THERE IS A SEASON

I've been writing this blog for more than two years. I began it shortly after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City  and continued it after moving to Hanoi. I used to write six blogs a week - definitely five. However recently I've been faltering as you've noticed, I am sure.  It seems clear to me that I need to take a break - not sure if it will be temporary or final.
I want to thank you for reading this blog. I hope it has encouraged, challenged, stimulated and helped you at least some of the time. I hope that my love for the living Word and the written Word has come through clearly.
I've enjoyed writing this and am grateful for all who have read these musings. I know there are other blogs and daily devotionals out there that are at least as helpful as mine, and numerous ones that are better. Hope you will tune in to one or more of those.
 May you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For now.

Nelson 

TO A MOTHER-IN-LAW?

It used to be very common for couples to include in their wedding vows, the wonderful words of loyal commitment found in Ruth 1:16. Do you remember these romantic words?
"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."
Of course Ruth did not say these words to her second husband Boaz. Rather this commitment is made to her mother-in-law, Naomi. In one sense it always did seem a little funny that couples would repeat these words to each other rather than to their new mothers-in-law. On the other hand it would have seemed stranger still if they had done so.
Yet these words voiced by Ruth are certainly an impressive example of commitment. In 1:4 it indicates that Naomi's husband and their two sons had all died within about ten years of arriving in Moab. So we can assume that at the most, Ruth had been part of that family for less than ten years. Yet she expresses this great loyalty to her mother-in-law who had come from a foreign country and now was returning.
She was willing to leave her family or origin, her familiar home and culture because of her loving relationship with Naomi. What a great example for married couples. What a great example for those who may feel called to serve God in another country. Love for God and love for a spouse should be exclusive loves. They involve "commitment to", which involves leaving others behind.
On another note, the book of Ruth provides a wonderful story of romance between a young foreign woman and an older wealthy man. But of course you have to really appreciate the culture of that day to fully appreciate the story. I won't tackle that in a blog.

TRAGIC CLOSING LINE

I am sure I've never been asked this question nor do I think I've ever asked this question. Which book of the Bible has the most tragic closing sentence? What do you think?
In spite of their words about God's wrath and judgment; predictions of all kinds of punishment on those who've rebelled. Most if not all of the prophets also bring words of hope and a better future. And as I've just skimmed through the last sentence of each prophetic book, they all seem to end on a note of hope and promise or a note of confidence in God.
Without reviewing the end of all 66 books, I am going to cast my vote for the last sentence in the book of Judges. The stories in the last few chapters are pretty sad. They display just how far the people of Israel could stray morally when they strayed from God. And then the author concludes by repeating a very descriptive, devastating statement from earlier in the book. Let me give it to you as found in two  translations and one paraphrase.
"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit." NIV

"In those daysthere was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." NKJV

"At that time there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing." The Message

That truly is the natural desire of each heart - just to do what we think is right; what we feel like doing. How close does this come to describing the moral trend of our modern democratic countries? Yet how damning and devastating is that trend. What tragedy it brings to individuals, families, and cultures.
May God keep us wise enough to seek first His kingdom, His rule.

NEW OLD COMMAND

I concluded reading through the book of Joshua this morning. Joshua gives a rousing farewell challenge to Israel and its leaders as he prepares "to go the way of all the earth". (23:14)
I was struck by how he puts together two themes that are found running throughout Scripture but are especially emphasized by our Lord Jesus - obedience and love.
“Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Lawof Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left." 23:6
^"So be very careful to love theLord your God." 23:11
At present in our culture, we prefer an emphasis on the soft warm theme of love. Everyone is in favour of more love, even though it is a very ill defined word. Not so popular is the seemingly harsh, demanding, uncomfortable word "obedience". Yet a thousand and more years before Jesus, Joshua puts obedience to, and love for God in the same paragraph, in the same challenge. The Bible consistently puts these words together. We humans would like to hold closely the seemingly soft word and ignore the obedience word.
Jesus insists that the one proves the other. How many who call themselves believers either don't know this, ignore it or blatantly refuse to believe it. How many will sing enthusiastically and speak warmly about their love for Jesus, but disobey much of what He taught. Jesus says, no, the proof of love is obedience.
 “If you love me, keep my commands." John 14:15 (see also vs. 21 & 23)
So Joshua had it right, 1000 years and more before Jesus. It is totally correct to keep the close connection between love and obedience. Two thousand years later, we must resist the watered down, wimpy definition of love that is so common and continue to keep these two close together in our living and in our teaching. We will continue to demonstrate to Jesus and the world, our love for Him through  our willing, humble obedience to his commands.

STEP INTO THE WATER

The story of Israel crossing the Jordan is filled with significance. The miracle of the water parting would establish Joshua as a great Divinely appointed and affirmed leader. Perhaps not as great as Moses, their recently deceased leader. Yet nonetheless leading them in a miraculous crossing just as Moses did at the Red Sea.
The crossing is significant of course because on the other side lay the long awaited land of promise. God had told them while in Egypt that there was land waiting for them, land He would give them. Land that He would help them possess as they conquered the present residents.
They had seen God supply their needs via numerous miracles since they left Egypt. They had seen Him lead them to victory over several enemies. They had heard from the spies that the residents of Jericho were waiting fearfully for the invasion. Those in Jericho had heard of the great things the God of Israel had already done.
It was time to cross the Jordan. Scripture records that it was the rainy season, the time when the Jordan flooded, so it would be running deeper and wider than normal. (Joshua 3:15) The Israelites had been desert dwellers for decades. Their experience with rivers was quite limited and the Red Sea crossing was a distant 40 years in their past. My guess is that none of them could swim. Possibly none of them had ever forded a river.
Now it was time to cross and the priests were leading the way. The promise of God was that when the priests' feet touched the water, the river would cease to flow. All the preparation was completed. It was time to act in faith and step into the water. Did any priest hesitate? I wonder.
When we face challenges, many of us are pretty good at praying and planning. We can talk about what needs to be done: the difficulties and the potential. We may do very good cost analysis and evaluations. But sooner or later we have to decide: is this the time? Should we step into the water. More important: do we have the faith and courage to step into the water? Some Christians never take risks. Even though the Spirit of God and the needs they see are prompting them to move ahead, they never take the risk, never take those steps. And as a result, they never see God do something very special in and through them.
Only when we take those steps do we give God an opportunity to prove He is at work here and now. The priests risked looking foolish; maybe risked even being swept away in the flood waters. But God had made it clear: if they were to receive the miracle, they had to step into the water.
Don't let your fear of getting wet prevent you from doing the will of God.

NEVER HEARD

I recently read through the book of Isaiah and am preaching from the Servant Songs of Isaiah on Sundays. God several times predicts that those who have never heard will one day hear His Good News.
Jan has a weekly study in Luke with a couple of local young women who are quite new Christians. Yesterday the newest believer texted to ask if she could bring a friend to last night's study. She had shared a little with her friend about being a Christian and said her friend was interested. So of course Jan wrote back "sure"'. When they arrived (arrival time is always flexible - sometime between 6 and 7 or later) we had pizza waiting for them.
I went down to our apartment lobby; and Jan suggested instead of a Bible study they watch the adaptation of the Jesus film especially for women. So they watched it together in Vietnamese. Given our lack of language, it is good that Jan is very familiar with the story line. :)
It was obvious that the "Jesus story" was totally new to this 22 year old woman. Jan said that when in the film "Jesus" was being nailed to the cross, the young woman "kind of hid behind her Christian friend". Then she asked "Why did he die?" At that point Jan paused the video to explain. On the way out Jan offered a NT and it was eagerly received. The woman seems keenly interested in learning more.
What an exciting privilege to share Good News with someone in this big city who has never, ever heard it before. And to think there are a few million of our neighbours who also need to hear.
Isaiah, inspired by God writes in chapter 50 about the "beautiful feet" of those who bring the Good News. Since we believers are the Body of Christ, in a sense we get to be the beautiful feet of Jesus. How great is that?!

LIKE RAIN AND SNOW

There have been some large snowstorms this year in North America. One is presently sweeping through the mid-western States. Those in areas that have been suffering from drought are very happy to receive the moisture.
I don't know why because there are no crops in the field right now, it is winter. Snow and rain falling in February won't help crops grow in April or June, will it? Oh, right. Rain and snow don't have immediate effect. However over time, that moisture makes a huge difference.
God uses that picture from nature to make a very important point that we forget to our great loss.
As the rainand the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seedfor the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

I don't usually experience any immediate life changing effect when I read the Word of God or hear it preached. However like rain and snow, it has made huge changes inside of me over five decades and more. So please keep letting the Word of God fall into your mind and heart: if you respond, it will make you "flourish".
Speak Lord, your servants are listening.

LISTEN UP

I've been reading Isaiah for the past week since I'm preaching a few sermons from Isaiah for Lent. The section, chapters 40 - 66 is filled with such wonderful theology, challenge and comfort. It is a wonder that more Christians don't read it every month - like the many who read Psalms and/or Proverbs every month.
Anyway, I was wondering this morning if there is any other chapter in the Bible that so often demands attention as Isaiah 51. Of course all authors want attention paid to what they write. Isaiah surely expects his readers to be attentive throughout the book and God who is inspiring the author certainly wants all of us to listen carefully. Yet in this chapter is, I think unique because - well let me list several brief quotes:
"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut ---." 51:1
"Look to Abraham, your father ---." vs. 2
"Listen to me my people, hear me, my nation ---." vs. 4
"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath ---." vs. 6
"Hear me, you who know what is right ---." vs. 7
"Awake, awake ---." vs. 9
There are several more I could list, but you see what I mean. God really wanted Israel to make sure they got His message. So in this passage, at least ten times words are used to in effect say: Listen up. Don't miss this. Pay attention. Do you copy?
And I wonder: how often (every day?) would God from His perspective, say to me, "Nelson, pay attention. You just missed an opportunity I gave you; or, my Spirit just nudged you to speak to that person and you were too preoccupied to notice; or, I wanted you to see that person's hurt and pray for them, but you were not "awake"."
I hope with each passing year I am more alert to what God is doing and saying; more attentive to others needs rather than my own; more responsive when God prompts and leads by His Spirit.
Did you really listen to what I just wrote? How awake were you when you last read Scripture? Will you pay attention to God's still, small voice as you walk through this day?
(There may be other biblical passages that demand attention as often as Isaiah 51. Maybe it just seems unique to me because a few years ago I circled in my Bible all of the above attention demanding verbs.)

MEMORIZE TO MEDITATE

The Season of Lent began last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. While we did not hold an Ash Wednesday service, I along with others in our congregation did begin to fast, as is the custom for the Season of Lent. I've done some type of fast during Lent for now, perhaps 7 or 8 years. While I came late to this practice, I've found it to be a helpful and needed additional discipline in my own spiritual life.
This year, as part of my Lent discipline, I am also memorizing a portion of Scripture. This does not come easily to me which means for me, it takes serious effort.
 If you spend much time with me, sooner or later you would hear me bemoan my sad lack of a great memory. Some people lose their good memory as they grow older. I've just never had that kind of worry - not much memory to lose. :)
Sometimes even I have been amazed at important incidents and people meaningful to me that I have forgotten. I have tried not to envy those who remember people and names easily; who can recall details of what they've read months or years ago.
I hold onto two great advantages of a bad memory: first, it is pretty easy for me to forgive and forget offences; second, I can enjoy a movie or book a second or third time quite easily.
However a bad memory is no excuse for not memorizing some Scripture. It may not stick with me long term, but at least in the short term it fills my mind with God's truth. So, in this season of Lent I am memorizing 12 verses. Some of you could do that in a day or two. It will probably take me at least a couple of weeks to get these verses word perfect.
Why do this? I have not memorized any Scripture for quite a while. For me, it is an overdue return to a good discipline. Memorizing verses greatly improves my meditation. Instead of thinking about general truths of God, recalling parts of a verse or some lines from a worship song, I can keep running these specific verses from God's Word through my mind.
When is this especially helpful? I don't normally fall asleep quickly. So in those minutes (sometimes many minutes) while I am trying to go to sleep, I can review my passage for Lent, wonderful words to consider. Great thoughts with which to end the day.
Is memorizing God's Word difficult? For some of us, it sure is. Is it worth it - of course we all know it is. The problem in my life and likely in yours? The absence of discipline, spiritual discipline. So I am thankful for Lent and enjoying the natural flow from memorization to meditation.
Yes, you can check on me in a few weeks to see if I mastered all twelve verses word perfect. Better yet, you can ask my wife. 

LIKE A SHEPHERD

A few days ago I quoted the comforting words of Moses found at the end of Deuteronomy, where he speaks of God's "everlasting arms."I mentioned that I picture the arms of a father or mother with an infant whenever I think of that verse.
The Old Testament often speaks about God in terms of a shepherd. One such place is Isaiah 40:11.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

For those in Palestine, 2,700 years ago, the picture of a shepherd carrying a lamb, leading his sheep would be a very familiar one. If not every day, surely every week anyone living in Israel in those days would see shepherds taking care of their flocks.
Most of us may never see first hand a shepherd carrying a lamb. But in photos or on the screen, we have seen it. What a wonderful tender picture: God as our shepherd carrying us close to his heart, like a gentle shepherd.
We know that Jesus described Himself to his followers as the Good Shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. How wonderful to know that if we fall or when we are limping, He will carry us. How good to know that we have a tender yet all powerful Shepherd.
In the words of an old hymn we pray:
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

VALENTINES DAY

Jan and I shared a lunch with a young Canadian woman who is here in Hanoi for a year. Then a newly married couple came by in the afternoon for two hours. He helped me sort out a problem with my computer and she showed Jan pictures of their honeymoon in the Philippines.
Afterward Jan and I went into the heart of the city for dinner. We ate at Koto a restaurant that hires and trains street kids. Put through a two year program of classes and training in the restaurant, they come out well equipped to gain steady employment.
We then walked around Hoan Kiem lake, abundant with flowers and lights in celebration of the Vietnamese New Year. Very impressive.
So we celebrated another Valentines Day, quietly but with deep joy that comes from over 40 years of a growing, contented marriage.
To all who are married: Happy Valentines Day. May you who keep working at building strong relationships - 365 days a year.

ALLIES AT LAST

There is much unrest in Egypt. The Arab Spring did not usher in the move toward justice and freedom that many had hoped. In Syria, the two year war continues with no end in sight, in spite of all the calls from outside the country for Assad to resign. And Israel, well this is not the worst of times but with uncertainty regarding the future of Syria and Egypt, coupled with ongoing tensions with other Middle Eastern countries, this is certainly not the best of times.
So lets keep our eyes on the future. God does offer all three countries a prophetic word of hope through Isaiah. Imagine them one day being at peace, all enjoying God's rich blessing.
"In that day there will be a highwayfrom Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing^[a]on the earth. TheLord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.” 19:22 - 25

Yes, Israel is God's special people, but this passage reminds us that God has always been concerned for the nations. He wants to bless all nations. And His people are to be the means through which that blessing is to come. We should pray for believers who are in each of these countries, that their light will shine brightly.

EVERLASTING ARMS

I was a young Bible College instructor and church planter. I had very little pastoral experience because we'd planted the church just three years before and almost everyone in our church was under the age of 40. Add to that the fact that I'd taken no pastoral courses while in seminary and had never been mentored as to the role of a pastor.
I'd been asked to candidate for the role of Senior Pastor at a church that was much larger than I could handle. (Thankfully they chose someone much older and much better equipped than me.) While I was there an experienced older pastor was hosting me and took me with him on a pastoral visit to an elderly person. While we visited, as he gave words of comfort, this pastor quoted a verse unfamiliar to me. It seemed wonderfully appropriate for the elderly person. It made a great impression on me because of the setting. Since then I've often quoted it to others as a wonderful, ancient word of comfort.
It is found at the end of Deuteronomy, as Moses is speaking words of blessing and encouragement to the twelve tribes of Israel, just before his death.
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
The idea of God as our refuge is quite common in the OT. However the second word picture is much less common: "underneath are the everlasting arms."
Maybe this made a special impression on me because it was spoken that day by an older pastor to an elderly frail Christian. Or maybe it impressed me because at the time we had 3 pre-school children whom I often carried in my arms. I knew my children felt absolutely secure when they were in my arms. They had absolute trust in their father's arms.
No matter why it impressed me: I trust that this verse today, encourages you. I hope when you are weary, or discouraged this ancient word picture can encourage you. For it is true, God promises to carry us through difficulty. You can rest in your Father's arms. That is a truth for believers of all centuries, no matter how old or how young.

HARD YET SENSITIVE

Many of the OT laws and regulations can seem very harsh to those of us living in 21st century, developed countries that have a foundation of Christian heritage. However, on the other hand, God clearly instructs his ancient people to be sensitive to the poor, the defenceless and those without "citizenship". God's concern for the poor and vulnerable comes through in many passages. One chapter that I read this morning, Deuteronomy 24 provides these specific instructions. Here are several partial quotes that encouraged Israelites to care for those in need:

Do not take a pair of millstones—not even the upper one—as security for a debt, because that would be taking a person’s livelihood as security. vs. 6

If the neighbor is poor, do not go to sleep with their pledge in your possession. Return their cloak by sunset so that your neighbor may sleep in it. Then they will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the Lord your God. vs. 12, 13

Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise they may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin.vs. 14, 15

Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. vs. 17
When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this. vs. 19- 22

There was no government operated welfare system in ancient Israel. Yet if they obeyed God's words, every Israelite would remain sensitive to those for whom God expressed special concern.
We can be grateful for government welfare programs that provide a safety net for those who need it. We should pray and give toward those in nations that provide no social safety net at all. And may we followers of Christ have at least as much concern for those who cannot protect themselves as was impressed upon ancient Israel. 

TREES ARE NOT ENEMIES

I am glad that people in many parts of the developed world have become much more concerned about the environment. I confess to not being very "green" myself, although I am much more aware and do a lot better than I did 25 years ago.
I realize some evangelicals have gone to the extreme in ranking environmental issues almost more important than salvation from sin. Of course we will always have extremists on both sides of most issues. The majority often profits from extremists who through their passion pull many us into a more balanced centered biblical position on any issue.
I read today the following passage over which you could skim without any thought. This direction was given by God back when the world was "under populated" and had an abundance of forests (I assume).
"When you lay siege to a city for a long time, fighting against it to capture it, do not destroy its trees by putting an ax to them, because you can eat their fruit. Do not cut them down. Are the trees people, that you should besiege them?" Deuteronomy 20:19, 20
God was concerned that humans, who had been given management responsibilities for the earth, should treat the trees with respect. They were to be used but not abused. They are our friends not our enemies (see translation of this passage in several versions). Interesting, thought provoking passage, don't you think?
I just printed nine pages on our home printer in preparation for tomorrow's sermon - but printed on both sides; so saved at lease a couple of pieces of paper. Not much I know, but as I said above, I am a little more sensitive to preserving what God has given us than I used to be.
"Thank you God for the beauty of the world you've given us. Please help us, all seven billion of us, to take better care of this great gift. Amen."

OF COURSE

"Of course God has blessed me. After all, look how good I have been. Look at the wonderful Christian family from which I come. Look at how I've served God. God blesses and prospers those who believe and are righteous. We are better than all of those other people."
Whew, that was hard for me to write. You would never say something like that, would you? But Christians do need to be careful. Too often we can begin to unconsciously believe that we are Christians because we were good enough and responsive enough to turn to God. Therefore we must be better than those unbelievers. And now that we are maturing in Christ, we are a lot better than those "other people".
Israel was in danger of thinking like that. After all they were God's chosen nation; His special people. God was leading them to Palestine, the land promised to their forefather Abraham. He was going to help them conquer all of those living there, and help them take over that fruitful land as their own. Of course He was doing this because they were people of integrity, so much better, so righteous.
Wrong! God says, "Don't fool yourselves; don't for a moment think that I've given you this Promised Land because you deserve it. This is not a reward for being so righteous." Note that twice God repeats, "it is not because of your righteousness".
'After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself,“The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.” No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that theLord is going to drive them out before you. It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people." Deuteronomy 9:4 - 6

In fact in these several chapters of Deuteronomy we find nothing like you hear today on popular talk shows or read in popular self help books. There is nothing about finding the goodness within you or getting in touch with the wonderful true you. Rather God through Moses reminds them of their very spotty track record and the danger of them falling into the exact sinful patterns and idolatry of those who they are about to replace in Palestine. God is definitely a realist when it comes to humans.
We are all just so naturally prone to pride. We can so easily consider ourselves superior. We Christians can too readily think that God chose us because - - well, because we deserved it.
Nope. Chosen by God's grace alone. Unmerited, undeserved, a gift. If I am blessed with salvation, with health, or wealth, or whatever, it is not because of my goodness. It is God's grace. There is no room for pride in a Christian. Nothing to boast about - except in our weakness and in the Lord. (II Corinthians 12:9 and I Corinthians 1:31)

DON'T FORGET

The theme of remembering/not forgetting runs through many biblical passages. As Israel approached the end of its 40 years of desert wandering, Moses knew he was prevented from entering the Promised Land with the people he had led to this point. He had asked God for permission and had received a firm "No" from God.
So he does his best to prepare Israel for what lies ahead. With Joshua as their new leader, they will soon enter the Promised Land and life will drastically change for them. The people to whom he is speaking have not had a house or home for the past 40 years. They have not owned property on which they could plant a garden; no fields on which they could raise crops; no vineyard; no pasture for their animals. They have depended on God to lead them, to protect them and to directly provide their daily food in the form of manna. They have had to actively trust God for each day; for their "daily bread."

Now things would change. They would settle in the cities they conquered. They would gain houses and land they could call their own. With this would come a degree of prosperity and comfort they had never known: not during 40 years in the desert nor during 400 years of captivity in Egypt. And with comfort and prosperity would come a danger they'd never faced before. So Moses, inspired by God, warns them:

"When the Lordyour God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." Deuteronomy 6:10 - 12

Moses tells them they are about to gain comfort and prosperity which is not theirs - yet. But when by God's power, these things are theirs, they must be careful. With prosperity and comfort comes the strong tendency to feel independent and self sufficient. When great need disappears, then feelings of great dependence on God can easily disappear as well.
This is a warning for the ages. Always relevant to all people. Relevant for nations and for individuals. Applicable for all believers; for you and for me.
Read through chapter six and then on through the next several chapters to see how strongly their elderly leader is warning the Israelites. He repeats his warning not to forget; he warns them that they will easily become proud as God gives them victories and wealth; he tells them to remember that it is God who gives them the ability to produce wealth.
We know the rest of the story as it unfolds over the next decades and centuries. Israel often forgot and suffered the sad consequences. Thankfully we have both their example and these written, inspired words to act as warnings to us. Beware the danger that comes from success, comfort and prosperity. Stay focused on God, consciously dependent on Him, and live with eternal values.

ANCIENT FIESTY WOMEN

I was reading at the end of Numbers today. For the second time the daughters of Zelophehad came into the picture. I had to stop and consider what strong women they must have been. Have you ever considered these ladies among the many strong women of the Bible? I don't think I'd given them enough consideration in the past.
Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah appear first in Numbers 27:1 - 4.

"They came forward and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting and said, “Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among Korah’s followers, who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.”

The nation of Israel is young and unique. The laws and guidelines God has recently given them placed men in positions of leadership and responsibility. These laws, given to prepare for when Israel captured the Promised Land, gave men the right and responsibility for owning and inheriting land. Nothing was said about women and property rights.
However, what was to happen to property and to inheritance passed down from one generation to another, if a father should die without leaving any sons? This had happened in the case of these five strong women. So they approach Moses, not in a private quiet interview; not using an uncle or cousin as an intermediary. They approach themselves: Moses, Eleazar, the leaders and stand in front of the whole assembly of Jerusalem. Seems to me many of us - women or men - might have been rather hesitant to make this approach. But they did not hesitate. M., N, H, M, and Tirzah come with a direct logical question and request.
And Moses is stumped. He had never thought of such an issue. No one else had apparently considered this problem. So Moses goes to the Lord with this very good question. God responds and says these women are correct. You must give them their rightful property inherited from their father.
Very impressive, especially in that era, in that culture.  But there is more. We come to the last chapter of Numbers and these five, fiesty sisters are a concern for their tribe. What if they marry outside of the tribe? Then the land they are given will be lost to their tribe and belong to the tribe into which they marry.
So the the clan leaders ask Moses for a ruling. Notice they are not about to argue with the sisters (and God). No one is opposing their right to property, even in this very male dominated culture. Nope, they just are protecting the future land holdings of their tribe.
A ruling is made that in fairness to the tribe and to the sisters (and women who may be in a similar situation) they must marry within their own tribe and thus the land will stay within the tribe. But note how the text reads for these five women:

"This is what the Lord commands for Zelophehad’s daughters: They may marry anyone they please as long as they marry within their father’s tribal clan." Numbers 36:6
Did you get that? Anyone they please! As long as they stay within the tribe. They get to choose their own husbands! I wonder if all the other Israelite women were jealous? I am not sure that other women were experiencing that same freedom at all. But these five did; each one married their cousins on their father's side. (I hope they made good choices. The text tells us nothing.)
Very interesting. Nothing too theological here; nothing too life applicable in the 21st century; but certainly another indication that the bible provides far more protection and liberation for women, even many centuries before Christ, than most critics ever realize.
So we salute those five women in ancient Israel 3,000 years ago. And we salute those who today, sometimes at the risk of their lives, are pressing for proper protection and equal rights for women in numerous countries around the globe.

WHY DO YOU GET IN?

We flew home to Vietnam from Malaysia last night. We had our three month visa letter in hand, our passports and, with the $45 fee we were certain that we would get into the country again. However since an earlier plane had unloaded a number of visa seeking people, we had to wait in line for about 20 minutes before receiving our processed passports, now containing the all important visa stamp.
We turned to move toward the immigration line when we bumped into two young women, obviously Western tourists. They explained that they had just arrived without a visa or visa letter, having been assured they did not need one. They had learned that if you stayed for less than 15 days, it was OK not to have a visa.
 I winced and told them I'd never heard of anyone getting into Vietnam without a visa. A tourist visa or visa letter is easily obtained over the internet, but you must obtain it in advance of arriving. I feared they were in real difficulty. I said I didn't know what they could do, but I offered to check for them. I asked an official, telling him that these young women were from Sweden but had no visa. However they were staying for less than 15 days. To my amazement and their delight, he nodded, "yes". They were allowed into the country.
Now I know that Canadians, for example, are allowed into the USA without a visa. But here in Vietnam, I know expats from over 25 countries; we often talk about visas - for how long is your visa, did you have any trouble getting it; do you have to leave the country to get it, etc. I assumed that all of us have to get visas, even to enter Vietnam for a day.
What I didn't know was that Sweden (and 13 other countries), unlike over 100 other countries, has a special relationship with Vietnam. If you are a Swede (and on a very short trip), you get in for free; no visa and no waiting!
Now just a minute: while these young women seemed nice, and were better looking than me (but not my wife), why should they be treated differently than a Canadian, American or others? What had they done to be treated differently? Nothing. They were treated differently last night, not because of who they are, how nice they are or what they have done; treated differently because of with whom they belong - Swedes; because of where they were born - Sweden.
Today in many churches we celebrate the monthly Communion Service (or perhaps your weekly Communion service). It is easy to take for granted that we are accepted by God because we've grown up in the church; were baptized as infants; or because of what we've done, who we are, etc. Remember again today, with great gratitude - we are accepted by our Holy, Righteous God because, and only because we are born again into the family of God through personal faith in Christ. In Christ alone is our righteousness. We get in!! Amazing grace! We are welcomed into God's forever family, into an eternal home with Him, because of the Cross of Christ. So celebrate the fact that you are "in" today - and every day, by His grace.
And pray with me today, that many more may enter into the worldwide family of faith.

JUST ONE SIN

Moses served God so well and so faithfully. He endured so much from the nation that seemed to complain and rebel so often against God and against Moses. He endured even their threats to kill him when their anger reached its apex. Moses led this nation through the hot, dry desert for 40 long years yet God would not let him enter the Promised Land.
Because of just one sin! Moses failed to obey God and honour Him in front of the nation on one occasion. Israel was complaining once again - this time due to lack of water. God offered to provide water for them: Moses and Aaron needed to simply command a certain rock to produce water.
But Moses was angry (humanly speaking a very understandable reaction) and instead of speaking with God's authority, hit the rock with his staff twice saying, "Listen you rebels must we bring you water out of this rock?" The water came out but Moses had sinned. God told Moses that he had failed to trust and failed to honour God. (Numbers 20:1 - 12
Moses sin had disqualified him from leading the people into the long promised land. What a tragedy for one who had led so well, for so long. Why had Moses and Aaron both failed to reach the promised land?

"For both of you betrayed me with the Israelites at the waters of Meribah at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. You failed to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel there." Deuteronomy 32:51

We need to guard our ways and seek to obey at all times. We are always vulnerable to sin. And we never know, in spite of God's mercy and long-suffering, when one sin may bring terrible consequences.  We must trust and obey - all the time. God's holiness is to be demonstrated in us.

WHAT OR WHO?

God through Moses provided great preparation for the people of Israel before they entered the Promised Land. They were promised it would be a productive location, described in poetic language as "a land flowing with milk and honey."
Most important surely was the promise that it would be their very own land. After 400 years as slaves, and then 40 years as nomads in the desert, they would be enabled to conquer Palestine and it would become their home. Every tribe would have its own farmland, its owns villages and cities: a permanent home, their own place. A lot has been written in the last few decades about the importance of roots and importance of place; how place affects humans.
But one group were clearly told by God: Sorry you will not inherit any land. Every other group of Israelites will have property they can call their own. But not you. You are special, so you will not get the "what" that all your fellow Israelites will receive.
"The Lord said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites." Numbers 18:20
Stop and think about that. How did the Levites, descendants of Aaron feel about that promise? The promise: land of your own, to farm; property where you could build your own permanent house, had to appeal to them as enticing as it did to other Israelites. Yet God promised them something better. Not a what - not a land inheritance; but Who - God Himself.
There are many preachers and churches encouraging their people toward heresy today, even though they are orthodox in their confession of faith. They claim to believe the Bible. Yet they promise believers that God wants them to be rich; God wants them to have material prosperity; Christianity is a lot about what you can get if you will just "name it and claim it"; if you will just "speak the word"; if you just have enough faith. Sadly in many cities around the world, these churches are growing; attracting people by the promises of prosperity and wealth.
This heresy puts the focus on me instead of God; it puts the focus on things instead of relationship; it puts the emphasis on what can I get instead of the God I can know. It moves me toward selfishness and greed.
Yes, naturally I am attracted to what I can get. I'd like my own things: one of those, and three of those, and ten of those, and, and ---. I naturally love this world and all it attractively packages. I am attracted to the "what": "the cravings of sinful man; the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life."(I John 2:16) It is a never ending spiritual battle to reject loving the world and instead love God.
I suspect that at times certain Levites were tempted to envy their fellow Israelites who had much more to call their own; material things they could enjoy and could pass on to their children. Yet if they were at all in tune with God, those Levites would, as we must, turn back toward God and realize how special and privileged they were. God had chosen them and gave to them Himself.
And He has done the same for you! Don't fall to the ever present temptation of pursuing more things at the sacrifice of pursuing more of God Himself.

WOULDN'T IT BE NICE

What a privilege the infant nation of Israel enjoyed. Moses, their leader was allowed a highly unusual intimate relationship with the God of Israel. He was given directions and help as he met with God in a unique way.
Israel's main diet was provided miraculously every day during their 40 years in the desert. When their was no water supply God, through Moses would connect them to a new, custom made artesian well. Divine protection against enemies was guaranteed, as long as they were obedient.
What struck me today was how wonderfully and directly the OT people were led by God for 40 years. When you are considering a job change, a move to another city or country, when you face those major decisions of life, wouldn't it be nice to be led in the clear, obvious way God led them?

"Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp." Numbers 9:15-23

"Yes, Lord, I will go wherever your cloud, your fire lead me. But it is so hard sometimes to detect your cloud or your fire."

We are not OT believers. We are new covenant people and NT believers are called to live by faith. We are promised that if we give ourselves totally to God; if we refuse to conform to this world's values and morality; if cooperate with God in developing a transformed mind; then we will know "His good, pleasing and perfect will". (Romans 12:1, 2)

Not as easy as simply following Moses and the cloud of God, right? Yet this path, this life of faith encourages us to grow from the inside - out; to become more like Christ; to be holy as He is holy.

God is not so concerned that you are in the right place; He is very concerned that you are becoming the right person - the person He really wants you to become.

Wouldn't it be nice? Not to be led by a cloud and fire, but to be conformed to the image of Christ! That is our objective.

CREATIVE CREATOR

We are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a few days. Yesterday we visited a large mall and since we are on a holiday had time to relax and observe. At one point I commented to Jan that there is an amazing variety of human faces, even though in another sense all humans look much alike. The variation of in human faces can often be measured only in mm, yet we notice this difference easily.
Then today we visited the KL Bird Park, set in a large park, only minutes by car from downtown. It is  advertised as the World's Largest free-flight Walk in Aviary. Huge netting soaring 10 to 25 meters high (by my estimate) spreads over much of the 21 acres that are home to over 3,000 birds of all kinds. Some of the birds are in large cages, many are free to fly and walk, roaming the park among hundreds of humans.  
What a wonder to walk among these birds many of whom have become fully comfortable with humans. I've seen hundreds of egrets in Florida and elsewhere, but never stood less than half a meter away to study one. We walked among dozens of peacocks, storks, herons, etc. In the cages were a variety of parrots, ostriches, emus, hornbills, etc. Since all are tropical or semi-tropical birds, the colours and variety are outstanding.
We were once again filled with awe and wonder at how our Creator God has built into our world such amazing variety.
Everyone who visits this marvellous park can enjoy the huge variety of size and shape, call and colours. But we are able to lift our thoughts and worship to the Creator. We join again with the psalmist who in thinking about the world around us and about humans, could not contain himself but explodes in praise and worship.
"O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth." Psalm 8:1, 9

READING LEVITICUS

I am not much of a speed reader, but a number of chapters in Leviticus cause me to read quite quickly. Part of God's wisdom for His people under the Old Covenant, the direct or not so direct relevance for the 21st century believer is not apparent.
I suspect some of you may never read parts of the Old Testament like Leviticus. Why not simply read the easier parts, like Genesis and the Psalms. Well there are a number of reasons I won't go into in this short blog. One obvious one is that all of Scripture is inspired. Another is that the entire OT was the Scripture our Lord Jesus used on earth.
However I will simply say "because by skipping large chunks of the Bible you deprive yourself." I thought of this yesterday after reading (very quickly) a number of chapters in Leviticus, I "came up for air" at the end of chapter 16.
So many sacrifices of different kinds. So many regulations. So many holy days. So many sheep, goats, bulls, birds slaughtered. So much blood spilled and used to mark out people and items as holy. So much  necessary to satisfy a Holy God who is offended by sin.
"Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins." Leviticus 16:30
I read these words and I rejoiced for ancient Jews. Rejoiced that God made a way for people back then. And rejoiced again that you and I live on this side of the Incarnation and the Cross. Rejoiced that our perfect Saviour could become the One sacrifice, for all people, for all time. Rejoiced that I could recall the wonderful passages of Hebrews that build so strongly upon chapters like these in Leviticus.
Why read a book like Leviticus? It should help you understand and appreciate the book of Hebrews. It should help you deepen your worship of our Great Saviour.

WE ARE ONE

To start the year at HIF, we are spending 5 Sundays in Romans 12. What a great chapter providing teaching that is so relevant to living the life of a disciple of Jesus. Today I was preaching from Romans 12:3 -8. One point stressed in this passage is the importance of seeing ourselves within the Body of Christ; this Body which is a unit yet very diverse.
"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." 12:4,5
I hope you are learning to rejoice in the fact that the body is both unified and diverse. Some people allow the diversity to irritate them. They really want everyone to enjoy the same kind of preaching and worship music; to have full agreement on spiritual gifts; to be united on the role of women; to agree on everything. So they usually draw a circle that is only as big as their comfort level allows. And in so doing they miss the richness of diversity Christ allows in His Body.
In an international church we cannot escape the diversity of the Body. Today our worship singing was led by a visiting Australian pastor who frequently travels internationally. Yesterday he led a seminar on worship for about 20 of our musicians. As we chatted for a few moments it was evident that he comes from a strongly charismatic circle of churches, while as I mentioned to him in just one sentence my background is different. We agreed that focusing on the main things allows believers like us to stay unified in the church; to worship and to serve together.
I mentioned to him that I don't know the denominational background of most of our people at HIF. We want them to love Jesus and to study and respond to the Word. Backgrounds are very secondary.
Our visiting Australian leader had an HIF worship band today consisting of two men from the Philippines, two Americans and two Nigerians - not sure of their church backgrounds but they sing and play well. The one giving announcements, the one praying - and Oh yes, me, the one preaching, were all from Canada.
All of us are one in Christ. All of us belong to His Body, the Church. You, wherever you are, whatever your church background and nationality, you are part of this great worldwide Body. How wonderful to know that by faith, we all belong to Him, and therefore belong to each other.
It was fun to talk with a visitor from Toronto today, who recalled hearing me preach a few times when I was a pastor there. She has served with World Vision in Indonesia and now is in Laos. Both of us far from Toronto, but connected in this great unity: One Body. One Lord. One Church.
How much fun it is to belong to a Body with such diversity. How amazing that we all belong to Him!

COMING AND GOING

I was warned by people that International Churches are constantly changing. Our recent congregational survey proved this reality: we discovered that 57% of our people had been at HIF for less than two years. (We'd love to report that this was because of many new believers, but it is mostly because of believers moving in and out of Hanoi.)
Of course it is one thing to talk about percentages or even about congregations changing. It is another thing as you regularly say personal "hellos" and "goodbyes" to a variety of folks. For example: in the past 8 days we have said goodbye to a wonderful single woman from Taiwan who plans to return home for a few weeks and then move to Cuba to study Spanish. We have also said goodbye to a medical couple from Australia. They will return home for a few weeks and then move to Montreal for at least two years on a post doctoral fellowship. These very active Christians will really be missed.
On the other hand we have welcomed two new couples: one from the USA, one from Japan and the USA. We will hope they integrate well (and quickly) to both the country and to our church family.
Given the number of transitions that take place, this kind of International Church does not depend much on long term church members. We really must depend on God who never changes and of course He never says "goodbye." We rely on His knowledge of the future as we make plans and commitments for a congregation that we know will be 50% different two years from now!
It is kind of like "living by faith.":) A great way to live for churches as well as for individuals.

AHEAD OF YOU

It is always reassuring when someone goes ahead of you. It took some faith and a little risk for us to leave Canada and come to Vietnam. However we knew two couples who "had gone ahead"; one had arrived in Ho Chi Minh City several months ahead of us; the other couple were veterans of ten years. They were of great help in orienting us to our new location.
I can only imagine what it has been like for those who have gone to a new country and new city, having no connections at all. It would be immensely more difficult if there was no one available to help you avoid problems and give you guidance in finding different basic things. In your first weeks it seems you are constantly facing "where?" and "how?" questions. Someone who has gone ahead of you can often provide the answers and a comforting reassurance.
Moses and the people of Israel were setting out on a path that none of them had ever walked before. There was no one who had gone ahead of them to show them where they should go; where to find water or food; or what dangers might lie ahead. They had no one but the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was enough. And He promised to take care of them.
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared."
 “I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run." 
Exodus 23:20 & 27
God would prepare the way for them. And we can trust God to do the same for us. None of us can predict accurately what blessings and challenges lie ahead in 2013. But God knows and as the One outside of time, He will prepare the way for us. And He will prepare us, if we live by faith in daily obedience. We can face the future with confidence: not in ourselves, our savings and investments, our health insurance or our employer; not in our government. We walk into the future with confidence in our God who goes ahead of us.

PASS IT ON

The woman who led our "pastoral prayer" in yesterday's worship service is a mother of two young girls. During her prayer she prayed specifically for parents as they experience the joy but also the difficulties of raising children. We had earlier that morning prayed similar prayers as six of us gathered in our pre-service prayer meeting.
Their are many challenges parents face. One specific challenge is to pass on their faith to the next generation. God is clear that this is their responsibility. As early as the institution of the Passover, God commands through Moses that father's must explain the Passover to their sons. Each father is responsible for helping his son appreciate God's greatness in the miracle of that first passover that resulted in freedom for the Israelites.
"On that day tell your son, ‘I do this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’" Exodus 13:8
“In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand theLord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." Exodus 13:14

Parents can often look to Sunday Schools and Christian Schools for Christian help as they raise their children. But they cannot shirk their responsibility to tell of the great things God has done in history - and also in their personal and family life. Notice how personal the father is to be in vs. 8 "what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt."
Although the Bible does not expand beyond this, it seems to me that God surely expects other family members to do the same: shouldn't we all be sharing with children "what the Lord did for me"? Whether you are an aunt or uncle, grandparent or much older brother or sister, have you considered your responsibility in letting the "next generation" know how great, faithful and loving is your God? We are all responsible to "pass it on"; this great Good News is for sharing; we are witnesses within our families and to the world.

GO AND WAIT

Moses went reluctantly. You remember how 5 times he did his best to decline the assignment to lead Israel out of captivity. (Exodus 3&4) Yet finally, assured that his brother Aaron would be with him, Moses left his role of leading stubborn sheep to assume the role of leading stubborn people.
Now he is ready, prepared by God to be confirmed by the nation of Israel as their new leader and to persuade Pharaoh to let God's people go. He is ready, but it is not yet time. He takes the first steps and finds that God is not going to move as quickly as Moses would like. In fact, God is not going to make this a simple task. God sees the big picture, Moses does not.
Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh with the initial request that he release Israel. The result: Pharaoh commands that things be made more difficult for the people. Moses questions what God is doing and the people in turn speak strongly against Moses. (Exodus 5: 22, 23) Then of course begins the classic confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, in which it takes ten plagues - the awesome demonstration of God's Divine power - to finally weaken Pharaoh's resolve and free the people of Israel.
How often in Scripture we read examples of God's timing: so much slower than the desired timing of his people. How often do His people pray and God answers "wait." How often do His people have to endure difficulties before experiencing God's blessings.
We who follow Jesus (and in the footsteps of those like Moses) agree to go when and where God directs us - across the street or across the world. We are not promised it will be easy, nor that the results we expect will come quickly. We go and sometimes (often?) we wait, even without understanding.
This is why it is called a life of faith.