Turn on the Lights

As I have gotten older my distaste for driving at night has increased. I try to get all my errands finished before dusk begins to settle. If my evenings plans include a meal out at a favorite restaurant I even schedule it early so that I can get home before dark. I enjoy the comfort and security of home once the daylight has disappeared. As I think about the spiritual application to those preferences I realize that many people are out in the dark traveling about life's affairs. There is no comfort of home spiritually and they do not even have any "headlights" on their "vehicle."

The second similitude which are really applications of the Beatitudes speaks to the matter of light. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." In those days weary travelers would be able to see the cities well ahead of arriving at them. City buildings were mostly whitewashed and would glisten in the sunlight or moonlight. Rest and refreshment would beckon at the tired traveler and offer hope of relief from a long day or night of travel. We are to be like those cities. Our lives should shine and direct people along our way to the Jesus who is the place of rest and refreshment. This is true both in regard to strangers in life and to our own families. Jesus went on to say, "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

The whole purpose of our life as a Christian is wrapped up in the similitudes. As the salt of the earth and the light of the world our goal is in the words of Jesus "shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." As we pass through life we should be like a giant floodlight offering direction and encouragement. God wants to demonstrate his grace in and through us so that others may experience it as well. Let's be the tools that God intended us to be today.

It's Not What You Know That Counts

When I was in the seventh grade a teacher told me something I have never forgotten. She said, "I would rather have a student with an A character and a C grade card than a student with an A grade card and a C character." Our character will go much further in impacting those around us than will our knowledge. When Jesus taught the Beatitudes his goal was not just to fill our minds with knowledge. He wanted our spiritual character to be so changed that we would reflect his nature to all we meet along life's way.

When we have BEcome what we should be then we can demonstrate before others the person of Jesus. The four verses that follow the Beatitudes are known as the similitudes because we are encouraged to be similar to two common things the first of which is salt. In Matthew 5:13 Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." When salt became stale and tasteless in Jesus' day it was then used to throw out on the walkways to keep the weeds down and people walked on it. What a shame it would be to totally miss our purpose for existence and have no real use in impacting our world.

Salt has been used for a number of things. Before refrigeration it was used to preserve. Scripture indicates that we through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives are to be preservatives in this world for the principles and standards Jesus has given us. Salt is also used to season food. Likewise, we are to be a flavoring in an otherwise unappealing world of disobedience and wickedness. Salt also has healing qualities. A dog licks its wounds so that the salt of the saliva will aid in healing. We also function as a healing agent in our world that is so diseased with sin. Finally, we must recognize that salt is an irritant in an open wound and when we touch the open sinfulness of our world their will be some reaction as a result.

However, in all its uses the physical salt we take for granted leaves our food extremely bland and tasteless when left out. If we are to present our Lord and his message to a needy world we must become his salt. We may know everything there is to know about God and the Bible but if we don't experience change and BEcome the salt of the earth we won't count for much. Allow the grace of God to be seen and sensed in your life. Be the salt of the earth.

No Pain, No Gain

We do everything we can to avoid suffering. Diets, exercise and vitamins are all a part of the preventative action that we hope will keep us from various diseases and malfunctions of the body. However, because of the curse of sin we all face diseases and eventually death. It cannot be avoided. Likewise, when we adopt all the principles Jesus presented in the Beatitudes we are certain to face the suffering of persecution. The presence of evil in the world strikes back against the Righteousness that is at the center of life for kingdom citizens.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:10, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." So we can assume that anyone bound for heaven will come face to face with persecution. According to the beatitude and its expansion in verse 11 the persecution that brings a blessing comes for two reasons - for righteousness sake and for my (Jesus) sake. Oh the other hand, the absence of persecution also indicates the absence or at least the weakness of righteous, Christ-like living.

Someone has said that if we aren't doing anything to agitate our enemy then he won't be bothering us. Take heart if you experience suffering. The enemy is going to react against your righteous, Christ-like life. Even so, Romans 8:18 indicates that "... the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." That's the blessing that comes with persecution. We know that the reign of Jesus within us and our future reign with Jesus in heaven exceeds any suffering we might face now. Jesus adds that we should be glad to be included in the company of those great people of God who have suffered at the hands of the enemy before us as well. No one likes pain, but as athletic coaches often tell their players, "No pain, no gain!" We can be thankful for the pain of persecution because of the gain that we have obtained in Christ that brings it.

Better than Spring Rain

About this time of the year we all begin to look forward to spring. We envision the blooming of flowers, greening of grass and leaves on the trees. The soft, warm spring rains bring on the thrilling evidences of God's creative hand all around us. There are two specific evidences of spring around our house. In the back we have a Japanese red maple tree that fills the eyes with its red leaves. In the front is a huge pink azalea bush that is

so arresting that I have seen people stop out front for a few seconds to take

in its beauty.

Our lives as Christians ought to shine forth with the evidence of God's work in us as well. The outpouring of God's Spirit within us should be visible for all to see. It all begins with having become poor in spirit and having welcomed the riches of God's grace into our spiritually bankrupt lives. In so doing we establish peace with God. Then we add such qualities as meekness, righteousness, mercy and purity of heart and as a result enjoy the peace of God.

The ultimate evidence of the Holy Spirit's spring rain in us is our work of being a peacemaker. In Matthew 5:9 Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." Peacemaking calls attention to what God has done within us. Our peace with God and the peace of God begins to exhibit itself in making peace with those around us. Jesus further expands on this in Matthew 5:44 when he says, "...love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you, that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven..." People will recognize us and call us the sons of God when they observe our gentleness in making peace even with our enemies. This fruitfulness of the Holy Spirit's presence is better than the spring rain. So let him reign in your life and display his work to those around you.

Don't Drive with Your Eyes Shut

As I drive around town or travel on the highway there is something of grave concern that I see. People are being distracted by all manner of things as they drive. Nearly every other driver is talking on a cell phone. I have witnessed drivers attempting to read a book or newspaper as they cruised down the freeway. Others are eating, tending to children or trying to fiddle with something beside them or on the floor of the vehicle. Needless to say, these people are an accident looking for a place to happen.

The same type of problem is often experienced as we carry on our Christian lives. We become distracted by all sorts of things. Job issues, relational conflicts, financial burdens and personal pleasures are among the dangers that interfere with our journey for God. In Matthew 5:8 Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." In order for us to experience the presence and direction of God we must keep our lives holy and focused. Things which would contaminate and distract us in our relationship with God must be excluded. Otherwise, we are in danger of a wreck as much as some of the drivers mentioned above.

Purity of heart comes when we focus our lives on God. He must be made a part of every decision. His Word must be our daily guide and we must seek his direction daily for our lives. When these things are in order then we will "see" God at work in the present and look forward to seeing him in eternity. To allow distractions and become unfocused as a Christian is like trying to drive a vehicle with your eyes shut. Keep your eyes open today and focus them on Jesus.

What Goes Around Comes Around

If we expect to experience consideration from others, we need to show consideration to others. Jesus put it this way in Matthew 5:7, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy." Later in Matthew 7:12 he added, "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them..." Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, ""We are not meant to control our Christianity; our Christianity is rather meant to control us." When we establish a relationship with God then that relationship will change us so that our relationship with others will be right.

Jesus illustrated this whole point in a parable in Matthew 18:21-35. Peter asked him how often he should forgive someone and suggested that maybe seven times would be reasonable. Jesus responded by saying seventy times seven meaning an unlimited number of times. Then Jesus explained the reasonableness of showing mercy. He told of a master who forgave his servant a huge debt. The servant then refused to forgive a debtor a very small debt. Jesus then indicated that our willingness to forgive and show mercy to our brothers had a direct connection to our experience of forgiveness from the Father.

This attitude of mercy directly builds from the previous beatitudes. If we have become poor in spirit and received God's gift of salvation, if we mourn over sin, if we are meek, and if we hunger and thirst for righteousness then we will find it easy to show mercy. To do otherwise would make us like the servant who having been forgiven much refused to forgive another. As we face conflicts with others today let's remember that what goes around comes around. If we are unwilling to show mercy then we can expect that we will not experience mercy either.

The Battle of the Spirits

In the Beatitudes we are instructed to hunger and thirst after righteousness. However, our enemy definitely is against our spiritual growth and development. While establishing a relationship with God removes us from the enemy's team, spiritual maturity enables us to effectively battle against the enemy and his forces. So Satan immediately initiates a war between our spirit and the Holy Spirit.

Three conditions of our spirit can keep us from having a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Some have a critical spirit. They spend all their effort complaining about the way God feeds them instead of enjoying what He feeds them. Rather than enjoying a steak dinner they complain that it is served on a paper plate. They criticize the speaker's style, grammar or appearance instead of feasting on the meal he presents from God's Word. Others have an argumentative spirit. Instead of accepting what God gives they debate its fairness. Many have an unsubmitted spirit. These folks allow everything else of interest to come before their seeking after righteousness.

The victory plan in this battle is to have our spirit under the control of the Holy Spirit. In Proverbs 25:28 we read, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." In Old Testament times the protection of a city was its high and wide walls. In our lives that wall is the Holy Spirit. He is there to protect us from the enemy and encourage us to seek after righteousness and Christ-likeness. He is God's grace in action on our behalf. Let's allow God to win the battle by submitting our spirit to the Spirit of God.

Come to Dinner

As I write this post I am also thinking about breakfast. We all look forward to three square meals a day. There are really only two occasions when hunger will not bring us to the table at the appointed times. Lack of hunger is a sign of either sickness or death. Loss of appetite is an indicator of a problem.

According to Jesus spiritual hunger and thirst is an indicator normalcy as well. He said in Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." The grammar of the Greek indicates an ongoing desire for all that God is. Once we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good our appetite for him is sharpened. Those who have never become poor in spirit look everywhere to satisfy the emptiness within but never are able to succeed. Only God and his righteousness will fill that void.

Even Christians are cautioned in scripture to avoid that which will dull their spiritual appetite. We are instructed to make no provision for the flesh and to walk in the Spirit. On the other hand, we are to sharpen our spiritual appetite by our devotion to God and his word. Bible study, prayer, scripture memory and Christian service are all means to keep our appetite for righteousness healthy. Experience the fullness in life that good spiritual food provides. Come and dine on the righteousness of God.

Meekness Is Not Weakness

Society generally looks down upon people who are quiet and unassuming. Names like Casper Milktoast are assigned to them. The primary meaning of Casper Milktoast according to Wikipedia is "someone who lets others win at his/her expense. People who behave in this way may become so completely submissive that others describe them as a 'doormat'". However, note that this definition can be seen from a more positive viewpoint. Allowing someone else to have the upper hand may be a choice more than a defect.

The Greek word translated "meek" in Matthew 5:5 comes from the root word praos, which means "mild," "gentle," and "soft." A meek person is gentle, tenderhearted, patient, and submissive. The Greeks used the word to describe a soothing medicine, a gentle breeze, or a domesticated colt. Each of these is an example of power under control which is what Jesus was advocating when he said, "Blessed are the meek." Medicine can kill or heal, a breeze can destroy or refresh and a colt can be useless or useful depending on whether each is under control or not.

When Jesus was preparing his followers for kingdom living through the principles called beatitudes, He knew that they would face challenges and circumstances that would test them to see if they had really changed. A Christian who is not under the control of the Holy Spirit becomes more of a liability than an asset. In Ephesians 5:18 we are instructed to "be not drunk with wine but filled with the Holy Spirit." The idea here is the same as meekness. Just as being under control of alcohol leads to unusual behavior so being under the control of the Holy Spirit leads to unusual behavior. When we allow the Holy Spirit to control and harness our spirit we can have a real impact on those around us and can function as proper citizens of the kingdom of God.

Happy Are the Sad

Probably one of the saddest times in life is the loss of a loved one. At the funeral service tears are shed and a huge sense of the void created descends upon the mourners. While the death of a Christian has the same sadness, it is overcome by the joy that the departed has entered into the presence of God for all eternity. I have been at some funerals where the service was a celebration. When Christian music artist Howard Goodman died his service was filled with singing, clapping and general rejoicing that he was with the Lord. His wife Vestal appeared in a concert in our town the very next week with a joyful testimony in word and song praising God for his goodness.

Another occasion when sadness is wiped away by God's goodness is mentioned in the second beatitude in Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Here the mourning is over the sin that brought about the spiritual poverty of the preceding beatitude and the death of Jesus that was necessary to pay for that sin. It is a mourning that reoccurs every time sin raises its head in life. But the comfort of God's grace and presence on behalf of the sinner brings forgiveness, a restored relationship and ongoing fellowship that enables the mourner to rejoice.

Sin is a spiritual disease that results in death. But God has overcome that death. When we each realize the price paid for our rescue it ought to cause us to mourn. When we mess up and fall victim to sin as life goes by we also ought to mourn knowing that Jesus death was necessary to include payment for that sin. Failure to mourn indicates that there has been no recognition of our spiritual poverty and as a result there is no comfort. But the mourning indicates we have turned to God for his grace. His resulting forgiveness for salvation and for our daily failures is the comfort that will make turn our sadness over sin into happiness in Christ.

The Blessing of Bankruptcy

Difficult economic times often result in an increase in individuals filing bankruptcy to eliminate all debt and relieve the financial pressures. While some misuse this option most people fight it off as long as possible. Bankruptcy is seen as failure and feelings of shame often accompany it. However, there is a blessed bankruptcy.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:1, "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The word used for poor here is ptochos and refers to a person who has been reduced to begging. The picture is of someone who is bankrupt and has an extended hand waiting for help. Of course, the context is our view of our spiritual self. Only when we see ourselves as a beggar before God and admit our total inability and our dependence on him will we have true riches. To be poor in spirit literally means to be emptied of self and filled with Christ.

The blessing is two-fold. First, as is the case with each of the Beatitudes we are declared blessed. The word for blessed is makarios which means an inner happiness, peace, and satisfaction that cannot be disturbed by outward circumstances. The person who is blessed in this manner is indeed rich. The other blessing is the possession of the kingdom of heaven. The concept here is that the poor in spirit have within them the reign of Jesus and also look forward to being a part of his eternal reign. What wonderful grace God has made available to each of us who will file spiritual bankruptcy and become poor in spirit.

The Road Less Traveled

The closing lines of Robert Frost's poem Road Less Traveled have an important thought for us to consider. He said, "Two roads diverged in a wood And I took the one less traveled by And that has made all the difference." When faced with options in life we tend to take the path of least resistance like a river winding through the country side. The result is the same. Behind us is a crooked path with many side branches that go nowhere.

In our Christian walk we are encouraged to make two choices that are definitely less traveled roads. In Ephesians 4:17 we are advise to "no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles (ungodly) walk." It is always a difficult choice to be different than those around us but God makes it clear in I Peter 2:9 that we are to be a "chosen generation,a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." Being peculiar doesn't mean being odd but rather being noticeably different. Perhaps the thing that makes us noticeably different is the other choice we are challenged to make. A few verses later in Ephesians 5:2 we are challenged to "walk in live as Christ has love us..." This too flies in the face of the typical lifestyle around. Most people do not willingly give of themselves for others as Christ did. We generally look out for number one.

Each day we have a new opportunity to make choices. We can continue down the same old road or we can choose the to walk the road less traveled. It must be done with determination and the realization that God is cheering us on. He offers his strength to forge ahead on the straight and narrow road rather than meander along the winding road of least resistance. The road we choose will make a difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us looking for direction.

Prison Reform

When a person is placed in prison it is hoped that reform will take place and the individual will emerge as a better citizen. Various programs are in place to educate, motivate and redirect those who have previously been a menace to society. While some do reform, many simply repeat old mistakes over and over again and return to prison on a regular basis.

The key to real change is to be in the right prison. In Ephesians 4:1-3 we see the nature and results of the greatest prison reform program in existence. Paul says, "I,... the prisoner of the Lord..." Prior to his encounter with Jesus Paul was a prisoner to his own self. His actions and passion were controlled by his misunderstanding of God's plan and program. The result was disaster for Christians around him. After he became a prisoner of Jesus the entire nature and focus of his life changed. If we have become prisoners of Jesus our lives will experience the same changes.

The challenge and example of Paul is to walk worthy of our new vocation or calling which is to be a prisoner of Jesus. This worthy walk expresses itself in three dimensions described in Ephesians 4:2-3. We have a new nature that is humble, gentle and patient. We have new interpersonal relationships that are governed by love and peace. Finally, we have motivation and a guide for life in the unifying Spirit. Come to the only prison you will never want to leave and enjoy the change of being a new creation in Christ.

Don't Bite the Wrong Apple

Whenever a discussion of sin's origin arises the question of whether the forbidden fruit was an apple or not also comes up. Apples seem to have a special place in our thoughts. In regard to our health an old proverb tells us "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." The phrase "the apple of my eye" which appears in the Bible may also come to mind. H. A. Ironside said regarding the word apple, "the literal Hebrew is, 'little man'-Keep me as the little man in the eye. If you stand close to me and you look into my eye, what do you see there? A little man and that little man is yourself; you see yourself reflected upside down; you are a little man in my eye."

With that in mind it may have been an "apple" that Eve bit into. She fell for the great lie that Satan fell for and peddles to anyone who will bite into it. In Isaiah 14 we read of Satan's aspirations. Five times he said, "I will..." and he fifth time he said, "I will be like the Most High." It was that same desire that he presented to Eve. Satan said to her, "you will be like God." Whatever the literal fruit of the tree was is irrelevant. The fruit that Eve ate was the "apple" of disobedience. The disobedient act was to make herself the god of her life.

Jesus, on the other hand, spoke of people as being the apple of his eye. And the reverse should be true for us. Jesus should be the apple of our eyes. He should be the one we focus on. If Jesus is the "little man" in our eye then all of life will be reordered in accord with his plan and purpose for us. Jesus' crucifixion was the result of a choice to be disobedient to God's plan for the world. We have a choice to make also. We can either choose the "apple" of self or Jesus. Will you accept God's plan for your life? Or, will you reject Jesus. Don't bite the wrong apple.

Walking for Your Health

More and more we become health conscious in this day. Concern over the eating habits of even our young children is being expressed by health professionals. Schools are replacing unhealthy food sources and even fast food restaurants are responding to the call for more healthy lifestyles. The road to good health requires us to change. Likewise, the road to spiritual health requires a change in us as well.

In order for us to accept change we must first become aware that our old ways are not healthy. In Ephesians God refers to our lifestyle as our walk. The change in our walk begins with an understanding that God has rescued us from the worldly walk. Ephesians 2:1-3 indicate that we have been brought to life from a deadly walk which had captivated us in sin and the control of Satan. We had "walked according to the course of this world." That walk had led to disobedience and the prospect of God's wrath against our disobedience.

Then two wonderful words appear: "But God..." God by his mercy, love and grace gave us access to a restored and healthy walk. Then in Ephesians 2:10 he outlines our walk for spiritual health. He says he has, "prepared good works... that we should walk in them." How wonderful God's grace is! It transforms us from sickness and death to life and health. The first step of the walk to health is to accept the grace offered. Then we must begin to walk according to His plan. Let's make sure we are walking on that road to spiritual health.

Liar, Liar

As we attempt to live in the Spirit there will be opposition. Many people think that becoming a Christian ends their problems, but when the enemy looses a team member the battle really begins. Satan will use every strategy he can to disillusion, defeat and destroy our efforts to live the Christian life.

Jesus revealed Satan's key tactic as he was talking to the Pharisees in John 8. Jesus said to them about Satan, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." A little understanding of the Greek helps to identify Satan's activity. In the Greek the use of "the" as a definite article would render the statement: "When he speaks the lie..." There is a lie that Satan wants each of us to believe. And many in the world have believed it. It has kept them from Christ. Christians as well are often derailed by accepting Satan's lie and are rendered ineffective.

The exact content of this lie is seen in Romans 1. Paul is discussing the nature of those who have "suppressed the truth." Among other things Paul describes them as having "exchanged the truth of God for the lie." Then the exact nature of that lie is declared. It is to "worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator." We know of many peoples who worship the creature or creation. Some worship the sun, moon and stars. Others worship rocks and trees. But the creature most of us are guilt of worshiping is self. The lie of Satan is that we can exalt our selves above the Creator.

This lie appeals to our pride. Our enemy knows that we relish being in control. However, scripture indicates that God's blessing is on the humble. God gives grace to the humble. Let's reject the Liar and accept the Truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes unto the Father but by me." Let Jesus into your life and let Him be in control of your life. Then we will enjoy victory over the enemy and the problems he would bring into our lives.

Making the Fruit Grow

The last two seasons of gardening were fruitless for us. One year there was so much rain that our plants died out. Another year there was extreme heat and our garden burned up while we were gone on vacation. However, in the spiritual life there will always be some fruit in the Christian's garden. This is confirmed as Jesus teaches the parable of the sower and the seed in Matthew 13. There Jesus says, "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

Sometimes the amount of fruit in our lives is so small that we are nearly unusable. When that happens God will work to increase the fruit. He applies his medicine. Vance Havner said, "Sometimes your medicine bottle has on it 'Shake well before using.' And that is what God has to do with some of his people. He has to shake them well before they are ever usable." Paul wrote to Timothy, "Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee."

God's medication is found just after the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:24-26. The text says that "Those that are Christ's...." have crucified the flesh, walk in the Spirit and reject self-centered living (have "not become conceited, provoking, ... envying"). I like to think of these three as similar to breaking the ground, having the proper sunlight and water, and keeping the weeds pulled. Just as these are essential in the gardens we plant, they are also essential in the garden God has planted in us.

The Responsive Fruit

Are you a bumper-sticker Christian? Is there a conflict between your declaration that you are a Christian and your behavior? The Pharisees of the New Testament had that type of problem. Jesus accused them of wearing phylacteries (little boxes with scripture written inside) and garments to be seen of men while ignoring the need to display changed lives.

The third trio of the fruit of the Spirit includes faith (or faithfulness), meekness and self-control. These can be worn like phylacteries or can be heart responses to who God is in our lives. Because God is our loving Savior we respond in faithfulness. Because He is our sovereign King we respond with meekness. Because He is our righteous Judge we respond with self-control. So the solution to bumper-sticker Christianity is to understand that our behavior is a response to the God who is in our heart.

Billy Graham quoted another who said, "When I go to hear a preacher preach, I may not agree with what he says, but I want him to believe it." In life each of us is a preacher. We must live in such a way as to convince the listeners or observers that we really do believe what we say. Our faithfulness, meekness and self-control are evidences that we really believe in who God is. Those around us need to see the responsive fruit that arises from having the resting and relational fruit the Spirit has given. By allowing the Spirit to produce his fruit in us we can share the grace of God with those around us.

The Relational Fruit

Charlie Brown's Linus made a statement which we often would agree with. He said, "The world would be a wonderful place if it wasn't for people!" We have all had days when we would just as soon stay at home and come in contact with no one. Sometimes it seems that we can never please people. Perhaps we should have the same response as Colonel George Washington Goethals who was responsible for the completion of the Panama Canal. In the midst of constant criticism from people and predictions that he would never finish the project he was asked if he wasn't going to answer his critics. He responded, "Yes, in time, when the canal is finished."

Our lives are like the Panama Canal project. There will be many who are offended by our faith and oppose our efforts to reflect Christ into their lives. Their will be criticism, opposition and apathy which will challenge us to display the relational fruit of the Spirit. We will need to display longsuffering (patience), kindness and goodness until our lives are finished as they are a testimony in themselves to the value of our faith.

Patience is highly valued in Scripture. Proverbs says "a patient man has great understanding", "better a patient man then a warrior" and "through patience a ruler can be persuaded." Kindness is advocated to the point of even giving a cup of water to our enemies. The shepherd's psalm indicates that goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life. People around us will respond to the relational fruit. If we find people impossible to get along with, then it may be that we need to allow the Spirit to develop patience, kindness and goodness in us.

The Resting Fruit

If the long winter was stressful then a new plan as we move into spring is in order. The first three items of the fruit of the Spirit may be thought of as "resting fruit." They describe our inner rest in Christ. God does not intend for our life to be a burden. Jesus said in Matthew 7:20 "...my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." To experience this truth we must allow the Spirit to produce the resting fruit rather than laboriously attempting to produce it ourselves.

The resting fruit includes love, joy and peace. When the Spirit is in control of our lives we can express true self-sacrificing love. Someone has said that this kind of love may be described as follows:

• It is silence when your words would hurt
• It is patience when your neighbor's curt
• It is deafness when a scandal flows
• It is thoughtfulness for other's woes
• It is promptness when stern duty calls
• It is courage when misfortune calls

When the fruit of love is in place the next two follow easily. Joy is not an ongoing state of fun and excitement, but rather an inner state of being "calmly delighted." This only takes place when because of our love we cannot be agitated by the events of life. The end result is peace. Our word peace usually comes from "shalom" which includes a "freedom from strife whether internal or external" and "security from outward enemies as well as calm of heart."

Jesus is the prime example of the resting fruit. When we have a relationship with him we experience his love, joy and peace in our lives. Make this spring a season of rest because of the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in your life.

Life in the Spirit

Someone has said that life has seven stages: spills, drills, thrills, bills, ills, pills, and wills. We have been told that life is "getting all the gusto" or "living in the fast lane." However, the problem with living life in the fast lane is that you get to the toll booth quicker. Elizabeth O' Conner in Christianity Today points out that "while it is a crucial mistake to assume that we can be on an outward journey without being on an inward one, it is equally disastrous to assume that one can make the journey inward without taking the journey outward."

Often we attempt to make life's journey outwardly without doing so inwardly. Then life seems like a big wagon wheel with many spokes. Often as Christians we feel like we are running around the rim trying to reach everybody. But God says, "Walk in the Spirit..." As one author puts it, "There is a hub in the middle of that wheel and God says we should start in the hub; live in the hub. Then we will be connected with all the spokes, and we won't have to run so fast."

Life in the Spirit is not a life of never-ending, frenzied activity. It is a resting in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is a condition that Jesus called "makarios." That's the Greek word translated "blessed" in the Beatitudes. It means to have a deep inner settledness that cannot be affected by the events of life. The fruit of the Spirit of Galatians 5 is the evidence of that makarios condition in our lives. That fruit includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is not a pick and choose list but a description of what our lives should display because we are walking in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit produces the fruit. We are simply called upon to bear it. God gives us the grace of the Spirit's fruit. We are simply to share it with those around us. Let's make it our goal to display to others what God produces.

On the Potter's Wheel

What will you become in in the days ahead? That depends on the pattern used and the skill of the one using the pattern. God is the only trustworthy designer and He has a pattern in mind for you and me. In Jeremiah 18 the prophet said, "Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make."

What Jeremiah saw is a picture of the relationship between God and us. Our lives are like the clay vessel in the potter's hand. The mars come as a result of our squirming about as the Potter attempts to mold and shape us. However, whenever our resistance produces a defect, the Potter patiently works on us according to the pattern He has in mind. That pattern is none other than God's Son, Jesus. In Romans 8:29 we are told that all those whom God knows to be his He has determined will be conformed to the image of his Son.

Each day we will be confronted by various circumstances and challenges. God desires to take these problems and make them projects in the formation of Christ's image in us. As we willingly submit to the Potter's hand through the process we will become more and more like Jesus. Today is the first day of the rest of lifr. Let us enter into it with the confidence that the Designer is active and the design is perfect and allow our lives to become the vessel He has in mind.

God's New Thing

On the first day of a new year we tend to look back at the events that were outstanding in the previous year. Newspapers and broadcasters have features that focus on the year in review. God did the same thing with Israel in Isaiah 43. He begins with their creation and continues with the accounting of his work in bringing them out of Egypt. In them He emphasizes his power and authority.

After reminding Israel of the past God makes an interesting statement. He says, "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing." God promises them that He will make a "road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Basically, God was telling Israel and us that whatever may have been in the past will be surpassed by his blessings in the future. Whenever the wilderness and desert-like conditions seem to overwhelm us we need to remember this promise of God.

We also need to keep in mind God's purpose. He continues in the text to share the outcome of his actions. He says "the beats of the field will honor me... because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. To give drink to My people, My chosen." God's new things in our life are designed to bring honor to him and satisfaction to us as his people. Later in the passage God says, "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins."

Truly, we have a wonderful God who has great plans for our lives in spite of our failures. Let's look forward to the days of 2008 and rejoice as God unfolds his new thing for us. Let's give him honor and realize his provision for us through every event of the new year. Happy New Year!