Signs, Wonders and Deception???

One of the biggest arguments against the supernatural among an increasingly fringe element in the church is rooted in the fear of deception. What do we say to folks who seem to believe that everything supernatural—anything that cannot be explained—is dangerous? For a longer answer, I would invite them to read books such as J.P. Moreland’s Kingdom Triangle and Jack Deere’s Surprised by the Power of God, but following are a few of my thoughts, thoughts on avoiding deception in these days of increasing numbers of signs, wonders, and miracles. 

It seems unlikely that the enemy it will be blatant and obvious in his deceptions. It seems more likely that he will attempt to appear genuine and trustworthy  and inject only the slightest little twinge of evil in order to slowly and carefully lead people astray. Given this assumption, it's conceivable that someone could start out genuine but be led into error if they are not watchful, alert and submitted to Scripture and others in the body of Christ. Others in the Body of Christ includes those who have gone before us. Humility towards those we discover in church history is in order in this matter. Why? If folks who move in supernatural power don’t remain humble and open to input from others, they could be led astray and others with them. 

Does this mean that we pull back from the miraculous? Absolutely not! That would be even more dangerous because it would leave the enemy as the only one who had power. No, we must press in just as the early church did and ask persistently for boldness and signs, wonders and miracles to be done in the name of Jesus. But that last phrase becomes a key for us all in avoiding deception, because it shows us to whom the glory belongs and from whom the power comes and for whose purposes the power is exercised. Remembering those things will certainly steer us away from being deceived by the miraculous. And there are other things that will help as well. These things include remaining in humility and in mutual submission to one another; remaining in submission to God's Word and to what has been shown to us from those who have gone before; praying for and exercising discernment—we will need discernment in great measure. If all of these are part of our life as well as obviously part of those who seem to move in exceptional power, then we will not be deceived. For more on this, check out Matthew 7:15-23!

So as for me, I will press in ever harder to see the same level of power as was present in the early church present in my life and in the Body of Christ around the world. But I will do so in humility, with Isaiah 42 as my “model for ministry” and with many brothers and sisters around me to speak into my life as needed. I will do so with a desire to have only God honored by what happens and with a commitment to have the Holy Spirit and God’s word search me continually. What about you?

Stay lost, absolutely drowned, in God's love!

Tom, Abba's least child

The Violinist, The Shack and The Revolution

On December 16, 2006, during one of my times with Papa God, I had a visual impression (some would call it a "vision") of a violinist that I believe relates to what we see God doing in North America right now.

The visual impression came to me as I was pondering the devastation and brokenness of our nation and a very broken, weak church. I was in the air looking down upon the North American continent, and as I looked I saw in the distance a violinist standing in the middle of the darkness and devastation. At first as I looked I thought that the violinist represented the church, which like Nero was "fiddling while Rome burned." But I sensed God telling me to keep looking, and as I did I realized that the violinist was Jesus! And as Jesus played the violin, all around in the darkness God's people began to listen to the music. As they did so, their eyes were opened, they saw clearly reality and truth both about the world and about God. Then as I continued to watch, light, life, fire and gold began emerging and spreading around those who heard the music. As the light (golden light) began to spread, it began to form networks all across the continent--people were connecting everywhere. And the music grew louder, wilder and sweeter -- even now, I can hardly bear to think of it because of its wild, sweet, loud power!

Since I had that vision I have had increasingly frequent encounters with believers who are waking up to intimacy with God in remarkable ways. At last people are beginning to realize that the Good News is really good news--that God is delighted in His kids and is "especially fond" of each and every one of us. It seems that the violinist's music is getting louder, with wonderful results. And these folks are discovering one another in ways that only "heavenly orchestration" can explain.

Where does The Shack come in? I have found that this amazing book contains the music of the violinist in a way that enables people to hear it with life-disrupting clarity. "Shack stories" are beginning to pile up in my memory banks: 70 year old believers who have been "churched" for decades weeping unashamedly as they say, "Now for the first time in my life I can call God 'Papa'!" and young girls weeping through the entire book as Papa heals deep "father wounds" that could be shared with no one. Wow! This is amazing and exciting. Have you read The Shack yet? Please do so. I believe that it is one of God's best instruments for bringing the revolution ("revival") that so many have been praying for. You can order it through Amazon or directly from the website www.theshackbook.com.


So, has the revolution truly started at last? I believe that it has, and The Shack tells us what it looks like: "If you ever get a chance to hang out with Mack, you will soon learn that he's hoping for a new revolution, one of love and kindness--a revolution that revolves around Jesus and what he did for us all and what he continues to do in anyone who has a hunger for reconciliation and a place to call home. This is not a revolution that will overthrow anything, or if it does, it will do so in ways we could never contrive in advance. Instead it will be the quiet daily powers of dying and serving and loving and laughing, of simple tenderness and unseen kindness, because if anything matters, everything matters. (page 248).

Are you in? Let us hear from you!

Stay lost in Papa's love, embraced by His grace,

Tom, the least of Abba's children

Listen!

Those of us on the simple life in Jesus journey are discovering more and more that it's not about meetings but about life lived together in friendship with God and one another. And for a great article on this, check out this article by Wayne Jacobsen.

There are times, of course, when we do gather, though, and I want to suggest a shift in how we approach those gatherings (at least I think it's a shift for most of us!). I suggest that we come prepared to listen. No, this is not a step back to the "sit down and be quiet" approach of traditional church--I am rather suggesting a change of culture that thinks of our gatherings as more listening than talking. My experience with simple/house church folks so far has made me realize that most who gather come to gatherings thinking "What can I say?" rather than "What will I hear?"

Here's what this would look like in real practice (and it works great whether we are talking about two friends in an informal gathering or a gathering in a home). There are four arenas of listening involved. Come prepared to listen in each of these settings and watch what happens!

First, listen to one another. One of the rarest and most precious gifts we can extend to another person is to truly listen to them! Sincere, focused listening to the other person in your meeting (formal or informal) will deeply change the dynamics of the meeting--trust me! Listening carefully to the other person makes me vulnerable and tender and communicates to him/her that s/he is valued and treasured.

Second, listen to God in one another. Since every believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit it seems likely that God may speak something to you and me through every believer we choose to listen to. There have been many times in my life when I heard God very clearly while listening to someone else's story. I am sure that you can say the same thing. Think how wonderful it will be, then, to be intentionally listening for God in that other person!

Third, listen to God for one another. This is where things like prophetic words, words of encouragement and comfort come in. Although none of us can hear God in place of another believer's need to hear God, we can certainly confirm and reinforce what God may be saying to someone else. And yes, I know this concept goes against the grain of some personal prophecies. But my conviction is that C.S. Lewis is right when he says that "Aslan tells no man another man's story." In other words, no one can hear the "life instructions" for another person. But again, we all need things confirmed and reaffirmed. Think how wonderful if would be if we were intentional about listening to God for one another when we gather!

Finally, listen to God with one another. This is probably the hardest for those of us from a highly individualistic western church culture, but it's a key part of learning to be the church as Jesus intended it. One of the best scriptural examples of this is found in Acts 13 where the five prophets and teachers here together God's instructions for Barnabas and Saul, but the concept of listening to God together is foundational in all the New Testament. How does this play out when we gather? I could make a few suggestions, but I would rather that you try it for yourself. Those of us who lead groups can start the process by asking the group to listen together. For example, "What do you sense God wants us to do about Sally's story?" or "What sense do you get for our next few minutes together?" or just "Let's listen to God together for the next ____ minutes." Try it, I am sure you can come up with something!

That's it for this post. Remember that just being quiet isn't really listening. :-)

Stay lost in His love,

Tom, Abba's least child

Are You Obeying This Command from Jesus?

I think we all know that obedience to God brings blessing and is always best for us, right? After all, it's rather silly for us to disregard instruction from the One who loves us more than we love ourselves and who knows everything! And the Bible clearly tells us that obedience is always for our good (even when it's hard!)--take a peek at Deuteronomy 6:1-3, Psalm 1:1-3, John 14:21-23, for just a few examples (Psalm 119:165 in the NLT is good, too! "Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.")

But check out this command from Jesus! A dear friend of mine pointed out John 15:7 from the Wuest Translation of the New Testament a while back, and it has stuck with me ever since (Thanks, Tony!). John 15:7 in that translation reads: "If you maintain a living communion with me and my words are at home in you, I command you to ask, at once, something for yourself, whatever your heart desires, and it will be yours."

When I first heard this rendering, I was taken aback and fearful that taking it seriously would lead to selfish indulgence, but I now realize that I was missing the point. Jesus qualified His command to "ask" with the first part of what He said. Those who are in intimate relationship with Him and who have truly made room in their hearts for His word can trust the desires of their hearts! Indeed, those who are intimate with Jesus have discovered that intimacy with Him both enables and compels obedience to all of Jesus' commands, including this one.

As I pondered my heart's desires in light of this verse, I found that my heart's desires are indeed good and worthy of bringing to God. Even "something for myself" has been shaped by living in increasing awareness of His presence: what I desire most is simply more of Him, more of His love and power in my life so that I can honor Him and bring His love and power in increasing measure to all whom I meet. Yes, I can obey this command without fear of self indulgence, I think. And so can you.

This isn't the only place where we are commanded to ask, of course. You may want to read the entire "Upper Room Discourse" (John 13-16). You will be amazed at how many times Jesus commands his disciples to ask and at the context in which He gives the command. Matthew 7:7-11 also comes to mind, along with other passages. Clearly, we are to be a childlike, asking people!

So think about it carefully, please. Are you obeying Jesus' command to ask? What if He really meant it? What if it's as simple as it seems? What if even learning to obey is something we can ask for? Much to ponder here...

I think I am finished writing on the topic of obedience for a while, but God alone knows. Regardless, again I highly recommend Bethany House's version of Andrew Murray's classic work on obedience, A Life of Obedience. You will find in this man's writing much better thinking and writing than I can produce!

Until my next post, I pray that the overpowering goodness and trustworthiness of God will cause instantaneous and complete obedience in your life to be the first and most natural response to every nudging of His Spirit!

Tom, the least of Abba's children

"Sinner" Magnet!

     I will return to the theme of obedience (how obedience and intimacy are related), but I had the Lord drop something on me this morning that I had to share.
     I was headed to Luke 15, the story of the Lost Son, because Papa had been speaking to me about how to avoid becoming like the older brother. I was arrested by the Holy Spirit, however, as I read the first two verses of the chapter. I have always known that Jesus was called "the friend of sinners" and was truly a "sinner" magnet, but somehow the contrast between Him and how Christians are perceived by pre-Christians today became more real today than ever before.
     Luke 15:1-2 says, "Now the tax collectors and 'sinners' were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (NIV) As I read these two lines this morning I was struck by how completely different Christians have generally become from Jesus! When was the last time we heard of "sinners" constantly gathering around a Christian to listen to him/her? I live in Colorado Springs, a city so badly divided between churched and unchurched people that it's best not to pray over a meal in a restaurant with your head bowed and where some of the more popular bumper sticker are "Focus on your own damn family!" or a fish symbol with "sushi" for the letters, etc. How ironic that the city with the highest percentage of churched people in Colorado is also the city known among unbelievers as a bad place to live!
     So what happened? I find myself often asking Jesus, "How did those whom you love so much, over whom you and your angels rejoice when they return to you more than over us, become my enemy?" The answer, of course, lies somewhere in the terrible definition that the "church" has given to what it means to be a Christ follower. If being a follower of Jesus means that we merely join a club and take sides, then of course there are those who are "in" and those who are "out." But if to follow Jesus means that we are joined in intimacy with Him and His heart, then we will also become sinner magnets, exuding His love, presence and power so consistently and powerfully that people who don't know Him will want to hang around us. We will earn the right to share our faith by honoring, respecting, caring for people without strings attached, etc. We will trust the Holy Spirit to be the Holy Spirit, and we will overflow with kindness and goodness rather than draw lines in the sand.
     Okay, I am on a roll here, so I will stop. You get the point, I trust. And for me, I am now asking Papa to help me be willing to check and see if those who don't know Him are drawn to me because they know that I genuinely care for them in a way similar to how Jesus cared for "sinner" in His day. A pretty good measuring stick, methinks.
     Let me hear from you on this one, please. We will all benefit from the rest of the story that Papa will give to some of you.

Have a wonder-filled Christmas.

Tom, one of Papa's children.

Stuck on Obedience

     Those (few) of you who read this blog are going to believe that I am stuck on the concept of obedience, and perhaps you are right. I am beginning to believe that this is one of most misunderstood yet crucially important things in the Church. So for the foreseeable future, I will be continuing to write (short!) thoughts on obedience as Abba continues to give them to me.
     Today I first want to recommend another book (surprise!) that is one of the best I have seen on obedience. It's an updated version of an old Andrew Murray classic, originally entitled The School of Obedience. The Bethany House version of this book is entitled A Life of Obedience, and this book is destined to be added to my short list of "must read" books. Following are a couple of quotes from it.
     "The beauty of salvation consists of this, that He brings us back to the life of obedience, through which alone the creature can give the Creator the glory due to Him, or receive the glory of which his Creator desires him to partake." (page 11). In an earlier post (October 24), I noted that some believers seem to think that they have been "saved from having to obey" instead of being saved in order to obey. Murray's statement here addresses that myth.
     "The secret of true obedience, I believe, is a clear and close personal relationship with God. All our attempts to achieve full obedience will fail until we have access to His abiding fellowship. It is God's holy presence, consciously abiding with us, that keeps us from disobeying Him....A life of broken and spasmodic fellowship with God must be healed to make way for a full and healthy life of obedience. The secret of true obedience, then, is the return to close and continual fellowship with God." (pages 32-33). I know none of you are surprised that I would quote this one! Through our intimacy with Him, Jesus lives the obedient life out in us. As I have said before, we live from God, not for God.
     Now here are a few random thoughts on obedience that I may or may not elaborate on in the days ahead.

• Obedience is essentially the surrender of the control of your life to another person or persons. That's probably why it's so hard for the children of Adam, eh?
• The obedience God desires flows from our trust in Him and love for Him (see my post for March 19). It is possible, of course, to obey apart from love and trust (fear can motivate us, too), but it is not possible to love and trust someone and not obey them (John 14:15). Think about that one a while!
• Trust (aka "faith") gives birth to more than obedience, but it most certainly must lead to obedience (see the NIV's rendering of Romans 1:5!).
• Perhaps one reason we have such a hard time in our culture with obedience is that our culture is based on individualism and was born in rebellion. Hebrew culture, on the other hand, was community/family oriented and had obedience at its root. Hmmm. Much to ponder with this one.

     Okay, enough for now. I hope to write again later this week to catch up some. I have discovered that I need to write in the middle of the week instead of on Mondays because I travel so much!
     I close with this scripture about Abraham (my paraphrase). "Because He trusted Him, Abraham obeyed when he was called (by God) to leave friends and family behind and go to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not even knowing where he was going!" (Hebrews 11:8).
     Abba, may we trust you more and more because of the continuing revelation of your total trustworthiness, goodness and love! Jesus, live out the life of the Obedient One through us!

Tom, the least of Abba's children.

"Wigglesworthisms" on Obedience

I was on vacation last week, and I am swamped this week, but I wanted to post one more blog in November. My being pressed for time guarantees that this one will be quite brief (hurrah!).

For this post, I wanted to continue the theme of obedience by introducing you to another book, The Wigglesworth Standard, by Peter Madden. This book is based on a collection of previously unpublished messages by Smith Wigglesworth, and it is priceless for those of us who look to Smith W. as a mentor. Below are a few "Wigglesworthisms" on obedience from the chapter entitled, "Lord, what do you want me to do?"

The place of yieldedness is just where God wants us. People are saying, "I want the Baptism. I want healing. I would like to know of a certainty that I am a child of God." And I see nothing, absolutely nothing in the way except unyieldedness to the plan of God. (p. 54)

The main thing that God wants is obedience. Where you begin yielding and yielding to God, He has a plan for your life... (p. 55)

The baptism of Jesus must bring us to have a single eye for the glory of God; everything else is wasted time and wasted energy. Beloved, we can reach it; it is a high mark, but we can get to it. You ask how? "Lord, what do you want me to do?" (Acts 9:6) That is the plan. It means a perfect surrender to the call of God, and perfect obedience. (p. 60)

A dear young Russian came to England. he did not know the language but learned it quickly and was very much used and blessed of God. As the wonderful manifestations of the power of God were seen, people pressed upon him to know the secret of his power, but he felt it was so secret between him and God that he should not tell it. But they pressed so much that he said to them: "First, God called me, and His presence was so precious that I said to God at every call I would obey Him, and I yielded and yielded, and yielded, until I realized that I was simply clothed with another power altogether, and I realized that God took me, tongue, thoughts, and everything, and I was not myself but it was Christ working through me." (pp. 60-61)

Wow! My mentor challenges me today even as I write these words. May God become as precious to us as to that amazing, unknown Russian man whom Smith mentions, so that like him and Smith Wigglesworth, we may truly yield and yield until obedience becomes complete in us!

Stay lost in His love, embraced in His grace,

Tom, the least of Abba's children