Sundered and Sealed

Why do you believe the Bible is the book it claims to be? Why do you believe it is the very Word of God?

Scholars say it can be trusted because of manuscript evidence, archaeological evidence, prophetic accuracy, and the statistical probability that a message could be written so consistently across so many different authors and so many years. M-A-P-S. I’ve taught that acronym many times, and it is reassuring to think about even now. Knowing there is objective proof that the Bible is the book it claims to be appeals to my love of reason and my desire to keep reason and faith inseparably joined. But I have a deeper reason for believing the Bible is what it claims to be: I believe it to be the Word of God because it has done exactly what it said it would do.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

And this it has done: it has divided me. It has cut me to the bone.

It has severed the offending hand of my greed and gouged out the offending eye of my desire.

Over and over again.

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True to its diagnosis, I am a creature of a thousand grasping hands and a thousand roving eyes. Yet it continues its ministry of a thousand faithful amputations, parsing the sin from the sinner, separating the lie from the truth, dividing the darkness from the light.

And in the dividing, miracle of miracles, it is rendering me whole.

So, yes. I believe the Bible is true. It says this is who you were and it is right.

It says this is who you are and it is dead on.

So when it says this is who you shall be I can readily hope.

And when it says this is who I AM I can readily worship.

No blind leap required. This book has not lied to me. Not once.

It knows me. I am known by it.

I thank God for dusty scrolls and artifacts and fulfillments and probabilities all raising their voices in a chorus of affirmation: this book is what it claims to be.

And I add my own voice to the clamor: “You have sanctified me by the truth: thy word is truth.”

I believe because I have been sundered. I believe because I have been sealed. Living Word, cut and cut again, that truth may be found in my innermost parts. Separate me from my sin. Seal me unto salvation. And what you join let none put asunder.

Jen Wilkin

http://jenwilkin.blogspot.com

Considering God in 2014

"The vision of the Linger Conference was born out of a desire to help fellow believers seek God; not God's blessings or God's strength through trials, but God himself." AW Tozer in his classic work, The Knowledge of the Holy wrote: "Without a doubt, the mightiest thought the mind can entertain is the thought of God, and the weightiest word in any language is its word for God." But Tozer did not stop at mere concept. He went on to tell how the idea of God results in practical Christian living. Tozer said, "I believe there is scarcely an error in doctrine or a failure in applying Christian ethics that cannot be traced finally to imperfect and ignoble thoughts about God." Tozer applied the simple maxim: as man thinks, so he is; and to think well, is to think well upon God.

So here we stand in the new season of 2014; in the presence of God and with natural life all around us. So, how does the knowledge of God translate into transformational Christian living in 2014? I have some suggestions. And I am glad to say that my suggestions are borrowed from greater minds -- I am proud to be a scavenger of great thoughts. John Piper helped me here in my thinking. So, here are thoughts from John ...   

We can say for certain, God is personal. And, God desires us to know Him personally and live personally among fallen men and women in the imitation of Him, as Ephesians 5:1-2 tells. Here are wise questions that flow from the image of God in a fallen world. I commend them to you in 2014...

Where have I been in the year preceding me?

• What special friendships were made (Psalm 119:63)?
• What books did I and my family read (Proverbs 1:1-7, 8; 2:1-22)?
• What Scriptures did my family memorize (Psalm 1:2-3; 19:7-14; 119:1-11)?

How did I fair under the varied seasons of life?

• What loved ones passed on (Psalm 90:1-17; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11; 7:1-2)?
• What were the great personal, ministry, national tragedies and losses of the year? How does the true knowledge of God help me through these (Psalm 23:1-6; 46:1-11; 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11; Isaiah 40:12-31)?
• What were the great personal, ministry and national blessings of the year (Psalm 37:1-40; 103:1-22)? Did I give thanks?
• What were my most significant failures, even sins, for the year behind me (Psalm 36:1-12; 51:1-19)?
• What commitments have I made to overcome sin in 2014 (Psalm 1:1-6; Psalm 119:1-11)? Is there a slavery I need to be free from?
• What significant spiritual and practical victories did I experience (Psalm 42:1-11; 43:1-5)? And will I capture this moment and reproduce it?
• In what tangible ways did I communicate gratitude to those who have blessed me and invested in my life (Psalm 105:1-45; Isaiah 52:7)?

Am I honoring well the shoulders I ride; those mentors who walk before me?

Whatever happened to the man or woman who first opened to you the words of life from the Scripture? Where is the comrade, coach, or instructor who believed in you and helped you to accomplish a great goal? What about the Bible teacher whose careful handling of the Word opened up new vistas of understanding? Where is the friend who stood with you through thick and thin?

In review of the year past, make a list of two types of people: The first list is the names of people whose life, ministry or personal investment in you have deeply touched you and changed your life—go beyond the year if you like. The second list should include those people who played the most significant role in your life.

Write a brief, meaningful letter to each of them. Be specific in your gratitude. Explain what they did for you and why it was important to you. Show them how they were God’s instrument of blessing in your own life. And pray over each letter realizing that you are a debtor to them for their investment in your life.

Have I completely and fully forgiven those who harmed me?

Fresh starts should begin with forgiveness for others. Having a genuine spirit of forgiveness towards those who have wronged us is a mark of biblical Christianity: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

Successful Christians are men and women who are free from bitterness. They have learned the principle modeled by our Lord Jesus Christ who, while suffering death at the hands of people he had never wronged, was able to say “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24).

The first thing you will likely realize is just how many offenses are polluting your thought life and, probably, your spirit. This is a sign of latent bitterness. Bitterness will kill you. It renders you completely ineffective.

Have I considered Him?

As you look to a new day, adopt a new spirit of forgiveness towards your insensitive friends as well as your hateful enemies. Psalm 37:1-11 will help you. Forgive your imperfect father and mother for whatever it is you need to forgive them for, and pray to the Lord that your own children someday will forgive you for your failures. Quit devoting untold precious hours to commiseration, mental replay of the wrongs done, and thoughts about just how badly you were wronged. Stop blaming everybody but you for your problems—if others are our problem, we are slaves; if we are our problem, we are free; for freedom is the power to act to our best end, to our best interest, to our best glory of God and good of another (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Will I miss this moment?

The opportunity to remember and to say “thank you” may never come again. Trust the Lord. He is in charge: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all y our ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5).

There are questions and actions that flow from the nature of God.

Tom Brown
Training Leaders International
www.TrainingLeadersInternational.org

The Word Became Flesh

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14

When was the last time you watched a game show? Most of us have stayed home sick from work or school and flipped channels between Let’s Make a Deal and Family Feud. Back when I was in college, I won The Price is Right. It was kind of a big deal. Heaps of fun. Loads of embarrassment. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that games shows are built around the big reveal. Think with me to that moment in a game show when the host (usually spray tanned to a tropic orange color) asks a contestant if they want the prize behind door number one or door number two. This question brings the audience to a frenzy and the contestant waits on pins and needles for the big moment of revelation.

Revelation. The word means an uncovering, a removal of the veil, a disclosure of what was previously unknown.

Christmas is a type of revelation. For at the birth of Christ, God came to us and revealed His heart, His character and His plan. God came that we may know Him. Under a chorus of angels, worshipped by shepherds, in a cold stable in Bethlehem... the Creator of the world became a baby. Up until the moment when Mary swaddled baby Jesus, the world was left to scrap together bits of information about God. Sure, there were many things we could know about Him from the Creation and from how He revealed Himself in the Old Testament, but for God to truly reveal Himself to us, He had to become one of us. The seminal passage on this revelation of God to man is found in the Gospel of John 1: 1-14.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John uses the title “The Word” to introduce Jesus. A word is a thought expressed. A word reveals a message. For example, when we read the word “tree” an image immediately forms in our minds. The word expresses the idea. Jesus is the living Word of God. This is the incarnation. The divine mystery that should absolutely stop us in our tracks is this...God became a man.

This is Christmas. God stepped into our story to invite us into His story. I pray we don’t miss Christ this Christmas. Let us behold His glory.

If you want to know who God is...behold Jesus.

If you want to know what God is like....behold Jesus.

If you want to know how God would respond....behold Jesus.
If you want to know the will of God...behold Jesus.

Further Scripture to Study: Hebrews 1: 1-3; Colossians 2:8-10; 1 John 1:1-3

By Marian Jordan Ellis
www.MarianJordan.com

Poker Face

Poker Face

From our friends at Pine Cove Camps

You’ve probably heard the term “having a good poker face” before.  It has to do with one’s ability to hide their emotions, most often, their excitement.  If you’ve ever played any sort of card game before, then you’ve probably experienced what I’m talking about.Recently, I started teaching my four year old and my three year old the game of Go Fish.  I can always tell when they drew a card they know that daddy has, because their face lights up!

Teaching them how to play Go Fish reminded me of one of my favorite Old Testament stories.  In Exodus 24: 12, God tells Moses, 

“Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, that I may give you the tablets of stone with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” (ESV)

So Moses goes up Mount Sinai and spends 40 days and 40 nights there with God. (Exodus 24:18)  When he returned down the mountain, the people of Israel where shocked to see that Moses face was glowing! 

“Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.” (34: 29-30)  “And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.” (34:33)

Moses had been in such close relationship and proximity with God, and was so filled with God’s glory (33:18) that it was literally all over his face!  In that moment, Moses could not hide his closeness to the Lord; he could not conceal his excitement for Him.

As I sat down to write this, I began to wonder, what does my face show?  Am I so excited about God that it is written all over my face?  Am I in such close relationship with my Creator that it is obvious how much I love Him?  Too often I hide my excitement for the Lord.  Too often I let the weight of the world, and the pressures that come with each day, mask the pure joy and love that I have for Jesus, my Savior.  Fortunately, God loves us so much that even “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) 

Lord, thank you for loving me so much, that you pursue me.  Help me to make spending time with you a priority. May I wait with you on the mountain and may my face reflect my love for you to others.  Amen.

It’s Not About the Blooper Reel: The Inspiration Behind Linger Conference 2014

Do you stay for the roll of credits at the end of a movie? I do.

While other moviegoers herd into the aisles after the last frame, I hold steady in my seat. I’m compelled to linger because I know what it is to work in a creative industry. I figure Assistant #2 to the Props Master deserves to have his name read by somebody.

Often, my quiet acknowledgement comes with a reward. I get to see that unexpected, final bit of dialogue, the slapstick blooper reel or hear the full version of a song from the soundtrack. And even if there’s no hidden gems embedded into the movie’s credits, I’m granted a leisurely stroll out of the theater so I can peacefully ponder the story I’ve just experienced.

The same rule has applied for me at dinner parties, business outings—even in the grocery store checkout line. Through the simple act of not rushing off, I’ve been blessed by more meaningful connections, deeper conversations, one-to-one laughter...not to mention a few slices of pie to go and a couple of tips on upcoming sales.

If I’ve known the benefits of lingering in everyday circumstances, then I’ve most assuredly known the value of lingering in God’s presence. Anytime I move worship off the grid of time constraints and expected formulas, I am blessed with a deeper, more meaningful, one-to-one connection. And the reward of this kind of lingering leaves blooper reels, extra pie or sales tips in the dust. Lingering in God’s presence is life changing.

It’s this simple truth that sparked the genesis of Linger Conference.

Linger Conference is a unique event created to help all of us learn what it is to linger in God’s presence. In two amazing days in Dallas in February 2014, we will assemble some of the brightest speakers, teachers and artists to share in the disassembling of our preconceived notions about spending time in God’s presence. From moments of undiluted worship to sessions that bring us together with like-minded friends and colleagues, Linger Conference is a chance to rest, review and renew so that we can bring more intentional worship back to our churches across the country.

Bring your church staff, your worship team, your best friends...or just yourself...and join us for this special experience. See you at Linger!

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As much as we focus on “lingering,” there is one thing we need you to do quickly: reserve your event tickets! We’re offering significant savings for early bird reservations. Spaces are limited, so make plans today for you and your church group to join us in November!
Sign up now by clicking here.

p.s. - Stay in touch on Twitter and Facebook for ongoing Linger Conference news and announcements!

What To Expect At The Linger Conference

Can we be honest? It’s a little surreal to be led by God to start an event like this yet have to charge people to attend. Nonetheless, the reality is that conferences aren’t inexpensive to put on, and we’ve got to charge something. Our goal is to make the registration fee as affordable as possible for an amazingly high quality event. We want as many of you to attend as possible because this is going to be an incredible experience!

The Artists & Speakers You Want to Hear
Though we’re still building our roster of speakers/artists/teachers, you’ll see we’ve already assembled some of the most inspiring folks in the realms of ministry and Christian music for Linger Conference. John Piper, Phil Wickham, Jennie Riddle, Matt Chandler, Bethany Dillon, Ben Stuart, Todd Wagner, Lauren Chandler, Shane & Shane, Tullian Tchividjian… We’re excited to bring these wonderful folks to you for two days of undiluted learning, sharing and growing.

Breakout Sessions for Worship Leaders & Songwriters
Thursday, February 13, 2014
(Separately ticketed event, available only to Linger attendees)

Bloggers, poets, authors, comedians, Bible study leaders, teachers, songwriters, worship leaders - this day is for you.
The day will open and close with worship and a keynote from a nationally known artist/speaker.
Breakout and group sessions throughout the day will be led by Linger speakers and artists and others.
More details will be posted here soon, but tickets for this special event will sell out fast.
Closer to the conference date a full schedule will be published under the Schedule tab. Click HERE for Artists and Speakers.

Meaningful Worship
Worship is a core component of Linger Conference. We’ll gather for praise and worship times that will teach us all to defy expected time constraints and structure to truly come into God’s presences. We’ll hear keynotes from leading speakers who will help us expand our understanding of spending time with God. No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, you’ll be moved, involved and inspired.

Book Now for Best Prices!
The best way to get the best price for all this?  Book early. We’re offering early bird pricing to encourage immediate enrollment. Rates will increase, so register today by clicking here!

We’re hoping to make Linger Conference the affordable, high quality solution you’ve been looking for for your group’s fall retreat. Lock in great rates now for your group, and take “Fall Retreat planning” off your To Do list. Reserve your group’s tickets today by clicking here!

Need more details or information? Check out our speakers/artists bios, our vision statement and registration details. Stay in touch on Twitter and Facebook to learn about new speakers and artists being announced soon, and we’ll see you at Linger Conference in February 2014!

Make Plans for Linger Conference 2014:

“It is in the process of being worshiped that God communicates His presence to men.”

If we’re honest, we often think of worship as a structured activity designated “at church only” or maybe as an item on our weekly checklist—no more important than buying groceries or taking out the trash. It isn’t that we don’t love God and don’t want to spend quality time with Him; it’s just that life gets busy. As we juggle our jobs, our children and a million other commitments, we easily relegate spending time with God, only to notice something is missing over time and wonder when God is going to move in our lives. 

 “It is in the process of being worshiped that God communicates His presence to men.” - C.S. Lewis

The concept of lingering in God’s presence isn’t new. We see it throughout scripture, and we all know life makes more sense and we have more peace when we take the time to listen and worship. Worship changes us. It sculpts out a place for God, where He can be present in every aspect of our days. When we pause in His presence, He works miracles in our hearts. Monotony begins to fade and is replaced with a sense of joy and purpose that underlines our moments, our circumstances.

Linger Conference seeks to explore the concept of lingering in the presence of God as part of life-changing worship. 

If you feel drained or like you’re going through the motions without a purpose or an awareness of God’s hand in your life, Linger Conference is for you. 

If you’re energized by worship and learn and grow with likeminded Christians, Linger Conference is for you.

If you’re looking for a fall retreat that will impact the lives of your church group in a lasting, meaningful way, Linger Conference is for you. 

If you’re in church leadership and want to grow and learn so that you can inspire renewed worship with your congregation, Linger Conference is for you.

We’re praying that this conference will spark a hunger for the presence of God in your life—not just as a church-only task or a mundane, weekly To Do item—but a lifelong pursuit of beholding His glory.

For more information and to register, please click here. You’ll find early bird prices for a limited time and a line-up of speakers and artists that’s still growing each week.

Save the date—February 14-15, 2014—because you won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear from these amazing speakers and, well, linger, with other believers. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the 2014 Linger Conference in Dallas, Texas!



p.s. - Stay in touch on Twitter and Facebook for ongoing Linger Conference news and announcements!