He Tends His Flock Like a Shepard

"He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:11)

Do yourself a favor today. Read Isaiah 40. Then meditate on the riches of God's love and care for you. On how you are part of the fulfillment of this prophecy - the church of Jesus Christ. There is so much in this wonderful prophecy for which you can be thankful.

In this one verse, we see that God takes care of his flock like a shepherd. He gathers us together in his protective care. He called us out of our wandering around in sin. We are safe now. The world remains a dangerous place, but we are truly in the safest possible condition: saved unto eternal life, guaranteed, in Christ. Christ does gently lead us. The world is the harsh place. Not Jesus. He gently leads. Take some time to enjoy your salvation these next few days.

1. If you worry about things, ask this: where exactly is God not noticing your problem? In what way is he failing to take care of you?

2. On the other hand, how is God carrying you right now? How is he keeping you close and safe from trouble?

3. How is God gently leading you?

Have a blessed Christmas!

His Spirit Enables Us to Understand His Word

"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Have you ever gotten into a conversation with someone about spiritual things and found it frustrating? Do you try and explain what God says in the bible, only to have the person say "that may work for you" or "that's just Paul's opinion" or any number of other warm or cold responses to the gospel? God our Redeemer says that, in fact, it's impossible for the natural person to understand the things of God. Only with His help can anyone understand the things God says in His word.

As people redeemed from slavery to sin, we have an amazing gift from God: his Spirit which enables us to understand what he says in his word. I still marvel each day when I read the bible that I have any interest in it. I remember all too well the hostility I had before God broke into my life. I can say for certain that my understanding of God's word is not due to my cleverness. It is all due to the Spirit that God gave me when he called me into a relationship with him.

1. Can you recall a time when you did not care about God's word to you - when it seemed boring or foolish?

2. What do you think of God's word now? Do you turn to it every day? Do you listen intently to good sermons?

3. Have you had conversations with people who don't accept the word of God? Knowing that they cannot understand without God's help, how does that affect the way you should work with them?

-- Charlie

Mocking Unbelief

"Therefore, when the LORD heard, he was full of wrath; a fire was kindled against Jacob; his anger rose against Israel, because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power." (Psalm 78:21-22)

This Psalm is a long account of God's faithfulness to his people in spite of their unfaithfulness. Prior to these verses, we read of the Israelites' discontentment with what God had provided for them in the wilderness. They eventually started mocking God. God finally turned against them in wrath. Why? Because of their ingratitude? Because of their impatience? Because of their shortsightedness? No.

Because, fundamentally, they did not believe in God. They did not trust his proven, saving power. God will put up with our complaints, our doubts, our fears, our desperate pleas. He will more than put up - he will comfort and act. Just read other Psalms for examples. But mocking unbelief and distrust will draw out his wrath.

1. What do you think about Israel's behavior here? What do you think qualifies as unbelief and distrust?

2. What do you think of God's reaction?

3. How does this affect you?

-- Charlie

We have received the Spirit of God

"Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God." (1 Corinthians 2:12)

As ambassadors of God our Lord and King, we have a uniquely new perspective on things. And we must take care to speak from that perspective and not the old perspective. We have received the Spirit of God. That Spirit gives us the unique capacity to understand God's revelation to us from his word, the Scriptures. That Spirit also enables us to understand all of life in a new and unique way. But we were, like all other people, formerly led only by the spirit of this world. We can easily fall back on that.

All day long we are surrounded by conversation and actions that are driven by the spirit of this world. We need to remind ourselves that we have the Spirit who is from God and strive to understand our unique circumstances in light of that Spirit. We need to speak and act according to the Spirit, not as people led by the spirit of the world.

1. Think of a conversation or situation in the past day or two where you simply acted the way those around you expected. How could the Spirit of God have influenced you differently?

2. How does the Spirit of God help you to understand things differently? Think of an example.

3. Think of a likely conversation or situation coming up today. What can you do to act under the influence of the Spirit of God?

-- Charlie

Support Disadvantaged Children in Colombia

Dear friends of Colombia,

Pastor Enrique Leal from Barranquilla has asked me to make a request for the poor children at Los Olivos community in Barranquilla.  He would like to send some money so Pastor Rafael and others in the church in Barranquilla can buy some toys to celebrate Christmas with the kids at Los Olivos.  Would you like to help?  Any amount of money is very welcome. 

Pastor Enrique and I will be in Reception Hall at coffee time this coming Sunday the 20th to receive your donations.  The money will be wired on Monday to make it on time for Christmas.

Thank you for your love to the children at Los Olivos.

Blessings, Clara

Ask, Seek, Knock

"And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9)

God is our Father. But we are his children. Jesus spends more time in the verses of this passage persuading us to be children of the Father than to explain about the Father. The Father is not really a mystery. Being a child to him is the evasive part. We are, by nature, self-directed rebels. We will not truly experience God as our Father until we learn to be trusting children who bring each and every need we have before him.

1. How do you still treat God as distant, far-off and unconcerned about your life?

2. What would it take for you to open up an area of your life to God by seeking and asking for his help?

3. What would it be like if you let go of that troubling part of your life and let your Father begin to have his way with you in it? Can you imagine God being your Father in that situation?

-- Charlie

Only One Thing is Needed

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)

If God is our Shepherd, what does that mean about us? Is it a sentimental metaphor Jesus uses to make us feel cozy with him? Are we sheep-like? In this little scene with Mary and Martha, Jesus carefully rebukes Martha for her anxious busyness. Mary, on the other hand, is contentedly sitting with Jesus, listening to him and happy to be in his presence. Jesus is her shepherd, and she is adopting a sheep-like dependence on him.

Martha is acting quite naturally for a human. She is concerned about preparations and duties. She wants to ensure that the occasion of hosting a guest in her home goes well. She is not sheep-like. Jesus commends Mary. He gently rebukes Martha. He is a shepherd to one, and a mentor to the other. His vision for Martha: become more like Mary. Become more content and satisfied with me and only me. That's the only thing that matters.

1. Who do you more resemble in this story? Do you resemble both, depending on the circumstances?

2. What does Mary's satisfaction with Jesus say to you? How you can be more like her?

3. Where in your life are you like Martha? If Jesus were to say these words to you, how could you change and become more like Mary?

-- Charlie

The Peace of God

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

When God saves me from sin's slavery, he does so continually and completely. One of the benefits of God's redeeming work is his peace. I live in a sinful world. I remain a sinner. This ensures that strife and inner turmoil will continue to trouble me. I cannot win this battle. God must do it for me. And the most precious gift he can give me in this world is the peace of mind that passes all understanding. If I have peace of mind, rooted in the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, I can live with any circumstance the world brings my way.

1. Think of a circumstance in your life that makes you unsettled or troubled. How can God's peace enter in to that? Have you asked for his peace in that area?

2. God promises to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Think of an area where your heart and mind need God's protection - an area where you feel helpless, where you have been ineffective in your own efforts to avoid troubling thoughts or reactions. Ask for God's protection and peace there.

-- Charlie

Do you presume on the riches of His kindness?

"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4)

How are we best motivated to do good? God is the perfect judge of all people. But he is also continually showing kindness, forbearance and patience towards me. He needs to do that since I continue to sin and fall short. But God, having a greater view of my perfection in mind, is leading me towards repentance. He puts up with my constant falling so that I might have opportunity to realize my shortcomings and turn from sin and do good. I am more powerfully motivated by God's patience and kindness than I am by fear. God, in his wisdom, has chosen love and kindness over fear as the way to motivate me towards repentance.

1. When you reflect on your sin, what is the image of God in your mind?

2. Are you motivated to live the right way by fear or by a love for God?

3. Do you ever neglect to reflect on and confess your sin? According to this passage, what is the risk of that?

-- Charlie

A Child Loved by Him

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:1)

As a chosen disciple of Jesus, I am to go about my day imitating God. I am to keep in mind that I am like a child loved by him. How does this affect my outlook on the day? Imitating God means what? Loving others - all others? Being patient with everyone? Putting others' interests first? What does being a beloved child mean? Being less controlling of the details of my day? More trusting of my Father? Less scheming and planning every last detail?

1. As an ambassador of God your King, how can you imitate God today?

2. How would your thinking change today if you remembered that God loves you as his child?

-- Charlie

Our Eternal Future with God

God is eternal, and we have an eternal future with him.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21: 1-4)

I never tire of reading this. I have memorized it. It brings joy to me every time. Why is that? Because it transcends mere logic and goes right to my heart. It puts everything in perspective. It motivates me not because of sin, or what God can do for me now, or remorse or how I can do better. All of that will be finished in eternity. We have only God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, along with all his elect in sinless, painless perfection. It melts my heart when I read the phrase "He will wipe every tear from their eyes." God, as big as he is, will notice the smallest tear and wipe it away one last time. Then, all pain is over.

No matter how exciting or discouraging life is right now, this puts everything into perspective. Meditate on it today and see if you agree.

-- Charlie

Be imitators of God

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:1)

What does a child imitate? For many years, they imitate their parents. Then they imitate their widening world of friends. We all imitate or gain influence from someone or more people. Paul urges us to imitate God our Father. How? As children who he loves. Why? Because we're imitating someone and, in fact, need to model our behavior after someone.

We are social beings. We will imitate--we have no choice but to imitate. So, Paul says, imitate God your Father. As children who he loves.

1. Think of those who most influence you. How do you imitate them?

2. When you try and think of imitating God, what comes to mind? What characteristics can you envision? Does Jesus give us an example?

3. What is the danger of using other godly people as your example for imitating God? What are the benefits?

-- Charlie

Worldly Grief vs Godly Grief

"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Have you ever experienced misgivings about something you did? Like telling a lie, some not-so-wholesome thoughts, being angry at someone, getting into an argument? Maybe you just felt bad after a while when you thought about it. Maybe it made you look bad. Or maybe you were ashamed of yourself. You have a conscience. You have a standard of good behavior. Other people show you when you do things wrong. All of this can lead to grief or remorse.

Paul calls this worldly grief. It doesn't really do much good. In fact, it's pretty bad because it just gets you to try harder not to do the thing that came so naturally when you did it. It gets you to double-up your efforts to behave well.

Paul also talks about godly grief. This is holy spirit-led inner conviction that you have offended God. We may not experience this very often. It depends on God's holy spirit acting in us. We have to be receptive to the spirit's work. But the outcome of this kind of conviction is totally positive. It doesn't have that kind of guilty, self-berating, "I will do better next time" kind of self-improvement reaction we all have. Instead, it leads to a true remorse over the disappointment you have caused God your Father. And because the holy spirit has led you to this conviction, he gives you the direction to true repentance rather than self-improvement.

1. Think of a recent situation where you felt bad about what you did (thoughts, actions toward another). How did you respond when you finally felt bad about it? Was that godly grief or worldly grief?

2. Can you think of a time when the holy spirit convicted you of something that dishonored God? How did you respond?

3. How could your self-directed remorse moments become godly grief and true repentance?

-- Charlie

Though you have not seen him, you love him

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory" (1 Peter 1:8)

Peter is encouraging persecuted believers to be comforted by the knowledge of their heavenly Father. Peter, in this case, is shepherding them to their heavenly Shepherd. In this verse, he reminds them that they love their Father even though they don't see him. They more than just love him—they rejoice with inexpressible joy. Why does Peter remind them of this? Because the world has become so ugly and so dominant in their lives. When the world screams every moment that it, not God, is real, believers can really begin to doubt. God, who we don't see, can become a nice idea that worked when all was well. But Peter reminds them that their belief is real and reliable. How does their belief appear? As love and joy. This is the durable stuff that holds up under pressure.

1. Have you ever been tempted to wonder why you even believe when things in your life are going badly?

2. How would nurturing your love for the living God help in those times? Do you cultivate your love for him? Do you remind yourself that you can be filled with joy over your God who also loves you?

3. What steps can you take today to begin nurturing a deeper, more joyful love for your Father in heaven?

-- Charlie

You were Called to be Free

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13)

God serves us as a shepherd. He does this because he loves us. In loving us, he has redeemed us from our slavery to sin. We are now free. As redeemed and called people, we still have a choice: use the freedom from sin to indulge ourselves, or serve others. God serves us. He wants us to serve others. Only then will we be experiencing the fullness that God has for us.

--Charlie

Saved through His Life

For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Romans 5:10)

This is good news for all of us.

Consider the following:

1. God’s work
2. Our response
3. Our assurance

The time sequence is quite clear here. We were born God’s enemies. We cannot help it, but we’re still responsible for the state we’re in. Prior to any interest we had in God (or even before any of us were born), God secured our reconciliation with him through the death of Jesus. Our belief affirms it. It does not secure it—that already happened. Our belief is a response to God’s work, not the means of it.

Any who have experienced God’s salvation know that, at some point—in a way you can’t explain, God got hold of you and you responded by belief, repentance, and following a new way of life. Those are all responses, not the means of salvation. This should encourage all of us. We were never part of the solution. And we are not now, either. It is God’s perfect work on the cross that saved us and continues to save us. We have nothing to add. Nothing can improve on it. Be assured that this work is already done, and Jesus wants you to rest in it.

--Charlie

On Tuesday, I remember that God is my Judge

And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' (Revelation 3:14-22)

To this church, Jesus has nothing good to say. They are the most reprehensible of all the churches. Why? Because of wanton sin like some of the others? Because of idolatry? Or doctrinal error? No. Because they simply aren’t too committed to anything. Jesus even says it would be better if they were cold to the gospel. They are affluent, satisfied with their wealth, and think they are OK. Jesus says they are naked, poor, blind and pitiable. They sound like a good many churches today.

Are they hopeless? No. Jesus reminds them that he reproves and disciplines those he loves. He is giving them an opportunity to repent. But it will not be comfortable. It starts with using gold refined by fire. That may mean they have to embrace hard trials and service in order to see how self-reliant they have been—to get into situations where only Jesus is the answer. He’s knocking and waiting. But not forever.

How does this apply to you? Are you going through trials? If so, be thankful—they are signs of Jesus’ love so that you don’t become lukewarm. Are you like this church? Look for opportunities for Jesus to shake you up and awaken you to your need for him alone.

--Charlie

On Monday, I remember that God is my King and I am his ambassador.

^22(A) To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak.^(B) I have become all things to all people, that^(C) by all means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)

1. God calls us to be his ambassadors in this world.

2. Our calling may require that we do or be whatever it takes to reach out to other people.

3. The point of our reaching out is that they might be saved like we have been.

God calls us. When we really understand that, we will see major shifts happening in our lives. As C.S. Lewis put it in Mere Christianity, we might see the changes happening as in a house getting some work done on it. Next thing we know, a whole room is getting demolished, then another. Then the house is getting rebuilt and is becoming quite a palace compared to what was there before.

What does becoming all things to all people mean? In Paul’s case, it meant a radical departure from his former way of life. The departure was up to God, not Paul. So, too, with us. God is calling. And he is waiting for our cooperation with the call. Follow—become his ambassadors in the circumstances where you find yourself right now. For the purpose that some might be saved by his gospel.

--Charlie

On Friday, I remember that God is my Father.

“¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is^(A) in Christ, he is^(B) a new creation.^[a](C) The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This may seem to be an odd verse regarding God as Father. Here’s the connection:

1. God begins by making us new in Christ

2. God continues by purging us

3. God ends with our perfection

One way or another, all sinners need a rebirth. That’s how we become “in Christ”, a new creation. Some of us vividly know when and how that happened. Others do not, but certainly know that they call Christ their Lord and it doesn’t really matter how or when that happened. Meanwhile, we all remain sinners. God has work to do in us. But as our Father, he is doing his work with great care and love. We all have our old self lingering. We want things from God. We don’t want God to even be part of some areas of our life. We worry, fret, get depressed, discouraged—all because our lives are hard and often fail our desires and wants. God knows all of this. But his vision for us is perfect contentment. That love that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13. He wants us to be content with just him, and not his blessings. So, as a loving Father with this vision for us in mind, he may withhold blessings from us. They may be getting in the way. As long as you always stand beside a toddler holding him up, he’ll not try to walk on his own. As long as the blessings are there, we may not learn to love our Father for who he is.

Consider basking in the love of your Father in heaven today—regardless of your circumstances.

--Charlie

On Thursday, I remember that God is my Shepherd and Provider.

“1(A) He went away from there and came to(B) his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2And(C) on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and(D) many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3(E) Is not this(F) the carpenter, the son of Mary and(G) brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And(H) they took offense at him. 4And Jesus said to them, (I) "A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household." 5And(J) he could do no mighty work there, except that(K) he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6And(L) he marveled because of their unbelief.” (Mark 6:1-6)

“…And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.”

I see three points in this last statement:

1. Jesus is willing to provide.

2. We are not always willing to believe.

3. He will not necessarily break through stubborn unbelief.

Jesus is our shepherd and provider. In his lifetime, he demonstrated that time after time. But here, he encountered cynical unbelief. And because of that, he was *unable* to do much. His provisions for our lives always depend upon our faith. He chooses to provide only when we honor him and believe that he can. Our faith is often weak. We are sometimes distraught, terrified, despondent, or nearly at the end of our rope. He can break through any of that and provide at just the right moment. But outright rejection and cynicism—that seems to be something here that Jesus won’t abide.

Consider today that Jesus is a marvelous provider of any and every need you have. Guard against the cynicism and mockery that hardened these people and kept Jesus from showing his mercy towards them.

---Charlie

On Monday, I remember that God is my King and I am his ambassador.

12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and(S) hunger, abundance and(T) need. 13I can do all things(U) through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12-13)

This struck me as an important ingredient in being a good and effective ambassador of God’s Kingdom: contentment. How can we be good ambassadors of our saving, loving God if we are worried about our income or preoccupied by our wealth? These are great problems, and Paul has shown us here that it’s important to not get distracted by them. God (our Shepherd, Father, Redeemer, Creator, eternal) is also our King. We can go through the day being preoccupied by his business without worry over how we will pay the rent. Or being so satisfied with our income that we lose urgency for his work. Contentment in all things is the foundation of effective discipleship.

--Charlie

On Thursday, I remember that God is my Shepherd.

1O God, save me by your(C) name,
and vindicate me by your might.
2O God,(D) hear my prayer;
give ear to the words of my mouth.

3(E) For(F) strangers[b] have risen against me;
ruthless men(G) seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah

4 Behold,(H) God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.
5 He will return the evil to my enemies;
in your(I) faithfulness(J) put an end to them.
6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O LORD,(K) for it is good.
7 For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has(L) looked in triumph on my enemies.” (Psalm 54)

1. In the middle of trouble, I can expect God to hear my call for help.

2. Before I see the answer, I can settle myself and be assured that God always helps me.

3. I can begin to thank God in anticipation of the help he will provide.

This is not how I normally act in the middle of trouble. I panic. I worry. I doubt. But here I see someone who is certainly troubled by something. But they are confident that God will help. They remember the pattern of God’s help in the past. And they already begin planning their thanksgiving to God for the help he will provide.

How many of us are in the middle of some trouble right now? Do you see God as the reliable helper he always is? Can you counter your emotions and fear with knowledge of this bigger-than-life God who will help?

Be comforted by this shepherding God we have on our side today.

--Charlie

On Tuesdays, I remember that God is my Judge.

12"And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 'The words of him who has(A) the sharp two-edged sword.

13"'I know where you dwell,(B) where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not(C) deny my faith[a] even in the days of Antipas(D) my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of(E) Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might(F) eat food sacrificed to idols and(G) practice sexual immorality. 15So also you have some who hold the teaching of(H) the Nicolaitans. 16Therefore repent. If not,(I) I will come to you soon and(J) war against them with(K) the sword of my mouth. 17(L) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.(M) To the one who conquers I will give some of(N) the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with(O) a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'” (Revelation 2:12-17)

I am going through the judgments Jesus makes on the seven churches in Revelation. In this passage, I see a few things:

1. Some churches may live amongst considerable evil and temptation.

2. Some among us may be seduced by appealing aspects of evil.

3. We are to resist that evil and recognize the power of Satan behind it. If we fall, we must repent.

In Center city, we are surrounded by evil. We have temptations all around us. If we are not careful, we can easily be tempted to turn our affections from Jesus and each other. We can become cynical, disengaged, or wholly committed to pursuits that replace Jesus in our hearts and minds. The warning here is to be careful and resist. Jesus has a great reward for us, both now, and in the future.

-- Charlie

On Wednesday, I remember that God is my Redeemer.

16(R) Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
17I cried to him with my mouth,
and high praise was on[a] my tongue.[b]
18If I had(S) cherished iniquity in my heart,
(T) the Lord would not have listened.
19But truly(U) God has listened;
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20Blessed be God,
because he has not rejected my prayer
or removed his steadfast love from me!” (Psalm 66: 16-20)

1. I should want to tell other believers the good things God has done for my soul.

2. If I confess my sin to him, he will listen.

3. I can have confidence that God will not turn from me or stop loving me.

God hates sin and will not listen to any who hold on to it. But he always listens to those who are repenting from their sin. He hears our prayers, however weak our faith may seem. He never turns away from us. He is our redeemer.

--Charlie

TIF BBQ - Saturday, October 3rd

Tenth International Fellowship would like to invite you to join us on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 1pm – 5pm for our Annual Welcome BBQ! If you are an international student studying in Philadelphia or surrounding area, this is a great opportunity to make some new friends and learn about more opportunities to get connected.

We’ll provide the main dishes, and request guests to bring a side dish or dessert. Carpooling will be available, however you must RSVP by September 28, 2009 in order to be accommodated. The event will take place at 36 Silver Birch Road, Turnersville, NJ 08012.

Please RSVP by September 28, 2009 to Shanna Houston at tif@tenth.org

Shanna Houston
TIF Administrative Assistant
215.735.7688x239
tif@tenth.org
tif.tenth.org

On Tuesday, I remember that God is my Judge.

8"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of(A) the first and the last,(B) who died and came to life.

9"'I know your tribulation and(C) your poverty ((D) but you are rich) and the slander[a] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison,(E) that you may be tested, and for(F) ten days(G) you will have tribulation.(H) Be faithful(I) unto death, and I will give you(J) the crown of life. 11(K) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.(L) The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'” (Revelation 2:8-11)

Here Jesus is speaking directly to some of the churches in John’s time. To some, Jesus offers strong warnings of judgment unless they repent. To others, like this church, he has no warning, only compassion and encouragement. Here are some characteristics of this commendable group of Christians:

1. They are very poor.

2. They go through hard trials and slander.

3. They are going to go through even harder trials: arrests, torture, and death.

I can’t fathom this. I don’t know anything like this in America. But we know of churches in other places where this is true. But notice Jesus’ response to them. He judges them faithful and needing encouragement. God our Judge does not always condemn us. He notices our faithfulness, if we have it. He encourages where we need it. He is compassionate when we need it. That’s what these Christians needed, and Jesus had only good things to say to them.

Be encouraged today as you go through your trials and discouragements. God your Judge sees you and will encourage your faithfulness if you bear up and do not sin.

-- Charlie

Prayer Update - Lani Borgman Shade

Dear Friends,

It is with a heart full of thankfulness that we bring this ministry update to you. God has indeed been good to us and we are excited to share with you the many ways God has provided for us this summer and also share with you important things to be bringing before the Lord in prayer.

We Are Praising God:

1. Steve and I have both been officially accepted to serve with InterFACE Ministries; I as full time staff and Steve as associate staff. We are very excited about the mission and vision of this organization and its commitment to working through the local church to reach international students.

2. We now have a greater opportunity to get involved with our local church’s international student ministry called Tenth International Fellowship (TIF). Already we have been able to invite some of our international friends to events which they really enjoyed.

Please Pray With Us:

1. As a very important next step in our partnership with InterFACE Ministries, we must put together a committee of 5-8 local people who will serve as our Personal Accountability Committee (PAC) for ministry here in Philadelphia. We will meet once a month for reporting purposes, have an opportunity to pray for ministry needs, and receive counsel and input for future ministry endeavors. We already have a list of people drawn up who we would like to serve. Please pray that God would lead us in putting together this committee and that it could be in place by the first week in October.

2. I will be starting up a Bible study Monday evenings which will meet at the Charis House. A few international students have already expressed interest in attending. All of our Charis House students have been invited. Please pray that some of them will come.

3. The ESL (English as a Second Language) ministry at our church will be starting up this Friday. I have been asked to teach. Please pray that we will make some good connections with international students in the area and that as we help meet some of their practical needs, opportunities will open to help meet some of their spiritual needs.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

This month will be our last month of ministry transition as we seek to finalize logistical details with InterFACE Ministries. As those details finalize, we will send out a prayer letter informing all of our donors how and where to continue sending donations. For this month, please continue to send your donations to: Black Rock Congregational Church, 3685 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825. Please attach a separate note with the check indicating that it is for the Charis House ministry. All donations will be recorded and forwarded to us at the end of the month. In this way, we will continue to receive a salary which will help us meet our financial obligations.

For God’s International Kingdom!

Lani Borgman Shade
www.charishouse.org
4441 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

God My Shepherd - Thursday, July 30, 2009

Thursday is the day I remember that God is my Shepherd.

"Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my load is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

This is where Jesus gives his wonderful, compassionate invitation to come to him:

• Any who are broken and weary enough to admit they need him.
• That he will give me rest.
• That he will place a guiding yoke upon me so that I can focus on learning from him.
• I can trust him: he is gentle and humble.
• I will find deep rest—in my soul.
• His restraint is pleasant and fitting for me, and his demands are easy.

These benefits also imply that we already have yokes, burdens, are trusting something or someone who is not humble or gentle, that we are seeking rest and not finding it, and that we are being restrained and carrying burdens that are oppressive and heavy. Give them up, Jesus says—all at once. Don’t ponder it. In the prior verse (27), Jesus establishes his authority. Based on that authority, he then he turns and offers this wonderful, shepherd-like invitation. That’s the kind of Lord I have. What a comfort today. What a model for how to treat others, too.

--Charlie

God My Redeemer - Wednesday, July 29, 2007

Wednesday is the day when I remember that God is my Redeemer.

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12)

In his book Whiter than Snow, Paul Tripp talks about God’s approach to our sin. He uses the analogy of an old house. You can judge what repair work is going on with the house by the tools you see. If you see a big crane, then the house is going to get demolished. But usually, the work is more subtle. Craftsmen work carefully inside or out to restore or modify the old house.

This is usually how it is with God towards me. He works at me carefully to restore me to the beauty that I never really experienced. Since l was born a sinner, only God’s soul-restoring work can make me look like the someone God made me to be. But it is work, and it may hurt a bit sometimes. The key is that I must cooperate. I must not fight his small, but sometimes painful redeeming strokes. In fact, I should learn to recognize these painful little strokes as God’s loving hammer of restoration. No, I probably won’t praise him in the middle of it. But recognize it, and patiently bear up under the trial knowing that I am still an ugly sinner and God is trying to make me beautiful.

-- Charlie

God My Judge - Tuesday, July 28, 2009

“O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps,
O LORD, correct me, but with justice;
Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing”
(Jeremiah 10:23-24)

This is the day I remember that one of God’s characteristics is justice: he is my Judge. It’s not a happy thought. But here is why it leads to a deeper appreciation of the happy and wonderful characteristics of our salvation:

“As the heart is more washed, we grow more sensible of its remaining defilement; just as we are more displeased with a single spot on a new coat, than with a hundred stains on an old one. The more wicked people become, the less ashamed they are of themselves; and the more holy people grow, the more they learn to abhor themselves.” John Berridge, 18th century minister, Church of England

Yes, I take greater satisfaction in having God examine my sinful life and remedy the problem, than gaining all the approval people of the world could offer.

-- Charlie

God My King - Monday, July 27, 2009

“Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!
Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
For the LORD Most High is awesome;
He is a great King over all the earth.”
(Psalms 47:1-2)

God is my King, and I am his ambassador in this world. I need to keep that in mind as I go about my day. In the midst of all the problems, mundaneness, and even self-exalting things that may come along, remember that God is my king and I am to act accordingly.

-- Charlie

God My Father

Friday is the day when I remember that God is my Father.

"As a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." (Ps. 103:13-14)

God calls me his child and himself my father. He has compassion on me because I honor him. He knows how I am - that I am frail and easily troubled in this fallen world. He know this, and is always watching out for me.

-- Charlie

God My Shepherd

Thursday is the day I focus on God My Shepherd. He provides for me all I need. Because of this, I need nothing else. He provides, protects, feeds and leads.

"I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, 'Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.'" (Psalms 89: 1-2)

I need to lighten up today. Be childlike. Know that God thinks of me as very needy, and he is more than willing and able to take care of me.

-- Charlie

God My Redeemer

Wednesday is the day of the week when I focus on God my Redeemer.

"Is My hand shortened at all That it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver?" (Isaiah 50:2)

"And the redeemed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away." (Isaiah 35:10).

On Tuesday, I remember that God judges sin. I am accountable for my sin and must confess it.

But on Wednesday, I remember that God is my redeemer. He has executed his privilege to buy me out of slavery to sin by forgiving me. He can forgive, and still be just, by the fact that Jesus paid the price for my sin instead of me.

These passages in Isaiah remind me that God, from the beginning, has proclaimed himself to be a redeemer of helpless sinners. In these passages, he reflects delight in doing so. I don’t need to beg or feel ashamed. He knows my helplessness and need of a powerful, strong hand reaching out to me and pulling me in to himself.

Praise him!

-- Charlie

God My Judge

Tuesday is the day of the week when I focus on another attribute of God: my Judge. Yes, if we really want to train our minds and souls in the full character of God, we need to remember that he is the judge of our souls and we are accountable to him. Tomorrow is a day to focus on his mercy, but today it’s about accountability. But—in spite of this nature of God, I cannot bear to think of him only as my judge. I cannot bear a moment, not to mention an entire day, of thinking only of my accountability for my sin. I can only confess my sin before God if I know I’m approaching a merciful God. And I am glad for similar counsel from Paul Tripp on p. 53 of his book Whiter than Snow:

"...according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy..." (Psalm 51:1)

"If you and I are at all willing to humbly and honestly look at our lives, we will be forced to conclude that we are flawed human beings. And yet we don’t have to beat ourselves up. We don’t have to work to minimize or deny our failures. We don’t have to be defensive when our weaknesses are revealed. We don’t have to distract ourselves with busyness or drug ourselves with substances...Isn’t it wonderful that we can stare our deepest, darkest failures in the face and be unafraid? Isn’t it comforting that we can honestly face our most regretful moments and not be devastated? Isn’t it amazing that we can confess that we really are sinners and be neither fearful nor depressed?

"Isn’t it wonderful that we can do all of these things because, like David, we have learned that our hope in life is not in the purity of our character or the perfection of our performance? We can face that we are sinners and rest because we know that God really does exist (as judge and mercy-giver)."

1. Are there places where your living still portrays an unhealthy fear of God’s anger, judgment, and rejection? Do you ever doubt that he could love a person like you?
   
   
2. Is there a place in your life where you are still holding on to regret even though God has forgiven you and does not respond to you based on your past performance?

-- Charlie

God My King

Each day of the week, I focus on a different attribute of God. Monday is the day when I focus on God my King. I am his ambassador in his kingdom.

"But Peter and John answered and said to them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.'" (Acts 4:19-20)

Throughout the day, I try to remember who I am: an ambassador of Jesus Christ in this world.

-- Charlie

Avoiding Pain

"Oh...that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" (1 Chronicles 4:10)

Read "Avoiding Pain" by David Jeremiah

A Note from TIF Bible Study

Lisa and I often marvel at what God has done in our little (now not-so-little) Tuesday night [bible study] group. The one thing that stands out is how close and supportive we are of each other. I look forward to what God will do with us individually and together as He works out His salvation in our midst.

This morning, I was meditating on Matthew 7:13-14 and a short commentary on it by Oswald Chambers:

“If we are going to live as disciples of Jesus, we have to remember that all noble things are difficult. The Christian life is gloriously difficult, but the difficulty of it does not make us faint and cave in, it rouses us up to overcome...God’s salvation tests us for all we are worth. Jesus is bringing many sons unto glory, and God will not shield us from the requirements of a son. God’s grace turns out men and women with a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline to live the noble life of a disciple of Jesus in actual things. It is always necessary to make an effort to be noble.”

As I considered this, it was encouraging to me. We can become so weary after a while. I hope you find these thoughts encouraging today.

Blessings, Charlie

Apartment Near Church Available

From Sam Thomas:

I recently moved into a bi-level apartment on Christian St, which is a ten minute walk from Tenth Presbyterian Church.

It was rehabbed about two years ago, and has 2 bedrooms, each with their own attached bathroom and a separate half bathroom near the living room.

It's pretty spacious and bright, with a decent sized back patio.

Full sized washer/dryer, central air and heat, stainless steel appliances including dishwasher in the kitchen.

Free wireless and cable tv is included.

I'm a respectful, professional, Christian guy who gets along with just about everyone. I'm pretty clean and quiet. I work a lot so you would have the place to yourself a good amount of time.

Your rent would be $750/month.

Please call 610.470.9070 or email samt43@gmail.com if interested.

Franklin Institute Narnia Exhibit Photos

On Saturday, a group from TIF visited the Narnia Exhibit at the Franklin Institute.

Photos were not allowed inside Narnia - you will just have to visit on your own! The exhibit was amazing, and included some of C.S. Lewis' personal belongings, actual costumes and props from the set of the Narnia movies, a working catapult, behind the scenes footage, interactive maps and displays, a preview of the next Narnia film coming out in 2010, and more. We all had a great time!

It just so happened that the Philly Phanatic was visiting at the same time. A few of us got a big hug from him, and some people stayed to watch a film and visit some of the other exhibits.

Join us at the Chronicles of Narnia Exhibit

We would like to invite you to a great family event that TIF is organizing; The Chronicles of Narnia Exhibit. It will be a great opportunity for family, friends, classmates, children and coworkers to gather together for fun and fellowship.

We will meet at the Franklin Institute on March 14, 2009 at 10 am. Attached is a flyer for you to pass on to your family, friends, or classmates.

You can reserve your spot by sending an email to samt43@gmail.com or if you have any questions you can contact Sam Thomas at 610-470-9070.

The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven novels written by C.S. Lewis and was also made into a movie.

More information about the exhibit:

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition combines sets, original props and newly created interactives to produce an engaging exhibit to both delight and drive home a powerful message about the stewardship of the environment.

Once past the Wardrobe, explore immersive, themed "scenes," beginning with a wintry Narnian world, complete with falling snow and cold wind, as seen in the movie. They will visit the White Witch's Ice Palace and sit on her icy throne to feel the chill. A nearby display describes the impact of climate change on our planet.

Another area features King Miraz' Castle from the most recent film, Prince Caspian. There, students can build an arch from the ground up, learning about keystones, architectural structure and design strategy used to build strong castles, bridges and battlements in Narnia and on Earth.

Your tour of Narnia will also include the castle Cair Paravel, a medieval catapulting weapon, and heavy chain-mail armor from the medieval world of Prince Caspian.

*Please note: Photographs are not permitted inside the Narnia exhibition.

For further information please visit the Narnia Exhibit website.

Lunar New Year Dinner - January 24th

TIF is hosting a dinner at Tenth to celebrate the Lunar New Year. We hope to see you there!

Date: Saturday, January 24th, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm
Venue: Tenth Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall
Cost: $7 per working adult, free for students and children under 12

Program:

• Chinese Cuisine Dinner
• Christian Testimony
• Classical Music Presentation
• Christian Message presented by Rev. Peter Chow
• Children’s program
  

RSVP by January 19th with Shanna Houston at: tif@tenth.org or 215.735.7688 ext 239.

Other Upcoming TIF Events

Feb 15th: TIF Luncheon in the catacombs at Tenth, starting at 12:30.

Feb 28th: Annual Retreat at Calvary Presbyterian church (405 Easton Road, Willow Grove, Pa 19090).