

To truly understand anything, you have to examine the history and origin of it. As this series will be long, I’ll try to be concise here to save time.

The history of the Emergent Movement can be traced to the philosophy of a German theologian named Jurgen Moltmann, who was heavily influenced by two German philosophers named Friedrich Hegel (an atheist) and Ernst Bloch (an atheist/neo-Marxist). Moltmann wrote a book called “The Theology of Hope” in which he put forward several primary theses-

1. The classical teaching of the bible that the world will end in judgment is wrong (see bullet 5)
2. god (small “g” on purpose) is bringing all people and his whole creation to himself
3. The fullness of the kingdom of God is not a future event, but something we can experience now through working toward establishing that kingdom now on earth.
4. The bible is not our absolute rule of faith and conduct. god is found in experiencing him in the context of the society we are in.
5. Although not implicitly stated by Moltmann, the inference is drawn in his writings and is believed by the Emergent church that only through understanding the scriptures in the context of Moltmann’s (and other Emerging Church authors) ideas, can the true meaning of the “red-letter words” or any other scripture be found. (This heresy is called gnosticism)

Understanding this background is key to understanding where the Emergent church is coming from, particularly the faulty eschatology of no final judgment and the working out of the kingdom on earth. This “theology” (I hesitate to use that word, as they don’t really study God at all) really took root among open theists, and although initially somewhat cloaked, is what fueled Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven movement, which paved the way for the Emergent Church. In fact, the Emergent Church is simply the next logical step of Warren’s model of church.

Next Part Two- What the term “missional” means to the Emergent Church

1. McLaren, Brian, a Generous Orthodoxy, Zondervon (although the example is not directly stated, the idea of the example is exactly what he is stating)

Many blessings,

Thought for the week- May 13th, 2009

2009-05-13T09:29:00.006-05:00

Deut 6:4-5 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

I’ve been on the edge of some type of revelation for a while now. It has been fleeting, like reaching for a steam cloud and having it disappear when you close your hand around it.

The Spirit of God has been speaking to my spirit, but I haven’t been able to comprehend or hear clearly what He has been saying or trying to teach me. Yesterday during staff, the heavens opened with a bang and I had the epiphany.

The discussion was on the proper priorities that pastors should have. The widely accepted and taught priority list is this-

1. God
2. family (spouse then children)
3. church
4. everything else

Most of us pastors get into trouble assuming #3 directly relates to #1, and in some ways it does. However, it suddenly occurred to me that I’ve had it all wrong. There is no list. I have spent the last day meditating on this, and I believe our priorities should look like this-

All of the problems in life can be traced back to this diagram. Preachers are great for telling people how to live, but often times in an effort to help people live a life pleasing to God, we reduce our relationship with Him to a set of rules and/ethical norms that have to be followed.

Those are important, but we should instead focus on teaching people to have a proper relationship with God. The law is a schoolmaster to point out our sin, but often times we (and I definitely count myself in this) come short and only point out the disease without offering the cure.

The verse from Deuteronomy that I used at the top of this devotional is called the Shema (meaning “Hear O’ Israel) among the Jews. It is their simple declaration of faith. Looking at the Hebrew in these verses, another way to translate it would be “Listen Israel, Yahweh our God is everything/altogether/our complete focus/our number 1 on a list of 1”.

Our relationship with God is not to be number 1 on a list of other things. There is no list with God. Anything else on a list with God is an idol.

All of our problems with sin, all of our problems with temptation, and all of our problems with relationships can all be traced back to this truth. If everything in our lives emanates from God, everything else in life takes care of itself.

Get alone with God and ask Him what is lacking in your relationship with Him. Let Him show you His wondrous riches and the incredible depths that He wants to take you in intimacy with Him.

It’s all about HIM! Let us covenant together to make Him our everything.

Many blessings,

True Citizenship

2009-04-05T17:56:00.002-05:00

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Phil 3:20-21 (NKJV)

“…so help me God.”
It was July 17th, 1988 at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Milwaukee that I uttered the words that would direct the next several years of my life.
Patriotism and love of country had been something that had been drilled into me all my life. All the men on either side of my family had served during times of war to defend America. I was joining because a part of me wanted to be “Rambo” and another part because I knew the Army would teach me several things that were seriously lacking in my life- discipline, honor, courage, and submission to authority.
My years in the military strengthened my love for my country. You can’t be an effective soldier unless you are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for your country. That kind of patriotism has a price though- unwavering belief that what you are willing to die for is worth it.
I still love my country, but I’m seriously concerned for her as the direction we seem to be heading at a breakneck pace is going to lead to her destruction. No nation in history can be as blessed of God and suddenly turn it’s back on Him and not have serious repercussions. It seems we are there- God has removed all restraint and we are heading down a slippery dark hole and there is nothing we can grab onto to stop this slide.
As concerned as I am for America, my heart is still hopeful, as another thing has happened in my life.
July of 1993, sitting on the back steps of my apartment, I again enlisted. From that point on, my citizenship changed. I am now not just an American. I am a citizen of the Eternal Kingdom, Ambassador of the Most High, and adopted yet blood relative of the King of Kings.
Recently this realization came to me again as I was praying for our country and getting really distressed about everything going on. God gently reminded me that America, as with every human government, will eventually pass into the annals of history, but His Kingdom, that of the Most High will never cease. Not only that, but my citizenship in that country is irrevocable.
Remember that next time you read or watch the news and your heart grows fearful. Remember the promise of Jesus-

Rev 21:6-7 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

If you have made Jesus your Lord, you are now a citizen of heaven. To be effective citizens and soldiers of the cross, a few things are required of us-

Be a true patriot of Heaven- one who is willing to lay down their life to defend it, expand it, and to uphold its honor. Jesus is more than worth it!
Learn to lay down our lives every moment of every day for the Gospel- being living martyrs.
Being Jesus to others. Showing His love and compassion to everyone we meet.
Taking seriously the title of “Ambassador of the Kingdom of Christ Jesus”. We carry the very presence of God everywhere we go, and that is the thing that will draw people to the Savior.

Living in our true citizenship is the only hope for America. Jesus is coming back very soon, and as a student of scripture, my head is spinning at how fast the world is heading toward that blessed day.

Live for Him with everything you have now, as soon it will be night, where no one can work (John 9:4).

Love and blessings,

Living in the Rhema Word

2009-01-31T09:21:00.004-06:00

I was reading Prov 29:18 this morning-
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. NKJV
Sometimes you read a verse that you’re read dozens of times and for whatever reason; the Holy Spirit uses it to speak to your life right at that moment. That happened to me this morning.

As a rule, I would rather not create a blog entry that is devotional in nature unless it is something that God is speaking directly to me as I don’t want to waste your time or mine just to send something out. Today, God spoke, and so I’ve written it down for my benefit and yours.

Several thoughts came to my head as the Holy Spirit poured HIMself into me this morning. The first thought I have correlates this verse with Matt 4:4- “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word (Greek word- rhema) that comes from the mouth of God”. Jesus quoted Deut 8:3 to ward off the attack of the enemy. Jesus stresses the need for a rhema word of God- not just the logos, but hearing from God in an intimate relationship with HIM. The Greek word rhema is defined as a spoken word, where the Greek word“logos” is defined as a written word. The “word” God wants us to live in is the spoken word, and that only comes through a deep and abiding relationship with HIM. You don’t hear a person’s voice unless you purpose to spend time with them, and the same is true of God.

Second, is the “people cast off all restraint”. Where there is no relationship with God, there is no restraining influence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings life giving words (Rhema) that illuminate the written Word of God (logos). We can memorize the whole bible (satan has, and it didn't change him one iota), but unless it is tied in with a relationship with God and continued revelation of who HE is, it has no affect on the way we live. That is why the ethical standards in the Evangelical churches are so low- we traded a “head knowledge” of God (which has its roots in pride) for the intimacy with God, which is based on a loving relationship with HIM.

Third, the believers influence in the world is absolutely hindered if not completely eradicated if they are not living in that fresh word from God. We can’t speak to the hurting and dying world unless we are completely HIS and dead to the things of this world. We’ve (and I’m the worse at times) traded in an abiding, deep relationship with the Almighty for secular entertainment. Leonard Ravenhill spoke to this when he said that “entertainment is the devils substitute for joy”, because true joy only comes through that intimate relationship with God.

Jesus is our example- sure he went to parties and hung out with people, but over and over again the Gospels portray a man who no matter how tired He was or no matter how stressed He might have been in His earthly self, He continually sought His Father in times of solitude. Jesus knew that the key to a victorious life on earth was to continually seek heaven and the throne of God.
We can’t expect to move this world or advance the Kingdom of God so long as we refuse to allow God HIS rightful place in our lives. I’m going to be open and honest here and share a few things from my life that God has shown me lately that steal time from seeking him in my life. I share it because I think it might help others-
1. Turn off the news- I confess that I’m a huge news junkie, especially Fox News and their prime time talk shows like O’Reilly and Hannity. While I respect what these men are trying to do in the realm of conservative politics, endlessly focusing on what is happening in the world will depress even the cheeriest of people. What is going on in the world has already been told to us, and should come as no surprise (see Matt 24/ 2 Tim 3). If I/we spend half the time we spend taking in news in prayer, we’d see a revival that would dwarf all previous ones.
2. Watch how much time we spend in leisure- Humans, especially this one, don’t do well with time off. Humans were made to take in stimulation, and boredom is the devils playground. Make an effort to fill days off with things that further your relationship with your God and your family.
3. Music- Humans were created for worship. When we take the medium (music) that God has blessed us with to worship HIM and substitute it for songs that sing of worldly things, we shouldn’t be surprised when our thought lives are not pure and we struggle with temptations on all sides.

That’s a lot God showed me from one verse….but it comes from an abiding relationship with HIM. Although I often struggle to maintain it (more than you know), He has been drawing me harder now then ever in my life, and I praise HIM and thank HIM for continuing to woo me as the Lover of My Soul…

It is my prayer and more importantly, the desire of heaven, that everyone who reads this will experience God in even greater ways then I have. We are moments from eternity, let’s toss this world’s distractions aside and purpose to really seek God instead of just paying lip service to it.

Love and blessings,

John A. Oscar
Evangelism Pastor
Prayer House Assembly of God
pastorjohn@prayerhouseag.org
www.prayerhouseag.org
http://pastorjohnsview.blogspot.com

What do we do now???

2009-01-23T08:12:00.000-06:00

Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. NIV

A lot of attention has been paid to our new president this week and rightfully so. There has also been a lot of angst from conservative Christians about his social programs that promote blatent immorality.

After President Bush (II) was elected, there was a huge push to pray for him as he claimed to being a confessed Christian. That was good and proper, but how much more now should we being praying for President Obama? Admittedly, his claims of being a Christian in the midst of him promoting things like homosexual marriage and abortion leave a bad taste in a biblical Christian's mouth. However, instead of directing words of hatred or sarcasm towards him, we should be lifting him up to God in prayer.

First, we need to pray for him to come to Jesus in repentance. It seems like he "accepted Christ" in a church that preached only a gospel of social action but did not deal with the subjects of good vs evil, or the problem of sin. His foundation is faulty, so everything that comes from that is tainted by him having the wrong view of man, the bible, and God. Social Gospel or "Black Liberation Theology" that was largly taught at his last church deals with the concept that the biblical record records the struggle of the oppressed against the larger and more powerful elite, and that Jesus' mission was to bring freedom to those captives. It ignores the inherant evil found in every human from the fall of man, and limits the incredible love of God to only those who may feel oppressed by someone else, thus leading President Obama to be sympathetic toward social minorities like homosexuals or toward an "oppressed women" whose irresponsiblity lead her to become pregnant (which causes most abortions). He needs God to reveal to him the true gospel- one that exposes the sin in his own life, makes him grieve over it and reach out to Jesus as the only one who can save him from it and it's penalty- eternal seperation from God.

Second, we need to pray that God directs his heart. Irregardless of President Obama's eternal destiny, God can move his heart in whatever way HE chooses if, and only if, the people of God pray and ask Him to do it. 2 Chron 7:13-14 gives us a reciepe so to speak for God to move-

2 Chron 7:13-14
When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (NKJV)

See the if/then statement- if my people (not the world, the church!) humble themselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from wickeness, then God will forgive their sin and heal their land.

You could put Stalin, Hitler, or any other despot in the White House, and if the people of God are living for God and seeking Him will all of their heart, souls, and minds, he will follow God's will because God always responds to the concentrated prayer of His people.

We need to be focused on God, and not a man. It's so easy to stand and shout down a man instead of kneel before God in prayer and supplication. One is born of the flesh and produces fleshly results- strife, anger, hatred, and division. The other produces Godliness, contentment, and peace. Only one glorifies God, and that is the latter...

Which one will you choose?

The Crushed Life

2009-01-23T07:39:00.000-06:00

Isa 53:10- Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer

The old man started awake as a rat scurried over him. The soldier next to him stirred in his sleep, opening his eyes slightly to see if all was okay before drifting back to sleep. It took a moment for the old man to get his bearings, and sighed remembering where we was. He quietly rolled over and planted his face in his hands and began to pray, giving thanks for another day to witness to the hardened young man that was chained to him in this dark, damp, always cold cell. For months he had worked on him, peeling back the layers. For a Roman soldier, prison duty was generally the worse duty that could be pulled, and kept as a punishment for soldiers who were sub-standard in some way. Yet, being with the old man for these months had softened his heart as he kept hearing of a man who did the incredible, raising the dead, making blind men see, and then did the inscrutable- dying for all men.
As the old man poured his heart and spirit into his prayer, the young soldier woke up and saw the old man again praying. It seemed to be all he did besides talking to him and other prisoners about a man named Jesus who he claimed was God. The soldier watched as the man moaned into his hands begging his God to move in the hearts of the other prisoners so that they would believe his words and be saved. Then the old man began praying for him, and the soldier’s heart was moved at the love being expressed by the old man as he begged Jesus to save him. The young mans eyes moistened as he watched the man sway, almost as if he was a women in labor straining with everything that was in him as he prayed. Something in the man’s heart stirred and broke as he watched the love of the old man pour out for him before his God.

“Paul,” he whispered, drawing the old man out of his prayer. “Tell me again about this Jesus…”. The Apostle Paul rose from his prostrate position and smiled at the young soldier, and began to speak the words that would lead him to salvation…

I was struck this week reading this verse from Isaiah- it was the Lord’s will to crush Jesus. Jesus who did not sin, but lived a life of perfect obedience to God, was crushed by a Father who love Him…

God’s ways seem so inscrutable. It’s hard for us to see the how’s and whys we go through difficult times. Paul, like Jesus, suffered for doing God’s will. It’s the exact opposite of what we or the world for that matter would expect God to do. We expect an immediate reward when we obey, but perhaps God has you on a higher road. See, if Jesus hadn’t been crushed by God, we would still be dead in our sins. If Paul hadn’t been crushed by God, we would not have a New Testament and the Gospel would have been a Jewish thing only.

In order to get wine, a grape has to be crushed. Our reaction to adversity shows the condition of our hearts and what truly dwells there. What comes out of you when God even squeezes you a little? (and lets be honest, not many of us have been squeezed as hard as Jesus or Paul!)

Make an effort in the coming year to allow God to squeeze you a little. Decide right now as you read this that you will spend more time with HIM in separated prayer- going away and being just with God. Go to your church, or for a walk in the woods and just commune with HIM. If you do that, when God decides it’s time to squeeze you, only the oil of the Holy Spirit will come forth, and that the true and loving nature of God will be shown to this lost and dying world.

It’s a higher road, but one that is worthy of Jesus if we say we are truly following HIM!

Love and blessings,

John A. Oscar
Evangelism Pastor
Prayer House Assembly of God