Palabras de Aliento – Génesis 3

March 28, 2008

En esta semana Santa pasada me enfoqué en cuan grande es el plan de Dios para su creación. El sabía antes de que todo comenzara que El sufriría y moriría en la cruz por nuestros pecados y luego resucitaría nuevamente. Me puso a pensar en cómo sería posible dividir la Biblia entera en dos partes. Génesis 1-2 y luego Génesis 3 hasta el final del Apocalipsis. Piénsalo. Los primeros dos capítulos de Génesis hablan de la sorprendente creación de Dios. Luego el capítulo 3 habla acerca de la rebelión del hombre contra Dios. Y en el resto de la Biblia es descrito el plan complejo y amoroso de Dios para redimir, restaurar y reconciliar la creación de regreso a El.

¿Qué significa para aquellos de nosotros al leer el capítulo 3 de Génesis?

Creo que no hay mejor forma de empezar a entender el mensaje de Dios que luchar con él y entender completamente nuestra separación de El debido al pecado y a nuestra necesidad desesperada de El para reconciliar nuestra relación. Necesitamos siempre estar recordando este punto en la escritura. El punto que divide la creación de Dios de Dios… el punto en el que el pecado entra en la pantalla.

Y aunque Dios sabe todo, él todavía llama a Adán preguntándole “¿Dónde estás?” ¿Por qué hace esto? Tal vez tiene que ver con el concepto de la confesión. Tal vez Dios quería que Adán confesara su pecado, que viniera a Dios y deseara reconciliación, que deseara remover su pecado.

Sí, Adán responde por temor y verguenza cuando dice que se escondió y que tenía miedo. Todos somos tentados a escondernos de una situación cuando tendremos que enfrentar castigo de un sentimiento de verguenza. Todos deseamos agradar a otros y Adán sintió como que defraudó a Dios por su acción e inacción.

De modo que cada día, todos necesitamos desear buscar reconciliación…no esperando ser confrontados con nuestro pecado…sino ser proactivos en buscar reconciliación.

Help Promote the Annual Day of Prayer

March 26, 2008

We invite you to use these banners on your own sites, your personal blogs, your church websites, and anyplace you can think about putting a banner. This is just one of the many ways in which you can help promote the upcoming Annual Day of Prayer for Children at High Risk (June 1st, 2008). If you need a custom size, please let us know.

All you have to do is pick which banner you want to use, and then copy/paste the code that we have provided into your website.

Thank you for participating

March 25, 2008

Oakseed Ministries would like to express a great big thank you for all the people and churches who took part in the 40 Days of Lent Project. It was encouraging to hear stories from many of you who called or wrote us to tell us about what type of project they were going to do for the 40 days of Lent.

One woman called us to ask about the 40 Days of Lent Project because she really wanted to do something special this Lent season. I told her about how some people were doing the House Coffee Friend project where the participants decided to not order specialty coffee at Starbucks and other coffee shops but only order the house coffee. They have then donated the money they saved to Oakseed Ministries to be sent to our ministry partners (MISIUR) in Peru to help build homes for the poorest of the poor who lost everything in the recent earthquake. This woman told me she didn’t drink coffee, so what else could she do?

I then told her about the Fast Food Friend project, about keeping a tab on what you spend at a fast food restaurant during the 40 Days of Lent and then sending that amount to Oakseed to send on to MISIUR. It would be like taking a poor person out to eat with you whenever you went to a fast food restaurant. This woman said she hand’t eaten in a fast food restaurant in almost 20 years, what else could she do?

I told her about the Movie Friend project, about choosing to rent a movie instead of going to the theater and sending the cost difference to Oakseed Ministries to send on to MISIUR. Turns out she doesn’t go to movies either.

Finally, I told her about the Spare Change Friend project, where people would collect all their spare change during the 40 Days of Lent and then send it to Oakseed Ministries. This was exaclty what she was looking for. She told me that every time she looked at a penny she would say a prayer for the children in Peru as she collected the coin.

We at Oakseed Ministries would like to thank everyone who participated and has sent their 40 Days of Lent Project contributions into the office. If you are still planning on sending in your Project donation, you can send it to Oakseed Ministries International, PO Box 607, Dunn Loring, VA 22027. We would also really enjoy it if you would write a little note letting us know what Project you participated in and things you might have learned.

If you would like to receive a reminder about next year’s 40 Days of Lent Project, we invite you to fill out this little form.

Upper Loft Meditation – Genesis 3

March 25, 2008

This past Easter week got me focused on how great God’s plan is for his creation. He knew before it all began that He would be suffering and dying on the cross for our sins, then rising again. It got me thinking about how it could be possible to divide the entire Bible into two parts. Genesis 1-2 and then Genesis 3 to the end of Revelation. Think about it. The first two chapters of Genesis speak of God’s amazing creation. Then Chapter 3 talks about the rebellion of man against God. And for the remainder of the Bible, God’s intricate and loving plan to redeem, restore and reconcile creation back to himself is described.

So what does this mean to those of us reading Chapter 3 of Genesis?

I guess there is no better way to begin to understand God’s message than to wrestle with and fully understand our separation from him because of sin and our desperate need for him to reconcile our relationship. We need to always be remembering this point in Scripture. The point that divides God’s creation from God… the point at which sin enters the picture.

And even though God knows everything, he still calls out to Adam asking “Where are you?” Why does he do this? Maybe it has to do with the concept of confession. Maybe God was wanting Adam to confess his sin, to come to God and desire reconciliation, to desire to remove his sin.

Yes, Adam responds out of fear and shame when he says that he hid and was afraid. We are all most tempted to hide from a situation when we will have to face punishment of a feeling of shame. We all desire to please others, and Adam felt like he let God down by his action and his inaction.

So each day, we all need to desire to pursue reconciliation… not waiting to be confronted with our sin… but to be proactive in seeking reconciliation.

Prayers answered in Kenya

March 24, 2008

The last two months were a major test for Kenya and all Kenyans. I tried to update you on the events asking you to pray as it was difficult sometimes for me to pray intelligibly.

It was frightening because for 8 years, I prayed daily and fasted regularly against similar circumstances in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan and the list goes. On several occasions the call of duty/ministry brought me face to face with the impact of such crises on the continent while serving at the Association of Evangelicals in Africa. There was no doubt the Kenyan crisis was going to be likened to or even supersede those that had come and gone. All the signs of what drove Somalia into the present failed state were imminent. A determination and resolve for self destruction that still shocks me was cut in stone as no one seem to care; not even our leaders were willing to listen when some of our neighboring countries were urging us not end up like them! The destruction of lives,properties and essential public infrastructure that I witnessed personally leaves me wondering if this was not the work of the foulest, wild and wicked evil spirit that took over our hearts and minds? It was totally unnecessary to unleash violence on ourselves not to mention that we are already paying for it now through a high cost of living as prices of virtually everything have gone up…!

Thankfully, with your prayers, God used Koffi Annan to pacify the parties who have now reached a political settlement. You also prayed for me, Aaron and Kaarli when we embarked on the Caravan of Hope, a risky adventure which has now been embraced by the Kenya church ( see www.Nationmedia.com ; Sunday Nation of 23rd March 2008 article “ How clergy took battle to Grim Reaper”). Msafara is swahili word for Caravan! They renamed it “Msafara wheels of Hope”.

Sense is coming back to Kenya as many (and hopefully everyone will) remorsefully look back at what happened and seriously ponder why it happened! Before I left Kenya for Burundi on the 3rd, I had to urgently cut shot my trip in West Pokot-Webuye to avoid being caught up in a planned mass action called by the opposition. I made it in time for a peace follow up meeting in the most troubled part Kibera and here is how Aaron Sundsmo described the meeting:

We met with around 40 youth leaders (age 18-25) and a few other older community leaders who are also interested in participating in the process. We had a good 6-7 hours with them to talk through the practical steps that we could take to start rebuilding their communities.

I was happy to see that we met with the “real” youth. One of the members had been in a militia/gang and recently left. One currently occupies someone else’s house and wants to give it back to the rightful owner. Each one had a remarkable story to tell. Unfortunately, almost all were unemployed and not in school. All of them were full of innovative ideas that the rest of us had not thought of before. We decided that they after the meeting on Saturday they would talk to people in their community during the week and we would meet again next Saturday to decide whose home we should rebuild first.

Lives need emotional and physical healing, reconciliation and restoration. Physical aid is needed to start again. The figures have been put at around 300,000 families displaced. We are glad that the coalition government has committed herself to help rebuild. No details of how and when and to what extent this is going to be done. In the meantime families continue to shelter in IDPs’ camps. In the meantime the rain and planting season is back… Again City Harvest has no capacity to handle all these needs but we shall do all we can with God’s help to catalyze and move the church into action. Please note that Kenya needs you now more than ever! It is possible that with the outbreak of violence many who had planned to come and be part inevitably canceled their travel plans. May I appeal to you to reconsider and please come? You will help us first hand in restoring broken and hurting lives…the need is not only great but urgent!

News update from our friends in Kenya…

Palabras de Aliento – 1 Corinthios 15

March 20, 2008

“Entonces se cumplirá lo que está escrito: «La muerte ha sido devorada por la victoria.» «¿Dónde está, oh muerte, tu victoria?
¿Dónde está, oh muerte, tu aguijón?»[i]
El aguijón de la muerte es el pecado, y el poder del pecado es la ley. ¡Pero gracias a Dios, que nos da la victoria por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo!” – 1 Corintios 15:54(b)-57

El triumfo de la pascua es seguido por la crucifixion de Jesús. Un hombre inocente, Jesús, ha pagado la pena de todos mis pecados. El ha pagado el precio para liberarme de la ley del pecado y la muerte.

¿Qué es libertad?

• La muerte no puede reclamar mi vida. La muerte no es un punto final. No es un evento a ser temido. La muerte es una coma, porque mi historia continuará en la enternidad.
• Ya no estoy separado de mi Creador, sino que estoy llamado a vivir en initimidad con El. Debo conocer a Dios y gozarlo para siempre. El promete esto: (Romanos 8:37-39)

Pues estoy convencido de que ni la muerte ni la vida, ni los ángeles ni los demonios, ni lo presente ni lo por venir, ni los poderes, ni lo alto ni lo profundo, ni cosa alguna en toda la creación, podrá apartarnos del amor que Dios nos ha manifestado en Cristo Jesús nuestro Señor.

• Esta victoria me ha liberado, no por lo que he hecho. Es lo que Jesús ha hecho en mi favor. El me da la victoria. Es un regalo que Dios da a todos los que lo reciben por fe.

Esta Buena noticia es fantástica. Es la respuesta que todo el mundo está buscando, ya sea que lo sepan o no. Es la razón de celebración de cada día.

Por lo tanto, Aleluya, agradecido sea Dios para siempre.

Upper Loft Meditation – 1 Corinthians 15

March 18, 2008

“then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus.” – 1 Corinthians 15:54(b)-57

The triumph of Easter follows the crucifixion of Jesus. An innocent man, Jesus, has paid the penalty for all my sins. He has paid the price to set me free from the law of sin and death.

What is freedom?

• Death has no claim upon my life. Death is not an end point, a period. It is not an event to be feared. Death is a comma, as my story will continue into eternity.
• I am no longer separated from my Creator, but am called to live in intimacy with Him. I am to know God and enjoy Him forever. His promise is this: (Romans 8:37-38)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

• This victory has set me free, not because of what I have done. It is what Jesus has done on my behalf. He gives me the victory. It is a gift that God gives to all those who receive it by faith.

This good news is fantastic. It is the answer for what everyone is looking for, whether they know they are looking or not. It is cause to celebrate every day.

Therefore, Hallelujah, thanks be to God forever and ever.

Palabras de Aliento – Salmo 100

March 14, 2008

“Reconozcan que el Señor es Dios; él nos hizo, y somos suyos. Somos su pueblo, ovejas de su prado. Entren por sus puertas con acción de gracias; vengan a sus atrios con himnos de alabanza; denle gracias, alaben su nombre. Porque el Señor es bueno y su gran amor es eterno; su fidelidad permanece para siempre.” – Salmo 100:3-5

Este es un Salmo que exhorta a los que creen en Dios. Es un llamado a entrar en la presencia de Dios con agradecimiento. Nosotros no entramos a hurtadillas, por la puerta trasera a la presencia de Dios, ni nos paseamos timidamente en su presencia charlando acerca de nuestras ideas triviales. Nosotros pertenecemos a su presencia. Como Doug Goins señala, debemos ser “¡ovejas ruidosas!” Nuestro ruido no debe ser acerca de nosotros, sino acerca de El.

¿Por qué debieramos gritar sus alabanzas?

1. El Señor es Dios. No hay otro. El es el creador del cielo y la tierra. Todas las cosas están bajo Su poder y autoridad. Todas las cosas fueron creadas para la alabanza de Su gloria.
2. El nos ha hecho y somos Su ¡familia!
3. El nos ha rescatados del pecado y la muerte y nos ha revestido con la rectitud de Su hijo Jesús para que podamos entrar y vivir en Su presencia por toda la eternidad.

Este domingo es el domingo de Ramos cuando Jesús entró a Jerusalem montado en un burro ante las alabanzas y aleluyas de la multitud. Para nosotros es el inicio de la Semana Santa, la semana en que nos preparamos para celebrar la muerte y resurrección del Señor Jesús. ¿Cómo vas a celebrar este evento transformador del mundo? ¿Como un cordero siendo llevado al matadero o un cordero que es llevado en los brazos del pastor de regreso a casa? (Mateo 18:13)

¡Aleluya, el Señor ha venido! Se una oveja ruidosa para Su alabanza.

“Step Through the Fear” and into the Lives of Children with Disabilities

March 12, 2008

Brenda Darke offers insight into the lives of children with disabilities and their families as she reflects on her experience working in this area. Here are a few quotes that stood out to me as I listened to the interview.

“The scriptures are actually full of God’s heart for people with disabilities, even though there is a lot of misunderstanding on this issue. But one thing that I always call people’s attention to is Luke 14. Where there is Jesus teaching how to include people with disabilities in His kingdom. He goes out of his way and crosses barriers that other people are not prepared to cross. He teaches us in practice and by his word… that we should be including them in our church.”

“The statistics are that the situation of children with disabilities living in developing countries is always much worse. There are more children growing up in disadvantaged situations, in countries that are being developed, mostly related to high levels of poverty. If a child is born into a family in Latin America, they do not have the kind of support that might be available in countries in Europe, for instance. Even if the family is a middle class family or fairly well-to-do, there is such a drain on the resources that this family too becomes poor.”

“Huge, huge poverty actually provokes many disabilities in children because of poor antenatal care, poor diet, there are many birth accidents. They actually acquire disabilities directly because of their situation of poverty.”

“We just have to step through the fear and just begin by getting to know some children with disabilities and their families… we need to get along side them and begin to dialogue with the family.”

“I think [children with disabilities] teach us about ourselves. I think there is actually a spiritual issue in recognizing that the child with the disability is really no different. We may start off thinking, ‘Oh we are going to be able to do so much to help them and give them so much.’ But in my experience, we are usually the people who gain.”

Listen to the entire podcast for more from Brenda Darke.

Podcast Interview with Brenda Darke

Upper Loft Meditation – Psalm 100

March 11, 2008

“Know that the Lord is God. It is he, who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” – Psalm 100:3-5

 

This is a Psalm of exhortation to those who believe in God.  It is a call to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving.  We do not sneak into God’s presence through a back door, nor do we timidly saunter into his presence chit-chatting about our own trivial sound bites.  We belong in His presence.  As Doug Goins points out, we are to be “noisy sheep!”  Our noise is not to be about us, but about Him.

 

Why should we be shouting His praises?

1. The Lord is God.  There is no other.  He is the maker of heaven and earth.  All things are under His power and authority.  All things were created for the praise of His glory.
2. He has made us and we are His family!
3. He has rescued us from sin and death and clothed us in the righteousness of His son Jesus so that we may enter and live in His presence for eternity.

This Sunday is Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey to the praise and hallelujahs of the crowd.  For us it is the beginning of Holy Week, the week we prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.  How will you celebrate this world changing event?  Like a lamb being led to the slaughter house or a lamb carried in the Shepherd’s arms back to His family?  (Matthew 18:13)

 

Hallelujah, the Lord has come!  Be noisy sheep for His praise.

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