F.A.T.H.E.R. – A=Affirmation

A – Affirmation. When we think about the word affirmation, we often associate it with a positive feeling or emotion. We think of the word as a form of acceptance. However, the real definition of affirmation is to “assert that something exists or is true” (Random House Dictionary). With that said, why is affirmation a part of understanding the Father’s heart toward us?

The Father has historically and will continually affirm his love for us.

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17 HCSB) God loved ALL of us so much that He was willing to make a sacrifice beyond any that we as humans can truly comprehend.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer 29:11 NIV). Not only did the Father love us when He offered His son as our sacrifice, He is constantly planning for our welfare.

When you ponder how you can take refuge in God, remember that he loves you more than you can every really understand. Just like a father loves his son and wants the best for him, God affirms his love for us and continues to demonstrate the truth of that love every day (if we let Him).

Take refuge in the FATHER - F=Forgiveness

God presents Himself to us in three images – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In looking at how we can take refuge in “the LORD”, we can see different ways that “the LORD” reaches out to us by looking at each part of the trinity.

God, the Father can be represented as an acronym that describes the Father’s heart toward us.

F – Forgiveness. It is as Lewis B. Smedes wrote, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Sin separates us from God and forgiveness of that sin is the method He provides to reconcile the broken relationship. The Father loves us so much that he desperately wants to repair the broken relationship, even to the extent that he would allow His own Son to pay the price for our sins. Through that sacrifice, the Father chooses to forgive our sins in the same way we forgive others.

Through the scriptures, we are commanded to forgive others:

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against any, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.” (Mark 11:25 HCSB)

“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:32 HCSB)

“Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord had forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13 HCSB)

“For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.” (Matthew 6:14 HCSB).

Notice that we are repeatedly instructed to forgive others so that we can be forgiven. The Father knows that if we are holding grudges and bitterness towards others, we are just hurting ourselves. He loves us so much that He wants the best for us and that begins with forgiveness.

Sacrificial Suffering of the Savior

Take Refuge in the sacrificial suffering of the Savior.

Tonight was the annual Maundy Thursday service at my church. As we came to a time of reflection, God brought to my mind the suffering that Christ experienced on our behalf.

While at the Garden of Gethsemane, He spent time talking to the Father. Time spent preparing for the days ahead. During that time, He reached a point that he asked, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from Me – nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” – Luke 22:42 (HCSB). Hearing this prayer, the Father responded, as the passage continues, “Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.” – Luke 22:43 (HCSB). Jesus willingly took on Himself the sins of a self-centered, willful people (all mankind) so that we could have the opportunity to spend eternity with Him and with the Father. And, in willingly doing this, the Father sent him comfort.

Jesus knew the path that was ahead of Him. “And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” – Luke 22:44 (HCSB). He knew that He would soon be betrayed by one of a trusted few. He knew about the trial. He knew that the crowds who had cheered Him just days before would cry out for his crucifixion. He knew about the scourging. He knew about the mocking. He knew that He soon would not even be recognizable as a man. He knew about the cross. He knew about the nails in His hands and feet. He knew that He would hang there for all to see and ridicule. He knew that only a few of His followers would actually be there with Him. He knew about the death to come. And yet, he chose the Father’s will and not His own.

I wonder, did He think about the resurrection? Did He think about the victory over death? Or were the sins of the world that He took upon Himself so great that it was all He could do just to bear them. Did He willingly go to the cross without contemplating what else had to be done after His death? Was the angel from heaven sent to Him to help Him prepare just for the crucifixion and death or was the angel also there to prepare Him for the resurrection as well?

Regardless of whether Jesus was thinking about the resurrection, He knew that He was facing the most horrific death that mankind had ever imagined. He knew that even though the Father loved his creation, sin had permanently separated them and only one sacrifice was sufficient to span that chasm between God and man. He willingly, knowingly and sacrificially chose to follow the course of suffering for my sake and for yours. Jesus loved us, all of us, so much that He was willing to give everything for us.

As you celebrate this Easter season, take refuge in the Savior and the sacrifice that He made just for you and for me.

Cross or Sword?

Take Refuge in the Cross -- what better place to be.....

It was Palm Sunday and our church continued an annual tradition. Each person was given a cross made from palm tree leaves. It was a nice reminder that Palm Sunday begins the week that led up to the cross and Christ’s sacrifice for all men. However, in the hand of a child the cross became something much more adventurous. Grabbing the cross by the topmost section and swinging it in the air, this reminder of sacrifice became a sword of adventure. Turning to find another child with a “sword” in hand, the boys were ready to do battle with whomever they met.

Of course there were adults that were appalled at this lack of respect, but when thinking a little harder about the possibilities, I recognized a teaching moment for the children. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and then rose from the grave, it was as if He had taken the cross and used it as a sword to defeat both Satan and death to redeem the Father’s children. He became the knight in shining armor going to battle for the sake of the kingdom that was being terrorized by the evil forces. He was the only one able to wield the sword of truth and defeat the enemy.

So, when you see children using their crosses as swords, remind them that Jesus too fought a great battle. He used His cross to win the battle over Satan and death to provide for them the opportunity to spend eternity with Him.

What is "taking refuge"?

Look up the word in the dictionary. Refuge is referred to as:
• a shelter or protection from danger and trouble
• a source of help, relief, or comfort in times of trouble.
• anything or anyone where you can seek aid, relief or escape

To take refuge means to seek out and acquire or accept refuge. It is finding a place to hide in a storm or when being chased. It is finding comfort when our heart is troubled. It is finding solace when we are sad or worried. It is, above all else, an action. Taking refuge requires that we do something in order to receive the refuge. We either have to go somewhere or ask someone for the help.

The Bible talks about taking refuge in many places. Here are just a few.
• 2 Samuel 22:31 “As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” NASB
• Psalm 2:12, “… All those who take refuge in Him are happy.” HCSB
• Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice.” HCSB
• Psalm 16:1 “Protect me God, for I take refuge in you.” HCSB
• Psalm 118:8 “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” NASB
• Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” HCSB
• Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.” NASB

Taking refuge in God is allowing him to be the ultimate source of protection and strength for our lives. We must make the choice. We must choose God and seek His refuge in all we do.

As we explore taking refuge through this blog, the focus will be on how we can take refuge in God. Sometimes the source of inspiration will be examples from daily life. Sometimes it will be from examining scriptures such as the ones above. Sometimes the message will just be putting into words the feelings and emotions that are stirred deep inside me. But, regardless of the source of inspiration, I pray that God will speak to your heart as He has to mine about the importance of putting Him first in all that you do and say.

Center of Refuge - synopsis

So, the center can be so many different things. It can be described in terms of location, movement, part of something else, a source of influence and a focus of attention. Center can also be a gathering place, a foundation or organization created for a specific purpose, even a base for military operations.

How can we be centered within God’s will? You would think that knowing what the center is and being centered wouldn’t be that different. But we all know there is a big difference between knowing and doing. That’s the difference between knowing where to find the center of God’s will and living in the center of God’s will.

Being centered is an action. It requires movement. To get to the center of a stage, you have to find the outside edge and then MOVE to the center. To be the center of attention, you first have to get the attention of someone else. To be at the core of something, an outside shell must define what it is. Being a point of origin or influence requires that there be someone or something to be influenced. And a chief object of attention requires someone to focus on it.

How do we become centered in God’s will? By spending time with God. By spending time focusing on God. By making God the center of our attention and the source of our influence and inspiration. We can find the center of God’s will by seeking and pursuing it. We will not find it by just waiting for it to “hit us”. I tried that myself for a long time, trust me, it doesn’t work.

God’s will is “knowable”, available and attainable if we ask Him. Spend time with God (prayer). Spend time reading His word (Bible study). Spend time with His children (fellowship). They are all actions that can lead you to being centered in God’s will for you and for your life.

Center of Refuge - object of attention

Finally, center can be a person or thing that is the chief object of attention, interest, activity, or emotion.

Have you ever started a new relationship? Felt the overpowering joy of discovering a new love? Found a passion for a new pastime? Received or purchased something new that you just couldn’t get enough of?

Kids can get completely absorbed in a video game. I know because I was one and I did it, too. You want to know all the secrets of the game, how to score the most points, how to defeat the enemies and be the victor over all.

Grownup kids often do the same thing with toys of their own – a new car, an old car that is being restored, a collection, a new hobby, even a new relationship. Any of these things can become the chief object of attention. And, when they do, they can become idols in our lives because they become more important than anything else, even God.

Taking the focus off of ourselves and placing it on seeking the center of God’s will creates a place in our hearts and lives for God to be the chief object of attention. Our sin nature wants to occupy that position and rule our interests, activities and emotions. When “we” are in charge, we will continue to have struggles and be overrun with unwanted emotions and desires. But, when we allow God to be that focus, He will lead us on the greatest adventure of all. God wants us to enjoy life, not hide from it. God wants us to have an abundant life and He knows how to bring balance to our lives so that we can truly enjoy all that He brings our way.

Center of Refuge - power

The center can be a point of origin, as of influence, ideas, or actions: a center of power; a center of unrest.

We have the choice of how we will respond to God. Seeking a deeper relationship with Him, accepting His will and acting on His will can be a center of power in our lives. However, running from Him brings nothing but unrest, turbulence and anxiety into our lives. Being one who ran from God’s will for over 19 years, I speak from personal experience. You may think that you are in control and life will be alright. Until you stop and listen to God and accept His guidance, you will not know the joy of His will.

Centering on God’s will can provide a point of origin for all the decisions that we make. If we allow Him to be our influence, He will guide our ideas, our thoughts and our actions. He desires to be that center of power for us.

Center of Refuge - core

The center for refuge can also be the defined as:

A part of an object that is surrounded by the rest; a core: chocolates with soft centers.

Chocolates with soft gooey centers are one of my favorite sweets. As you bite into the chocolate you savor the flavor, slowly. Then the center starts to run out and you make that extra effort to make sure that none of it is lost. I find myself closing my eyes and enjoying the flavor of the center and looking forward to the next bite to get more. That’s how it is with the love of God.

When we first experience His love, it is a sweet flavor that is to be savored. Remember when you first accepted Jesus Christ as your savior. The emotion, the joy, the relief that you felt in giving up your will to accept God’s will. Then you began to experience the joy of spending time with God and learning more about Him. God wants to be the core of our desires and the sweet filling that leaves us wanting more and more.

Center of Refuge - a center point

Here is a second definition for center.

A point around which something rotates or revolves: The sun is the center of the solar system.

A child always wants to be the center of attention. The child’s heart doesn’t understand that the world does not rotate around them. All they know is that their parents are there to respond to their every cry, whimper, smile or giggle. Although it isn’t always so, we all hope that infants are cared for in such a way that they truly feel the world revolves around them just as the solar system revolves around the sun.

As children of God, we can feel the same love from our Heavenly Father. His desire is to encompass us with His love in such a way that we feel Him everywhere. Look around you, even now. Everything that is there came through the hands of a loving God. You may feel blessed by that thought or you may feel angry because of unhappy circumstances. However, as you consider that you are the center of God’s affection, hopefully you will also understand that His desire for you is to see you grow in your faith and understanding of Him. Sometimes that means compassion and nurturing and sometimes that means allowing circumstances to create lessons that lead to growth. Either way, it is still the heart of a Loving God that wants to encompass us His love.

Center of Refuge

As I began to learn to "take refuge" in God, I learned that the only way to do that is to make God the center of all that I do and pursue living my life in the center of God's will.

I’ve often shared with others the “centers” of the Bible and how meaningful they were to me when I was getting ready for summer missions. I’ve even encouraged others with the words and knowledge of what God put at the center of His encouragement to us. But now, as God guides me on how to share this on a deeper level, I am even more amazed on a daily basis at the nuggets of wonder that God included so perfectly in these verses.

In searching for the center of God’s will through the center of His word, first, let’s consider what the word center is all about and how that can be used to describe the nature of God. Some synonyms for center are: middle, hub, heart, core. The center is the middle of all that is around it. It is the hub of activity. It is the heart of the situation. It is the core or central part of the whole.

Dictionaries can be such wonderful tools in studying the meaning of a word or event. Consider some of the different meanings of “center” according to The American Heritage Dictionary in relation to God and His will.

A point or place that is equally distant from the sides or outer boundaries of something; the middle: the center of a stage.

Our deepest desire should be to seek out the middle of God’s will. To find that place in our lives and hearts that leaves us completely encompassed by God’s love. Just as a point is the center of a stage, the desire for God’s guidance and presence should be in the center of all our desires.

Take Refuge

Psalms 118:8 says, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man"

You will find many trivial posts on the internet that show this as the center verse of the Bible. Actually, in researching many different translations and original manuscripts the translations are based on, I found that this is not true in any of them. But, whether this is the actual center verse or not, this is still probably one of the most concise descriptions of the God/Man relationships.

Through this blog, we will explore the many aspects of what taking refuge really means. But for today, let me tell you a story of how this came to be a significant verse in my life.

When I was in college (Wayland Baptist University), I applied for the Baptist Student Union (BSU) summer missions program. Part of that process included face-to-face interviews with others who had previously served as part of the BSU summer missions. One of the questions asked in the interview was, "If you aren't selected for BSU summer missions, would you like for us to forward your application to the Home Mission Board for their summer mission program?" I told them no, if BSU wasn't the place for me, then I would just go home for the summer and work.

I later received a letter that I had not been accepted by the BSU which was soon followed with the first of many letters from the Home Mission Board asking me for information to complete my application for summer missions. Naturally, since I didn't intend to apply for the Home Mission Board program, I just ignored the letters. I did not know, however, that they were sending the same letters to my home address and my parents were opening them and sending in all the required information (medical history form, letters of recommendation from my pastor and others, etc.).

Being at a Christian university, many of my friends had also applied for the different summer missions programs so that when packets of information started arriving it was easy to tell what they were about. Imagine my surprise when I got a "package" from the Home Mission Board. I was really confused, but I immediately started bargaining with God. "OK God, if this is Maine or California, I'll go." Since I lived in Texas, those were two random places to the east and west coast. Well... I opened the package and the letter began "Greetings from the great state of California".

I've always been one that needed neon signs to direct the way, but this one actually felt more like a sledge hammer, but I did get the message. Some of my other friends at the dorm had also received packages so we decided to do a Bible Study together to prepare for our assignment. We contemplated what we should study as a group and finally settled on the topic of seeking the center of God's will. After all, we were going on the "mission field," so we really needed to be centered in what God would have for us while we were there. In preparing for the study, I found a list of trivia in the back of my "Open Bible" published by Zondervan. There it had Psalms 118:8 as the center verse of the Bible, 2 Chronicles 20:17 as the center of the Old Testament, Acts 17:17 as the center of the New Testament and Psalms 117 as both the shortest chapter and the middle chapter of the Bible.

The trivia about Psalms 117 is the only part of this that is correct, but when combined as a study, these passages make a powerful message about who God is and his relationship with mankind. As part of this blog, I'll go through the different passages and how they came together as part of that study.

For today, remember that taking refuge in God rather than trusting in Man means that God must be first in your life. Even ahead of your own personal desires.