Rescue at Sea

Life could be compared to a sea voyage. Each day the winds either speed or impede our journey. The waves become either a friend to propel us along or an enemy to destroy our vessel. As long as the winds and waves are favorable we sail along in happiness. But the moment they become difficult our hearts are taken captive with fear and panic renders our minds unstable.

In Psalm 107:23-31 the Psalmist once again describes the plight of man. He is pictured as one who has gone down to sea in a ship. Suddenly, the winds and waves become the enemy. Then "their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits' end." The only thing they can do and the only thing we can do in a similar situation is to cry out to God. Then He answers them and "brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven."

This day may include all manner of storms and dangers. But God attacks danger and brings safety just as we have seen in previous posts that He attacks weariness and bring rest, attacks darkness and bring light, and attacks sickness and bring health. Now as in all of the those occasions when the Transformer has rescued his people we must join in one more time with the chorus: "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness..." Give him thanks today and if you are sailing life's seas without him, invite him to become a part of your life today. He will be your Transformer.

Call the Doctor

Medical technology has enabled many to live extra long lives. In the past week I have read articles that suggest simple ways that would enable many to live to be 100 or more. Unfortunately, even with the procedures and medicines that are available many are not healthy because they fail to take advantage of them. Others simply do not follow good health practices that would prevent the onset of diseases and conditons that rob one's health.

In Psalm 107:17-21 we see the Great Physician at work. Here people are declared to be fools because they have ignored good spiritual health precautions and have become sick and "because of their transgression and because of their iniquities were afflicted." They had lost their spiritual appetite as "their soul abhorred all manner of food" and they even looked sick as "they drew near to the gates of death." They were obviously in need of a physician. And once again God exhibted his transforming power in their lives. In response to their cry he "saved them out of their distresses; He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."

Medicine can do wonderful things but it cannot remove the effects of sin. We all face spiritual infection and eventually the death that comes from sin. But our Great Physician can and has taken care of these. He will provide his salvation to everyone that calls upon his name. If you have already seen the Great Physician then praise him by joining in on the refrain of this chapter: "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness..." If not, call upon him today for spiritual healing.

Pardon Me

Often used as a term of courtesy 'pardon me' is a request for someone to overlook our inappropriate action. We might verbalize this request as we cut in front of someone with our cart at the grocery store. It is an admittance of responsibility and a desire to be forgiven. From the lips of a prisoner this request is more of a plea. In social situations the 'pardon' is assumed and we push right on with whatever we were doing. In a prisoner's situation the granting of a pardon is absolutely required before normal action can be continued.

In Psalm 107:10-15 we see more of God's transforming power. His people were in great need of a pardon from him and He granted it. Their state is pictured as "Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons because they had rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the Most High." Here are a bunch of death row scoundrels who deserved whatever fate awaited them. If we are honest we are in no better condition. In Adam we too have rebelled and despised God. We are guilty because according to Romans 3:23 "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." The only help remaining is to cry out, "Pardon me!"

Thankfully our cry like that of those in this passage does not fall on deaf ears. In response to their cry we read that "He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces." Graciously, God rescued these prisoners from death row and relieved them from bondage. Those who have called upon the name of the Lord in this day have received the same response. He removes our death sentence and gives us a full pardon. If you haven't experienced this grace of God then call out to him today and he will pardon you. As a result of God's pardon we can all respond as recorded in this Psalm, "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness."

The Transformer

One of many kid's favorite toys in recent years was the transformers. They consisted of an object such as a car or boat that with a few twists of the parts became a greater object such as a robot or super hero. On a far grander and eternal scale we have a Transformer who can take our lives and through his power and wisdom make them useful, purposeful and happy. With his action in our lives also comes a changed eternal destination.

In Psalm 107 we see our Transformer at work. The Psalm is punctuated with the expression, "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!" As we see his work on behalf of his people we are compelled to join in the chorus in agreement. Note the first example of God's transforming power. People are described as those who "wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way", as people who "found no city to dwell in", as those who were "hungry and thirsty, their sould fainted in them." Here were people who had no direction, no comfort and no satisfaction in life. Then in response to their cry God stepped in and "He delivered them out of their distress. And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place." Each of their deficiencies was met by God's transforming power.

We have the same God and we have the same problems. As residents of this world we are wandering in the wilderness with no dwelling place. We are left spiritually with hunger and thirst. Two thousand years ago God stepped into our circumstances in the person of Jesus and provided the means of transforming our lives. If you long for a sense of belonging, God welcomes you into his family. He offers the deliverance, direction and satisfaction you seek. Let the Transformer work on you today.

Good Moves

Often in basketball a player is described as having "good moves." Such a player has learned how to effectively handle the basketball as an individual and as a teammate. The result of having good moves is the ability of both the individual and the team to win games and inspire the fans.

In the Christian life there are some moves as well. Not all of them are good moves and we need to know the difference. In Psalm 13 David talks about some moves he experienced in his life. The first move of David was a bad one. He moved away from God. The result was his questioning, "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?"

A story is told of a couple who had been married for some year. As they were traveling in their car the wife noticed a couple ahead of them that were sitting so close together that it looked like one person. She said to her husband, "Why don't we sit that close anymore?" He promptly answered, "I didn't move!" When we feel as David did that God isn't close by anymore it isn't because God moved.

David's next move was a great improvement. He moved toward God. He realized his need and cried out, "Consider and hear me, O lord my God; Enlighten my eyes..." It is only when we begin to move back to God that solutions to problems will be seen. We cannot be focused on anything but God and experience rest and relief from life's difficulties. To be winners in the game of life and to have an impact for God upon those watching we must move toward God.

The best move we can experience is to be moved by God. This was David's capstone experience. He declared, "I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord..." Each of us must come to this place in our life to be the most effective in service to God and to experience life at its fullest.

Real Change through the Gospel

In every facet of life people talk about change. Educators are always seeking a change in methods that will produce better results. Politicians call for change in principles of action that will result in better laws and life for the nation. The public in general seeks new activities and experiences to provide a change in the routine of life. However, none of these efforts really provides a striking difference. As Ellen Glasgow said, "All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward."

Paul's presentation of the gospel to the Thessalonians provide true change in their lives and it will in our lives as well. In Thessalonians 1:6-10 three evidences of their change are seen. First, these new believers became truly enthusiastic about God and the life he provided. They "received the word...with joy...became examples to all...and sounded forth the word of the Lord." Everywhere Paul went he found people who had heard of their faith and enthusiasm "so that we do not need to say anything." Then these early Christians had a dramatic change in lifestyle. Paul recognized that they had "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." The things that had been important to them before were no longer important. Their whole purpose revolved around their relationship and service to God. Finally, their focus was redirected. Instead of being wrapped up in this life they now "waiting for His Son from heaven."

We can be tools in God's hand just as the Thessalonians were and at the same time enjoy a real change that is not just for time but for eternity. Our life will take on new enthusiasm, direction and focus. We will be able to bring the impact of the good news of Jesus Christ upon those around us. As I Peter 1:9 puts it we become a "peculiar people" or a people of God who are noticeably different. Let God change your life today.

Sowing and Reaping with the Gospel

Have you ever wondered why people react against the gospel? In some cases it is simply because of the heart condition of the lost. However, in many cases the negative reaction is brought on by our own poor approach. When I was in high school we had a believer who turned off everyone. He would corner some unsuspecting student and tell them "Either turn or burn!" Needless to say, he was avoided and became the object of scorn regarding the Christian faith. This is a sad situation that does not need to happen.

The city of Thessalonica was a populace of about 200,000 filled with all the wickedness normally found in that size group of people. But when Paul went to them his approach was one that produced a great church. In I Thessalonians 2:4-12 we find a description of his evangelistic strategy. First, Paul was sincere with them. He said, "For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness..." The word 'sincere' means "without wax" and was a potter's term for not hiding any defect in the vessel he was forming by filling cracks with wax. We should be people who are sincere and honest with others in the sharing of the gospel. People are not objects to be collected, but rather individuals that God created and loves. Then we find that Paul was sensitive to the feelings of the people. His behavior is described as "gentle among you, just as a nuring mother cherishes her own children." How often we are guilty of a condescending attitude rather than a loving one. Finally, Paul demonstrated a spiritual character in his witness with a "devoutly and justly and blamelessly" behavior. No wonder the response in Thessalonica was great.

We can have the same type of response if we see people as individuals as Jesus did. He looked ahead while He was on the cross and "for the joy that was before him he endured the cross." That joy was the knowledge of individuals whose lives would be rescued from the enemy and given his love and a purpose for life. He laid down his life for those who were at that moment his enemies. We need to adopt the same attitude. While there will always be those who are thoroughly opposed to the gospel message, many will respond to us if we allow the love of the Savior to flow through us to them.

You Need a Defender

Frequently there are situations in life that find us feeling alone and in need of someone to take up our cause. Some people get to the point where their lonliness and despair actually leads them to contemplate suicide. Often we feel as if there is no place to turn. James Thurber even said, "There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else."

David, the Psalmist, had discovered that there is a Defender who will remove all that despair and provide both the safety and support that we all need. Having placed his desire and delight in the Lord, David then found Him to be his defense as well. In Psalm 63:6-11 the activities of God in defending David are enumerated. God is seen as the One present in times of loneliness. David says, "I remember you on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches." Then our Lord leads the way before us. The Psalmist continues, "...in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me." Finally, David finds in the Lord his source of protection from the enemy. He says, "Those who seek my life, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth, ...fall by the sword, ...and be a portion for jackals."

The same God is available to each of us. He has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is our Defender against the greatest enemy we have. In I John 2:1-2 he is presented as our Advocate and the satisfaction for the penalty of our sins. When we are alone we can turn to him. When we seem to have lost our way He is there before us to lead. The enemy is hopelessly doomed to failure because we have a Defender. If you have not claimed him as your Defender you can today.

What Delights You?

Usually obtaining the desires of our life only leads to greater desire for something else. We never seem to be satisfied. Whenever I recieve unexpected income I find my mind flitting from one gadget to another that I would like to purchase. Past experience has proven that no matter which one I decide to buy I know that it will not be long and its newness will wear off and I'll be wanting something more. What delighted me at first will quickly lose its appeal.

Thankfully, there is something that brings permanent delight. In Psalm 63 David expressed his desire in spirit, soul and flesh for God. Upon meeting God in the sanctuary (a personal relationship) David discovered the true delight of life. In Psalm 63:3-5 David shares three things in which he finds delight. The first is God's lovingkindness which David declares to be better than life. The Hebrew word for lovingkindness is chesed and speaks of a binding loyalty. In a day when loyalty seems to be nearly nonexistent we can delight in God's loyalty to us. Then David said, "My sould shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness." God's presence in our lives provides ongoing delight that does not fade but is renewed day by day. Finally, David spoke of the joy he had in God. He said, I will bless you....my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips."

The center of our problems is having the wrong desires. That doesn't mean that the things we desire are necessarily wrong, but that they do not bring true delight or satisfaction in our lives. Only our desire for God will result in our ongoing delight and happiness. Let's end the rat race for more stuff, greater popularity and occupational success. Let's focus on the person and provision of the Lord and enjoy life at its fullest.

Wake Up to Freedom

Monday mornings are not usually the most desired. Most of us see Monday as the time to return to work after a weekend of leisure. For some every day is just another day of facing the challenges and trials of life. Life can seem like a prison of sorts. However, there is a way to be released from such doom and gloom.

I came across an interesting quote from Frank Herbert. He said, "Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty." His point seems to be that our desires will prevent us from having freedom and liberty. In normal life that is probably true. But believers are not to live a normal life. Our lives like David the Psalmists life are to be consumed by God. After declaring this all-consuming principle, David proceeds in Psalm 63:1-2 to share a freedom and liberty that requires both seeking and discipline.

David's passion involves every area of his life. He says, "Early will I seek You." David's spirit was committed to and focused upon daily communion with God. He then expands and declares that "My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You." David realized that there was nothing in life that would take the place of his relationship with God. Everything else was considered " a dry and thirsty land where there is no water." We can discover the refreshment that David found. We must, as he did, look for God "in the sanctuary to see Your power and Your glory." Beginning our day with this focus on and fellowship with our Lord will be a wake up call to freedom. It will enable us to face the day with joy and anticipation. May you today and everyday wake up to freedom.

My Lord Knows the Way Through the Wilderness

Our experience in this world may be compared to a wilderness journey. Daily we are faced by the dangers of such a journey. To be successful we must have the provisions that will allow us to safely reach our destination. As believers we have been provided with the needed resources. We only need to claim them.

In Psalm 63 David shares his wilderness experience. The Psalm's title is "A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah." He was in flight from his enemies. His survival had as its foundation an all-consuming belief that should be ours as well. He said in Psalm 63:1 "O God, You are my God." In our wilderness wanderings we must always remember that truth. The Creator is our own personal God. The same power and wisdom that generated the entire cosmos is available to each of us in our journey of life. Just as he sustains the workings of the universe so he sustains our lives.

I am reminded of a chorus I used to sing as a child. I don't remember all the word, but it went something like this:

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow,
Strength for today is mine all the way
And all that I need for tomorrow.

We must not attempt the journey through life in this world alone. We need to recognize that our Lord is with us and follow him. He will provide for us along the way and assure our safe arrival into his presence.

A Prisoner's Plea

The impact of Paul's leadership did not cease just because he was in a difficult situation. His prison experience only fueled his passion for the success of those still engaged in battle. Rather than expecting them to feel sorry for him he desired that their resolve would be strengthened. His guidelines in Philippians 1:27-30 for their success need to be well noted by us as we daily resist the enemy.

Paul was concerned that believers would be like soldiers staying at their post as the battle raged on. He tells us to "stand fast in one spirit and with one mind." Paul knew that if our heart and resolve are worn down the enemy would have victory. He also understood the importance of relationships. No doubt he longed for the presence of fellow believers as he sat alone in prison. He reminds us who are still in the battle to be "striving together for the faith of the gospel." John Donne's assertion that "No man is an island" fully applies. We need one another.

Paul gave two strategies to help believers experience victory. First, he advises that we should not be "in any way terrified by your adversaries." According to John MacArthur such fearlessness confirms in the heart of the enemy that he faces defeat at God's hand. To us believers it is confirmation of "salvation, and that from God." Secondly, Paul reminds us that our calling in Christ includes "not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." No one is willing to suffer uselessly, but when their is a good cause suffering is empowering.

While Paul's name is not listed in the hall of faith in Hebrews 11, he is one of the "great cloud of witnesses" of Hebrews 12:1. We must run the race enduring whatever may come just as Christ endured the cross for us. The battle has been passed on to us. Let us respond as Paul did and in so doing motivate still others who will follow us.

A Prisoner's Prospects

When we become a follower of the Lord our enemy is upset. He does everything he can to prevent us from having an impact on others and drawing them to God as well. We are warned that the number one battle field is in our mind. In II Corinthians 10:5 we are advised to "pull down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." The enemy strives to control our thoughts and bring us to despair and discouragement so that we will do nothing for the Lord.

Paul must have experienced such activity in his mind but he did not yield. He could have decided that there was no useful future but instead he declared the brightness of his prospects even as he sat in jail. In Philippians 1:19-25 Paul outlines his future. He shares his expectation of "deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." Rather than being discouraged Paul declares that "Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death." Finally, he expresses his confidence that "I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith."

For Paul the prospect of a future did not depend on his circumstances but rather on his relationship with and service to God. As long as God gave him life he would continue using it for his glory. The key to Paul's outlook was that he continually had a word from God resounding in his heart. Whatever our circumstances we can look forward with confidence to God's working in and through us as long as we listen to God speaking within our heart. The moment we begin listening to the enemies arguments we will be robbed of the future God has for us.

A Prisoner's Praise

Often our vision is stymied by the circumstances we are experiencing. An old expression puts it this way: "Can't see the forest for the trees." The picture is of someone who is too involved in the details of a problem to look at the situation as a whole. When we find ourselves looking at life from that point of view even a small setback can render us unable to function or enjoy the blessings God gives. God blesses us not only in the good times, but also in the bad times.

Paul's outlook shared in Philippians 1:12-14 illustrates the way to rise up in victory over our circumstances. Paul was sitting in prison, but his thoughts were not on his immediate situation. He was envisioning the outcome God had in mind. He assured the believers that "the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel." Paul saw even the setbacks of life as means by which the good news of Jesus could be shared both by himself and those who were being inspired to service through him. He didn't complain about his imprisonment but rather declared "my chains are in Christ." Paul's desire in the midst of depressing circumstances was that others would "become confident" and "bold to speak the word without fear."

At times we may feel like life has locked us up in its prisons. However, if we will recognize that everything about us is in the hands of our Lord and will be used for his glory then we can sing forth in praise and confidence. When our focus is on our relationship with the Lord we will like Paul and Silas in Acts 16:11-40 be delivered from whatever has imprisoned us. We will be enabled to say as Paul did in Philippians 1:18, "What then? Only that in every way....Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes and will rejoice."

A Prisoner's Prayer

Interesting things happen when we get under stress. We often act in ways that have not been thought out or say things that we really didn't mean to say. According to Richard Carlson "Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness." When we are under stress our character is really put to the test. Will we allow it to make us unbalanced or will we keep our focus on the important aspects of our life?

Paul demonstrated extreme stress control as evidenced by his prayers while in prison. I cannot imagine much greater stress than being imprisoned when innocent of any crime. Yet, as Paul wrote to the believers in Philippians 1:9-11 he demonstrated the focus that he had and that he desired for other believers. His prayer was for three things. First he said, "I pray that your love may abound." It is hard for love to abound when we feel that our rights are being trampled but that's the example and counsel Paul gave. Then he encouraged us to "approve the things that are excellent." Keeping our evaluation of the situation and our reaction to it in accord with what is really important to a believer is very difficult when under pressure, but God expects no less. Finally, Paul counseled his readers to "be filled with the fruits of righteousness..." In other words, in spite of what is happening to us we are to respond in a righteous manner.

Quite a task is set before us. Our reaction to the stresses of life must be different than what is typically expected and seen. Our focus must remain on our relationship with God and the affect of our behavior on other believers. As Paul shares the desires of his heart in the midst of a prison situation he declares that the desired fruit is "by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." As we live out each day with its accompanying times of stress, we too must seek the evidences of Christ in our lives so that the grace of God may shine through us.

Lovely as a Tree

A favorite poem of mine from elementary school years was Joyce Kilmer's poem about trees.


I THINK that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

While living in the southern tip of Texas I came to appreciate the beautiful, lush trees of the North even more. The squat, straggly mesquite bushes that pass for trees in South Texas made the land look barren.

In Psalm 1:3 God pictures the believer as a tree. This tree is not like the ugly mesquite bushes but rather like the stately northern varieties. The key to the difference is that the "Christian tree" is planted "by the rivers of water" which is the source of nourishment. This is referring back to the second verse of the Psalm where the blessed one delights and meditates in the Word of God. The result is as exhilarating as the sight of a stand of beautiful maples or oaks.

The characteristics of this Word-produced tree are fruitfulness, consistency and prosperity. And the significance of the lives represented by this tree increases as it is compared with the nature of the ungodly who are like little pieces of chaff blown about by the wind. Simply by attaching ourself to the Word (living and written) we can become living, useful, productive trees rather than the useless chaff we are without God and his Word in our life. Have you become lovely as a tree? Accept the grace of God offered in Jesus through the Word of God and bloom like a tree.

Wrong Way on a One Way Street

Every now and then I read a news story about an accident that occurred when someone turned the wrong way on a one way street. Sometimes people even get on the wrong side of a freeway driving against two or more lanes of traffic. I cannot imagine the terrible feeling that suddenly seeing cars coming at me in all lanes would bring. Yet, this experience is the case with many spiritual travelers.

There is only one way to heaven. Jesus provided that way when He became our substitute and received the wages for our sin on the cross. When we receive him and his gift we enter the one way road to heaven. Throughout the Bible those on this road to heaven are referred to as the blessed. In Psalm 1:1 the wrong way road is described. It is a road of regression. God says in this verse, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful..." Notice the movement from walking to standing to sitting. If our walk is not in the right way on the right road we will soon be in the gridlock of sin, rejecting the truth of God's one way.

The road of blessing is seen in Psalm 1:2, "...but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." To delight in God's Word presupposes a change of heart and direction. Only those on the road to heaven have a delight in God's Word. Our relationship with him becomes a moment by moment ongoing one in which He fills our thoughts, directs our desires and keeps us on the one way road to heaven. Make sure you are not trying to go the wrong way on a one way street.

Are You a Winner?

At the school where I taught we had a fairly strict dress and behavior code. Its purpose was to teach our students the graces they would need in the workplace and to make an impact on society. Frequently I heard a student say, "I hate all these rules. I can't wait to get out of here." In a former children's home school setting one of the students was a chronic complainer about rules and authorities. Then he graduated and promptly joined the marines.

This condition of whining is not restricted to students in schools. In our town's online version of the newspaper each article has a place for the readers to make comments. It is amazing that no matter what the story certain readers whine about the police, the news reporter, the government leaders, parents and anything or anyone else that was featured in the story. They never seem to see anything positive.

People who are whiners are never winners. Their outlook is always negative. On the other hand, people who are winners have a positive outlook. A story is told about brothers who were extreme opposites. One was a total optimist and the other a total pessimist. The parents were concerned about both. So on the advice of a psychologist they bought each of them a special Christmas present. For their pessimist son the parents wrapped up the most wonderful gift they could remember him wanting. For their optimist son they wrapped up a box of horse manure. When the pessimist opened his gift he exclaimed, "Oh, I just knew I wouldn't get much of anything." When the optimist opened his gift he excitedly dug through the horse manure as he said, "With all this horse manure there must be a pony somewhere."

We each need to decide we will be a winner rather than a whiner, an optimist rather than a pessimist. In the Bible Paul decided to be a winner through the grace he found in his faith. He declared that he had learned how to both be abased and abound. Philippians 4:8 encourages us, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." By filling our mind with the good, positive things rather than the bad things of life we can become optimistic winners. Then that spirit is passed on to those around us. What is your choice?

Identify Yourself

Frequently in life we are called upon to provide identification. We have driver's licenses, social security numbers, birth certificates and numerous other documents to prove who we are. People identify or recognize us by the sound of our voice, our visual appearance or even our handwriting. In law enforcement even our fingerprints, voice prints and eye prints may be used to determine our identity. In recent years our DNA has become important in assuring a positive ID.

As Christians we are also to have identifying characteristics. In I Peter 2:2-3 God gives one of the marks of a believer. He says, "desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." We crave whatever is in accord with our nature. Before becoming a follower of Jesus we craved the things of this world. But God says now that we are one of his we should crave for and delight in God's word just like a baby craves for milk. This intense desire for the word produces growth which is also an identifying characteristic of our relationship with God. If we really have made him the center of our life we will begin to mature and become more and more like his Son.

This desire for God's Word begins with the fact that we have tasted God's grace. When I was a little boy at church there was a man who always had a little bag of candies in his coat pocket. After church he would pass them out to us kids. I looked forward to seeing him every Sunday. My eyes would light up when I saw him enter the church doors. I was expecting some of his candy. Such should be our anticipation with God and his grace. Having experienced his salvation we daily anticipate hearing from him through his word. Get your daily nutrition and be identified as one of God's children.

A Spoonful of Sugar Makes the Medicine Go Down

What cold water is to a hot, thirsty body a hearty laugh is to a beleaguered soul. As we get beyond the youthful years we seem to laugh less. William Fry, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Stanford University Medical School and expert on health and laughter, reports the average kindergarten student laughs 300 times a day. Yet, adults average just 17 laughs a day.We have allowed the stresses and demands of work and life to rob us of the joy of a smile and a laugh.

Proverbs 15:13 says, "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." By our own inner joy and outward expression of that joy we can bring grace to those around us. As a junior high teacher I tried to pepper my lessons with stories, jokes, riddles and other witticisms to make classroom learning enjoyable. While the students liked to moan and groan (outwardly) at my attempts, the comments I heard around the school told me that they enjoyed their classroom experience. As a pastor my rule of thumb was to have at least one interesting story or joke to illustrate every major point. Humor and laughter is like the "spoonful of sugar" that makes the "medicine go down". A classroom lecture or Sunday sermon is much easier to digest and enjoy when you are smiling.

Not all of us are comedians. However, all of us can smile pleasantly and work on having a joyful personality. We enhance our own circle of friends as people enjoy the positive feelings that radiate from us. So, turn on a little laughter and put on a little smile. After all, it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile.

How to Pray

After presenting the Beatitudes and similitudes, Jesus shared one of the most well known parts of the Bible - the Lord's prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13. Actually, it is to be our prayer. Unfortunately, many people only use this prayer as a mantra rather than a guide. In it we find a great description of what God offers and what we should desire. There are four areas to be incorporated into our lives.

First, we must recognize and invite God's control. Jesus told us to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. For this to happen involves surrender of our wants and wishes to his plans. Secondly, we are to demonstrate dependance on his care as we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." Then we are to seek his cleansing by askng him to "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." This not only keeps our relationship with him vibrant, but also maintains our relationships with others. Finally, we must recognize that he carries us along in our daily lives. From him we ask for direction that will "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one."

The basis for such prayers is summed up in the conclusion of the prayer, "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever." Because He owns everything he can give us those things we need in our relationship with himself. Because He is all-powerful He can enable us to live for him in all our circumstances. And because He is God the glory belongs to him.