FRUIT

“I am the vine; you are the branches.
If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit…”
(John 15:5) 

On my day off this week, I picked up my two grandsons, Caleb & Ethan, and went over to my parents’ house (their great-grandparents) to pick oranges off their orange tree.  It’s always fun to watch young children pick fruit and vegetables in a natural setting rather than just buying food at a grocery store.

It brought back many memories.  First, I remembered picking blackberries with my own children every summer in Washington.  They grew everywhere.  And sometimes before dinner, my wife would send our kids out to the backyard to pick some tomatoes for a salad, or some strawberries for dessert.  Then, I remembered back even further to my own childhood when I picked apricots, pears, grapes, and figs in my own backyard.

But it also reminded me that, as Christians, we are to grow and produce fruit ourselves.  Jesus is the tree (or vine) and we are the branches on which fruit grows.  The amazing thing is that it doesn’t take much work on the part of a branch to grow fruit.  The branches just have to remain on the tree.  Of course, some sunshine and rain are helpful, too.  As a Christian, I don’t work at growing fruit.  I simply stay connected to Christ, add a little sunshine from God’s Word, and water it with some prayer.  Then, the Holy Spirit does the rest!  He produces the fruit.

Are you growing some fruit – love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, etc.?  Are others able to pick some fruit off the branches of your life?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Holy Spirit’s work in my life.
As I rub shoulders with others,
may they see in me the fruit of Christ-like character.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

GOD’S LOVE LANGUAGE

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
(Deuteronomy 6:5)

A few years ago, Gary Chapman wrote a book entitled, The Five Love Languages.  If you have never read it, I recommend it.  It’s about how to build a healthy and loving relationship with your spouse by keeping their “emotional love tank” full.  Chapman writes, “I am convinced that keeping the emotional love tank full is as important to a marriage as maintaining the proper oil level is to an automobile.” When our emotional tank is empty, we feel used rather than loved and life seems dark and dreary.  But when our love tank is full, we feel secure and life looks bright.

So, how do I keep my spouse’s emotional love tank full?  The key is communicating love to your spouse in the language he/she understands best.  Each of us has a primary love language.  When that love language is spoken, our emotional love tank is replenished.  Do you know your spouse’s primary love language?

• Words of Affirmation – affirming, encouraging, kind words.
• Quality Time – focused, undivided attention.
• Giving Gifts – tangible, visible symbols of love.
• Acts of Service – doing things you know your spouse would appreciate.
• Physical Touch – holding hands, hugging, kissing, etc.

Marriage is all about relationship.  Come to think of it, that’s what our spiritual lives are all about, as well.  It’s not about rules and regulations. It’s not about rituals and routines. It’s not about working and doing.   It’s all about relationship!  God desires a love-relationship with you and me.  So, what is God’s love language?  I believe God speaks all the love languages.  Here’s how I see it…

• Words of Affirmation – through worship & praise, telling God how much I love Him.
• Quality Time – through my daily devotional time with God in prayer and Scripture
• Giving Gifts – by giving generously through tithes and offerings
• Acts of Service – by using my spiritual gifts to serve God as I serve others.
• Physical Touch – Okay, I’m still working on this one.

NOTE:  If you have some ideas on how “physical touch” might be translated into our spiritual relationship with God, share your your ideas in the comment section of this blog.  MEANWHILE, keep building your love-relationship with God by speaking the first four love languages to Him. And remember, it’s all about relationship!

Dear Heavenly Father,
More than anything, you desire a love-relationship with me.
Forgive me for getting sidetracked by all the little things in life.
May I refocus once again on the main thing in life – Loving You!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

DATE NIGHT

“If you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
then you will find your joy in the Lord…”
(Isaiah 58:13-14) 

Friday night is date night!  Kay looks forward to dressing up and going out for dinner to a nice restaurant every Friday evening with her husband, Sam.  Sometimes they go to the symphony or a show at Gammage or a concert at one of the other venues.  Then they usually cap it off by coming home and putting on some nice music, lighting some candles, and dancing the night away in the privacy of their own living room.

Then it started.  One Friday afternoon, Sam called Kay to let her know he had to work late that night and wouldn’t be able to make it home for date night.  He finally came home about 10:00.  Kay wasn’t worried, though.  She knew it wouldn’t happen very often.   They were both committed to date nights.

Three weeks later, Sam called again.  He had to work late again.  A couple weeks went by and Sam called Kay again on Friday afternoon and said he was going to stop by the Sports Bar with the gang from work to watch a game.  Two weeks later he called to tell Kay that he was going to a ball game with some guys from work.  Two more weeks went by and Sam called to inform Kay he was going to play paint ball with the guys.  And the pattern continued. Sam was now calling Kay and canceling date night two or three times every month.

Kay began to wonder what was happening.  Was Sam lying to her?  Was he falling in love with someone else?  Was he falling out of love with her?  Or was she just not as important to Sam anymore?

How does God feel when we do the same to Him?  How does He feel when we start coming up with all sorts of reasons and excuses to miss our weekly date with Him on Sundays – work, family, leisure, ball games, fishing, etc.?  How does God feel when our weekly date with Him is just not that important anymore?

Where are you looking for joy?  Are you finding your joy in the Lord?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for allowing other things in life
to distract from my relationship with you.
I renew my commitment to our weekly date.
May I find true joy in You once again!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

LONGINGS OF THE SOUL

 “As the deer pants for streams of water;
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?”
(Psalm 42:1-2)

Jack and Sarah are madly in love.  They have been dating for two years and just got engaged over the Christmas break.  Unfortunately, Jack is attending college in another city about a hundred miles from home, so they are not able to see each other every day.  But they are very thankful for modern technology.  They email or text each other several times during the day.  Jack calls Sarah every night via cell phone.  They have Skype, so they can see each other when they talk on the weekends.  Of course, it’s always better when Jack can go home for the weekend so they can spend a day or two together.  Jack and Sarah love to just hang out together.  They are both longing for the day when they get married and can be with each other all the time.

Is your relationship with God like Jack and Sarah?  Do you long to spend time with God?  Do you communicate with him via prayer and Scripture every morning and/or evening?  Are you looking forward to the day when you can see Him face-to-face? 

This is the first week of a New Year.  How about setting a goal to spend time with the Lord every day in 2012?  You don’t have to be one of those “spiritual giants” who spends an hour or two every day in prayer.  Just be yourself.  And, be realistic.  Start with ten minutes.  You can always increase the time as you go.  Here’s a simple plan – ‘Ten minutes with God.”

• Relax (1 minute) – Slow down.  Be still.  Prepare your heart.
• Read (3-4 minutes) – Read a chapter in the Bible (or a few verses)
• Reflect (1 minute) – Meditate on what you just read.  Think about how the passage applies to your life.
• Request (3-4 minutes) – Pray.  Talk to God.  Share your prayer requests with God.
• Relax (1 minute) – Take a final minute to be still & listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.

Is your soul thirsty?  Drink from the fountain of life.  Spend time with God. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
My soul thirsts for You, O Lord.
I long to spend more time with You.
As I start this New Year afresh, I am setting a goal
to spend time with You daily in 2012.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

SPIRITUAL GOALS

 “But grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and forever!  Amen.”
(II Peter 3:18)

What will 2012 bring? 

Who will the Republican nominee be for president?  Who will win the presidential election in 2012?  Will our economy recover or go deeper into recession?  Will there be any more I-gadgets introduced in 2012?  Will the world end in 2012 as the Mayan calendar & Nostradamus predicted?  What will happen in theMiddle East?  Will Jesus return in 2012?

It’s always interesting to think about the future. And it’s intriguing to hear predictions about the future.  I believe the reason we are so interested in the future is because the future is so uncertain.  There are simply no guarantees in life.  We just don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.

The good news, as Christians, is that we know the only One who does know the future.  Even though we don’t know what tomorrow holds, we know who holds tomorrow.  Nothing will take God by surprise in 2012.  You can trust Him!

What about your personal future?  Where will you be a year from now?  Will you be stronger in your faith?  Will you grow spiritually in the year ahead?  If so, how are you going to get there?  What are your goals for 2012? 

There’s an old saying that suggests, “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.”  Now, I know that most people today don’t like the idea of New Year’s resolutions because most of the resolutions we make are broken within the first week.  Nobody wants to set themselves up for failure.  So, instead of resolutions, I encourage you to set some annual goals – especially some annual spiritual goals.  Need some ideas? 

• How much time will you spend with the Lord each day in 2012?
• What’s your Bible reading plan for 2012?
• What’s your Prayer plan for 2012?
• How about a renewed commitment to Sabbath in 2012?
• What are your stewardship goals for 2012?  Do you have a giving plan?
• What are your ministry goals for the New Year?
• How about some fasting goals?  Or a spiritual journal?  Or a spiritual retreat?

My prayer for you in 2012 is that you may “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 

Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to grow closer to You in the New Year.
As I consider spiritual goals for the New Year; may your Holy Spirit
guide me to set realistic, yet faith-stretching goals.
May You be glorified through my life in 2012!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

HOW TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS (Part 2)

“When they had seen him, they spread the word
concerning what had been told them about this child,
and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
(Luke 2:17-18)

The shepherds were just sitting around a campfire, minding their own business – eating mutton stew, telling jokes, and playing a common game of “I can top that.” 

- “I had to kill 2 snakes today.”
- “Well, I fought off a coyote with my club today.”
- “I had to climb down a steep ravine to rescue two sheep before wolves got them.”

You know how teenagers are when they get together:  lots of fun, frivolity, and gamesmanship.  But on this night, their laughter was suddenly interrupted by the brightest flash of lightning any of them had ever seen.  It almost blinded them.  They were scared stiff.  Then, an angel spoke to them and told them to chill out; there was nothing to be afraid of.  And the angel proceeded to tell them about the Messiah who was born inBethlehem.  They could see this child lying in manger on the outskirts of town.

As soon as the vast array of angels left, these shepherds looked at each other and almost in unison exclaimed, “Let’s Go!”  They left their sheep, ran into town, and found the baby just like the angel told them they would.

Even though it was the middle of the night, they couldn’t keep quiet on the way back to the fields.  After all, they were teenagers.  When people in town got up to see what all the commotion was outside, they found a bunch of rowdy and excited shepherds.  They told everyone they saw about baby Jesus and what the angels had told them.  The whole town was amazed at their story.

It reminds me of a dad whose wife has just delivered their first child.  He is so excited, he starts handing out cigars to complete strangers and telling them, “Hey, I’m a dad!”  Can you imagine what would happen inAmericaif people got as excited about Jesus as a father of a newborn child?  Can you imagine what it would be like if people got as fired up about Jesus as they do about politics?  What would happen if we got as excited about Jesus as we do about our favorite football team scoring the winning touchdown with no time left on the clock?  What if we were as excited about Jesus as those teenage shepherds were that first Christmas night?

The best way to celebrate Christmas this year is to tell someone in your oikos about Jesus.  After all, He is the reason for the Christmas season.  Tell your family; tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your co-workers.  The best gift you could share with anyone is God’s gift of eternal life.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Jesus is the reason for the season!
May I be more like the shepherds on that first Christmas?
Give me the courage to share the Good News of Jesus with my oikos.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

HOW TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

“Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts
of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”
(Matthew 2:11)

How do you celebrate Christmas?  Most Americans celebrate Christmas by…

- Buying and decorating a Christmas tree
- Stringing Christmas lights on their house
- Attending several Christmas parties – at work, school, & church
- Christmas shopping and Christmas baking
- Buying, wrapping, giving, and exchanging Christmas gifts

So, where did the tradition of giving Christmas gifts originate?  Many people date gift-giving back to the 4^th Century.  Saint Nicholas, a Christian Bishop, was well-known for giving gifts to children, particularly to less fortunate children.  The most common gifts given were homemade foods and sweets, oranges, and handcrafted gifts such as socks, sweaters, and blankets.  By the 10^th Century, almost every country in the world celebrated Christmas by giving gifts.  In the early 1800’s, some entrepreneurial merchants inAmerica began advertising gifts for purchase.  Thus began the commercialism of Christmas.

But I like to believe that our tradition of gift-giving actually began on the first Christmas when the Wise Men worshiped baby Jesus and presented him with gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh.  Granted, they were strange gifts for a baby:  no toys, no diapers, no baby clothes, no stuffed camels or donkeys.  But, they gave Jesus gifts that represented who they were.

The odd thing today is that we tend to give Christmas gifts to everyone except Jesus, even though Christmas is His birthday.  So, this year, try something different – include Jesus in your gift-giving.  Don’t know what to give Jesus?  The gifts of the wise men provide some good ideas.

GOLD – Gold represents wealth & riches.  You could give a gift of your wealth to Jesus.  You could give a gift to a missionary, to some needy people, to a neighbor, or to a special project at your church – in the name of Jesus.

INCENSE – Incense was used inTemple worship.  You could give a gift of worship or service to Jesus.  You could give Him some time each day to read the Bible and pray.  You could give a gift of renewed commitment to Sabbath (Sunday worship).  You could give a gift of serving others.

MYRRH – Myrrh was an embalming fluid.  You could give Jesus your life.  If you have been holding back an area of your life, give it to Jesus this year.  Give Him that pet sin or habit.  Give Jesus a renewed commitment for the year ahead.

Be sure to include Jesus in your Christmas gift-giving this year!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your gift to us that first Christmas.
You gave Your Son, Jesus.  You gave us the gift of eternal life.
This Christmas I want to include Jesus in my gift-giving.
I give You my life anew.  I am Yours, Lord.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

COURAGE

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord
had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”
(Matthew 1:24)

We don’t hear much about Joseph during the Christmas season.  He has no major part in Nativity plays.  No lines to memorize.  No solos to sing.  He just stands beside Mary.  Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story:  a carpenter; an ordinary guy like you and me.  But he was an ordinary guy with tremendous courage and faith!

When Joseph first discovered that Mary was pregnant, he was going to divorce her quietly.  But an angel appeared to him and told him the child she was carrying had been conceived by God.  So he went ahead and took Mary as his wife.  It makes for a nice story, but can you imagine the courage it took for Joseph to obey the Lord.  Would anybody believe the story about how this child was conceived?  Everyone would think their child was conceived out-of-wedlock.  Joseph put everything on the line:  his reputation in the community, his successful carpentry business, and his relationships with his family and with his friends.

A few months later, Joseph had another dream.  An angel told him to go live inEgyptfor awhile.  He had never been toEgypt.  It was a foreign country.  He had no family inEgypt.  He had no business contacts.  He couldn’t speak Egyptian.  How would he provide for his family?  But once again, Joseph demonstrated great courage.

A few years later, Joseph had another dream.  An angel told him to go back toNazareth.  Imagine the town gossip when Joseph and Mary showed up in their home-town again.  Imagine the scorn and humiliation they must have endured.  Imagine how difficult it must have been to rebuild his carpentry business after a long absence and a tainted reputation.  But once again, Joseph obeyed God with tremendous courage and faith.

What if God asked you to lay everything on the line for Him?  What if the Lord asked you to sacrifice your livelihood or your reputation for Him?  What if He asked you to step out of your comfort zone and talk to your family or your friends about Jesus Christ?  Would you have the courage to follow the Lord? 

We need a lot more “Joseph’s” in our world today!  Will you be a Joseph?

Dear Heavenly Father,
You use ordinary people like Joseph to do extraordinary things.
I’m an ordinary person, too.  But I’m available for Your Kingdom work.
Give me the courage to do whatever You ask me to do.
Here I am, Lord.  Use me!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

INCARNATIONAL

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
(John 1:14)

That’s the Christmas story in a nutshell – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”  In theological circles, it’s called the Incarnation.  God became man.  Spirit became flesh.  Deity became human.  I like how Max Lucado describes the Incarnation…

The omnipotent, in one instant, made Himself breakable.  He who had been spirit became pierceable.  He who was larger than the universe became an embryo.  And he who sustains the world chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl.

God as a fetus.  Holiness sleeping in a womb.  The creator of life being created.  God was given eyebrows, elbows, two kidneys, and a spleen.

God came near.  He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter.  No silk.  No ivory.  No hype.  No party.  No hoopla.

Why did God become flesh?  The obvious reason for the incarnation is the salvation of mankind.  But John 1:14 suggests another reason:  Jesus came to give us a glimpse of God.  Granted, Jesus’ deity was veiled by his humanity, but He still revealed to us the glory of God – He was full of grace and truth.

Now, here is the amazing thing.  As God’s children, you and I are called to live incarnational lives in the world today.  That means that we are to flesh out the life of Jesus in our own lives.  We are called to be just like Jesus – full of grace and truth. 

To be full of grace means that…

• I accept others just like Jesus accepted me.
• I am not judgmental of other people
• I don’t hold grudges or harbor bitterness
• I am forgiving of others when they hurt me
• I am patient, compassionate, kind, an gracious – just like Jesus.

To be full of truth means that…

• I am a man or woman of integrity and purity
• I am honest and truthful
• I do nothing to deceive others
• I am sincere
• I am free of hypocrisy

Incarnational living means that I reflect the glory of God in my life – I am full of grace and truth.  Incarnational living means that whether I am at work, at home, at church, or at play I live like Jesus.  Incarnational living means that when others look at me, they see Jesus!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Jesus who gave us a glimpse of God.
We have seen Your glory – You are full of grace and truth.
Give me the wisdom and courage to live incarnationally.
May my life also be full of grace and truth.
I want to be just like Jesus!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

GIVING THANKS

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever.”
(Psalm 107:1)

This Thursday, families and friends will gather in homes all acrossAmericafor an annual Thanksgiving feast – turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casseroles, yams, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream (lots of whipped cream).  It’s a wonderful tradition.

But Thanksgiving is about more than turkeys, family get-togethers, parades, and football.  It’s really about giving thanks to God for His many blessings in our lives.  So, let me get you started.  Here are a few things I am particularly thankful for myself.

Thank-you God for…

• Your amazing grace in my life.
• The freedoms we enjoy inAmerica.
• My family – my dear wife, 3 children & their spouse, and 3 (almost 4) grandchildren.
• A loving & caring church family.
• Your guidance & strength in completing my doctoral studies this year.
• Your continued protection and provision in life.
•  The tough times in life that keep me trusting You and help me grow stronger.

These are just a few of the things I am thankful for.  Now, make your own list of things for which you are thankful.  Be specific.  And don’t forget to thank God for each one.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Your grace is truly amazing!
Your mercies are new every morning!
Your love and Your faithfulness endure forever!
Thank you for Your many blessings in my life this past year.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

Yes, it’s that time of year again – time for New Year’s Resolutions.  Do you know what the top New Year’s Resolutions are every year?  Here are the top seven…

• Lose weight
• Exercise more
• Stop smoking
• Save more money
• Get out of debt
• More family-time
• Get better organized

Yet, over 60% of all Americans have given up on making New Year’s Resolutions.  Why?  Because we are afraid of failure.  Over 90% of all New Year’s Resolutions are broken within the first two weeks of January.  So, if you aim at nothing, at least you won’t miss it – right?  Yes, but if you don’t have anything to aim at, you’ll never hit anything, either.  In fact, you won’t even know if you’re close.

As you have probably fiured out, I am a big proponent of New Year’s Resolutions.  Why?  Because I am a huge advocate of goal-setting, and the New Year provides all of us an opportunity for a fresh start.  I like to think of New Year’s Resolutions as Annual Goals.

Think about this:  every athlete has a goal; whether it’s a goal-line to cross, a net to put the ball in, or a finish line to cross.  We all need something to aim at; we need goals to shoot for.  Otherwise, we only wallow in our past and settle for maintaining the status quo.  Goals keep us looking ahead, moving forward, growing, and stretching.  The problem is that most of our goals are either too nebulous and vague, or they are too lofty and unattainable.  We need to learn to set S.M.A.R.T. goals…

• S = Simple
• M = Measurable
• A = Attainable
• R = Realistic
• T = Trackable

Go ahead.  Give it another try.  Sit down some time this week and write out a few New Year’s Resolutions for 2009.   Set some personal goals, work goals, financial goals, and family goals.  And while you’re at it, don’t forget to set some spiritual goals for the New Year, too!

A NEW IDENTITY

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called the children of God!”

(I John 3:1)

 

Do you ever struggle with an identity crisis?  It’s unfortunate that many Christians never fully understand and appreciate who they are in Christ.  So, for the next three weeks, let’s take a few moments to simply meditate on our position and privileges as children of God.    It may revolutionize your way of thinking.  Because of God’s amazing grace I have a new identity in Jesus Christ…

 

ü I am a child of God   (John 1:12; I John 3;1)

ü I am a friend of Christ   (John 15:15)

ü I have been justified   (Romans 5:1)

ü I am a member of God’s body   (I Corinthians 12:27)

ü I am a new creation   (II Corinthians 5:17)

ü I am a saint   (Ephesians 1:1)

ü I have been chosen and adopted by God   (Eph. 1:3-4)

ü I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sin   (Eph. 1:7)

ü I am complete in Christ   (Colossians 2:9-10)

ü I have direct access to God’s throne of grace in time of need   (Hebrews 4:16)

ü I am a royal priest   (I Peter 2:9) *

 

Too often in our world today, we are ingrained with the philosophy that what we do determines who we are.  Instead, the opposite is true – who we are determines what we do.  May the Holy Spirit remind us often of our identity in Jesus Christ.

 

“Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace. 

Thank you that I am forgiven and I am a new creation in Christ.

I am honored to be counted as one you’re your children.

May the awesome reality of my position in your family

 flood my soul & encourage me in my daily walk with You.

Lord, may others see You in me.  Amen.”

 

* Adapted & modified from “Freedom in Christ” by Neil Anderson

MY NEW IDENTITY (Part 2)

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future, nor any powers;

neither height or depth, nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

(Romans 8:38-39)

 

We live in a works-based culture.  We have been taught the American work ethic since we were young.  If we did all our chores, we got our weekly allowance.  If we did all our homework and did well on the tests, we got good grades in school.  And, if we work hard and produce well on the job, we might get a raise, a bonus, or a promotion.

Unfortunately, many people carry that same works-based thinking into their spiritual lives – if we’re good enough, God will welcome us into heaven.  But, the Bible clearly tells us that our salvation is not based on works.  Rather, it’s based entirely on God’s grace, received through simple faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).  That’s all it takes to become a child of God.  Now, once a child of God: always a child of God.  Just as my own children are secure in my love – nothing will ever undo their position as my children – so we are secure in God’s love.  Because I am a child of God…

ü I am free forever from condemnation   (Romans 8:1-2)

ü I am assured that all things work together for good.   (Romans 8:28 )

ü I cannot be separated from the love of God   (Romans 8:38-39)

ü I am anointed and sealed by God   (II Corinthians 1:21)

ü I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms   (Ephesians 2:6)

ü I am hidden with Christ in God   (Colossians 3:1-4)

ü I am confident that God will complete the good work He began in me   (Philippians 1:6)

ü I am a citizen of heaven   (Philippians 3:20)

ü I can find grace and mercy in time of need   (Hebrews 4:16)

ü I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.   (I John 5:18 )

 

Wow!  What a comfort to know with absolute assurance that I am secure in the grace and love of God.

 

“Heavenly Father,

Thank You once again for Your amazing grace.

I am in awe of Your love.

What a joy to know that I am secure

in my position as one of Your children.

May the gratitude in my heart for Your love

be reflected in my daily walk with You.

 In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

MY NEW IDENTITY (Part 3)

“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds

and praise your Father in heaven.”

(Matthew 5:13-16)

 

Our Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl this year, and we’re all very excited.  But, how significant is the Super Bowl, really?  How many people will remember who won this year’s Super Bowl 10 years from now?  How will this year’s Super Bowl impact our world?  What difference will it make in all of eternity? 

Isn’t it amazing what the world considers to be significant?  Don’t misunderstand me; I’m a big sports fan.  But, the world tells us our significance is based on our intellect, our beauty, our abilities, or our accomplishments.  If that’s the case, then I’m a nobody.  Fortunately, that’s not how God views us.  As a child of God, I am important, and I have a significant place in His Kingdom.  That’s true of you, too.  Just take a look at how significant God says you and I are…

ü I am the salt of the earth.   (Matthew 5:13)

ü I am the light of the world   (Matthew 5:14)

ü I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.   (John 15:1-5)

ü I am a personal witness of Jesus Christ.   (Acts 1:8 )

ü I am God’s temple.   (I Corinthians 3:16)

ü I am a minister of reconciliation.   (II Corinthians 5:17)

ü I am God’s ambassador to the world.   (II Corinthians 5:20)

ü I am God’s co-worker.   (II Corinthians 6:1)

ü I am God’s workmanship.   (Ephesians 2:10)

ü I may approach God with freedom and confidence.   (Ephesians 3:12)

ü I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   (Philippians 4:13) *

You and I are important.  We are very significant.  We are conduits of God’s love and grace in this world.  May God’s light and love shine brightly through each of us.

 

“Heavenly Father, I am privileged to be your child.

Help me to see the reality of life from Your perspective, rather than the world’s.

I know that my identity and significance are sourced in Jesus Christ.

May His light shine brightly in this world through my life.

 In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

WINNING THE SUPER BOWL OF LIFE

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

(Hebrews 12:2)

 

This Sunday is “Super Sunday!”  Our Arizona Cardinals are playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl.  So, what will it take to win?  As you know, there is never just one key to victory – there are many factors involved in putting together a winning team.

Have you ever considered how much life is like a football game?  You’re the quarterback, but you need many of the same factors in your life as the Cardinals need to win the Super Bowl.  Fortunately, God has given you all the resources you need for victory…

• Focus on the goal – Jesus is our goal   (Hebrews 11:2)
• A good coach – The Holy Spirit   (John 14:16-17; 26-17)
• A good defense – your spiritual armor / your position in Christ   (Ephesians 6:13-17)
• A good offense – the Word of God and Prayer   (Ephesians 6:17-18 )
• A good team effort – fellowship with other believers   (Hebrews 10:24-25)
• Execution of the game-plan – obedience   (I John 5:3-5)

And to top it all off, we even have a host of fans in the grandstands – all the saints that have gone before us into heaven (Hebrews 12:1).  They are all cheering us on to victory in the Super Bowl of life!

 

“Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving me Your Holy Spirit to live in me and coach me through life.

Thank you for giving me all the resources I need for victory in this life.

Give me the strength to obey You even when it’s not easy or popular.

And, Lord, thank you that I am on the winning team – Your team!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

YOUR SPIRITUAL GPS

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

(Psalm 119:105)

 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful

for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training  in righteousness,

so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(II Timothy 3:16-17)

 

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a constellation of 24-32 satellites orbiting the earth that transmits precise microwave signals to receivers on earth to determine their location, direction, speed, and time.  It was first designed for the military; but is now commonly used by commercial pilots, boaters, hikers, drivers, and other everyday users.  If you have GPS in your car, you can program your present location and destination, and GPS will guide you to where you want to go.  Essentially, GPS is a highly sophisticated technological map for worldwide navigation.

Did you know that God has given you a spiritual GPS to use in your everyday life, as well?  Your spiritual GPS is your Bible.  As you read the Bible, it helps position you spiritually and it guides you on your spiritual journey.  According to II Timothy 3:16, God’s Word shows you what direction to travel (teaching), it alerts you when you veer off track (rebuking), it repositions you back on target (correcting), and it keeps you moving forward spiritually (training).  If the Psalmist were writing today, he may have written Psalm 119:105 a little differently – “Your word is my GPS on my spiritual journey.”

I encourage you to check your spiritual GPS daily.  We need God’s direction on our spiritual journey!

 

“Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us Your Word.

As I read it, You provide guidance and direction for my spiritual journey.

May I be a doer of Your Word, and not a hearer only.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

THE ULTIMATE VALENTINE

“This is how we know what love is:

Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers…

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue

 but with actions and in truth.”
- I John 3:16-18

This Saturday is Valentine’s Day.  Americans will purchase 110 million roses (mostly red), 1 billion cards, 8 billion conversation hearts, and more than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate.  Add to that, dinner-out, teddy-bears, jewelry, and numerous other gifts; and Americans will spend a total of $17 billion on Valentine’s Day.   The average consumer will spend over $100 on their “valentine” – myself included.  Why?  We want to express our love to that special “valentine” in our life.

Have you considered lately how much God loves you?  You are the apple of His eye.  You are His special valentine.  And, God demonstrated His love for you with more than a card or a flower or a box of chocolates.  Jesus stretched out His hands on the cross and said, “This is how much I love you!”  He gave His life for you.  He gave the ultimate valentine!

May you and I, as God’s children, be a reflection of His love.  May we love others as He loved us!

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Your amazing love

which Jesus demonstrated in laying down His life for me.

I pray that I might reflect Your unconditional and sacrificial love

in my everyday relationships.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SPIRITUAL BLOWOUTS

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

(I John 1:9)

 

I had a blow-out yesterday.  While I was driving back to my office after lunch, I ran over something and blew out a tire on my pick-up.  It went completely flat instantly.  I drove on it for a couple blocks to find a better place to change the tire, but apparently that made matters worse.  I couldn’t get the lug nuts off with my wimpy lug-wrench.  And, since I left my cell phone in my office, I couldn’t call for help very quickly.  Fortunately, a “Good Samaritan” came to my rescue with a bigger lug-wrench, but in the process I broke one of the studs and stripped another.  I had to get 2 new studs and a new tire.  When I finally got to the tire shop, they found a 3-inch gash in the tire.  No wonder it went flat so quickly.

King David experienced a spiritual blowout in his life, even though he is referred to as “a man after God’s heart.”  He committed adultery with Bathsheba.  One thing led to another.  Before David knew what hit him, he had broken almost all of the Ten Commandments – he coveted, he committed adultery, he stole, he lied, he murdered, he disgraced the name of God, etc, etc.  He tried to keep driving on his “flat tire” for another year, but that only made matters worse – he was miserable (c.f. Psalm 32:3-4).  But, when David finally confessed his sin to God; God forgave him, purified his heart, and restored his joy (c.f. Psalm 32:5; 51:10-12).

Have you ever had a spiritual blowout?   Blowouts are caused by sin – whether big or small.  If you try to ignore it and drive on it for awhile, your joy will inevitably turn to misery.  Fortunately, there is a cure for spiritual blowouts: confession.  When you confess your sin to God; He forgives you, cleanses your soul, restores your relationship with Him, and renews your joy.  Praise the Lord!

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love…

Create in me a pure heart … and renew a steadfast spirit within me…

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(Psalm 51:1 & 10-12)

EXCUSE ME, ARE YOU JESUS?

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children

and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…”

(Ephesians 5:1-2)

 

A story is told of a group of salesmen who went to a regional convention in Chicago a few years ago.  They had each assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for dinner on Friday night.  As they were rushing through the airport with tickets and briefcases in hand, one of the salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table holding a display of apples.  Apples flew everywhere.  But, without stopping or looking back, they managed to barely reach their plane in time for the last boarding call.

ALL BUT ONE!  He paused, took a deep breath, waved good-bye to his buddies, and told one of them to call his wife and explain that he was catching a later flight.  Then he turned around to help the girl whose apple cart had been overturned.

He was glad he did.  The 16-year old girl was blind!  She was crying softly, with tears running down her cheeks in frustration, as she helplessly searched for her spilled apples with throngs of people swirling around her, and no one stopping to help.  The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display.  As he did so, he noticed that many of them had been battered and bruised.  He set them aside in another basket.  When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, “Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did.  Are you okay?”  She nodded through her tears.  He continued, “I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly.”

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, “Mister…”  He paused and turned to look back at her.  She continued, “Excuse me, sir, are you Jesus?”

Have you ever been mistaken for Jesus?  Has anyone every asked, “Excuse me, are you Jesus?”  Isn’t that our goal as God’s children?  If we claim to know Him, we should also live and love like Jesus.

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am once again honored to be one of your dearly loved children.

May my life be a reflection of Your Son who loved me and gave Himself for me.

As I rub shoulders with others throughout the day, may they see Jesus in me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

(Matthew 7:9-11)

 

I have a two-year old grandson who likes to play with rocks.  So, I can appreciate the following story…

A young boy was doing his best to lift a rock that was too large for someone his size.  He grunted and groaned and huffed and puffed as he tried various methods to move the rock.  But, in spite of all his efforts, the rock wouldn’t budge.  His father walked by and, after watching his son struggle for awhile, finally asked if he was having trouble.  The boy answered, “Yes, I’ve tried everything, and it won’t move.”  The father replied, “Are you sure you have tried everything?  Have you used every resource at your disposal?’  The boy looked up with frustration filling his face and blurted out in exhaustion, Yes!”  Gently, the father bent over and softly said, “No, son, you haven’t.  You haven’t asked for my help.”

How often are we just like that little boy, struggling with our problems all on our own but unable to solve them – because we haven’t asked for our Father’s help.  He wants to help you.  All you have to do is ask.

 

Dear Father in heaven,

I can’t do this all on my own.

I need Your strength when I am weak.

 I need Your peace and Your presence when I worry.

I need Your wisdom as I wrestle with difficult decisions.

I need Your guidance as I walk life’s journey.

I need You, Lord!

Amen.

DOVE, WIND, FIRE, & OIL

“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,

who is in you, whom you have received from God?

…Therefore honor God with your body.”

(I Corinthians 6:19-20)

 

The Bible tells us that the moment we trust Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells us.  In other words, He takes up His residence in our lives.  My heart becomes His home.  So, what does the Holy Spirit do in us?  Several pictures of the Holy Spirit in the Bible give us a glimpse into His ministry in our lives.  He is pictured as…

ü A Dove – peaceful and tranquil

ü Wind – invisible, but powerful (just ask anyone who has experienced a hurricane)

ü Fire – used to refine and purify

ü Oil – used in the Bible to anoint God’s people for service.

Since the Holy Spirit lives in you, He is actively engaged in your daily life.  As a dove, the Holy Spirit floods your soul with God’s peace even in the midst of an unsettled world.  As a powerful wind, the Holy Spirit breathes power into your life as you live for Jesus.  As fire from above, He purifies your heart from sin and selfishness.  And, as divine oil, the Holy Spirit has anointed you for service in God’s Kingdom.

Even though you can’t see the Holy Spirit – He is very active in your life.  He is that still, small voice of the Lord in your heart and mind and soul.  Are you listening?  Are you experiencing His peace?  Are you letting Him lead you and empower your daily walk?

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving me your Holy Spirit to live in my heart and life.

Thank you for His peace, His power, His guidance, and His anointing.

 May my life truly honor the One who has taken up His residence in my heart?

Keep me in tune with Your Spirit.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

WHO’S YOUR NEIGHBOR?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul

and with all your strength and with all your mind;

and love your neighbor as yourself.”

(Luke 10:27)

 

Upon hearing Jesus answer his question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” the expert lawyer asked a follow-up question:  “Who is my neighbor?”  Of course, being a lawyer, he was probably looking for a loophole – “I don’t have to love people who are different than me, do I?  I love all my friends; isn’t that good enough?”

Jesus went for the jugular by telling a story we know today as “The Good Samaritan.”  You can read it in Luke 10:25-37.  He chose one of the most despised neighbors of the Jews – a Samaritan – to demonstrate that my neighbor is anybody near me who is in need; regardless of race, sex, income, or social status.

With today’s economic woes, there are plenty of people around us in need.  As Christians, we have a unique opportunity before us today to practice what Jesus taught: “Love your neighbor.”  Obviously, you and I can’t help everyone; but we can reach out and touch someone’s life – a friend, a co-worker, a next-door neighbor, an acquaintance, even an enemy? 

So, I want to encourage you to do a couple things this week – just for the fun of it…

• A random act of kindness – look around and find a “neighbor” in need and just do some random act of kindness for them.  They don’t even have to know it was you who did it?
• Invite a “neighbor” to our Fifth Sunday Special on March 29^th – “The Blackwood Legacy.”  It’ll be a lot of fun!

Let’s be good neighbors!

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for reaching out and loving me, even though I did not deserve Your love.

Open my eyes and help me see people around me as You see them.

And give me the courage to reach out and love them as You loved me.

Help me to be a good neighbor.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

“Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions,

and enables him to enjoy them,

to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift of God.”

(Ecclesiastes 5:19)

 

Why do so many people think Christians are boring and don’t have any fun in life?  Do we take ourselves too seriously?  Do we take life too seriously?  Do we impose so many rules on ourselves; we suck the joy right out of life? 

I believe God actually wants us to enjoy life – to have fun!  Think about it for a moment – when God created Adam and Eve, where did he place them?  He put them in paradise.  We call it the Garden of Eden, but it was truly paradise!  While we’re not in paradise yet, God still wants His children to enjoy life on this earth.  Here are a few verses that give you permission to enjoy life…

·         I Timothy 6:17 – “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain;  but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.” – We have certainly experienced the uncertainty of wealth in America recently.  Our trust must be in God.  Then, instead of fretting over what we don’t have, God wants us to enjoy what He do have – what He has provided for our enjoyment.

·         Ecclesiastes 11:8 – “However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all…”  Of course, in the next verse Solomon brings some balance in life, pointing out that God will judge us in the end.  But once again, God wants us to enjoy life in healthy ways!

·         Ecclesiastes 9:9 – “Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love…”  Yes, even marriage is intended, in part, for our enjoyment.  God wants us to enjoy our spouses and to enjoy life together!

So, no boring Christians, please!  Don’t take yourself too seriously.  Lighten up.  Have some fun.  Enjoy life as God intended it to be enjoyed!

And speaking of fun – don’t miss our Fifth Sunday Special this Sunday at 10:30 am.  We’re having a Southern Gospel Concert featuring “The Blackwood Legacy” and an old-fashioned barbecue on the church grounds after the concert.  Bring a friend and join the fun!!!

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Your provisions in my life.

I recognize that everything I have comes from Your gracious hand.

Give me the grace to enjoy life as you intend it to be enjoyed.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THE REAL APRIL FOOLS

“But God said to him ‘You fool!

This very night your life will be demanded from you.

Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’”

This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself

but is not rich toward God.”

(Luke 12:20-21)

 

Have you heard about the major infrastructure project being planned by our politicians in Washington D.C.?  They’re planning to build a trans-pacific bridge from Los Angeles to Honolulu.  Of course, there will have to be a few floating rest stops, gas stations, restaurants, and motels along the way; maybe even a floating city at the mid-point.  Now, that’s a major economic stimulus package!  It will keep a lot of people employed for long time.  April fools!

We love to play practical jokes on April Fool’s Day.  But, did you know the Bible actually identifies two real fools in the world.  The first is found in Psalm 14:1, “The fool says in his heart, there is no God.”  So, the first fool is an atheist – anyone who claims there is no God. 

But, it’s the second fool, identified in Luke 12:13-21, that concerns me.  I refer to this fool as a practical atheist – one who may believe in God, but still lives their life as though God doesn’t exist.  The fool in this story built quite a financial portfolio for himself.  He had made his fortune in commodities, and he had tons of wealth set aside for an early retirement.  His philosophy in life was clear: “take life easy; eat, drink and be merry” (verse 19).  Unfortunately, he never got to enjoy his wealth.  He died! 

What concerns me is that there are so many Christians in America just like him – people who say they believe in God, but still live as though He doesn’t exist.  We have the same philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry”.  We store up treasure on earth, rather than heaven.  We live for self, rather than for God.  We build our own kingdoms, rather than God’s kingdom.  We think only of this world, rather than eternity.

So, my encouragement to you on this April Fools Day is simple:  Don’t be a fool.  Granted, we’re not atheists.  We certainly believe in God.  But, let’s not be practical atheists, either.  Let’s keep our eyes focused on heaven, rather than earth.  Let’s live for the glory of God, rather than for ourselves.

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

I praise You for Your faithfulness.  Your mercies are new every day.

Forgive me for taking You for granted and for living so selfishly.

As I live each day on this earth,

may Your Holy Spirit keep my eyes focused on heaven,

my mind centered in You, and my heart in tune with eternity.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THE DAY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

“Why do you look for the living among the dead?

He is not here; he has risen!”

(Luke 24:5-6)

 

No, it wasn’t the day Obama was elected President.  It wasn’t 9-11.  It wasn’t Pearl Harbor or Hiroshima.  It wasn’t the day the Wright Brothers flew for the first time or the day man landed on the moon.  And, it wasn’t the day the first computer was invented or the day the Internet was created.  All those significant days and events certainly impacted history as we know it.

But the day that changed the world not only changed the course of history; it impacted eternity, as well.  Our world was changed forever the day Jesus rose from the grave.  We refer to that day as “Easter.”  It is without question, the most significant day in all of history and eternity.  So, take a few moments this week and reflect on the tremendous impact of Easter.  Because of Jesus’ resurrection…

·         Satan has been defeated.    (I Corinthians 15)

·         Death has been conquered.   (I Corinthians 15:54)

·         Our sin is forgiven.   (Romans 4:25)

·         We have eternal life.   (Romans 6:4)

·         We have a future in heaven.   (I Corinthians 15:23)

·         We have a living hope.   (I Peter 1:3)

·         We have victory through Jesus Christ.   (I Corinthians 15:58)

Now, take a few moments to thank the Lord for all the blessings that are yours because of Easter.  Celebrate the day that changed the world forever!  He has risen!  He’s alive!!!

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Easter and the victorious resurrection of Jesus.

Thank you for forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Thank you for the living hope and spiritual victory I have because of Easter.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

WHAT AMERICA NEEDS MOST

“If my people who are called by my name,

will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

(II Chronicles 7:14)

 

What do we need most in America?  More corporate bailouts?  Another economic stimulus package?  More credit?  Tax relief?  Health care reform?  Public education reform?  A complete overhaul of our leadership in Washington?  A new political party?  Are any of these really the answer to America’s greatest need?  I don’t think so!

I believe our greatest need isn’t economic or political or even moral by itself. Our greatest need in America is spiritual.  Although our country was founded on a Judeo-Christian value system, we have strayed far from our roots.  What we need most in America is genuine revival!

But, what is revival?  There are a lot of misconceptions about revival floating around today.  But, the word comes from the Latin, “viva,” which means “life.”  Revival is a resurgence or renewal of life.  By definition, then, revival presupposes a spark of life to begin with.  In other words, “revival” is about God’s people.  It’s about a renewal of spiritual life in Christians, rather than evangelizing the lost.  That’s exactly what II Chronicles 7:14 implies – “If my people who are called by my name…”

According to that same verse, the result of revival is God’s healing of our land.  Isn’t that exactly what we want and need in America?  Absolutely!  But, did you catch the four prerequisites to God’s healing?  Those four prerequisites sum up genuine revival…

·         Humility

·         Prayer

·         Seeking God

·         Repentance

Wow!  Is it even possible?  Could we ever see genuine revival in America again?  Remember, nothing is impossible with God.  May it begin in each of us, myself included.

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

We need revival in America.  May it begin with me.

I confess my own pride and selfishness, and my sin and disobedience.

Please plant within my heart a genuine desire for a deeper relationship with You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

WHAT AMERICA NEEDS MOST (Part 2)

“If my people who are called by my name,

will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

(II Chronicles 7:14)

 

The first of the four prerequisites to revival & God’s healing of our land is humility!  Without it, my pride will prevent the next three:  prayer, seeking God, and repentance.  After all, a proud person doesn’t need to pray – he already has life all figured out.  A proud person doesn’t bother seeking God – he is self-made and self-sufficient.  And a proud person certainly doesn’t need to repent – he never does anything wrong. 

On the other hand, humility acknowledges our completely dependence on God.  Humility recognizes that everything we have is but a gift from the gracious hand of a loving God.  Humility realizes that we are spiritually bankrupt and desperately in need of God – every moment of every day.  And humility admits that we are imperfect and in need of God’s grace and forgiveness.

I like the following description of humility from an article entitled, “The Art of Being a Big Shot.”

It is my pride that makes me independent of God.  It’s appealing to me to feel that I am the master of my fate, that I run my own life, call my own shots, and go it alone.  But that feeling is my basic dishonesty.  I can’t go it alone.  I have to get help from other people, and I can’t ultimately rely on myself.  I’m dependent on God for my next breath.  It is dishonest of me to pretend that I’m anything but a man – small, weak, and limited.  So, living independent of God is self-delusion.  It is not just a matter of pride being an unfortunate little trait and humility being an attractive little virtue; it’s my inner psychological integrity that’s at stake.  When I am conceited, I am lying to myself about what I am.  I am pretending to be God, and not man.  My pride is the idolatrous worship of myself.  And that is the national religion of hell.

Revival will only come when we humble ourselves before God and admit that we desperately need Him.  If God is going to heal America, it must start with Americans humbling themselves before God.

 

“…God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble…

Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.”

(James 4 6-10).

HANGIN’ OUT WITH GOD

“If my people who are called by my name,

will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

(II Chronicles 7:14)

 

Last week I flew up to Seattle for a couple days to see my son.  No particular reason; I just wanted to see him.  While I was there, we got some needed repairs done on his car, worked in his yard a little, went out for dinner one night & lunch the next day, toured the machine shop where he works, and played a few games.  His girlfriend stomped both of us in monopoly.  Basically, we just kinda’ hung-out together for a couple days.  There is nothing I enjoy more in life than hangin’ out with family – my wife, my kids and their spouses, and my 2 grandchildren.

I think God would say the same thing.  He enjoys hangin’ out with His kids – you and me.  He loves it when we spend some time with Him.  In fact, that’s what “Sabbath” is all about.  It’s a special day every week designated to take a break from the mundane things of life and spend some time just hangin’ out with God.  It’s our “big date” every week with Jesus.  It’s a day for physical and spiritual renewal. 

One of the four prerequisites for revival and for God’s healing of our land is, “seeking God’s face.”  I believe when God’s children begin to seek His face again, we will see revival in at least three areas…

·         A renewal of prayer in America

·         A renewed hunger for God’s Word

·         A return to church on “Sabbath” (Sunday)

God looks forward to spending time with His kids; I trust you look forward to hangin’ out with Him, too!

 

Dear Father,

Forgive me for neglecting Sabbath in my life.  I need more “hang-time” with you!

“As the dear pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

(Psalm 42 & 84)

MOMS ARE THE BEST!

“A wife of noble character; who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her.
Give her the reward she has earned…”
(Proverbs 31:10-31) 

This Sunday is Mother’s Day.  It is certainly appropriate to take some time to honor moms.  Here are a few thoughts from a book by Max Lucado entitled, “God Thinks You’re Wonderful, Mom!”

Some things only a mom can do…

• Only a mother can powder a baby’s behind with one hand and hold the phone with the other.
• Only a mom can discern which teen is entering the door just by the sound of the key in lock.
• Only a mom can spend a day wiping noses, laundering enough socks for the Yankees, balancing a checkbook down to $1.27, and still mean it when she thanks God for her kids.

Some things only a mom can fix…

• Like Hamburger Helper without the hamburger
• Like the cabinet door her husband couldn’t & his bruised ego when he found out she could.
• Broken shoelace?  Broken heart?  Breaking out on your face?  Breaking up with your sweetheart?  Moms can handle that.

Some things only a mom can know…

• The time it takes to drive from piano lessons to Little League practice.
• How many pizzas you need for a middle school sleepover.
• How many weight watcher points are left in a day and days are left in the semester.

Moms are a breed apart!

God certainly did his best creative work when He created moms.  Be sure to take some time to honor your mom this week.  And, if you are a mom – thanks for your unselfish, unconditional, and undying love.  May God richly bless you! 

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thanks for your perfect plan of marriage and family.
Thanks for my mom.  May you bless her this week in some special way.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A STRATEGY FOR VICTORY

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them,
because the one who is in you is greater
than the one who is in the world.”
(I John 4:4)

America has been engaged in wars and skirmishes around the world for years.  Today, we are fighting on two primary fronts:  Afghanistan and Iraq.  It’s been a difficult war because the enemy we are fighting doesn’t always fight fair.  They don’t adhere to standard rules of engagement.   Our soldiers might encounter the enemy any time, any place, and in any circumstance.

Whether we know it or not, as Christians, we are engaged in a war ourselves.  The difficult aspect of this war is that we can’t see our enemy.  Our enemy is spiritual.  We are fighting a spiritual battle.  And we might encounter our enemy any time, any place, and in any circumstance.

So, let me suggest an 8-fold strategy for spiritual warfare…

• Know your enemy – Satan. 
• Know your enemy’s tactics – temptation, selfishness, pride, divisiveness, apathy, etc.
• Know your own areas of vulnerability – anger, greed, lust, pride, etc.
• Stand firm in your faith! – Always remember you are a child of God!
• Saturate your mind with God’s Word – The Bible is your primary spiritual weapon!
• When tempted, RUN!   (II Timothy 2:22)
• When you blow it, CONFESS! – Keep short accounts with God!   (I John 1:9)
• Pray!  Pray!!  Pray!!!

The good news is that Jesus defeated Satan at the cross.  You & I are on the winning side!  The one in us (Jesus) is far greater than the one in the world (Satan).  Victory is ours through Jesus Christ!

 Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.
I recognize that I am in a spiritual war, and I can’t fight the battle alone.
I need your wisdom.  I need your guidance.  I need your strength.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SURVIVOR: THE ECONOMY

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
(I Timothy 6:6-8) 

Last Sunday was the season finale of “Survivor: Tocantins.”  We also began our own series, entitled “Survivor: The Economy.”  Let’s be honest:  we’re living in tough economic times.  Whether pay cuts, investment losses, upside-down mortgages, job losses, or foreclosures; we have all felt the impact of our economy.  So, I’d like to quickly review one point from last Sunday’s message – I believe one of the keys to surviving our economy is contentment.  We must learn to be content with what God has provided; whether a little or a lot. 

Unfortunately, contentment is not easy.  Thousands of advertisements bombard us every day with the exact opposite message – “you can’t be content until you get …”   So, what’s the secret to contentment?   I believe the answer is in our perspective.  We need to refocus on what really matters and on what brings true happiness.  We must…

• Focus on people rather than possessions.
• Focus on relationships rather than riches.

Think about this for a moment.  How much does it cost to acquire more possessions?  A lot – there is no end to how much money we can spend on things.  But, how much does it cost to build a meaningful relationship?  Very little – in fact, we can build a relationship without spending a dime.  Now, which will last longer – possessions or relationships?  Which is most meaningful?  And, which is most valuable?

You can survive and even thrive in our present economy by refocusing on three relationships in your life:  (1) your relationship with God, (2) your relationship with family, and (3) your relationships with friends.  When you refocus on relationships, contentment is not far behind. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all that You have provided.
Help me learn to be content with a little or a lot.
Keep me focused on what really matters in life,
beginning with my relationship with You.
And, thank you for the family and friends You have given me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

MANY CHOICES – ONE WAY

“…Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction,
and many enter through it.
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life;
and only a few find it.”
(Matthew 7:13-14)

Variety is the spice of life.  And, we Americans love our choices.  For instance, there used to be 3 or 4 basic cereals you could buy for breakfast – Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Cheerios, and Shredded Wheat.   Now, there is a whole aisle of cereals at the grocery store with dozens of choices.  There used to be 3 television networks to choose from – ABC, CBS, and NBC.   Now, with cable and satellite, there are hundreds of channels from which to choose.

I’ve been getting ready for the Grand Opening of our Café at NMC this weekend.  I just returned from buying drinks for our beverage cooler – bottled water, Snapple, energy drinks, Orange Juice, Gatorade, Frappuccinos, and more – and that’s in addition to the many varieties of pop we already have.  We also installed a Coffee Brewer, and ordered about a dozen different varieties or blends of coffee and tea.  We certainly do love choices in life. 

There are also many choices for your spiritual journey through life.  Jesus said there is a wide road with many lanes you can choose for your journey – humanism, atheism, morality, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and many other religions.  Unfortunately, the wide road leads to destruction.  If you want to have a relationship with the true God and enjoy eternal life with Him, you need to get on a different road.  It’s a narrow road with only one lane.  That lane is Jesus Christ.  Contrary to popular belief today, all paths do not lead to God.  Jesus is the only path to God.

I trust you have chosen that one-lane road for your spiritual journey.  I trust you have chosen Jesus!

 Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Son, Jesus!
Even with all the choices in life today, I choose to follow Him.
May my life continue to reflect Jesus in all I do.
And may His love flow through me to help others find the way.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PREPARE FOR BATTLE

“Put on the full armor of God
so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
(Ephesians 6:11)

When Paul wrote these words in Ephesians 6, he was probably sitting in a Roman prison, chained to a Roman soldier.  As he looked at the soldier, he was reminded that we are in a spiritual battle every day.  So, he used the armor of this Roman soldier to paint a picture of our own spiritual defenses against our enemy, Satan. 

How would Paul paint the picture if he were living in the 21^st Century and acquainted with modern-day warfare?  Allow me to attempt a paraphrase of Ephesians 6:13-18 as a modern-day word picture of our spiritual defenses…

Put on your full spiritual armor so that when Satan attacks, you are able to withstand his attack and be victorious in your Christian life.

Make sure you have your survival belt of truth on, fully loaded with ammo and supplies; and your bullet-proof vest of Christ’s righteousness in place.

Stand firm with your combat boots on and laced up with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Now, jump in your armored Humvee of faith, for protection against Satan’s grenades and IED’s as you travel your spiritual journey ahead; and  be sure to wear your combat helmet of salvation to protect your mind against the enemy’s  propaganda.

Carry your assault rifle, fully loaded with the words of Scripture, ready to fire at the enemy.

And finally, be sure you consult your commanding officer before going into battle.  Ask for his directions and follow his battle plans.  Always be alert and remember your comrades fighting alongside you in the battle.

If you have some other ideas on how to contemporize this passage, feel free to share your thoughts in my blog.  But more importantly, I pray that you are experiencing victory as you walk your spiritual journey!

 Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the spiritual armor you provide to fight the spiritual battle.
I am so grateful that you have promised victory in Jesus Christ.
May Your Word empower me & Your Holy Spirit strengthen me
day-by-day on my spiritual journey!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A SUMMER CHALLENGE

“There is a time for everything,
And a season for every activity under heaven…”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

School is out.  The kids are home.  Vacation is just around the corner.  It’s hot outside.  Summer is here! 

Summer is a great time of year, because it provides an opportunity for a change of pace.  We get so busy the rest of the year, we need a break.  We need rest.  We need Sabbath.  We need extended Sabbath sometimes.  So, I encourage you to take a vacation this summer.  Go camping.  Go to Disneyland.  Go on a cruise.  Go visit Grandma & Grandpa. 

Even at church, many of our ministries and Bible Studies take the summer off.  But, even though you take a break during the summer – don’t take a break from God!  Include Him in your summer plans.  In fact, I encourage you to use your summer break for some spiritual renewal, as well.  Spend come extra time in prayer.  Read more of God’s Word.  Memorize some Scripture verses.  Read a good book.  When you’re in town, come to church.  When you’re on vacation, visit a different church just for fun.  Enjoy the Lord as you rest and relax this summer!

In that regard, I’d like to issue a Summer Challenge.  Here are four things I encourage you to do this summer as you enjoy your change-of-pace.

     1.    Read the Book of Proverbs – it’s full of practical every-day
            wisdom!
     2.    Memorize three Proverbs – 1 each month

- Proverbs 1:7
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Proverbs (you pick one)

     3.    Visit another church while on vacation.
     4.    Invite a friend to visit your church. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for different seasons of life!
Thank you for the summers in life, when we enjoy some extra Sabbath.
As I rest this summer, may Your Holy Spirit
fill me with your presence and peace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THE STRENGTH OF A MAN

“The righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him.”
(Proverbs 20:7)

This Sunday is Father’s Day.  I sometimes wonder if we celebrate Father’s Day just to be politically correct – after all, we have a Mother’s Day; so we need to balance it with a day for dads, right?  Think about it.  We give mother’s flowers in church on Mother’s Day; we give dads a pat-on-the back on Father’s Day.  We take mom out for dinner on Mother’s Day so she doesn’t have to cook; we have backyard barbecues on Father’s Day and ask dad to do the grilling.  What kind of balance is this?

But dads, don’t ever underestimate your significance!  You are truly the #1 influence in your children’s lives.  Every child wants dad’s approval, acceptance, and affirmation.  Every child longs to hear their father say, “Well done!  I’m proud of you!”  Why?  Because you’re their dad!  You’re their hero!

I ran across this simple, but profound article in my files this week entitled, “The Strength of a Man.”  Dads, think about these truths…

The strength of a man isn’t seen in the width of his shoulders.
       It’s in the width of his arms that encircle his children.
The strength of a man isn’t in the deep tone of his voice.
       It’s in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn’t in how respected he is at work.
       It’s in how respected he is at home.
The strength of a man isn’t in how hard he hits.
       It’s in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn’t in the hair on his chest.
       It’s in his heart that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn’t in how many women he’s loved.
       It’s in being true to one woman.
The strength of a man isn’t in the weight he can lift.
       It’s in the burdens he can carry.

Dads, you have a very special place in your children’s hearts and lives.  Never underestimate your impact on your sons and daughters.

 Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being my loving Father.
May I imitate your example of fatherhood in my life.
May I be a man of integrity, compassion, courage, truth, and grace.
And, may I be a godly example for my children to imitate!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

HOW TO BE A WISE GUY

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
(Proverbs 1:7)

Suppose for a moment that God appeared to you and said, “You can have anything you want.  I’ll grant you one wish.”  What would you ask for?  Riches?  Pleasure?  Fame?  Power?  Possessions?  A new house?  A new spouse?  What would be your one request?

A guy in the Bible actually had that opportunity.  In I Kings 3, God told Solomon he could have one wish.  Solomon didn’t ask for riches or fame or power; instead, he asked for wisdom.  God granted Solomon his request and he became the wisest man who ever lived.  He wrote three books in the Bible, including Proverbs.  There, Solomon shares much of his wisdom with the whole world, including us. 

A proverb is a short, pithy saying that provides practical guidance in life.  Or, we could define it as “a saying with a punch.”  For instance, here are a few familiar proverbs from our own culture…

• An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
• A penny saved is a penny earned.
• Look before you leap.

Short.  Simple.  Catchy.  But, profound!  That’s a proverb.  For the rest of the summer, we will be studying several themes in the book of Proverbs during our worship services.  I’ve entitled the series, “How to be a Wise Guy” – not a smart aleck, but a true wise guy.  We’ll be examining some of Solomon’s practical wisdom for everyday living.

I want to encourage you to read the book of Proverbs this summer.  There are 31 chapters in Proverbs, so if you read a chapter a day, you can read the entire book twice during the months of July & August.  Go for it.  You just might find some real nuggets of wisdom for your own life.

 Dear Heavenly Father,
You are an omniscient and all-wise God.
That means You know what is best for my life.
Thank you sharing Your wisdom and guidance in Your Word.
May I be faithful in reading and applying Your Word in my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…”
(Psalm 33:12)

This weekend, we celebrate Independence Day.  It was 233 years ago – July 4^th, 1776 – that our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and declared our freedom from British rule.  Today, there is some debate whether America is a “Christian” nation or not.  But, it is an undeniable fact that our founding fathers believed in God and America was founded on Christian principles.  Take a look at a few quotes from some of the men who signed our Declaration of Independence… 

• “God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever….”  (Thomas Jefferson, author) 
• “Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. … Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us.” (John Hancock, first signer) 
• “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”   (John Adams, signer) 
• “Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped. (Benjamin Franklin, signer) 
• “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” (Patrick Henry, signer) 

Of course, we are all familiar with the words in the opening of the Declaration of Independence itself, but take a look at the closing words, as well… 

• “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  (beginning) 
• And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”  (closing)

The first President of the United States was a Christian, as well.  His words are a good reminder for all of us…

• “While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” (George Washington, first President.)

Clearly, our founding fathers believed in God.  Clearly, America was founded on Christian principles.  As you celebrate the “fourth” this weekend; celebrate our Christian heritage, as well.  May God bless America!

 Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this great nation in which we live,
and for Your many blessings on America over the past 233 years.
We pray for revival in our nation!
May Your Holy Spirit draw us back to Yourself!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A GOOD REPUTATION

“A good name is more desirable than great riches;
To be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
(Proverbs 22:1) 

What kind of reputation do the following individuals have in your mind?

- Abraham Lincoln
- Bill Clinton
- Adolf Hitler
- Fidel Castro
- Bill Gates
- Mother Teresa

Whether good or bad, our reputation follows us wherever we go, even after we die.  With our present economy, it’s hard to imagine that anything might be more valuable than silver or gold; but the wisest man who ever lived (Solomon) suggested that a good name – a good reputation – is more valuable than great wealth. 

So, how do we build a good reputation?  First we must recognize that a good reputation is much different than status.  While status may be expensive, it’s relatively simple:  wear designer labels, live in a ritzy neighborhood, drive a Porsche, dine at the finest restaurants, and attend the opera and symphony.  In other words, you can buy it, wear it, drive it, live in it, eat it, or attend it.  But, a good reputation isn’t that easy. 

So, how do we build a good reputation?  In the book of Proverbs, Solomon offers a few suggestions on building and maintaining a good name.  A good reputation is built on character, rather than image.  Several character traits jump off the pages of Proverbs at us – things like integrity, kindness, generosity, and humility.  And those four character traits also suggest a few things that will destroy a reputation – things like dishonesty, anger and fighting, selfishness and greed, and pride.

How is your reputation?  With your family?  In your neighborhood?  On the job?  With your friends?  As God’s children, let’s live up to His name!

 Yahweh,
Your name encompasses all that You are.
You are a God of holiness and truth, and a God of love and compassion.
May I live up to your name?  May my life reflect Your character in all I do?
May others see Jesus in me!
In His name, Amen.

MANAGING MY MOUTH

“He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”
(Proverbs 13:3)

Did you know that the average individual speaks enough words in one year to fill 66 books, 800 pages long?  The average man speaks about 15,000 words a day; the average woman speaks about 30,000 words a day.  On an average Sunday, 55 million Americans listen to 400,000 preachers deliver over 1 billion words.  We are a nation of talkers – talk shows, talk-radio, wireless phones, cell pones, chat lines, etc.  Is it any wonder our mouths get us into so much trouble?  We love to talk!

Proverbs has a lot to say about our mouths.  In fact, there are over 120 verses in Proverbs that address some aspect of our speech.  Here are a few examples…

• 12:18 – “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
• 12:19 – “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
• 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
• 15:2 – “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
• 20:19 – “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.”
• 21:23 – “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”

How many different ways can you identify that your mouth can get you in trouble?  If we want to avoid the pitfalls that accompany our mouths, we must learn to manage our mouths.  Fortunately, Solomon gives some advice on how to manage my mouth.  Here are four suggestions…

• Think before you speak  (engage your mind before putting your mouth in gear)
• Speak the truth
• Speak in love
• Reprogram your heart

I believe that last suggestion is the most important, because your mouth is only a reflection of your heart.  Jesus said, “For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).   The best way to manage your mouth is to reprogram your heart with God’s Word.  

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the Bible.  Your Word is truth!
“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
In Jesus name, Amen.”

TAMING MY TEMPER

“A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man keeps himself under control.”
(Proverbs 29:11) 

Alexander the Great, in a fit of rage, struck his favorite general one day and killed his best friend.  He cried out, “I’ve conquered the world, but I can’t even conquer my own soul.”  An uncontrolled temper has brought down many great people throughout history.

The average man loses his temper 6 times per week; the average woman loses her temper 3 times per week.  Men tend to be more physical with their anger; while women tend to be more verbal.

So, is anger a sin?  In Ephesians 4:26 Paul instructs us, “In your anger, do not sin…”  Apparently, anger is not necessarily sinful.  In fact, Jesus got angry a couple times.  He even made a whip and threw some money-changers out of the Temple courts.  But, how you express your anger can be very hurtful or sinful.

Some authors have suggested that everybody tends to be a skunk or a turtle.  If you’re a skunk, when you get angry, you just blow up and spray your anger all over the room.  If you’re a turtle, when you get upset, you withdraw into your shell and stuff all your feelings in.  Both responses are unhealthy and hurtful.  Skunks tend to blow up and hurt other people, while turtles internalize their feelings and hurt themselves.  So a wise person learns how to tame his temper and manage his anger.  Here are five tips from Solomon on anger management from the book of Proverbs… 

• Resolve to control your anger  (29:11)
• Remember the cost  (29:22)
• Reflect before reacting  (17:27)
• Restrain your remarks  (21:23)
• Release your anger appropriately  (15:1) 

Which is better?  Conquering the world or conquering my own soul? 

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for creating me in Your image.
You gave me an intellect with which to know You,
emotions with which to love You,
and a will with which I can choose to follow You.
Give me the desire to know You and love You more and more
and the courage to follow You wholeheartedly.
In Jesus name, Amen.

REDUCING THE STRESS

“An anxious heart weighs a man down…”
(Proverbs 12:25) 

Summer is winding down.  School is starting soon.  So, let’s focus for a couple minutes on the great American pastime.  No; not baseball, apple pie, ice cream, or visiting grandma’s house.  I believe the great American pastime these days is stress!  We don’t really like it, but it’s a game we all play today.  Here are a few symptoms of stress.  How many are you experiencing?

• Decision-making becomes more difficult
• Excessive day-dreaming
• Increased use of cigarettes, alcohol, or prescription drugs
• Thoughts trail off while speaking…or writing…or praying.
• Sudden outbursts of anger or hostility
• Paranoid ideas and mistrust of friends
• You dream of escape all the time

What is stress?  Stress is simply the result of carrying too great of weight!  We do it in many ways, but especially in our schedules and our finances.  We cram as much into our days as we possibly can from the moment we wake up until we go bed at night.  Then, we wake up the next day to do it all over again – and again – and again.  We never build any margin into our days.  We go full-throttle, 24/7/365.

On top of our schedules, we add the stress of finances.  Most Americans are buried in debt with home mortgages, seconds on the house, auto loans, school loans, credit card debt, etc. etc.  Like our schedules, there’s no margin in our budgets, either.  So, whenever the car breaks down or we just want to have an evening out, we pull out a credit card and keep adding to the debt and the stress.

So, I’d like to offer a couple suggestions on reducing stress in the year ahead…

1. Build some margin in your life – in your schedules & in your finances.
2. Focus on your priorities & learn to say “no” – to yourself and to others.
3. Start each day and each week with the Lord.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened (that’s stress), and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  (Matthew 11:28-29)

 Heavenly Father,
You are the God of all comfort and peace.
I come to You now because I am weary and stressed.
May I find strength each day by resting in You.
In Jesus name, Amen.

 

SURVIVING MY SCHEDULE

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”
(Proverbs 16:9) 

Do you ever wake up in the morning and wonder, “How am I going to get everything done today?”  Do you ever ask yourself at the end of the day, “Where in the world has all my time gone?”  Well, I have an answer for you.  U.S. News & World Report suggested that the average American will spend

- 6 years eating
- 5 years waiting in line
- 4 years doing housework or repairs
- 2 years unsuccessfully returning phone calls
- 1 year looking for misplaced objects
- 8 months opening junk mail
- 6 months sitting at stop lights

And that doesn’t even include the biggies – like sleeping, working, and television.  It’s no wonder we’re so stressed out about our time and our schedules. 

Ah, but technology has come to our rescue.  Right?  We have laptop computers, cell phones, pda’s, blackberries, and all sorts of gadgets to simplify our lives.  Truthfully, technology probably complicates our lives more than it simplifies it.  We just have more to do and we take it with us everywhere we go.  There seems to be no escape.

So, how do we survive our busy and stressful schedules today?  The Bible gives us some very good suggestions.  Here are three…

- Line up your priorities (focus on what’s really important)
- Lighten up your attitude (don’t take yourself so seriously)
- Look up to the Lord (include Sabbath in your life)

You may be thinking, “I don’t have time for Sabbath in my schedule.”  I would suggest just the opposite – you can’t afford to neglect Sabbath.  When you put the Lord first in your life, He will help align the rest of your day!

Heavenly Father,
You are an infinite and eternal God.
But I am finite and limited by time and space.
I confess that in my busyness I have neglected Sabbath.
I want to restore Sabbath in my life and spend more time with You.
I need Your help in ordering my priorities each day.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

HOW SALTY ARE YOU?

“You are the salt of the earth…”
(Matthew 5:13)

Jesus often spoke in metaphors to drive home his point.  “Salt” is one of those word-pictures Jesus used to illustrate the influence and impact of Christians on our society.  There are three distinct uses of salt; each indicating a different way Christians influence the world in which we live.

First, salt was used as a preservative in ancient days.  Before refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food.  It was rubbed into meat and fish to prevent it from spoiling and decaying.  As Christians rub shoulders with other people in society, our righteousness has a preserving factor – preventing further decay and deterioration of our culture.

Second, salt adds flavor to food.  “Pass the salt” is commonly heard at the dinner table, because we don’t like to eat food that tastes bland.  So, to add a little flavor we shake some salt on the food.  Again, as Christians, our very presence adds a little flavor (love, joy, peace, etc.) in society – at home, at work, at school, in our neighborhoods, and in our communities.

And third, salt creates thirst.  I like to eat a few potato chips once-in-a-while, especially while watching football games.  But when I eat chips, I also like to drink a soda with them.  Why?  Because the salt on the chips makes me thirsty.  As Christians, our lives should also make other people thirsty for the One who gives abundant life – Jesus Christ.

How salty are you?

Heavenly Father,
You are the source of life and You give my life meaning and purpose.
You flood my soul with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit – love, joy, and peace.
May my everyday life be a reflection of Your life in me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

HOW BRIGHT ARE YOU?

“You are the light of the world…
Let your light shine before men, that they may see yours good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:14-16) 

My grandson, Caleb, loves to go outside on a dark night before bed and look in the sky for various lights; like airplanes, and stars, and especially the moon.  Of course the moon is the brightest light in the night sky, because it’s the closest to earth.  But the moon has no light of its own.  It only reflects the sun’s light. 

The same is true of God’s children.  Jesus said of Himself in John 9:5, “I am the light of the world.”  But in the verse above, He spoke to His disciples and said, “You are the light of the world.” So which is it?  Jesus or His disciples?  Both!  As God’s children, we simply reflect the Son’s light!

In Matthew 5, Jesus first used the metaphor of “salt” to refer to the impact and influence of Christians in society.  Then to drive home the point even further, he used a second metaphor – “light.”  Light has two primary functions.

First, light dispels darkness.  What’s the first thing you do when you walk into a dark room?  You flip on the light switch to turn on some light?  Why?  Because light dispels the darkness in the room and you can see where you’re going and what you’re doing.  As God’s children, we are called to live out our Christian lives in this dark world, and in doing so we essentially dispel darkness.

Second, light guides the way.  Have you ever been camping and have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night?  Of course the outhouse is usually down a trail, through some brush, around a few trees, and over several stumps and boulders.  So you take a lantern or a flashlight with you to guide the way.  As God’s children, we are called to light the path or guide the way for unbelievers to find Jesus Christ.  We are like flashlights, pointing people to Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Are you reflecting Jesus’ light in your life and dispelling darkness.  Are you pointing the way for others to find Jesus?  How bright is your light? 

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us Your Son, the Light of the World.
He is the way, the truth, and the life!
May my life reflect Your Son’s light in all I say and do.
Please use me to guide others to Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

MEET GOD

“As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?”
(Psalm 41:1-2)

When Barb and I were dating (a few years ago), we longed to be with each other whenever we could.  We spent every possible moment together.  During high school, I snuck over to her house after school occasionally. During college, we had a standing date on Mondays (my day off) to spend the afternoon and evening together.  We studied – but at least we were together.  We went out on a date almost every weekend.  When we couldn’t see each other, we talked on the phone.  When one of us was out of town, we wrote letters to each other (this was before cell phones and emails and facebook).  Why?  Because we were in love, and we wanted to get to know each other as personally and intimately as possible. 

You see, there are two essential factors in getting to know someone – time together and communication.  The same is true in our relationship with God.  When you truly love God, you want to get to know Him as intimately as possible.  You will communicate with Him by reading the Bible (God’s love-letter to you) and praying (your phone calls to Him).  And you will long to spend more and more time with God.

Barb and I have been married for over 30 years now, and there is still nothing that I enjoy more than just spending time with my wife.  Why?  We’re still in love.  Unfortunately, some days we’re lucky to get in a “good morning” and a “good night.”  There are many distractions in life – work, church, family, friends, television, etc.  They’re all good things, but they often keep us from what we enjoy most – each other.  Unfortunately, there are many things in life that distract us from spending time with God, as well.

Are you in love with God?  Does your soul pant for Him?  Do you long to spend time with Jesus?  I encourage you to find some time and a place to meet God every day!  Just spend time with Him! 

Heavenly Father,
I admit there are many distractions in life that keep me from You.
But, my soul pants for You, O God.
Please show me when and where
I can spend more time with You on a daily basis.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOLLOW JESUS

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
(Luke 9:23)

Webster’s Dictionary gives 22 different definitions for the word, “follow.”  Here are the three that I believe best explain the meaning of “following Jesus.”

• to accept as a guide or leader
• to conform, comply with, or  obey
• to imitate or copy

Caleb is my 2½ year old grandson.  At this stage in his life he is a follower, or a learner.   Caleb loves to get some “tools” and fix things.  He loves to sing.  He loves to water the plants outside at our house.  Caleb also loves to talk and he’s very good at carrying on conversations.  A few weeks ago, he surprised his parents with the word “apparently” out of the blue, and even used it in its proper context (by accident).  Apparently, he had heard his parents or someone use the word and decided he could say it, too.  Caleb is a quick learner because he’s a great imitator.  He sees his dad fixing things around the house and thinks, “I can do that.”  He hears his mom singing and thinks, “I can sing like that.”  He sees his grandma water the plants so he wants to do the same.  He hears other people say big words and decides he can say the same words. He’s a great imitator.

To follow Jesus is obey Him and imitate Him.  After all, as God’s children we’re called “Christians,” right?  And the word “Christian” simply means “Christ-like.”  You and I are “little Christ’s” walking around on earth.  When others see us at work, at home, in the neighborhood, or at church; they should see Jesus in us.  Paul put it this way in Ephesians 5:1 – “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.”

Caleb is a great imitator of his parents.  Jesus was a reflection of His Father.  Are you a good imitator of Jesus Christ?  When others see you, do they see a reflection of Jesus?

Heavenly Father,
Thank- you for the privilege of being one of your children.
As I journey through this life,
give me the courage and strength to imitate Jesus.
May I be a reflection Jesus Christ in everything I say and do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SERVE OTHERS

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in it’s various forms.”
(I Peter 4:10) 

Have you ever gone to the mall during the holiday season and watched all the people walking & shopping?  Some are tall, some are short.  Some are big, some are small.  Some have white skin; some have dark skin.  Some have blond hair; some have black hair, red hair, or even green hair.  Some have blue eyes, some have brown eyes.  Some walk fast, some walk slowly.  Every one is different.  No two people are exactly alike, not even identical twins.  God is sure creative, isn’t He?

Just as we have unique physical features, we also have unique emotional and spiritual features.  Your unique shape includes the following blend of special features…

S = Spiritual Gifts
H = Heartbeat (passions)
A = Abilities (talents & skills)
P = Personality
E = Experiences

God made you unique for a reason.  God shaped you for a purpose.  He wants you to use all those gifts, passions, abilities, and life-experiences to serve Him.  And we serve God by serving people around us. Did you see that in the verse above?  As we serve others, we are administering God’s grace to people.  Wow!  You and I are agents of God’s grace.

The Bible describes the church as a body.  As a body, we need every part of the body working together in perfect harmony.  The church is also described as a team.  As a team, we need every player working together in perfect teamwork.  These are just other ways to speak of serving each other!

There is no one else on this planet just like you.  You are a one-of-a kind.  You are God’s masterpiece.  But, you are also a member of a team.  And the team needs you!  We need each other. 

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for my unique s.h.a.p.e.
Help me, Lord, to use my unique-ness to serve others.
Show me, Lord, where I can administer Your grace today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BRING A FRIEND

“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him,
‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ).
And he brought him to Jesus.”
(John 1:41-42)

I was 25 when we had our first child.  I remember it vividly.  It was a Saturday night.  My uncle was spending the night.  But after he went to bed, we went to the hospital.  Joanna was born on Sunday morning – I believe around 6:00 am.  I was an Associate Pastor at the time, and I was supposed to teach our youth Sunday School class that morning and lead our worship service in church.  I’m sure everyone would have understood if I skipped, but I wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to announce the birth of my first child.  I was so excited, you couldn’t shut me up.  I had to tell everyone the good news!

Does the word “evangelism” scare you?  Does it make you want to run and hide?  It doesn’t have to.  Think of it as simply sharing the “good news” of Jesus Christ.  When Andrew first met Jesus, he was so excited he ran and told his brother, Peter; and brought him to meet Jesus.  A couple verses later, when Philip met Jesus, he was so excited that he brought his friend, Nate, to meet Jesus.  That’s evangelism.  You don’t have to be a “Billy Graham” or a “preacher” or a “salesman.”  Just invite people to meet Jesus.

Here’s a simple two-fold strategy for outreach we can all practice:  (1) Be a friend, and (2) Bring a friend.  We simply encourage you to invite your friends to come with you to church where they can meet Jesus.  It’s really quite simple…

• Invite them to come
• Invite them to come back
• Invite them to come to Christ

But, it all starts with prayer.  Most of the cell phone companies have a “My Circle” plan or a “Fave Five” plan.  You can call 5 or 10 of your “faves” free, no matter what company they use for their own cell phones.  I encourage you to have a “My Circle” Prayer plan.  You should have at least 5 unchurched friends, family-members, neighbors, co-workers, or acquaintances that you pray for regularly.  Then, look for the right opportunity to invite them to come.  Bring a friend with you to meet Jesus. 

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your gracious gift of eternal life.
Thank you for Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for my sin.
Give me a burden for my circle of unchurched friends
that I might invite them to meet Jesus, too.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REKINDLING YOUR FIRST LOVE

“..You have forsaken your first love.
Remember the height from which you have fallen!
Repent and do the things you did at first.”
(Revelation 2:4-5)

Do you ever get so busy with all the stuff of life – work, school, kids, appointments, projects, etc. – that you find yourself neglecting your spouse or your kids?  It must be time for a date!  Or a weekend away!  You may need some time to just get re-acquainted; some time to visit; some time to rekindle the spark!

It can happen in your Christian life, too.  Sometimes we get so busy with life – even good things – that we neglect Jesus.  It may be time for a date with Jesus; a night with only Him and no television.  Or, you may even need a weekend away; not for personal pleasure, but to rekindle the spark in your relationship with the Lord.

It can even happen in churches.  Churches can also get so busy with programs, and services, and various ministries that we forsake our first love.  People get so busy “doing” that we neglect just “loving” Jesus. That’s what happened to the church in Ephesus.  So, John relayed three words from the Lord to encourage them to rekindle their first love. 

• Remember – what was it like when you first fell in love with Jesus?
• Repent – change!  Cut out some of the busyness!  Re-evaluate your priorities.
• Repeat – do some of those things you did when you first fell in love!  Start dating again!

Those three words are good advice for a marriage that’s drying up.  But, they’re also great advice when you find your relationship with Jesus going stale?  Is it time to re-kindle your love-relationship with Jesus?

 Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for getting so busy with the stuff of life
that I neglect what’s most important – You!
I need your guidance as I re-evaluate my priorities
and rekindle my love-relationship with You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

WHEN IT’S NOT EASY BEING A CHRISTIAN

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer…
Be faithful, even to the point of death,
and I will give you the crown of life.”
(Revelation 2:10)

When we think of persecution, we usually think of the early church when Christians were imprisoned, thrown to lions, and beheaded.  Or, we may think of Christians during the Reformation era when many of the Reformers were burned at the stake.  But, persecution is still a reality today.  According to the World Evangelical Alliance, over 200 million Christians in at least 60 countries are denied fundamental human rights today solely because of their faith, and over 175,000 Christians are killed for their faith every year.   This is primarily in Muslim and Communist countries.  But persecution of Christians is on the rise in America today, as well.

When Jesus wrote his postcard to the church of Smyrna in Revelation 2, He identified 4 different forms of persecution…

• Poverty – from Christians losing their jobs because of their faith
• Slander – ridicule, mocking, insults, and false accusations
• Imprisonment
• Death

Granted, in America we may not face imprisonment and death for our faith at this time, but you may suffer persecution on the job (lack of promotions or loss of jobs) and through slander.  Even though tolerance is the politically correct doctrine taught in schools and workplaces today, it just doesn’t seem to apply to Christians.  Our culture is increasingly anti-Christian.  So, how do we endure persecution and suffering for our faith?  Jesus gave two words of encouragement in Revelation 2:10…

(1)   Don’t be fearful! – Keep looking up!  Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross on your behalf!

(2)   Do be faithful! – Keep looking ahead!  Remember, the temporary suffering we endure on earth pales in comparison to the eternal glory awaiting us in heaven.

Heavenly Father,
Thank-you for Jesus who suffered and died on the cross.
I consider it a joy to suffer for His name.
May others see in me the reality of my faith in You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A FROG IN THE KETTLE

“I know where you live – where Satan has his throne.
Yet you remain true to my name…”
(Revelation 2:13) 

I’ve been told that if you place a frog into a pot of boiling water, it will immediately leap out to escape the danger of the hot water.  However, if you place a frog into a kettle of water at room temperature, it will be comfortable with its surroundings and will remain in the water.  Since the frog’s survival instincts are geared to detecting sudden changes, you can now begin to increase the temperature of the water very slowly and the frog will stay content in the water, completely unaware of any danger.  Continue to turn the temperature up until the water is boiling and the poor frog gets cooked – content, but dead.

I wonder how often the same thing happens in our spiritual lives.  We receive Jesus as Savior, start going to church and Bible studies, and settle in to our new environment – content and comfortable.  Then as the world around us changes very gradually, we get sucked in and begin accepting the world’s standards and compromising our own moral and spiritual standards.

The third church of Revelation (Pergamum) had that problem.  They lived in a very pagan society, and somehow got sucked in.  They began accepting Satan’s lies fed to them by the pagan culture in which they lived and they compromised their faith.  So Jesus had some strong words for them.  (Rev. 2:12-17)

Sometimes it’s difficult to discern right from wrong today.  And sometimes it’s very easy to compromise our faith.  Don’t let it happen to you!  Remain true to Jesus’ name.  Here are three steps to remaining true and faithful to Jesus… 

• Read God’s Word – Know the truth & the truth will set you free!
• Recognize Satan’s lies.
• Repent of compromise.

The world around us is changing all the time.  The standards of righteousness are softening gradually and constantly.  Don’t be a frog in the kettle.  Jump out of the kettle and be counted for Jesus Christ!

 Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word, the Bible.
Because You are absolute Truth, Your Word is truth, as well.
May Your Holy Spirit guide me into the truth of Your Word,
and may Your Word always guide my daily life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BEEF FISHIN’ LATELY?

“’Come follow me,’ Jesus said,
‘and I will make you fishers of men.’”
(Mark 1:17)

When I was young, I loved to go fishing.  I had three favorite fishing spots – the Little Colorado River near Greer, Christopher Creek near Payson, and Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona.  I liked fishing in streams instead of lakes.  In lake-fishing, you throw your hook into the water with a bobber on it; then you just sit and watch the bobber until a fish bites.  I didn’t like just sitting and watching.  I’m too impatient.  Of course, if I had a boat I might have liked lake-fishing better.

But in stream-fishing, I kept on the move.  I liked getting wet and dirty.  I liked getting in the water, walking down the stream and through the brush, looking for the perfect fishing hole.  Sometimes the fish hid out under the rocks; other times they liked the running water.  I usually tried two or three different baits or lures in each spot – salmon eggs, worms, spinners, z-rays, etc.  Then if I got no bites, I went hunting for another fishing hole.  Eventually, I found a spot where the fish were biting.

Jesus has called his disciples – you and me – to be fishers of men.  We need to go where the fish are instead of waiting for the fish to jump out of the lake.  We need to walk down the streams and through the brush in life to look for the fish.  We might even try two or three different baits or lures while fishing. And when they’re not biting, God may want us to look for another fishing hole.

Been fishin’ lately?

 Heavenly Father,
Thank your for calling me to be one of your disciples.
I recognize, Lord, that I am called to be a fisherman.
Give me a genuine burden for the lost.
And give us a passion for our community.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A VETERAN’S DAY ANALOGY

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…”
(Galatians 5:1)

Today (November 11th) is Veterans Day.  This is the day our country honors those men and women who have served in our Armed Forces over the years to protect our liberties and freedoms.

We are indeed grateful for the service and sacrifice of our veterans.  You have given up years of your life to serve our country.  You have put careers and families and dreams on hold.  You have left the comfort and security of home to serve around the world.  Many have fought in horrific wars and witnessed terrible tragedy and death.  Some have been shot and maimed and injured.  Some have suffered emotionally.  And others have been called on to pay the ultimate sacrifice for freedom – their own lives.  To all the men and women who have served to protect our freedom; we say a simple but heartfelt, “Thank-you!”

This day reminds me of another person who paid the ultimate price for freedom.  Jesus fought a spiritual war in Gethsemane and on Calvary against the enemy of our souls.  He paid the ultimate price for you and me. He sacrificed His life for our freedom.  Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we have…

• freedom from sin & Satan
• freedom from condemnation
• freedom from spiritual death
• freedom from an eternity in hell
• freedom to love and serve God with all our heart

Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice on the cross.  Praise God for our freedom in Christ!

 Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the men and women
who have fought for our freedom in America.
Thank you that Jesus gave His life
to free my soul from sin and condemnation.
May I now use my freedom to freely love and serve You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

YOU ARE BLESSED

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in the heavenly realms
with every spiritual blessing.”
(Ephesians 1:3)

We just wrapped up a 9-week series at NMC entitled, “Our Spiritual Blessings,” from Ephesians 1-3.  As God’s children, we are incredibly blessed by God.  With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching this month, I’d like you to take a few moments to review and reflect on all your spiritual blessings in Christ and praise God for His love!

I’ve written these blessings in first person.  I encourage you to read them aloud and just bask in the wonder of God’s amazing grace.  After you’ve reviewed your spiritual blessings in Christ, take a moment to thank God for His love and grace.

• I am chosen by God   (1:4)
• I am adopted as God’s child   (1:5)
• I am redeemed   (1:7)
• I am forgiven   (1:7)
• I am sealed by the Holy Spirit   (1:13)
• I am guaranteed an inheritance in heaven   (1:14)
• I am raised to new life   (2:5)
• I am seated with Christ in heaven   (2:6)
• I am saved by grace   (2:8)
• I am God’s masterpiece  (2:10)
• I am near to God   (2:13)
• I am reconciled to God   (2:16)
• I am at peace with God   (2:17)
• I have access to God   (2:18)
• I am a citizen of God’s Kingdom   (2:19)
• I am a member of God’s household   (2:19)
• I am the temple of God   (2:22)
• I am united in one body – the church   (3:6)

“Now to him who is able
to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, forever and ever!  Amen.”
(Ephesians 3:20-21)

GIVE THANKS

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.”
(Psalm 100:4) 

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday:  food, family, and football.  But it’s more than that.  Thanksgiving is a time to praise the Lord for his many blessings in our lives.  Yes, even in the midst of economic woes, there is still plenty to be thankful for.  God is good.  And even through the tough stuff of life, he brings good to His children.  So take some time this week, especially on Thanksgiving Day, to thank God for what He’s doing in your life.

If you’re wondering where to start, here are a few things I’m thankful for.  I’ll even try to stick with the letter “f” to go along with food, family, and football… 

• forgiveness – my salvation in Christ
• family – my wife, children, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and extended family
• fellowship – my church family
• friends – too many to name them all
• freedom – America
• fun & frivolity – life itself
• difficulties (okay, it doesn’t start with “f” but it has 2 “f’s” in it)

Yes, we can even thank God for the difficulties – the trials and tribulations of life.  God uses the tough stuff of life to mold us and shape us and strengthen our faith in Him. 

Now, you take a stab at it.  What are you thankful for?  Don’t worry about your list starting with the letter “f” – just tell God “thanks” for His many blessings in your life! 

 Heavenly Father,
Everything we have is a gift from Your gracious hand.
Thank you for Your many blessings in life.
You are good and Your love endures forever;
Your faithfulness continues through all generations.
Hallelujah!  Praise the Lord!

BEWARE OF TOLERANCE

“I have this against you:
You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess.
By her teaching she misleads my servants…”
(Revelation 2:19)

We live in a world of political correctness.  And in the name of political correctness we are taught to be tolerant of everyone.  There’s one problem, though.  Our culture has redefined the word, tolerance.  In the past, Webster defined tolerance as “bearing with or putting up with someone or something not especially liked.”  And in that sense, the Bible encourages us to “bear with one another” in love.

But tolerance means something completely different today.  Most of the time you hear the tolerance doctrine taught in the world today, whether in schools or in the media, it means that we are to accept all values, beliefs, lifestyles and truth-claims as equal.  Spanish philosopher, Fernando Savitir put it this way, “Tolerance…means that all opinions are equal.  Each one has its point and there is no way to distinguish between them.”

Beware!  Jesus actually came down strongly on a church in Revelation for being “tolerant.”  They were tolerating a false-prophet in their midst who was teaching false truth-claims and leading people into immorality.  Jesus did not have very nice words to say about this false-prophet.  You can read it in Revelation 2:20-25.  Obviously Jesus was not worried about political correctness.  If He were here today in the flesh, He would be accused of intolerance. 

Here’s the catch:  when it comes to people, we are indeed to be loving and gracious toward others, bearing with things we don’t like.  But when it comes to truth and holiness, we dare not tolerate sin or compromise God’s holy standards.  God’s Word is our standard.  It is absolute truth!

Loving? – ALWAYS!   Tolerant of sin and unbiblical values? – NO!  It’s time for Christians today to stand up for truth and righteousness in America!

Heavenly Father,
You are absolute truth!  Your Word is true!
Thank-you for revealing Yourself and Your will to us.
Give me the courage to stand up for truth and righteousness.
At the same time, may I also reflect Your love and grace!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAD OR ALIVE?

“I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive,
but you are dead.  Wake up!”
(Revelation 3:1-2) 

What’s the difference between a dead person and a living person?  What’s the difference between a dying church and a living church?  And how do you distinguish between an individual who is spiritually dead and one who is spiritually alive?  Obviously, the difference in all three cases is life!  One has life flowing through his / her body; the other doesn’t.  But do they look much different?

In Revelation 3, Jesus draws a sharp contrast between two churches – the church in Sardis and the church in Philadelphia.  To the church in Sardis Jesus has no words of commendation; only condemnation.  But to the church in Philadelphia, just the opposite is true.  What’s the difference?  One is dead; the other is alive!  But what is most interesting is that by all outward appearances the two churches didn’t look much different.

The church is Sardis had a good reputation.  They were wealthy – they had nice facilities and probably even supplied their pastor with the latest model chariot every year.  They had top-notch programs – a flashy youth group and the best worship around.  In fact, they may have even hosted an annual “Sardis Church Growth Conference.” By all outward appearances you would have thought they were right on track.  But Jesus looked much deeper.  And when he did, he found a church that was dying.  They were going through all the motions, but there was no life!  Jesus could barely detect any spiritual vital signs.

When you go to a doctor he always checks your vital signs to determine if you’re healthy – your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, reflexes, etc.  Likewise, Doctor Jesus doesn’t just look at externals; he checks the spiritual vital signs of churches and individuals.  In a church, those spiritual vital signs would include our passion for God, our love for one another, and our passion for the lost.  In an individual, He would check much the same.

How are your spiritual vital signs?  How’s your spiritual blood pressure – do you have a passion for God?  How’s your spiritual pulse – do you truly love others as Jesus loved you?  How’s your spiritual temperature – do you have a passion for the lost?

Are you spiritually dead or alive?

 Heavenly Father,
I confess that sometimes I find myself going just through the motions.
I pray that You might restore my passion for Jesus.
Help me love others as You have loved me.
And give me a burden for the lost around me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

HOT OR COLD?

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot,
I wish you were either one of the other!
So because you are lukewarm – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
(Revelation 3:15-16)

On a hot summer day in Phoenix, sometimes all you want is a nice cold refreshing drink of water.  So you go over to the faucet and turn on the “cold” water.  What do you get?  Lukewarm water!  In Phoenix, there is no such thing as “cold” water out of the faucet.  You either get warm or hot.  So what do you do when you get a mouthful of warm water after expecting cold water.  You spit it out and walk over to the refrigerator for some ice to cool it off. 

On a cold day you may long for a cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate.  How do you respond when all you get is lukewarm coffee or lukewarm chocolate?  Again, you want to spit it out and head over to the microwave to zap it for a few seconds.

That’s how Jesus feels about lukewarm Christians.  According to Revelation 3, lukewarm Christians are nauseating to the Lord, and He just wants to spit them out of his mouth.  God would rather that you were either cold or hot.

A cold person has no vital signs of spiritual life, no passion, no vitality, no spiritual interest at all.  But at least a cold individual doesn’t think they’re on track with God.

A hot person is “on fire” for the Lord.  They have a deep love for Jesus Christ, a burden for the lost, and a passion for the things of God. 

But a lukewarm person has let the fire fade.  They may think they’re on track, but three words best sum up the lukewarm Christian – compromise, comfortable, and complacent.

I’m afraid there are a lot of lukewarm Christians in America today. In fact, of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3, the Laodicean church may be the one that sums up the American church best.  We have gotten very comfortable with our Christianity.  We have compromised with the world.  And we have become complacent about our faith and indifferent about reaching the lost for Jesus Christ.

Which are you?  Are you cold?  Are you lukewarm?  Or are you hot?  I trust & pray that you are “on fire” for Jesus Christ.

 Heavenly Father,
I don’t want to be a lukewarm Christian.
Forgive me for where I have become complacent in my faith.
Restore in me a passion for Jesus Christ
And give me a burden for the lost.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

THE MYSTERY & THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born;
He is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:10-11)

The mystery of Christmas is the incarnation of Jesus Christ – God became a man.  Max Lucado paints the picture well…

The omnipotent, in one instant, made himself breakable.  He who was larger than the universe became an embryo.  And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl. 

He looks like anything but a king!  His face is prunish and red.  His cry, though strong and healthy, is still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby.  And he is absolutely dependent upon Mary for his well-being.

Majesty in the midst of the mundane.  Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat.  Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter. 

This baby had overlooked the universe.  These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity.  His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen.  And worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.

But the miracle of Christmas is the salvation of mankind – Jesus abandoned his throne in heaven for a lowly manger.  He was born in a manger to die on a cross.  And He died on a cross for our salvation.  As the angel said to the shepherds, “a Savior has been born.”  Jesus came to save mankind from their sin.  He came to restore man’s relationship with God.  He came to offer us the best Christmas gift of all; the gift of eternal life. 

I encourage you to take some time during your Christmas celebration this year to pause and behold the wonder of Christmas.  Take a few minutes to reflect on both the mystery and the miracle of Christmas.

 Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us the gift of your Son, Jesus!
Thank you for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
And thank you for the privilege of being one of your children.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

IN FAVOR OF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.”
(Proverbs 16:3)

New Year’s Resolutions?  It seems like nobody makes them anymore. We can’t seem to keep them for a month or even a week.  So we just give up!  Let me share a word in favor of New Year’s Resolutions.

What I like about the New Year is that it gives me a fresh start.  Last year is behind me & a new year is ahead of me.  So, what will I make of it?  Will I go on as usual?  Will I settle for the status quo another year?  Or will I make some changes?  Will this be the year I decide to do something new & different, perhaps even adventurous? 

So instead of resolutions, think of them as annual goals.  And remember, if you aim at nothing that’s exactly what you’ll hit – nothing.  So aim at something.  Even if you don’t hit a bulls-eye, you’ll probably get a lot closer than if you never tried.  So, how about it?  Go ahead and set some goals for 2010.  In fact, here are a few ideas to get you started…

• Financial Goals – How much do I want to save this year?  How much can I reduce my debt?  What are my goals for giving in 2010?
• Family Goals – How can I keep romancing my spouse?  How can I put a little spark back into my marriage?  How am I going to build some family memories with my children (or grandchildren) this year?  How can I help them grow closer to the Lord?
• Fun Goals – What new hobbies could I try this year?  Where do I want to go on vacation – just for fun?  What adventurous activities can we do as a family?
• Faith Goals – How am I going to grow spiritually this year?  What are my goals for Bible reading and prayer in 2010?  What ministries do I want go be involved in?  Should I try a new ministry this year?

Go ahead.  I dare you!  No, I double-dare you!!!  Set some personal goals for 2010.

 Heavenly Father,
Thank-you for the fresh starts you give us every day.
Your mercies are new & fresh every morning.
As I start a new year this week, I want to live it for you!
May your goals be my goals and may my dreams be your dreams!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

JUST ACT MEDIUM

“Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
(Ephesians 4:2)

Humility, patience, gentleness, and forbearance.  Four essential attitudes to building and maintaining unity in the church – and harmony in the home, as well.  So important, we’ll discuss one attitude per week this month.  Let’s start with the toughest – humility.

Chuck Swindoll tells a great little story that illustrates humility.

The children worked long and hard on their little cardboard shack.  It was a special spot – a clubhouse – where they could meet together, play games, laugh, and have fun.  And because clubhouses are supposed to have rules, they came up with three…

• Nobody act big
• Nobody act small
• Everybody act medium

I like it!  That’s humility.  Don’t think too highly of yourself.  Regardless of your position, your degrees, your honors, your long list of achievements, just be real.  And don’t think too lowly of yourself.  You are God’s workmanship.  So, just act medium. 

So, what is humility?  Since it’s better described than defined, here are a few characteristics of humility…

• Humility considers others better than itself  (Philippians 2:3)
• Humility yields its own rights to meet the needs of others.
• Humility surrenders its own agenda for the good of others.
• Humility doesn’t demand that things go “my way.”
• Humility considers no task beneath its dignity.
• Humility is able and willing to admit when it makes a mistake. It even says, “I’m sorry.”
• Humility doesn’t care who gets the credit.
• Humility is not consumed with self – it’s consumed with other people!

Now, here’s the catchy part.  Humility is very elusive.  Just when you think you’ve got it, you start becoming proud of it, and it quickly slips away.  Be humble.  Focus on others.  Just act medium! 

Heavenly Father,
Thank you that Jesus humbled himself.
He gave up his heavenly throne, became a man, and died on a cross.
I want to be more like Jesus every day.
May his humility be reflected in my life!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

COOKIES FOR TWO

“Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
(Ephesians 4:2) 

Gentleness – Now, there’s a character quality that sure won’t win football games or basketball games.  Right?  And it won’t get me far in the office, either.  Or in life, for that matter.  We live in a dog-eat-dog world:  survival of the strongest.  When I mention the word, “gentleness,” you probably think of Bambi meeting Thumper.  Or Benji taking care of some lost kittens.  Right?

But the truth of the matter is just the opposite.  There’s a certain “power” in gentleness that catches people’s attention.  There’s a certain “strength” in gentleness that is actually winsome and attractive.

In fact, the Greek word for “gentleness” is really the word for “meekness.”  And meekness is anything but weakness.  The Greeks used the word to describe great strength under control – i.e. a wild stallion that had been broken, or a potentially deadly medicine that was used for healing disease.  So meekness is not weakness – it is controlled strength! 

Let’s get practical.  How does gentleness manifest itself in real life?

• Gentleness respects and honors people rather than showing disrespect.   (I Peter 3:15)
• Gentleness is humble rather than proud or arrogant.   (Matthew 11:29)
• Gentleness is calm rather than explosive.   (Proverbs 29:11)
• Gentleness speaks tenderly rather than harshly.   (Proverbs 15:1)
• Gentleness forgives rather than retaliates when wronged.   (Colossians 3:12-13)
• Gentleness seeks to serve rather than control others.   (Mark 10:42-44)

After a tiring flight, a woman had a long layover in a London airport before the next leg of her journey.  After buying a cup of coffee, a package of cookies, and the morning newspaper, she sat down at a table to enjoy all three.  She soon heard a rustling noise.  Looking over her paper, she saw a young man helping himself to the cookies.  She didn’t want to make a scene, but neither did she want to lose all her cookies.  So, she leaned over and took another cookie.  More rustling from the other side indicated the man had taken another cookie, too.  Back and forth it went until there was just one cookie left.  Calmly, the gentleman broke the last cookie in two and pushed half toward the woman.  He ate his half and walked away.  The woman was still fuming when her flight was called.  When she got on the plane she opened her purse where, to her surprise, she found her bag of cookies.  She had been eating his.

Of the two, which responded with gentleness?

Heavenly Father,
May gentleness reign in my life?
May my life be lived in such a way that it leads
other people to the Perfect Gentleman – Jesus Christ.
In His name, Amen.

WAITING

“Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
(Ephesians 4:2)

Have you ever noticed how much time we spend waiting? 

• We wait in line at the grocery store.  We wait in line at the department store.
• We wait in the security line at the airport.  We wait to board the airplane. 
• We wait in line to buy tickets for the movie; then we wait for the movie to start. 
• We wait at red lights.  We wait in rush-hour traffic. 
• We wait for the waitress to take our order; we wait for our food; and we wait for the bill. 
• We wait at the doctor’s office.  We wait in the Emergency Room.  We wait at the DMV.
• We wait on the phone to talk to a live person.
• We wait for our computer to warm-up.  We wait for the printer to warm-up.
• We wait for Christmas.  We wait for New Year.  We wait for our birthday!

Some experts have suggested we spend five years of our life just waiting.  I never would have guessed that Americans were so patient.

There are actually two words in the New Testament for patience.  One relates to the patience we need with the circumstances of life – like all the waiting mentioned above.  But the other word emphasizes patience with people.  Perhaps one reason we do so much waiting in life is because God is teaching us to be patient.  I believe He wants us to translate our “waiting” into “patience” with people, too!  Here’s what that kind of patience looks like…

• Patience bears the foolishness of men without irritation.
• Patience bears insult and injury without bitterness or complaint.
• Patience refuses to retaliate or seek revenge when wronged.
• Patience is slow to anger.
• Patience doesn’t hold grudges.

Do you have a hard time being patient with other people?  It may help to remember how patient God is with you.

 Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your patience!
You are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
I want to be more like You!  Help me, O Lord!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GRIN & BEAR IT

“Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
(Ephesians 4:2)

Forbearance.  It’s not a word we use in everyday conversation.  But if you have a loan and are having trouble making payments, it’s a great word.  In the banking world, “forbearance” is an agreement between the lender and the borrower to suspend or reduce payments for a period of time.  If you have a student loan the payments may be suspended for a period of time while still in school, but the loan continues to accrue interest which is later capitalized into the loan.  If you have a home loan, “forbearance” means that the lender suspends judgment (foreclosure) on the loan for a period of time to give the borrower an opportunity to catch up on his payments.

That’s similar to the meaning of “forbearance” in the Christian’s life.  It basically means that we “suspend judgment” on others.  It suggests an attitude of patience and tolerance toward people who may rub us the wrong way.  Sometimes it’s just best to grin and bear it.  Forbearance means…

• I grin & bear other people’s idiosyncrasies, foibles, and quirks.
• I grin & bear it when a fellow Christian slights me.
• I grin & bear put-downs, insults, and offenses by my brothers.
• I refuse to retaliate, lose my temper, or hold grudges.
• I am quick to forgive those who wrong me.

In these tough economic days many of us would love a little “forbearance” on our loans. Right?  So let’s practice forbearance in our personal relationships, as well.  It’s the last of four attitudes that are essential to unity in the church – humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance.  May all four reign in our hearts and lives as children of God!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the unity we have in Jesus Christ.
May that unity be evident in the family of God!
May You continue to nurture in my heart the attitudes of
humility, patience, gentleness, and forbearance.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THREE KINDS OF LOVE

“And now these three remain:  faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.”
(I Corinthians 13:13)

February is the month of love with Valentine’s Day on February 14^th.  So, let’s talk about love this month.

As you probably know, there are three Greek words for love which describe three kinds of love.  The first kind of love is the “if” kind of love. “If you are beautiful, I will love you.”  “If you are successful, I will love you.” “If you are good, I will love you.” “If you measure up, I will love you.”  “If you satisfy my desires, I will love you.”  This kind of love comes with strings attached.  It’s a conditional love.  It’s a love offered in exchange for something the lover desires.  The bottom line:  it’s a very selfish love.

The second kind of love is the “because” kind of love.  In this kind of love, a person is loved because of something they are or something they do.  “I love you because you are lovely.”  “I love you because you are good to me.”  “I love you because you make me feel secure.”  “I love you because you give me nice gifts.”  This kind of love is a little better than the “if” kind of love; but what if someone else comes along who is wealthier, nicer, or prettier?  It often leads to insecurity, fear, and jealousy. 

The third kind of love is the “in spite of” kind of love.  It’s different than the first two because there are no strings attached and it expects nothing in return.  It’s not based on attractive or loveable qualities in the other person.  This kind of love does not have to be earned or deserved.  A person is loved and accepted just as he is in spite of his past, his faults, or his bad habits.  This kind of love overcomes fear, insecurity, and rejection.  This love is unselfish, unconditional, and sacrificial.  We refer to this as “agape” love.

Guess which kind of love God has for you.  I’ll give you a couple hints.  God loved you even when you were still a sinner.  And God loved you so much He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for you. 

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving me in spite of my sinfulness.
Thank you for sacrificing your Son on my behalf.
May your unconditional love and acceptance reign in my heart!
And may others experience Your love through me!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

“Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love…”
(Ecclesiastes 9:9)

Claudius was the Roman Emperor in the third century A.D.  He had a difficult time recruiting soldiers for the Roman army.  He believed the reason was that young men didn’t want to leave their wives or girlfriends to fight.  So Claudius outlawed all marriages and engagements in Rome for awhile in an effort to encourage men to join the army. 

St. Valentine was a priest in Rome during this time.  He thought the law forbidding marriage was preposterous and he refused to support it.  So, as tradition suggests, St. Valentine continued to marry young couples – secretly of course.  Eventually, Claudius discovered St. Valentine’s secret marriage ceremonies.  The Emperor arrested St. Valentine and threw him in jail.

While St. Valentine was imprisoned, many young people continued to visit him in jail.  They threw flowers and notes to him through his jailhouse window.  One young girl who visited him often was the jailer’s daughter.  She agreed that St. Valentine did the right thing by performing secret marriages.  She continued to visit St. Valentine until the day he was put to death. 

On the day he died, February 14, 269 A.D., St. Valentine wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter thanking her for her friendship and loyalty.  He signed it, “From your Valentine.” 

Thus began the tradition of valentine’s notes and cards.  Of course, Valentine’s Day has mushroomed into flowers, chocolates, jewelry, romantic dinners, and much more.  What a great tradition.  Let’s celebrate true friendship and love!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your perfect plan –
a man and a woman, married, loving each other,
and passing that love on to their children.
And thank you for Your example of true love
in giving your Son, Jesus, to die for my sin.
I love You, Lord.  Amen

GOD’S LOVE NOTE

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
(John 3:16)

Last Sunday was Valentine’s Day.  It was one of Hallmark’s brightest days of the year as millions of people sent love notes to their sweethearts.  In fact, over 180 million Valentine cards are exchanged every year (not including the boxed cards for kids). 

Over the years, many famous love notes have been written.  Perhaps the most famous love note was written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning…

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight…

But, the greatest love note of all time was written by God Himself.  John 3:16 is God’s love note to you.  He demonstrated His love for you by sending His one and only Son to give His life that you might have eternal life.

I know John 3:16 is very familiar.  But, I want to encourage you to take just a few moments to review it again and reflect on the wonder of God’s love.  Consider the…

      Depth of God’s love – “…He gave His one and only Son…”
      Breadth of God’s love – “…that whoever believes…”
      Height of God’s love – “…shall have eternal life.”

And that’s God’s valentine card to you – the greatest love note ever written!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love note.
And thank you for awesome love.
May Your love continue to flow through me.
I love You, Lord.  Amen

JUST AS…

“A new command I give you:  Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
(John 13:34)

The Greek word is “kathos.”  It means, “just as.”  Grammatically, it’s a conjunction – a word used to connect two clauses.  But it’s a conjunction of comparison.  It links two clauses in an analogous relationship.  The second is to be done “in a similar manner” or “in the same way” as the first.  Not just “as” the first, but “just as” the first.

Now, there are three ways in the New Testament that God’s children are instructed to relate to other people just as Jesus relates to us. 

(1)  LOVE – First, we are commanded to “love” each other just as Christ loved us.  So, how did Jesus love us?  He loved us unconditionally and sacrificially. Jesus gave His life for us on the cross.  We are to love each other the same way – unconditionally and sacrificially.

(2)  ACCEPT – Second, we are instructed to “accept” each other just as Christ accepted us.  Romans 15:7 says, “Accept one another, then, just as (kathos) Christ accepted you…”  So, how does Jesus accept us?  He does so with no prerequisites, no exceptions, and no strings attached.  No “if’s, and’s or but’s.”  He welcomes us into His family just as we are; faults and all.  So, we are to accept each other the same way; irregardless of race, nationality, wealth, occupation, or social status.  There is to be no racism, prejudice, or self-righteous holier-than-thou attitudes amongst God’s children.  Instead, we must offer unreserved acceptance to all people.

(3)  FORGIVE – Third, we are exhorted to “forgive” each other just as Jesus forgave us.  Colossians 3:13 states it plainly: “Forgive as (kathos) the Lord forgave you.”  When we refuse to forgive others, we are essentially playing God.  The Lord has forgiven our sins and removed them as far as the east is from the west.  We, too, must offer forgiveness to people no matter how miserably they fail.  Forgiveness releases people from our personal judgment and frees us to minister to people’s deepest needs.

Let’s be people who love, accept, and forgive others just as Christ has loved, accepted, and forgiven us. 

 Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your unconditional love and acceptance.
And thank you for your unreserved forgiveness.
May I be a channel of Your love, acceptance, and forgiveness
at home, at work, at church, and in my community.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children…”
(Ephesians 5:1)

Young children are great imitators!  That’s how they learn. 

Last weekend Seth & Caleb helped us hang some sheetrock in my garage which we are converting into a bedroom.  Well, Seth helped.  But Caleb (3 years old) was sure watching and trying his best to do exactly what the big boys were doing.  Before we were done he had figured out how to put screws into scrap pieces of sheetrock.  And after we were done for the day, I found that my toolbox had been completely rearranged.  Caleb had tried out many of the tools in the toolbox.

Caleb has recently begun praying at the dinner table, too.  For quite a while; when I asked him if he wanted to pray he would just answer, “No, you pray!”  But then one day, he just started in, “Dear God…”  How did Caleb learn to pray?  By watching and listening to his mom and dad.  He imitated his parents.

His little brother Ethan (1 year old) is not far behind.  But, he has a big brother to imitate, too!

As God’s dearly loved children, we are to imitate our Father in heaven.  In fact, there are two particular qualities that God desires we imitate:  His love and His holiness.  Check out these verses…

• Ephesians 5:1-2 – “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us…”
• I Peter 1:15-16 – “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

Like father, like son.  As Caleb imitates His dad; so we are to imitate our Father in heaven.  God is love & God is holy.  As His children, we are to imitate both His love & His holiness.  The more time we spend with Him, the easier it is to imitate Him.  Like Father, like son!

Heavenly Father,
I am honored to be one of Your dearly loved children.
As Your child, I know You desire that I imitate both Your love and holiness.
But I am weak – I can’t do so without Your help.
May Your Holy Spirit empower me to love and live as You desire 24/7!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

GOD’S BUILDING PROJECT

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith
develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work
so that you may be mature and complete…”
(James 1:2-4)

As many of you know, Barb and I are in the process of a building project on our house, converting our garage into an extra bedroom for Barb’s mom. As we have been building, it has struck me several times that God is involved in a building project, too. The difference is that while we’re building a house, God is building people. But these building projects have several similarities.

The goal in our building project is to build a bedroom with a full bathroom. So, we drew it all out on paper. Then, we began gathering the materials needed to build – lumber, nails, screws, sheetrock, mud, electrical and plumbing parts, trim, fixtures, paint, carpet, tile, etc. And we use many different tools to do the work depending on the specific phase of the project – saws, hammers, drills, knives, trowels, measuring tapes, levels, screwdrivers, paint brushes, etc. Someday we will have a functional bedroom and bathroom for Barb’s mom to move into.

God’s building project is somewhat similar. The goal in God’s building project is spiritual growth and maturity. The raw materials God works with are unique for each building project – your heart, soul, mind, will, body, personality, and whatever makes you unique. And God uses many tools in the building process – the Bible, church, family, friends, Christian leaders, and the circumstances & experiences of life. Yes, even the tough stuff of life. God uses the trials of life to knock off a few rough edges along the way, to build our faith, to develop spiritual maturity, and to mold us and shape us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

So even though the trials aren’t particularly fun; remember that God has a purpose in them. He’s still working on you. He’s still working on me!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the trials in life.
May you use them to accomplish Your purpose in my life.
Mold me & shape me into the person You want me to be.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

UNDER THE PAINT

“Man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.”
(I Samuel 16:7)

We’re on the home stretch of our building project on our house.  I’ve been painting this week.  But first the walls had to be framed, then we nailed sheetrock to the studs, then the sheetrock had to be finished with tape and mud, then we textured the walls.  Finally, I painted.  In every step along the way, it’s assumed that the next step will cover some mistakes of the previous step.  Mistakes in framing would be covered by the sheetrock.  Slip-ups in the sheet-rocking could be covered by tape and mud.  Blunders in taping & mudding could be hidden with a heavy texture.

But paint doesn’t cover or hide any mistakes.  In fact, paint does just the opposite – it accentuates all the previous mistakes that didn’t get covered well.  It reveals what’s really under that coat of paint.

That reminds me of something Jesus said to the religious leaders of his day in Matthew 23:27-28, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like white-washed tombs…”  They looked good on the outside because they had established an external system of rules and regulations; but their hearts were still full of pride, hypocrisy, and evil.  All the white-washing (painting) in the world cannot cover the mistakes, blunders, flaws, and evil in a man’s heart.

That’s the trap of legalism.  We try to white-wash or paint over the character of our hearts with external rules and rituals.  We may look good on the outside for awhile.  But eventually, the external facade will reveal what’s underneath it all.

That’s why Solomon warned us, “Above all else, guard your heart…” (Proverbs 4:23).  And that’s why the prophet Samuel said, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God looks right through all the external paint and white-wash.  He sees your heart.  Remember, Christianity is not about religion; it’s a relationship. 

What’s beneath the exterior paint of your life?  How’s your heart?

Heavenly Father,
I confess my tendency to focus on externals.
You desire a love-relationship, rather than external rituals.
So I give You my heart anew.  May it beat in tune with Your heart!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

ENJOY LIFE!

”A cheerful heart has a continual feast.”   (Proverbs 15:15)
”A cheerful heart is good medicine.”  (Proverbs 17:22)

I wrapped up the painting on our remodel project at home last week.  Caleb helped me.  He helped on two separate occasions.  The first time he painted, it didn’t really matter where the paint landed, because the floor was bare and nothing else had been painted yet.  But the second time he helped was a little different.  We were painting a brown accent wall after the other walls and the baseboard had already been painted.  Needless to say, Caleb dripped a little of the brown paint on the white baseboards. 

At first, I found myself getting a little frustrated with the drips.  I was going to have to repaint some baseboards.  Then I came to my senses.  What else would I expect from a 3-year old?  And besides, I had gotten as much brown paint on the white ceiling as he had on the baseboards.  So, I decided to put my own paint brush down and spend a few minutes just watching and helping Caleb.  After awhile, I even picked up Ethan (1 year-old) and put a paint brush in his hand and helped him paint a little.  Then I let Ethan try it by himself.  He promptly missed the wall and landed a brush full of brown paint right in my beard.  We all got a good laugh.  Finally Caleb asked, “Poppy, why aren’t you painting.”  So, I had to get back to work. 

As I reflect back on that incident, it reminded me a something I have learned in the past but often forget.  I tend to take life far too seriously.  Sometimes I just need to lighten up a bit, smell the roses, have some fun, and enjoy life. 

So I want to challenge you to do the same.  When you find yourself taking life too seriously, stop for awhile and do something different just for the fun of it.  In fact, it would do our hearts well to take a few moments every day and enjoy some of the little blessings in life.  After all, God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (I Timothy 6:17)   So, enjoy life!

Heavenly Father,
Life gets so busy & I get so stressed.
Thank you for the many little blessings in life!
Help me to slow down & enjoy life!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

THEN CAME SUNDAY!

“Thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(I Corinthians 15:57)

Do you ever get discouraged?  Are the divisive politics of our day wearing on you?  Are you worried about the future of America?  Does the economy have you in the dumps?  Have you lost your job or your house or both?  Is life getting you down? 

Take some time and reflect on Easter.  That’s right.  Take a few moments and meditate on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

After the crucifixion on Friday, Satan thought he had won.  He thought he had successfully killed the Messiah.  He thought he had defeated Jesus.  He thought he had finally thwarted God’s program.  In fact, Satan and his cohorts were celebrating with a huge victory party.

Then came Sunday!  Jesus crashed their party.  He rose victoriously from the grave.  He conquered sin and triumphed over death.  He defeated Satan.  Jesus is the ultimate victor!  God turned the greatest tragedy in all of human history (the crucifixion of God’s Son) into the greatest victory in all of eternity (the salvation of mankind).

So when you’re down and discouraged, remember that Jesus is the victor!  God is still working in your life and He specializes in turning tragedies into victories.  Be patient!  Keep praying!  It may be Friday, but Sunday’s coming to your life, too!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Easter and the reminder of the victory we have in Jesus.
Thank you that Jesus conquered Satan, sin, and death.
And thanks that You turn tragedies into victories.
I look forward to the victories you are bringing in my life!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

NOTHING BEATS FAMILY!

“Sons are a heritage from the Lord;
children are a reward from him.”
(Psalm 127:3) 

My son just called from Seattle.  I was on my way to a late lunch.  He was on his way home from work.  He just called to say, “Hi!”  So before I ordered my food, I sat in my car in the parking lot and talked for awhile.  I enjoyed it!

Yesterday I went out to lunch with my oldest daughter after doing a little maintenance on our car which she’s been driving for awhile.  We sat at Applebee’s, ate some salads, and just visited for awhile. Nothing critical; nothing earth-shattering – just a father & daughter enjoying some time together.  I enjoyed it!

On Monday, I stopped by my parents house for about an hour.  No particular reason – just to say “Hi!”

On Sunday, we went to our younger daughter’s home after church for Easter dinner & an Easter egg hunt with the grandchildren.  There were about 14 family members there.  We just sat around and visited and laughed and ate and played with the grandchildren.  What a great time!

A week before Easter, Barb and I went to Seattle for our son’s wedding reception.   We visited a lot, helped set-up and clean-up for the reception, and enjoyed celebrating with Josh and his wonderful wife, Jennifer.  What a great time!

While we were gone, Barb’s mom moved in to our home.  She was there when we got back from Seattle.  She seems to be enjoying her new place and we’re enjoying having her there. 

With all the exciting things to do in life these days, there is still nothing that I enjoy more than family – my wife, my children, my grandchildren, and my extended family.  And if that’s not enough, I have a wonderful church family to enjoy, too!  Granted, all relationships come with challenges; but in the final analysis, nothing beats family – my physical family as well as my church family!

Join us this Sunday as we begin a 6-week series entitled, “Family Matters.”  You can check it out on our church website – www.northmountainchurch.org.  

Heavenly Father,
Thanks for family – both physical & spiritual family.
Help me to slow down from the hectic pace of life
and enjoy the family relationships you gave me!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

ANNUAL CHECK-UPS

“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind…”
(Jeremiah 17:10) 

I’ve been writing annual reports this week.  It’s that time of the year.  While most people don’t like writing annual reports, I do see tremendous value in them.  I view them basically as an annual check-up. 

Annual check-ups are a part of life.  We are told to go to our doctor every year for an annual check-up.  We are supposed to have an annual check-up on our air conditioning units and heaters.  Our cars have regular check-ups scheduled every 30,000 or 60,000 miles.  Many employees have an annual evaluation or review at work.  Even students have semi-annual check-ups – they’re called report cards.    

An annual check-up is an opportunity for evaluation.  We evaluate growth or lack thereof.  We evaluate progress toward reaching our goals.  We evaluate weaknesses and strengths.  We evaluate our general health and well-being. 

In the church we use objective measurements like attendance, baptisms, conversions, budgets, and growth of ministries to evaluate how we’re doing?  But we also use more subjective measurements like the overall spirit in the church and spiritual growth.  These are more difficult to measure but are key factors in the health of the church.

How about an annual spiritual check-up?  Have you done a personal check-up or assessment of your spiritual life lately?  Give it a try?  Here are a few questions you might start with in assessing your own spiritual life…

• Am I growing, coasting, or backsliding in my spiritual life?
• How is my daily devotional time with the Lord?
  • Am I reading God’s Word regularly?
  • How’s my prayer-life?
• Am I growing in stewardship?  How’s my giving?
• When was the last time I shared Christ with someone?
• Am I experiencing victory over sin and old habits?
• How’s the love factor in my life?  The joy factor?  The peace factor?

Is it time for your annual check-up?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
(Psalm 139: 23-24)

HOW BRIGHT ARE YOU?

“You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:14-16) 

I just installed a couple lights in a five-foot deep work room in our garage.  As you know, we converted our garage into a bedroom for Barb’s mom.  But we retained a small section (5’ deep) in the front of the garage so we could still open the garage door and have a work & storage area.  We are planning to put my work bench in one half and Barb’s framing table for art projects in the other half.  Obviously, we needed some light above each work area.  So, I installed two shop lights with two fluorescent bulbs in each. 

After I got them both in I called Barb out to impress her with my handiwork.  She was amazed at how bright they were.  Actually, she wasn’t just amazed; she was embarrassed.  All she could think of was how the neighbors might complain about such bright lights shining in their windows.  Not only can we see well to work on our projects; we are lighting up the whole neighborhood in the process.

Isn’t that what exactly what Jesus wants us to do?  He doesn’t want us to hide our light.  He wants it to shine brightly.  Okay, maybe he’s not referring to physical lights – but he does want our good deeds to shine so brightly that others can’t miss our faith.  People shouldn’t have to strain to see our good deeds; they should be obvious to everyone around us.  Then, others will glorify our Father in heaven.

What good deeds have you done lately?  How brightly is your faith shining?  Do people have to strain to see your light?  Or, are you lighting up your entire neighborhood? 

Dear Heavenly Father,
I am amazed that you have entrusted your Kingdom work to men.
I pray that my faith would shine so brightly that
other people might see my good deeds & glorify You!
May the light of Jesus Christ shine through me everyday!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

CONSIDER THE BIRDS

“Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?”
(Matthew 6:26)

I remember sitting in my office in Washington and watching all the birds out my window – geese, ducks, hawks, eagles (occasionally), seagulls, crows, robins, blue jays, finches, chickadees, etc.  Now that I’m in Phoenix again, I am amazed at how many different kinds of birds live in the desert, as well – pigeons (of course), doves, sparrows, mockingbirds, woodpeckers, roadrunners, quail, wrens, hummingbirds, and many more. 

Some birds don’t seem very smart.  For instance, birds often fly into my office window.  At home, I often hear woodpeckers pounding on the metal pipes on our roof.  They must think they are trees. 

But most birds don’t seem to have a care in the world.  Whether they eat seeds, worms, grass, bugs, or breadcrumbs they are well-fed by the Father in heaven.  He knows what they need and He provides plenty of food for them – whether they live in the rainy Northwest or the dry desert of the Southwest. 

The same Heavenly Father who feeds and cares for the birds also knows your needs.  In fact, you are far more valuable to God than any of the birds.  God knows every one of your needs, no matter how big or small they may be.  Are you in need of a job?  He knows that.  Are you going through some financial hardships?  He knows about it.  Are you sick?  He knows.  Are you hurting emotionally?  He knows and understands.  Are you lonely?  He knows that, too.  Whatever your need – God is aware of it.  And, He infinitely cares about you!

So instead of worrying, pray!  Talk to God about your needs.  Trust Him!  Cast all your cares on Him – because He cares for you!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you know my needs.
Whether physical, material, emotional, or spiritual needs –
You know them all.
And I am thankful, Father, that you care about me personally.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

THE KEY TO SUCCESS

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth;
meditate on it day and night,
so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
(Joshua 1:8)

Everyone wants to be successful!  Whether in business, ministry, marriage, parenting, diet plans, finances, or in our personal lives; we all want to be successful.  So we pay big money to attend motivational seminars on how be successful.  We buy the latest and greatest books on success.  We buy DVD’s from the latest “success guru.”  In fact, the most popular preachers today are those who preach a “success” (“health & wealth”) gospel.  And yet the key to success God’s way is really quite basic.  It’s summed up in a single verse in the Old Testament. 

Joshua had just been charged with the task of leading the nation of Israel into the Promised Land – to conquer and possess the land that God had promised them.  Needless to say, it was a daunting task – to lead an army of 500,000 fickle people into battle.  But God promised to be with Joshua wherever he went.  And He gave Joshua the key to success.  The key to success was Joshua’s relationship to God’s Word… 

• Know It
• Think about it
• Talk about it
• Do it

Did you get that?  Just do what God says & He promises to be with you & give you success.  That’s it – When you apply God’s principles to life; He blesses – in business, in marriage, in family-life, in finances, and in your personal life.  Granted, there may be a few bumps along the way because you’re in a spiritual battle, but God still promises to be with you wherever you go.  Your relationship to His Word is the key!

By the way – we’re starting an 8-week study on Joshua this week in our Wednesday night Bible Study at 7:00 pm.  Join us! 

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word.  Your wisdom is flawless.
And, thank-you for Your presence.
You promise to be with me wherever I go.
Give me the strength and the courage
to apply Your Word in every aspect of my life!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

FAITH

“And without faith it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
(Hebrews 11:6)

Many people have illustrated faith by sitting down in a chair and saying something like this:  “faith is like sitting in a chair and trusting that it will hold you up.”  Well, I sat down in my office chair last week and it snapped.  I almost landed on the floor.  But that little incident reminded my about another important aspect of faith – faith in and of itself is worthless.  My faith is only as good as the object in which I place my trust.  Obviously, my chair was pretty reliable for awhile; but eventually it wore out and snapped. 

Unfortunately, many people place their faith in very unreliable objects today. 

• Some place their faith in education – so why are so many college graduates out-of-work today?
• Some place their faith in a career – so why are over 10% of Americans looking for work today?
• Some place their faith in wealth – until the stock market crashes & their 401k tanks.
• Some place their faith in government – until the other party wins.
• Some place their faith in technology – until their hard drive crashes & they lose everything on it.
• Some place their faith in people – until their friends stab them in the back.
• Some place their faith in religion – until their pastor or priest fails morally or their church splits.

Fortunately, there is one completely faithful & reliable object of faith – God!

•  Psalm 100:5 – “The Lord is good & his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
• Hebrews 11:5 – “…God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

God is not like my office chair.  He will never wear out and snap.  He will never grow tired.  He will never let us down.  He is completely faithful.  And to top it off, He promises to reward everyone who diligently seeks Him.

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are a faithful God!
Your love and your grace are new and fresh every morning.
You have promised to never leave me nor forsake me.
Hallelujah.  You are worthy!  I give your praise!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

RISK

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see.”
(Hebrews 11:1)

They had been living in tents for forty years.  They were comfortable with their nomadic lifestyle.  But now they were on the edge of the Jordan River.  On the other side of the river they could see the “Promised Land.”  All they had to do was cross the Jordan River.  But the river was flooded.  It was flowing very rapidly.  They could never get a million people across the river safely.  But God told them to follow the Ark of the Covenant into the river.  And He told the priests to just step into the water. 

Risky?  They could drown.  They could be washed downstream.  They could lose their grip on the Ark and watch it disappear in the floodwaters.  What about all the children who didn’t know how to swim? 

The truth is that faith always involves some element of risk.  God asks us to step out of our comfort zone; to try something new and different and out of the ordinary; to take a risk for Him.

• Rahab hid two spies on her roof.
• The Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground.
• Joshua led the people on a walk around Jericho 13 times in 7 days.

These are not conventional modes of operation.  They’re risky.  But that’s what faith is all about – being certain of what we do not see.  What risk might God be asking you to take on His behalf?

• Invite a friend to church?
• Talk to a neighbor or co-worker about Jesus?
• Start a new ministry?  Something different than you’ve done in the past?
• Give a little extra – beyond what fits in your budget?
• Change your daily routine to include more time with Him?

Faith involves an element of risk.  That’s why it’s called faith.  Be strong & courageous!  Trust God!

Dear Heavenly Father,
You have promised to be with me wherever I go!
So give me the courage to step out of my comfort- zone
and take a risk for You!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

REMEMBER WHEN…

“In the future when your descendants ask their fathers,
‘What do these stones mean?’
Tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground…”
(Joshua 4:21-22)

Israel had wandered in the wilderness for forty years.  They were about to enter the Promised Land.  In fact, they could see the Promised Land on the other side of the Jordan River.  But the Jordan was flooded.  The waters were high and the current was very strong.  There was no human way to get two million people (including children) plus all their animals across the river. 

As Joshua commanded, the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant began walking toward the Jordan River.  As soon as their feet touched the water, God parted the Jordan just as He had parted the Red Sea forty years earlier.  The waters of the Jordan backed up about 30 miles and the people walked through the river bed on dry ground.

But before they set up camp in the Promised Land, Joshua instructed one leader from each of the twelve tribes to gather a large rock from the middle of the Jordan and erect a memorial on the shoreline.  Why?  As a testimony to the greatness and faithfulness of Yahweh.  Years later, when little Johnny asked his mommy and daddy what those stones were, his parents would tell him of how God had parted the Jordan River and the Israelites had entered the land that God had promised them.

Do you have some memorials in your life?  We do okay at remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and special family or national events.  But what about spiritual memorials?  Do you remember when you became a Christian?  Do you remember the day you were baptized?  Do you remember any of God’s miracles in your life – i.e. His financial provision, His healing hand, or His divine guidance?  Do you remember any of His answers to your prayers? 

You don’t need to build a memorial in your front yard out of large rocks.  But you could keep a spiritual scrapbook.  Or take some pictures and keep a spiritual photo journal.  Then as your children grow, take some time to browse through the scrapbooks or journals and review your spiritual journey.  Ask yourself, your kids, and even your grandkids, “Remember when…”

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for your faithfulness in my life!
Thank You for Your divine guidance and answered prayers!
May I always remember Your goodness and Your mercy in my life.
And may I be faithful in passing on a spiritual heritage
to my children & grandchildren.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

VISION

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…”
(Proverbs 29:18 – KJV)

John F. Kennedy had a vision…

Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Martin Luther King had a vision…

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”… I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

Ronald Reagan had a vision…

Mr. Gorbechev, tear down this wall!

All the great leaders of the Bible had God-inspired visions – Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, Nehemiah, Paul, etc. etc.

Do you have a vision?  A vision for a better America?  A vision for your marriage?  A vision for your family?  A vision for your personal life?  A vision for your spiritual growth?

I don’t normally use our e-votionals to ask for anything.  My goal is for them to simply encourage you in your spiritual life.  But this week I want to break with tradition and ask for your prayers because this weekend is our annual Leadership Summit.  I’ve invited all our Deacons, Deaconesses, Church Officers, Ministry Leaders, and Spouses (about 25-30 people) to join us for this summit as I believe NMC is at a crucial turning point in its history.  Almost 5 years ago I was called to lead our church in a turnaround ministry.  We have made great progress toward that end.  However, there is still much to be done.  We need to complete that turnaround.  It’s time to move on to the next level of growth and ministry.  So, I am asking you to pray for our church leadership this weekend as we seek God’s direction for NMC in the years ahead!  Would you simply ask God to give us His vision for NMC!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for my North Mountain Church family!
As our NMC leadership meets this weekend,
I ask that You would reveal Yourself in their midst.
May they catch Your vision for NMC!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

IT’S A BATTLE

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them,
because the one who is in you
is greater than the one who is in the world..”
(I John 4:4) 

During the Civil War, a Union soldier from Ohio was shot in the arm.  His captain saw that he was wounded and barked out an order; “Give me your gun, Private, and get to the rear.”  The Private handed over his rifle and ran toward the north, seeking safety.  But after running only about three hundred yards he came upon another skirmish.  So he ran to the east, and found himself in another part of the battle.  Then he ran to the west, but encountered still more fighting there.  Finally, he ran back to the front lines shouting, “Gimme back my rifle, Cap’n.  There ain’t no rear to this battle nowhere!” 

Sometimes life is like that.  We are in a spiritual war and the battle is raging all around us.  No matter where you turn – to the north, the west, the east, or the south – it’s a war-zone.  Whether at home, at work, at leisure, at church, or wherever you go – it’s a battle.  There just ain’t no escaping it! 

Fortunately, God has given us His resources for this battle.  As we clothe ourselves with spiritual armor – truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation – we are protected against Satan’s attack.  And as we fight with the spiritual weapons of God’s Word and prayer, we will experience victory!  

Yes, it’s a battle.  There ain’t no escaping it.  But, as God’ children, we’re on the winning side!  The one in us – Jesus Christ – is far greater than our enemy in the world. 

Join us on Sundays this month for our series on “Spiritual Warfare.”  

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that Jesus Christ rose victorious from the grave.
He conquered death, sin, and Satan.
And, thank you for the victory You give me through Jesus Christ!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

PROMISES

“The Lord is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.”
(Psalm 145:13) 

Have you ever made a promise and not been able to keep it?   Do remember as a child how disappointed you were when your dad promised to do something with you, then had to break his promise because something came up at work that prevented him from doing it?  Broken promises hurt. 

But here’s the good news:  God never breaks a promise.  What He says He will do, He does!  He is faithful.  He will never let you down.  He will never fail you!  When you get frustrated or discouraged in life it helps to remember some of God’s promises to His children.  Here are a few reminders from the Old Testament about how much God cares for you… 

• Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.   (Joshua 1:9)
• Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for are with me.  Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.   (Psalm 23:4)
• Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.   (Psalm 37:4)
• God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.   (Psalm 46:1)
• Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.   (Isaiah 40:31)
• When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord, your God…   (Isaiah 43:2-3)
• For I  know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.   (Jeremiah 29:13) 

Next week I’ll share a few promises from the New Testament.  But for now, read these promises from the Old Testament again.  Okay, read them one more time.  Let God’s promises encourage your soul today.

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are truly loving and faithful.
Your grace is sufficient to meet all my needs.
May I find comfort and encouragement in your promises today!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

MORE PROMISES

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess
for He who promised is faithful.”
(Hebrews 10:23)

Some authors claim there are 1,260 promises in the Bible.  Others suggest there are over 3,000 promises.  Herbert Lockyer, author of All the Promises in the Bible, claims there are about 8,000 promises in God’s Word.  There are plenty of promises to stake your faith on.  But best of all, God is faithful!  He keeps His word.  He fulfills all His promises. 

Last week, I shared a few promises from the Old Testament.  This week, I’ll share a few promises from the New Testament.  As you read them, let God’s promises lift you up.

• Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  (Matthew 7:7-8)
• Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  (Matthew 11:28-29)
• For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, no anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.   (Romans 8:38-39)
• No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.   (I Corinthians 10:13)
• Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.   (Philippians 1:6)
• And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.   (Philippians 4:19)
• If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.   (I John 1:9)

Read them again.  Okay – one more time!  May God’s faithfulness encourage you today!    

Dear Heavenly Father,
I praise you for your faithfulness!
May your promises bring comfort and encouragement to my soul today!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

GOD BLESS AMERICA

“If my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray
and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land.”
(II Chronicles 7:14)

This Sunday is July 4^th – Independence Day!  It was 234 years ago that our forefathers declared their independence from the king of England by signing the Declaration of Independence.  Today many in the public arena are claiming that America is a secular nation.  But there is no question that America was founded upon truths from God’s Word and our Christian faith.

One of the most famous quotes of the American Revolution is by Patrick Henry…

• I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.

Patrick Henry went on and served as the first governor of Virginia.  Did you know that he was also an outspoken Christian?  Here are a few more quotes from Patrick Henry…

• It can not be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ! 
• I have disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give to them, and that is the Christian religion. If they had that and I had not given them one cent, they would be rich. If they have not that, and I had given them the world, they would be poor.” 
• The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed.

Because of our Christian foundation, God has indeed blessed America over the past two centuries.  Unfortunately, our great nation has wandered far from its foundation.  Men have forgotten God.  Secularism has replaced Christianity as the “religion” of the people.  Is there any hope for America?  What would it take for God to once again bless America?

I believe there is hope.  Hope is found in II Chronicles 7:14, where we discover four conditions necessary for God to “heal our land” and bless our country once again.  We must (1) humble ourselves before God, (2) pray to the God of heaven, (3) seek God’s face, and (4) repent of our sin. 

I further believe America is at a crossroads.  We are either headed for God’s judgment or for a great revival.  Which will it be?  I pray for revival.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this great country in which we live
and for your abundant blessings.
We confess that America has wandered from its faith in you.
May Your Holy Spirit pour down revival on our country?
May God bless America again!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

GOD IS…

“To whom, then, will you compare God?
What image will you compare him to?”
(Isaiah 40:18) 

There are many misconceptions of God floating around the world.  While the following images may not be specifically identified by anyone, they are still prevalent ideas about God today…

• The “Jack-in-the-Box” God – God just sits in his box (heaven) while we turn the crank of life. Every-once-in-a-while he pops his head out to check up on things.
• The “Genie-in-the-Sky” God – God is my personal “genie.”  When we rub the vase (prayer), he comes out and grants our wishes.
• The “Year-Round-Santa-Claus” God – God is a great big benevolent gift-giver in the sky.
• The “Remote-Control” God – We are in control.  As we press the buttons, God answers to our commands.
• The “Mean Ogre” God – God is lurking around every corner waiting for us to blow it so he can pounce on us.
• The “Last Resort” God – We do our best to handle life ourselves and call on God only when all else fails.
• The “Crutch” God – God is only for the weak; for people who need a crutch in life to lean on.

What is your image of God?  Is it similar to any of those above?  While there may be some elements of truth in some of those images, God is much bigger than any one of them.  He is both transcendent and immanent.  He is both Creator and Redeemer.  He is both majestic and merciful.  He is both holy and love! He is God!

Join us this Sunday as we begin a new Summer Series examining the multi-faceted character of God.  Or to put it a little differently – I invite you to meet God anew and afresh this summer at NMC. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are an awesome God – far beyond any human description.
You are also a personal God – interested in & concerned about me.
As I behold your majesty, all I can say is “Wow!”
As I behold your love and grace, all I can say is, “Thanks!”
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

WHERE IS GOD?

“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from you presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there.
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”
(Psalm 139:7-8)

If you were to ask some children, “Where does God live?” you would get two primary answers.  Some would say, “He lives in my heart.”  Others would say, “He lives in heaven.”

Ah, but where is heaven?  Is it deep in the center of the earth?  Is it in outer space, beyond the black holes in the universe?  Is it just a figment of children’s imagination? 

Consider for a moment two particular attributes of God that pertain to His dwelling or His presence.  First, God is eternal.  He is above and beyond time.  Genesis 1:1 starts out, “In the beginning, God…”  In other words, even before there was time, God existed.  He is the creator and the controller of time.  Because God is eternal, He exists in the past, present, and future all at the same time.  Nothing takes God by surprise.  He has already lived all our tomorrows.  To put it simply, God exists in an “eternal now.” 

Secondly, God is omnipresent.  That means he is above and beyond space.   I can’t be in two places at the same time, as much as I’d like to sometimes.  But, God is present everywhere in the universe at one and the same time.  God is not confined to any one location, because He knows no physical limitations.

So, what does that say about heaven?  Perhaps heaven is not as much a physical “place” as it is a supernatural dimension.  You don’t need a spaceship to get to heaven.  You can’t travel at warp speed to reach eternity.  Heaven is all around us.  God is right here.  Right now.  You can’t run from God.  You can’t hide from God.  You can’t escape God.  Wherever you go, God is there! 

Here’s the beauty of it all – When I am lonely, God is my constant companion.  When I am fearful, God is my confidence.  When I am tempted, God is my counselor.  And when I am discouraged, God is my comforter.  I am never out of God’s sight.  He is always with me!

Dear Heavenly Father,
My finite mind cannot begin to comprehend an infinite God.
You are eternal & omnipresent – above and beyond time & space.
Thank You, Lord, that nothing ever catches You by surprise.
And thank you, Lord, that You are always present for me!
You are an awesome God!  Amen!

HOW MUCH DOES GOD KNOW?

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
(Isaiah 55:8-9)

Did you know that the rate of new information is doubling every six months?  Did you know that most of what you learn today will be obsolete in two years?  We are living in the midst of a knowledge explosion!

There are over 3,000 books published every day.  The number of text messages sent and received every day exceeds the population of the earth.  There are over 2.7 billion searches on Google every month.  It is estimated today that a week’s worth of the New York Times contains more information than an individual was likely to come across in a lifetime in the 18^th Century.

Think about all the advances since 1900.  In the field of transportation, we have advanced from horse-drawn carriages to cars, jets, spaceships, and moon-landings.  In the field of communication, we have advanced from the telegraph to telephones, cell phones, satellite phones, world-wide internet, and beyond.  In the military field, we have advanced from guns to grenades, missiles, stealth bombers, and unmanned drones.  Similar advances have been made in every area of life – i.e. science, medicine, technology, agriculture, business, etc.

Yet, even with the explosion of information and knowledge, man will never approach the infinite knowledge and wisdom of God.  He is omniscient – He knows everything.  He knows all the stars by name.  He knows the number of hairs on your head.  He knows the past, the present, and the future.  And, He knows you and me – inside and out!

God knows all my failures, all my frustrations, all my fears, and all my future.  He knows all my discouragements and all my successes.  God knows where you are right now as you’re reading this devotional.  He even knows what you think about it.  He knows and understands you and me better than we know ourselves.  And, to top it off – He loves you, and He loves me.  Wow!

“O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways…
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
(Psalm 139:1-3; 23-24)

WHAT IS A HOLY GOD?

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”
(Isaiah 6:3)

If you were suddenly caught up into heaven for a few moments and allowed a glimpse of God on His throne surrounded by angels, how would you respond?  Would you break into song?  Would you jump up and down with joy?  Would you shout?  Would you start dancing?  Would you bow?  Would you thank God for all His answered prayers?  Would you start asking God all your unanswered questions?  Or would you be speechless?  How would you respond?

A man in the Bible was given that opportunity.  Isaiah saw God seated on His throne surrounded by angels calling to each other, “Holy, holy, holy…”   I suspect you and I would likely respond the same way Isaiah did.  He fell to the ground before a holy God in utter awe and wonder.  As he beheld a holy God, he trembled in fear because he was immediately confronted with his own unworthiness to even stand in God’s presence.

So, what is a “holy” God?  The word holy means “different” or “separate.”  When we speak of a holy God, we are saying that God is wholly other than anyone or anything else in the universe.  He is wholly different than His creation.  His glory fills the universe. And, His glory ought to shake us to our core as it did Isaiah.  A holy God is perfect.  He is absolute purity.  He is righteous.  He is just.

And yet, the most amazing truth is that this holy God desires a relationship with sinful man.  That’s why He sent His Son – to pay the penalty for our sin & reconcile man to Himself that we might be brought back into relationship with Him again.  Is it any wonder we call it amazing grace?  It is truly awesome.

And now that we are His children, God calls us to be holy as He is holy.  We are called to be different than the world in which we live.  We are called to reflect the glory of God to everyone around us.  How are we doing?

Dear Heavenly Father,
I join the angels in singing,
‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty.’
I am not worthy to stand in Your presence
for You are holy and I am sinful.
I thank You for salvation in Jesus Christ –
my sin is forgiven!  Hallelujah!
May I now reflect Your glory in everything I do!
In Jesus holy name, Amen.

DOES GOD REALLY LOVE ME?

“And I pray that you…
may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…”
(Ephesians 3:17-18)

Many of us grew up singing a popular children’s Sunday School song, Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so.  Unfortunately, we don’t always believe that God loves us.  We wonder, “How can God love me when I do so many stupid things?”  “How could He ever forgive me for that?”  Or, “If God loves me, why does He let me go through such suffering?”

Barb and I have three children.  Each one is different.  But, we love each of them dearly.  And now, we love each of their spouses like our own children, as well.  But our children – just like their parents – are not perfect.  They have made mistakes.  They disobeyed us once-in-awhile.  And, some of their choices and decisions even hurt.  But, nothing could ever make us stop loving them.

God’s love for His children is unconditional.  I don’t deserve His love.  I can’t earn it.  I can’t buy it.  Nor can I make Him stop loving me.  When I blow it, He welcomes me back just like the Prodigal’s father welcomed him home.  God’s love and grace and mercy is truly amazing. 

• His love is wide enough to include everyone.
• His love is long enough to last forever.
• His love is high enough to be everywhere.
• His love is deep enough to meet all my needs.

I pray that you might grasp how much God really loves you.  You are the apple of His eye.

Dear Heavenly Father,
I amazed that a Holy God loves me.
And I am thankful that Your love is unconditional.
I admit that I hurt you at times.  I am grateful for Your forgiveness.
May I be a conduit of Your love.  May I love others as You have loved me!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

CAN I REALLY TRUST GOD?

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
(Lamentations 3:22-23)

Life stinks!  Ever feel like that?  Ever feel like God has forgotten you? 

If ever a man had enough evidence to convince a jury that God had dropped the ball, it was Jeremiah.  God had called him as a young man to be His prophet during some of Israel’s darkest days.  Even though he faithfully proclaimed God’s message to the nation, his people continually rejected God’s warnings and turned on God’s prophet.  Jeremiah experienced rejection, loneliness, public ridicule, beatings, imprisonment, and attempted assassinations.

As Jeremiah penned the words of Lamentations, he had just lived through the siege and fall of his home-town, Jerusalem.  For 18 long months Babylon had prevented anybody from entering or leaving the city.  Food ran out, water was scarce, disease ran rampant, thousands starved, and mothers cannibalized their own babies in order to survive.  Jeremiah himself had been despised, branded as a traitor, and tortured for proclaiming God’s Word.  Then one day it all ended.  The temple was destroyed and the city was ransacked.  With tears running down his face, Jeremiah lamented the destruction of Jerusalem.  “God, where are You?  Why did You let this happen?”

Then, just a few short verses later, Jeremiah’s tone changed dramatically:  “God, Your mercies are new every morning.  Your faithfulness is awesome.”  What turned his despair into praise?  The key lies in one word found a verse earlier:  remember!  Jeremiah remembered God’s Word.  He remembered God’s love.  He remembered God’s faithfulness.  He remembered God’s grace and mercy.  He remembered God!

Do you ever feel like Jeremiah?  Ever feel like life stinks?  Ever feel like giving up on God?  When you do; remember God!  Remember God’s promises.  Remember God’s answered prayers in your life.  Remember God’s love and grace.  Remember the character of God.  God is faithful!  We can trust Him!!!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes my life is filled with trials and turmoil.
And I admit that I sometimes doubt your love.
But I choose to focus on You instead of the circumstances of life.
You are holy!  You are gracious! Your faithfulness is great!
Your mercies are new every morning!
I praise Your name!  Amen.

WHY IS GOD JEALOUS?

“Do not worship any other god,
for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
(Exodus 34:14)

How could God be a jealous God?  Isn’t jealousy a sinful human attitude?  Why would God be jealous? 

Jealousy, in and of itself, is not necessarily sinful.  We usually think of jealousy as the green-eyed monster that results in envy, malice, spite, resentment, or mean-spirited and destructive behavior.  But jealousy is essentially a protective zeal – a heartfelt passion to protect a love-relationship.  For instance, married partners are not only justified, but also right in being jealous at the intrusion of another lover or an adulterer in the home.  Why?  Because marriage is a love-relationship in which two people commit themselves solely and wholly to each other.  Any other love-affair is an intrusion in that love-relationship.

To say that God is jealous is to simply say that He desires to be the love of your life.  God is madly in love with you & He wants you to be madly in love with Him.  God wants to be the only object of your deepest affection.  He desires an unqualified love and devotion.  No false gods.  No idols.  No other lovers intruding in our love-relationship with God.  In other words, no two-timing on God!  

But, Pastor Dan, we don’t have any idols in our homes.  We don’t have any golden calves or statues.  We don’t worship false gods in America.  Right?  Well, let’s check… 

• Some idols are green.  Do you worship the Almighty dollar?
• Some idols sit in an entertainment center.  Do you spend more time with TV or with God? 
• Are you in love with another interest in life – your house, your job, a hobby, a car, a boat, a computer, sports, clothing, leisure, etc.?
• Has some other relationship in life become more important than God – your spouse, your family, your friends, etc.?

Let’s keep it simple – God loves you & He wants to be the love of your life!  So stop and ask yourself, “am I two-timing on God?”

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are an awesome God.
You are majestic & holy.  You are loving & merciful.
Because of your great love, You saved me.
I love You, Lord!  Amen!

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.”
(Matthew 7:7)

Let me share with you an exciting answer to prayer…

I had been trying for several weeks to secure a guest speaker for our Fifth Sunday Special this week, August 29^th.  Since we are also having a Pinewood Derby race after the service, I thought it would be good to have a sports-related speaker, i.e. an athlete or coach.  But, I never heard back from those I had contacted.  So, I tried an artist that we had a year earlier.  He wasn’t available that weekend. 

Now, I had only 2 weeks before our Fifth Sunday.  Who or what could I possibly get with such short notice?  I was about to give up and punt with some of my own ingenuity.  But one final attempt.  I asked Joelle to call Extreme Faith and see if they had names of a couple artists that might be available at short notice.  One was a worship leader who probably would not be available on a Sunday morning in just two weeks.  The other was a 16-year old musician who had already opened for Christian artists, Rebecca St. James and Francesca Batisteli.

Of course, I’m praying the whole time, “God, what’s Your plan for this Fifth Sunday Sepcial?”  I tried calling the contact number on the website a couple times, thinking that would be the quickest and easiest way to communicate at short notice.  No answer.  So I shot off an email.  Then right before I went home that Friday night, I checked my emails one final time.  There was a response.  Riley Erin was available and excited to do our concert.  And with an emphasis on young people already with the Pinewood Derby, what a great complementary program – a concert by a 16-year old artist.  Wow! 

It seemed like God said, “Dan, you just haven’t asked the right person yet.  I’ve got one all picked out for you.”  God is good!  His plans are far better than my plans.  God really does answer prayer! 

With that said, I believe this is going to be a great Sunday!  Be sure to invite your family and friends to join you for our Fifth Sunday Special this week.  For more information about the concert, check out our NMC website – www.northmountainchurch.org

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for hearing and answering prayer!
Even when I don’t know which way to turn, you direct me!
You are so good!  You are always faithful!
I praise Your name!  Amen!

ARE YOU CONNECTED?

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…”
(Psalm 37:7)

Technology has certainly made it easy to connect with people today.  We have come a long way since the Pony Express, telegrams, and rotary telephones.  I’m a little slow in keeping up with all the technology myself – my kids are impressed when I text them more than 2 or 3 words.  But there are many tools available today to connect with family and friends – cell phones, satellite phones, texting, emails, computer conferencing, social networking (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), and Skype. 

Connecting with God isn’t quite as easy.  It seems God isn’t that impressed with technology.  He doesn’t use cell phones to call us.  You can’t text Him or email Him.  And He isn’t on Facebook or Twitter.  So, how do we connect with God in this technological age?

Unfortunately, you still have to do some things the old-fashioned way.  Even though technology has provided numerous advances in communication, you still connect with God today the same way people did 2,000 years ago.  We call it prayer!

The toughest part of praying in today’s fast-paced society is just slowing down long enough to do it.  So, here’s my challenge to you this week.  Stop everything you are doing – shut off the computer, turn off the television and the radio and the I-pod and the cell phone; quit thinking about work – and just sit still for 15 minutes.  That’s right – 15 minutes.  Pray.  Talk to God.  And listen to His still, small voice.

Sound hard?  Give it a try.  You might like it.  Once you can handle 15 minutes of being still before God, try 20 minutes – and beyond. 

Are you connected to God?

Dear Heavenly Father,
I live in such a fast-paced society today
that I often find myself neglecting You.
Please forgive me!  I need You!  I long to re-connect with You.
Help me to slow down long enough to pray and listen to Your Spirit.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

LISTENING TO GOD

“After the earthquake, came a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire.
After the fire came a gentle whisper…”
(I Kings 19:12)

Elijah was discouraged.  He had been running from King Ahab for forty days.  He was hiding in a cave in the desert.  And he cried out to God.

While Elijah was in the cave, there was a hurricane-force windstorm that shook the mountain.  But God wasn’t in the windstorm.  Then he experienced a powerful earthquake.  God wasn’t in the earthquake.  And there was a brush fire.  But God wasn’t in the fire.  Finally, God spoke.  He spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper – in a still, small voice.

God still speaks in gentle whispers today.  God doesn’t speak through economic turmoil, foreclosures, or bankruptcies.  God doesn’t speak through natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.  God doesn’t even speak through personal tragedies like automobile accidents, injuries, or disease.  Oh, don’t get me wrong.  He certainly may use some of those things to get our attention.  Sometimes we are so thick-headed He has to hit us with a 2-by-4.  But after He gets our attention, He still speaks in a gentle whisper.  Often times, God’s voice is accompanied by Scripture or a word from one of His servants.  But, His Holy Spirit speaks to our spirits through a still, small voice.

As I alluded to last week, the biggest problem in listening to God today is busyness.  We are accustomed to everything on the go – i.e. fast food, microwave dinners, computers, instant communication, cell phones, etc.  Our whole society is a little ADD.  We never slow down enough to listen for God’s still, small voice. 

So, I re-issue the same challenge as last week – a 15-minute challenge.  If you weren’t up for it last week, give it a try this week.  Stop everything you’re doing for at least 15 minutes.  No computer.  No television.  No cell phone.  No I-pod.  Be quiet!  Pray!  Talk to God!  Listen to His still, small voice. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to re-connect with You.
Oh, how I long to hear Your still small, voice again.
Slow me down.  Calm my soul.  Quiet my spirit.
 May Your Spirit and Your Word speak to me today!
 I’m listening, Lord.  Amen!

LISTENING TO GOD (Part 2)

“I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts;
I will look to see what he will say to me…
Then the Lord replies:  Write down the revelation and make it plain…”
(Habakkuk 2:1-2)

NOTE:  If you were in church on Sunday, this is a quick review of Sunday’s message.  If you missed Sunday (i.e. Women’s Retreat), this will catch you up on “Listening to God.”

Habakkuk was a prophet.  He had just complained to God.  Now he is waiting for God’s answer.  Here are 5 crucial steps to hearing from God, drawn from the verses above…

(1) Want – If you want to hear from God, it starts with desire.  As God said through Jeremiah, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).  One of the biggest problems with our American form of Christianity is that many Christians seek God half-heartedly, at best.  If you want to find Him; if you want to hear from God, you must seek Him wholeheartedly.

(2) Withdraw – Even Jesus withdrew to quiet places to hear from His Heavenly Father.  You need a place of solitude.  No noise, no computer, no cell phone, no TV, no radio (not even Christian music) – just you, your Bible, and God.

(3) Wait – I know this is hard for A.D.D. Americans.  But, if you are going to hear from God, you must slow down and wait.  Don’t rush God.  Be patient. 

(4) Watch – Don’t just listen.  Open your eyes and look around.  See what God is up to.  He is already at work.  When He speaks, He often invites you to simply join Him in what He is already doing. 

(5) Write – This is the spiritual habit of journaling.  David did it.  Many of the psalms are drawn from David’s spiritual journal.  Just write out your prayers to God & then record your impressions – what you believe God is saying to you.  Praying with pen & paper in hand is a good practice.

The issue in hearing God’s voice is not whether God is speaking.  He is!  Rather, the issue is whether or not we are listening?  Are you?

Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to hear Your gentle whisper.
So, I come before You in my place of solitude.
Slow me down.  Calm my soul.  Quiet my spirit. Open my eyes.
  I’m listening, Lord.  Amen!

DROPPED CALLS

“If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear…”
(Psalm 66:18)

If you have a cell phone, you’ve experienced “dropped calls.”  You know the feeling well.  You’re in the middle of a phone call, deep into a conversation, when you suddenly you realize you’re not talking to anyone.  There’s no one on the other end of the line.  Why?  There are many reasons for dropped calls – dead battery, out-of-range, dead zones, weak signals, hang-ups, etc. 

Does it ever seem like your prayers end up the same way – as dropped calls?  Do you ever feel like your prayers are just bouncing off the ceiling, or like they’re just not getting through to God?  Why?  Just like dropped calls, there are many reasons for dropped prayers, as well.  For one reason or another, there may be a bad connection between you and God.  Here are some potential causes of bad connections which inevitably lead to dropped prayers… 

• Unconfessed Sin   (Psalm 66:18)
• Uncaring Attitude   (Proverbs 21:13)
• Unresolved Conflict   (Matthew 5:23-24)
• Unforgiven Offenses   (Matthew 6:14-15)
• Inadequate Faith   (James 1:5-8)
• Improper Motives   (James 4:3)
• Unsurrendered Will   (I John 5:14-15)

If you feel like your calls to God are being dropped, check the connection.  What is preventing your prayers from getting through to God?  Which problem is causing your prayers to be dropped?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes I feel like my prayers are not getting through to You.
I invite Your Holy Spirit to examine my heart.
Reveal any unconfessed sin or reasons for my dropped prayers.
Thank you for your grace and forgiveness.
In Jesus name, Amen!

CHANGE THE WORLD

“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…”
(Matthew 5:13 & 14)

There is a legend told that recounts the return of Jesus to glory after His time on earth. 

When Jesus arrived in heaven He bore the marks of his earthly pilgrimage with its cruel cross and its shameful death.  The angel Gabriel approached Jesus and commented, “Master, you must have suffered terribly for men while you were on earth.”  Jesus responded, “Yes, I did.”

Gabriel continued, “Does everyone know about how much you loved them and what you did for them?”  “Oh no, not yet,” Jesus replied.  “Right now, only a handful of people in Palestine know.”

Gabriel was perplexed.  “Then what have you done to let everyone know about Your love for them?”  Jesus answered, “I’ve asked Peter and James and John and a few more friends to tell other people about Me.  Then those who are told will in turn tell more people about Me, and My story will eventually spread to the whole world.  Ultimately all mankind will hear about My love and what I have done for them.”

Gabriel frowned and looked rather skeptical.  He knew what poor stuff men were made of.  He asked Jesus, “But what if Peter and James and John grow weary?  What if people who come after them forget?  What if 2,000 years from now, people just don’t tell others about You?  Haven’t you made any other plans?”  Jesus answered, “No.  I have no other plans.  I’m counting on them.”

Jesus still has no other plan.  He has called you and me to change the world with the life-changing message of His love.  How are we doing?

Join us this month and learn how we can change the world!

Dear Heavenly Father,
You have called me to be the salt of the earth & the light of the world.
You have called us to be world-changers!
Help me to live a life that reflects Your love & light!
Give me the courage to share You with others!
In Jesus name, Amen!

WHAT’S AN OIKOS?

“Go home (oikos) to your family
and tell them how much the Lord has done for you,
and how he has had mercy on you.”
(Mark 5:19) 

Oikos is a Greek word.  It refers to one’s home or household.  Tom Mercer suggests several nuances of oikos…

1. extended household
2. the most natural and common environment for evangelism to occur
3. a group of eight to fifteen people with whom you share life most closely, your sphere of greatest influence  (cell phone companies call this “my faves” or “my circle”)
4. the people for whom God wants to prepare you to become an ideal instrument of His grace.
5. a microcosm of the world at large, for whom God sent His Son.

Oikos is also Jesus’ plan of evangelism.  Here are just a few examples…

• When Jesus healed people, he often told them to go and tell their oikos. 
• When the Samaritan woman met Jesus she ran back to town and brought her oikos to meet Jesus.
• When Jesus saw Zaccheus in a tree, He said, “Come down; I’m going to your oikos today.”
• Paul told the Philippian jailer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved – you and your oikos.

So, who’s in your oikos?  Who’s in your “extended” family?  Who are the eight to fifteen people with whom you share life closely?  Who are the eight to fifteen people in your greatest sphere of influence?

Can we really change the world?  I admit that “changing the world” seems rather daunting.  But, Jesus’ strategy for world-change is simple – one oikos at a time.  God has chosen you and me to be world-changers.  God has chosen you to change your oikos.

Dear Heavenly Father,
You have called me to be a world-changer!
You have called me to change my oikos!
So, right now, I pray for everyone in my oikos.
Use me to share the life-changing love of Jesus with my oikos!
In Jesus name, Amen!

DANCING WITH YOUR OIKOS

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
(I Peter 3:15)

“Dancing with the Stars” is a very popular TV show these days.  Celebrities are matched up with professional dancers and taught how to do various ballroom dances – i.e. the foxtrot, the tango, the mambo, the rumba, the cha cha, etc.  But, can you do the oikos?

Okay, oikos isn’t really a dance.  Oikos is God’s strategy for world-change.  And unlike ballroom dancing, oikos is very simple and do-able.  I can do it.  You can do it.  We can all do it.  You don’t have to be a professional.  You don’t have to be the next Billy Graham.  You don’t have to go door-to-door and talk to total strangers.  Just be yourself and be ready to answer the question, “what makes you tick?” or “why are you different?”

So, I’d like to suggest 2 simple “dance steps” for doing the “oikos”… 

1. LIVE IT – As you live out the life of Christ and let your light shine before the world, people will notice something different about you.  There’s something very contagious about true love, real joy, genuine peace, patience, gentleness, etc.  When people see the real thing, they’ll take note.
2. LOVE ‘EM – When you love others with no strings attached, and accept people without judging them, and forgive people as God has forgiven you, and express your love through various acts of kindness; people can’t help but notice something different?

In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructed His disciples in world-change.  He told them, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem … and to the ends of the earth.”  Did you catch that?  He wants us to be witnesses – not do witnessing – but be witnesses.  In other words, live it & love ‘em through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Can you do the oikos?  Are you living it & loving ‘em?

Dear Heavenly Father,
You have called me to be a world-changer.
So I begin by praying for each person in my oikos.
May each one see the life of Christ & the love of God in me!
In Jesus name, Amen!

OIKOCENTRIC

“We are therefore God’s ambassadors,
as though God were making His appeal through us.”
(II Corinthians 5:20)

You thought “oikos” was a strange word.  Now try this one – “oikocentric.”  What in the world does that mean?  Well, it’s really quite simple.  “Oikocentric” is a compound word made from two Greek words… 

• oikos – “extended family” or your circle of 8-15 family and friends.
• centric = “center” or “central” or “focus”

For instance, if we say that someone is “egocentric” we are essentially saying that they are self-centered or self-focused.  If someone is “theocentric” then they are focused on God (theos in Greek).  So, if we suggest that believers are to be “oikocentric,” that means our lives are to be focused or centered on our oikos; our circle of family and friends.  More specifically, it means that we are focused on sharing God’s love with our oikos. 

So, how do we do that?  Here are a few suggestions on how to be oikocentric… 

• Identify – Identify & list the 8-15 people in your oikos
• Pray – Pray every day for everyone in your oikos.
• Live It – Let the light of Jesus shine through you
• Love ‘Em – Let God’s love flow through you
• Invite – Invite the people in your oikos to church regularly

God has left you and me on earth for a reason.  He has called you to be His ambassador to your oikos.  He has called you to be a world-changer in your corner of the world.  God has called us to be oikocentric! 

Dear Heavenly Father,
I am privileged and honored to be Your ambassador.
Help me to be more oikocentric rather than egocentric.
Use me to be a world-changer!
In Jesus name, Amen!

IT’S ALMOST OVER

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s”
(Matthew 22:21) 

Election Day is almost here – just a few more days.  I’ll bet you’re ready for it to be over.  My guess is that you’re getting pretty tired of all the political advertisements on television and radio, the political signs posted all over the city, all the political mail, all the political robo-calls on your telephone, etc, etc.  And I’ll bet you’re even more fed-up with all the attacks, accusations, lies, and innuendos flying back-and-forth.  It’s pretty tough to sort out the truth from the lies and exaggerations.

So, what’s a Christian to do?  Should I vote or should I just give-up?  Should I even be concerned about politics?  I believe Jesus’ answer to the religious leaders about paying taxes sheds some light on the issue.  Granted, He was specifically addressing the issue of paying taxes.  But, I believe there’s a principle that applies to our attitude toward government in general.  We render unto God what is God’s – i.e. worship, prayer, faith, obedience, service, giving, etc.  We are also to render unto our civic authorities what is due them – taxes, obedience to the laws of the land, community service, and even voting. 

Since we live in a democratic society, we have the privilege of having a “say” in who will govern us.  So, I encourage you to read up, learn what you can about the candidates, and vote for those men and women whom you believe will best represent biblical values and principles. 

But, one word of caution – We dare not place too much trust in our government.  Our ultimate faith must be in God and God alone.  Government is not the answer to America’s economic, social, or moral problems.  Jesus Christ is the answer.  He is the only answer.  So as you vote this week, I encourage you to say a prayer for America at the same time.  Pray for revival!  Pray for godliness to once again reign throughout America.  May God bless American again!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for our great country.
You have truly blessed America.
I pray that revival might sweep through our country
and that You might bless America once again!
In Jesus name, Amen!

REVIVAL

“If my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land.”
(II Chronicles 7:14)

It’s over!  Election Day, 2010, is history now.  Over $3 billion dollars was spent in campaigning and advertising.  All the mailmen are breathing a collective sigh of relief.  Radio and television marketers are scampering to fill the empty advertising slots.  Your home phone isn’t ringing every 5 minutes with a new political robo-call.  Life is getting back to normal – whatever normal may be.

But, have America’s problems been solved?  NO!  Will they be solved in the next two years?  NO!  Will they be solved after the next presidential election in 2012?  NO!  So, what’s the solution?

I believe America desperately needs revival.  In fact, I believe spiritual revival is the only hope for America.  So, what is revival?  Revival comes from a Latin word, “viva,” which refers to “life.”  But it has the prefix, “re” attached to it, which speaks of “going back to a previous condition.”  Thus, “revival” speaks of “restoring life.” 

Who needs to be revived?  Since revival assumes a previous condition, it must be those who have already experienced life that need revived.  True revival is a church phenomenon.  True revival is a restoration of life – spiritual life – amongst God’s children. 

What will it take to see revival flood our land?  According to II Chronicles 7:14 (see above), there are four prerequisites to revival…

• Humility
• Prayer
• Seeking God
• Repentance

Pray for revival!  But, beware – God may start in your heart!

Dear Heavenly Father
America needs the healing touch of Your hand.
May revival might sweep through our land.
MayYou start in my heart today!
In Jesus name, Amen!

“THE”

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
(John 14:6) 

Several years ago, I was privileged to tour the Holy Land with a group of Pastors.  Several of them were somewhat ecumenical in flavor.  While we were visiting a number of sites that included Jewish, Muslim, and Christian sites, several of the Pastors began talking about the different “paths” to God; suggesting that all religions led to God in their own way.  So, I chimed in.  “What do you do with John 14:6,” I asked.  “Doesn’t that verse suggest that Jesus is the only way to God?”  Their response was that Jesus was a “gentler” way to God.  There were many paths to God, but Jesus was the “gentle” way.

Unfortunately, they are dead wrong.  Sometimes it’s very important to pay attention to the little things – like the word, “the.”  “The” is a definite article in the Greek; not an indefinite article.  Jesus said, “I am the way…”  He didn’t say, “I am a way.  Jesus is the truth, not a truth.  In fact, Jesus goes on to say, “…no one comes to the Father except through me.”  That’s very exclusive.  Jesus is the only way to God.  There simply is no other way.  Jesus is it!

This same truth is found in Acts 4:12.  Peter makes it very clear…

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

Now, don’t misunderstand.  Although the road is narrow and the gate is small – it’s open to anyone and everyone who will believe in Jesus Christ.

I encourage you to respond to this simple truth in two ways…

(1)  Praise – Take a minute to thank God for your own salvation through Jesus Christ.

(2)  Pray – Take another minute to pray for your oikos.  Apart from Jesus, there is no hope!  He is the way!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross in my place.
Thank you for Your gracious gift of eternal life.
I pray for the people in my oikos.
May Your Holy Spirit draw each one to Jesus Christ!
In Jesus name, Amen.

GRACE

“My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
(II Corinthians 12:9)

Grace is a common word in our culture.  We use it in many ways.  Consider just a few…

• Good manners are a form of grace.
• When someone is hospitable and considerate, we call them a gracious host.
• When a person’s service is pleasing to us, we leave a generous gratuity.
• A well-coordinated dancer or athlete performs with grace.
• A musician may add some grace notes to the musical score.
• We say grace before meals.

Biblical grace is much deeper.  The word refers to an undeserved gift or a favor freely given out of the goodness of the giver’s heart.  To show grace is to extend favor or kindness to one who doesn’t deserve it and can never earn it. 

Perhaps the best example of grace is found in John 8.  Jesus stood beside a woman caught in the very act of adultery.  The Law clearly stated that she could be stoned for such an act.  And the grace-killers who set her up demanded it.  But Jesus looked at the self-righteous hypocrites and said, “Whoever is without sin can throw the first stone.”  With one simple comment Jesus quickly deflated their egos.  One-by-one, they began to peel away until Jesus was left standing alone with the woman.  He who was indeed without sin turned and asked the woman, “Where are they?  Has no one thrown a stone?”  She replied, “No, they’ve all left.”  Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you – you’re free to go & live victoriously.”

Grace intervened.  Grace won the day.  Grace triumphed. 

My guess is that we all love being the recipients of grace.  We certainly need grace.  But . . . how are we at giving grace?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your amazing grace!
Because of your grace, I am accepted in Christ.
Because of your grace, I am forgiven and set free.
May I accept others as I have been accepted.
May I forgive as I have been forgiven.
May I be a conduit of your grace!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

THANKSGIVING

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.”
(Psalm 136:1)

Thanksgiving Day has been observed in the United States for many years.   Today, it seems to be a day for family, feasting, and football.  But historically, it’s been much more than that.  It’s a day to give thanks to the Lord for His many blessings.  Consider the first Presidential Proclamation given by President George Washington declaring a national day of thanksgiving in 1789.  Here’s an excerpt…

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the twenty-six of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that Great and Glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country…

You may want to Google it and read the entire proclamation.  But, as you can see, Thanksgiving has historically been a day to thank God for His blessings & favor on our nation.  So, I encourage you to take some time this Thanksgiving to give thanks.  Thank God for his blessings in your life, in our church, and in our nation.  His is good!  His love endures forever!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for salvation in Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your many blessings in my life.
Thank you for your guidance and direction in our church.      
And, thank you for your divine care and protection over our country.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

“Where is the one who is born king of the Jews?
We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
(Matthew 2:2) 

You’ve heard the song.  It was originally written in 1963 and sung by Andy Williams.  Since then, it’s been performed by artists like Johnny Mathis, Garth Brooks, Harry Connick, Jr., Kathy Troccoli, Amy Grant, the cast of Glee, and many others.  Here are a few of the words…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you “Be of good cheer”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
It’s the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It’s the hap- happiest season of all

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
There’ll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year.  There’s a little chill in the air outside – yes, even in Phoenix.  But, even better, there’s a lot of cheer in the air.  And as Christians, we have the most to be cheerful about during the Christmas season.  This is a celebration of the birth of our Savior.  I know it’s a worn-out saying, but Jesus really is the reason for the season.  

Not only is Christmas a wonderful time of the year, it’s also a very busy time of the year.  So, here’s a word of encouragement – don’t let the busyness of the season steal your Christmas cheer.  Amidst all the parties and shopping and baking and programs and gift-wrapping and busyness, follow the example of the Wise Men of old.  Take some time to simply adore the Christ-child and worship Him!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, over 2,000 years ago.
As I ponder the wonder of it all – that God would become a man,
that the Creator of the Universe was born in a manger –
I am in awe and can only respond in worship.
I praise the name of Jesus, my Savior!
Amen!

SURPRISE!

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified.”
(Luke 2:9) 

My wife and I had quite a surprise last weekend – an early Christmas present.  Our son and his wife (Josh & Jen) showed up at our door on Friday afternoon quite unexpectedly.  They flew down from Seattle for the weekend; just for fun & an early Christmas surprise.  Needless to say, we loved it.  We quickly changed a lot of our plans for the weekend (mostly working), and we had a great time with the whole family.  Oh, to be young and impetuous again.  Try it.  You just might have fun, too!

Have you ever thought about how much fun that first Christmas must have been for God?  He was full of surprises.  First, an angel appears to the virgin, Mary, and says “You’re going to have a baby.”  Surprise!  Then, her fiancée discovered that she was pregnant.  Surprise!  Fortunately, an angel filled him in on God’s plan.  He was going to be raising the Son of God.  Surprise!  About that time, some wise men in Persia saw this really strange star in the sky.  They traveled by horseback all the way to Jerusalem and asked Herod about a new King of the Jews.  Surprise!

When it came time for Mary to deliver her baby, there were no hospital beds or motel rooms available.  An innkeeper sent them to his barn where they delivered a baby. Surprise!  Then, out of the blue, a host of angels started singing to some shepherds in the hills.  Surprise!  They left their sheep behind and ran into town where theY found baby Jesus lying in a feeding trough instead of a bassinet.  Surprise!

But, the best surprise of all – that baby was no ordinary baby.  He was and is the Savior of mankind. 

I’m sure that first Christmas was a whole bunch of fun for God.  Apparently, He loves to surprise people.  Have you experienced God’s “surprise” in your life?  If so, enjoy His surprise this Christmas season!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your surprises;
especially the surprises of forgiveness & eternal life
through the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

“Then they opened their treasures and presented him
with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”
(Matthew 2:11) 

Do you have your Christmas shopping done yet?  That’s one of the most commonly asked questions this time of year.  And every time I’m asked, I answer with another question:  Is it December 24^th yet?  Hey, I’ve still got a few more days to go.  Then, after Christmas the most common question for the next few days is:  Did you get what you wanted for Christmas? 

Giving Christmas gifts is a time-honored tradition of Christmas.  We give Christmas gifts to family and friends.  We have gift exchanges at school and at work. And I love playing that “white elephant” gift-exchange game at Christmas parties where we can steal gifts from other people; then they can steal from someone else, etc. etc.  But with all the parties and gift exchanges I find myself having to do more and more Christmas shopping.  I guess that’s just part of the fun, right?

So, where did the tradition of giving Christmas gifts begin?  I don’t really think it began with Santa Claus.  Some have suggested it began with the Wise Men?  I don’t know if that’s where our modern-day tradition of gift-giving actually began, but I do like the example of the Wise Men.  They brought gifts to Jesus.  And they weren’t trivial gifts.  They were meaningful gifts.  The Bible even calls them treasures.

Now, there’s a good idea!  How about giving a gift to Jesus?  After all, it is His birthday!  So, as you’re running from store to store and from party to party, think about what you might give Jesus this Christmas for His birthday.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your many gifts in my life.
Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus.
Thank you for the gift of eternal life.
As I celebrate Christmas this year, I give you the gift of myself.
May you be glorified through my life?
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

ANTICIPATION

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon,
who was righteous and devout.
He was waiting for the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”
(Luke 2:25)

Caleb and Ethan are very excited about Christmas this year.  At one point Caleb commented, “This is going to be the best Christmas ever.”  Of course, from a 4-year old perspective, everything that happens is the “best ever” – there has only been 4 years of life to compare it with.  But both boys love all the Christmas decorations, trees, lights, cookies, and best of all – the presents.  They are anxiously waiting for the big day to arrive.  They can hardly wait for Christmas!

Everyone in Israel was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Promised Messiah.  In fact, they had been waiting for hundreds of years for Christ to come.  Unfortunately, when He came, most missed his arrival because He didn’t fit their picture of Messiah.  But, Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he wouldn’t die until he saw Messiah.  So he was looking for the Christ.  And when Simeon saw the baby Jesus, he jumped with joy and began praising God, “…my eyes have seen your salvation…”

The first arrival of Messiah also serves as a reminder that Jesus is coming back again.  He came the first time as a baby in a manger; he will come the second time as a warrior in the skies.  He came the first time as a Sacrificial Lamb; he will come the second time as the Lion of Judah.  He came the first time as a Suffering Savior; he will come the second time as the Conquering King.  He came the first time to establish his reign in the hearts and lives of God’s people; he will come the second time to establish his kingdom over all the earth. 

Are you looking for Messiah’s return?  Are you anticipating His arrival?  Are you ready for the second coming of Jesus? 

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus.
As a child anticipates Christmas, I look forward to Your Son’s return.
As I wait for Him, may I be faithful in serving You.
And may You use me to share the good news of Jesus with my oikos!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
(Colossians 3:2)

I’ll keep it short this week – just a couple thoughts to ponder as we enter a New Year… 

Our Declaration of Independence states that we are “…endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…”

Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  (Luke 9:23)

In America, we are all about pursuing the American Dream.

Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”  (Luke 9:24)

How does our American form of Christianity square with Biblical Christianity?  Which will you pursue in 2011?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes the pull of this world is strong.
Keep my heart and my mind focused on godly values.
As I enter a new year, I want you to be #1 in my life!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

EXTREME FAITH

“The righteous will live by faith…”
(Romans 1:17)

I’m sure you’ve heard of extreme sports.  Wikipedia defines extreme sports as “a popular term for certain activities perceived as having a high level of inherent danger, and that are counter-cultural.”  The definition goes on to spell out that “these activities often involve speed, height, a high level of physical exertion, and highly specialized gear or spectacular stunts.”

Extreme sports include such activities as snowboarding, skydiving, motocross, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, wakeboarding, whitewater kayaking, cliff diving, bungee jumping, windsurfing, hang gliding  skydiving, etc.  You get the idea.  They’re fast, risky, adventurous, and dangerous.  Extreme athletes love the adrenaline rush.  Extreme sports are different than traditional sports like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.  They’re counter-cultural.

What would happen if Christians today lived out their faith with that same reckless abandon?  When was the last time your faith involved a high level of adventure, risk, or danger?  Or are you settling for a comfortable faith?  Is your faith ever counter-cultural?  Or do we just blend in with the rest of our American society?

Perhaps it’s time for Christians to exercise extreme faith – to live as if Jesus meant everything to them – to be a little more radical in their faith.  Will you consider living your faith to the extreme in 2011?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Jesus gave everything for my salvation.
He gave up His throne in heaven to die a cruel death on a cross.
Today, I renew my commitment to You.  Jesus means everything to me.
I commit to living out an extreme faith in 2011.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

 

 

A TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trials of many kinds…”
(James 1:2) 

When my own children were young, one of my favorite stories to read to them was entitled, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  It starts off like this…

I went to sleep with gum in my mouth, and now there’s gum in my hair.  And when I got out of bed this morning, I tripped on the skateboard, and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running.  And I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

At breakfast Anthony found a Corvette Stingray car kit in his breakfast cereal box.  And Nick found a junior undercover agent code ring in his breakfast cereal box.  But in my breakfast cereal box all I found was breakfast cereal.  I think I’ll move to Australia.

And it only gets worse from there.  It was definitely a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  Do you ever have days like Alexander’s?  Does Australia sound pretty good to you at times?  But wait!  Australia is having horrible floods right now.  If you move there, your problems might go from bad to worse.  In fact, no matter where you go, you can’t escape trouble & trials.  

Here are a few facts of life from James 1:2-5…

• Troubles are inevitable – You can’t escape them.  They’re a part of life!
• Troubles are unpredictable – You never know when they’re going to sneak up on you!
• Troubles are diverse – They come in all sizes and shapes.
• Troubles are purposeful – God uses troubles & trials to build character!
• Troubles are navigable – God promises help you navigate through them.

So, when you find yourself having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day; instead of moving to Australia, try calling on the resources of heaven.  God promises to give you His wisdom and His strength to face whatever comes your way!  

Dear Heavenly Father,
Life is tough.  Sometimes, Australia sounds pretty good.
Lord, I need your wisdom & your strength every day!
May your grace sustain me – even through the tough stuff!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REVISITING OIKOS

“…Go home to your oikos
and tell them how much the Lord has done for you,
and how he has had mercy on you.”
(Mark 5:19)

Has the Lord done much for you?  Has He showered His mercy on you?  How excited are you about it?  Are you telling anyone else?  Have you told your oikos?

Remember oikos?  It’s the Greek word for family.  But, there are several nuances to it…

• My extended family
• My sphere of influence
• My circle of family & friends
• The 8-15 people I hang out with!

When Jesus healed people, his standard mode of operation was to send them home to tell their oikos!  It wasn’t long before the entire town came out to find Jesus.

Oikos is God’s strategy for world-change.  His plan is to change the world one person – one oikos – at a time.  And God has chosen you to be His representative to your oikos.

• Are you praying every day for your oikos?
• Are you interacting with your oikos?
• Are you loving your oikos?
• Are you inviting your oikos to Jesus (or to church)?

This Sunday is a great opportunity to invite your oikos to church.  Invite them to come hear the Blackwood Gospel Quartet – this Sunday (January 23rd) at 10:30 am. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
I am privileged to be your representative to my oikos.
May your love and grace flow through me to each one in my oikos!
I lift each member of my oikos before you in prayer
 and I ask your Holy Spirit to draw them to Jesus!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

TEMPTATION

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,
because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life
that God has promised to those who love him.”
(James 1:12)

A son was ordered by his father not to swim in the canal.  But one day he came home carrying a wet bathing suit. 

“Where have you been?” demanded the father. 
“Swimming in the canal,” answered the boy.
“Didn’t I tell you not to swim there?” asked the father. 
“Yes, Sir,” answered the boy. 
“Why did you?” he asked. 
“Well, Dad, I had my bathing suit with me and I couldn’t resist the temptation.”
“Why did you take your bathing suit with you?”
“So I’d be prepared to swim, in case I was tempted,” replied the son.

The Bible talks about two kinds of tests.  One is referred to as a trial.  The other is called temptation.  Interestingly, both come from the same Greek word.  Trials are used by God to help us grow and mature in our faith.  Temptations are used by Satan to cause us to sin; to defeat us.   Sometimes, a testing situation can be both a trial and a temptation – it can lead to either defeat or growth.  

There are better ways to prepare for temptation than taking your swimming suit along with you.  When you flirt with temptation, it is usually not long before you jump in.  Instead, resist the devil by drawing near to God.  There is victory in Jesus Christ. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
The world is filled with temptation:
greed, envy, lust, pride, anger, selfishness, laziness, etc.
I need Your help in resisting temptation.
Thank you for the victory You give through Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SPIRITUAL GROOMING

“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says
is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself,
goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
(James 1:12)

Most of my mornings involve a fairly normal routine – shower, shave, comb hair, brush teeth, a splash of cologne, and a little deodorant.  Most of you have a similar routine.  Of course, most women add a few more rituals to the routine like eye-liner, eye-shadow, blush, mascara, lipstick, nail polish, etc.  It may take them a little longer but the end-result is much better.

Now, can you imagine looking in the mirror when you first get up and just ignoring what you see?  Skip the shower.  Skip the shave.  Skip the make-up and the fragrances.  The world will just have to put up with your bad hair, bad breath, and bad mood. 

Unfortunately, many Christians seem to do that very thing with their spiritual lives.  Sure, they hear God’s Word preached on Sundays.  They may even read their Bible during the week.  They certainly know what the Bible teaches.  But, they don’t seem to do much spiritual grooming. 

Even though the Bible serves as a mirror into one’s soul and reveals what’s really going on inside, it’s up to us to do something about it – to make the appropriate attitude adjustments, to guard our mouths, to apply a little love and grace, etc. etc.

Go ahead and take a look in the mirror (God’s Word).  What do you see?  Do you need to do some spiritual grooming?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Word is perfect; it revives my soul.
Your Word is true; it provides wisdom and guidance for my life.
Your Word is right; it gives joy to my heart.
I long to live according to Your Word.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FAVORITES

“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ,
don’t show favoritism.”
(James 2:1) 

What neighborhood games did you play as a child?  I remember playing football in the street.  Of course, we had to clear out for the cars that came through.  We also played baseball in our yard.  I think my dad had to replace a few of the neighbor’s windows.  And we played capture-the-flag in our yard and kick-the-can in the whole block. 

Do you remember how teams were chosen?  Two captains were selected – usually the two oldest kids – then they took turns picking teams.  Depending on which game was being played they usually chose the biggest, tallest, fastest, or smartest kids first; and the others were left until last.  

We still tend to do the same as adults.  How often do we show favoritism based on appearance, ability, age, ethnicity, wealth, or social status, etc.?  James was so bold as to call favoritism sin!  That’s a pretty strong word, isn’t it?  So, what makes it a sin?  Favoritism is a sin because it is a violation of the royal law – “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

To state is simply, there is no place for racism, prejudice, or favoritism of any kind in the church.  As God’s children we are called to love other people – all people – just as Jesus loved us. 

So, here’s my challenge to you – This Sunday; instead of just visiting with all your favorites, find someone in the church you have never talked to yet and say “hi.”  But don’t stop with “hi.”  Sit by them.  Strike up a conversation.  Visit for awhile.  Who knows?  You might even make a new friend!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank-you for your unconditional love.
I invite Your Holy Spirit to examine my heart
and remove any racism, prejudices, or favoritism.
May I love others as You have loved me!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

COMMITMENT-LITE

“But someone will say, ‘you have faith; I have deeds.’
Show me your faith without deeds,
and I will show you my faith by what I do.”
(James 2:18) 

It seems that everyone is counting calories today.  So we have skim milk, diet pop, lite salad dressings, lite butter, and lite ice cream.  You can even buy lite pet food for your dog or cat.  I’m surprised someone hasn’t tried to market diet water.

Unfortunately, many Americans don’t just like lite food, they also insist on lite commitments in life.  A few years ago, I saw a cartoon in a Leadership Journal entitled “Lite Church.”  This church had a sign in front advertising…

• 24% fewer commitments
• Home of the 7.5% tithe
• 30-minute worship service
• 15-minute sermons
• Only 7 commandments – your choice
• Everything you want in a church – and less! 

I don’t think that would fly too well with Jesus who said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).  Nor do I think it would set too well with James who said, “Show me your faith” (James 2:18).

What has happened to commitment in America?  How is your own level of commitment?  Don’t settle for commitment-lite!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Son who gave His all for my salvation.
I confess that my own commitment often falls short.
Give me strength and courage to be counted for Jesus Christ;
at home, at work, at church, in the neighborhood – and everywhere I go!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THE TONGUE

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father,
and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.
My brothers, this should not be.”
(James 3:9-10) 

We love to talk.  America is a nation of talkers.  Everybody has something to say.  Maybe that’s why talk shows are so popular today.  Statistics suggest…

• You have at least 30 conversations per day
• You spend 20% of your life talking
• In one year, your conversations could fill 66 books of 800 pages each
• If you are a man, you speak an average of 15,000 words per day
• If you are a woman, you speak an average of  30,000 words per day

No wonder James cautions us to guard our tongues.  Since they are so active, they can easily get us in trouble.  Check out what James says about the tongue in James 3:1-12…

• The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts (v. 5)
• The tongue is a spark that sets the whole course of one’s life on fire   (v. 6)
• No man can tame the tongue   (v. 8 )
• The tongue is full of deadly poison.   (v. 8 )
• With our tongues, we praise the Lord and we curse men   (v. 9)

Here’s the catch.  Your tongue is simply an extension of your heart.  Jesus said, “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).  So, what do you think the secret is to taming your tongue?

Come to church this Sunday and learn the TGiF principle for taming your tongue!

Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that my tongue is often unruly.
I want to be a good testimony for you. Help me to tame my tongue.
May Your Holy Spirit guard the thoughts and motives of my heart.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PEACEMAKERS

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
(James 3:18)

Spring is almost here.  Many people will be planting gardens soon (in some parts of the country).  Some will plant flower gardens.  Others will plant fruit & vegetable gardens. 

When we lived in Washington, we planted gardens several times.  We planted tomatoes (everybody plants tomatoes), carrots, lettuce, strawberries, and other fruits & vegetables. We did so mostly for the fun of it and as a learning experience for the kids when they were young.  My favorite was pumpkins.  They grew so fast and so big, you could almost watch them grow right before your eyes.

We never picked green beans off our tomato plants.  Nor did we ever pick any grapes in our strawberry patch.  There is a universal principle of farming – you reap what you sow.  When you plant pumpkin seeds, you grow pumpkins.  When you plant strawberry seeds you grow strawberries.  Whatever you plant – that’s what you harvest.   Pretty simple!

That principle is true in life, as well.  If you plant seeds of envy, pride, dishonesty, and selfishness you can expect to reap trouble in life rather than peace.  If you want to be a peacemaker you must sow seeds of consideration, purity, humility, grace, and kindness.  As you sow seeds of peace you will reap a harvest of righteousness.

What kind of harvest are you reaping in life?  What seeds are you planting?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the peace I have with You through Jesus Christ.
I want to be a peacemaker like Jesus.
Forgive me for the seeds of unrighteousness I have sown.
Help me to plant new seeds of peace in the garden of life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

WRESTLING & FIGHTING

“What causes fights and quarrels among you?
Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
(James 4:1)

Last Sunday afternoon, Barb & I watched Caleb & Ethan for a few hours while their parents had other obligations.  I was intrigued by their wrestling with each other.  Even though Ethan is just 2 years old, he would still grab his 4-year old brother and wrestle him to the floor.  Then they took turns sitting on each other and they’d roll around the floor for awhile.  When one got up, they’d start all over again.  Of course, this was all in good fun. 

Unfortunately, our “fighting” is not always in good fun.  Even at ages 2 and 4, our grandchildren’s strong wills flare up occasionally; especially when their brother has something they want.  Then, it’s no longer fun “wrestling” – now it’s a serious “fight.”

Many of us never seem to grow out of it.  The world is full of all kinds of fighting today… 

• International wars
• Class conflict
• Office politics
• Church fights
• Family feuds
• Personal battles

Why?  James identifies the root problem very clearly.  Fights and quarrels are inevitably sourced in the desires that rage in our hearts.  In other words, they are rooted in selfishness.  It’s true with kids.  And it’s true as adults.  We never seem to outgrow it. 

The next time you catch yourself fighting with someone, take a minute to step back and examine your own heart.  Ask yourself, “Am I being selfish?”  Then ask God to remove any selfishness and give you a genuine concern for the other person.  See what happens?

Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that my heart harbors some selfishness.
Keep my eyes focused on Jesus rather than self.
Give me a genuine love & concern for the people in my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PRIDE OR HUMILITY

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
(James 4:10)

Read the following excerpt from C.S. Lewis.  Can you tell what he was writing about?

There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which every one in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty themselves. I have heard people admit that they are bad-tempered, or that they cannot keep their heads about girls or drink, or even that they are cowards. I do not think I have ever heard anyone who was not a Christian accuse himself of this vice. And at the same time I have very seldom met anyone, who was not a Christian, who showed the slightest mercy to it in others. There is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves. And the more we have it ourselves, the more we dislike it in others.

C.S. Lewis is describing pride.  We often bemoan the evils of sexual immorality, greed, envy, anger, and hatred.  But when you carefully analyze the anatomy of sin – any sin – you find at its root, the sin of pride.  Lewis went on and noted, “It was through pride that the devil became the devil . . . Pride is the complete anti-God state of mind.” 

No wonder James says that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

To put it in simple every words, pride says…

• I know what’s best
• I don’t need your help
• I can handle life myself

On the other hand, humility says…

• I was wrong, I’m sorry.
• I need help
• I need God!

Perhaps it’s time for another heart check-up.  Are your spiritual arteries plugged with pride?  Humble yourself before God. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that pride often rears its ugly head
I come before You and humbly admit that I need You!
I want to know You more and more!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PLAYING GOD

“Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him
speaks against the law and judges it…
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge.”
(James 4:11-12)

 What’s your first thought when you see…

• a girl with spiked pink or green hair
• a guy with tattoos, gauged ears, and a nose ring
• a kid on a skateboard with low-rider pants down to his knees
• a woman dressed to the hilt in exquisite designer clothes
• a man driving a brand new Porsche or Jaguar sports car

What’s your first reaction when you see a Christian…

• walking out of a sports bar
• going to an “R” rated movie
• drinking a glass of wine with dinner
• skipping church to go to the lake
• going to a secular “rock” concert

We are sure quick to judge other people, aren’t we?  Yet, James tells us that when we pass judgment on other people, we are essentially playing God.  We usually don’t have all the facts before we pass judgment.  We can’t discern people’s motives.  And, we certainly can’t see people’s hearts.  Only God can discern the thoughts and motives of man.  God looks at man’s heart rather than outward appearance.

So, if we are intent on “playing God,” why not emphasize His mercy rather than His judgment.  Our Christian testimony is much better served by extending grace rather judgment.  After all, aren’t we grateful that God extends grace and mercy to us?

Dear Heavenly Father,
I am eternally grateful for Your grace.
As Your child, may I be a channel of your love and mercy.
May I be slow to judge and quick to extend grace!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FUTURE FAITH

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
(Mathew 6:34)

Have you noticed how interested everyone is in the future?  What’s the future for the Middle East?  What’s the future for America?  Will gas prices continue to climb?  Where is the stock market headed?  Will our economy survive?  Is Jesus coming back soon?

Our interest in the future is not limited to national or international events.  Most people are more concerned – even worried – about their personal futures.  We want to know our economic future, our romantic future, our family’s future, and our eternal destiny.  So, people resort to all kinds of “mystical” methods of foretelling their future – tea leaves, tarot cards, crystals, fortune cookies, astrology, palm readers, psychics, etc. etc.  We read books and subscribe to magazines that forecast economic predictions.  And we attend conferences and seminars on planning and goal-setting.  We all want to know, what’s in my future?

In James 4:13-17, James suggests that we make three mistakes when it comes to our personal futures…

• Presuming upon tomorrow
• Planning without God
• Putting off doing good

It really boils down to faith.  Even though I may not know what the future holds; as a Christian, I know who holds the future.  God knows the future of America.  God knows the future of the Middle East.  And God knows my personal future.  Nothing catches God by surprise.  He’s already lived all our tomorrows.  Keep trusting Him!

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are an infinite and eternal God.
You know all things – past, present, and future.
I choose to trust You, no matter what the future may hold.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FAITH & WEALTH

“Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.
Your gold and silver are corroded . . .
You have hoarded wealth in the last days.”
(James 5:2-3)

Take a look at these statistics on wealth…

• The United States owns approximately 25% of the world’s wealth
• The entire continent of Africa owns about 1% of the world’s wealth
• The wealthiest 2% of the world own about 50% of all global assets
• Bill Gates has a net worth of approximately $50 billion – more than the GDP of at least 140 countries in the world
• 80% of the world lives on less than $10 per day
• Almost half the world – 3 billion people – live on less than $2.50 per day

If you live in America, you are considered wealthy by the world’s standards of wealth.  But, even in America, we are struggling – unemployment, less income, credit debt, foreclosures, and bankruptcies are all part our American lifestyle today. 

Amidst all the economic turmoil, James has some relevant counsel for Christians today.  In James 5:1-6, we find four warnings to the wealthy (you and me) regarding their wealth…

• Don’t hoard it
• Don’t steal it
• Don’t waste it
• Don’t abuse it

Or, to turn these warnings around in a more positive light, James says…

• Give it away
• Earn it honestly
• Spend it wisely
• Use it to bless others

That’s where faith comes in.  It requires a measure of faith to give my money away – especially in tough economic times.  But, if God has blessed you, He wants you to be a blessing to others!  The happiest people in the world are the people who have discovered the joy of giving! 

Dear Heavenly Father,
All I have is a gift from Your gracious hand.
May I be a blessing to others even as You have blessed me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

WAITING

“You too, be patient and stand firm,
because the Lord’s coming is near.”
(James 5:8)

 Have you ever noticed how much of our lives are spent waiting?  We wait at red lights.  We wait on the freeways during rush-hour traffic.  We wait at the doctor’s office.  We wait in line at the supermarket.  We wait at the DMV office.  We wait for our computers to work.  We wait for our spouse or our kids to get ready to leave the house.  And we’ve been waiting for years for the Suns to win an NBA championship.

But we hate to wait.  We are the NOW generation.  We live in the age of fast food, microwave ovens, satellite news coverage, the Internet, on-line banking, on-line shopping, cell phones, texting, and e-mail access around the world in an instant.  We hate waiting.  

Yet James commends the virtue of patience.  No matter how much we dislike waiting, we must still learn to be patient.  We need patience when the circumstance of life are spinning out-of-control.  We need patience when problems pop up unexpectedly in life.  And we especially need patience with the many different people that cross our paths in life.  Patience is crucial.

So, how can I develop patience?  As you read James 5:7-12, you will find three key truths to remember that will help you develop patience. 

• Remember God is still in control
• Remember God blesses patience
• Remember that God brings good out of evil

Nobody likes waiting.  Patience isn’t easy.  But amidst it all, stand firm.  Keep looking up!  Jesus is coming soon! 

Dear Heavenly Father,
I admit that I am not a patient individual.
But, I am grateful for the reminder that You are in control.
You are at work bringing good out of evil.
Keep my eyes focused on Jesus. 
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

EASTER HOPE

“Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here; he has risen!”
(Luke 24:5-6) 

Is life getting you down?  Are you struggling financially?  Are you worried about your job?  Are you upside-down in your mortgage?  Have you used up all your savings just to stay afloat?  Maybe you’re wrestling with some issues in your marriage?  Or some family problems?  Or your in-laws?  Perhaps your boss is all over your case?  Or a co-worker is getting on your nerves?  Maybe your car keeps breaking down?  Or the bills keep mounting?  Or your health is failing?  Sometimes, life just stinks.

Is there any hope? 

Peter had unsuccessfully tried to defend Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Then, he denied even knowing Jesus three times.  And finally, he watched as Jesus was executed on a cruel cross?  The disciples all thought Jesus was the promised Messiah.  They had staked all their hopes on Him.  But, now Jesus was dead.  All their dreams and aspirations were dashed.  

Is there any hope? 

Listen carefully to the angel’s words that first Easter morning:  “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”  Easter gives us hope.  Think about it – if God could raise Jesus from the dead, He can certainly…

• resurrect the economy in America
• rescue you from financial despair
• restore a broken marriage or a hurting family
• rejuvenate your health
• revive your soul and renew your spirit

Yes, there is hope.  Easter gives us hope!

Dear Heavenly Father,
I rejoice in the hope that Easter brings!
You raised Jesus from the dead.  He is alive today.
And He lives in my life!
Hallelujah!

GOT PROBLEMS?

“Is any of you in trouble?  He should pray.
Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.”
(James 5:13)

Peep, the parakeet, never saw it coming.  One second he was peacefully perched in his cage.  The next he was sucked in, washed up, and blown away. 

The problems began when Peep’s owner decided to clean Peep’s cage with a vacuum cleaner.  She removed the attachment from the end of the hose and stuck it in the cage.  The phone rang and she turned to pick it up.  She’d barely said “hello” when sssoppp!  Peep got sucked in.

The parakeet’s owner gasped, dropped the phone, turned off the vacuum, and opened the bag.  Peep was stunned but still alive.  Since the bird was covered with dust and soot, she grabbed him and raced to the bathroom, turned on the faucet and held Peep under the running water.  Then, realizing that Peep was soaked and shivering, she did what any compassionate bird owner would do – she reached for the hair dryer and blasted the parakeet with hot air.

Poor Peep never knew what hit him.  A few days later, the caller on the phone asked Peep’s owner how the bird was recovering.  “Well,” she replied, “Peep doesn’t sing much anymore – he just sits and stares.”

Can you relate to Peep?  Most of us can.  One minute you’re seated in familiar territory with a song in your heart and a tune on your lips.  Then you are given a pink slip, a rejection letter arrives in the mail, the check bounces, the car breaks down, the divorce papers arrive, a policeman knocks on the door, or the doctor’s office calls.  You’ve been sucked in, washed up, and blown away.

How will you respond?  Will you respond like Peep the parakeet – just sit and stare?  James has a better idea.  Whether your problems are physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual; James’ advice is simple:  Got problems?  Try praying! 

Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes life’s problems seem overwhelming.
But I am thankful that You are only a prayer away.
You know and understand everything I am going through.
I cast all my cares on You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR MOM

“Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
(Proverbs 31:28-29)

POSITION:  Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy

JOB DESCRIPTION:  Long term team players needed for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.  Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24-hour shifts on call.  Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends.  Extensive courier & chauffer duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.  Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.  Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds just in case the screams from the backyard are not someone crying wolf.  Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges such as small gadget repairs, mysteriously sluggish toilets, and stuck zippers.  Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars, and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.  Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages.  Must be willing to be indispensable one minute and an embarrassment the next.  Must handle assembly and safety testing of a half-million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices.  Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.  Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.  Responsibilities also include maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

EXPERIENCE NEEDED:  None required.  On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND PROMOTIONS:  Virtually none.  Your job is to remain in the same position with no pay for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.  You may receive an occasional hug, which seems to make it all worthwhile; and some day you may be promoted to “grand” mother.

Be sure to take some time this weekend to honor your mom (or your wife).  Moms:  thanks for your unselfish and undying love and devotion.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your perfect plan called “family.”
Thanks for my mom.  May You bless her richly this week.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

LEGACY

“A righteous man will be remembered forever…”
(Psalm 112:6)

What’s a legacy?  Webster’s dictionary defines “legacy” as follows…

1. a gift by will, especially of money or other personal property; bequest
2. something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past

What kind of legacy will you leave for your children and your grandchildren and generations beyond?  You can leave a gift of property or money in your will.  Then your children can spend the next several years fighting over it.  Or, you can hand down something even better.  You can leave a legacy of faith; a godly heritage. 

So, how do I leave a legacy of faith?  Here are four commitments you must flesh-out in life in order to leave a legacy of faith… 

• Live with integrity
• Serve with sincerity
• Give with generosity
• Succeed with humility

What will your legacy be?  What are you passing on to your children and grandchildren?  How will you be remembered in future generations?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the spiritual inheritance I have in Christ.
I commit myself anew to leaving a legacy of faith.
May I be a godly example to my oikos – my family and friends.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

YOUR LEGACY

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength.
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon you hearts.”
(Deuteronomy 6:5-6)

There were two men who lived in colonial New England near the beginning of the 18^th century.  Max Jukes was born in 1720.  He was not a particularly evil man; but he was irreligious, profane, a drinker, and not very ambitious. 

Jonathan Edwards was born a few years earlier in 1703.  He entered Yale at the age of 13 and graduated with honors.  Edwards became a minister who is credited with igniting the First Great Awakening in America.  He later became president of Princeton.  Jonathan Edwards married Sarah Pierrepont, and was a godly family man.

In 1877, a man named Richard Dugdale visited aNew Yorkprison and found 42 men there who all descended from one man named Max.  Further research indicated that Max Jukes had 709 descendants of which 280 of were paupers, 140 were criminals including 7 murderers and 60 thieves, 128 were prostitutes, and over 400 were alcoholics.  Max Jukes’ descendents cost the state over  $1.25 million. 

In 1900 another man did some research on the descendants of Jonathan Edwards.  Edwards’ 929 descendents included 13 university presidents, 86 college professors, 100 ministers, 100 missionaries, 314 war veterans, 75 authors, 100 lawyers, 30 judges, 66 physicians, and 80 holders of public office, including three U.S. Senators, seven congressman, mayors of three large cities, governors of three states, and one Vice-President of the United States.

What a contrast in legacies!  How can I leave a godly legacy?  Here are four steps to doing so from Deuteronomy 6:4-9… 

• Love it
• Live it
• Talk it
• Walk it

What will your legacy be?

 Dear Heavenly Father,
My heart’s desire is to leave a legacy of faith.
So, I commit myself to loving You & living for You.
May I be a godly example to my oikos!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

WHAT’S YOUR DEFAULT SETTING?

“Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.”
(Proverbs 4:23)

The Webster dictionary defines a “default setting” as a preset value that a computer system assumes or an action that it takes unless otherwise instructed.  Any electronic device you buy today comes with default settings – a television, a DVR, a microwave, a car radio, a computer, and any software you install on your computer.  For instance, when you change the font on your computer, then shut that particular program, the computer reverts back to its default font setting – i.e. Times New Roman. 

What’s your default setting?  Yes, even humans have default settings.  We call it the heart.  All of life flows from your heart – both physically and spiritually.  To determine the default setting of your heart you can ask yourself a couple questions:

• When not forced to think about other things, what do I naturally think about?
• What do I find myself daydreaming about?

Now, don’t beat yourself up.  Since we are all born with a human nature, the most common spiritual default setting is “selfishness” in one form or another.

But here’s the good news.  On many electronic devices, you can change some of the default settings.  For instance, on my computer I have changed the default font setting from Times New Roman to Arial.  Likewise, the default settings of your heart can be changed, as well.  When you fall in love with Jesus, He begins to reprogram your heart – i.e. your default language, your default reactions, your default attitudes, etc.  He does so through regular input of God’s Word and reliance on the indwelling Holy Spirit.  

What’s your default setting?  Has Jesus reprogrammed some of your default settings?

Dear Heavenly Father,
I admit that I am naturally selfish.
I am grateful that Jesus Christ has already
changed some of the default settings of my heart.
May He continue to reprogram my heart!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

A FATHER’S TOOLS

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children;
instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
(Ephesians 6:4)

My wife and I just came home from a two-week vacation. You may not believe it, but we went hunting on our vacation. We hunted deer, elk, moose, wolves, buffalo, and bear. And we actually shot some of each. Here’s the catch: we didn’t shoot them with rifles or with bow & arrow. We shot them with our cameras. And, we got some good shots, too.

Photographers simply use different tools than hunters. One uses guns, the other uses cameras. In fact, the tools of the trade vary depending on what profession one is in. Construction workers use very different tools than dentists and doctors. Mechanics use different tools than musicians. And a plumber’s tools are very different than a teacher’s tools. But, we all use tools of some kind. A tool is simply an implement used to help accomplish a given task.

With Father’s Day coming this week, it is natural to talk about tools. Most dads have a garage full of tools. But, what tools are available to dads to help accomplish the greatest task of raising godly children and leaving a legacy of faith? I’d like to suggest a few tools that are critical in your task of fathering…

• God’s Word
• Your words
• Your time
• Your leadership

Join us at NMC on Father’s Day for our First Annual Tool Exchange. We will also delve deeper into the tools needed for effective fathering.  Happy Father’s Day!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the privilege of being Your son.
I am grateful that You are my Abba – my Heavenly Dad!
It is my desire to be a godly father and grandfather.
May I leave a legacy of faith!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

POSTCARDS

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write . . .
I know your deeds . . . Yet I hold this against you . . .”
He who has an ear to hear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
(Revelation 2:1-7)

While Barb and I were on vacation earlier this month, we decided to do something very old-fashioned.  We bought some picture postcards, wrote short notes on them and mailed them to our kids and our grandchildren.  Nobody gets postcards in the mail anymore.  These days, everybody communicates via technology – i.e. emails, texting, or social media (Facebook or Twitter).  So, we thought it would be a novelty for them to actually get a postcard with a hand-written note in the mail. 

In Revelation 2 and 3, Jesus wrote seven postcards to seven churches.  I call them postcards because they’re not very long – about 7 verses each.  But He has some very powerful messages for these seven churches.  In each postcard he writes three notes:

1. Affirmation – First, Jesus affirms what each church is doing well
2. Accusation – Second, Jesus identifies something in each church that displeases Him
3. Admonition – Third, Jesus admonishes or challenges each church to action

If Jesus were to write our church a postcard today, what would He say?  If He were to write you a postcard, what would He say?  Okay, let’s put it in 21^st Century terminology.  If Jesus were to send you an email today, what might He write to you?  If Jesus had a Facebook page, what would He write on it?  How would He respond on your Facebook page?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word.
Your Word is powerful.  It penetrates our hearts
As I read Your Word, may Your Holy Spirit use it
to speak Your truth into my life!.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

FIRST LOVE

“You have forsaken your first love.
Remember the height from which you have fallen.
Repent and do the things you did at first.”
(Revelation 2:4-5)

My wife and I went out to dinner on Tuesday night with some of my extended family.  We went out to celebrate all of our June anniversaries.  My parents are celebrating 63 years of marriage.  My sister and her husband have been married for 39 years; my wife and I for 34 years,  and my brother and his wife have been married 29 years.  That’s a lot of years of marriage stacked up.

Unfortunately, after so many years of marriage; the romance often begins to wane, life becomes routine, and couples begin taking each other for granted.  So every once-in-awhile, you may need to re-ignite a little spark in your marriage relationship and rekindle the romance.

How do I do that?  Here are two suggestions:  (1) Remember – start by thinking back to what it was like when you first fell in love?  (2) Repeat – Now, try repeating some of those same things. 

The same is true in our love-relationship with Jesus Christ.  For many people who have been Christians for awhile; the romance also begins to fade, the Christian life becomes a meaningless routine, and you begin to take your relationship with Jesus for granted.  The cure:  Remember & Repeat!  Rekindle the romance of your “first love” with Jesus.

______________________________

Here are a few questions for you to ponder and/or discuss with someone to help in the process of rekindling your “first love” with Jesus…

1.   Can you remember some of the things you did when you first started dating your spouse

-  Phone Calls
-  Love Notes
-  Flowers & Gifts
-  Weekly “Dates”
-  Candlelight Dinners
-  Back massages & foot rubs

2.   What might be the equivalent of each of these things in your “love-relationship” with Jesus?

3.   Which ones have you been neglecting in your “love-relationship” with Jesus?

4.   Which ones might help you rekindle the flame in your “love-relationship” with Jesus?

Take some time to think about these questions.  You might even want to discuss them with your spouse or a friend.   I trust you might fall in love with Jesus all over again.

Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that I have forsaken my “first love.”
I want to re-ignite the flame in my love-relationship with You.
I want to fall in love with Jesus all over again..
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

PERSECUTION?

“I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich!”
(Revelation 2:9)

Are Christians still persecuted today?  Consider the following statistics…

• It is estimated that over 100 million Christians were killed for their faith worldwide in the 20th Century
• More Christians were martyred in the last century than in the previous 19 centuries.
• More than 160,000 Christians are killed worldwide for their faith every year.
• More than 35 countries in the world have laws that prohibit the exercise of Christianity.

To Americans who believe in freedom of religion, those statistics seems astounding.  We have it pretty easy in America.  We don’t hear of Christians in America being killed for their faith.  We don’t hear of churches being closed down by our government.  And we don’t hear of pastors being thrown in prison for preaching Christ.

So, what’s the big deal about persecution?  Let me answer that question in two ways.  First, persecution comes in other forms besides imprisonment or martyrdom.  It may also come in the form of slander – mocking, ridicule, put-downs, name-calling, etc.  Or, it may come in the form of vocational hardship – i.e. not getting hired or losing a job.  Persecution can come from an employer, a teacher, friends, or family.  Sometimes, subtle persecution is actually harder to resist than more blatant persecution.  Are you standing strong for Jesus Christ?

Secondly, greater persecution of Christians may not be far off in America.  Our culture is becoming more and more anti-Christian all the time.  Greater persecution of Christians may be just around the corner.  Yes, even in America.  Are you ready?

Jesus’ message to suffering Christians today is the same as it was in Revelation 2:7-11.  Don’t be fearful; rather, be faithful.  Keep looking up (to Jesus) and keep looking ahead (to heaven). 

_________________________

Here are a few questions for you to ponder and/or discuss with someone…

1. Have you ever been “persecuted” for your faith?  When was the last time someone mocked you or ridiculed you for your faith? 
2. What would you do if you were challenged to deny your faith or be thrown in prison?
3. Do agree or disagree that subtle persecution may be harder to resist than more blatant persecution
4. Do you think greater persecution of Christians may be coming inAmerica?  If so, how can we prepare for it?

Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to be counted for Jesus Christ no matter what the cost.
Give me the courage to endure whatever suffering I may face.
May I be found faithful to the end!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

CONFUSED?

“You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam…
Likewise, you also have those who hold
to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.”
(Revelation 2:12-17)

You have to admit that there is a lot of confusion in the world today – yes, even in the church.  One church teaches one thing; and the church down the road teaches something else.  One denomination believes in this doctrine and another denomination believes in that doctrine.  One Christian says it’s okay to make certain lifestyle choices, while another Christian strongly opposes such behavior. 

Confusion in the church is not new.  There was even confusion in the first century church.  For instance, the church inPergamumhad both Balaamites and Nicolaitans in their church.  The Balaamites were partiers.  They were guilty of compromising with the world by carousing all week in the pagan temples and festivities, then coming to church on Sundays to worship.  They lived one way on Sundays and completely different the other six days of the week.  The Nicolaitans were the intellectuals.  They mixed Greek philosophies with biblical teaching to rationalize & support their own immoral lifestyle.  Essentially, they distorted God’s Word to their own liking. 

So, how do we clear up the confusion?  Basically, Jesus says the same thing to us that He did to the church in Pergamum 2,000 years ago:  Know the Truth & Live the Truth!  It’s time to get back to basics.  We need to rebuild the foundation.  First, we must know truth – by reading, studying, and knowing the Bible.  Then, we must live the truth – by filtering everything we hear & say through the grid of Scripture and living accordingly.

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Here are a few questions for you to ponder and/or discuss with someone…

1. Can you indentify some ways that Christians today might compromise with the world?
2. Can you identify some teachings today that seem to mix world philosophy with God’s truth in order to justify a particular belief or practice?
3. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)   How does the truth set us free?
4. How much time do you spend watching TV in a given week?  How much time to you spend surfing the Internet in a given week?  Now,  how much time do you spend with God’s Word each week?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word. Your Word is true!
I want to renew my personal commitment to Your Word
As I read Your Word, may your Holy Spirit teach me Your truth!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

TOLERANCE

“Nevertheless, I have this against you:
You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess.
By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality…”
(Revelation 2:18-29)

We hear a lot about tolerance today.  Schools have a “zero-tolerance” policy on guns and knives.  On the other hand, we are constantly told to be “tolerant” of other faiths, alternative lifestyles, political positions, values, and truth claims.  And if we dare to speak out against any of these things, we are labeled as “intolerant” and treated with contempt. 

Now, generally speaking, tolerance is a good thing.  It simply means that we are patient and forbearing of others who are different than us.  That’s part of loving other people!

But there are some things God says were are not to tolerate in our churches and in our lives.  For instance, the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2) was told by God not to tolerate a woman named Jezebel.  It’s bad enough that she was stuck with that name (actually, Jesus probably just called her Jezebel), but she is called out for three particular errors in the church. 

• Heresy – She was teaching false-doctrines
• Immorality – She was leading others into immorality
• Divisiveness – She was causing divisions in the church.

So, to put it in a nutshell, Jesus basically says that we are not to tolerate or become comfortable with heresy, immorality, or divisiveness in the church.  In fact, other Scripture passages indicate that these three errors are serious enough that they merit church discipline.  These are critical issues!  However, we must always remember that the purpose of discipline is not condemnation, but restoration.

The basic principle is also true for our personal lives.  As Christians, we must never allow ourselves to become comfortable with sin.  When sin creeps into our lives, Jesus calls us to repent and turn it over to Him.  Now, here’s the best part:  when we do repent, Jesus forgives us and restores us to relationship with God once again.  Now that’s good news!

___________________________________

Here are a few questions for you to ponder and/or discuss with someone…

1. Is tolerance a good thing or a bad thing inAmerica today?  Why?
2. Have churches inAmericabecome too tolerant of sin & immorality today?  If so, why?
3. Why do you think heresy, immorality, and divisiveness are considered so serious that they merit church discipline?
4. Think about your own life.  Have you become comfortable with sin?  If so, how will you deal with it?

 Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
May your Holy Spirit examine my heart today and
show me where I have become too comfortable with sin.
Restore to me the joy of my salvation!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

THANKSGIVING OR PRAISE

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him and praise his name.”
(Psalm 100:4)

Did you know that there is a difference between thanksgiving and praise?  And did you know that the Hebrew language of the Old Testament didn’t actually have a word for thanksgiving?   The Hebrew word for thanksgiving in Psalm 100:4 (see above) is yadah.  But it literally means, “to give public acknowledgement.”  It’s one of the many synonyms in Hebrew for praise.  

So what’s the difference between thanksgiving and praise?  Thanksgiving is private & personal; praise is public.  Thanksgiving can be quiet; praise is very vocal.  Thanksgiving is directed to someone; praise is spoken about someone.  For instance, if your wife cooks you a very special and delicious meal, you would most likely respond by thanking her for a wonderful dinner and tell her how good it was.  That’s thanksgiving.  But, if you go to work the next day and start telling all your co-workers about what a great cook your wife is, that’s praise.

The Hebrews of the Old Testament were a very social & relational people.  To them, praise demanded a public forum.  When God did something wonderful, you didn’t just keep it to yourself, you just had to tell others about it, so they could share in your joy!  In fact, the Hebrew word for praise (halel) means “to be excited with joy.” 

However, thanksgiving is still legitimate.  It is a New Testament concept.  Apparently, the Greek language has a word closer to our concept of giving thanks.  So, I encourage you to do both – give thanks & give praise.  Thank God for His faithful work in your life & praise Him publicly, as well. 

                                                     

Here are a few questions for you to ponder and/or discuss with someone…

1. In your own words:  what is the difference between praise and thanksgiving?
2. Which is most common in our American culture:  praise or thanksgiving? 
3. How many different synonyms for praise can you list from the Psalms?
4. What has God done recently in your life for which you are thankful?  Now, praise Him for it by telling someone else about it, as well.

Dear Heavenly Father,
There is so much for which to praise You!
You are my Creator, my Savior, and my Shepherd.
Thank you for my salvation.  Thank you for your faithfulness.
Thank you for answered prayers…
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

DEAD OR ALIVE?

“I know your deeds;
You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”
(Revelation 3:1)

Remember the old “wanted” posters:  “Wanted:  Dead or Alive.”  They usually included a $500 reward, as well.  If Jesus were to hang a “wanted” poster today in churches, it would be a bit different.  His “wanted” posters would simply read:  “Wanted:  Alive!”  He is not looking for “dead” or “dying” churches; He is looking for churches who are spiritually vibrant & alive! 

Unfortunately, there are many churches in Americawho mirror the church in Sardis(Revelation 3:1-6).  They have good reputations.  By all outward appearances, they look great.  They have nice facilities, flashy programs, and busy schedules.  But, they are spiritually dying! 

The same can also be said of Christians.  Many Christians have good reputations.  They look good on the outside.  They have a strict list of do’s and don’ts.  They go to church every time the doors are open.  But, they are dying spiritually.

So, how do we know if a church is in danger of dying spiritually?  Here are a few indicators.  A church is in danger of spiritual death…

• when it is more concerned about traditions than with the timeless purposes of God
• when it focuses more on rituals than on a relationship with Jesus Christ
• when it is more concerned with material things than with spiritual things
• when is it focuses on programs rather than people
• when it cares more about building cathedrals than building the Kingdom of God

On a more personal level; how can we know if a Christian is in danger of dying spiritually?  Many of the indicators are similar.  As a Christian, you may be in danger of spiritual death if…

• your spiritual life has become a dry, meaningless routine
• you focus on external works rather than an internal love-relationship with Jesus
• you are more concerned with your personal comfort than with spiritual growth
• you are self-absorbed rather than people-centered.

Check your spiritual vital signs?  Do your have a spiritual pulse?  Do you have a hunger for God’s Word?  Do you have a longing to know Jesus more and more?  Are you dead or alive?

                                                                 

Here are a few questions for to ponder and/or discuss with someone… 

1. Do you agree or disagree that many churches in America– even some with good reputations – may actually be spiritually dead or dying?   Why?  Why not?
2. What other indicators of spiritual death might you see in a dying church or a dying Christian?
3. What are some indicators of a church that is full of spiritual life (viva)? 
4. What are some indicators of a Christian that is full of spiritual life (viva)?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for abundant life in Jesus Christ.
May Your Holy Spirit continue to renew that life
day-by day & moment-by-moment.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

SPIRITUAL HEALTH

“I know your deeds.
See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.
I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word
and have not denied my name.”
(Revelation 3:8) 

Now that I’m over 50 (for a few years now), I try to go to the doctor for annual check-ups.  Every time I go, they start by checking the same things – my weight, temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.  Then, they listen to my heart. and draw some blood and send it out for further tests.  Why?  Why do they check the same things all the time?  They are simply checking my physical health.  And, by comparing some measurements to previous measurements, they can determine if my health is maintaining, declining, or improving. 

The ancientchurchofPhiladelphia(Revelation 3:7-13) was a healthy church.  Jesus identified three vital signs of spiritual health… 

1. Spiritual strength   (“you have a little power.”)
2. Obedience   (“you have kept my word.”)
3. Faithfulness   (“you have not denied my name.”)

Again, the three qualities of a healthy church are also true of healthy Christians.  So, take a minute and evaluate your own life?  Are you relying on the power of the Holy Spirit?  Are you reading & obeying God’s Word?  Are you faithful to the Lord’s name?

If those three qualities are true in your life – then you are spiritually healthy.  Keep it up!  And, Jesus also promises to open more doors of opportunity for you to serve Him and do His Kingdom work.  Just like the master said to the two faithful servants in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), “Well done good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”  God blesses your faithfulness by entrusting you with more and more opportunities. 

Keep it up.  Remain faithful.  Keep growing & serving Him!

_________________________

Here are a few questions to ponder and/or discuss with someone…

1. In your own words, how would you describe a healthy church? 
2. In your own words, how would you describe a spiritually healthy Christian? 
3. If a believer is spiritually healthy, how can he/she maintain that spiritual health? 
4. If a believer is spiritually unhealthy, what must he/she do to restore their spiritual health?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the opportunities
You give to serve in Your Kingdom work.
I pray that You may find me faithful!
I desire to hear You say,
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

LUKEWARM

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.
I wish that you were either one or the other!
So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold –
I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
(Revelation 3:15-16) 

We have an interesting dilemma in Phoenix– especially in the summer.  When you turn on a faucet at the sink or outside, you don’t really get cold water.  It comes out lukewarm, at best.

The ancient city of Laodicea had no water of its own, so they piped water in from two nearby cities.  Hieropolis was well-known for its hot springs.  People came from all over the region to bathe in the hot springsof Hieropolis.  But when the water from the hot springs was piped to Laodicea, it cooled off to a lukewarm temperature before it reached the Laodiceans.  On the other hand, Colosse had cool, refreshing streams nearby.  But again, when the cool water was piped from Colosse to Laodicea; it had warmed up to a lukewarm temperature, as well.

So, when Jesus told the Laodicean believers that they were lukewarm, they understood His word picture very well.  They weren’t cold – no interest in the things of God at all.  And they weren’t hot – “on fire” for Jesus Christ.  They were lukewarm – spiritually complacent, indifferent, or apathetic.  Here are a few indicators of a lukewarm Christian…

• A lukewarm Christian usually starts off “on fire” for the Lord, but has “cooled off.”
• A lukewarm Christian attends church occasionally, but there is no passion or vitality.
• A lukewarm Christian thanks God for their luxuries & comforts in life, but rarely gives sacrificially to others
• A lukewarm Christian tends to be a “chameleon” Christian – blending in to whatever setting they find themselves in – at the office, at school, at church, at the sports bar, etc.
• A lukewarm Christian measures his spirituality by comparing himself to the secular world instead of God’s Word.
• A lukewarm Christian cares more about what other people think than what God thinks.
• A lukewarm Christian gives Jesus a part of his life; but not his whole life – that’s a bit radical.
• A lukewarm Christian is content to sit in his pew at church on Sundays & live out the rest of the week in a dry, meaningless routine.
• A lukewarm Christian cares more about his own comfort than the souls of other people.
• A lukewarm Christian tends to play it safe rather than taking any risks for God

These are just a few indicators.  I’m sure you could come up with a rather lengthy list yourself.  But, here’s the bottom line – How would Jesus rate your spiritual life?  Are you cold?  Are you hot?  Or are you lukewarm?

Jesus gives us His remedy for being lukewarm in Revelation 3:20 – Reopen the door of your heart and invite Jesus in again.  It’s all about relationship with Him.  He wants to fellowship with you – He wants to spend time with you – He wants to be the center of your life!

______________________________

Here are a few questions to ponder and/or discuss with someone… 

1. In your own words, how would you describe a lukewarm church?
2. In your own words, how would you describe a lukewarm Christian? 
3. I suggested about 10 signs of a lukewarm Christian.  Are there other signs that you might identify, as well? 
4. We often hear Revelation 3:20 used in the context of evangelism or salvation.  But, it’s actually written to a community of believers (a church).  How does it relate to lukewarm Christians?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Son gave His life for me!
How could I do any less than give You my whole life?
Forgive me for being complacent & lukewarm.
I reopen the door of my heart.  I invite Jesus back into my life today!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

KEEP IT SIMPLE

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart
 and with all your soul and with all your mind…
Love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Matthew 22:37-39)

There is a strange but true law in life.  We tend to fill up whatever available space we have.  You especially notice this when you buy a new house.  Suppose you move from a 1,200 square foot home to a 2,200 square foot home.  When you first move in, you wander what you’re going to do with all the extra space.  But usually – in just a year or so – you begin to wonder how you ever survived in a smaller house.  The new house is no longer empty.  It’s now just as full & crowded as before.  The only difference – you have more “junk” filling up the available space.

There is a similar principle in our daily lives.  We tend to fill up whatever available space we have in our schedules. Just when we think you have a little free time, we tend to fill it up with something.  The typical American lives a very hectic and busy life.

Have you noticed that churches tend to follow suit?  Churches tend to fill up their calendars with all kinds of Bible studies, support groups, special programs, ministries, seminars, committee meetings, community outreach events, service projects, etc. etc.  If your life isn’t busy enough already, don’t worry – the church will help fill your schedule.

Over the past few weeks, we have looked at what Jesus said to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3.  What do you think Jesus might say to churches in America?  What might He say to our church?  What would He say to you personally? I would never presume to speak for Jesus, but I believe God might say something like this today:  “Keep it Simple!” 

We tend to complicate our lives with all kinds of activities.  And churches tend to complicate their ministries with all kinds of programs and activities.  Jesus just might say, “Keep it Simple!  Refocus on my purposes!!” 

-  Love God – Worship Him & Follow Jesus
-  Love Others – Serve His Body & Change the World!

Are you getting side-tracked by good things?  Are the good things keeping you from the best?  Let’s get back to the basics – relationship with God & relationships with people!

______________________________

Here are a few questions to ponder and/or discuss with someone…

1. Why do Americans tend to fill up whatever available space they have in their homes?
2. Why do we tend to do the same with our daily schedules?
3. How could you simplify your life?  What activities could you eliminate in order to free up more time to focus on what’s really important – your relationship with God and with people?

Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that my life is very busy and hectic.
I find myself neglecting my relationship with You.
Please forgive me & show me what I can eliminate from my schedule
 in order to spend more time with You!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

LET US WORSHIP

“Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
(Psalm 95:6)

On Sundays, we come to a Worship Center for a worship service to sing worship songs and engage in other forms of worship.  But, what is worship?  Really!  What is it?

During the month of September, we are going to explore biblical worship.  But first, I’d like you to take a few moments to consider the priority of worship as seen throughout Scripture…

• Worship is inherent in God’s name.  The basic meaning of “god” (or Hebrew “El”) is “an object of worship.”  God revealed himself to man as the only object worthy of worship.
• Worship is inherent in Creation.  The first recorded act of the first family following the Fall was an act of worship (Genesis 4).  Abel’s sacrifice was accepted by God.  Cain’s worship was unacceptable.
• Worship was a priority to the patriarchs.  The first act of Noah after the flood was an act of worship.  He built an altar.  Every time Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob moved; their first activity after arriving at a new location was to build an altar – a place of worship.
• Worship is a priority in the Law.  The first four of the 10 commandments are related to worship of God.
• Worship was a priority in the nation of Israel

- the entire book of Leviticus is about worship – the tabernacle, feasts, and offerings

- the Temple was the focal point of Jewish life – the place of worship

- the longest book in the Bible (Psalms) is a worship songbook

- the primary theme of the prophets was condemnation of idolatry or false worship

• Worship is a priority in Jesus’ ministry.  At the beginning and the end of His ministry, Jesus threw the money-changers out of the Temple because they were desecrating the house of worship.
• Worship is inherent in God’s desires.  In John 4, Jesus describes only one activity as being sought by God – worship.  God is seeking worshipers to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
• Worship is a priority in heaven & in eternity.  Revelation 4 & 5 describes the scene in heaven – a massive worship service beyond description.

In summary, God created man to worship Him and God redeems us so we might worship Him again.  Our primary activity in heaven and in all of eternity will be worship.

How important is worship in your life?  Where does worship stand in your list of priorities? 

______________________________

Here are a few questions to ponder and/or discuss with someone… 

1. Do you agree that worship should be a priority in a Christian’s life?
2. In your own words, how would you define worship?  In other words, what is it?
3. In Psalm 95, we are encouraged to “bow” before God in worship?  Why do you think we so rarely bow or kneel in American worship?
4. What are some other ways we worship God?  What are the most meaningful forms of worship in your life?

Dear Heavenly Father,
You created me to worship You!
You saved me to worship You anew!
Forgive me for not making worship a priority in my life.
Today, I renew my commitment to worship You!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

PRAISE & WORSHIP

“Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness;
tremble before Him, all the earth.”
(Psalm 96:2 & 9)

Did you know that praise and worship are not the same?  Oh, we tend to lump them both together in our American culture.  We even use the terms interchangeably.  But biblically, praise and worship are not synonyms.  They are very different.

There are many praise terms in the Bible – praise, thanksgiving, shout, sing for joy, declare, proclaim, extol, exalt, magnify, etc.  Can you hear the excitement in those terms?  Praise is filled with the emotion of joy or exuberance.   When we praise God, we get so excited about God that we just want to shout and sing his praises.

But the biblical terms for worship are different – kneel, or bow, etc.  In fact, the Hebrew word for worship itself means “to bow down.”  The Greek term literally means “to kiss the ground.”  It refers to falling prostrate on the ground.  These terms speak of humility and submission.  Rather than joy and exuberance, worship is filled with the emotion of reverence or awe. 

But, what is “awe”?  We often use the term “awesome” in our culture today.  But it just means that something is “really cool.”  Genuine awe refers to a sense of wonder or amazement.  It refers to those “wow” moments in life that leave you almost speechless.  Awe is that emotion you sense when you behold a God too big to fathom and all you can say is, “wow.”  How can we help but fall down in worship or in humble adoration and submission before a truly awesome God.

I believe that genuine worship is vastly missing in American churches today.  We’re pretty good at praise; but we’re not too good at worship.  We’ve lost that sense of awe and reverence.  Imagine what might happen in America if we were to recapture a true sense of awe and worship – if we truly humbled ourselves before a Sovereign and Almighty God.

How about you?  Do you ever experience those “wow” moments of awe and worship.  Yes, sometimes we get excited about God and we praise Him with a shout of “yea!”  Other times, we are simply awe-struck by a God too big to fathom and all we can do is fall down and say, “wow!”

______________________________

Here are a few questions to ponder and/or discuss with someone… 

1. How are praise and worship similar? 
2. How are praise and worship different? 
3. When was the last time you had one of those “wow” moments that left you almost speechless? 
4. When was the last time you literally “bowed” or “knelt” before God in worship?

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are truly an awesome God.
I am in awe of your majesty and your greatness!
And I praise you for your love and your grace!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

SPIRITUAL PING-PONG

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.”
(Psalm 145:3-4)

When I was in my youth, my parents set up a ping-pong table in our driveway.  I enjoyed playing the game.  Unfortunately, I usually lost to my older brother who was four years older than me and better at ping-pong.  But, there were basically three ways we tried to hit the ball back to the other person.  Our favorite, of course, was the kill shot – slamming the ball so hard the other player couldn’t hit it back.  But, occasionally we also tried an easy shot – just sneaking it over the net nice and easy.  And the third shot was an attempt to put a spin on the ball so it would hit the table on the other side and bounce differently than expected.

Worship is a little bit like ping-pong.  Throughout Scripture we find a revelation & response motif.  God takes the initiative by revealing himself to man.  Man responds in worship and praise.  Or, in keeping with the ping-pong analogy; God takes the initiative by serving the ball; man responds by hitting the ball back into his court.  Worship is a response to God’s revelation of Himself; a response to who God is and to what God does.

And it seems to me that God reveals Himself much like the three ways I tried to hit the ping-pong ball:

1. The kill shot – God sometimes has to take drastic measures to get our attention.
2. The spin shot – Sometimes God throws us a curve and it’s difficult to figure out what He is saying.
3. The easy shot – Other times, God speaks very quietly to our hearts.

Whichever way God serves the ball to us – whichever way God speaks to us – it’s up to us to respond to Him.  Sometimes we respond in awe and wonder (worship).   Other times, we respond in joy and celebration (praise).

How are you at spiritual ping-pong?

______________________________ 

Here are a few questions to ponder or discuss with someone… 

1. Read through Psalm 145 and identify the various attributes of God mentioned
2. Now re-read Psalm 145 and identify the various works of God mentioned. 
3. Can you remember a time when God revealed Himself to you?  How did you respond?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing Yourself to me.
You are holy.  You are love.  And you are King.
Your awesome works reveal your glory.
I cannot help but respond by worshiping You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

ELEPHANTS & WORSHIP

“Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for He is our God…”
(Psalm 95:6-7)

As a circus parade moved noisily through the streets of Milan, Italy one day; a strange thing happened.  An elephant suddenly swerved out of line and meandered into one of the cathedrals.  Prancing up the center aisle, this strange visitor swung his trunk around, snorted a few times, then turned and marched out of the church and rejoined the circus procession. 

One observer commented later that many people seem to worship about the same as that elephant.  On Sunday mornings we veer into church, make a few sounds, look around at the people, then go back outside to rejoin the parade of life.  Like elephants, many today are missing the meaning of genuine worship.

One problem with our American style of worship is that is has become very egocentric – “What’s in it for me?”  “What will I get out of it?”  Biblical worship is theocentric rather than egocentric.  It’s God-centered rather than man-centered.  God is the initiator of worship, the focus of worship, and the recipient of true worship.  In other words, God is the beginning, the center, and the end of all genuine worship.   

With that in mind, I’d like to suggest three cultural perils to guard against in true worship today.

1. The Spectator Mentality – Worship is not a show or a concert or a sporting event to be watched and enjoyed.  Worship requires involvement & participation.
2. The Gimme’ Syndrome – Instead of asking, “What’s in it for me,” we should come to worship asking, “What can I give God?”
3. The Speed Trap – We live very busy and hectic lives.  But God is not in a hurry.  In order to experience God, we need to slow down and quiet our hearts.

______________________________

Here are a few questions to ponder or discuss with someone…

1. In your opinion, how does the Spectator Mentality of our culture impact true worship? 
2. How does the Gimme’ Syndrome impact worship? 
3. How does the Speed Trap impact worship today? 
4. What might it take to restore true biblical worship in our churches today? 

Dear Heavenly Father,
My life is very busy and hectic.
Teach me to slow down and be quiet before you
You are my Creator, my Savior, and my Sustainer.
I bow before you in humble adoration and worship.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

GOT STRESS?

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”
(Psalm 23:1)

Life is full of stress.  There is certainly enough stress to go around today. 

-  Work
-  Busy schedules
-  Finances
-  Technology
-  Family
-  Physical health
-  Emotional wounds
-  Dark valleys
-  Decisions
-  The future

So, how do you handle all the stresses in life?  Do you run from them?  Do you to try to ignore them?  Do you lash out at them?  Do you let them eat at you?  What do you do?

God has a prescription for your stress.  God has an antidote for each stress in life.  And many of those antidotes are addressed in the most familiar, most quoted, most popular passage in all of Scripture.  I want to encourage you – if you have never done so before – to read and memorize Psalm 23 over the next few weeks.  But don’t just memorize the words; internalize the message.

The psalmist begins in verse 1 with the familiar words, “The Lord is my Shepherd…”

-  A shepherd provides for his sheep
-  A shepherd protects his sheep
-  A shepherd feeds his sheep
-  A shepherd leads his sheep

So take a minute right now and cast all your stress on your Shepherd.  Let Him handle it for you.

For the next few weeks, we will be discussing Psalm 23 in our services at NMC.  We will examine how the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep.  Start memorizing!

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are my Shepherd.  I am your sheep.
Thank you for your provision & your protection.
Thank you for feeding and leading me.
I cast all my cares on You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

BUSY?

“He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside still waters.”
(Psalm 23:2)

Technology was supposed to make our lives simpler and give us a lot more free time.  Optimistic futurists in the 1950’s and 60’s envisioned a utopia society where satellites, computers, and robotics would remove menial aspects of labor and deliver ample time for rest and recreation.  Testimony before a Senate subcommittee in 1967 predicted that “by 1985, people could be working 22 hours a week, or 27 weeks a year, or could retire at 38.”  They predicted that the major challenge facing people in the 1990’s would be what to do with all the leisure time provided by technology.

Are you working just 27 hours per week?  Are you having a hard time deciding what to do with all your free time?  I didn’t think so.  Technology has had just the opposite impact on our lives.  It has filled our days with more gadgets and more time-consuming devices.  We are inundated with information and we are working at a faster pace than ever before.  We have less and less leisure time.  Busyness is one of the greatest stresses in our lives today.

Is there an antidote for busyness?  Yes!  The good Shepherd provides rest and restoration for his sheep.  But God’s antidote for the stress of busyness may require some lifestyle changes.  It may demand establishing some boundaries in life.  It may necessitate some value-adjustments.  And it will certainly involve more Sabbath!

When was the last time you laid down in green pastures?  When was the last time you enjoyed some still waters?  Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”   (Matthew 11:38)

 Dear Heavenly Father,
Life is very busy and hectic.
Forgive me for the many times I have neglected You.
Lead me to green pastures.  Calm the waters of my soul.
I desire to find real rest in Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

DOWNCAST?

“He restores my soul.”
(Psalm 23:3)

Do you ever feel down?  Do you wrestle with discouragement, despair, or depression?  Do you struggle with fatigue, fear, or frustration?  Are you haunted by hidden hurts or emotional wounds from your past?  Life is tough!  We all get hurt.  But, God wants to restore your soul.

A “cast” sheep is a term for a sheep that has turned on its back and cannot get up again by itself.  It may lie down comfortably in some hollow then roll over on its side to relax.    Suddenly, the center of gravity shifts so that the sheep turns on its back.  It panics, kicking and flailing its legs frantically in the air, but to no avail.  It cannot get up on its own.

When a shepherd sees a sheep lying on its back with its legs sticking up in the air, he first begins to lovingly massage its legs to get some circulation back in them.  And he begins to talk in soft, reassuring tones to the sheep.  Then he gently turns the sheep over, puts his hand under the sheep’s belly, and lifts it up until it gets its equilibrium back and the blood begins to flow again.  When he sees that the sheep is stable again, he lovingly and gently lets it go.

What a beautiful picture of what our Good Shepherd wants to do for us.  When we are “cast down” by emotional hurt and pain – by guilt, or grief, or bitterness, or other emotional wounds – the Lord picks us up and restores our soul.  The Good Shepherd is the only one who can help us get back on your feet again. 

We can restore a lot of things ourselves – old cars, antique furniture, damaged artwork, storm-damaged houses, etc.  But only God can restore your soul. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the Good Shepherd.  I am Your sheep.
When my soul is downcast and I get discouraged,
I turn to You and to Your Word.
You restore my soul.
Hallelujah!

DECISIONS

“He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.”
(Psalm 23:3)

Should I hold on or should I let go?  Should I get in or get out?  What college should I go to?  Should I get married?  Should I apply for a new job?  Should I take this job or wait for a better offer?   Should I retire?  Should I move?  If so, where?  Should I buy a new house?  If so, which one?  What do I do?  Which way do I go?  How do I get there?

Decisions, decisions, decisions!  Life is a series of decisions.  Success is basically a matter of making wise decisions, and failure is often a result of making unwise decisions.  Every decision we make has consequences. 

How do you make decisions?  Some people take an experiential approach; waiting for a feeling or an emotional experience that says, “this just feels right”?  Others take a mystical approach; consulting their horoscope or their psychic.  Some people take logical approach; analyzing the pros and cons to see which outweighs the other.  Still others look for a formula or an equation to decision-making.  And some people take a magical approach; looking for a sign in the sky.

Unfortunately, we are often like sheep.  If left on their own, sheep will do one of two things.  Either they will follow the same trails and graze the same hills until the trails become ruts and the hills turn into barren wastelands.  Or they will wander off with no sense of direction or purpose in search of greener pastures.  Sheep need a shepherd to guide them.

Fortunately, we have a Good Shepherd who wants to guide us down the right paths in life.  All we have to do is follow Him.  He knows you inside-and-out.  He cares deeply for you.  He has your best interest in mind.  Listen to Him.  Trust Him.  Follow your Good Shepherd.

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the Good Shepherd.  I am your sheep.
Too often I wander astray and go my own way.
Lead me through your Word.
Guide me through the still, small voice of Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus name, Amen!

VALLEYS

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
(Psalm 23:4)

Life is a mixture of pain and pleasure, victory and defeat, success and failure, good times and bad times, mountain tops and valleys.  We like the mountain tops of life; but it’s the valleys in life that build character and maturity. 

Psalm 23:4 is a vivid picture of life because there are many valleys in life – valleys of calamity, valleys of grief, valleys of trouble, valleys of pain, valleys of despair, etc.  So, how do I handle the valleys?  How do I get through the valleys?  I’d like to share a couple thoughts from Psalm 23:4 that I trust will encourage you through the valleys.

First, remember that valleys are inevitable.  They cannot be avoided.  We all face them.  They are a part of life.  After every mountain top, there’s a valley.  There is no way to escape them.

Second, remember that valleys are temporary.  The psalmist talks about walking through valleys.  Valleys are not permanent; they don’t last forever.  Every valley has an exit at the other end.  You will get through it.

Third, remember that valleys are purposeful.  The shepherd has a reason for taking sheep through the valley.  He is leading them to greener pastures in higher plains.  God uses the valleys in life to take us to higher plains, as well – to mature our faith and build our character.

Fourth, remember that you are never alone in the valleys.  The Shepherd (Jesus) has promised to be with us as we go through the valley.  You can reach out to Him anytime.  He’s just a prayer away.  In fact, you can let the Shepherd carry you for awhile. 

One final note:  Sometimes the valleys seem rather dark.  The psalmist refers to them as shadows. And yes, shadows can be somewhat frightening.  But remember that wherever there’s a shadow, there’s also a source of light; and when you look at the light, the light dispels the shadow.  Keep your eyes on Jesus – He’s the Light!

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the Good Shepherd.  I am Your sheep.
As I go through various valleys in life
I am grateful for Your promise to be with me.
Your very presence brings comfort and peace to my soul!
In Jesus name, Amen!

FEASTING AMIDST FOES

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.”
(Psalm 23:5) 

When my children were young, we enjoyed watching Disney movies with them.  Now that we have grandchildren, we are pulling them out again.  Do you remember the story of “Lady and the Tramp?”

A young couple brings home a beautiful cocker spaniel which they named, Lady; and proceed to pamper her.  All is well until the couple has a baby of their own and the cranky old Aunt comes over to baby-sit for awhile.  She kicks Lady out of the house, takes her to a pet store, buys a muzzle for her, and puts it on her.  But Lady escapes and runs off.  While she’s running from the Aunt, she is chased by three other vicious dogs.  Then enters the hero – Tramp – a motley old mutt who just tramps around the neighborhood.  Together Lady & Tramp go to the zoo where they are almost kicked out by a security guard, almost eaten by an alligator, laughed at by the hyenas, and finally freed from the muzzle by a beaver.

Tramp decides to show Lady the town.  And he takes her out for a delicious meal behind his favorite restaurant – Tony’s.  Tony is tickled that Tramp brought his new girlfriend to eat behind his restaurant.  When the cook picks out a couple of bones to throw out to the two dogs, Tony objects.  Instead, he fixes a luscious feast for Lady & Tramp.  They pull up a crate, put a nice tablecloth on it, and put out a big bowl of spaghetti – heavy on the meatballs.  While Lady and Tramp sit and eat, Tony and the cook come out with an accordion and a mandolin and serenade them.  Together, Lady & Tramp feast peacefully, even though other dogs and enemies are lurking nearby to catch them.

It may be a bit far-fetched, but that’s the picture I envision in Psalm 23:5.  I picture several sheep feasting at a sumptuous meal – the Shepherd has gotten out the fine linens and china and the best silver.  As they eat he plays his guitar and serenades the sheep while wolves, coyotes, and hyenas stand nearby licking their chops.  Even though surrounded by enemies, the sheep feast undisturbed. 

You and I have many enemies in our lives, as well: guilt, discouragement, pride, resentment, despair, etc.  Perhaps the greatest hurts come from other people; often from those in our oikos – our family and friends.  Sometimes the hurts are intentional; usually they are unintentional.  But as we rest in the Shepherd’s care we can continue to feast undisturbed, even though our enemies are lurking in the shadows. 

 Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the Good Shepherd.  I am Your sheep.
Although my soul is attacked by many enemies,
I continue to feast at Your table.
My cup truly overflows as I dwell in Your presence.
In Jesus name, Amen!

SHEEPDOGS

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
(Psalm 23:6)

One of our greatest fears in life is the future.  Why?  Because we just don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.  So, some people spend so much time worrying tomorrow, they never enjoy today. 

But you don’t have to fear the future.  You have a Good Shepherd leading you into the future.  All you have to do is follow Him.  And the Shepherd has two trusty sheep dogs watching and protecting you from the rear.  The Lord’s sheepdogs even have names – Tov and Hesed.  Well, okay, those are their Hebrew names.  Their English names are “Goodness” and “Mercy.”  David reminds us in Psalm 23:6 that these two sheepdogs follow us throughout life. 

Tov (goodness) is the sheepdog who showers us with blessings in life (James 1:17).  Tov provides for us all the good things in life (Matthew 7:11).  And Tov takes the bad things in our lives and somehow turns them around for good (Romans 8:28).

Hesed (mercy) is the sheepdog who redeems and forgives all our sin (Ephesians 1:7-8).  Hesed picks us up when we fall and puts us back on our feet again (Psalm 40:1-3). Hesed strengthens us when we are weak (II Corinthians 12:9).  And Hesed lifts us up when we are discouraged (Joshua 1:9).

And David says, “Surely…”  That’s confidence.  That’s assurance.  That’s a guarantee.  And to top it all off, the Good Shepherd and his two sheepdogs are leading you all the way to your final destination – the house of the Lord (heaven). 

No fear!  Trust the Good Shepherd and His two sheepdogs – Tov & Hesed.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your goodness and mercy.
Your mercies are new every morning.
And I thank you for the promise of a future home in heaven.
I look forward to face-to-face fellowship with my Savior.
In Jesus name, Amen!

THAT’S ALL I WANT

“The Lord is my Shepherd…”
(Psalm 23)

A Sunday School teacher asked her class one day if any of them could quote the entire twenty-third Psalm.  Several children raised their hands.  One was a 4-year-old girl.  A bit skeptical, the teacher asked if she could really quote the entire psalm.  The little girl stepped up to the podium, faced the class, and said, “The Lord is my shepherd, that’s all I want.”  She then bowed and sat down.

This little girl may have misquoted a little and she may have overlooked a few verses, but she captured the gist of the psalm in a nutshell.  The idea running throughout Psalm 23 is that we are utterly content in the shepherd’s care and there is nothing in this life to fear.

When I am content in the shepherd’s care…

• I don’t have to fear poverty – He provides everything I need.
• I don’t have to fear burn-out – He gives me rest.
• I don’t have to fear discouragement or despair – He restores my soul.
• I don’t have to fear mistakes or failures – He guides me in the right path.
• I don’t have to fear loneliness or dark valleys – He is always with me.
• I don’t have to fear wounds from my enemies – He soothes and heals my pain.
• I don’t have to fear the future – His goodness and mercy follow me throughout life.
• I don’t have to fear death – because I will dwell in His house (heaven) forever.

Are you content in the Shepherd’s care?  Can you say along with the 4-year-old girl, “The Lord is my Shepherd, that’s all I want?”

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are my Shepherd.  I am Your sheep.
Thank you for your care, your protection, and your provision.
You are all I need.  You are all I desire.
You are my everything!
.Amen!