For a time will come when all the earth will be filled, as the waters fill the sea, with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. Habakkuk 2:14
I had planned on writing this earlier, but haven't had a chance until today. I mentioned it at the beginning of my last post. This is topic #2.
I was listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio. His conversation was regarding Abortion, and specifically Obama's speech at Notre Dame. Since it's been a day or two, I don't remember all that Rush was saying, but he did point out the fact that even churches and religious organizations are beginning to alter their point-of-view on Abortion in order to maintain a "welcoming" non-confrontational element to their church so that people will come. He mentioned a poll that stated that XX number of people who go to church are now pro-choice, and feel that it is right to be so. (I don't remember what the XX number was, but I do remember that it was ridiculously higher than I had expected).
Anyway... that's all not really the point. It just got me thinking. Thinking about churches. About how churches, in order to appeal to new believers are often focusing on the "Life Application" teaching of the Bible. How teachings are now just filled with "good thoughts" - almost like the teachings of Confucius - rather than real scripture. How those good thoughts are beginning to dangerously miss the point, and veer off the path of righteousness.
God does teach about love. Jesus, did say it was the greatest commandment. But since when did one commandment make the rest null and void? God is Love, but God is also a Jealous God. In other words, there's far, far more to God than many churches today are talking about, focusing on, or - shamefully - even believing in. There are rules, people... rules He expects us to adhere to.
The church is constantly hammered on by society. We get attacked everyday. However, I began to think that the loss of focus on real scripture - on teaching straight from the words of God - is what is ultimately the biggest danger. For those of us who have been at least partially paying attention; We're so focused on outward attacks that we're missing the fact that the battle is now inside our defenses. Our castle walls have been breached by diggers, and the very foundation of those walls is in danger of being sapped.
It made me feel that finding a new church... a church that focuses on God's teaching, and doesn't ignore that God has far more characteristics than the "mushy, soft, feel-good" one's... finding a new church is more important than ever. I love the soft side of God. I lean on it everyday. If God didn't love me like I believe He does, He certainly would have given up on me long ago.
That doesn't mean that God is single-faceted. It simply means that I play favorites with the parts of God I love the most. :) But I want to really, really know God. I want to know about the King, Lord and Ruler - the part of God that guides, commands and controls everything. I want to know about the Father - the part of God that loves me unconditionally, gently reprimands to keep me on track, teaches with His example, and is proud of me as His own when I succeed. I want to know about the Creator, and all-knowing all-powerful Alpha and Omega - the side of God that can do the impossible, that understands things to a depth I can't imagine, that is far more creative than all the minds of this earth put together, and that stands outside of (and actually forms) all bounds of understanding and thought. I want to know about the Savior - the side of God that sacrificed more than I ever will, for reasons I only partially understand. I want to know about the Friend - the side of God that longs to commune with me, also for reasons I only partially understand. And Especially, I want to know about the Holy Spirit - the part of God that is sitting here with me, as I type this very sentence.
So, I've been bothered by this fact that churches are very lost. Today, I prayed for scripture to read during lunch. God said, "Habakkuk". "Cool", I thought, "obscure, and different. I know the book exists, but do I even know what it says? Not likely."
So cool! So very, very cool. You must read it. And when you do, if I missed any important "lessons", please let me know. Here, in short, are the three things that God said to me:
1) "I'm in control. Not only am I in control, I'm active. I'm doing things that even you wouldn't believe if you were told about them. Simply watch, and be Amazed!"
2) "My timing is perfect, and My works are flawless! These thing I plan may not happen right away, but slowly, steadily, surely the time approaches when My vision will be fulfilled."
3) "When evil thrives, it is I who allow it, for nothing is outside My control. But do not despair, for I allow it so that I can show my power and be glorified. When I allow the wicked to raise up, I allow it so I can tear them down and diminish them. Then my power will be known and My glory revealed!"
6 comments:
All 3 of those are such truths with what is going on in this world and in our marriage babe! I cannot wait to not only watch and see what He has in store for us and the world... but to try and focus on listening and acting on what He wants us to do and to OBEY. Listen, Act and Obey. That is what I am hearing.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
Just thought you should be reminded of that because you are obviously seeking after the heart of God.
You challenge me Dave...I love it!
Great post David! I was listening to Rush that morning too, got me thinking about some of the same things you wrote about. I am with you on seeking out a new church that is more scripture based. Kirk expressed intrest in trying new churches too.
did you get all of these from the whole book or a specific chapter? i'd love to know, cuz #3 could really be an encouragement to someone who has been victimized and wonders where God was in it all. very encouraging. thanks, for sharing, bro!
This is so what's been on my heart for many months now. I'd like to just pot your blog on my blog. :-) I think I'll be reading Habakkuk today. Thank you for those powerful words.
Lol - it is from the whole book... or rather, the whole book's purpose is predominantly for this message (#3). It's a short book though. 4 or 5 chapters and very short. You should read it.
Here's the summary of the whole book:
Habakkuk complains, "God what's the deal? There's so much violence, and sin and evil in the world. Where are you? I'm so tired of all of this!"
God's reply, "Watch and be amazed! I'm doing things which you wouldn't even believe. Simply look at the Babylonians - they are a wicked people, getting rich of those they destroy simply for the purposes to get rich. I am raising them up, and they are going to be a scourge to the earth, tearing apart it in violence."
Habakukk interjects and complains again, "So what... you're just gonna let them destroy your people? We're gonna be wiped off the face of the earth? They get to trample all over Your people, and You won't do anything about it?"
God continues, "I said, watch and be amazed, fo I'm doing things that will further my glory. My timing is perfect, and while it won't happen right away - slowly, steadily, my vision will be fulfilled. I will let them be raised up, and in their wickedness and pride, they will believe they are invincible. I will then tear them down and destroy them. They will pray to their false wood gods that are inlaid with gold and silver, and nothing will come about because their gods are powerless. Those they did violence to will mock them and take satisfaction they are getting their just reward... and in it all, My power will be revealed, and My Glory will be known!"
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