Peace And Good Will?

We are entering the season of the year when phrases like "peace on earth" and "good will toward men" are frequently heard. Our hearts yearn for the experience of those thoughts. Daily we are faced with the opposite. We live in houses with security systems and fences because we fear that our peace will be disturbed and we know that there are many who have no good will toward anyone. We listen to news reports each evening that are filled with stories of violence and crime.

Recently, natural events have brought havoc and destruction again and again. It seems that there is no place of peace and goodwill. I noticed that on this day in 1954 the peace and safety of a citizen's own home in Alabama was shattered when a meteorite crashed through the roof of a house into the living room and struck her. In this week's news there was a story about a vehicle that ran off the road and crashed right into someones home. Almost daily we are alerted to children who have been kidnapped, abused or neglected.

Where is the peace and good will that was announced by the angels so many years ago? As long as we focus on this world we will not find it. But when we focus on the One whose arrival was being announced by the angels we will enjoy it. In Jesus' sermon on the mount we find the beatitudes. Each of them begins with the word "blessed." The full meaning of that word is "an inner peace, joy and satisfaction that outside circumstances cannot affect." The presence of Jesus and his principles in our life can help us to have that peace and good will that He came to bring. We can enjoy it today in spite of all that goes on around us. Of course, when we are actually in His presence for eternity those gifts will be experienced in their fullest. What a wonderful day that will be.

Who Do You Think You Are?

I have always enjoyed science fiction. I read Tom Swift books as a boy and watched just about every Star Trek episode on TV. One of my favorite Star Trek shows featured the shape shifters. They were a species that could change themselves from one thing to another at will. I always thought how neat that ability would be.

We actually do have that ability. According to Walter Anderson in his Confidence Course "You and I are not what we eat; we are what we think." More important than his opinion is the teaching of scripture. There we read "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he!" and "According to your faith, so be it unto thee." Obviously it is extremely important for our thinking to be right so that we can be right.

The path to right thinking begins with a heart change. Scripture tells us that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. By our nature we don't think right. So our nature must be changed. We must become a new creation in Christ Jesus. Then we are told are told to let the mind of Christ be in us. A warning is given in Romans 12:1-2 to not be conformed to the world (and the way it thinks) but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

When we begin to think the way God thinks we are changed and can become more like Jesus every day. That is God's goal for us... to be conformed to the image of Christ. I once had a student explain his improper behavior as he suddenly realized a significant thought. He declared, "I forgot who I am." Who you are depends greatly on how you think. Who do you think you are?

The Thrill of Victory

The first American (gasoline-powered) automobile race took place in Chicago 119 years ago. While I am not a fan of auto racing many avidly participate in the sport and many more tune in to watch on TV. The powerful racing machines, the thrill of competition and the prize of victory all combine to draw racing enthusiasts.

Actually, we are all in competition for a victor's prize. The apostle Paul speaks of this race. In Philippians 3:14 he says he is "pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Eventually God will call every person from this life. Those who registered for the race by accepting God's payment of the entry fee will automatically receive a winner's trophy - admission to heaven for all eternity. Those who tried to run the race on their own terms without accepting the paid entry fee of Christ's sacrifice will be denied the victory now matter how well they performed.

Running the spiritual race like auto racing takes courage, skill and persistence. God gives grace (the power and ability to do what is right) all along the way. With Him our success is guaranteed and our safety along the way is assured. If you've already entered this spiritual race claim the victory and enjoy the thrill of the race. If not, then get involved today by accepting the pre-paid registration provided by God through Jesus, His Son.

No Pass, No Play

Today is the first basketball game on our Christian school team's roster. The guys are pumped about playing. Because we are a small school some of them are playing in organized sports for the first time. However, there is a barrier for some of them. It's called "No pass, no play." In order to be eligible to play each student must have no failing grades and at least a 2.0 (C) average.

Yesterday two students from the team who have very poor grades came rushing to my room requesting their grade averages. Even though they knew they had failed to complete homework and done poorly on tests they somehow expected that everything would work out. When they learned that their grades disqualified them they begged for "extra credit" work to bring them up to passing. In each case I outlined a bonus assignment that could be done to enable them to play ball.

In the spiritual realm God's goal is to include all of us on His team. He has outlined the qualifications. However, some people are just like the students who didn't make the grade. Their standing before God is in jeopardy. God's grade book is called the Book of Life. The Bible tells us that anyone not found in the book of life will not be able to enter heaven but instead will be separated from God for eternity. Unlike the possibilities for students, when we try to get our names in God's book by good work we will fail every time.

God sent His Son into this world to secure our "passing grade." By accepting the grace gift of His Son we are declared to be on the team. However, we cannot wait until we stand before God to accept His grace. We must do it now. Receive God's grace today. He came that we might have an abundant life on the team. There will be no bonus assignment on the last day.

Over the River and through the Woods

As part of Thanksgiving many have travelled to spend time with family. Many years ago that travel was just a short trip across town or maybe into the country or the next city. However, today families have spread out and many of those trips to grandma's house involve hundreds of miles. Usually that trip is made by car over long stretches of highway.

On one such trip to our daughter's home 250 miles away we got lost on our way back. I failed to take the exit from one major highway to another. I kept telling myself that things looked unfamiliar but wasn't convinced that I had missed my exit. Only after seeing signs announcing an approaching major city that was about 100 miles out of my way was I willing to admit that I was on the wrong road. I took an exit and made the correction in direction and arrived home several hours later than anticipated.

In daily life correcting such mistakes costs extra time and inconvenience. However, in our spiritual lives being on the wrong road can lead to disaster. One thing is similar in making the correction, however. We cannot get onto the right road until we are willing to admit we are on the wrong road. The longer we delay admitting that we are travelling away from God instead of with Him the more difficult it is to make the change. The great difference is that any exit off the wrong road will immediately put us on the road of a relationship with God. Scripture points out that there is a broad road and a narrow road. If you are not on the road that leads to life with God take the exit right away and enjoy the eternal visit as a member of the family of God.

Thanksgiving Every Day

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in spite of circumstances. Setbacks and losses were pushed to the background and God's goodness to the living was the focus. No matter what disappointments and discouragements may be facing us there is still cause for thankfulness. One of my favorite scripture passages is filled with reason for giving thanks.

Psalm 100:3 says, " Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. There are three reasons for thankfulness that never change. God is in control of all things. In the end He will prevail. Because He made us we have a special relationship to Him - we are family. Just like a shepherd God takes care of us. He leads us, he provides for us, he soothes our wounds and even carries us when we cannot continue on our own.

There is no promise that we will never have difficult times or that we will never suffer. But there is a promise that He will always be there for us because we are his family. Even if the year hasn't been the greatest there is cause for thankfulness. Let our prayer be "Thou hast given so much to me, Give one thing more, - a grateful heart; Not thankful when it pleaseth me, As if Thy blessings had spare days, But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise." ~George Herbert

Note: The next blog entry will not be until next Monday. May everyone have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Born To Be Free

There are four births in the world every second. Some of these new babies are born in squalor. Some are born in countries where they are prisoners of their own political system. Of the worlds 6.6 billion people just over 300 million live in the United States where freedom is valued and defended by its people even to the point of death in war.

People from all over the world seek to become part of the United States to enjoy its freedoms and opportunities. The first to be born here was Peregrine White who was born aboard the Mayflower, anchored near the tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts on this day in 1620. She was the first child ever born of English parents in New England. Her family and their fellow travelers came seeking freedom. How thankful we should be for them and their willingness to risk everything to live in a place where they could be free.

Not everyone can possibly live in the United States. And there are other countries where there is freedom as well. However, there is one place where anyone who chooses may enjoy citizenship and guaranteed freedoms. That is in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." When a person is willing to humble himself and accept that only through God's provision can he enjoy spiritual freedom he becomes s citizen of His kingdom. You may not have been born into the freedom of another country on earth, but you can be born into the freedom of God's kingdom. Certainly we should be thankful for God's grace extended to us.

Extreme Makeover: Heart Edition

As we officially enter into the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas the need for a heart makeover becomes more evident around us. Many people even refuse to say "Merry Christmas" and substitute the word holiday for Christmas. The denial of the true reason for Christmas is seen in the focus on materialism and the elimination of religious oriented references in schools, public displays and advertising.

With Jesus left out no wonder the season becomes so depressing for many. Mike Hardcastle of About.com says, "The holiday season is traditionally one filled with joy and togetherness but it also has a darker side. For many people the family and friends focus of the holidays can exasperate existing feelings of loneliness and alienation. It's a sad fact that incidents of suicide increase during the holiday season." We humans have a relationship oriented makeup and when that need isn't being met the sense of aloneness and helplessness is increased.

Jesus provides a solution for our relationship need. He said, "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). While human relationships are extremely important, our relationship with Jesus is necessary for real life. Elsewhere we read in the Bible that God has quickened us (made us alive) who were dead in sin. When a person has not experienced that new life and then faces the season which focuses on thanksgiving to God and celebration of His gift of the Son, no wonder there is a feeling that life isn't worth living.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas look for those who need a heart makeover. Let the joy of celebrating a relationship with Christ so overflow that they are bathed in the joy of the Lord and drawn to become a part of the celebration by establishing their own relationship with the One who loves them and is always present for them. Share the grace God has given with others.

Get Out of Jail Free

In the game of monopoly there are cards that may be drawn when landing on the right spot. One of them is a "get out of jail free" card. It may be used when a player is sent to jail to avoid paying the penalty to get out of jail. No one wants to stay in jail.

In 1676 On Nantucket Island, located in the English colony of Massachusetts, local authorities hired William Bunker to establish the first prison in the America colonies. Ever since then lawyers have been hired to help keep people out of jails or get them freed when they are in jails. Yet, according to the Washington Post a record 7 million people -- one in every 32 U.S. adults -- were behind bars, on probation or on parole by the end of 2005.

However, far more people are in prison than that. Every day we encounter people who are prisoners. The Bible says in Romans 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" Nearly everyone we meet today is in need of a lawyer to set them free. The good news is that Jesus is our advocate (lawyer). He has arranged the payment for the sin crime of all people. He took the penalty for our sin on the cross. As a believer you can have the joy of sharing that grace with others. As scripture says in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Just A Dash

One of the most exciting times in life is the arrival of a new baby. I am to be a grandpa again next month and a great grandpa in July. Everyone is excited. My wife has called everyone on the phone to inform them of the great news. One of the saddest times in life is the departure of a friend or loved one. Family and friends gather to comfort and encourage one another and to express goodbyes and last respects to the departed. On the tombstone both of these events are noted with a date. But what about the dash in between the dates?

That dash represents all the joys and sorrows of the person's lifetime. Just as in a recipe that calls for a dash of this and a dash of that, the outcome of a life is determined by what is in the dash. Each of us is living that dash right now. The decisions we make, the attitudes we express, the relationships we develop will all determine what is in the dash and whether it produces a life of fulfillment or emptiness.

The Bible give us some insight on what can be the content of the dash that represents our life. Jesus said that He had come to give us an abundant life. It is his intent that we have joyful lives. He even prayed that we would have joy in his prayer of John 17. God tells us that his purpose is to replace our fears with power, love and a strong mind (II Timothy 1:7). Most exciting of all we learn that God wants us to be his co-laborers, his partners. That begins when we receive the gift of his Son into our life and seek to make Him the commander-in-chief. Make the dash in your life just as exciting and eventful as the announcement of your birth was. If you do then the date of your departure will not just be a time of sorrow and goodbyes. It will be a celebration of the dash.

Don't Get in a Wreck!

Many of today's drivers are an accident looking for a place to happen. As I drive around town I notice drivers talking on the cell phone, trying to eat their lunch and tending to their children. As a result they roll through stop signs, run red lights and turn at intersections where no turn is permitted. As a result they endanger their own lives and the lives of innocent people around them.

The spiritual highway is very similar. We can get so involved in distractions that we miss the signs God has for us. He tells us as Christians that we are to STOP certain things. He admonishes us to YIELD to Him in our daily decisions. We are commanded to GO to others and share our faith and encouragement. The directions are for our protection and spiritual success.

Today we can experience God's direction and have peace or ignore it and face confusion and disaster. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." Let's listen to Him and follow the spiritual roadsigns He gives.

Handwriting on the Wall

Often we engrave important words so that they can be seen by everyone. They can mean very different things.

Usually on our tombstones we write something in the granite. On my father's headstone the words "God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform" is written. We chose those words because they were my father's favorite expression and also because the spoke of the faith he expressed frequently in God to work out circumstances in his life.

In the book of Daniel God himself engraved words on the wall of the banquet hall. This is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN." Daniel read the words off of the wall before turning to face the king and solemnly announce, "this is what these words mean: MENE: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL: You have been weighed in the scales and found wanting. PERES: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians." These words were written so that the king would realise that God was in control and that he must submit to him.

The scripture indicates that our names can be written in the Book of Life. This is a record kept by God of those who have accepted his gift of Jesus in payment for our sins. How encouraging it is to know that our name can be etched into God's book and we can look forward to an eternity with Him. It is a guarantee of God's power in changing our lives and our eternal destination. What wonderful grace God has given. Let's share it with others today.

An Honorable Profession

Today is a day set aside to show our appreciation, respect and thankfulness for our veterans. While there are always many complaining about our country's involvement in war, the objections don't come from those who have been there. My father, step-father and father-in-law were veterans of World War II. My brother-in-law was a veteran of Viet Nam. My son is a veteran of Iraq. I have never heard any complaints from any of them. Each has been proud to served his country and committed to the purpose for the war in which they were involved. May God bless and be thanked for our veterans.

There is another war that many see as unpopular as well. The enemy is a relentless terrorist who gets his satisfaction out of destroying everyone he can. God describes this battle in Ephesians, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Paul tells of his involvement when he says, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." The difference between human wars and the war against our spiritual enemy is that we know the end and we know that those involved in the battle will be honored.

Like other soldiers have discovered we will always have to face those who object to our battle tactics and even that we see a battle to be fought. But knowing the cost of keeping silent, we must carry on. We are encouraged in scripture to "therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." For those who do there is a reward awaiting them when the Commander in Chief will pronounce the honor, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Reflections

Reflecting may imply many different activities. We may think of looking in a mirror, peering into water or thinking of past times. How would you describe your reflection? Our opinion of our physical appearance or our mental image of our self is tied closely to what we are inside. When we are not pleased with our reflection we may try all manner of products to make the physical appearance look better. Of course, there is a certain amount of "fixing" that we can do on the surface. However, the improvement of our reflection must begin within. What we are inside not only affects our view of our self but also of the challenges we face daily.

Whenever God was about to lead his people into a new situation He used his past goodness and faithfulness to build anticipation of further blessing and success. When Israel came to the edge of the promised land Joshua rehearsed all that God had done for them to bring them to that point. Then he challenged them to go forward. When God spoke to Israel through Isaiah He first rehearsed all the excellent things He had done and then said, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Even thought the future may have looked dim the reflection on God's relationship with them in the past spurred Israel on to even greater things.

When we look in the mirror on the wall or face challenging situations our perception will be affected by our internal relationship with God. Arthur Pink says, "Holiness is the antithesis of sin, and the beauty of holiness is in direct contrast from the ugliness of sin." When we can reflect on a holy life in Christ then we can face ugliness and difficulty in our circumstances and even physical plainness with a victorious stance. In the difficult times of my life over the past 50 years it has been my relationship with Christ that has provided the strength and motivation to move ahead.

Margaret Barber said, "To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward." If you have no walk with God to look back upon to bring energy for facing today's circumstances, then now is the time to establish one. As your life becomes filled with instances of God's presence and care you will be equipped with reflections that will empower you to trust in Him each day.

Become Part of a Team

In every aspect of today's society we have forgotten the truth of John Donne's words, "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent." In our families everyone has their own schedule and it is seldom that everyone comes together at the same time. The daily opportunity to sit together at the evening meal and share the day's events has disappeared. In our churches the mark of success seems to be when something is planned for every night of the week. In trying to be loyal to the church we become disloyal to one another. In the workplace personal accomplishment and recognition leading to that pay raise or promotion overshadows teamwork.

We need to be reminded that our God-given goal in life is not to focus on ourselves but as a result of our relationship with him we are to reach out to others and develop meaningful relationships that will change lives and our world. As Jin Kwon has said, "One piece of log creates a small fire, adequate to warm you up, add just a few more pieces to blast an immense bonfire, large enough to warm up your entire circle of friends; needless to say that individuality counts but team work dynamites."

Perhaps the reason we don't focus on teamwork is that we are fearful that we will reveal ourselves to be less than self-sufficient. We are hesitant to say, "I need others." There are many times in life when we are forced to admit our need and when we are part of a team those times will be met with success as the team pulls together. When my wife had surgery several years ago our pastor well said, "If you don't tell us what you need, we won't know." So we made our needs known and the team went into action. We were blessed and those on the team were blessed as well. If you are not connected to a team, get connected and enjoy the blessings waiting for you.

Annoyances

We all have those little things that really bother us. As a junior high school teacher I have learned to endure many of them. However, I have my share of pet peeves. This morning I was particularly annoyed at my cat Ginger. She was in the kitchen at 3:00 in the morning scratching at the bag of cat food. Upon checking it was noted that she did have food in her bowl. Why was she scratching? She wanted attention! She has learned that when she makes an annoying noise someone will come and she gets attention.

Of course, most of our annoyances come from other people. But I wonder how many of the things that people do that we consider annoyances are simply their way of getting some attention. All of us are filled with needs and we desparately want someone to respond to us. We have found that to be the cause of most misbehaviors in our students at school.

We are encouraged in the Bible to be burden-bearers. In order to do so, however, we must be both spiritual and meek. As spiritual people we respond to others with a desire to help them with their need rather than as an annoyance we wish would go away. Meekness or being under control is an essential quality in doing that. Sometimes we provide annoyances to others without even realizing it. A quote from a person that I saw on a website about annoyances said, "some of those folks with the "Christian" bumperstickers have the worst driving habits as well--you know, talking on cell phones, cutting people off, etc." That person was annoyed by people who advertise their Christian position with a bumper sticker and then didn't follow through with appropriate behavior. Let's be careful today to respond to others with patience and attention to their needs and at the same time be careful that we do not provide the annoyance ourselves.

Where's the Sun?

One beautiful summer day our family went exploring near our home. We were examining some petroglyphs that were on the edge of a large parcel of state-owned land. There was a small creek nearby and my son and I wandered off to have a look. Curious as to where the creek might lead us we began to follow it. Before we realized it we were in the middle of a huge 30 acre swamp filled with shrubs that all looked alike. Our wandering had gotten us lost.

We went round and round for a long time wading through the water and tripping on the roots under the water. The sun was hidden by clouds that day and we couldn't determine which way to go. I carried my son who was ten at the time on my shoulders. We had almost come to the point of despair when suddenly the sun came from behind the clouds. We determined the direction and walked straight out onto an old logging road which led us out of the state-land and back to the road. We were two miles from our starting point. Later we learned that in former days entire teams of horses had been lost to the quicksand scattered through the area.

As I muse on that event I am reminded that we often have similar experiences in our spiritual lives. We wander off the path due to curiosity and end up in places filled with danger. Our view of the SON is obscured and we go in circles with no direction. We are in constant danger of the quicksand of sin pulling us to destruction. When we finally get sight of the Son again he will always lead us to safety. How much better to keep our eyes on Him in the first place and avoid catastrophe.

The Bible encourages us to "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Let's not wander about spiritually today. Commit this day and all its activities to His direction. Then we won't have to ask, "Where's the Son?"

Monday Has Come

Every weekend begins with a cheer and ends with the realization that the time to go back to work has come. Most people do not look forward to Mondays. We try to put it out of mind, but it pushes its way into our lives every week. Usually, once we face Monday and plunge into it that dreaded day and the whole week sails by and we are able to look back upon our accomplishments with satisfaction and fulfillment.

Actually, we tend to procrastinate in facing any undesirable event or circumstance. Somehow we convince ourselves that maybe we will never have to face the issue if we can just put it off another day. Mignon McLaughlin said, "Don't fool yourself that important things can be put off till tomorrow; they can be put off forever, or not at all." Whatever seemingly difficult thing you may be facing today is either not important and will fade away or it is something that will be there until you take care of it. So whether it is a job that has to be done, a relationship that has to be repaired or a decision that has to be made, we might as well tackle it now. Once we have, we will enjoy the relief, rest and peace of having resolved the issue. We will be free from the slavery that the issue had imposed upon us.

One important issue that we tend to push away is our relationship with God. The enemy plays tricks with out mind trying to convince us that we can just put it off. However, God says "now is the time" for decision. Our relationship with God is one of those things that must be faced. Perhaps today you are being impressed with the need to be prepared to meet God. Or, possibly you are like David whose life was miserable because the "hand of God was heavy upon" him. If there is something preventing or hindering your relationship with God, take action now and be freed from slavery to the enemy. Once you've taken that step you will enjoy rest, peace and the most fulfilled life possible.

Your Wish Is Granted

We all have wishes. Some are expressed when the birthday candles are blown out. Some are expressed in the form of New Year's resolutions every January. There is one wish that all of us have expressed over and over. We've all said, "I just wish I had a little more time." Or maybe, "The day is just too short."

Tomorrow night we will all get our wish. It is the day every fall when the clocks are set back one hour, giving us sixty more minutes. How will that extra hour be used? Carl Sandberg said, "Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent." Probably, most of us will waste the extra hour watching TV or sleeping in the next morning.

We are advised in the Bible that we should redeem the time. While the extra hour we will get tomorrow will be taken away from us next spring, the time we have in life is ours to use as we choose. We cannot manufacture extra time. We cannot reclaim the wasted time of the past. But we all are given more time each passing day. Remember, we have only one life which will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last. Let's use the gift we all wish for to bring glory to God and grace to others.

A Holiday For You

Most of us look forward to various holidays. When they fall during the week it usually means a day off from work with pay. Holidays provide a time for a little rest from hard work and in many cases a time of celebration with family.

Today is a special day on some church calendars. It is "All Saints Day" when recognition is given to "all saints known and unknown." Of course the saints in mind are those who have been recognized by men as having made some special accomplishment during their lives.

The important question is whether we are saints in God's eyes or not. Anyone can become a saint of God. He made that possible by offering his own Son as payment for us on the cross of Calvary. When a person accepts that free gift and give Jesus the control of his life he becomes a saint or set apart one unto God. From then on every day is a holy day.

Are you celebrating your sainthood? As saints we have a special rest every day. We rest in the peace of God. And, we have extra pay as saints also. Our reward is forgiveness, a relationship with Jesus and eternity in Heaven. Join the celebration as a part of the family of God and encourage others to do so as well.