Sending Grace

Book of Romans

2010-07-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

The biblical book of Romans is a bird's eye view of the major teachings of the New Testament. I was required to write a personal commentary on the book for college. I am pleased to share that commentary in e-book (PDF) format. You can obtain a copy by going to my web site and filling in your name. You will then be redirected to the download site. There is no charge. I ask for your name simply to keep track of the distribution of the e-book. The site is: http://merillat.weebly.com Enjoy.

Teamwork

2008-05-08T02:22:00.000-07:00

Success in life's endeavors usually involves some dependence on others. Those who try to go it alone soon discover that they don't have all the answers and that the way becomes quite lonely. When God created Adam it wasn't very long before He also created Eve so that they could work together and provide each other with companionship.

In our spiritual life we also need others. Just as in athletic competition there is a need for a coach and the fellow team members, so it is true in the race we run as Christians. In Hebrews 12:7 we read, "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons..." Any father will admonish and discipline his son in order to motivate him toward success. The same is true with God, our Father. As a matter of fact the scripture goes on to say that if God does not chasten us that we are "illegitimate and not sons." God is like a coach. He leads, motivates, and corrects us so that we can compete in such a way as to secure victory.

Team members are also invaluable. Hebrews 12:12 indicates that our fellow participants are there to "strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for our feet..." All of us have times when we sense weakness. We need someone to come along and give us support. John Donne said, "No man is an island" and that is especially true when it comes to Christian living. We need each others support.

In my new job training sessions I have been excited to discover several others who speak of their faith. Just knowing I have team members nearby brightens my day. As you run the race of life look around and discover others from whom you may draw support. Constantly turn to the Coach for guidance. We are not alone.

Keep Your Batteries Charged

2008-05-07T02:42:00.000-07:00

Life tosses a myriad of challenges, disappointments and energy draining situations at us almost daily. Many become depressed and frustrated. Just keeping above water often seems to be an accomplishment. Various diversions including vacation time becomes necessary in order to stay fresh and up to the daily routine.

The believer's challenges are not only similar but also intensified as the enemy Satan does all he can do discourage us and drain all our spiritual energy. If our spirit is the engine that drives our activity, our mind is the battery that keeps the spirit charged up. Scripture admonishes us to "not be weary in well doing." In our Olympic race we are given the key to a fully charged mind. Hebrews 12:2-4 tells us that the example of Jesus is that key. We are to be reminded that He "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..., has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

While the life events that faced Jesus were not pleasant, He was able to face them because of the accomplishment they would make. He looked into the future and was filled with joy because his death on the cross would secure life for each of us. Likewise, we must see the work that God intends to accomplish through our spiritual race. Seeing the purpose of God will keep our spiritual batteries in order. In addition Jesus knew that He was about the Father's plan and that upon its completion He would rejoin the Father and be at his right hand. We also have that motivation. Jesus has promised us that He has gone to prepare a place for us and will return for us. Scripture tells us that when we are absent from the body we will be present with the Lord.

When your life's race is over God will have accomplished his plan in you and those you have impacted. He will then welcome you into his presence. What greater charge could we have. With our minds focused on his purpose and his promise we can take whatever the enemy throws at us and never break our stride forward for God.

The Christian's Olympic Game

2008-05-06T02:47:00.000-07:00

The carrying of the Olympic torch has been much in the news lately. In a little over three months the games will begin. For a much longer period of time preparations have been underway by the athletes who will compete. For a long time each one of the participants has kept the Olympic goal in mind as they poured forth every effort to be ready. For each of them the Olympic motto "One World One Dream" has probably translated in their minds as the greatest dream in their world is to have victory at the games.

As Christians we are participants in a world Olympic game as well. Our "One World One Dream" is to make an impact for Christ during our lifetime that will have an eternal result. In Hebrews 12:1-2 we are given the basic rules of the game. "...lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." The basic rules of the Christian's life are the same as those for an athlete in any competition: exclusion, endurance and expectancy.

In our Christian race we must exclude things that will impede our progress. We must endure whatever hardships or price that loom before us. And, finally, we must focus our minds upon the goal. For us that goal is to faithfully represent Christ to the end so that we may hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." A high school coach I know always reminded his team members that if there is "No pain, no gain!" Just as athletes prepare for Olympic competition with years of sweat and discipline, we also must be prepared to expend ourselves in running the race for Christ.

A Popeye Mentality

2008-05-05T02:40:00.000-07:00

Years ago one of the early animated features was Popeye the sailor man. I always enjoyed watching Popeye rescue his girlfriend Olive Oil. In so doing he had to defeat Brutus his archenemy. The key to all of Popeye's success was the power he gained from eating spinach. Whenever his strength grew weak he would down a can of spinach and immediately be propelled to victory. He would always say, "I am what I am and that's what I am. I'm Popeye the sailor man."

The other day I read in I Corinthians 15:10, "By the grace of God I am what I am." It was the phrase "I am what I am" that reminded me of the Popeye character. While Popeye was nothing more than a fictional character, I saw some parallels. We are in a constant battle with God's archenemy Satan. He constantly tries to conquer us at times of weakness. He puts forth every effort to keep us from ministering to the needs of others whom he has captured. When we oppose him in our own strength we will always fail. But we have a resource. We have a source of unlimited power. That source is Christ in us. Whenever we draw upon his power we are propelled to victory in our personal lives and enabled to rescue others from the enemy's grasp.

When we say "by the grace of God I am what I am" there are many things included. I am a friend of God whereas I used to be an enemy. I am a personal representative of God in the world in which I live. I am a servant on behalf of God to those who have needs. Most wonderfully, I am an object of Jesus love and a channel through which his love may be experienced by those in captivity to the enemy. What a privilege to be what I am in Christ Jesus.

The Fear of Change

2008-05-02T02:49:00.000-07:00

Today marks my last day on the job as a teacher. Due to low enrollment our Christian school may not even open in the fall. Monday is my first day of training for a brand new job. Most of us are creatures of habit. We don't look forward to changes. They challenge our sense of security. I have never been one who liked changes. I came across a saying by Irene Peter who said, "Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed." There are two elements of truth to that statement that encourage me as I face change.

First, human nature and behavior is much the same no matter where we might go. Whether I face students at school or adults in another workplace the same relational aspects exist. In both cases there is a desire for acceptance and recognition. In both cases there are those who do as little as possible and yet expect much in return. I know that the secret to success is to remember the biblical advice of Luke 6:31, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." People will respond positively when we seek to understand and meet their needs.

A second and more important truth that doesn't change no matter where we go is that as Christians we know that God is with us. He seeks to use us to attract others to himself. He also promises us inner blessing when we faithfully represent Him. Everything external may be different but internally there has been no change. God is still there and still provides the direction needed to have a successful testimony. That assurance makes facing change possible.

If you are facing changes in your life, your job, your finances or anything else God will enable a successful transition as you trust Him. If that is your experience, join me in an adventure with God.

You Can Depend On It

2008-05-01T03:23:00.000-07:00

"I'll get that done right away." "The check is in the mail." "Consider it done." These are all statements people have made to us expressing assurance that we need not be concerned about the issue at hand. Often, however, there is cause for our concern.

On one occasion I made a purchase and later learned that by following a certain procedure I could save over $200 on that purchase. I returned to the store and submitted the required paperwork for the savings and the secretary promised to have the bookkeeper call to confirm the transaction the next day. Two days went by with no call. I called the store again and was promised that one of the four office workers would call right back. There was no call. Finally, at the end of the day I called once more and spoke with the person who "had my paperwork in hand" and was processing the request. He said he would call back as soon as he finished. He didn't. At least the savings was finally approved some time later.

Experiences like that tend to diminish our faith and trust in people. The problem is that this scenario repeats itself daily. Few people demonstrate dependability. When someone does follow through and get the job done he or she becomes the sought after person. We ask for that person when we really need to get something done. That dependable person becomes a person we trust and seek out.

Our dependability enriches others. People have less stress and irritation in their lives when there is someone they know will not fail them. Our dependability demonstrates that we really care about a person's needs and will take whatever action is necessary to meet them. Our dependability places a value on the felt needs of those around us. When we are dependable we will be sought out not just to do various tasks but as a trusted, caring friend.

What's In a Name?

2008-04-30T02:24:00.001-07:00

There's probably nothing people like to hear more than the mention of their own name. But just what is in a name? The other day one of my students came from his history class. They had been studying Presidents and their famous sayings. The history teacher had assigned each student to come up with his own saying. This student's saying was "The name your given isn't as important as the name your livin'" He wondered if he would be famous for his saying.

As I thought about this student's saying, the biblical character Saul came to mind. After he met Jesus on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 he received a new name. In Acts 13:9 we read, "Then Saul, who also is called Paul..." It was a Roman name that means "humble." Paul was not only given a new name but he lived the name he was given. It was Paul who in Philippians 4:11 said, "I have learned in whatever state I am to be content." His life was one of humble service to the Lord.

I also thought about a new name each of us was given when we trusted Jesus as Savior. We became a Christian. Sometimes that new name doesn't mean much. Our lives don't picture the Christ of the name Christian. Perhaps we need to listen to that student's saying here carefully. Being called a Christian is not nearly as important as living life as a Christian. Just as Saul's life exhibited a dramatic change, so our life must do so as well. We are now to emulate the love, humility, service, forgiveness and availability of Christ. What's in your name, today?

Follow the Signs

2008-04-29T02:32:00.000-07:00

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 road signs He gives.

How to be a Millionaire

2008-04-28T02:50:00.000-07:00

One fascinating dream that most people have from time to time is that of becoming a millionaire. At one time there was a TV show called The Millionaire. In each episode a multimillionaire Michael Anthony gave some unsuspecting person a million dollar check. The story line explored the affects of such a large sum of money on the person who received it. Most of the time the outcome was not the best. Perhaps that's why God hasn't allowed most of us to be millionaires.

However, I read an article once in a Sunday School take home paper that suggested becoming a millionaire was really quite easy. Simply save a dollar a day for a million days. Of course, if you do the math that is about 2,740 years! On a more serious note the article suggested four steps that would be necessary to become a millionaire. While most of us still will not see that happen we can apply the same steps to becoming whatever God sets before us as our goal. The steps are DECIDE, DEDICATE, DETERMINE, and DISCRIMINATE.

We must be decisive. This was the challenge of Joshua to the people as they entered the promised land. He said "Choose you this day whom you will serve." When confronted with the sin of worshiping false gods Elijah challenged the people to decide "How long will you halt between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him..." Once we have made a decision then we must be dedicated to that decision. That dedication must be under girded with our determination or resolve. In I John 2:15-17 we are encouraged to determine to "love not the world or the things that are in it." Without such resolve we will easily be detracted from our decision and fail to become the "millionaire" God intends for us to be. Finally, we must discriminate. Our time, our relationships and our priorities must all line up behind the goal we have adopted. We can become a spiritual millionaire becoming what God wants us to be by simply adopting God's way. His riches are greater than any monetary goal. He wants us to be spiritual millionaires.

All Things New

2008-04-25T03:04:00.000-07:00

We are in one of the most exciting times of the year. The spring rains have done their job and blossoms are bursting open everywhere. Our dogwood tree is displaying its white flowers with their cross-shaped markings. Our lilac bush has produced is wonderfully scented flowers. My wife has a bouquet of them on the kitchen counter. The tulips have spilled color all around us. And, our six foot azalea bush is about to explode with thousands of bright pink blossoms. All of that new activity in the physical world breathes excitement and a positive feeling into the atmosphere.

As I think about all that is new with the coming of spring, the new things that accompany spiritual rebirth come to mind as well. In Hebrews 10:19-25 we read of those new things. The writer speaks of the new confidence we have giving "boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus." What a privilege it is to be able to speak in prayer directly to Him. Then we read that this Jesus is our new commander, our High Priest to whom we can "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith." He is our Way to God himself. With these truths in mind we are challenged to have a new commitment that involves "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...but exhorting one another." We have received a purpose in life that is directed at ministering to one another. Finally, as a result, this purpose gives us a new comradeship. We are not alone in our new life in Christ. We have not only the Savior but fellow believers.

How exciting to contemplate the provisions of new life. Like the blossoms of spring they cause us to look forward with joy and excitement to the plan God has in mind for us. I hope you are enjoying the spring season with all its freshness and encouragement. Even more I would encourage you to discover the spiritual spring God has prepared for you. Let Him cause your life to be filled with the blossoms of his grace.

The True You

2008-04-24T02:35:00.000-07:00

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?

Cell Phone Syndrome

2008-04-23T02:38:00.000-07:00

There is an obvious malady that has taken over the world. I call it "cell phone syndrome." Everywhere you look people are on their cell phones. On breaks at work, in the car coming and going, at the table in the restaurant and even jogging down the street it seems that everyone is talking, talking, talking. What is the driving force behind all this need to talk? Are our lives so full of events and exciting developments that we are forced to be on the phone non-stop to share it all? I don't think that is the reason. I think the problem is the same one that causes people to constantly need to have the TV or radio going. We are a lonely people.

A story is told of a young man traveling on a bus to rural Georgia. A fellow traveler asked him about his trip. The young man said, "I am on the way to the countryside because I am lonely." When asked where he was from he replied, "New York City." Amidst all the millions of the city this young man was still lonely. We are much like him. We know many people, talk on the phone for hours and are entertained by the constant presence of TV's and radios, but we are still lonely. What we need is real relationships.

As I think on this need, I am reminded of the greatest relationship there is. Even when there are few or no close relationships with fellow earth-travelers, we find this relationship to bring relief to our loneliness. In Zephaniah 3:17 scripture tells us, "The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." In those times when it seems that no one listens and that there are no obvious answers to our problems, we can count on the presence of the Lord. When no one else notices you He will rejoice over you. When you are disturbed by situations in life He will bathe you in his love. When no one celebrates your joys and victories He will sing out with rejoicing. If God is not your companion, He wants to be today.

Fitness for Life

2008-04-22T02:26:00.000-07:00

Great emphasis is being placed on fitness these days. The value of life dictates that we exercise regularly, control our diets, avoid harmful chemicals, eat organic and sleep properly. Quite frequently discussions arise in the news about living to be 100 years old or older. We all feel better physically and emotionally when everything is in order to maintain fitness.

According to I Timothy 4:8 "bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable to all things." We need to put equal if not greater emphasis on spiritual fitness. In Acts 18:24-28 we come across a believer who appears to be very spiritually fit. Verse 28 states that "he vigorously showed from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." In the preceding verses we note three qualities that contributed to his spiritual fitness. First he was declared to be a man who was "mighty in Scriptures" having been "instructed in the way of the Lord." Apollos knew God's Word and it made him fit to defend his faith. As a result we are informed that he was "fervent in spirit" so that he spoke and taught the things of the Lord. He didn't just know God's Word; he shared God's Word with those around him. He was motivated to pass his faith on to those he met. Finally, Apollos is described as one who "greatly helped those who had believed." He was active in service to bring about the growth of his fellow Christians.

We would do well to follow the example of Apollos. Often our spirituality is limited to Sunday church services. However, our worship should so motivate us about the reality of our Savior that we become animated in our spirit and motivated to share with others. Unlike physical fitness, our spiritual fitness will improve the fitness of others around us. We need to focus on fitness for life, ours and others.

Life in the Fault Zone

2008-04-21T02:10:00.000-07:00

Last Friday brought folks in our region face to face with the biblical truth found in James 4:13-14 which says, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." The instrument of that confrontation was an earthquake.

While the quake that occurred about 40 miles from us wasn't one of the California variety, it was enough to get our attention. At 5.4 on the Richter scale with tremblors lasting 45 seconds the event literally shook many of us out of bed. My first thoughts were that something was terribly wrong with the furnace. Visions of an exploding house passed through my mind. It didn't take long to realize that it was an earthquake but in that brief time I was reminded of just how uncertain life is.

The stuff we hang on to in our lives could easily be taken away in a moment. Life itself has no guarantee for tomorrow. That is why it is essential that our dependence be on the Eternal One rather than people and things that may speedily pass away. We must daily give thanks to God for what He allows us to enjoy and order our lives and activities in view of the brevity and uncertainty of life and the certainty of eternity. Tomorrow may be lived in the literal presence of Jesus. Today must be lived knowing He is present in our lives.

Bury the Hatchet

2008-04-18T02:44:00.000-07:00

In life there are always disagreements and conflicts. In haste we say or do things that we wish we could undo later. Sometimes when we resolve the conflict or at least agree to set it aside we say, "Let's bury the hatchet. Let's just forget about this confrontation." However, many times we don't really mean what we say and we leave the hatchet handle sticking out so that we can easily retrieve it later.

Thankfully, God doesn't work that way. When God says that he forgets our sins we can rest assured that He will never bring them up again and He will not hold them against us. Our enemy may bring them to mind in order to hold us in a prison of guilt, but as far as God is concerned the hatchet, handle and all, has been buried.

We would do well to pattern our forgiveness of others after God's forgiveness of us. As Matthew 5:7 says, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy." While we can't erase something totally from our memory, we can choose to set it aside. I can remember several situations and the people involved in them that offended me, but I have chosen to fully bury the hatchet as far as my relationship with those people is concerned. It is God's grace and mercy flowing from me to the other person that enables me to let go of the hatchet. Ask God to help you in this area. You will find that God's peace will be the result.

Dealing With Detours

2008-04-17T02:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it seems impossible to get from one point to another. Perhaps the streets don't run continuously through and suddenly you must detour to get to another section of the same street. Often a river or railroad track separate parts of the city so that you must go way out of your way to get to your destination. In desperation you might declare that you can't get there from here.

In life we may feel the same way. We have a desire to please God and bring grace to others but it seems as if there are numerous "road blocks" in our path. We want to know God's will but it seems to be hidden from us. In Romans 12:1,2 God gives us a guideline for knowing his will that also may be applied to bring direction for many situations in life. Basically, the instruction is to give yourself to God, refuse to be distracted by the world, and to think God's way. The promise is that we will then be able to prove (discover) the will of God.

If there is a situation in life that you cannot seem to resolve or a goal you can't seem to reach, try those three steps. Turn the matter over to God, don't let the world's normal way of thinking limit your insight, and then shed God's thoughts (the Bible) on the problem. He will give your the direction you need.

Walk in My Shoes

2008-04-16T02:32:00.000-07:00

When I go shopping I like to go in the store, pick up the item I want and get out quickly. I guess that's a man thing. There are some times when that technique just doesn't work. When buying shoes or clothes there is a time-consuming process of trying things on to make sure they fit. Failing to go through the process results in the extra bother of having to return and exchange items.

Sometimes we want relationships to work the same way. We think that unless a person instantly matches our expectations something is wrong with them. Often the problem is that we simply haven't been in their shoes. We haven't experienced their circumstances. A story is told of a King of a country who wanted to identify with his people. So he dressed up in old clothes and spent time down in the coal mines where many of them worked. As a pastor I sometimes could not understand why people would not come to some of the church services. Then I worked in the secular world and discovered what they were experiencing and was better able to understand them.

God has done the same thing for each of us. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 4:15 that Jesus is one who can identify with our infirmities. He is God who came to experience the human circumstances that we have daily. We need to be thankful for his willingness to "put on our shoes" and do the same to meet the needs of others around us. Today, when you can't seem to understand people try on their pair of shoes.

What Are You Worth?

2008-04-15T02:21:00.000-07:00

There are various expressions for the value of a person. I've heard people describe others as "not worth a plugged nickel." On the other hand, some have been described as "worth their weight in gold." Science tells us that the elements of our body are worth about $4.50. Actually, our value depends on how much we value others beginning with God himself.

Jesus told his disciples that the first would be last and the last would be first. He was speaking about being poor in spirit. That doesn't mean that we are poor spirited or poor in estate but rather that we are humble. The Bible also tells us in Romans 12:3 to "not consider ourselves more highly than we ought" and in Romans 12:10 to "in honor prefer one another." One sales marketer stated that when we value others we become valuable to them. I believe this applies to all our relationships.

When we put others first then our own sense of usefulness and value increases. When we put God first He is able to use us and bring value to our existence. When we put others first then our skills and gifts will be exercised for them and they will value us. As long as we put ourselves first we will be battling daily for position, popularity and finances as the elements of our value. Our greatest value lies in our availability as a channel of grace from God to others.

Preparation for Giant Slaying

2008-04-14T02:29:00.000-07:00

We all encounter giants in our lives. They are not the fictitious monsters of our imagination. They are the obstacles that seem unconquerable. They may be financial, physical or emotional in nature. They stand before us as and intimidate us into submission. They are similar to the giant that David faced in I Samuel 17:1-50. We cannot defeat these giants unless we have the same preparation that David had.

Actually, David passed six tests that led to his victory. We must do the same. In the test of dependence David learned to lean on the Lord. He experienced this training as a shepherd out alone except for God caring for the sheep. Then having been kept at home from war, David's father required his obedience as he was sent out with food in service to his brothers. When David sized up the situation and offered to face the giant he was bombarded with human reasoning that questioned his ability to face the enemy and ridicule at his boldness and faith. Finally, David passed the test of humility as he expressed his total trust in the power and victory the Lord would give him.

In order to have victory over the obstacles of our lives we must each complete the same curriculum. We may face seemingly impossible situations just as David did. If we draw upon our own strength we will cower before the enemy just as the rest of the army of Israel did. But as we go forth in the power of God the giants will fall before us. We will enjoy God's blessing and become testimonials of His power and presence.

An Inexaustable Resource

2008-04-11T02:35:00.000-07:00

When something great happens in our life we usually want to tell others all about it. We buy a new car and we can't wait to show it to our friends. We get a great new job and we are excited to tell others. We or one of our family members reaches a new milestone in life and we want to announce it to all. However, none of these shared experiences become the experience of the person with whom we are sharing. And eventually when we have shared them with everyone we can think of they become old news and we don't even bother to talk about them anymore.

There is something that never runs out no matter how often we share it with others. That is joy. What is joy? Some children were asked that question with interesting results. One child responded that joy is what Mom uses to do the dishes. Another said that Joy is his brother's girlfriend. But real joy is the result of an ongoing relationship. Other kinds of joy may be caused by temporary successes, events and circumstances, but they have an end. The joy of a relationship is ongoing and increases rather than decreases with time.

Of course the greatest joy creating relationship is with our God. In Psalm 16:11 the Bible indicates "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." If we want joy that never runs out, we must have that relationship. When we do the inner joy that results will radiate out to others. They will benefit and we will continue and increase in our own joy. Someone once said that when our upward relationship is right then our outward relationships will be right as well. Try God's joy today.

Watching Your P's & Q's

2008-04-10T02:28:00.000-07:00

We have all heard or used the expression "Watch your p's & q's." It comes from an old printer's axiom. Back in the early days of printing presses, each line of text had to be set up one letter at a time. Since the letters in the press were reversed (so they'd print forward), the print-maker (or typographer) needed to be careful not to confuse one letter for the other. Reminding someone to "watch his p's and q's" means to pay attention to the details.

Paul could have used that expression in Ephesians 5:3-17. In the Christian walk it is easy to wander from the path God has laid out before us. Our enemy is constantly providing side paths to attract our attention. We must really focus to stay within God's will. Paul suggests three areas that need our attention. First he admonishes us to maintain purity in expression by avoiding the unclean and unfitting practices that so strongly draw us. Then we are counseled to practice propriety in our relationships, making sure we don't become participants with those whose wisdom is vain and filled with darkness. Finally, we are encouraged to have purpose in our activities by walking circumspectly and redeeming the time.

We must daily examine the p's & q's of our life style to make sure they are a testimony appropriate for our Savior and that our path is God's path. One of my former high school students was once asked why she wasn't more interested in dating. She responded, "I have been called to be a missionary and I cannot allow myself to be distracted by getting involved in dating." She was watching her p's & q's. Today she is a missionary in China. God has honored her careful focus on his will. He will do the same for each of us as we focus our lives on him.

Becoming Richer

2008-04-09T02:11:00.000-07:00

"Without love, what are we worth? Eighty-nine cents! Eighty-nine cents worth of chemicals walking around lonely." So said Hawkeye (Laurence Marks) on M*A*S*H. No one enjoys being a pauper. We struggle for a better job so we can have a better income. We think we need the better income in order to have better 'stuff'. However, we usually discover that our lives still are not richer as a result. True riches are not found in the things we have but in the kind of person we are.

In Ephesians 5:1-2 we are enjoined to be "imitators of God" and to "walk in love." Later in the chapter we find that men are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. In what way did Christ love the church? He invested himself in it. We always have greater affection for something in which we have an investment. Our investment in others needs to be patterned after Christ's investment in us. In our text we find that Christ "has loved us and given himself for us." In Hebrews 12:2 the Bible says that Jesus "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross." If loving us enriched Christ then certainly when we love others we will be enriched also. Our text also declares that Christ was "an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. The love Jesus expressed was not only for the joy of seeing us become his children, but also for the joy of pleasing his Father.

What greater riches could there be? If we are pleasing the one we love most and our love expressed to others is changing their lives as well what more could we desire. I may never be rich in money or possessions but to the extent I love others and my Father in heaven I am rich. When I was a child my family used to watch the TV show The Millionaire. In it Michael Anthony gave away a million dollars to someone in each episode and its affect on the person was depicted. Those who were selfish invariable met disaster while those who shared were enriched. We are not going to get a check for a million dollars from anyone today but God has given us something worth more than a million. He has given us his love. We can either become richer by giving it away or become lonely, eighty-nine cent bodies by not giving it away. We must make the right choice each day.

A Wilfull Walk

2008-04-08T02:16:00.000-07:00

Most good things don't come easily. We must be single-minded to realize the life-walk that God has designed for us. Being single-minded means to focus entirely on the goal. Each spring at home on the farm I had the job of helping to plow the fields in preparation for planting. My dad always told me to look straight ahead at something on the other end of the field rather than looking behind the tractor to see how straight my furrow was. Of course I had to try it both ways. Whenever I looked back and tried to plow a straight furrow it ended up really crooked. However, when I locked my sight on a post or tree at the other end of the field the furrow turned out straight and formed the guide for plowing the rest of the field.

In our spiritual lives we need to discipline our will to focus on God's ways. In Ephesians 4:17-32 we are encouraged to incorporate several guiding principles. First in verse 23 we are challenged to "be renewed in the spirit of our mind." A right attitude or spirit in life will help us to 'plow our furrows' straight. Further we are admonished to "speak truth with our neighbor." Such integrity is essential in representing God's ways to others. Finally, we are to focus on relationships. Verse 32 stresses kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness.

Just as plowing a straight furrow in the field requires focus, so living a life that is in accord with God's Word and ways requires our will to be under God's control. When it is then we can have an impact on those around us and enjoy the blessing of God in our life. Set your will in accord with his will and our furrow will never be crooked.

A Worthy Walk

2008-04-07T02:42:00.000-07:00

A sure sign of spring are the various fundraiser 'walks' that take place in our community. Some are in support of cures for cancer or other diseases. Others are to assist efforts in providing youth activities. Each gives people of the community an opportunity to share in meeting needs. Each is for a worthy cause.

In Ephesians 4:1-3 a 'worthy walk' is described for the cause of of Christ. It is a walk that is to be in line with the call of God to the Christian life. Paul gives three aspects of the Christian walk that must be visible if we are walking in a worthy fashion. First, we are to walk "with all lowliness and gentleness,..." In one word we are to be humble. Humility always considers the needs of others and motivates us to meet those needs. Then we are to walk "with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,..." Patience is the key word here. Often we are so consumed with our own goals that we run roughly over the needs of others. The worthy walk is not a hurried one, but one that patiently assists others through the problems and trials of life. Finally, Paul indicates that we are are to walk "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." If there is one thing that all Christians should sense as the leading of the Spirit, it is to reach out to others as an example of the compassionate and serving heart of Jesus.

Fundraising walks for worthy causes are a great idea. They enable us to have a significant part in helping others. However, we can have an even greater impact for eternity on the lives of others if we choose to participate in the worthy walk for Christ. Are you willing to walk a mile for Christ? How about going an extra mile with others to demonstrate the heart of Christ? Join in the worthy walk and know the blessing of God in your life and the joy of passing the blessing to people around you.

The Nose Knows

2008-04-04T02:17:00.000-07:00

No, this is not an article about how your nose functions. However, smell does play an important role in our lives. There are even products on the market that are part of an aromatherapy concept. Last night my wife's foot was aching and she massaged it with some peppermint foot rub. She commented on how good it felt. Now I don't believe that foot rub has any medicinal qualities but the strong peppermint aroma and the massaging action combined to give a pleasant feeling.

We are told in scripture that "we are the aroma of Christ" (II Corinthians 2:15). Our presence around others should result in their attraction to us and to God. Unfortunately, we sometimes repel people just as if we had body odor. I have a really good rapport with one of my junior high students. The other day he came up to me smiling and said, "I'll smell you later." You have to understand the junior high mind to appreciate that statement. I knew it came from someone who liked me and enjoyed being around me. I had been told by another source that I am his favorite teacher. While I must carefully help him to realize that you shouldn't go up to a teacher and say things like that, I also am encouraged that the aroma he senses from me is pleasant.

What kind of aroma do you have? Do others enjoy being around you? Do they sense a pleasantness that draws them? What does their nose know about you? Is Christ being sensed through your life? These are extremely important considerations as we attempt to bring grace and encouragement into the lives of others.

Wisdom From Above

2008-04-03T02:13:00.000-07:00

Advice is offered today from everyone. Books are written to provide "how to" information. TV promotions regarding every area of life are beamed into our living rooms. Our friends freely share the plan of action they think we should take on whatever issue is before us. Likewise, people turn to us for advice as they face different circumstances. How can we sort out all that is presented and how can we make sure we give the right advice to others?

In Acts 6:1-6 the church was in distress. There was murmuring about how people's needs were being met. They needed helpers who would be wise in their actions. So they chose a number of men to serve. Their qualifications give us some insight into what needs to be true of both the source of advice we receive and our own life as we try to assist others. These chosen men were to be "of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." One of the chosen men was Steven who was described as a "man full of faith and the Holy Spirit." Later in Acts 6:19 it is said of him that "they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke." We need to make sure that our reputation is good by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us in our decisions and in the advice we give.

James 3: 17-18 gives us additional guidelines to make filter out the bad wisdom from the good. We read "the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. As we listen to advice given and as we give out our own counsel we need to evaluate it according to God's description and make sure that it is from above.

A Picture of Vitality

2008-04-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone has an idea of what real life is. For some it may be monetary prosperity. For other a secure job is what counts. Many view the good life as days filled with merriment and activity. However, all of these things are transient. We can loose them as fast as we gain them. Even in the absence of all those things the Christian can claim real life.

In Acts 2:40-46 God give a picture of a healthy church. The same principles that make a church healthy are true of the individuals who make up the church. This real life begins with a proper foundation. The scripture indicates that the foundation consisted of "gladly receiving his word" and "continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine." God's truth is our mooring when tough times come. If it is in place in our lives the Holy Spirit can use it to give us stability no matter what may come. Next we read that regarding the focus of the church that "fear came upon every soul." This is not a cowering fear of things that might happen but a reverence and respect for the power and presence of God. This too gives stability to our lives. Finally, the resulting features become evident. There was one accord, co-operative effort, praise, good relationships and growth.

As we individually experience the foundation principles our focus and life features will change as well. That which seemed important to life before will become secondary and its loss will not render us immobilized. Get into this picture of vitality with your life. You will enjoy life even in the tough times.

Promises, Promises

2008-04-01T02:04:00.000-07:00

We all make and receive promises. Jim Rohn has said, "For every promise, there is price to pay." Perhaps that is the reason so many of them are broken. We should consider the price to be paid before we make the promise. In the case of God's promises to us the price was considered and paid before they were made. The price for all of the promises of God was the sacrifice of his Son on the cross.

One of the great promises of God that resulted from the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is found in Acts 1:8, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Jesus had risen, walked with the disciples and then promised that upon his ascension God would send the Spirit to be our Comforter and Guide. We need not fear that God's promise will fail. However there are some things we are expected to do in order to benefit from the promise. First, we must do like the disciples had to do. We must wait. It is difficult to wait but to be Spirit-powered we must hold back from our own plans and reason and wait for Him to guide us. Even the disciples had to be doing something, so they elected one to replace Judas. Another thing we must do is believe in the promise. Often our hurried actions indicate that we really don't expect the guidance of the Spirit. Finally, we must be make use of the Holy Spirit's presence in our life. In Acts 1:8 God said that when the Spirit comes "you shall be witnesses to me..." Our witness is to take the form of sharing our faith, but it is also to take the form of living our faith. As people observe us they should see the presence of the Spirit in the decisions and actions of our life.

God has made the promise, He has paid the price and now we must exercise the power by waiting upon the Spirit and reflecting the presence of the Spirit each day.

All Love Is Not Equal

2008-03-31T01:50:00.000-07:00

In our day the concept of love has lost most of its significance. We use the word in such mundane ways. We might say, "I love chocolate" or "I love that TV show" and not really include any commitment at all. William Shakespeare said, "Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds." When our love is so easily transferred from one object to another and diluted by whatever circumstances may come up it is not really love.

Following the breakfast served by Jesus in John 21:9-13 a conversation ensued between Peter and Jesus about love. Peter must have been surprised that Jesus would question his love, but three times Jesus asked him, "Do you love Me?" Three times Peter answered, "Lord, you know that I love You." The problem lies in the form of the word love used by Peter compared with the form used by Jesus. The first two times Jesus spoke of a self-sacrificing love (agape in Greek). Each time Peter affirmed a friendship love (phileo in Greek). Peter was stunned when the third time Jesus finally used the friendship form of the word.

Jesus demonstrated the self-sacrificing form of love for us on the cross. He in turn asks us to demonstrate that same kind of love for him. So often we are like Peter and just think about a friendship with Jesus rather than the concept of sacrificial sevanthood. Today, let us each look for ways we can express our love for Jesus by willing service.

Fishing Lessons

2008-03-28T03:47:00.000-07:00

I have never been much of an outdoors person. Having never gone fishing in my life, I was still assigned to be the fishing instructor at a children's camp one summer. I had to depend on a book on fish with pictures to be able to identify the fish that the kids caught. Later as a young adult I only remember one occasion when I went fishing. My brother-in-law and I left early in the morning and dragged our boat from the roadside through a little creek into the lake. There we sat for hours and I caught nothing. At that point I guess I could identify with Peter and some of the disciples who had chosen to go fishing after Jesus' resurrection.

According to John 21:3 "that night they caught nothing." How discouraged they must have been. And then, to add embarrassment to their failure as fisherman Jesus came along and said, "Children, have you any food?" How often we experience the same feelings when Jesus questions us about our efforts. The problem is that we fail to realize that we need to depend on him in all things. Scripture tells us that we are co-laborers together with God. Jesus then gave them the instruction "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." Now that must have sounded rather simple to the fishermen. What difference would fishing on the other side of the boat make? But when they obeyed Jesus the net was so full that "now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish." What a difference it makes when we partner with Jesus even in the every day things of life! Having obeyed and caught the fish the disciples were now able to respond to Jesus request to add some of their fish to the fire He had prepared in order to serve them a meal.

That morning the disciples learned that doing things Jesus' way not only gave them success, but also the joy and reward of fellowship with him. This fishing episode carries some worthwhile lessons for us. When we set out to do something in our lives we need to make sure we have consulted Jesus. We need his help. When Jesus is included in our plans and activities we not only see success but also enjoy his presence and fellowship. Even us non-fishermen can learn something from fishing.

Three Appearances

2008-03-27T01:51:00.000-07:00

Now that Easter week has passed by many will forget about the significance of the resurrection until next year. However Jesus continually offers his presence on our behalf. He has promised us (as he did Jacob in Genesis 28:15, the nation Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6-8 and Joshua in Joshua 1:5 ) that He "will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). We can count on the presence of Jesus at all times.

In Hebrews 9:24-28 we read of three appearances of Jesus. First, "He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." That appearance we have just celebrated this past resurrection Sunday. However, we also read that He has entered into heaven "to appear in the presence of God for us." During every moment of every day we can be assured that Jesus represents us before his Father. When our enemy accuses us, Jesus is there to defend us. He is referred to in I John as our advocate or attorney. It is the payment of his blood at the first appearance that is the basis of that daily defense. Finally, we are told that "He will appear (on earth) a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." How exciting it is to know the end of the story. No matter what troubles and disappointments life may hold, we are assured that Jesus is coming again to remove us from sin and all its accompanying problems.

The key to experiencing Jesus' appearance on our behalf before the Father and his appearance for us again on earth is to have received the free gift of his first appearance. Only those who "eagerly wait for him" will enjoy his final appearance. If you have accepted the gospel, the good news of Jesus death, burial and resurrection, then praise God for the continued presence of Jesus on your behalf. If you haven't place your faith in Jesus, then do so today.

The Son Has Risen

2008-03-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend we have been traveling. On Friday we made our way from Springfield, Ohio to Utica, Michigan north of Detroit. The trip was totally exhausting. After 21 years of being away from snow and ice covered roads we encountered a snow storm for the last two hours of our journey. Those two hours turned into more like five hours. We crept along on ice-covered freeways at twenty miles per hour in heavy traffic. Thanks to God's answer to my continuous prayer we finally arrived safely. This morning was a wonderful blessing as we awoke to the brilliant sunshine melting away the snow and ice in time for the next leg of our trip.

Reflecting on this experience I could see the comparison to life itself. All of life is like the snow and ice storms through which we passed. It is fraught with dangers and anxieties. Each day can be so exhausting that we don't want to face another. Then God enters into life and sends the brilliance of his Son's light to melt away the frigid conditions. As I think back over the providences of life I rejoice that God has intervened time and time again to drive away the coldness of various events.

Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. He willingly allowed his enemies to take his life so that He could bring Son-light into the life of anyone who will receive him. In Hebrews 12:2 we read, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." The joy that motivated Jesus to endure the cross was the changed lives that would result. That joy comes when the Son rises is our lives. It melts away the winter of our experience and brings spring to our life. If you haven't experienced the Son rising in your life, make that choice today.

Because I will not have Internet access for the next three days, my next blog posting will not be until Thursday. May each of you have a blessed week.

Star-Gazing

2008-03-21T04:14:00.000-07:00

When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness for forty years they "spoke against God and Moses." As a result Moses was instructed to set up a bronze serpent upon which they would gaze to be healed of snake bites God had sent as their consequence for complaining. In John 3:14-15 the significance of that event is seen in the words "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the So of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

As Jesus was crucified the Romans, the religious mob and all others who had gathered gazed upon Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star as he provided the healing payment for Satan's sin bite in their lives. In Matthew 27:36 the Bible says, "sitting down, they kept watch over Him there." While they were gazing upon Jesus they saw and heard evidences of who He was. The sayings of Jesus on the cross included "It is finished!" That, of course, referred to God's plan for the salvation of all who would receive the sacrifice made that day by Jesus. In response one of the Roman soldiers exclaimed, "Truly, this was the Son of God."

Today we look back on that scene. We can choose to respond to the glory of God's Star or turn away and suffer the effects of Satan's bite. Look upon him today and enjoy the grace God has provided for today and all eternity. He has finished all that needs to be done for each of us except to receive the gift.

The Three Crosses of Calvary

2008-03-20T02:10:00.000-07:00

As the plans for Friday's crucifixion were being laid, the Roman soldiers could not have imagined the significance of the three crosses that would stand on Golgotha, the 'Place of a Skull'. To them it was just another day and another crucifixion. Many will have the same thoughts regarding the events of the next few days. What is the foundation of their faith for some is nothing more than another holiday for others.

However, those three crosses signify the entire gamut of choices for every person who walks the face of planet Earth. The middle cross was the cross of redemption. On it was Jesus dying like sinners, dying among sinners and dying for sinners. That cross manifested God's love, fulfilled God's law and secured God's liberty for man. To one side of Christ's cross was the cross of reception. From it comes the "brief biography of a blessed man." That morning the thief who was hung there was lost and condemned. By midday he was experiencing the grace of God and by midnight he was in glory with his Savior. On the other side of Christ's cross was the cross of rejection bearing a calloused, sin-hardened heart. He was just as near Christ and heard the same message but rejected both. He was unholy, unfit and unclean. While Christ can save in spite of these, the man was also unwilling and about that Christ can do nothing.

Today all people face the same three crosses. Many see Christ as the ethical man, the social man, the teacher, or the example. Many do not regard him at all. All of these have aligned themselves with the cross of rejection. Some see Christ as the substitutional sacrifice that He is. He was on that cross paying for our sin. These choose to humbly call for God's grace and like the repentant thief on the cross will join their Savior in glory. If Christ were being crucified today which on which side would you stand?

Don't Give Me the Facts, My Find Is Made Up

2008-03-19T02:19:00.000-07:00

We often allow ourselves to be so deluded that we become totally illogical. There are various factors that result in such a situation. Our anger may have taken over for normal reason. Our personal desires may overshadow the truth. Our emotions may fuel our passion and cloud our judgment. Sometimes our illogical thinking and actions are purely a matter of self-elevation. In Romans 1: 21-22 we read that "having suppressed the truth in unrighteousness" many "became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools...." It is amazing just how much foolishness our pride will generate in our lives.

This problem is not new. It began with Adam and Eve who in pride chose to disobey God in the very beginning. In Matthew 27:15-26 we see the pride of man in action. Feeling their position and power threatened, the mob cried out for Barabbas to be released and Christ to be crucified. Barabbas was a murderer and Jesus had done no wrong. Pilate attempted to reason with them. He asked them, "Why, what evil has He done?" Pilate even demonstrated symbolically his conviction that Jesus was innocent of the charges lodged against him when he "washed his hands before the multitude, saying, 'I am innocent of the blood of this just Person'. Nevertheless, the trumped up charges prevailed and Jesus was led to the crucifixion.

While we look back upon the incident with disdain, we must realize that we are also guilty of the same thought processes. We frequently would rather hide the facts of our own failures and as a result make decisions that reject the truth of God's Word. In so doing we essentially choose Barabbas instead of Christ. We prefer to allow the evil and wickedness of life to run free while crucifying the Truth that draws us toward right decisions. Let us resolve today that it will be Jesus who is freed in our lives to rule and reign. We must crucify the Barabbas in us.

The Extra Mile

2008-03-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

We have all heard of people who go the extra mile for someone else. Of course that refers to putting forth greater effort and more patience in waiting for a positive response from another person. On some occasions that response never comes and we wonder if all that effort was wasted. However, when the desired result does take place, the satisfaction causes us to forget all the difficulties we endured. Perhaps that is what Jesus felt when we read that he endured the cross for the joy that was set before him.

Jesus certainly set the example in going the extra mile. In Mark 14:32-42 we read that while the disciples waited and even slept Jesus "went a little farther and fell on the ground and prayed...." As Jesus prayed we note that he went a little farther in responsiveness to the Father. He said to God, "Not what I will, but what You will." The experience that was before him was not humanly desirable but Jesus was willing to go through it in response to his Father's plan for our redemption. In accepting that plan Jesus also went a little farther in courage. The more difficult a task the more courage we must summon to complete it. No task was more difficult than for the perfect, sinless Son of God to accept the wages of our sin upon himself. However, Jesus went the extra mile and did just that. Finally, Jesus went a little farther in obedience. Philippians 2:8 says Jesus was "obedient to the point of death." While he could have called the angels to his rescue, he did not.

The impact of Jesus' extra mile becomes real when we understand that He put forth all that responsiveness, courage and obedience on our behalf. Now He patiently waits for our response. Some have not responded at all. Others have a weak, intermittent response. Some have made a full commitment demonstrated by daily faithfulness in praise and service. How difficult it must be for Jesus to have gone the extra mile and then wait patiently for us to respond.

Road Signs to Defeat

2008-03-17T02:39:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has traveled much knows that when directions are given they usually include road signs. One might be to turn left at the big barn. Another to watch for the intersection with a gas station on each corner. As long as the road signs are noted then arriving at the desired destination is certain. Spiritually there are also some signs to watch for in avoiding the wrong road.

In Luke 22:54-60 Peter's road to the denial of Christ reveals some important warning signs for us. Notice that first Peter "followed at a distance" when Christ was arrested and led away. How often a believer's downfall begins by keeping a distance between himself and Christ. We must not let what people might say or do keep us from immediate identification with Jesus. Shortly after that Peter is found sitting among unbelievers warming himself by their fire. It doesn't take long when we are distanced from Jesus to be drawn to the comforts of the unbelieving world. Finally, Peter fulfilled the prophecy Jesus had made and denied the Savior three times. When the rooster crowed Peter must have been jerked back into reality. Perhaps he said to himself, "How did I get to this point?"

We, too, often are driven to ask that question. Generally we do not go from follower to denier in one big step. The process happens over time with little decisions along the way that lead us farther and farther from the Lord. Then suddenly we come up against an awakening event or circumstance that brings forth the same question Peter must have had. It was not too late for Peter to be restored and used in a mighty way for his Lord. Nor is it ever too late for us. If you have begun the same journey away from Jesus that Peter took, you can turn back to him at any time. If you are following at a distance, get back into fellowship. If you have actually denied him by your words or actions, run to him with repentance. Jesus will restore you. If neither of these have happened, then praise the Lord for his goodness. God is good all the time. He is good in our times of victory and He is good in our times of failure.

When the Stones Cry Out

2008-03-14T01:47:00.000-07:00

"I don't wear my religion on my sleeve" or "Religion is a personal thing" are comments we often hear today. Sometimes these words indicate that the person doesn't really have a relationship with God. At other times the underlying problem is fearfulness to speak up about God. Keeping believers silent is a strategy of the enemy. If he can't keep us from joining God's family, he will do everything possible to keep us from sharing our faith with others.

In Luke 19:40 Jesus stated that if all other testimony was silenced "the stones would immediately cry out." The occasion was the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. At this point there was no silencing of any testimonies. The disciples and the people of Jerusalem openly declared Jesus as the "King who comes in the name of the Lord." Even the colt on which no one had ever sat willingly carried Jesus amidst all the excitement and noise. Seeing such support for Jesus, the Pharisees insisted that Jesus rebuke his disciples. At that point Jesus made the statement that if He did so the stones would cry out.

Nature has always cried out in praise to Jesus. We cannot look into a clear night sky, sit in the forest next to a flowing stream or travel the mountains and seashores of our country without praise to God filling our hearts and minds. However as believers we are often silenced not by Jesus as the Pharisees had requested but by our own choice or by our fear of what men may say. While unbelievers unashamedly reveal their immoral activities, philosophies and rebellion against God, we believers keep the silence. We must be the voices of those crying in the wilderness of this world just as John the Baptist was a voice crying in the wilderness announcing the coming of Jesus. Let's not force the stones to cry out because of our silence. Give praise to God today within your heart and with your lips.

Enough Is Not Enough

2008-03-13T02:12:00.000-07:00

Most of us are willing to forgive others when they wrong us, but how much is enough. Perhaps we hold to the baseball based adage, 'three strikes and you're out'! Has there been someone who just kept on offending you even though you had forgiven them once... twice... even three times? Should you keep on forgiving them?

In New Testament days the standard man had set for forgiveness was a maximum of three times. After that no forgiveness was required. So when Peter asked Jesus in Matthew 18:21, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" he (Peter) thought he was being quite generous in his suggestion. He must have been quite surprised to hear Jesus answer, "I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Now some of us might do the math and conclude that 490 times would be the limit. However, Jesus was saying there should be no limit to our forgiveness.

To illustrate the reasoning for such extravagant forgiveness Jesus told Peter a story. A servant owed his master ten thousand talents which someone has calculated would be about a million dollars in today's money. When the servant could not pay and faced losing everything he had including his freedom, he begged the master for patience. The master responded with compassion and completely canceled the debt. In turn the servant demanded repayment of a debt of a hundred denarii which someone has calculated as being a few dollars in today's money. When that servant could not pay he was thrown in prison by the very one who had been forgiven so much.

The point Jesus made was that we have been forgiven a debt of sin that we could never repay. That forgiveness was obtained by Jesus own death on the cross. In turn we are expected to forgive others rather than being like the unforgiving servant in the story. The same truth had been taught by Jesus in the Beatitudes when he said, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy." As we deal with those who may offend us in some way, we must remember how much our sin offended God and yet He still forgave us. Then as we carry out our life and continue to offend him we find that He forgives us again and again. We can do no less for others. We must follow the example God has set for us. The result will be God's blessing upon us and an impacting witness on others.

Father, Forgive Them

2008-03-12T02:09:00.000-07:00

When Jesus was dying on the cross he uttered words of forgiveness toward those who crucified him. Everyone likes to be forgiven. However, not everyone accepts offered forgiveness. To do so implies admittance of our error and requires humility within our heart. God is prepared to repeatedly offer us forgiveness but we do not experience it unless we accept it.

Cain is an excellent example of God's grace unreceived. Having been asked to bring an offering to God, Abel brought the expected animal sacrifice which pointed toward the eventual sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. However, Cain wanted things his way and brought of the fruit of the ground. When God rejected Cain's sacrifice and Cain became angry God offered him forgiveness and an opportunity to repent. God said to him in Genesis 4:7 "If you do well, will you not be accepted?" But Cain did not received the offered forgiveness. Instead, he killed his brother. Then when God asked, "Where is Abel your brother?" Cain passed by another opportunity to receive God's forgiveness and tried to avoid the question by saying "Am I my brother's keeper?" Even in the resulting consequences God demonstrated his mercy. In response to Cain's fear of harm from others God placed a mark upon him. Some feel this mark was a mark of ownership. Cain could still return his Owner and receive forgiveness. Instead he pursued his own interests and begot a family in which the first instance of multiple wives and continued murder arose.

How wonderful God is to offer forgiveness even when we don't deserve or receive it. His first offer was made even while we were enemies and sinners. By accepting his forgiveness we can live without the guilt that our enemy wants to pile upon us. If you are living in the joy of forgiveness, give God praise for what He has done. If not, lay down the burden of guilt today. Each of us were included when Jesus said, "Father, forgive them."

Who Am I?

2008-03-11T02:43:00.000-07:00

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. In Proverbs 23:7 we read "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he!" and in many places we read "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?

Give One and Keep One

2008-03-10T02:18:00.000-07:00

With all the emphasis on getting exercise and staying healthy we might be surprised to hear a caution against exercise. But there is one exercise that we perform way to much and it has no benefit whatever. As a matter of fact it negatively affects us and all who are around us. That exercise is frowning. It actually takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown. So, in this case the fewer muscles that get exercised the better.

Here is a little essay about smiling that I think you will find useful. "A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give." ~Author Unknown

Proverbs 17:22 says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." One may conclude that constant frowning which is the evidence of a broken spirit will dry us up emotionally and spiritually. On the other hand that dried up condition may be healed with the medicine of laughter and smiling. Give out the medicine of a smile today.

How Do I Love Thee?

2008-03-07T01:58:00.000-08:00

In her most famous poem Elizabeth Barrett Browning began, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. After asking the question her love poem recounts the many ways her love is felt. We too express our love in many ways, but not always with true passion behind it. One young suitor told his girlfriend over the phone, "I love you with all of my heart, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you, I yearn to be with you and look upon your beautiful face and if it doesn't storm tonight I will come and see you." Obviously he was all talk and no real passion or action.

Unfortunately, sometimes our love for the Lord is almost as misguided in its demonstration. In Psalm 40:6-9 David has discovered how God really wants us to express our love towards him. After having been rescued from the pit of sin David had evidently offered great sacrifices to the Lord and then discovered there was something else God really wanted as an expression of love. He says, "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire...Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require." We often try to express our love and commitment to God by giving of our money and involvement in many activities. We need to realize that these things are good but do not really demonstrate our love for God.

God wants from us the same things David discovered that God wanted from him. He summarized them in three great responses. David said, "My ears You have opened." True love for someone will result in our being willing to listen to them. We are often so busy trying to do things for God that we don't listen to him. David continued, "I delight to do Your will, O my God...." We often say we want God's will, but do we really? In Romans 12:1,2 the discovery of God's will is summarized as presenting our body a living sacrifice, not being conformed to the world, and being transformed by the renewing of our mind." The final means of demonstrating our love for God is seen in David's declaration, "I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness...." When we truly love someone we not only want to listen to them and carry out their desires but also to tell everyone about them. Our love for God should bring forth no less.

How do we love God? We have counted the ways that are important to him. Let us follow through by listening, obeying and sharing him with those around us.

Remember the Alamo

2008-03-06T02:17:00.000-08:00

On this day in 1836 the Texans lost the battle of the Alamo. However, it was the remembrance of that loss that spurred them on to eventual victory over Mexico. Sam Houston's army echoed their battle cry, "Remember the Alamo!" as they secured the final victory at San Jacinto. The valiant effort and great sacrifice of the fighting men at the Alamo had become the motivation for the struggle that led to victory.

As Christians we have an Alamo experience to remember as well. In our case the enemy was defeated in our life's Alamo but did not become inactive. It is our memory of the victory that enables us to continue the enemy's defeat every day.

David shares the action of the victory that each person who has become a believer has experienced. In Psalm 40:1-3 we see the record. Our situation like David's is described as being in a "horrible pit" and "miry clay." The reference is to a pit that was used to capture wild animals. Having fallen into the pit they would try to climb out only to slide back down its walls of slippery clay. Their cry of desperation could be heard constantly. That pit in our experience is the pit of sin that causes us to slip further and further into its black hole with every attempt to escape. It is only when we cry out to the Lord that we are rescued.

Our rescue from the pit of sin involves three actions by the Lord. David said that when God heard his cry and brought him up He "set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He put a new song in my mouth..." Every person who truly calls upon the Lord from the pit of sin experiences the same rescue. God give us the new foundation for life which is the Rock, Christ Jesus. He then provides direction for life in the person of the Holy Spirit. The transformation we experience results in a new song, a testimony of praise and thankfulness that draws others to place their trust in the Lord as well. Remember the Alamo of your spiritual life. It should spur you on to continued victory of the enemy and draw others to join you in the family of God. If you haven't had an Alamo experience, don't delay. God is waiting for your cry today.

The 4-H Club

2008-03-05T02:05:00.000-08:00

As a young person growing up on the farm I became acquainted with several organizations that focus on personal development. Two of them were the Grange and the 4-H Club programs. Both of them provided opportunities for youth to be involved in leadership. With wholesome activities and programs young people were helped to become useful and effective citizens. The 4-H's of the 4-H Club emphasized the development of Head, Hands, Heart and Health.

God has his own 4-H Club. Through membership in it people of all ages can develop their lives in all the same areas through emphasis on four types of interaction with God's Word. In Psalm 119:9-16 God challenges us with his 4-H's. First we enjoy the cleansing that comes when we Heed God's word. The Psalmist says, "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." The Bible is our guiding manual for successful membership in the family of God. Then we are able to develop purity as we "Hide God's word in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Our responsibility to others is emphasized as we join with the Psalmist in saying, "With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. We Herald God's Word so that others may be touched as well. Finally, we are enabled to maintain a healthy, spiritually focused mind as we give Honor to God's word when we "meditate on Your precepts and contemplate Your ways.

Those who join God's 4-H Club will find their lives changed internally and externally. When they heed, hide, herald and honor God's Word they are equipped for the greatest service of all to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. They are prepared to impact each person they meet and leave a mark for God on this world. If you haven't become a part of God's great family and a follower of his word, consider it today. Your entire future for the present life and eternity will be changed.

Lamb or Lion?

2008-03-04T02:09:00.000-08:00

An old weather saying declares that if March comes in like a lamb it will go out like a lion, but if it comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb. In my part of the country it came in like a lamb. We had temperatures that hit 70 degrees here in Southern Indiana. So, if the prediction holds true we can look forward to nasty, cold weather at the end of the month. Of course, the whole thing is just a saying.

In Revelation 5:1-10 the descriptive terms 'lamb' and 'lion' are also used in regard to Jesus. On one hand He is seen as the Lamb of God. John writes, " I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain." In the Old Testament a lamb was brought to the priest of the temple to be sacrificed as an indication of the person's repentance for sin and expectation that one day Jesus would come to pay for that sin as a sacrificial lamb. On the other hand Jesus is seen as the Lion who will rule, reign and judge all sin. Again John writes, "with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips...." Actually, Jesus will be both Lamb and Lion to all people. For some he will be the Lamb they rejected and the Lion who judges them. For others He will be the Lamb they accepted as their sacrifice for sin and then the Lion who will lead them in victory for eternity.

While the lamb and lion weather prediction is pure speculation, the Lamb and Lion as applied to Jesus is certainty. While the lamb and lion weather is passing, the Lamb and Lion as applied to Jesus is for all eternity. Jesus has made himself available to all as the Lamb. He willingly allowed himself to become the sacrifice for each of us. He simply invites us to come and receive his blessings.

Three Wishes

2008-03-03T02:53:00.000-08:00

Have you ever dreamed of finding a magic lamp that you could rub and have a genie grant wishes? Would your wishes be what you really want and need? One story tells of a fellow who found such a lamp. Upon rubbing it the genie promised three wishes. The guy was elated and immediately asked for a new convertible for his first wish. When it magically appeared he proceeded to ask that it be filled with $100 bills. That wish too was fulfilled. Planning to give careful consideration to his third wish the guy decided to go for a drive in his new convertible. As he drove down the highway he was so happy he burst out singing, "I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener...." You can imagine the result for yourself.

We might smile at that, but are our wishes any better? We tend to pile stuff upon ourselves and then try to think of some more stuff that would make us contented. Of course, we don't really have a magic lamp or genie, but we do have a source of provision. God has promised to meet our every need. The biggest problem is knowing what we really need so that we can petition God with our request.

Perhaps the most famous request for something from God that comes to mind is that of Solomon. His request is held out as an example of real thoughtfulness. Solomon was the king and he was asked by God, "What shall I give you?" What does a king wish for? Solomon had a great position. He could order most anything he wanted from his subjects. But Solomon realized that with his inexperience he did have a need to enable him to be a good king.We generally say that Solomon asked for wisdom which is basically correct, but listen to his words in I Kings 3:9. "...give to your servant an understanding heart..." Solomon realized the importance of his relationship with those he would govern.

The Hebrew word for understanding is "listening," Solomon wanted a listening heart.We all have that same need. People all around us just want someone with whom they can share their feelings and circumstances. Most of the time we have no time to listen because we want to do all the talking. Let's ask God to give us a listening heart today. Then we will be equipped to minister to one of the greatest needs people have which is for someone to simply listen.

Rescue at Sea

2008-02-29T02:25:00.000-08:00

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 this week 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

2008-02-28T02:04:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-27T02:13:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-26T02:12:00.000-08:00

One of my grandson'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 space vehicle or battle tank. He was adept at making the transformation of his toy very quickly. 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

2008-02-25T02:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-22T02:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-21T02:16:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-20T02:15:00.000-08:00

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 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?

2008-02-19T01:37:00.000-08:00

Usually obtaining the desires of our life only leads to greater desire for something else. We never seem to be satisfied. As I anticipate receiving my tax refund and later on my economic stimulus check 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

2008-02-18T03:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-15T04:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-14T02:24:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-13T03:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-12T01:54:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-11T02:19:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-07T02:16:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-02-06T02:44:00.000-08:00

At the school where I teach we have a fairly strict dress and behavior code. Its purpose is to teach our students the graces they will need in the workplace and to make an impact on society. Frequently I hear 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

2008-02-05T02:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-04T03:13:00.000-08:00

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 try to pepper my lessons with stories, jokes, riddles and other witticisms to make classroom learning enjoyable. While the students like to moan and groan (outwardly) at my attempts, the comments I hear around the school tell me that they enjoy 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

2008-02-01T02:12:00.000-08:00

After presenting the Beatitudes and similitudes which we have seen in the last few posts, 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.

Turn on the Lights

2008-01-31T02:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-30T02:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-29T02:35:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-28T01:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-25T02:43:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-24T02:21:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-23T02:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the importance of our hunger and thirst for righteousness was seen. 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

2008-01-22T02:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-21T03:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-18T02:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-17T02:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-16T02:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-15T01:57:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-14T02:25:00.000-08:00

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. We have a choice to make. We can either choose the "apple" of self or Jesus. Don't bite the wrong apple.

Walking for Your Health

2008-01-11T02:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-10T02:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-09T02:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-08T02:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-07T02:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

If 2007 was a stressful year and you felt pulled in every direction then a new plan for 2008 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 year a really new year that is a year of rest because of the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in your life.

Life in the Spirit

2008-01-03T04:34:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-02T02:09:00.000-08:00

What will you become in 2008? 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 throughout the year 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 work day of the new year. 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

2008-01-01T03:59:00.000-08:00

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!

What Will the New Year Hold?

2007-12-31T04:29:00.000-08:00

Most people think of a new year as a fresh opportunity to get a better job, make more money, or improve personal relationships within the family or workplace. Sometimes the focus is on personal development, weight loss, or attitude changes. All of these have one thing in common. They focus on self.

Jesus challenged his disciples and us to have a different focus. In John 4:31-35 the disciples displayed the same inward focus that is common in man today. They spoke among themselves asking, "hath any man brought him anything to eat?" Jesus was speaking of spiritual nourishment and they were thinking of physical food. We are reminded of Jesus instruction in Matthew 6:25, "Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than food and the body than raiment?" These are the things we tend to think about rather than the spiritual dimension.

Jesus helped his disciples to get the new focus as he painted the picture of the fields being white unto harvest and called for laborers to go in and reap that harvest. Further, He challenged them with this thought: "My food is to do the will of him that sent me.." God has a purpose for each of us today and in the year ahead. It is not to gather material things or gain personally. It is to adopt his vision of folks all around us being drawn into his kingdom. The new year may include successes and failures, but they will all pale in comparison to the work God has for each of us to do. What new ministry for the Lord will your new year hold? Ask him and He will show you.

Facing the Future

2007-12-28T03:21:00.000-08:00

In these times of terrorism and seemingly unleashed moral wickedness there are many who fear the future. As a grandfather I find myself wondering what the world will be like as my grandchildren grow up and have families of their own. As a new year approaches there are uncertainties and obstacles that seem to prevent us from a joyful and positive outlook.

In 2 Kings 6:15-17 the servant of Elisha was confronted with a scene that brought fear and panic regarding the future. The scripture says, "when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, 'Alas, my master! What shall we do?'" The servant saw only the unbearable obstacles of the enemy. According to Sunshine magazine "obstacles are those frightening things you see when you take your eyes off the goal." The servant of Elisha had forgotten the goal and promise of God. When we only see the obstacles we need a reminder of our resources.

Elisha gave his servant what may seem like unbelievable counsel. He said, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." That may have seemed ridiculous to the servant based on what his human eyes could see but then Elisha prayed saying, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." In response scripture tells us that the Lord did open the servant's eyes to see that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding the enemy. Further, Elisha prayed that the enemy would be struck with blindness and they were. Once God was considered as part of the picture the obstacles shrunk in comparison to his provision.

We can enjoy the same resources that Elisha had. God does not intend for us to face the future alone. He wants us to draw upon him for our needs. We are told in Timothy that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a strong mind. The year 2008 may hold known and unknown obstacles but we can move ahead with confidence that God's resources are greater than the obstacles.

Looking Back and Ahead

2007-12-27T03:46:00.000-08:00

In just a few days we will enter January which gets its name from a god of doorways. Depictions of that god usually show a two-headed figure with one head facing back and the other facing forward. Usually at this time people begin to look back at the year being completed to evaluate their lives and attempt to make changes as they look ahead to the new year. We call the process making new year's resolutions.

In Jeremiah 6:16 we find the Lord encouraging a spiritual evaluation. He says, "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you shall find rest for your souls. Over time Israel had departed from the ways God had set before them. We have the same problem both as a nation and as individuals. However, our evaluation should take place daily not just at the year's end or at a time of crisis.

We need to understand what the "old paths" and the "good way" is. May I suggest that these terms may refer to the daily dependence Israel had upon God. In their journey from slavery in Egypt to the freedom of the Promised Land their success depended on following God's leadership and recognizing God's presence. This is the path we should be on. As we look back over the year, if our journey has led us away from a life committed to him we must reset our course. If He hasn't even been a part of our life, then now is the time to enter the path that leads to life eternal.

You've Got Mail

2007-12-26T02:30:00.000-08:00

One of the great parts of any day is the arrival of the mail. This has been especially true during the Christmas season. Family and friends often send a card or letter updating everyone on the events of the year and the life progress of people we love. Often pictures are included that cause us to marvel at the changes that are taking place as our acquaintances grow up and get older. As the days go by further contact comes in the form of an occasional letter, postcard and by e-mail.

Another means of communication that we all enjoy is the phone. In an instant we can hear the voices of friends and family anywhere in the world. Most every home has a phone and many individuals carry a cell phone with them all the time. When the nature of our activities prevent an actual phone call the text message comes through. We just must stay up to date. We are certainly people who love communication.

We've got mail of another kind as well. God has communicated to us through his word, the Bible. He desires a constant interaction with each of us. Some parts of the Bible are just to let us know how other "family members" have fared in life. For example, in I Corinthians 10 God tells about the adventures of Israel as they travelled to the promised land. He tells us "these things were written for our example." Just as we hope our children will learn from the good and poor examples of those who have gone before, so God shares with us the good and the bad of those who have faced life's trials before us. He desires that we avoid the pitfalls of others and make wiser choices for our own lives. Then after John has shared with us the life of Christ he tells us in John 20:3 that "these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name." God's ultimate purpose in writing to us is to make sure we know all that is needed to choose his Son as our Savior and enjoy eternal life.

Have you opened your mail from God recently? He wants to guide you through the events of the family down through the years and he wants to draw you into a relationship with himself through the life and ministry of his Son Jesus. Listen. You've got mail!

Sharing Our Christmas Gifts

2007-12-25T03:24:00.000-08:00

What did you get for Christmas? Would you share it with me? Probably, we really wouldn't expect to share our material Christmas gifts, but we must be prepared to share the gifts God has given us.

After hearing a lesson on the significance of giving gifts a young native boy came to the missionary teacher a few days later and said, "I want you to have this." He pulled from a straw basket the most beautiful shell the missionary had ever seen. She recognized it as a special shell only found on the far side of the island, a half day's walk from the village. When she asked the boy about this, he smiled and said, "Long walk part of gift!"

Jesus "travelled" from his heavenly home all the way to this planet to present himself as God's gift to us. Having done so, He continues to give of himself to us daily. I can't imagine the missionary throwing aside the shell brought to her with apathy or rejection. However, many will do just that with God's gift of Jesus. It is up to each of us to recognize that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." Will you receive that gift today?

Having accepted God's gift and become a part of his family, we become the extension of his giving. God tells us in I Peter, "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." Today many will thrill to the giving of gifts to family, neighbors and friends. The greatest gift we can give is the gift of our faith and the grace that God offers. Let's share our Christmas gifts from God with everyone around us.

Merry Christmas to all. May God bless your day.

Responding to Christmas

2007-12-24T02:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas brings forth a variety of responses in today's world. Faithful believers celebrate and rejoice. The world focuses on lights, decorations and gifts with little understanding of what is being celebrated. The atheist and agnostic labors feverishly to turn Christmas into xmas. Sometimes we catch ourselves wishing the response to Christmas could be the way it used to be. Actually, it is! The responses today are no different then they were at that first Christmas.

In Matthew 2:3 we read, "And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." The mention of the birth of a king troubled some of those in the world to which Christ came. They were afraid of change, particularly in their lives. They did not want someone to whom they would be responsible. The efforts of Herod to destroy Jesus are based on the same denial as the efforts to remove Christ and Christmas from view today. People just do not want to submit to God.

In verse 4 of the same chapter we read, "And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he (Herod) began to inquire of them where the Christ was to be born." He learned from them that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem. The interesting thing is that the religious community was not even curious about the report of Jesus' arrival. They took no action to seek him for themselves. There was no real excitement that stirred within them. They fulfilled the prophecy, "Who has believed our report?" Like many today who decorate, party and carry out pageantry without understanding the meaning of Christmas, they continued on in their meaningless activities. They ignored the One who had come to bring meaning to life and eternity.

Only in those who were willing to humble themselves - Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men - do we find the response God seeks from us. Each in his own turn accepted the working of God in their lives through his Son. It is those today who have humbled themselves before God, confessed their own need and received God's gift of salvation in Christ who truly understand Christmas. They join the worshipers of that first Christmas in a relationship with the God-Man of Christmas. How have you responded?

No Limit Living

2007-12-21T02:26:00.000-08:00

My grandson expressed his wishes for Christmas. He told us he prefers to get the "green stuff" (cash) even more than a gift card. He said he wants to be able to spend it wherever he chooses rather than at a particular store. I'm sure we have all received a gift card or gift certificate for some place or service that we really would never choose. We would have preferred a gift that had no limits.

God has given a gift that is unlimited. In chapter one of Paul's letter to the Corinthians he indicates that believers do not lack any spiritual gift. I have found that God always provides the ability to accomplish anything He asks us to do. We have the unlimited resources of God at our disposal for living and serving. Paul also shared that we have unlimited strength. He says, "God will keep you strong to the end." Most of us can identify with having run out of steam especially during the busy season of the year from Thanksgiving to New Years. Spiritually there is no end to the strength available. Elsewhere Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Finally, Paul tells us that we have unlimited access to a faithful God. In these days when it seems that everyone is busily going his own separate way and no one seems to have time for others, it is refreshing to be reminded that God is always available.

These gifts of no limit living are all made available to us through God's gift of Jesus. He came that we might be made the heirs of all God has, so that we could enjoy the strength of his power within, and so that we could have access to his grace at all times. It's like getting a blank check for Christmas. With Christ there is no limit to real living.

Words of Wisdom

2007-12-20T02:31:00.000-08:00

Wisdom seems to be a little possessed but much sought after quality. People pursue it in various places. Some turn to "professionals" on TV and elsewhere for advice. Others read "how to" books. Many earn degree after degree at colleges. While all of these sources may provide information the desired wisdom may still be elusive. Wisdom is the use of knowledge in a right way.

The wise men of Christmas give us examples of wisdom. They had information about the coming of Jesus. Unlike many around them who carried on life as usual, the lives of the wise men were changed by this knowledge as it revealed itself in wisdom. First they became seekers of this One they had heard about. They watched for and then followed his star until they found him. Then they recognized his nature as King and Redeemer as evidenced by their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Finally, they demonstrated their dependence on his word as they followed his warning and returned home avoiding a report to Herod.

If we seek wisdom the scripture advises us to look above. God is the provider of wisdom. He has given us a great example in the activity of the wise men of Christmas. Knowing about God is not enough. We must become seekers of God. We must recognize and confess who He is. Then we must become those who live in dependence on him. When we apply these words of wisdom lived out by the wise men we too will be wise.