Faith and Wisdom… where is the line?

There was a disturbing story that came out of Wausau, Wisconsin. (two days in a row with stories from Wausau hmm.) A couple let their 11year old child die of type 1 diabetes. The doctors and nurses said that there would have been very visible signs of sickness for 30 days before the disease killed her. They also said that it is something easily treated, and is treated all of the time. However in this case the family decided not to take her to get help, instead they believed that their faith would save the girl. They believed that God was going to heal her, and consistently refused to take their dying child to the hospital, and resorted to praying over her instead. In the end the 11 year old girl died. (The story here)

Who’s to blame here? God or the parents?

I submit to you that the parents neglected their God given charge to take care of that human life they had been given. There is a line, however fine, between walking in faith and using our God given brains to walk in wisdom. There are many people in the church that preach that we should live in the spiritual realm more than we live in the natural realm. This is false. We have been placed by God in the natural realm. How we walk out our assignment in this life affects how we live in the age to come. The spirit realm we walk in isn’t an outside reality, but an inward one. At salvation we are given the spirit of the living God to dwell within us. We walk in this life communing with the spirit of God living within us, directing us in all that we do. But we do not forsake the daily vanity that is life. We continue to cast our bread on the waters though it returns to us. (Eccl 11)

These parents have scripture to back their claims that God could’ve healed their daughter. Mark 16:18 in particular, “These signs follow those who believe… they will lay their hands on the sick and they will be healed.” We know from Isaiah 53, and Psalms 103, that the blood of Jesus not only saves us from sin, but heals us from our diseases. There are many verses that declare physical healing. Paul was a man who walked in signs and wonders, and saw many healings, yet when Timothy takes ill with a stomach problem he tells Timothy to drink some wine to help with the illness; thus the fine line.

I have dealt with this balance often in my short time in ministry. A year ago I was teaching my weekly class for the Fire in the Night internship. It was during the opening Q and A that I noticed some of the interns were missing. Finally the missing five came in the back carrying a girl who had sprained her ankle on her way over to class. The girl was wincing and gasping in pain. They asked if she could sit in the back with her ankle propped up. I quickly told them to just take her home, or if needed to the hospital, but not to worry about missing class. The girls were turning to carry her back out as a couple of guys were outraged at me. They were new believers and had just discovered the Mark 16:18 verse during their studies. (We have the interns read 10 chapters of the N.T. a day so they read the whole thing each month.) They cried out, “You didn’t even have us pray!? She could be healed right now!” I told him that class had to move on, and he could pray from his seat. He and his buddy were furious and began to ridicule me from their seats. I don’t have many prophetic moments, but this was one. While continuing to teach I paused internally and asked the Lord what He thought of my decision. Without giving it any thought I pointed at the two guys still voicing their discontent. I said to them in an almost angry tone, “Paul and Josh! Do not forsake the small things! Faith in my Son doesn’t equal arrogance toward wisdom! Sit down!” I was startled by what I had just said. I stopped the class and began to pray for the two guys who had now begun crying from the weight of the rebuke. I prayed for them and continued class.

I tell that story because I believe the Lord was teaching me something through what I had spoken. We are not to forsake the small things. We are not to forsake the wisdom of simply taking our child who is ill to the doctor for a checkup. Can God heal? Yes, His Word says so. But what if He doesn’t? You do the wisest thing possible, take them to the doctor. John Wimber was an great minister when it came to seeing God move in the area of healing. However John had a rule, he prayed someone once. He didn’t feel anything, he didn’t wonder if his faith was strong. He instead resolved to know that if God willed to heal someone then they would be healed. If he didn’t, then they wouldn’t. So with no hoopla or frills he would walk up to someone lay his hand on them and say, Father Heal them in the name of Jesus. If they were healed he rejoiced, if not he didn’t worry, he just moved on to the next person.

There is a line between when to contend for healing, and when to use the practical methods given us in this life. We contend if there are no other options. However if the power to save that person’s life is before you, i.e. taking them to the hospital for something easily treated. Then you do it. To not and rely on “faith” believe it or not is pride.

Random Rantings… Saturday!

Yes folks I’ve changed the day from Friday to Saturday! My Random Rantings will now take place on this day as opposed to Friday. Reason being? I’m now to busy on Friday, and Saturday is now my day off. So enter “Random Rantings Saturday”.

There was an interesting story in the paper today I read while having breakfast with my girl this morning. A High School kid pulled something I would have done in Highschool had I thought of it. He staged a “Kegger” at his house and invited a tone a friends over. The street was lined with cars, music was blaring, Kids were drinking and playing games; only there was only Root Beer in the Kegs. He wanted to prove the over suspicion of the cops in his town. Thinking they had just made the biggest bust I’ve under-age drinking ever, they searched and overturned everything in the house, and issued 90 breathalyser tests, they let the kids go. It was a brilliant caper, and the young man proved his point.

I’m sitting with Carrie in the Kansas City public library. I love that my woman loves to read and learn as much as I do. only one thing I’ve noticed about this place is that every time I come there is some sort of construction going on. Like every time I come. I wonder if there isn’t something to that… hmmm

My cold is fading but not faded. Currently I feel like I could go back to bed. But as much as I’d like to, I also want to feel normal and be out of the house I’ve been confined to this last week.

Carrie and I met with a photographer friend who is going to take our pictures. It’s none other than that stellar Electric guitarist for Luke Wood… Mr Steve Offut! Check out the spread he did for our friends Nate and Katty Wood: (Link here) He is awesome! By the way did I mention the guy can shred like Stevie Ray Vaughn?!

I love Microsoft OneNote 2007! I never thought I’d express actually express love for Microsoft product, but then here I am raving about One Note like it saved my life! I love that program, If you can get Microsoft office, check it out.

I have sat in the recliner in my bedroom for most of the week. It’s an admittedly ugly chair. It’s mauve in color and I’ve had it for 6 years. I fear it’s met the end of the road however, not only is it fading but my wife to be hates it. So se la vee as they say.

Germany is the first to boycott the Olympics this year. I think the U.S. will follow. It’s lame because I love the Olympics. I grew swimming and diving so watching those has always been my favorite.

Little known fact: In swiming held the city record for the 25yrd Butterfly when I was 11yrs old.

My biggest pet peve is celebrities going on news shows telling people how to vote. Entertainers, actors, singers, rappers, they are trained to do that, not give their uneducated opinion about politics, and candidates. Since when are they experts concerning who is worthy to be President.

I’m excited about going grocery shopping… and random pictures.

Airborne is a scam!?

I’ve been duped! Scamed! Bamboozled into some sort of placebo like universe where I thought I was taking the sacred cow of all cold and allergy remedies. When in instead like the Greek crafted wooden horse lead into Troy, was Airborne let into my heart! Never again!

Ok so I’m sick and have been watching Lord of the Rings and Greek war documentaries all day… hence the babble above.

Airborne a fraud?! No! I won’t believe it! Can’t believe it!  That is until I looked it up.

Turns out Airborne is a fraud. Scientist and teams of people examined they Alka-Seltzer like tablet and found that it cures nothing. That say it doesn’t even prevent, just boosts the immune system a bit.

Read the news story here: Airborne to refund customers (ABC News) 

Read all about the health settlement with Airborne here: Airborne Health Settlement

Anyway now that the proverbial cat is out of I’m gonna stick to Emergen-C. Unless someone finds out something hornswagle-ish about them too.

There’s the story. I hope to get better soon before I start posting about things around my room.

Peace friends

Sick day 2…

So I’m still in bed. What was congestion in my head has now traveled down to my throat. So what’s a man to do when he is home sick and alone? Luckily my beloved roommate Jared went to Blockbuster and got me the Lord of the Rings trilogy. That made me happy. However my blessed finance wont let me leave home so as to get better. I tried to go to a meeting early this morning and she made me stay home. Probably for the best!

So what does one do to remedy such a horrible cold? Here are my favorite remedies thus far:

1.  Airborne. It’s main use it preventative but it helps build the immune system.
2. Fresh grated ginger in sprite or orange juice.
3. Mucinex
4. Ricola cough drops
5. More water than that held in the Tigris or Euphrates.
6. Zinc lozenges
7. Osha root
8. Refried beans and hot sauce. (my mom taught me that one growing up)
9. The Cross of Christ by John Stott
10. The existance and Attributes of God by Stephen Charnock. (Chranock is my favorite, this book always soothes my soul)

I hope to recover soon, bless you all in the mean time. I may have some other interesting posts later.

I’m sick… yuck!

I wanted to write more about eternal security… but I have taken ill.

Yesterday was a really good day, however as the day dragged on so did this pain in my head and throat. Once the monthly IHOP all staff meeting came at 4pm it was official… I was getting sick. The meeting was amazing. Mike talked about holiness in some areas and talked about the sustaining grace of God to help us. After the meeting we took communion. They asked certain leaders to come to the front and administer communion. Carrie and I went up. However upon getting to the front my head felt so woosey and light. We took our position at the front of the stage. Then I leaned over to Carrie, “Babe, I seriously think I could faint right now, my head is so jacked up. So if i fall over you know why.” She put her arm around me, “Don’t lock your knees, we’ll be done soon.”

So as people were coming up and taking communion I was shaking and half crying. The funny thing is most thought I was really moved. Though I was, more so I was really sick. We were finally done and we went straight for the car so Carrie could take me home. Carrie being the lovely woman that she is, helped into bed and went to the store to buy my some cold remedy things. She made me soup and hot tea… then I fell asleep for 12 hours. Which brings us to present time.

I’m sick. Full on 100% sick. I’m still in bed, wishing I had Lord of the Rings or Star Trek to watch. Those are my favorite sick movies. Instead I plan on reading a good book, and sleeping a lot. Plus I’ve got a good woman who will come check on me from time to time.

Till I can see straight again… peace out

Eternal Security??

Hey folks. Over the years I have had numerous conversations and debates over this subject. I have sat on both sides of the fence and now I’m opening up the dialogue here again. My blog is no longer a place with one (IHOP) opinion submitted, so the subject should beg some good conversation. For those not in the know let me make it simple.

Can you lose your salvation once you gain it? Is it possible to fall away from the faith? Is it possible to “back slide” and not go to heaven once you have received Christ? Is there eternal security?

The resurrection of Christ was great and powerful. In it do we have hope to live forever. As Christ was raised so also will we be raised one day and dwell with Christ eternally. Yet Hebrews 12 says that we can “fall from grace”, Jesus says in the last days the love of most will grow cold and many will fall away. Yet the word clearly states the sustaining grace of Christ, the blood, is sufficient to sustain us until the day of Christ’s return to the Earth.

So what is it? What do you think? Give me your argument for or against. I honestly am staying neutral as I only want to understand the heart of God, and know the word in a better more excellent way.

 

Resurrection Sunday Doxology

“Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me bless His holy name! Bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits. Who forgive all our iniquity, and heals our diseases. Who redeems our life from the pit, who crowns us with loving kindness and mercy! Who satisfies us with good… He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the Heavens are above the Earth so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

In all I know or think I know or try to know, In all I have and will have, In all who love, or will love hate or will hate me, In all trials and sufferings, In all joy and jubilation, In all things, at all times with all my heart I love the Lord my God. In all things I ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. I was broken, He fixed me. I was sinful, He redeemed me. I was an object of His wrath, He become my propitiation. Because of His love He saved me. I will give Him the glory I was created to give. I will honor His name above all else. I will serve those in my reach, and tell those I know, those I see about this unfailing love. About the life that is in His blood.

My Father was pleased to crush His son for my sins and trespasses. Pleased to rescue me from His wrath of which I fully deserved.

Blessed be the name of my Lord. He is the blessed only sovereign King of Kings and Lord of all Lords the “I am”. Blessed be this day that we remember is resurrection from the grave. For by His death did we find atonement, and in His resurrection are we raised with Him and seated in high places.

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Because of your resurrection O God, we will live forever to worship you! Bless your Beautiful name Jesus, the consummation of all perfection, my eternal friend, eternal King, and my constant savior.

Amen.

Random Rantings Friday… I love sunlight!

Eh yo! What’s good ya’ll?! It’s your boy Zack Hensley bring’n them random jams that make ya head bob like so! [bobbing head] ight lets git it started, and thats on the real yo.

Sorry I got to get my ghetto roots out every now and then. My favorite phrase for a while in back in the day was, “Don’t hate on me cause I’m floss’n!” Yeah I also used to study while listening to Tribe Called Quest, N.W.A. and Nas but we wont go there. (it’s Good Friday I’ve been redeemed!)

I’m learning how to live life all over again now that I’m on days. A few things I’ve learned this week:

1. Grocery stores aren’t always stocking their shelves with palettes in every aisle. Turns out they only do that at Night.
2. The house a few doors down is purple. See for the last to years I’ve thought it was Blue… turn out in the sun it’s purple.
3. Rush hour traffic stinks! I’ve never knew K.C. had traffic issues. For 6 years I always drove during the night hours. turns out the city is quite busy.
4. There are a lot of people at IHOP! Trying to find a parking spot or a quiet place to take a lunch break is impossible.
5. I’m pretty well known. I didn’t think all that many people knew me but I can’t go anywhere with out 15 people stopping me to chat.
6. Going out to lunch is fun. taking lunch at Noon is great. Yesterday Nate Rodgers, Jared Diehl, Brent Steeno, Dave Sliker and I went out for lunch to watch the last half of the KU game. There were a ton of people there on lunch break. I forgot people took lunch breaks!
7. Praying at 6am is beautiful. It’s been the best time of devotion I’ve had in years. My heart feels so alive.

I was telling Brent how I sent Obama an e-mail to ask for an interview for my blog. Since then they added me to their campaign staff list. Every day I get an e-mail from him or his campaign manager talking about how the Clinton camp is attacking them on different areas and how “we” need to be proactive at exposing her weaknesses… yeah it’s entertaining.

So lets face facts… I’m out of shape. I intend to remedy that. Plus being on days seems to give way to a much easier eating/ workout schedule. Plus I don’t want to go into marriage with a gut… Despite what Brent says I’m not going to gain weight when I get married.

Brent Steeno was telling me today about his concerns about the American One World Order. Apparently the talk of immigration issues, and the dollar falling behind the Euro, there are many in office including Bush are organizing to make the “Amero”. That’s right an American Union, similar to the European Union. But my question is how does taking on Mexico help the economy in the long run?

If you haven’t notice I’ve been making many references to my buddy Brent Steeno. Reason being, Steeno has been complaining the last couple of months that I don’t mention him enough on my blog… So Steeno… welcome to No Longer Nocturnal.

I lost my Arizona State hat. I was lucky to find it in the back of my closet yesterday. Go Sun Devils!

On the “things to do before I die list” or bucket list I want to be an extra in a movie. I don’t want to have speaking parts mind you. I just want to have my head in the background during some event. Even better if there was a scene where a cop was chasing fugitive through a market place, and the cop tripped over me and all you see is the expression on my face. That would be cool.

My fiance is the most wonderful woman in the world, but than that she is a brilliant theologian. I’m marring up that’s for sure. I love that we can sit around and talk about the Word or things about God for hours and hours without ever growing bored of it. She is so brilliant!

Yeah even the pictures are random today! My blog had taken a serious tone as of late, so I thought I’d lighten the thing up a bit.

peace out kids!

And He will give you a helper…

My thoughts this morning while sipping coffee…

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” –Jesus the Christ John 14:26-27

Throughout church history since Jesus ascended with the promise to return, questions have consistently been brought up about how to live out the Christian life. Some have said to be holy we must strive to be perfect for doesn’t scripture say: “Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect.” Some have said that certain actions are dependent upon salvation like taking the Eucharist, or being baptized in water, immersed under water, or sprinkled with water. Some have said that God’s grace is so powerful that all you must do is say a prayer and you are secured eternally. Some say that you must live Holy so as to not lose your salvation. Some say you should be in a constant battle to keep the saving work from leaving you. Some say that the devil is waiting to take you and if you aren’t manifesting in the spirit, and walking in signs and wonders the devil could steal away your salvation. Some say that if you don’t pray in tongues you aren’t saved, while others say if you do you are you might not be saved. Origen thought he had to castrate himself to be pure from his lust. The desert fathers thought they had to afflict themselves once Rome was converted by Constantine and the persecutions stopped. During the crusades many thought it necessary to purge the Earth of the unbelieving heathen. On and On and On and On could I go outlining the various beliefs that we all struggle through in our effort to walk out our salvation with fear and trembling. But which is right? Would I ever be so dare to pit my understanding against those throughout history? No.

All I can claim to really know is what the scripture says. I could find verses that say we can lose our salvation, I can find just as many that say the saints will persevere till the end. There is some argument even for the catholic view of works in order to gain salvation in the book of James. Then there are just as many contradicting works based salvation in Galatians. There is scriptural argument for woman not to teach or lead, yet there are scriptures that contradict. Some scripture could tell you that prophecy is dead, and many that say otherwise. Well intentioned lovers of God over the centuries have been trying to get it right. Yet no one in the body agrees on one specific way.

I desire to have good doctrine. Yet good doctrine to one person looks like bad doctrine to another. So which is it?

Prosperity gospel is a disastrous theology, yet God will make us prosper, and multiply what we give. The Emergent church has some universal under tones and many things wrong with it. It misleads people and presents a false view of social justice. Yet they are making bigger strides than any in the American church concerning the poor of the Earth and representing love to those who have none and are leading them to Christ. The Charismatic church is filled with spiritual myths that don’t exist in scripture and are begging the spirit to come when he already has as the indwelling spirit given at salvation. Yet are bringing many into fasting and prayer and walking out spiritual disciplines in ways many aren’t; many are truly alive in Christ and the Word, but carry some extra biblical motives. In the Reformed circles many are going deep in understanding of sound doctrine and the Word. Reformers have been a great help to the body in calling us back to sound doctrine, but many error on being critiques of the Church more than a help and have driven themselves into bitterness and frustration and not love and joy in God. (I’m not speaking about those reformers that comment here, I’m speaking in general.) John Calvin used to have the Anna Baptists drowned for not believing in the right way to baptize. Martin Luther’s reforms caused the bloodshed, probably unintentionally, of thousands of woman and children. The Moravians were persecuted, and killed by many in the church for what they believed. The Quakers were hated by many in the church. To this day Catholics and Protestants continue to fight to the death worldwide. To this day more churches stake a claim that they have the sound doctrine, or the “now Word” and point the finger at everyone else claiming they need to conform to their version.

How then shall we live?

I don’t have the answer, nor would I claim to have the answer to 2,000 years of theological disagreements by men more educated and more informed than I. But this I submit to the masses:

1. Love him with all your heart, soul mind and strength.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself
3. Be obedient to the Word
4. Be attentive to the helper, the Holy Spirit who brings to remembrance all things that he has said, and who searches the deep things of the Father’s heart willing to make them known. Who dwells so richly within us.
5. Fear God    

Saint Augustine once said “love God and do as you please.” I believe the way you tell false doctrine from right doctrine is the fruit of the spirit in that person’s life. If they truly love God they will do what He pleases. If they truly love God the fruits of the Spirit will be evident: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.

How then shall we live?

Love God and do as you please… Thus by their fruits you will recognize them.

Just my thoughts on this beautiful morning. The Sun is rising and looks gorgeous… oh how I have missed the sun the 6 years!

 

The Mega-Debacle

I grew up in a Mega Church in Mesa Arizona. I was lucky to have a pastor in Gary Kinnaman who had a high value for scriptural education. However the Mega Church phenomenon has had it’s massive flaws. The loudest voice in the “mega movement” for the last 20-30 years has been Bill Hybels and his church Willow Creek. In fact my church of then (when I attended) 5,000 people was modeled after Willow Creek in many ways.

Interesting thing has happened now. Bill Hybels and his staff conducted a study on their own church. Their findings? That they are doing great at building a large church and ministry, but failing to help people become true followers of Christ. Here is a quote from their own report:

In other words, spiritual growth doesn’t happen best by becoming dependent on elaborate church programs but through the age old spiritual practices of prayer, bible reading, and relationships. And, ironically, these basic disciplines do not require multi-million dollar facilities and hundreds of staff to manage.

They are now repenting for the way they have “packaged” Christianity and are going back to the Word for help to know how best train people in to a life in Christ.

Read the article here: Willow Creek Repents

I bless them in their search. I hope they will continue to influence the “mega movement” to do the same.