Will Davis Jr.'s Blog, page 49

Pruning

Pruning

Every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2

We don’t talk about this enough. Pruning is part of God’s process for growing us, and yet we often fail to recognize it when it’s happening.

Jesus’ disciples understood pruning, and if you’ve ever spent time working in a garden or vineyard, you do too.

Pruning is vital for the healthy development of a plant. It cuts back the dead, unproductive parts of the plant and makes room for the more productive parts to thrive. Pruning actually stimulates growth.

Sometimes when things are hard or you feel like you’re struggling in your walk or you’re wondering if the devil is focusing on you, it may actually none of the above. You’re just being pruned. God is cleansing you, refining you and stimulating you to grow.

Remember this: when God prunes you it’s not because you’re not being productive, it’s because you are being productive. Jesus said that his Father prunes those branches that are bearing fruit so they can bear more.

Pruning is a compliment. It means that God likes what he sees in you and he wants to see more of it.

Learn to look for the signs of pruning in your life and in the lives of those in your discipleship circles. Tough days don’t necessarily mean that you’re out of God’s will. They may in fact mean that you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Pruning is a natural part of the discipleship process. Thank God for it.

 

 

 

Why I Am Abandoning Christianity and Joining a New Faith

I’m not sure when it happened, but something in me has snapped. It was a quiet, gradual snap, but a snap nonetheless. I can no longer identify myself with what is today called “Christianity.” I don’t know what the term means to you, but it certainly doesn’t describe me or what I hope to become.

Today’s version of the Christian religion typically includes a particular political leaning. It’s associated with a powerful Washington lobby.

The label Christian may be attached to some universities that have the name tucked away in their charter somewhere, but in reality they want nothing to do with the belief system to which the name used to refer.

The term “Christian” and another term, “church,” often refer to a particular people and a particular building where people meet once a week for religious activity.

And while there is nothing wrong with having a particular political leaning, attending a university with “Christian” in its name or charter, or going to religious services at a church building once a week, none of that has much of anything to do with the movement the ultimately came to be identified with Christianity.

I read an article recently about a controversial entertainer who identified himself as a Christian. I don’t know what he means by the term, but it seems to have no impact on his ability to drop F-Bombs or to father children out of wedlock.

That may have been when I snapped.

I have decided to abandon the “Christian religion” and take up with a band of brothers and sisters who have been around for over 2000 years. They are followers of a man who lived in First Century AD Palestine. He was a Hebrew, born and raised in poverty and worked as a carpenter.

At age thirty he began preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God. He actually claimed to be the Messiah promised centuries before through the Hebrew prophets. This man supported his claims with obviously anointed teaching and many miraculous “signs”, such as healing lepers and paralytics, and even raising the dead.

This man eventually became a threat to the Hebrew leadership and was arrested. He was executed, according to Roman law, on a cross–a brutal, horrific death. Three days after his death his disciples–who had been in hiding since his arrest–began boldly declaring that their executed leader had risen from the dead. They said that he appeared to them for a period of forty days before ascending into the heavens.

And given the explosive growth of their movement after his execution, and given the lack of any evidence that they made the whole thing up or, not to mention, the lack of the actual discovery of the man’s body since then, I’m inclined to believe that their claims about this man being raised are true.

I’m also very attracted to this band of brothers and sisters because of how they lived. They were often admired, even feared, by their contemporaries who didn’t share their faith. They didn’t view their possessions as their own. They were quick to share whatever they had with anyone around them who was in need, even their enemies.

These “followers’ were passionate about caring for the poor, the widows and the outcasts of culture. Their leader taught them that every person on earth mattered to God and that they were to exhaust and empty themselves on behalf of others.

This band believed in forgiveness. They taught that their leader had died to forgive all their sins and the sins of anyone else–regardless of who he was or what he had done–and that they were in turn to forgive others. As a result, this group became very popular among the real “sinners” of their society: prostitutes, tax collectors (who were usually very corrupt) and even rough and tumble fishermen. People with whom I strongly identify.

The love this group showed for each other and for their leader is the thing that was most transformational. They were quick to set aside their freedoms, rights and privileges for the greater cause of their movement. And, they were ready to lay down their lives for each other and their leader, and they often did.

This group wasn’t political. It wasn’t wealthy, and what little wealth they had they quickly gave up. The group believed in living distinct lifestyles and in being identified not by their profound theology, not by their political prowess, not by their elaborate church buildings, but by their love.

And so I’m abandoning my contemporary “Christian” roots and joining arms with this band of men, women and children from all over the world and from all throughout history. I’m drawn by the simplicity of their faith, the generosity of their hearts, and the power of their love. More importantly, I’m drawn to the leader who started their movement.

Maybe you’ve heard of him . . . . .

His name is Jesus.

 

 

Why Did Jesus Weep?

Why Did Jesus Weep?

Jesus wept. John 11:35

Have you ever wondered what Jesus cried over at Lazarus’ tomb? Jesus knew the end of the story. He knew that things were about to get really good for Mary and Martha. Their cries were about to turn to sheer giddiness.

So you would think that Jesus would have been a little giddy himself, kind of like someone who is about to announce some really good news. But that wasn’t the case. While standing just a few feet from Lazarus’ soon-to-be-empty tomb, and just a few moments before he called out to Lazarus and forever-changed history, Jesus was “greatly moved in his spirit and deeply troubled.” Then he wept.

Why?

I think it was because he was appalled by death. He hated it. It disgusted him.

Death was never part of God’s plan. It wasn’t something he created. Death was the inevitable result of the first humans’ rebellion from God.

When Jesus got to Bethany, all he saw was the ravages of death. He looked around and saw the pain, the grief and the devastation that death brings—and he knew that all of it was unnecessary.

So Jesus wept; and then he called Lazarus back from the grave and gave Satan notice that both his and death’s days were numbered. Because not long after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus took death head-on, and won. Yea God.

Don’t let the sting of death intimidate you today. Don’t let Satan threaten you with it and don’t let the fear of death paralyze you. Jesus and the eternal life he gives will have the final say.

 

 

 

From Atheist to Believer–The Story of Kirsten Power’s Conversion to Faith in Jesus

I read this yesterday and was very inspired by it. It is not a political story, but rather one of God’s grace, mercy and love. Click the image to read the full story.

What’s the Hurry?

What’s the Hurry?

 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. John 11:5-6

God doesn’t hurry. He doesn’t rush. He’s never early.

That drives me crazy. And I think I’m probably not alone in my sentiment.

The scripture above says it all. Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Lazarus was near death and his sisters sent a message to Jesus for him to come quickly.

So Jesus dropped everything and rushed off to be by their side. Right?

Uh, no.

So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days . . . .  And then Lazarus died.

God doesn’t hurry. He doesn’t rush. He’s never early.

He knows the end of the story. He sees the big picture. He understands the higher purpose.

Jesus needed to wait two more days. He needed Lazarus to be dead—four days dead—so that he could accomplish his Father’s plan.

Are you waiting? Are you wishing Jesus would hurry up and do something? Are you thinking that God is taking his sweet time as you seek him for:

The salvation of an unbelieving friend
Financial provision
Employment
The healing of a terminally ill loved-one
The mending of a broken relationship
Guidance for a really big decision

God isn’t late. Remember that it wasn’t too late even after Lazarus had died.

It’s not too late now. God has a plan. Something is up. And no matter how late it seems, Jesus is still coming.

What would You Say to Encourage this Young Woman?

I received this message on my Pray Big Facebook page earlier today. It’s from a new believer in Denmark. Her message and my response are below. How would you respond to her? I’ll send some of the best responses her way.

Hi Will! I am writing to you because I really feel that I need godly advice. Two years ago I met my boyfriend and we fell in love and we moved together. Until 6 months ago I didn’t really follow Jesus, I just believed in God, prayed from time to time and went to church. But a few months ago I started to read the Bible for the first time and I discovered that I really hadn’t followed Jesus with all my heart. My boyfriend doesn’t believe in God or the Bible.  It is written clearly to not mingle with unbelievers. Also, me and my boyfriend spoke about getting married and having kids. He is a great guy, he loves me a lot, he is there for me when I need him, but on the other hand he doesn’t believe in God. What should I do in this situation? I really need advice. Thank you:)

Hello and thanks for writing. Please forgive my brevity. This is a serious matter and I hope you will find someone there where you live you can counsel you more. You should not marry a man who is not a Christian. He is not prepared to lead you spiritually. The fact that he does not believe in God says that there is much more going on with him. If he doesn’t love Jesus he can’t love you. Beyond that, you may be in the way of his seeing God. He needs Jesus more than he needs you. My suggestion: move out, break up, and pray for his soul. And you, cling to and love Jesus. Make him your husband until he brings you a godly man.

So friends, how you would advise this new sister in faith?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proof of Love

Proof of Love

Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it. 2 Co 8:24

It’s easy to talk about love. It’s easy to say that we love God and that we love our Christian brothers. In this verse, the Apostle Paul nudges us to not just talk about our love, but to prove it.

The Apostle was rallying the Corinthian believers to contribute to an offering he was collecting for the suffering believers in Jerusalem. Now think about that—there was no way to wire this money or just transfer it into a bank account. The money had to be collected and physically carried to Jerusalem. It was an arduous, dangerous and multi-year process.

But the Apostle wasn’t going to be discouraged by the challenges of raising money in a First Century AD world. He meant business and he asked his fellow believers to meet the challenge with him.

Bottom Line: The believers in Jerusalem were worth it.

They still are. All around the world believers face the daily difficulties of poverty, poor healthy care, inadequate drinking water, tyrannical governments and persecution. And the Apostle’s call to serve them is still relevant. We need to put our money where we say our hearts are.

If we love them, and more importantly, if we love Jesus, then we need to prove it by praying and sacrificing for them.

Would you set aside some time today to pray for a specific part of your city or the world where you know our brothers and sisters are hurting? Would you take out your checkbook and send money to a ministry that you know supports them? Or would you drive across town and fly across the world to get your hands dirty for them?

That’s what Paul is asking us to do. He’s saying to put our love into action.

For God so loved the world he gave . . . . . Can we do any less?

Rest

Rest

On the seventh day he rested from all his work. Genesis 2:2

There is a critical moment in any great hike or mountain climb and, depending on the patience and experience of the hiker, it is a frequently reoccurring moment. It is the moment of rest. On any long and arduous climb, it is important for climbers to schedule regular rest periods. Such required breaks insure that the climbers will replenish their ever-dwindling physical energy with food and water. It allows them to mark their progress and look at the new and breathtaking panoramas gained by their hard work. It lets them check their climbing schedule against any weather conditions that might be developing. And, it reminds them to check their gear for any new and potentially problematic wear and tear. In short, rest is critical if one intends to reach the summit.

Now think about the last day of God’s creative activity, the last recorded day in creation week. Note that it is actually a day of inactivity. The seventh day was God’s appointed day of rest. God did not stop his record of creation on the sixth day. He purposely included the seventh day, the day of rest. He did so because rest is what God intends for us as well.

We live in an action-oriented society. The expression 24/7 now describes how many of us live and function. It is actually a point of pride and boasting for some to work 80-100 hours a week.  Rest, it seems, has lost its relevance. No wonder so many of us blow out and never reach our intended summits.

It is impossible for you to become the Christ-follower God intends without regular and frequent periods of rest. The soul that God gave you, that priceless commodity that separates you from all other creation, requires it. The human spirit was not designed for non-stop activity. It is not a sign of weakness to rest; it is rather a sign of wisdom and strength. God modeled us for it. We would do well to follow his example (not to mention command) and become people who practice the discipline of rest.

So pull over. Step off the trail for a moment and breathe. Take some water and have a bite of something to replenish your weakened body. Look at the view; it’s changed since the last time you stopped. Look up at the skies. Do you see any signs of potential trouble that you did not see earlier? And how’s your equipment? Do you need to make any quick repairs? There are still some big climbs ahead, and you can’t afford to blow out short of the summit.

Life is hard. Those who learn to rest are much more likely to enjoy it more and live it more fully. And, those who learn to rest are guaranteed to be more productive for God. So, slow down. No great summit was ever gained by sprinting.

 And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.

 

Verbs

Verbs

Praise the Lord. Psalm 146:1

Verbs communicate action. They tell us what’s going on, what’s being done, and what’s taking place. Verbs in the Bible are powerful tools used by the biblical writers to help us see the strength, the glory and the power of our God.

This Psalm begins with a verb issuing a command for all citizens of earth to praise the God of the heavens. The verb calls us to action. It is followed by several other verbs that provide a beautiful litany of reasons why we should be worshippers.

The verbs say it all:

God upholds the cause of the oppressed. He fights for and defends those needing justice.
God gives food to the hungry. He is the source of provision for the poor.
The Lord rescues prisoners . He is the great liberator of captives.
The Lord gives sight to the blind. He gives vision.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. The Lord exalts the humble.
The Lord loves the righteous. He is drawn to all that trust in Him.
The Lord watches over the alien. Even foreigners to His grace can know His watch-care.
He sustains the fatherless and the widow. He is the hero to the hopeless.
He frustrates the ways of the wicked. He will overturn the sinful.
The Lord reigns forever, Your God, O Zion, for all generations. His Kingdom will know no end.

Verbs–they’re great tools, especially in worship! I imagine you could choose a few of your own to complete the assignment given in this Psalm. Spend some time today listing what God has done for you. Use great verbs. Praise the Lord!

 

Yea God–Thanksgiving 2013

(*I wrote this several years ago during a rather difficult Thanksgiving week. I thought it might encourage you today.)

Yea God

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:18

I left the hospital at six o’clock this morning after keeping watch with my dad from 10:30 the night before. He was in the emergency room with extreme vertigo and signs of a possible stroke. (Subsequent tests would show that the vertigo was caused by a virus.) It had been over a year since I had spent the night in the hospital ER with a family member, but it had not been long enough. Memories of frequent trips from the year before came flooding back. Bad memories. I left the hospital worried about my dad and exhausted from no sleep.

After a quick nap and much needed shower, I made a late entrance to my church team’s staff meeting. I walked into a “Yea God” session. The team was taking time to celebrate out-loud some of the things God was doing. Our student minister talked about the way some of the kids had reached out to a new student. Another staffer talked about how additional prayer had made a difficult day much more tolerable. One talked about people assuming new levels of leadership in ministry. Another mentioned a great conversation he’d had with a spiritual seeker after a Bible class. One staff member shared how her small group had come through for her during a recent family crisis. One shared about the momentum of life change among another group of leaders. They went on and on. It was overwhelming.

As I sat there listening, I realized that I was having a “Yea God” moment right then. Listening to these dear friends and colleagues share their hearts made my spirit soar. It was so encouraging to have my dark and gloomy perspective so altered by their thanksgivings. It changed my whole day.

It can change yours too. Is your spirit failing today? Are the feelings of despair overtaking you? Surround yourself with the spoken praises and thanksgivings of God. Bless him for all his goodness, even the tiniest details of his faithfulness. Go through the alphabet and name three things for each letter for which you are thankful. Take a thankfulness survey from those in your family or Christian community. You will wake up! And, you’ll find yourself quickly gaining a new perspective.

Yea God.