Friends defend friends! My year-younger brother, Dennis, is a dear friend. He and I still speak for a few minutes nearly every morning. One expression of Dennis’ defense of his older brother occurred when we were in elementary school. Roger, a slightly older and of more combative temperament, decided to pummel me for a reason I forgot a long time ago. I was not much of a fighter, physically, at least, and was soon losing the quarrel rather badly. Dennis, the better athlete and apt at combative arts, stepped into the fray in my defense. A few well-placed hits, and Roger retired from the fray!
While walking this morning I mused on the second stanza of a Gospel song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Life experience informs us of our frailty, imperfections, and sheer foolishness. The Holy Spirit and Word lead us to honestly confront our sin and accept personal responsibility for our own decisions, behavior and attitude. We learn that we need an advocate, someone to represent us. Jesus, friend of sinners and defender, is the One who presents our case.
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-3)
The Authorized Version says, “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
If we represented ourselves, we would lose every case. When we allow Jesus, our defender-friend, to represents us, He wins every appeal!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Friendship - Part Seven
Friendships are usually deliberately built, cultivated, developed with effort and last for extended periods of time. Friends celebrate and suffer together. The music of dance and dirge mingle as friends share life experiences. Friends anticipate how to be helpful, determine to be present when needed, and wishes they could share more than is possible.
Occasionally, however, someone enters our life, unanticipated, and only briefly. Momentary friends are not fickle or unfaithful, they are apparently designed as God’s gift to us for a season, and are gone. As the building now called Resurrection Life Church was being readied for use, we needed painters, professionals with ample experience and equipment. At that point, a mutual friend introduced me to Billy Donnely, a person whose personal and business experience highly qualified him.
I hope to never forget the afternoon when Billy Donnely appeared at Resurrection Life. He banged, I thought impatiently, on a secured door until I opened it to his broad smile and staccato, “Hi, I’m Billy Donnely! Bob Monreal said I might be able to help. I’m looking for a Pastor Wegner!”
After the initial greetings, Billy and I walked through the building’s 20,000+ square feet while I explained how we dreamed how we would use the space. Colors, finishes, time lines and costs were discussed in sweeping terms. Billy pressed me on the kind of congregation we envisioned, the neighborhood, and my personal experience with Jesus. Pentecostal doctrine and practice ranked high among Billy’s priorities. He also questioned me about different meetings he had attended and what I thought about a variety of preachers, including his pastor. He shared in some detail about being delivered from drug and alcohol abuse and being wonderfully transformed by the power of the Spirit. He was, and is, an enthusiastic follower of Jesus. But, Billy’s last words before departing were, “Pastor, this is a huge job. I just don’t know how I can help you.”
When I went home that evening, Pat asked, “How did it go with the painter?” My response was a tepid, “I don’t think anything will come of it.” I just sensed that Billy and I were not a “match!”
Was I ever wrong! The very next day, my cell phone rang and Billy announced quickly, in an “I’m-a-busy-man-no-nonsense” manner, “Pastor, I went to my suppliers and got them to donate all the paint. I have rounded up five of six painters and we will be there two weeks from Saturday. I think we can knock out your project in a couple of Saturdays!” And, they did. More than a dozen painters and helpers completed a project that could have easily cost more than $50,000.
Billy Donnely moved on. Still involved in his church, Billy has since established a home for recovering alcoholics and people addicted to drugs. He qualifies as one of those momentary friends who enrich our lives, one from whom we learn and then moves on. I hope you have experienced as an expansive array of friendships as God designs. Friends make life better and blessed!
Occasionally, however, someone enters our life, unanticipated, and only briefly. Momentary friends are not fickle or unfaithful, they are apparently designed as God’s gift to us for a season, and are gone. As the building now called Resurrection Life Church was being readied for use, we needed painters, professionals with ample experience and equipment. At that point, a mutual friend introduced me to Billy Donnely, a person whose personal and business experience highly qualified him.
I hope to never forget the afternoon when Billy Donnely appeared at Resurrection Life. He banged, I thought impatiently, on a secured door until I opened it to his broad smile and staccato, “Hi, I’m Billy Donnely! Bob Monreal said I might be able to help. I’m looking for a Pastor Wegner!”
After the initial greetings, Billy and I walked through the building’s 20,000+ square feet while I explained how we dreamed how we would use the space. Colors, finishes, time lines and costs were discussed in sweeping terms. Billy pressed me on the kind of congregation we envisioned, the neighborhood, and my personal experience with Jesus. Pentecostal doctrine and practice ranked high among Billy’s priorities. He also questioned me about different meetings he had attended and what I thought about a variety of preachers, including his pastor. He shared in some detail about being delivered from drug and alcohol abuse and being wonderfully transformed by the power of the Spirit. He was, and is, an enthusiastic follower of Jesus. But, Billy’s last words before departing were, “Pastor, this is a huge job. I just don’t know how I can help you.”
When I went home that evening, Pat asked, “How did it go with the painter?” My response was a tepid, “I don’t think anything will come of it.” I just sensed that Billy and I were not a “match!”
Was I ever wrong! The very next day, my cell phone rang and Billy announced quickly, in an “I’m-a-busy-man-no-nonsense” manner, “Pastor, I went to my suppliers and got them to donate all the paint. I have rounded up five of six painters and we will be there two weeks from Saturday. I think we can knock out your project in a couple of Saturdays!” And, they did. More than a dozen painters and helpers completed a project that could have easily cost more than $50,000.
Billy Donnely moved on. Still involved in his church, Billy has since established a home for recovering alcoholics and people addicted to drugs. He qualifies as one of those momentary friends who enrich our lives, one from whom we learn and then moves on. I hope you have experienced as an expansive array of friendships as God designs. Friends make life better and blessed!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Next Generation Speaks!
Some comments our pilot-year interns. Please continue to pray and support Alvin, Brittany, Kayla, and Zachary. Contact us at NextGenPhilly@HighwayTabernacle.org to find out other ways that you can support this ministry.
- Well, TNG has gotten through the summer. Throughout the summer TNG was able to inspire many people as well as teach people about God and how amazing He is. But, the inspiring and teaching doesn't just stop because the summer is over. Now, TNG gets a huge opportunity every Friday night in leading the youth ministries at Resurrection Life Church (RLC). Many would think that without a true youth leader the youth group would diminish. Not at RLC though. Some teenagers come more than others, but that doesn't matter. Whenever these teenagers hear about God and learn about Him, they become captivated. They ask questions because they want to learn more. They tell their friends to be quiet because they don't want to miss a word of what is being taught. These teenagers at RLC have the same drive and enthusiasm the members of TNG do. I can see the change in the members of the youth group. For me, it's also great to know that I'm helping to continue the cycle of evangelism and discipleship. TNG's teachings on Friday nights are changing the lives of the youth group. Some are now coming to church on Sunday. Some are now willing to volunteer at chuch events. God does amazing things. He's using TNG to make His kingdom bigger. God can never have enough followers. I'm glad to be apart of and help with the growth. Please pray with us! (Zach)
- It has been great being a part of TNG and now continuing the program this Fall. A huge part of what we are doing takes place at youth group at Resurrection Life Church (RLC). Every week, we see the hunger that these youth have for God. It is a growing experience for me and all the others who are in TNG. Ministering at times may be hard (like when people don't show up or we, as leaders, lose faith), but overall doing something because the youth deserve it and being obedient to God are our rewards in the end. (Kayla)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Missions Trip!
Thanks to East End Assembly for hosting our missions trip to Pittsburgh!
Here are some snapshots from the trip.
Thanks for praying!
Here are some snapshots from the trip.
Kids' Outreach: Making Melodies in My Heart
Worship Team Practice with Pastor Dave
Psalm 139
Thanks for praying!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Some things change. others do not
Pat and I returned home Sunday morning from Phoenix, AZ where we attended General Council. We have attended every council since1969. We drove from Michigan to Dallas that year. Candace who was only three months old. Our Ford was not air conditioned and temperatures daily approached 100 degrees.
The contrasts between the first council and the one convened last week are many. I list a few of the most striking differences.
• On a personal level, three of our granddaughters attended this year and enjoyed special sessions for youth. I am no longer the youth movement!
• Business sessions were once long and tedious. Resolutions were endless and often adopted after intense debate. I remember one issue being debated for more than eight hours in 1975. Most resolutions were adopted last week with few comments or amendments.
• In the past appeals for offerings were long, and many. On Friday night, following the message, the speaker asked that everyone contribute to a special offering for youth by texting from their i-phones and digital devices! Devices flipped open and tiny screens lit up as people younger than me eagerly entered codes and amounts in response to the challenge.
• Several daily wardrobe changes were the norm a few years ago. Men wore suits and ladies often appeared as if they were on their way to a dinner party. Last week I saw a district official in a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops in a business session. This is the first time I did not wear a tie to a session, but shorts and flip-flops are a bit much for an old guy like me. Suits and ties are a bit much when daily temperatures are over 100 degrees.
• The music and language now is different. “How cool is that?” sounds funny to me when used as an aside from a speaker approaching the mandatory age for filing for Medicare. But the message was a profoundly important and solidly Biblical.
Other things remain the same. I celebrate what has not changed and commit myself to investing in those who embrace the same call of the Spirit which gripped my heart as a youth.
• The preaching remains outstanding. We heard Biblically sound messages filled with promise and warnings. The same call to holy living and faithfulness to vocation we heard as fledgling preachers in the 60's continues.
• Youth still fill arenas with praise and cry out to the Lord at altars when invitations are extended. Large crowds worshiping were meaningful instruments of the Spirit used to shape me. I will always remember the times when an elder minister prayed words of assurance with a hand on my shoulder following the General Superintendent’s keynote message. The opportunity for another generation to experience the support of elders is still being repeated.
• Leaders continue to define our mission. Pentecostals have never satisfied with past accomplishments. The command to “go into all the world” is still on our lips and in our hearts. Today’s methods are more sophisticated yesterday’s, the mission remains unchanged.
• Friends still gather at alumni receptions. Our hair is grayer, or gone; out gait is stiffer; and our hearing imperfect; but our outlook remains optimistic, hopeful. We are aware that our sons and daughters, and grandchildren, will be the ones filling offices, chairing meetings, defining vision. They will do it with excellence and in the power of the Spirit.
Some waste time lamenting change. Let us choose to remember the past with fondness and look forward boldly. As youth, we believed we would change the world. And, we did the best we could. The work of world-changers is incomplete. The Holy Spirit continues to effectively prepare people for His use in the mission. Change ought to be celebrated if we are confident that Jesus remains at the right hand of the Father, the Holy Spirit will fill all who seek Him, and that the Kingdom of God is indestructible!
Another thing has not changed. While I was gone, no one did my work for me. There are weeds to pull in my garden, bills to pay, and errands to run. There will be someone with whom I may be able to spend time and encourage. Let’s look forward! Positively!
The contrasts between the first council and the one convened last week are many. I list a few of the most striking differences.
• On a personal level, three of our granddaughters attended this year and enjoyed special sessions for youth. I am no longer the youth movement!
• Business sessions were once long and tedious. Resolutions were endless and often adopted after intense debate. I remember one issue being debated for more than eight hours in 1975. Most resolutions were adopted last week with few comments or amendments.
• In the past appeals for offerings were long, and many. On Friday night, following the message, the speaker asked that everyone contribute to a special offering for youth by texting from their i-phones and digital devices! Devices flipped open and tiny screens lit up as people younger than me eagerly entered codes and amounts in response to the challenge.
• Several daily wardrobe changes were the norm a few years ago. Men wore suits and ladies often appeared as if they were on their way to a dinner party. Last week I saw a district official in a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops in a business session. This is the first time I did not wear a tie to a session, but shorts and flip-flops are a bit much for an old guy like me. Suits and ties are a bit much when daily temperatures are over 100 degrees.
• The music and language now is different. “How cool is that?” sounds funny to me when used as an aside from a speaker approaching the mandatory age for filing for Medicare. But the message was a profoundly important and solidly Biblical.
Other things remain the same. I celebrate what has not changed and commit myself to investing in those who embrace the same call of the Spirit which gripped my heart as a youth.
• The preaching remains outstanding. We heard Biblically sound messages filled with promise and warnings. The same call to holy living and faithfulness to vocation we heard as fledgling preachers in the 60's continues.
• Youth still fill arenas with praise and cry out to the Lord at altars when invitations are extended. Large crowds worshiping were meaningful instruments of the Spirit used to shape me. I will always remember the times when an elder minister prayed words of assurance with a hand on my shoulder following the General Superintendent’s keynote message. The opportunity for another generation to experience the support of elders is still being repeated.
• Leaders continue to define our mission. Pentecostals have never satisfied with past accomplishments. The command to “go into all the world” is still on our lips and in our hearts. Today’s methods are more sophisticated yesterday’s, the mission remains unchanged.
• Friends still gather at alumni receptions. Our hair is grayer, or gone; out gait is stiffer; and our hearing imperfect; but our outlook remains optimistic, hopeful. We are aware that our sons and daughters, and grandchildren, will be the ones filling offices, chairing meetings, defining vision. They will do it with excellence and in the power of the Spirit.
Some waste time lamenting change. Let us choose to remember the past with fondness and look forward boldly. As youth, we believed we would change the world. And, we did the best we could. The work of world-changers is incomplete. The Holy Spirit continues to effectively prepare people for His use in the mission. Change ought to be celebrated if we are confident that Jesus remains at the right hand of the Father, the Holy Spirit will fill all who seek Him, and that the Kingdom of God is indestructible!
Another thing has not changed. While I was gone, no one did my work for me. There are weeds to pull in my garden, bills to pay, and errands to run. There will be someone with whom I may be able to spend time and encourage. Let’s look forward! Positively!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Something New!
Pat and I laugh about our first home decorating. We tease each other that while our peers were doing their homes in Early American, we were doing ours in Early Attic. Our stuff was found at curb sides, saved from decomposition in landfills. (Green people ought to love us!) A few pieces have survived three children and eight grandchildren. They remind us of a happy era and wonderful people.
“New” is special. I have been making a mental list of “new” experiences. A freshly washed the car feels new. New tires make the ride safer, but pleasingly new for a few miles. An old room with a fresh coat of paint has a new attraction. And, have you shared a small, but distinct pleasure of being the first to squeeze a new tube of toothpaste? I enjoy opening a new ream of paper, writing with a new disposable pen, or opening the morning newspaper are small pleasures for me.
And, then there are a few really BIG “news,” firsts that represent life-altering change. As I write this item, I am aware that it is unlikely that I will ever be a pastor again in the same manner that I have been for most of the past 45 years. I will write as frequently as possible with a pastor’s viewpoint and desire in my heart. But, this forum is new in a significant way.
Above my boyhood pastor’s head, on the rear wall of the sanctuary, was a banner which read, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. At my bedside at age 5 or 6, in the middle of the night my father and mother prayed with me and the “new” began. And, it is still happening in me. The “old” is more “passed away” than it was when I began, and everything remains new.
Our plans are to travel to Phoenix for the General Council of the Assemblies of God this week. If we do not post something new before Monday, August 8th, it is because we are absorbing “new” and spending time with old-time friends. That never gets old!
Enjoy something new today! We expect to continue exploring and discovering too!
“New” is special. I have been making a mental list of “new” experiences. A freshly washed the car feels new. New tires make the ride safer, but pleasingly new for a few miles. An old room with a fresh coat of paint has a new attraction. And, have you shared a small, but distinct pleasure of being the first to squeeze a new tube of toothpaste? I enjoy opening a new ream of paper, writing with a new disposable pen, or opening the morning newspaper are small pleasures for me.
And, then there are a few really BIG “news,” firsts that represent life-altering change. As I write this item, I am aware that it is unlikely that I will ever be a pastor again in the same manner that I have been for most of the past 45 years. I will write as frequently as possible with a pastor’s viewpoint and desire in my heart. But, this forum is new in a significant way.
Above my boyhood pastor’s head, on the rear wall of the sanctuary, was a banner which read, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. At my bedside at age 5 or 6, in the middle of the night my father and mother prayed with me and the “new” began. And, it is still happening in me. The “old” is more “passed away” than it was when I began, and everything remains new.
Our plans are to travel to Phoenix for the General Council of the Assemblies of God this week. If we do not post something new before Monday, August 8th, it is because we are absorbing “new” and spending time with old-time friends. That never gets old!
Enjoy something new today! We expect to continue exploring and discovering too!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Morning peace
This post repeats one from the "Renewed Cities" blog. We will copy when it seems appropriate. One of the skills we hope to share with The Next Generation youth is "centering prayer," or silence in the presence of God.
This morning I awaken to a sense of God’s peace and rich contentment. My soul was at rest. Responsibilities could wait, God was too real to move for a while.
Several factors may have contributed. First, Pat and I were home! After over 2500 miles in our little ten year old Swedish Ford (aka Volvo S40), three different hotel rooms and two relative’s guest rooms, I could relax in the familiar space we call home. It felt good!
Second, I have been reading about “centering prayer,” prayer which is simply silent and meditative. The cool breeze through the open window, the chirping of birds, and Pat’s rhythmic breathing contributed, but, as I lay still, God’s presence was as tangible and comforting as the bed linens. The words of the old Gospel song penned long ago by W. G. Cooper came to mind –
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm
In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm
Refrain:
Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll!
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day
And His glory is flooding my soul!
And I think when I rise to that city of peace
Where the Author of peace I shall see
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be
Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark
O accept of this peace so sublime!
(Words public domain)
The lyrics were welded into my spirit as a boy and youth. Our church reveled in quiet awe as the Holy Spirit washed our troubled thoughts and disturbed spirits with His Presence. The wonder of prayer is that we engage the Almighty face-to-face, mind-to-mind, spirit-to-Spirit; heart-to-heart, and will-to-will. And peace fills the place where wars used to be.
From bedroom to deck, the morning place I love to meditate, I read –
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91)
Ah, life is good. Life is best when we cultivate and experience the presence of God!
In addition –
A friend reminded me of a simple but important truth, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
This morning I awaken to a sense of God’s peace and rich contentment. My soul was at rest. Responsibilities could wait, God was too real to move for a while.
Several factors may have contributed. First, Pat and I were home! After over 2500 miles in our little ten year old Swedish Ford (aka Volvo S40), three different hotel rooms and two relative’s guest rooms, I could relax in the familiar space we call home. It felt good!
Second, I have been reading about “centering prayer,” prayer which is simply silent and meditative. The cool breeze through the open window, the chirping of birds, and Pat’s rhythmic breathing contributed, but, as I lay still, God’s presence was as tangible and comforting as the bed linens. The words of the old Gospel song penned long ago by W. G. Cooper came to mind –
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm
In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm
Refrain:
Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll!
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day
And His glory is flooding my soul!
And I think when I rise to that city of peace
Where the Author of peace I shall see
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be
Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark
O accept of this peace so sublime!
(Words public domain)
The lyrics were welded into my spirit as a boy and youth. Our church reveled in quiet awe as the Holy Spirit washed our troubled thoughts and disturbed spirits with His Presence. The wonder of prayer is that we engage the Almighty face-to-face, mind-to-mind, spirit-to-Spirit; heart-to-heart, and will-to-will. And peace fills the place where wars used to be.
From bedroom to deck, the morning place I love to meditate, I read –
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91)
Ah, life is good. Life is best when we cultivate and experience the presence of God!
In addition –
A friend reminded me of a simple but important truth, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Friday, May 20, 2011
Altars
A pithy statement is embedded in Abraham’s story in Genesis, “... from there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent ... there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.” (Genesis 12:7) Unlike most people, Abraham pitched his tent and built an altar, a powerful statement of how Abraham chose to live. Abraham was an affluent man, which makes his story more pungent. He deliberately threw off the privileges, cares and conveniences of wealth to pursue the Almighty.
Men naturally build their tents and pitch their altars. We receive endless offers for home improvements from the culture merchants than we ever receive for developing the inner man. Is it fair to ask, “Do I spend as much time in the pursuit of God as I spend mowing, painting, polishing, storing, and decorating my tent? When I open my check book, or family financial spreadsheet, does the ledger reflect my conviction that knowing and pleasing God is the most important part of my life, or life itself?”
Altars are place where we, finite and frail, meet with Eternal God face-to-face; heart-to-heart; mind-to-mind; spirit-to-Spirit and will-to-will. Jesus’ blood-bathed intercession in Gethsemane captures the rigorous process of an altar. Jesus wrestled will-to-will with the Father when he prayed, Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. The stress of that encounter required help be sent to Jesus. The following words record, An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.
The Holy Spirit spoke through the pen of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8 about how He, the Spirit, ministers to us bringing us to agreement with Him. An altar is the place where
• we establish life priorities as we converse face-to-face.
• men learn how to prepare for daily decision making by sensing the ways of God.
• our hearts to be molded into the compassionate centers of our being, which allows unselfish actions to flow.
• minds are transformed. (Romans 12:1-2)
In short, those who build altars and pitch tents become world changers. Just think, because of Abraham’s choices, we are his spiritual offspring and children of the Eternal God.
The ways of God do not come naturally, but through deliberate discipline and practical repetitions. Altars must be built one experience with God at a time, tents can be pitched on our terms anywhere!
Have a great day! When I work, I work. When I pray, God works!
Men naturally build their tents and pitch their altars. We receive endless offers for home improvements from the culture merchants than we ever receive for developing the inner man. Is it fair to ask, “Do I spend as much time in the pursuit of God as I spend mowing, painting, polishing, storing, and decorating my tent? When I open my check book, or family financial spreadsheet, does the ledger reflect my conviction that knowing and pleasing God is the most important part of my life, or life itself?”
Altars are place where we, finite and frail, meet with Eternal God face-to-face; heart-to-heart; mind-to-mind; spirit-to-Spirit and will-to-will. Jesus’ blood-bathed intercession in Gethsemane captures the rigorous process of an altar. Jesus wrestled will-to-will with the Father when he prayed, Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. The stress of that encounter required help be sent to Jesus. The following words record, An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.
The Holy Spirit spoke through the pen of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8 about how He, the Spirit, ministers to us bringing us to agreement with Him. An altar is the place where
• we establish life priorities as we converse face-to-face.
• men learn how to prepare for daily decision making by sensing the ways of God.
• our hearts to be molded into the compassionate centers of our being, which allows unselfish actions to flow.
• minds are transformed. (Romans 12:1-2)
In short, those who build altars and pitch tents become world changers. Just think, because of Abraham’s choices, we are his spiritual offspring and children of the Eternal God.
The ways of God do not come naturally, but through deliberate discipline and practical repetitions. Altars must be built one experience with God at a time, tents can be pitched on our terms anywhere!
Have a great day! When I work, I work. When I pray, God works!
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