Drew Boswell

a place for us to share ideas, talk about life, and learn together.

My Recurring Nightmare

I have a recurring dream that has been terrifying. The kind of dream where you awake covered in sweat, breathing hard, and thanking the Lord that it was only a dream. It has nothing to do with drowning, clowns, or falling (well sort of).

It begins with me being at a Christmas party. There is the sound of music and various sounds of being at a party (clinking of silverware and dishes, the crackling of a fire, laughs, conversations, little feet running, etc.)

The room that I find myself in is beautifully decorated with Christmas apparel. There is yard after yard of garland, golden balls, bells, and thousands of lights. The room is dark but light by the tiny white lights and candles. The room has a feeling of home and it is when I have taken in the beauty of the room and am comfortably sitting by myself that I realize that she is there.

I always enter the dream sitting in this place and there is a knowledge that she has just passed through the room even though I don’t remember what she looks like or how I know her. Lingering in the room is the smell of her perfume from her presence only moments before and now I hear her whisper from the darkness of another room to join her.

I don’t really have to move, only let go. Let go of everything and deeply and slowly inhale. It is then that I begin to drift. At the moment when I know that I have smelled too deeply of her perfume and at the point of taking like changing actions, I have a moment of clear thinking.

It is at this point that I glance down to find my feet bound in some ancient crudely fashioned chain. I yell “no” as loud as I can – but the sounds of the party continue, no one hears me. The chains begin to pull me into darkness, and I yell one more time, “I am not his!” I glance to my right and see a warriors’ helmet perfectly crafted for my head, and I can almost make out the shape of my face in it’s front. It was made in the depths below, and comes back as if I remember wearing it in some distant battle, and had forgotten of its dusty existence.

I yell one more time, “I am His!” All parties concerned know who I mean when I say, “His.” There is no need to mention His name, and I am almost ashamed to mention it considering my predicament. Then the chains release, and I am awake.

The battle is never really for my soul, for it already belongs to Christ. The battle is for my effectiveness. Who am I fighting for and how effective will I become? My fear is that I will be led away by a temptation; that I will smell too deeply of her perfume, and be led away into darkness and ineffectiveness – even fighting for the Evil One and not even know it – that the helmet already fitted for my head will be returned once more.

The temptress’s perfume fogs the mind and lulls one into sleep. Her desire is for you to smell deeply, and cast everything aside – let go, and not to consider the cost.

That’s my nightmare.  Her perfume has always been just a room away.

Solomon tells his son that wisdom is what will keep him from destroying his life. I pray that God gives us all nightmares and constantly remind us of the cost of lacking wisdom. Proverbs 2:17-22 “So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, 17 who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; 18 for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed; 19 none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life. 20 So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it, 22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.”

The Third Temptation of Christ; Matthew 4:8 (Selfishness)


Matthew 4:8 “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”

The taking of Jesus by the devil and going to various places was supernatural – so that Jesus can see the vast numbers of people. What is Satan trying to accomplish by showing Jesus the multitudes and “ethne” of people?  What is the temptation for Christ? As a man he had only seen those people in his geographic region. So now he sees the “multitudes” (Matthew 28:17 ff.) We see the short cut (avoid the cross) here in the beginning of the book, and we see the real plan in the end of the book (the horror of the cross).

Satan has the temporary authority to possess the nations; to give them away or to keep them as the “ruler of this world” [1] and “the whole world lies on the power of the evil one.”  The world has believed the Father of lies and its’ own glory would have been worshipping false gods, and all sorts of wicked and evil things. Were all these evil and wicked people worth Him dying a cruel and horrific death on a cross? Jesus saw it all and still died for it anyway.

Romans 5:8 “. . . God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus saw a world in need of a Savior. Satan intended to tempt Christ by showing Him the multitudes (in sinful rebellion) but it only reinforces the mission that the Father has sent Him on – to redeem all of the world. All of His creation desperately needed a Savior, a Redeemer.

That redemption would come at a price. Since the beginning, something/someone would have to die, and His blood must be shed. [2] Satan knows that Jesus, in order to redeem the world has to die under the wrath of the Father. He had an idea of what the Father’s wrath will be like – he will himself experience it one day.

The temptation for Jesus is selfishness; for him to save himself the pain of the cross and to hell with everyone else.

10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

Satan knows his time is limited, and that the Father’s wrath is coming – therefore because Satan hates the Father his desire is to take the multitudes (the ones who the Father desperately loves) with him.

For Jesus to worship Satan would be a shortcut around the cross. He would save the world and Himself the pain only momentarily. God’s wrath would still be stored up against mankind, and the sin problem would not have been dealt with. The world would still be in need of a Savior – and now the only One who could have saved them would have sinned in selfishness, [3] a Holy God would still be separated from sinful creation. No restoration would have taken place, and no intimacy regained. Nothing but time would have been gained. Man does not need more time to destroy himself with sin, nor does he need more time separated from His Creator who infinity loves him.

If Jesus had worshipped Satan and avoided the cross, it would have meant doom for mankind. Spiritual shortcuts never accomplish what faithful obedience eventually does. If you are tempted to take the spiritual shortcut, let me point you to Jesus and allow Him to illustrate why this is true. You cannot do what God has created you to do if you constantly take spiritual shortcuts and try to live this life by your own rules. If you have failed this temptation, I am right there with you. I have been selfish time and time again. But let’s journey this next distance of road together knowing that it doesn’t work.

Matthew 20:27-28 “. . . and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. Thank you Jesus for being selfless and faithful.

 

[1] Jn. 12:31; 1 Jn. 5:19.

[2] Genesis 3:20

[3] Romans 2:5, 5:9

Just Say “No” to Precious Moments Bibles; Choosing the Right Bible for your Children

Jessica could not understand why her ten year old daughter kept leaving her Bible at home, or at church, or under her bed. Margaret had always been a very responsible child, and had read that Bible cover to cover hundreds of times since they gave it to her at her baby dedication.  So mom sat daughter down for a talk about responsibility and taking care of ones things.

But not long into the discussion it became evident that Margaret loved her church, Sunday School class, and even reading the Bible — but the Precious Moments Bible was too “babyish.” Jessica knows that after this talk with her daughter that she needs to buy her a new one, but after over an hour in the Christian book store looking at over forty children’s Bible she doesn’t know which one to buy.

Where to Begin?

When we are discussing choosing the right Bible for us or our children, they generally fall into three categories:

  1. Literal translation. Attempts to keep the exact words and phrases of the original. It is faithful to the original text, but sometimes hard to understand. Keeps a constant historical distance. Examples: King James Version (KJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB).
  2. Dynamic equivalent (thought for thought) translation. Attempts to keep a constant historical distance with regard to history and facts, but updates the writing style and grammar. Examples: New International Version (NIV), Revised English Bible (REB).
  3. Free translation (paraphrase). Translates the ideas from the original text but without being constrained by the original words or language. Seeks to eliminate historical distance. Readable, but possibly not precise. Examples: The Living Bible (TLB), The Message. [1]
As an adult I personally prefer the English Standard Version (ESV) study Bible, but this is not the best choice for my children (right now). They are not ready for all the study notes, maps, and almost five pounds of weight! Younger children will begin with a “free translation” such as The Beginners Bible by Zondervan and as they mature move toward a “dynamic equivalent” translation with study notes or graphics.
Can My Kids Read It? 

1) The first thing (other than doctrine of course) to consider is readability.  If your child is reading on a first grade level and you give him him a Bible written at the seventh grade level it will be a struggle for him to read it. The child may grow frustrated and will dread “having” to read the Bible.  The best Bible for your child is one that they can read all by themselves. Which means that parents should be evaluating if their child’s Bible is age appropriate every year.  It may also be too easy because they have outgrown it.

How Will It Be Used? 

2) Another thing to consider when choosing a Bible for your child is how it will be used.  If you are focused on encouraging them to have a devotional time at home then you may give them a devotional Bible. These types of Bibles will more than likely only have some of the stories of the Bible such as The Bible in 365 days. But when they get to a worship service or even Sunday School they may not be able to find the specific text that is being studied that day. So if you are about to load up the minivan and go to church you may want to encourage your child to grab
their 252 Backpack Bible or something similar.

It will also be easier for your child to have the same translation that is being taught from.  (Sorry, “KJV only” people). You can also ask their Sunday School teacher which translation they use — this may be helpful in your decision making process.

Is It Cool? 

3) Also consider if it is a Bible they would want to read? This is what I will refer to as the “coolness” factor. Margaret didn’t want to carry around a pink Precious Moments Bible because it was not cool for her to do so.  It may be a full dynamic equivalent and contain all of the Bible but it’s Precious Moments. So, not only does the doctrinal content matter, but if you want your kids to carry and habitually read their Bible then you have to consider the outside cover.

David C. Cook publishing knocks this idea out of the park with “The Action Bible.”  It is the Bible written as a comic book. Simply awesome. Also, swallow your pride and consider that what you think is cool, may not be what your kids think is cool. It may be worth a trip to the local Christian bookstore with your child and pick it out together. If you do this regularly, it could be a way for you to discuss your child’s relationship with Christ.

If you are really confused, that’s ok. The big idea is that you are seeking to guide your children toward God, and he will bless your actions. Remember to lead by example; let them see you reading your Bible, and discuss with them what you are reading. Also, one of the best ways to make this habit stick is for the family to have a regular time of Bible reading and prayer.

 


 

 

 

 

[1] see http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Bible/BibleType.htm

The Second Temptation of Christ; Matthew 4:5 (Pride)

In the second temptation of Christ, whereas God had led Jesus into the wilderness, the Devil took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. If it were up to Satan, he would snatch and take us all, but God’s way is to lead us. [1] God guides and leads us gently into a path of righteousness, he is not like Satan that snatches and forces to get his way.

The destination is referred to as “the holy city” instead of its proper name Jerusalem. Why, does God desire to highlight the city as being “holy?” To be holy is to be set apart, and to be dedicated to God, or to be used for a special worshipful purpose. Jesus was taken to the height of the city that was dedicated to God, yet was sinful, corrupt, and did not understand the things of God. It’s leaders, Jesus called vipers, and snakes, and it’s people would eventually kill Him. The city’s purpose was to be set apart with the law, and to be distinct from the world, as a holy city.

The world would be drawn to it’s light, and it’s special and unique relationship with God. It’s original intent was to point a lost world to the one true God. Instead it has turned inward, and hates non-Jews, except where the relationship will improve their economic situation. Jesus is overlooking a city where worship was fallen, it’s people were sinful, and had corrupted His Word. Jesus knows that He has come to save them, to correct their interpretations of the Word, and to show them how God truly is.

Matthew4:5  “Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

Again, Satan uses the phrase, “If you are the Son of God,” instead of “Since you are the Son of God.” He is trying to drawn him into showing others that He is the Son of God. The pinnacle of the temple was very high and would have been seen by most people in the court who had come to worship.

Jesus quotes Scripture to pass the first temptation, so Satan beats Him to the punch by trying to out quote him. He quotes a passage from Psalm 91 (sort of). Angels would come and attend to Him later (v. 11), so why is it wrong for angels to help Jesus here? The jump, with angels catching would have been a spectacle to see, and would have drawn a following. [2] So why not?

Matthew 4:7 “Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

First, Psalm 91 (at least Satan’s misquote) is focused on trusting God, “to dwell in the shelter of the Most High,” as it were. We are to rest in Him, while the world around us is in chaos. Jesus comes back with a quote from Isaiah (7:12). If Jesus were to jump off of the temple in a display of greatness, would not have been brave or a show of faith — but would have been outside of God’s plan that had been set before Jesus (including the cross, miracles, teaching, etc). How would Jesus begin His ministry? For Jesus to jump, would have been prideful. He would have begun His public ministry in pride, apart from the Father’s direction.

pride: running ahead without God. trying to do everything on your won.

How then are we to do ministry? What can we learn from Christ and this passage. There will be a constant temptation to put on a spectacle in order to attract a crowd. That event, billboard, website, post card, etc that you think would be so cool, may just be you jumping off the temple and expecting God to rescue you.  It could be completely outside of God will and plan for your ministry. So how do we know that the idea is ours verses God’s? This is the basic and foundational Christian precept.

We are to abide in Christ and “hear His voice.” If you can’t determine between yours and God’s then you need to keep listening until it is clear. [3]  Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days and nights and was without sin — I am a dreadful sinner who is completely corrupted by my sin. Would it really be that much of a stretch to say that we may need to spend more time with God before we roll out that new program, idea, or “feeling,” we had yesterday. Slow down, pray, and submit to the voice of our Father.  Stop trying to impress everyone and wait on God to do that for you.  Jesus was successful because he followed the Father perfectly. My only hope is to follow as close as I can, and cry out for mercy.

[1] Psalm 23:3 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

[2] What would have the followers of this Jesus have been like? Would they follow His example by being shot out of cannons, jumping off of tall buildings, or giving away motorcycles at church? Uh-oh. The church and it’s members get into trouble when the point becomes being spectacular and drawing a crowd instead of listening to the voice of God and accurately handling His Word. (2 Timothy 2:15)

[3] John 10:1-5

 

Isaac’s First Day of Preschool

Yesterday was Isaac’s first day of preschool, he was only three days late (sighhhh). He awoke on Monday with a case of the strep. But now he is back in full swing, and his worm stayed on the green apple the whole week (ok, two days).  First Baptist Church’s Preschool directed by Terri Warren is wonderful! They truly do a great job, and love the children. It is so exciting to Kimberly and I to know that he is being taught to love the Lord, and getting ready for Kindergarden.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith." Ephesians 2:8

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