Why Church, Why Now?

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

I saw something earlier today that said, "Church isn't about you, it's about God!" Au contraire! We have totally skewed the purpose of the local church service to the point where it's virtually worthless much of the time. And we did it by simply misunderstanding the basic purpose of our gathering. We don't gather for worship. Yep, you can read it again, that's what I said. Church is not about worshipping God. Remember what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well? He told her that worship would not be done in Jerusalem (at the Temple) or on Mount Gerizim (where the outcast Samaritans worshipped), but in "spirit and in truth." Worship is NOT a corporate event, folks! Worship is a personal, private thing that occurs within when our spirit communes with God's. It can happen anywhere, but it cannot be done through a ritual or religious service. So, no, church is not about worshipping God. It is about...wait for it...US! This passage in Hebrews tells us the purpose of our gathering: exhoratation. Encouragement. Fellowship. Association with others of like minds and goals to push and prod and pull one another along the Christian walk. We need that. And God knew we would, so He ordained this assembling together of His children so that we wouldn't have to try to make it on our own. He didn't design it for Himself--He's with us always. He did it for us.

Rejoice In The Journey

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD, Psalm 105:3

I can't help but notice that it doesn't say, "Let them rejoice when they find the LORD." No, we ought to rejoice AS we seek Him, because seeking Him is a constant. It's never done until we are with Him. And it's not merely the goal that is the point--it's the journey. It's the seeking, not the finding, in which we joy. God is revealed little by little in a daily walk, an ongoing relationship, a constant seeking. He's not going to be discovered in a big reveal. He's not Chriss Angel. Don't wait to rejoice until you feel like you've "discovered" God--the more you get to know Him, the more you realize how much you have to learn. Rejoice NOW...rejoice in the journey.

Wise and Harmless

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

This is a Scripture many are familiar with, but few actually consider. As followers of Christ we have a target on us all the time. That's just how it is. It's got nothing to do with being fair or just. Life's not fair. The world has a concept of how we should act if we name the name of Christ. Haven't you ever heard, "You can't do that--you're a Christian," or some variation on the theme? Chances are you have. And Christians do it, too. Ever heard a parent admonish their child for doing or saying something in front of the preacher? I mean, aren't Christians just as human as non-Christians? Aren't preachers just as fallible as laypersons? Of course and you bet! But some part of our minds can't wrap itself around the concept, so we hold different people to different standards. And we watch them, almost like we're waiting for them to fail. That's why we're instructed to be wise as serpents, conducting ourselves in a manner that will not besmirk Christ's name, and harmless as doves, not stirring up trouble and attracting negative attention when it can be avoided. You're a target, Christian; watch yourself.

God Will Shut The Door

And they that went in, went in male and female of flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. Genesis 7:16

God was about to unleash His fury on the earth in a manner it had never seen...and would never see again. He was releasing storms of incomprehensible magnitudes. But He provided His servant Noah a safe haven--a way of escape and a place of shelter from the storm. And before unleashing the storm...God shut the door. When the storms are whirling and howling around you (and they will), when you can hear them beating on your ark, remember that God will shut the door. And when He shuts the door, rest assured there's no storm that can come through.

When Jesus Shows Up

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where they disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. John 20:19

These people were at the most uncertain, frightening time of their lives. Their world had been turned upside down; they had no idea what was going to happen, but it seemed unlikely it would be good. And then, in came Jesus whispering peace, and everything changed. Things can get out of hand and frightening. Life can become a big mess in a big hurry. When you don't know what to do, try inviting Jesus into your room. Everything can change, and peace can replace disaster.

Giveth

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

"Giveth." Present progressive tense. God is giving us the victory right now. Today. And He will be tomorrow, and the next day. We don't have to wake up feeling defeated. As a matter of fact, we have no excuse for doing so. We ought to wake up every day and claim the victory that God is giving us for that day. Start your day off thanking God for the victory--He's got one ready for you!

He Will

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. Hosea 6:1

It cannot be said too often because it's something so hard to grasp from our human perspective: we're never too far gone for God to save. We're never too hurt for Him to heal. We cannot do too much for Him to forgive. We aren't able to get ourselves in a situation that He cannot turn around. Sometimes He will have to knock us down so that we can see how desperately we need Him, but He won't knock you further than He's willing to lift you from. It doesn't matter where we've gotten to--or whether it's a situation of our own making or one God has orchestrated to get our attention--if we turn to Him, He is able and willing and happy to help.

What Do You See?

The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. John 5:10

This man had sat by a pool for 38 years waiting to be healed. And now that he had finally received his miracle the Jews wanted to know why he was acting upon it. Really?! With something this miraculous happening right before their eyes, their concern is, "Why are you carrying your bed on the sabbath?" It begs the question: Am I missing out on a miracle to question the result? We often get caught up in cynicism when we could be enjoying the benefits. When God works a miracle in your life or in someone's life around you, joy in the blessing instead of lookng around for a down-side--choose to see the the lame man walking, not a man "working on the sabbath".

The Breaking

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17

Before a horse can be used or ridden he has to be broken. A part of his spirit, his will, has to be broken--brought under submission. He has to be broken of the desire to fight the bit, the habit of trying to displace a rider, the insistance on going where and doing what he chooses. But something happens when a horse is broken, something that even starts as he's being broken--he's able to develop a relationship of trust and even love with his trainer or rider. And because of this relationship, both horse and rider have more fulfilled, productive, and joyful existances.
We're the same way. We have to be broken before we can learn to trust and love God. He has to teach us to submit to His will so that we can live with purpose and harmony. But all that starts with the breaking. When you feel like your heart and spirit are shattered, remember that God's just bringing you to the place you need to be in order to have a fulfilling and meaningful relationship with Him built on mutual trust and love. The breaking is just the beginning.

Forever

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Psalm 107:1

Sometimes you don't know what to think or feel, much less say. Tonight my mother died. And with all the platitudes we say to people when they go through something like this, wondering the whole time if they sound as cliche to the person hurting as they do to us, there's only one thing I can say to you from this side: God is good. When things are good, God is good; when things are bad, God is perfect. He is as merciful and gracious today as He was yesterday, and He'll be the same tomorrow. O give thanks unto the LORD.

Where Is Your Faith?

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? Luke 8:25a

You have faith. No matter who you are, no matter how little it may be, no matter how shaken it may become, every one of you has faith. The question isn't, "Why don't you have faith?" but rather, "Where are you placing your faith?" See, the primary power of faith is not in the quantity or quality of the faith, but in the object of the faith. Christ didn't ask the disciples why they didn't have faith because they did. Their problem lay in the fact that their faith was not where it should have been. They trusted the boat and their own experience (which, I might point out, was substantial--these men grew up on this sea and worked on it), but they failed to place their trust in the Savior until all else failed. Why? Why not go to Him FIRST? When we see a storm heading our way, we need to ask ourselves, "Where is my faith?" before the storm gets there. It'll save us alot of freaking out.

The Fine Art Of Forgetting

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Philippians 3:13

I'm not someone who lets go of things very easily. When I get something stuck in my head, it doesn't go away. I'm an obsessive personality. I'm sure more than a few of you are much the same. And forgetting things from the past does not come naturally to us. But it's a necessary part of spiritual growth. We cannot move forward until we let go of what we're holding onto from the past. It's kind've like the scene from the end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (how d'ya like THAT reference, huh?!) where the woman is trying to reach back for the "Holy Grail" and hold onto Indy, too. She can't. And we cannot both reach forward AND cling to the past at the same time, either. We have to learn to forgive--both ourselves and others--and let go of the hurt and shame so that we can move forward. If we're dwelling on past betrayals, we'll miss our current blessings. If we're dwelling on past failures, we'll find ourselves mired there and repeating them. Forgetting is an art...one we must master.

Jangling

From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 1 Timothy 1:6

It's funny how the Bible so often nails religion to the wall. Here the young pastor Timothy is warned about what happens to people who leave the formula of true Christianity (ie--love, following one's conscience, and living by faith). The result Paul says: turning to "vain jangling." You gotta love that...jangling. It seems such a fitting word for most of what modern churches of every denomination and creed produce. Pointless, ineffectual noise. When we get away from love, faith and living in good conscience we end up rambling about rules or traditions or rituals. There is no exception to this. It doesn't matter how solid your doctrine is on the Bible or salvation. When you stray from those three basic tenets, confusion and loss of focus WILL ensue. Listen to yourself. Are you hearing faith, love and a sound mind? Or are you hearing a bunch of jangling?

Yet

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me. Psalm 129:2

People and circumstances will come against you in life. It's not a matter of it, but of when. It's going to happen, and probably a lot. The test of a person is not how many trials they face, but how they face the trials. Are you going to let people get to you when they attack you? Are you going to allow circumstances to overcome you when they rise up? Or are you going to say with the psalmist, "Yet they have not prevailed against me"?

Why I Don't Care About The Christian Flag Debate

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

For the many of you who won't know, a small town not far from me recently stopped displaying the Christian flag at the Town Hall. This created a small uproar among alot of the professing Christians in the area. I, however, could barely care less, and I'm going to tell you why in as little time as possible.

The Christian flag was created quite literally by accident when a man was called upon to improvise a Sunday School lesson in the late 19th century. That means Christianity existed for almost 1900 years without it. And it represents (are you ready for this?)...NOTHING! That's right, nothing. A flag's purpose is to represent a nation, creed, or allegiance. The Christian flag, however, does not do that. It's claimed by people of so many denominations and varied belief systems that it is virtually worthless as a symbol of belief. People claim it who don't even accept the Christ for Whom it was named. People claim it who don't accept His Word. It represents too much to actually represent anything.

But more importantly, the only banner of true Christianity given in the Scripture is the believer himself. This is not a situation like taking the Bible and prayer out of the school system. And it's not like denying people the right to pray publicly in Christ's name. This is about a completely unbiblical, man-made concept that has aided in making true believers passive about the sharing of their faith. WE are supposed to be the Christian flag. WE are supposed to represent Christ and His kingdom. I can't help but wonder how many...or few...of the people so indignant about this whole deal actually live in a way that well-represents Christ and Christianity. It is our responsibility to be salt and light and ambassadors. And I feel like we try to use things like a flag or a bumper sticker or a plaque in the kitchen as a surrogate for actually being the witnesses we ought be.

That's why I don't care about the "Christian flag debate". It's not a piece of cloth's job to claim my town for Christ. It's mine. It's yours. It's OURS. Are we doing our job? Or are we hoping a generic piece of cloth will do it for us?

Make Some Noise

And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp. 1 Samuel 4:6

Christians these days are a pretty quiet lot. We try to fly under the radar alot. Too much. It seems like the only time you hear about a "Christian" is when a high-profile celebri-pastor (yeah, I just made that up, what do you think?) gets caught in a scandal or when some nutcase does something insane--like threatening to have a Quran burning--in the name of Christianity. It's time for us to raise our voices a little. We have the biggest, best news in history. We have a "product" that every single person on the planet truly needs. We have the solution--or at the very least, the source thereof--for every problem people are facing, both individually and corporately. And we're trying to AVOID attention?! How irresponsible of us! Christians, stop being ashamed. Stop being shy. Stop being intimidated. Draw some attention. Dust off your shout of triumph. Make some noise!

Diamond In The Rough

...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 b

Have you ever heard "The Master's Hand" poem/song? Quick breakdown: it's about an old violin (analogied to a human life) being auctioned for a few dollars until an old man stands, takes the violin, tunes and plays it. Then it sells for a few thousand dollars. When asked what made the difference in the violin's worth, the auctioneer says, "The touch of the master's hand." The poem is wrong. The value of the violin didn't change AT ALL! The violin was worth just as much before the master played it as it was afterwards. What changed was how the people saw it. The difference was that the master showed how truly valuable the violin was. He knew what it was capable of when the crowd did not. People are often the same. Don't judge a person's worth based on what you can see. God knows they're true value. He sees what we can't. So let's avoid those snap judgements that can devalue a person. Like David, they could be something more special than we could ever imagine.

Mysterious Ways

Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: When they were but a few in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it. Psalm 105:11-12

God moves when it makes no earthly sense to do so. He chose a couple barren and well into old age with which to start a chosen race. He chose a little shepherd, the runt of his family, to rule and establish His people. He chose fishermen and tax collectors to build His church with. He chose the man most actively involved in trying to destroy His message to spread that message across the world. God doesn't pick the people and ways and times that we think make sense. He moves in ways we can't understand. But, if you'll notice, His way always works out. That old couple produced one of the most enduring races in history. That little shepherd became one of the greatest rulers of all time. Those fishermen built a church that has lasted two thousand years. That opposer successfully and powerfully spread His message throughout most of the known world. Remember that when things don't make any sense to you, God's probably doing His best work.

Let It Go, Already!

But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. Hebrews 10:3

Do you ever beat yourself up over things? I know I do. Sometimes I catch myself confessing the same sin for the third time and going on to God about it. And sometimes it's almost like I can imagine Him saying, "I heard you the first time; shut up already." We're told that if we confess our sins, He will forgive them AND cleanse us from them. That means it's time to let it go. Don't beat yourself up over it. Don't dwell on it. Don't mourn over it. Don't keep confessing over and over. He took care of it the first time around. We're not under the old law that dredged up sins from the past year and threw them up in one's face. Christ ushered in a new way; one that wipes the slate clean, completely and permanently pardons. So don't dwell. Let it go, already!

Never Too Late

Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. 2 Samuel 12:20

I grew up in a preacher's home, so most people assume I'm "sheltered". That's really quite innaccurate. There's a world of difference between being innocent and being ignorant. The truth of the matter is, people in and around the ministry see far more hurt and suffering, shame and guilt, sin and failure than others do. The ministry deals with those things all day, every day. It shows the ugliest side of the ugly. If one thinks they can go into the ministry to escape the worst parts of life, they're sorely mistaken. I've seen more people make a mess of their lives than I care to count. I've watched people make mistakes they'll carry with them for years...maybe forever. I've witnessed the ashes of individuals and families and churches and friendships. I've known the ones too ashamed to tell any but a select few their past...or their present. I've listened to the sighs and sobs of people broken by their decisions and actions. And I don't think I'll ever get used to people making foolish choices that will cost them greatly.

But those stories don't have to end there. God can and will lift you from the ashes. David's story didn't end with the death of his child. He got back up, he went on, and he accomplished much. I'm so glad that the most life-altering mistakes we can ever make cannot seperate us from God's love. I'm glad that He will never, ever turn His back on us. I'm glad that it's never too late.

Think It Through

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8

I recently talked about not letting opportunities go by--boldly walking through the doors God opens. But please don't misunderstand: decisions in life should not be made flippantly. It is easy to let opportunities and open doors pass, but it's also easy to jump at the wrong opportunities...or even try to create them ourselves. There must be a balance. We have to be serious and attentive, Peter writes here. Be careful. The devil would love to see us make bad choices, and we're very good at giving ourselves bad options if we're not careful. Relationships, finances, associations, activities, habits...choices are important. Don't be afraid to make a final decision; but don't take it lightly, either. The effects could stay with you the rest of your life.

Get Moving

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Acts 3:6

This is a verse I memorized somewhere along the line, and when I heard it being referrenced tonight I quoted it to myself. The last two words stuck out to me: and walk. God doesn't raise people to stand still. He grants healing so that we can walk. There are too many people who have been touched by God...and then they just stood there. Get moving! There's work to do. And why be healed if you're not going to do anything with the healing? God gave you new life--ETERNAL life. Get out and start living! You weren't given new legs so you could stand still.

As You Know...

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

"Ye know...." This wasn't a new revelation. It was something already known. But we're forgetful and need to be reminded. Often. Christ gave up everything for you. He gave up Heaven, He gave up the praise and adoration of countless angels, He gave up His Father's presence, He gave up His spiritual essence to don human form, He gave up His life. He willingly, voluntarily sacrificed more than our minds can even conceive for the simple reason that He loved us. You know this. It's nothing new you're reading here. But are you living in the realization of it? We need to remind ourselves what Jesus did for us. And we need to remind ourselves that He deserves more from us because of it.

The Value Of Silence

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19

You know, some days little things just irritate you. Today was one of those days for me. It's so tempting at times like that to respond to people without thought...and that's almost never a good thing. No matter how often we hear it, we can never hear it too much--sometimes you're better off just keeping your mouth shut. Now, I didn't bite anyone's head off (although I was tempted) or respond with biting sarcasm or malevolence (although I was inclined to), but I easily could have; and it's probably more luck than restraint that I didn't. Let's just be reminded that silence is quite often and in many a situation golden. Even if just long enough to consider our words.

Blessings And Benedictions

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

I was just flipping through the New Testament and noting the variations of this salutation--and it's respective closing benediction--in virtually every epistle. I find it somewhat sad that we don't do this anymore. Oh, you might here a half-hearted (at best) "God bless you" from time to time, but you never hear someone genuinely calling the peace, grace, and mercy of God down upon a brother or sister in Christ. Why don't we do that? We all need His love, mercy, grace, and peace in abundance. Perhaps we should be asking for it on one another's behalf.

Send Now Prosperity

Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Psalm 118:25

We're facing tough times. The entire planet is wading in financial mess, trying not to drown. People could talk for hours passing blame around and spitting out ideas to stem the flow. And many of us are struggling in our own lives to make ends meet. There's more going out than coming in more often than not. But I wonder how many of us are struggling against the tide without ever calling on the One source of relief that can actually make a difference. How ridiculous would it be for someone drowning with a lifeguard just feet away to not call out for help? Yet we do the same thing in every aspect of our lives. We have a God Who can help. We have a God Who WILL help. We ought to be pleading and begging and beseeching with Him to intercede, to be merciful and gracious, to supply. Are we? Or are we just trying to tread water by ourselves?

Law vs. Liberty

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

We put unneccessary burdens on ourselves as Christians. We set up rules and standards that have nothing to do with being Christ-like and bind ourselves to them. Christ came to set us free from the law. He fulfilled it in Himself because we could not. Our new goal should not be a list of rules, but a level of love. See, if we love God and one another, our actions will be affected...and the rest, well, it doesn't matter! We don't need a "Thou shalt not kill" because murder is not an act of love. We don't need "Thou shalt not commit adultery" because love naturally demands monogamy. We don't need "Thou shalt not steal" because love gives, it doesn't steal. We need to embrace the liberty we have in Christ and stop enslaving ourselves to "wear this, cut your hair like this, do this, don't do that, go here, avoid there." None of that matters anyway! That's law, not liberty, and not love.

The Standard

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

A Florida pastor (of murky doctrinal stance) is making international news by declaring that he will be holding a "Quran burning" on September 11. I can't think of much of anything more contradictory to Christian principles than this. He violates two commands in this one verse by being neither wise nor harmless. This...activity WILL cost lives. It WILL stir up strife. It WILL further the cause of radical Islam and hinder the cause of Christ. The act itself is foolish and pointless. The spirit behind it is purely sinful. Christ teaches us to be loving and kind and longsuffering and patient and forgiving. Anger, vengeance, spite, mockery...these are traits in direct contradiction to the way of Christ. Now, this may seem like a rant up to now...and it kind've has been. But there's a bigger point.

I'm disturbed by the number of professing Christians who are not opposed to this pastor's actions and attitude. They defend it by saying he has the right as an American citizen to demonstrate in this way..."and, besides, they're burning Bibles and American flags." True. And true. But neither of those facts defend this deed. First, having a right to do something doesn't make it right to do. Exercising his right to do this will get people killed, probably on several continents. That's irresponsible, foolish, and self-serving. And that makes it wrong. Second, Christ repeatedly taught us to NOT repay those who mistreat and abuse us in kind. We, as individuals, are to be merciful and leave the vengeance to God. That makes the spirit of this whole mess innately un-Christian. Let's keep in mind that we're not supposed to live up to the standard set by radical Islam or any other religion or creed, but the one set by Christ. Let's be careful to whom we compare ourselves.

Balance At The Center

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, Luke 1:46

That's a pretty good thing to be able to say, that in our innermost being we magnify God. CAN we say that? Do we, in our heart and soul and mind, put the focus and emphasis on Christ? There's so much about "getting centered" out there today. It's cliche. But, like most cliches, there's some element of truth behind it. The error, though, is that people are trying to "get centered" on themselves. They want to put the magnifying glass of their life on themselves. Ironic, since that means you've already focused on yourself too much. But until that inner magnifier is on God, we'll be off-kilter and scattered. If you want more balance in your life, try focusing on God for awhile. He's the center of all creation anyway...and the best balance is always found at the center.

Though He Fall

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:24

Falling is a part of life. It's a part of your spiritual life as much as it is a part of your physical life. When you were learning to walk, you fell. A lot. As you mature spiritually, you'll fall, too. A lot. The more active you are, the more you move around and walk and run, the higher the probability you'll fall even to this day. Guess what? If you're actually doing anything spiritually--walking, running, working, growing--you're still going to fall. It doesn't matter how strong a Christian you are, you WILL fall. It's a part of it. But it doesn't end with the fall. You can get back up and keep going. And not only that, there's Someone there to help you up. God isn't standing over you berating your failure. He isn't turning His back in disgust. He isn't kicking you while you're down. He's there extending His own hand to help you back to your feet and making sure you never fall too far or too hard. You're going to fall. That doesn't have to be the end of the chapter, though.

Don't Forget

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2

We're a forgetful race. We forget promises made, oaths taken, our limitations, our shortcomings...and we forget what God has done for us. Indeed, sometimes it's as if we forget God Himself. We need a spiritual refresher course sometimes to remind us just how good God has been toward us. We need to be reminded of His mercy, grace, love, forgiveness, and longsuffering. We need to be reminded of His provision, protection, healing, and generosity. Don't let your forgetful human nature wipe God and all the things He's done for you from your memory. Remind yourself often of His benefits.

Refreshers

For they have refreshed my spirit and yours; therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. 1 Corinthians 16:18

What a great way to be known! Have you ever met people who are just refreshing to be around? We ought to be that kind of Christian--one known by lost and saved alike as a refresher. Someone that is pleasant and encouraging and loving and whose presence is just all-in-all a breath of fresh air. I fear more of us are more like a breath of stagnant, putrid, foul air. Let's not be that way! Let's be the sort of person people smile when they see coming, not one they look for a place to hide from. And while we're at it, remember to acknowledge and thank those who are refreshing to our spirits. Give credit to whom credit is due...they need the encouragement. Be a refresher!

Fuel Your Thirst

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. Psalm 143:6

Not many of us have this sort of longing desire for our God. You'll hear preachers talk about how things used to be, how people used to be more loving and dedicated to God than now, but don't be fooled. People haven't changed. Coldness and lukewarm Christianity are nothing new. Less than a generation after Christ it had already set in. Before every great period of revival throughout history was a time of spiritual frigidity. Life is cyclical, even in spiritual matters. And these same sorts of patterns occur in our individual lives. Think back--you'll remember times when you had that intense thirst for the things of God...for His person and His presence in your life. And you'll see times when that desire waned. Maybe (probably) you're in a waning period now. That's okay; it happens. But it's not okay to stay there. Talk to Him. Take a step back towards Him...and He's promised to reciprocate. And with each step toward God you take, you'll feel that desire to know Him grow a little more. Keep going. Fuel the thirst.

Accordingly

Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. Matthew 9:29

Wow. I wonder how our lives would be if God said that to us. How much...or little...would I have if God rewarded me strictly according to my faith? If I was only given what I had faith for, where would I be? Sometimes I doubt I'd even have enough to get by. I'm glad He blesses us far beyond our faith, but maybe we need to think about how much our faith could buy us were it a strict currency. How rich in faith are we?

Noble Christianity

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11

I wonder how many noble Christians we have out there. I fear the majority of people claiming the name of Christ are sadly lacking in nobility. They simply take what they're fed spiritually and run with it. These Thessalonian Christians were called noble because they didn't do that. They didn't shut out teachers of the Scripture--on the contrary, they listened readily--but they then searched the Word to see if those teachings lined up. See, anyone can use the Bible to say just about whatever they want. One can use some verse or part of a verse to support practically any old thing. And if you're dependant on someone else's teaching to form your belief system, you'll be pulled all over the place by various "winds of doctrine." A noble Christian, however, will listen to others with an open mind...then compare those teachings to what the Word says. That means comparing Scripture with Scripture to get the whole picture. That means studying and meditating and praying over difficult passages. That means a willingness to cast aside teachings, both new and old, that stray from the true spirit of the Bible. Fair warning: it's not noble because it's easy.

A Present God

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: Galatians 1:4

I'm glad that God is concerned with me and my situation RIGHT NOW. God knows what I'm dealing with in the present...and He wants to do something about it. True, He might have a plan that involves my waiting some of this mess out, but He DOES have a plan...and it ultimately involves delivering me from the present evil that assaults me. Friend, God cares about you in the present. He didn't save you and leave you on your own. And He didn't simply say, "Hold on, I'll be there later." God is with you right now. He knows your problems right now. And He is working in your life RIGHT NOW! Our God is a God for TODAY!

Full of Praise

Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with they honour all the day. Psalm 71:8

How often do we verbally praise God? I don't mean a ritualistic, unmeant, habitual prayer rattled off in 20 seconds before a meal or an idiomatic "Praise the Lord" when some minor crisis like having to talk to the crazy cat lady neighor is avoided. I mean how often do we genuinely thank, laud or give credit to God out loud...or at all? I'm afraid if we took a moment to think about it, we actually WOULD have to think about it just to think of the last time it happened. Which is very sad. God is so undeniably and unmeasurably good to us, yet we almost never take the effort to even mention it. Shame on us. We shouldn't be able to praise Him enough! Maybe we need to pray this psalmists prayer every day.

The Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

The Word of God is of vital importance to any faith in Him. It's amazing how many people claim to be Christians, say they believe in God, and are followers of His...yet they don't believe the Bible is God's inspired, dependable Word. We MUST have a reliable, undeniable foundation for our faith. Otherwise, where do we get our knowledge about God? How can I say I believe that God is love without the Bible to tell me so? I can't! It's ridiculously arrogant to claim faith in God without faith in His Word as authority...because we then make OURSELVES the authority on God. And if God is defined by me, am I not then, for all intents and purposes, God myself? No, it simply doesn't work. The Word of God and the person of God are indivisible. Stand firmly upon your faith in the Word. It matters!

Don't Err

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. Matthew 22:29

We really don't know too much about the group Jesus was addressing here--the Sadducees. The sect disappeared not long after Christ's ministry, and their entire existance was probably less than 300 years (not a lengthy history, in the broad scheme of things.) What we do know (from the Bible and the writings of Josephus) indicates that they denied all but the five books of Moses and seemed to take a rather deistic stance on God, believing that He had little interest or interaction with man after creating him. And, as Jesus told them here, they were way off. We make a grave error being ignorant--be it through denial or simple lack of interest--about God's Word. God is powerful and active in the lives of men and women, and one of the ways He shows that is through the Scripture. Why then, with God's power there in book form for us to tap into, would we set it aside and go on without it? Ridiculous and unexcusable! Friend, let's not be like the Sadducees, ignoring the Word or denying the power and involvement of God with man. Immerse yourself in the Scripture...and the more you do, the more you'll see God's power actively working in your life.

Watch Out For Woe

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:21

It's funny how it's always just about the time we think we know something that we realize we've got it all backwards. It's so easy for us as human beings to think we've got a handle on things. We want to be right; we want to have the answers. But when we get to the place where we feel like we've got it figured out, we're setting ourselves up for a long, hard fall. I'm not saying to live in doubt and always be second guessing yourself--there's something to be said for confidence and conviction. But there's a fine line between confidence and pride. Be humble. Realize that your wisdom is beyond limited, no matter who you are or how long you've been at this thing. Be willing to accept--and even seek--advice from others. And be exremely cautious about relying on your own wisdom. "Woe" is not a place you want to go.

Finding Hope

I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Psalm 130:5

God has given us a source of hope and peace in His Word. But I wonder how often we tap into that source...and how often we set it aside. It isn't doing you any good on your desk, in a drawer, under a stack of magazines, packed away, or in your trunk! We NEED hope, and we NEED the Word. If you're feeling sans hope, there's a better than even chance you're not spending time with God. Pull out your Bible and things will assuredly start feeling less hopeless.

Melded Together

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3

Something amazing happens when we trust Christ. A transformation. A rebirth. A melding. That word "hid" in this verse means to conceal something by covering it. When God saved you, He permanently covered and melded your life with Christ so that now you are hidden in Him and He in you. It's like two drops of water running down a window that encounter one another along the way...and suddenly they both disappear into each other leaving one drop. Your life and your fate is forever tied to Christ's. That's why it's so important that He died and rose again--because He experienced then conquered death, you can as well. Victories and defeats, joys and trials you now share with Him. And He shares them with you. You're never, ever alone because Christ's life is fused with yours.

Out Of The Ashes

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Psalm 103:4

God thrives on making things new. Redeeming. Healing. And no matter how far gone a person or situation may get, it's not too far for Him to swoop in and transform it. Even from the very ashes of destruction He can move, can resuscitate, can renew. It is never too late. None of us can do too much or go too far as to be beyond the reach of His love, mercy, and redemptive power. And nothing can come into our lives from which our wonderful God cannot and will not lift us.

Oh...And Don't Forget

I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the LORD thy maker,...? Isaiah 51:12-13a

People and circumstances in life can cause us fear and distress, there's no denying that. But if we stay there, in that place of fear, it's by our own choice. God wants to bring peace and comfort. He doesn't want us living our lives stressed out over the people and problems we have to deal with. And when we do, it is because we are forgetting who God is. Don't you think that offends Him? Don't you think it frustrates Him to no end when His children--for whom He is willing and able to work miracles--forget all about Him and focus on things that, to Him, are no more than gnats to be swatted away? I wonder how often we insult God like this. Let's try to remember Him when things go against us, and take advantage of the comfort He wants to give us.

Move On

And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab.... 2 Samuel 11:1

At the end of chapter 10 we see David devastating the Syrian armies and winning a great victory. Now we're about to see him make the biggest mistake of his life and create a mess that would follow him for the rest of his days. What took David from point A to point B? The answer is: nothing. Literally. As in, he SHOULD have been doing SOMEthing, but he wasn't. You see, David was riding the coattails of his last victory when he should have been out pursuing another...and he screwed up. We cannot get by on last year's victories. Yesterday's successes don't guarantee tomorrow's. Friend, don't get caught sitting back and resting on your laurels, trying to get by on what you did in the past; get out and win something new TODAY! If you're still alive, you still have something to do. And if you're not doing it, you're probably, like David did, setting yourself up for a major failure.

My Defence, My Refuge

But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. Psalm 94:22

Ever feel like everyone and everything is aligned against you? Like there's nowhere to turn that won't pinball you right back into the roiling mass of anti-youness that is the world? I think pretty much everyone gets there at some point--or several points--in their life. The good news is, there IS a place you can go for shelter against it all. In God we have both an unmoving place to hide and a defender to aggressively take our side. He's an attorney Who cannot lose, a fortress which cannot fall. And He's always conveniently located right by your side. How great is our God!

Benefit Of The Doubt

But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? Matthew 26:8

A woman has annointed the Lord with an expensive box of ointment. At this point, the story is often told "and Judas became indignant" because of John's account, which tells us that Judas spoke up. But note that Judas wasn't alone. Even if he was the only one who expressed his indignation (unlikely, though possible), at least some of the others shared his opinion. These were good men with good intentions. They wanted to do a good thing and thought they knew the best way to maximize that. But they were making a judgement that wasn't theirs to make. They condemned a woman who was also doing something good and had good intentions. We do the same thing. It's not that we're bad people trying to be critical or hateful or hypocritical--we probably have genuinely good intentions. I'm not saying we ought to excuse or condone sin, but it's not our place to judge one another's motives or methods. We don't know their heart or their intent. And we usually cannot predict the impact of their methods.

Not Wise

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:7

Newsflash: you don't have all the answers. You don't have it all figured out. You never will. But it's okay! You're not expected to know it all. You can make it through just fine without all the answers...as long as your depending on Someone who does. The catch is, you have to realize just how wise you're not before you can lean on Him. We have to get to the point where we can look in the mirror and say, "I don't have the answers, and I can't find them on my own; but it's okay, but I have a Friend who does." We must first acknowledge our own INadequacy; then we can see first-hand the magnificence of His complete and total adequacy.

The Conversation

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Timothy 4:13

There's a process here for Biblical growth and comprehension: study, talk, understanding. Alot of people want to skip the second step. Spiritual comprehension is as much about conversation as anything. Our combined knowledge and understanding is too limited to grasp spiritual truths; what would make us think that independantly we can get it? Don't mistake me, study is important. But after study, we need to hash it out with someone else. We need other perspectives. We need to pick others' brains. We need help. We need to talk it out. That won't get us all the way...but it'll get us a little further along. Get in the conversation.

"Fuhgeddaboudit"

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. Proverbs 10:12

Tomorrow night (tonight, for you morning readers) is my ten-year high school reunion. On the one hand, it doesn't seem real that I've been out of high school for over a decade now; and on the other, it seems like forever ago, and pulling out memories takes more effort than I'd expected. For some people, though, those memories are still very close to the surface. And for many of those, they are memories of hurts that are still there like fresh wounds. Now, I well know that teenagers can be a cruel, harsh lot; but if ten, fifteen, twenty years later you're still carrying around the hurts from high school...you need to let that go. We're called to be a people of love, and love looses the old offences. Let's not be the sort of persons who revels in dredging up past conflicts and fans the old pains into infernos of hatered and bitterness--that will hurt you far more than your antagonist. Let's be the ones who say, "Ya know what, forget about it," throws dirt on it, and moves on with life a happier and healthier person.

Getting It Straight

Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? John 21:23

It's amazing what people can come up with when they don't "rightly divide the Word", isn't it? I think we sometimes feel like misunderstanding God's Word is something new. It isn't. That's where the Pharisees went wrong--not in not believing God's Word, but in misconstruing it. The disciples did the same here. They heard what Christ said, believed it...and took it one step too far. Two lessons to take from this:
1) Don't be afraid to be wrong. Study the Word, try to understand it. Don't be afraid of it! You think it's too deep for you? Oh, it is, I guarantee it. But that's ok! You're in good company--it was too deep for the people who WROTE it! Don't let a lack of confidence keep you from growing. Be brave. Read, study, meditate.
2) Ready yourself to realize you had it wrong. Part of rightly dividing the Word of God is being willing to admit you didn't get it right the first time. And sometimes that so-and-so did, too. Remember, these men who totally messed up what Jesus said (and spread that mistake to everyone they taught) were men who were later used to pen various parts of Scripture. No one has a corner on understanding it all, not even you or I. So while you're being confident enough to try...be humble enough to be flexible.

His Reach

Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Jeremiah 32:17

Life is hard. For most of us, not everything comes easily. Most things don't. And sometimes it is overwhelming. It's simply too hard for us. And some things, no matter how powerful we may become or how hard we try, are just out of our reach. But we're not here alone. We have a God Who promised to never leave us or forsake us, and for Him, nothing is too hard and nothing is out of His arm's reach. Your problems aren't too big for Him. Your trials aren't too overwhelming for Him. What you need and want isn't beyond His grasp. So when you feel like things are getting out of control and life is too hard, take a moment to look at the sky or the ocean...and know that the God Who created them is even bigger and more powerful than they are, and He's on YOUR side.

Stand Still

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. Exodus 14:13

It's amazing to me how often we say we're waiting for God to guide us...as we make moves. Where's the waiting? Have we gotten so used to moving that we don't even know what standing still and waiting MEANS anymore? Maybe. Learn it, friends! Learn what it is to wait on God; to be still. It means STOP. Stay where you are, be quiet, and wait. It's that thing you do in lines...yeah, I know you're familiar with those. Remember what happens when you're in line and you move? You lose your space. Depending on the situation, you can really mess things up. When you're in line for something, you stay put. When you're waiting for direction from God...STAY PUT! Imagine, if you will, the Israelites deciding to run when Pharaoh was closing in. The possible outcomes are:
1) they run directly into the army and are either killed or re-enslaved;
2) they run into the Red Sea and are drowned;
3) they run North or South along the sea and miss the opening God creates for them where they had just been.
Have you considered that third option? If they had decided to keep moving until God opened a way, they very well could have actually MISSED the opening! Do you need God to open a way for you? Stay still! Don't bounce around blindly saying, "Which way, Lord?" You're likely to look back and realize He sent the opportunity to you at your old address.

Let God Out!

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

There's too much of us in our faith. Too often we try to define God by our religion instead of the other way around. We don't get to define God! And we don't get to put Him in a box, tailor made to suit our ideas, desires and philosophies. God is the point; not us. Until we learn that, we're in this tug of war, trying to pull Him to where we want Him to be. That's what was wrong with the Pharisees: they tried to define God in their terms. They disbelieved Christ, not because they were insincere or didn't believe the Scriptures, but because they SINCERELY believed WRONGLY. They had their own ideas, passed down through generations of rabbis, as to what the Scriptures taught and meant...and Jesus and His teachings didn't fit what they thought the Messiah would be. They were trying to fit God into a box. Their faith was "me-centric". We need to stop trying to hem God in. He's big. Cut back on self some, and you'll be able see that.

For The Defense

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1

Have you ever gotten yourself into a mess or an awkward situation, looked to the person with you (be they family, friend, co-worker, whatever) for support or backing, and gotten in response: "Hey, don't look at me; you're on your own with this one!"? It's great to know that, when we sin (and we will), we're not on our own. Christ doesn't look from the Father to us, back to the Father, back to us and say, "Don't look at me!" When we mess up, He's the first One there to defend us, to plead our case, and to support us. And what makes that even better is the fact that He has the clout to back it up--He's righteous! He is sinless and He is an equal part of the Godhead. What He says matters. It has weight. It's effectual. And all of that weight and clout Christ uses to defend US! We ought to strive not to sin. But when you do, don't beat yourself up--Jesus Himself has your back!

Under The Knife

And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. Genesis 22:10

Over and over in the scriptures we see God bring His children right to the brink of disaster before He intervenes. The Israelites trapped against the Red Sea, Daniel being cast into the den of lions, Shadrach & Co. being tossed into the fiery furnace, and the disciples (twice) buffeted by stormy seas all spring immediately to mind. But I think this may be the prime example: Abraham, his only son--his promised, miracle child--bound to the altar, knife at the boy's throat...and God steps in. The merest moment from the end, God finally provides an escape. You know, life can get ugly. Sometimes we see things hanging over us, held by the slightest thread, ready to crush us at any moment. We can feel the very prick of the knife at our throats. Sometimes God lets us sweat it out until the very last moment, not out of cruelty, but out of compassion. He wants us to see that He's still able, still in control, still aware of where we are and what's going on with us, every moment. And He wants us to know that no trap, no attack, no storm, no threat of any kind can keep Him from working on our behalf. Even when the knife is raised, it's not too late for Him...and He'll show up right on time.

In Him

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3

We seek answers in all the wrong places. We have direct access to the omniscient Creator of all, yet how often do we ask why? Some questions won't be answered in this life. Not saying they will. But all the answers we can hope to find about life can be found in Christ. Friends, let's stop searching everywhere except the real source of wisdom and knowledge and understanding, and make Him our first stop for answers instead of our last.

Predestined To Greatness

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

There's an incredible amount of confusion surrounding this verse. Just a thought: if Satan deems a verse important enough to cast this much doubt and controversy on a particular verse, it might be something special. And I believe it is. Two words are at the center of the debate--"foreknow" and "predestinate". The funny thing is we try to get too deep sometimes and miss the whole point. What does it mean to foreknow something or someone? Well, it means to know in advance. Who did God know in advance? Everyone! God knew each and every person who's ever been born on this earth before they were a proverbial twinkle in their father's eye. EVERY single one of us! So, then, this verse tells us that God predestinated every person ever born to be conformed to the image of Christ.

What about "predestinate"? The word used here means to purpose or ordain in advance. God ordained all mankind to be made like Christ--His plan is for ALL of us to be regenerated. Here's the catch: He also gave us the ability to choose to reject that. God did not choose in advance certain people who could be saved and others who cannot! He loved all. He died for all. He calls all. As a matter of fact, He's already forgiven all! But hell will be full of loved, called, forgiven people. People who God WILLED to be saved. People who's pre-intended destiny in God's mind was to be made like Him. They, for all intents and purposes, abdicated their royal destiny.

This is the amazing point all this makes, though: God knew who you were before you were ever born. He knew everything about you. And He determined then that you were worth giving His Son for; worthy of being conformed to the image of Christ; worthy to be made a son/daughter, a brother/sister, an equal heir to all He had. You were born to this incredible, wonderful, amazing destiny. I trust that you've accepted the adoption. But are you fully living up to your destiny?

Mystery

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 1 Timothy 3:9

There's something very special about not having to understand everything, don't you think? People get hung up so easily on things too deep for their comprehension. The simple truth is, God's ways are higher than ours. We don't understand them sometimes. And that's ok! Because of that, our faith can always maintain a sense of mystery, there's always room for growth, there's always more to learn. To adopt the biblical analogy of the church as Christ's bride, it keeps the romance in our relationship with Him. Don't be frustrated when you feel lost in the depth of God's being and ways; embrace the mystery!

Be A Seer

Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city. Lamentations 3:51

Jeremiah looked at his city--the need, the desolation, the devastation--and was moved by what he saw. Jesus, looking at the multitude and their need, was "moved with compassion." Sometimes I think we, as Christians, walk around with our head down. How can our hearts ever be stirred if our eyes never see the need? And how can we see the need when all we're looking at is ourselves, our little circle, our "movements"? Lift your head! Open your eyes! Expand your line of sight! Christianity needs more believers who will open their eyes to the hurt and need around them, open their ears to the cries for help and hope...and let their hearts be affected.

But Also All

Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Romans 16:4

Priscilla and Aquila probably never even went to most of the cities Paul's referring to here. Yet they send their thanks to them. See, this couple helped Paul continue his ministry when it could very well have ended...and, as a result, he was able to establish and build churches that changed thousands of lives. Priscilla and Aquila most likely had no idea that these people knew who they were. They had no clue when they helped Paul that their efforts would be talked about around the known world in their time...and then across the globe 2,000 years later. Yet here are people who never met them thanking them. We never know how far-reaching our actions can be. We don't know who that person we helped is going to help because of our gesture. And who THAT person will help, and on down the line. And there's no way we can foretell when a seemingly simple decision could be the one that is talked about far and wide for years to come. So make them count every time. Maybe you'll be the one people will never meet, yet be thankful for and towards anyway.

Second Time's The Charm

And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us. Joshua 2:24

I'm kind of surprised Joshua sent spies into the land. Think about it: he, better than anyone, knew what happened the last time they did that. He was one of them, after all. Maybe that's why he only sent two...since only two got it right forty years prior. He probably wasn't very keen on waiting another forty years to enter. So he selected only two men, sent them in, and they brought back this report so very opposite from what his fellows had done four decades earlier. What had changed? Had the situation in Canaan changed? No, I doubt all the strong, valiant, warrior tribes had moved out in one generation. The task was just as daunting as it had been for their fathers. Had God changed? No, He was the same Yaweh who had delivered them from Pharaoh, guided them through the wilderness, and provided all along the way...and then taken care of them for the next forty years, too. He was just as powerful before as He was now. Yet these two men came back with a completely different spiel. The difference was that they looked for the possible, not the impossible. They realized what could be and recognized that their Lord was a God of "can", not of "cannot".

Circumstances in life are often daunting and intimidating. We run into walls that are too high to climb, too thick to breach, too wide to go around. But look a little harder--God just may have already delivered it into your hands. You just have to keep pressing along, and those walls will crumble before you.

Shooting Stars

I saw something last night I'd never seen before. Sitting outside, staring blankly into the night, I saw a brief light streak through the sky: a falling star. It was totally random and only lasted a second, maybe two. I wasn't looking for it...wasn't looking for anything. And I was reminded that almost nothing lasts forever. No matter how big or small, important or unimportant, thrilling or devastating, all this is merely a blip on the screen of eternity. "Heaven and earth shall pass away." Or as ancient proverbs say, "This, too, shall pass." Good or bad, it's good for us to remember that things and events are fleeting. Only God, people, and love last forever...otherwise, be ready to let it all go in an instant.

Held Back

...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1b

Have you ever walked around with some form of weight? Maybe it was a heavy backpack or purse or maybe training weights strapped to your wrists or ankles or maybe heavy boots or clothing. Alot of things could fall into that category, but the point is, any weight that you carry long enough becomes the norm. You forget you're carrying it...and you don't even realize anymore how much it's slowing you down and tiring you. In our Christian walk we encounter many things that can hinder us. There are sins that berate us and try to knock us off track, get us distracted and lost; and there are weights that slow us down and wear us out. Weights may not even be sins, in and of themselves. They might just be things that are holding us back from reaching our full potential. I challenge you, though, to examine your life honestly for both weights and sins that are hindering your running. And when you identify them, i challenge you to lay them aside. This is, I warn you, a process--you'll have to remind yourself every day to set it aside; and sometimes you'll fail. But when you realize you've picked it back up, don't keep carrying it. Lay it back down! I guarantee that if you lay some sins and weights aside, you'll notice the difference in your life.

No More A Servant

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:7

Most people have the wrong view of Christianity. Many view Christianity as servanthood to God. Christ didn't come to enslave us, but to set us free! We were redeemed, our freedom purchased by blood, and we've been made equal heirs with Christ Himself. Christ came to give us a promotion! It's not wrong to have a servant's heart--to be humble and wanting to help others and put others first. Christians ought to live by that philosophy. But we need to stop thinking of ourselves as servants and realize that we are sons and daughters. A servant's heart is one thing; a servant's mindset is another. We are known and loved and cherished and important and valued by God, because we are no longer His servants, but His children. We are royalty!

The House

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Psalm 122:1

Some of you have picked up on the fact that calling a church building "the house of God" is a pet peeve of mine. As Paul demanded, "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?" This is a serious matter. In the time of the Old Testament God's presence came to His people in the temple--God's House--and only there. But when Christ came that all changed. That's why He told the Samaritan woman at the well that "the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." We don't have to go anywhere to find God's presence now--He came to us! He's with US! The house of God IS us! This should revolutionize our lives in every way. David was glad when he went to the house of the Lord. How much more excited ought we be that the house of God has come to us?

Only Believe

And as soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. Mark 5:36

Fear and doubt plague our lives from beginning to end, yet the antidote is so simply given us here: only believe. Simple. Not easy. As a matter of fact, learning to just trust is a life-long process. This is a journey never completed in this life, but one we must embark on if we ever want relief from the doubt and the fear. It's a decision we must make often and one that never really becomes second nature or easy to make, this choice of faith over fear and belief over doubt. I cannot and will not tell you you will ever "arrive" and become a person of immense and unwavering faith; I can pretty much guarantee you will not. But I can tell you this: if you don't start down the road by choosing to trust Him for today's trial, you're that much further from that person. Faith is a choice. So is fear. Which will be yours?

Near Or Far

And came and preached peace to you which were far off, and to them that were nigh. Ephesians 2:17

There are a myriad of testimonies out there. There are people who came to Christ from lives of great sin and degredation, drug use, alcolholism, immorality, violence, hatred. And there are those who were raised in Christian homes and saved as children, who've never made the sort of choices that haunt others. People like to glory in the stories of the former...and many would rather build their churches on the latter. The reality, however, is that Christ brought the same good news for all of us. It took the same blood to redeem the "innocent" child as the aged drunk; just as much a miracle of grace to save the upstanding businessman as the maligned hooker. And He came to preach the same message of peace to each one of us, "far" from Him or "near". Your story isn't any less important or wonderful if you didn't have a lifetime of deep sin to be saved out of. You aren't any less a child of God if you rejected Him and His way for decades. The blood of Christ--His love, mercy, grace and peace flowing in it--is the ultimate equalizer.

Seeds Of Faith

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. Luke 17:6

The mustard seed has a variety of uses as a spice and a medicinal herb, but, as with any seed, it's primary purpose is reproduction. Here's the thing about seeds, though: if you don't plant them, they are utterly worthless. Here the disciples ask Christ to increase their faith, and Jesus brings out the analogy of the mustard seed--one of the tiniest of seeds that grows into one of the largest of garden plants. He tells them, in essence, "You don't need me to increase your faith--you already have it. You need to USE what you have, and it will GROW!" Sometimes what we need isn't for God to give us more of something (ie--faith, grace, patience, love, et al), but for us to actually employ what we do have. Faith and patience and love...these things increase with practice. They're like seeds or muscles. They can't grow until they've been used. We could all use more faith, so let's get to planting.

The Truth

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me. John 14:6

There's a growing school of thought that insists that truth is a fluid concept, that reality and truth are what we make them to be. Ridiculous. Truth is not subjective. Jesus said that He was "THE truth", singular--the only one. The problem comes in when we feel the need to explain and understand everything. A few thousand years ago people thought that lightning was the weapon of Zeus. Of course, we know that it is a natural release of atmospheric electricity. Lightning didn't suddenly change at some point from being the darts of the gods to a natural phenomenon. It is what it always has been. Our understanding of truth may change and is certainly subjective; but the truth itself is unchanging and definite. And some things are simply beyond our comprehension. We can't try to force truth through the filter of our experience--we filter our experiences through truth, realizing that the truth is infintely larger and more grandiose than our experiences and understanding ever will be.

Real Fleece Or Fake Fur?

Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. Judges 6:37

People throw the phrase "laying out a fleece" far too flippantly. We want to say, "I'm going to put out a fleece by asking God to do ______ if He wants me to ______," then fill in the first blank with something we expect to happen anyway and the second with something we want to do. We try to manipulate situations and make God's will into our will...then call it faith. God isn't a bureaucratic system that we can put to work for us. We don't get to work the system to tweak the outcome in our favor. That's not faith and it's not laying out a fleece for God. Gideon asked God to do the impossible, not the probable. If you want to see God work and want Him to really show you something, you have to stop playing the odds and trying to slant the results--you have to square your shoulders, clear your throat, and ask for the impossible.

Heaven Now

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:21

Hymnist John Peterson wrote:

O, what a wonderful, wonderful day--day I will never forget;
After I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.
O, what a tender compassionate friend--He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart.
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,
When at the cross the Savior made me whole;
My sins were washed away, and my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

Heaven came down. Why is it that we want to put heaven off? Heaven is already come to us! If you've been saved, heaven is with you RIGHT NOW! The Jews were looking for a Messiah Who would set up a kingdom, and Jesus said, "The kingdom is being installed within you now!" They were looking for a physical throne they could see, but His plan was something much better. We're already living forever, eternal life has already begun, and heaven has already sprung up within us. You don't have to wait for it...heaven came down! Enjoy it TODAY!

Pulled Aside

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, Numbers 3:14

It's funny how often in the Scriptures we see God pull someone aside to talk to them. Abraham on Mount Moriah, Moses at the burning bush, Moses on the mountain, Gideon when he was thrashing wheat, Elijah under the juniper tree, the disciples were called into "a desert place", Paul in Arabia, John on Patmos, and here, where He pulled an entire nation into the wilderness to commune with them. But the first time I could find where God spoke to someone He'd (directly or indirectly) pulled aside was Hagar. A lowly handmaid, dishonored, despised, and cast out. Alone. Hopeless. Lost. And God showed up to comfort her. God has various reasons for pulling us aside, and sometimes the process is painful and unpleasant--most of the listed examples occur in less than ideal circumstances. But it's when we are, for whatever reason, seperated from things that God can make Himself real to us in ways we're normally too distracted to notice. His still, small voice can be drowned in the whirlwind of our busy lives; so sometimes He pulls us aside. Maybe you're feeling alone and abandoned and seperated from everything; you feel like you're wandering aimlessly in some wilderness. Be quiet. Listen. God may have led you there so He could get some important message--of redemption, of hope, of love, of direction, of wisdom, of peace--through to you.

Largeness Of Heart

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. 1 Kings 4:29

There's a little phrase here that we often blow by without taking notice: largeness of heart. God gave Solomon the wisdom and understanding for which he asked, but He threw in something else. He threw in something that wisdom must have to stand upon. God gave Solomon a big heart--He made him a compassionate king. See, wisdom without compassion is empty. Solomon could have had all his great, vast understanding, but without compassion and a heart for people he would have simply been a very wise tyrant. Instead Solomon became a well-loved, world-renowned and respected leader. We seek wisdom...and we should. We need it. But I wonder if we also seek the compassion to properly use that wisdom? We ought to constantly strive to become big-hearted, caring people.

Together With

For we are labourers together with God: 1 Corinthians 3:9a

I have no idea how many times I've read this verse, but that's the great thing about the Bible--it's a living book that can show you something new everytime. I'd never really caught what this phrase is saying. We hear all the time that God wants to use us, to work through us, to work in us. But God wants more than that. God wants to work WITH us. God has great faith in you! He believes in you, is confident in you. God is involved with man and with His work in this world...but He also entrusts it to us. He wants us to have a part in His work, not as mere tools, but in the capacity of partners. God knows you, He loves you...and God TRUSTS you!

Learning To Fly

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

This afternoon I watched a bird teaching her baby to fly. The pair caught my attention when the little one plummeted, squawking, from a nearby tree onto my roof. The parental unit (mother or father, I don't know but will assume mother) had a bit of trouble here. Seems little guy was not pleased with the process, because he clung stubbornly to the edge of the gutter. After a good deal of pushing and pecking and yelling, his mother managed to force him off. Awkwardly, and more than a little frantically, he winged his way to the lower branches of another tree...until she chased him from there, too.

Now, judging by his vocalization and resistance, this was not a pleasant experience for the young bird. From my own experience, being in the air with nothing solid beneath one's feet is generally an uncomfortable feeling. It tends to inspire fear and uncertainty. But no bird can survive without learning to fly. Uncomfortable or frightening though it may be, it is undoubtedly a good thing for the bird.

Sometimes God has to treat us the way this mother bird treated her young one. He has to poke and prod and push us; sometimes right off the edge. It's not fun. It's not pleasant. It can be scary and briming with uncertainty. But it is ultimately good for us. We may not see that in the moment; but after those first frantic moments (days, weeks, years...), and after the initial awkward flapping of our unpracticed wings becomes normal and natural, we will be better for it.

Dig A Little Deeper

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Psalm 42:1

I heard someone singing an old spiritual earlier and got the tune stuck in my head. Now, I crossed the verses up (first part of verse one with second part of verse two), but it says:

Nearer to thee (Nearer to thee)
I long to be. (I long to be.)
I wanna dig a little deeper in the storehouse of His love, of His love.
Each passing hour (Each passing hour)
I want more power. (I want more power.)
I wanna dig a little deeper in the storehouse of His love, eternal love.

As I sung through these words in my head, the depth of their meaning struck me for the first time. That desire--that need--ought to be each of ours. A healthy believer hungers for God just as a healthy body hungers for food and water. He is our source of strength and nourishment. If we don't have that craving to be closer to Him, to know Him better, to burrow deeper into His love and power, it's a sign that something isn't right with our spiritual health. Somehow we've gotten out of whack. Coincidentally, the way to fix that is too seek Him out; and as we make our way back to Him, our appetite and desire to be with and like Him will grow. How big of a driving force in your life is knowing God? How intense is your desire for Him?

Unspeakable

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15

We sing about the goodness and greatness of God. We praise Him. We talk for hours and write volumes about what God has done for us. And we ought. We should speak forth His praises all the time. It's important. It's healthy. It's edifying and encouraging to those around us. But at some point we run out of words. God has simply done too much for us to explain or vocalize. It is impossible to completely put into words the greatness of His gift to us. Our languages can barely begin to tell it. So in our thanking and praising and glorifying God, it is ok to, at some point smile, shrug and say thanks. He understands.

Daddy's Shoes

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; Ephesians 5:1

How many kids climb into their parents' shoes and stumble around the house? How many young children adopt their father's mannerisms, their mother's axioms? We learn by imitation, and early in life, the ones we imitate most are our parents. This is the analogy Paul is drawing. We're to be like little children with God. We ought to be striving every day, in every way, to be like Him. We ought to be watching him intently, trying to pick up His mannerisms, His language, His walk, His attitude. I wonder if I'm trying on God's too-big shoes as much as I should be? Yes, they'll be more than I can handle, and I know I'll stumble and stagger and maybe fall...but I'll also be increasing my spiritual coordination and strength in the process. And in copying His adages I'm sure I'll mess some of them up; but I'll certainly absorb some of His wisdom along the way. This is what it is to be a follower of God. It means imitating Someone bigger and stronger and wiser than I...and becoming just a little more like Him in the process.

Get Serious

...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b

I hate ritualistic, habitual prayer recitations. Prayers before meals, public prayers of any sort, any type of "regularly scheduled" prayer...I am, at best, leery of these. Prayer is an amazing, important, invaluable thing; yet how often do we turn it into an empty recitation? Think about it the next time you go to pray for your meal: are you even really aware of what you're saying, or are you merely repeating the same mantra you did before your last meal...your last dozen meals? Are you genuinely expressing thanks for the blessing of food, or just saying words because you think it is expected of you? God doesn't want a memorized, rehearsed spiel. He wants to hear your heart--the good, the bad, the ugly. He knows it anyway, so you may as well bare it. The word "effectual" here is energeho, which means to be active, to be mighty in. It means to be energetic. God wants us to be zealous and energetic and determined in prayer. He wants to know we really mean it, we really want it, we really expect it...and we're not going to stop until we see something happen. Is that how you pray? You want to see something happen in your prayer life, maybe you need to infuse a little energy into it.

Salvation Today

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

How often do we think of salvation as something that comes into effect when we die? It's about Heaven and Hell, right? Well, yes. And no. It is about that, but it's about so much more. Our problems don't start when we die, do they? So why would our salvation? We have a NOW salvation. We have a NOW God. When we get saved, eternal life begins immediately. Look at the verbs here: "hath"; "is". Present tense. Christ doesn't wait to save us, and salvation doesn't wait to kick in. Salvation is organic and living and RIGHT NOW. We need it's help and healing and life, and we need it today...and it's here. Today. Start enjoying your salvation and your eternal life today--they are already activated!

Will Ye Also?

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? John 6:67

Following God isn't always easy. As a matter of fact, it rarely is. We have people who don't understand us coming from every direction--including other believers. And sometimes the lessons God has for us are just hard to grasp. That's what happened here. Jesus' teachings didn't make sense to the Jews, didn't seem to line up with how they thought God worked; and many of them stopped following because they didn't understand. They quit. Then Jesus asked His twelve closest disciples a question He had recorded for us, too: Will ye also go away? So what of it? When it gets difficult, when the world doesn't get your stand, when other believers don't like how you do things, when the truths of the Word seem to clash with how you've always been taught...what will you do then? Will you stick it out and cling to Him? Or will ye also go away?

In The Morning

But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. Psalm 88:13

I have called out to God in the dark and felt my pleas getting lost in the night. I have sent prayers into the void fearing that it was, indeed, a void. I have poured out my heart and wondered if there was any point. I have lain in the night and felt like the darkness around me was light in comparison with that within. I have been lost, confused, hurt, scared. But pleas are not lost in the night, prayers do not merely drift away into a void, and there is substance to spilling my guts to God. No matter how lost, confused, hurt and scared I may be tonight, God has a morning coming in my life. And my prayers are heard.

The Hinge Of The Gospel

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:37-40

I don't usually use so many verses for one of these, but it's really not a terribly long passage...when you consider Christ just said He'd summarized the entirety of God's commandments. Yes, He says that all the law, all the prophets--in short, the entire Word of God as it was known at that time--hinged on two statements and one principle. Love. we hear it alot. We use it alot. Mostly it's misused anymore, adopted as a nice way to mask lust, bandied about to excuse any number of things. But love is a very big, very important thing that simply cannot be over-emphasized in Christianity or in our personal lives.

A Muslim man (in Yemen, I believe) recently told a missionary he'd been talking with, "I never knew until I met you that there were any Christians who actually loved God." How sad a statement is that? When I heard that, I kind've felt like I'd been punched in the solar plexus. It ought to make us all feel a little sick. I wonder how many of our friends, neighbors and co-workers think the same? Oh, you'd be surprised. The Gospel hinges on love just as the law did. Based on our love, I wonder how much leverage it has.

Put On Pause

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Life is a ratrace and getting worse by the day. Fast isn't fast enough. We've gotta run, run, run to get everything done, yet still feel like we've accomplished nothing. There's a constant increase in pressure to do more in less time. And the pressure flows over into our Christian lives as well. Every aspect of our lives is affected by the stress and pressures we're put under. But sometimes God says, "Just wait." The one thing we're more and more programmed not to do is the thing that God demands. We need answers and results, and we need them RIGHT NOW...and God says, "Wait." We don't understand it, and we certainly don't like it; but God whispers to simply be patient and wait on Him. And it's in these times of waiting, which we hate so much and which frustrate us so badly, that God can start the healing and rejuvinating process in us. He knows how much we can handle, and He'll never put too much on us. Sometimes, though, we put too much on OURSELVES, and He has to intervene and hit pause. When you're stuck, when you find yourself drumming your fingers impatiently and demanding answers and solutions asap, realize that God knows what He's doing...and just wait. You probably need the rest anyway.

A God-Sized Thirst

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:2

There are some longings that can only be filled by God. We're just designed that way. We NEED God in every aspect of life. Our spirits crave a relationship with Him, whether we admit it to ourselves or not. And no matter what sort of substitute we try to plug that hole with, we'll never be happy until we acknowledge our need for Him. Friend, you need God. You need Him because by Him you live and breathe and have your being, but also because your spirit and soul cry and thirst and long for a personal relationship with Him. Acknowledge and accept the thirst...then you can start to get somewhere.

A Good Word

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Proverbs 12:25

We face so many things every day that can get us down. People carry around innumerable burdens, silently suffering beneath the crushing weight of problems no one else knows about. Our spirits are stooped under loads too heavy for us to bear sometimes. And we simply never know what the people around us are going through. The truth of the matter is, we can't always share each other's burdens. Many times we are unaware of them; and some things just have to be carried alone. But we can make a difference. It's so easy to make someone's day brighter, their burden seem just a little lighter. It only takes a word of encouragement or a kind gesture. Just to let someone know you're thinking of or praying for them or letting them know how they've blessed and inspired you can make a world of difference. No, you may not be able to fix problems for those around you; but you can certainly help give them the strength and will to bear it more easily.

Nothing New

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 2 Peter 3:5

People think the theory of evolution is somehow new. Far from it. This verse, written almost 2,000 years ago, refers to the refusal to accept God as Creator as current. People have been seeking alternative theories for millenia! The same goes for just about any crazy idea emanating from scholastic, political and religious think tanks. Solomon guaranteed us that there's nothing new under the sun. Yet so many Christians--including the ones in our pulpits--have this defeated attitude. They look around at the same things that have been going on for generations and get overwhelmed. This, too, is not new. Over and over throughout history the church has been convinced they were going to be the last generation. And one day they'll be right. But there's no reason for us to give up, throw in the towel and wait for Christ's return. Too many are turning the rapture into an escape plan. Defeatism and escapism have no place in Christianity! Man up! Yes, it's ugly in the world. But it always has been. We're not here to be overwhelmed by the dark--we're here to provide light.

Valued

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

How wonderful to know that God not only knows who I am, but He CARES. I am important and valuable to God Himself, and so are you! He knows where you are. He keeps up with you every moment of every day. He knows when you've had a bad day, when something wonderful has happened, when you're angry, sad or glad. And what's even better is, those events and emotions mean something to Him because YOU mean something to Him. How awe-inspiring is that? The Master and Creator of the Universe knows who you are...and considers you valuable and important!

Content, Not Satisfied

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

This verse is telling us we should be satisfied with our lives, right? No. Absolutely not. There's a difference between being content and being satisfied. Satisfaction is being completely happy with your situation--wanting nothing else, even if you could have it. Contentment is being at peace with your situation--willing to be happy where you are, but not necessarily wanting nothing more. Think of it this way: you've just eaten a great meal at a friend's house, and they offer you a second helping of dessert. Now, if you are fully satisfied, you will graciously decline--you couldn't hold anymore, thanks. If, however, you're content, you might accept--you'd be perfectly happy without it...but there's room for more, so why not? We ought to be content. But we ought be very careful not to be satisfied too soon in our lives. Strive to be a better person, to be a more influential witness, to be a more mature Christian. Take care of yourself and strive for a healthier body. And, with the right focus, it's okay to try to further yourself financially as well. But if your situation is destined to remain the same, be okay with that, too--be God-centered and content anyway.

Not Away

He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. Exodus 13:22

God's presence was with Israel throughout their wanderings in this pillar of fire and cloud, and He stayed right there with them for the entire journey. Do you realize what that means? That means He was with them when they complained about hunger, when they complained about thirst, when they spurned the manna and the quail. He was right there with them when they built the Golden Calf to worship in His stead. He was hurt and angered...but He never left them. God is faithful. He will never, ever leave us. You can turn your back on Him, reject Him, curse Him; but God will never turn His back on you.

Questioning

How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? Psalm 13:1

The Psalms are rife with passages like this. So are our lives. If you've never felt abandoned or forsaken by God, just wait--it's coming. That's not to say He will ever leave you alone; but it'll sure feel like it sometimes. And when it does you'll want to question Him. You'll want to scream out to the heavens for answers. When that impulse hits you, here's what you should do: go for it! Question God. Demand answers. See, questioning, by it's nature, assumes two things. First, that you are not God and don't have all the answers. Second, that there is a God Who does have all the answers and cares enough to be involved, to listen, and to answer. That's humility and faith.

History is full of great men of faith who questioned and even argued with God--Abraham, Moses, David, and Peter, just to name a few. God wants to interact with you. He wants to hear about your fears, your doubts, your hurts. He wants to assuage, calm, and soothe them. But first you have to take them to Him.

Deserve vs. Right

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we my be also glorified together. Romans 8:17

There's an important distinction I want you to grasp here. If you're not totally insane you've felt unworthy to be saved, to claim God's promises, to even speak His name. The primary reason we feel this way is that we ARE unworthy. We don't deserve to be called the children of God, to claim His promises, or to call on Him. But don't confuse not deserving something with not having a right to it. Just because we don't DESERVE to talk to the most high, holy, almighty God of the universe does not mean we don't have a RIGHT to...because we do! You have every right to speak to Him, to walk boldly up to Him and ask Him for whatever you need, beg His forgiveness, tell Him how great He is, or just tell Him about your day. You have every right to claim the promises found in His Word. You have every right to claim His name and kinship with Him. You have this right because Christ brought you into the family, processed your adoption, and made you an heir to His own inheritance. The day you accepted Christ as your Savior, you irrevocably became a full heir to God Himself with every right of a child. No, you don't deserve any of it; but, thanks to Christ, you now have a RIGHT to it anyway!

Lessons From Loss

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: James 1:9-10a

The first part of this is pretty easy to grasp: when things go well, and you are being blessed and prospering, rejoice. But the second half--the half telling us that we should rejoice when we're taken down a notch, and things are all going against us--well, that's a little harder to swallow. I can't claim to have this figured out, much less have mastered the art of rejoicing in defeat, but I think maybe we can take a lesson from our losses. And I don't merely mean in the sense of learning from your failures, coming back stronger, "try, try again" and all that mess. I mean maybe we have to be knocked down from time to time so that we can see how little much of the things we value so highly actually mean. After all, our lives are, (big picture here) in and of themselves, small specks on the timeline of forever, fleeting images in the visual cacophony of human history. How much less, then, are the temporary things, the little glimpses of fame and fortune, that we can grasp momentarily and lose in an instant? I guess what I'm saying is, maybe we can take joy in our losses because then we can see what really matters--only in loss can we understand value.

Hope In Thine End

And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border. Jeremiah 31:17

Your story is not over. No matter how desperate or hopeless your situation may seem, no matter the cause of your circumstances, there is still hope. God doesn't want us living without hope. Remember, faith is the substance of things hoped for. We cannot be living by faith without hope! Oh, I'm not telling you you'll never struggle with hopelessness and wanting to give up. On the contrary, I guarantee you will. That's why we got this reminder...and one from the mouth of God Himself. There is hope, Christian. Forget whether or not you can see it; your vision isn't very good anyway. The One who sees your future like it's the present says our end holds hope. Cling to that.

He's Looking For You

And the LORD God called unto Adam and said unto him, Where art thou? Genesis 3:9

Adam had sinned. He had introduced sin to the world, to the entire human race, by disobeying the one command God had given him. Do you think God didn't know that? Of course He did. God knew what Adam had done, the gravity of it, what it would cost Him...yet here He is in the garden seeking Adam out. Adam had just necessitated the death of Christ, yet He still wanted to meet with him, talk with him. Friend, God wants fellowship with you. He know exactly what you are, what you've done, what you're capable of...and He loves you and longs for you anyway. And He will search for you and call out to you until He has that fellowship. How can we hide from such love?

Not To Condemn

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17

Have you ever met someone who was totally turned off to church, God, religion, spiritual things because all or most of the Christians they'd met were so condemning? If you haven't...well, you haven't met many people. We, as Christians, need to remember what the entire purpose of our namesake is: salvation. There are so many so-called Christians adopting a ministry of condemnation that it's amazing anyone wants anything to do with our churches. Consider this: in His earthly ministry, Jesus reserved His condemnation for the religious crowd...and their condemning, condescending ways. Folks, the world doesn't need us to condemn--that they already have. What the world needs--what Jesus came and died to bring--is hope. That is our message. Christ's message is the Gospel--the GOOD news. Maybe we could become a force for good in this world if we remembered that.