The God of All Comfort ("Changed into His Image" series)

Allen began a new series this past Sunday—“Changed into His Image”—on the character of God. This Sunday we looked at the “God of all comfort” from 2 Corinthians 1:3-11.

Paul’s Point
God is sovereign. God is King. God is known through Christ. Our true identity is in Him. That’s where we find fulfillment, even in suffering, because He is the God of all comfort.

What is comfort? It is not the absence of pain or problems, but rather the presence of God in the problems. It is the condition of peace in the midst of troubles, being confident of God’s deliverance (Psalm 46).

What are Paul (and we) being comforted from? Every problem—ones that we cause and ones that we don’t cause. God comforted Jesus; God comforted Paul; God comforts us.

Paul’s Position
Paul had been drowning in distress and saw death as the only out—except with God’s help. Because God had helped him in the past, he was confident he would do so in the future. Resulting in? Thanksgiving and praise!

Paul’s Perspectives
...of God: God’s character is comfort. It doesn’t change.

...of Suffering: Lumps it in one pot. The obedient suffer just as the disobedient suffer.

...of Ministry: Paul was an illustration of God’s power because Paul was called to suffering. Be faithful whether you're suffering or not.

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Four Life Applications:
1. Live focused on thanksgiving and praise.

2. Live focused on the character of God. Learn who he is.

3. Live focused on God’s sovereignty. Honor his kingship.

4. Live focused on sharing with others the comfort we have received.

One word to describe my character is...

Allen wrapped up the “Reverse Osmosis” series last Sunday. He posed these three big questions to us. Ask yourself:

1. Where’s my faith?
1 Peter 1:3-12. Who is it that I’m trusting in?

2. How’s my walk?
1 Peter 1:13 – 2:12. Am I walking in self-reliance or Christ-reliance? One way to tell: watch my obedience levels.

3. Am I growing?
1 Peter 2:13 – 3:7. What am I putting off and putting on? Am I submissive? Jesus showed his maturity by submissiveness, a positive sign of growth.

Then Allen challenged us with this exercise.
Take a moment to really consider your answer.

Choose one word that best describes your character.
Which word would you choose?

Harsh or Holy?
Worried or Confident?
Arrogant or Humble?
Pure or Lewd?
Frustrated or Resting?
Greedy or Giving?
Loving or Selfish?
Forgiving or Nursing a Grudge?

Jude 24, 25 was our ending exhortation—a beautiful encouragement to keep our eyes on Jesus to live a life of dependence, a life of repentance, and a life of confession.

Jesus is the Way to live a pure life in our 21st century world.

What Language Do You Speak?

Over 6,700 languages are spoken around the world. But before the end of this century, half of those will be gone. About 200 languages now have fewer than 10 speakers, and another 200 languages have less than 50.

We use language to communicate our thoughts, pass along memories, share information, point to the future. As Jim pointed out today in Part 7 of our Purity and Holiness series, God gave us speech:

• to praise Him
• to encourage others
• to inspire others
• to do good
• to be what He created us to be

So how are we doing? Do the words we speak live up to those goals? Are they expressing who we really are...children of God, saved by grace, created to give God glory?

Or would the world be better if some of the languages we speak disappeared? According to UNESCO, a language is considered endangered when its speakers quit using it, when it is used in less and less situations, and when its speakers fail to teach it to the next generation. Should we be doing that with some of our speech?

On the other hand, how do we keep a language from disappearing? The most important things are: “to create favorable conditions for its speakers to speak the language, and to teach it to their children.”

There’s only one native speaker of the language of Livonian left. When he dies, the language will be gone as well. If you were the last native speaker of the language you’re using, would it be a good or bad thing for the language to die with you?

Choose your words wisely.

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My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. Psalm 145:21

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Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

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Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:4

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I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Learn to Live a Pure Life

Allen began an excellent new sermon series on “The Call to Purity” last Sunday, and we followed up by discussing it in our Wednesday night classes.

Please join us for the next 7 weeks as we delve deeper into these topics on Sundays, and discuss applications on Wednesdays:

• Materialism – Jan 18 - 28
• Sexuality – Feb 1 -11
• Truthfulness – Feb 15 - 18
• Conversation – Feb 22 – 25

And then wrap up on March 1. Together, we press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

New Year Resolutions for a Transformed Life

Allen started us off easy (and smiling) this morning with some no-fail New Year resolutions.



But those weren't for keeps. He then moved us into the hard stuff. And effective stuff. If you really want to live a transformed life in 2009, try these 7 ways instead:

1. Connect to God through prayer and Bible study that affect both mind and emotions

2. Nurture spiritual friendships with fellow believers

3. Pursue your faith in a church family

4. Intentionally find ways to grow spiritually

5. Serve others

6. Invest time and money in spiritual pursuits

7. Have spiritual conversations with outsiders

Hearing from God—Daily Bible Reading

If you’ve resolved to hear more from God this year (i.e., read your Bible more), have you chosen a plan? Here is a review of several choices. And link here to 10 different plans. Along with sheets you can download and print out, these plans also offer web readings, email reminders, and mobile device readings.

Can it get any more convenient? Let God speak to you more directly this year. All you have to provide is the discipline, and He even promises to help you with that.

Days in Thy Presence

As you press onward to a new year in Christ, be intentional. Seek His will; praise His name; spread His message.

O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in Thy presence,
in Thy service, to Thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from Thee,

But may rely on Thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,

And give me a desire
to show forth Thy praise;
testify Thy love,
advance Thy kingdom.

~ from Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

Adore Him

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come,
With all creation I sing:

Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You!

He IS the Light

If you worshiped with us yesterday, you’ll remember our focus was on the light of God.

Keep the thought burning--meditate on the passages; sing through the songs; continue to praise our Savior for the illumination of His glory, even in what we call our darkest times. As Stuart pointed out from Psalm 139, our ‘darkness’ is only so because we perceive it to be. In God’s presence, all is light!

What I want for Christmas...

A Christmas List

What I want for Christmas...
I’d like a CD, some clothes, a pair of shoes, maybe a book or two, and a few surprises.

More specifically,
CD of Paul and Silas’ Greatest Hits sung from a Philippian prison cell (Acts 16). What were the words? Psalms I have in my own Old Testament, perhaps? What were the tunes? Did any other prisoners know the words and join in?

Clothes: how about a Clorox-white robe washed in red blood? I want to stay clothed in Christ’s righteousness now and always (Revelation 7). There’s no garment more precious.

Shoes: some hiking boots would come in handy as we travel the mountains carrying good news of peace and happiness and salvation, saying “Our God reigns!” (Isaiah 52).

Book: Maybe a prayer book with the words Daniel prayed as he looked out his window every day, wondering if he was being spied on, but kept on praying anyway (Daniel 6)?

Surprises:
Wouldn’t it be nice to receive the PEACE that Mary felt once she committed to following through with God’s will to carry His Son in her womb (Luke 1)?

And the JOY that the shepherds felt when they heard the good news on that angel-lit night (Luke 2)?

And the LOVE that came wrapped up in a sweet baby’s face that God hand-delivers to us (Luke 2)?

That would make a very Merry Christmas indeed!

For the Heart of Central—give thanks

I’m thankful...

...for quiet servants who don’t wait on programs to organize good works, but see a need and meet it.
...for repentant hearts with authentic confessions and for compassionate hearts that actually forgive.
...for young people excited to be with each other every opportunity they can get.
...for quick fingers that type up prayer requests and announcements so the rest of us can remember to pray.
...for wise ones who diligently lead and teach our children and adults, year after year, with no desire for recognition.
...for enthusiastic voices that learn then lift heartfelt, Spirit-led, truth-filled songs of honor to our Father and encouragement to each other.
...for busy hands that cook for and clean up after preschoolers and college students and senior citizens.
...for friendly faces at the front and side doors to welcome in strangers and greet old friends.
...for organized folks who keep an older (but paid for) building clean and functioning.
...for seeking minds on college campuses wanting a fresh wash in clean blood, and for mature Christians showing them the Way.
...for the sharing of babies and caring for new mothers.
...for the muscles of young and old who set up chairs and take them down every weekend.
...for courageous families willing to live anywhere to share Jesus’ love, and for those at home who pray and pay for them to do so.

...for a million other “little” things that go unnoticed by human eyes but never escape divine ones.

Extraordinary people living out of an extraordinary Spirit.

Partners in the gospel; companions in grace; brothers and sisters in Christ.
That’s a lot to be thankful for.

Father, we offer our thanks...for keeping Your heart at the heart of Central.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
~ Philippians 1:3-5

Election Day 2008

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
~ Romans 12:12

If my people who are called by my name 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.
~ 2 Chronicles 7:14

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
~ Proverbs 3:5,6

Who Do You See?

Thanks to Kay for agreeing to share an excerpt of her poem (read complete poem here). It came from her personal study of Jesus’ interactions with women, and how His contact with them changed their lives forever.

Who Do You See?

Who do you see, Lord
When you look at me?
What do others see?
Will I be changed? Will I be free?
What will become of me?

You saw Mary
A frightened teenage girl… with a secret
No one could believe her
She surrendered all to you… in trust
And held the Savior of the world in her arms.

You saw the bleeding woman
Suffering in physical pain… 12 long years
No one could heal her.
All she needed was to touch you… and she did.
Your power flowed and her body was healed.

You saw Martha, opening her home
She was concerned about everything being just right… a proper hostess
Everyone depended on her to take care of things
She was distracted by all she needed to do… and missed what was important
You gently reminded her not to worry, but to be with you instead.

You saw the poor widow
She had nothing to live on… except her faith.
Others secretly scoffed at her meager offering
She gave everything she had… and you noticed
You praised her above everyone else for her trust in you.

You saw the woman caught in adultery
She had no dignity left… completely terrified.
Those around stood in self-righteous judgment, ready to stone her
She couldn’t even look at you… didn’t dare to ask for anything
Your probing question dispersed the crowd and you sent her on her way, redeemed and forgiven.

Go and sin no more.

Who do you see when you look at me?
Each woman here… I am all of these.
You look at me
I am full of sorrow… so much pain and regret.
Does anyone know my guilt, my grief? You do.
If only I can rest in the comfort of your love… feel your touch.
You promise to be with me always, to the very end of the age.

Now look at me again, Father
Who do you see?
I am clothed with Christ… it’s Jesus you see!
What do others see?
A sister, a friend… very much in need.
Will I be changed? Will I be free?
What will become of me?
Let my heart be yours alone, Lord… to YOU be the glory!

by Kay Carter

Read the entire poem here

My Battle Cry

by Lisa

Last Wednesday night, the ladies’ Psalms class focused on facing enemies. Using Psalm 3 as our example, we each rewrote David’s prayer in our own words. I offer mine up for the family:

A Prayer for Central

O Lord,
       How big our enemy seems! He is attacking from around every corner. He whispers in our ears: “Your God isn’t big enough; he can’t rescue you from this mess. Not this time.”
       But you, O Lord, are our shield. No enemy ever defeats you!
       So we use our voices to cry aloud to you, and you answer us in your holiness. You have saved us before; you will save us again. We are safe in your protection.
       We need not fear, not even multitudes of enemies. For you, our very God, arise to save. You bless your people. And we thank you, Lord, that by your grace, we are your people.
       Because of Jesus' blood,
       So be it, Amen

More prayers from scripture here on defeating our enemies

Resolve to Control My Tongue

To coincide with Allen’s series on the book of James the past several weeks, here is a list of 20 resolutions from James on how to control our tongue, put together by Sinclair Ferguson.

1. I resolve to ask God for wisdom to speak out of a single-minded devotion to him. (1:5)
2. I resolve to boast only in the exultation I receive in Jesus Christ and also in the humiliation I receive for Jesus Christ. (1:9-10)
3. I resolve to set a watch over my mouth. (1:13)
4. I resolve to be constantly quick to hear and slow to speak. (1:19)
5. I resolve to learn the gospel way of speaking to both rich and poor. (2:1-4)
6. I resolve to speak in the present consciousness of my final judgment. (2:12)
7. I resolve never to stand on anyone's face with the words I employ. (2:16)
8. I resolve never to claim as reality in my life what I do not truly experience. (3:14)
9. I resolve to resist quarrelsome words as evidence of a bad heart that needs to be mortified. (4:1)
10. I resolve never to speak decided evil against another out of a heart of antagonism. (4:11)
11. I resolve never to boast in anything but what I will accomplish. (4:13)
12. I resolve to speak as one subject to the providences of God. (4:15)
13. I resolve never to grumble. The judge is at the door. (5:9)
14. I resolve never to allow anything but total integrity in everything I say. (5:12)
15. I resolve to speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer. (5:13)
16. I resolve to sing praises to God whenever I'm cheerful. (5:14)
17. I resolve to ask for the prayers of others when I'm in need. (5:14)
18. I resolve to confess it whenever I have failed. (5:15)
19. I resolve to pray with others for one another whenever I am together with them. (5:15)
20. I resolve to speak words of restoration when I see another wander. (5:19)

Building Our Own Tower of Babel

by Chloe

Sometimes as I pass through the motions of everyday life, I hear God trying to tell me something. Something big, something profound, something to which I should pay attention. Something to ponder, something to record. For what purpose? That is not always clear in the moment. It is enough to recognize the instruction and to be compelled to obey.

A few days ago I had one of these moments while driving on I-565 past the Space and Rocket Center. It was a moment where I felt that God revealed a profound truth to me ... one of those "light bulb" moments. In an instant, I saw something clearly that I had not realized before. I knew I needed to ponder it, listening for what else might be revealed. I tried to make a mental note to come back to later, when I had time. But later I could not remember, and I felt a profound sense of loss, that somehow carelessly I had discarded something very precious.

How intimately God knows our human frailties! I should not be surprised that He is patient and would simply instruct me again, in much the same way that I repeat myself over and over to my two-year old. So yesterday as I drove down I-565, I heard Him again. Then as I found myself awake in bed this morning in the wee hours, I knew it was time to ponder and write. All is provided ... a quiet house, sleeping children ... and so I meditate on what I heard in the shadow of the towering Saturn V rocket.

Your people in this time are no different than those of old. You squander precious time and resources building your own Tower of Babel. You do this INSTEAD of doing what I have instructed. I created you, I know what you need to have a good life in your time on earth: physically, mentally, spiritually. I have clearly told you what to do. But your people instead neglect the work I have designed you for and pursue your own agenda. You think your way is better than Mine. You dare to believe that you can improve upon My design! You are as stiff-necked a generation as I have ever seen! Rebellious as the Israelites, proud as the Pharisees. You stand in a time where your knowledge of history is unparalleled, yet instead of learning from it you are doomed to repeat it.

[Read the rest here...]

A handle on the inside

He was a POW in Vietnam. A kept-guest in the Hanoi Hilton for 6 torturous years.

Locked in a 5 x 6 cell, you have time to do some serious thinking about suffering and about living and about dying.

Medal of Honor winner Leo Thorsness shared some sobering thoughts in The Huntsville Times yesterday (Sept 7) about being shot down by an enemy fighter in 1967. And about his release in March 1973. And about life since then.

According to Mr. Thorsness, “If a door’s got a handle on the inside, that’s a good day.”

As believers in Christ, shouldn’t we be living with that same attitude every day? Haven’t our grubby hands turned the handle on the beautiful Door to enter the Kingdom? Ever since Peter was handed the keys, he’s left the door unlocked for all who believe in Jesus to walk right through. Can it get any better than that? Isn’t release from our self-made prisons of sin and suffering cause enough for triumphant celebration?

Mr. Thorsness described his day of release this way: “We showed no emotion at all until the airplane broke ground. Then we all let it go; it was total jubilation. I’d waited six years and then to have your freedom, all that emotion was released, it was a phenomenal experience.”

A phenomenal experience indeed. We, too, have our freedom. Total freedom. Let’s praise the Lord every day for being the Door...with a handle on the inside.

Jesus said, “I am the door.
If anyone enters by me, he will be saved
and will go in and out and find pasture.”
~ John 10:9

Did you commit?—Strolling thru the OT

It’s Day 14.

Two weeks ago many at Central took a “Walk thru the Bible” to gain a straighter timeline and a greater appreciation of God’s good purpose throughout history.

Many also made private commitments to stay in the Word daily for the next 30 days. If you’re using the workbook to guide your reading, you’ve been walking through the Pentateuch and reviewing the 77 hand signs each day to imprint the big picture into your head. Stay with it! It is time well-invested.

Are you ready? “Creation—fall—flood—nations--...”

Is this a new song?

Is this a new song?

I’ve heard it before. I’ve even sung it before, as recently as last week. So is it new?

When the valley seems so dark and deep
And the burdens hard to bear
When the storm clouds gather in the east
And it seems that no one cares

Remember you are not alone
Look closely and you’ll see
The Savior watching over you
And He’s watching over me

(more here...)

A lot can happen in a week. We collect new frustrations. New joys. New prayers. New predicaments with others. New encounters with God. So when we hear a familiar song, but we’re not the same person that we were the last time we heard it, is it new?

In one sense, yes.

Each time we gather together, we have new blessings to celebrate from living off of God’s faithfulness for the past 7 days. We have a fresh coat of blood covering our sins from yesterday. When we sing of “storm clouds” that gathered and how our Savior was “watching over me”, we remind ourselves of the new ways that He did do just that, not once upon a time, but a few hours ago. Even now. Fresh memories; fresh mercies.

And next week? He'll do it again. So we'll do it again: Sing an old song like a new song. Again and again.
~ Lisa

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
~ Psalm 40:3

My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
~ Lamentations 3:20-23