When you're up against a struggle...

One of my favorite channels is Discovery where some splendid nature videos are played. (I like Discovery's -"Mythbusters" too, but that's for another TFTD!) The brutality of survival fascinates me when I see, for instance, the big cats of Africa preying on the gnus, those cow-like animals sometimes called wildebeests. The cat goes for the weaker or the younger gnu, trying to cut him away from the safety of the herd, then the lioness pounces, dragging the poor beast down to die and become supper. Circling just beyond the lions' reach are hyenas, who bark and growl, waiting for their chance! The struggle for life extends both up and down the food chain, as one species preys on another.

Life is a struggle for humans, too. Our TV's take us to dusty countries where young 'lions' lie in wait to kill and maim with car bombs. Nation rises against nation - spending $billions to develop weapons that destroy and kill with greater efficiency! Blood spatters, people die, and victors celebrate. Then, too, there are those struggles that are less dramatic, played out in our offices, our neighborhoods, even our families. Sometimes, they are violent and some young man ends up dead from a drive-by shooting or a knife stuck in his heart. Often they are less bloody, but still painful, as words are launched to maim, cripple, and control.

How do we fight the fight, survive in that kind of hostile environment? That's a question that echoes in my brain increasingly these days.

Jesus forbids retaliation! When I am tempted to uncover my claws and bare my fangs, the Spirit reminds me of the words that can be the most difficult to live by in the New Testament: “You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.’ But I say, don’t resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too." Matthew 5:38-40 That requires grace, doesn't it?

But, it is a mistake to think that we should stuff the anger deep inside. Rather we must learn the wisdom of the Word that teaches us: "In your anger do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Another translation says, “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.” (Ephesians 4:26, NLT)

Charles Stone, a pastor who faced the struggle to survive people's criticisms, writes about his misunderstanding of Jesus' demands, his inability to express his anger because he thought the emotion itself was wrong. The result he says was that "My anger festered into an emotional, poison-filled boil on my soul. I could deceive myself, pretend that all was well, and wait for things to change for the better. Or I could squarely face the disappointment and attempt to lessen its toxic effects."

So how do we turn the anger into something other than toxic bitterness that feeds a need for revenge?

First, admit that we are angry. We're not 'just sad,' nor are we 'just hurt,' nor are we 'always the one who is wrong.' There are people who develop agendas to attack us and that makes us mad. And, letting that kind of injustice make us angry is just fine! A person who is incapable of feeling anger is half-dead already! Anger can be used as a powerful motivator for change: in ourselves and in our world.

Second, work to put the cause of your anger into the context of your whole life. Generally it's not 'us against the world,' though it can seem like it at times. The critics are usually a minority, often a very vocal one, but a minority never the less. As a pastor, I know personally how very easy it is to let two critics obscure every other good thing in life. I need to keep my peripheral vision healthy, to see around the problems to the wider world scene.

Third, kill the fantasies! Disney painted a picture of a wonderful world where everyone was nice, all dreams came true, and people lived happily ever after. If we let ourselves live with the hope that we can fulfill those kinds of fantasies, our lives will be full of disappointment. People aren't perfect. Dreams don't always come true, no matter how hard you work at them. Acceptance of our limitations and the limitations of the situations in which we find ourselves provides great release from unnecessary anger. That is not to suggest that we become fatalists or complacent, and give up on life, on trying to make a difference. But, we must ask the Spirit of God to help us to know the difference between our fantasies about a 'perfect' world and His dream for our life which He will equip us to fulfill.

Fourth, ENDURE! A friend who is in AA, reminded me of a basic truth that recovering alcoholics learn - "Send your body and your heart will follow!" In other words, sometimes we do the right things, just because they are the right things, not because we feel great passion, enthusiasm, or joy! Sometimes the very best method of dealing with anger is simply to determine to outlast your enemies and critics as you kill'em with kindness. That endurance is sustained by the realization that there is coming a day of just rewards for us all.
The Word says, "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And a righteous person will live by faith. But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” (Hebrews 10:35-38, NLT)

We will do more than survive!
With the help of God we will thrive, living in the abundance of His grace, praying, "May your Kingdom come, and Your will be done on the earth, as it is in Heaven." Amen.
_____________________________

TFTD will be 'on vacation' until Wed. or Thurs. next week.
I hope to see you in worship this Sunday at the Assembly at 10 AM.

"I'm thankful for my cancer..."

That's what a beautiful young woman said to me yesterday! She went on to tell me how her spiritual life has deepened remarkably, how her marriage has been so much better, that she has a clearer grasp on what things are true priorities in life. What faith! The tears stung my eyes as I heard sincere words that illustrated the truth of God's promise that nothing that enters our lives is wasted or meaningless IF we will let Him use it. Paul teaches us that "...the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters." (Romans 8:27-29, NLT)

I know that God doesn't 'cause' cancer. He isn't the source of sickness and suffering. These are rooted in the Curse of sin and evil in our world. But, I also know that He allows these things and uses them to shape us into the the person of His plans. The will of God for everyone of us is that we become like Jesus, that the character of the Lord be created in us. That character is sometimes developed in suffering, awful and terrible pain, that brings us to the end of the illusion of self-sufficiency and leads us to throw ourselves on Him!

Explore the rich text of that entire 8th chapter of the book of Romans if you're looking for hope in the midst of the suffering of this present world. That chapter starts by reminding us that because of Jesus, Believers no longer have to live under the cloud of God's judgment. "With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud." (Romans 8:1, The Message) In fact, we are able, because of the life of the Spirit to be familiar with God, "greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” ( v. 14, The Message) That doesn't mean we won't have hard times. The whole creation 'groans' under the weight of sin and suffering, but we are able, because of the Holy Spirit, to see past the pain of this moment to the promise of the 'future glory.'

Meanwhile, we pray, sometimes with wordless sighs and inspired murmurings, for the strength to live faithfully. The Spirit renews our faith so we can hang onto the promise that Someone is at work and His purposes will never be thwarted nor defeated for those who are justified before God through Jesus Christ. The chapter ends with this victory chant:
"I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—
nothing living or dead,
angelic or demonic,
today or tomorrow,
high or low,
thinkable or unthinkable—
absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. " (Romans 8:38-39, The Message)

Are you being tested today?
Are you groaning under the weight of suffering - spiritually, perhaps emotionally, or even physically?
Weep! Yes, let your tears be a language that God can understand. Groan, sigh, and trust Him! Confess your hope in His ultimate defeat of sin and suffering, in His ability to use the circumstances that surround you to make you like Jesus and to shape you into someone that is useful for the Master's purposes. And, never, ever doubt His love.
______________________________

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross.
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life -
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.

© 1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music
(Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI License No. 810055

Still true?

An obscure text became God's instruction and promise to me a long time ago. In Numbers 18:20-21 the Bible says, "The LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites. “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting." (NIV)

You might be saying, "What's that supposed to mean?" At age 16, the Spirit of God moved on me making it clear that my life was to be given to the service of God in his church. In May, 1980 I was ordained for ministry. Soon after, as my little family grew, financial pressures came into our lives. I observed many other ministers getting involved in sideline businesses to increase their income and was tempted to do so myself. Then, God again clearly spoke using the passage referenced, telling me that I was not to become involved in other business, and that He would provide for me and my family, if I would serve Him single-mindedly. End of story, right? No way. At various stages in life, the temptation returned- based on this need, that want, concern for the future, etc. Temptation to set aside God's way for me always came wrapped in 'reasons' why I could do what I felt was expedient.

Each time I was presented with a business or investment opportunity, I had to go back to that day when God said, "I'll be your inheritance!" To be honest, sometimes it was hard to say "yes, Lord, I'll trust You," when I wanted more things, or felt I needed to provide more for the kid's educations. The promise needed to be renewed in my mind so I would remain faithful to His demand of me. I questioned, "is it still true?" Of course it was and is, for God does not change.

I share that with you today for two reasons.
First, I want you to know that God gives promises to us alongside of His requirements of us.
Second, I want you to know that to remain faithfulness in our service requires that we renew our understanding of and commitment to His promise.

Look through the Bible and you will find many references to renewal of covenants.

• God renewed the vision and calling of Abraham, the father of the faithful, several times in his lifetime, each time clarifying the call and reminding him of the promise.
  
• Moses called together the people of Israel near the end of his life and rehearsed the Covenant with them in detail. (see Deuteronomy 29)
  
• The Church is called to renew our understanding of the Covenant of Grace frequently. Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper (Communion) and said, "Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:23-26, NIV)

When you are tested by life, when you want to re-write God's holy demands that were given to you, remember the promise that came with the call! And, remember this - "God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded." (Romans 11:29, The Message) There is a reward for those who are faithful and obedient. Stand firm!

PS- God has kept His promise to me! He has provided abundantly for all I've ever needed and He's blessed me with so many wonderful things other than worldly wealth, I cannot help but be grateful as I reflect on those things today. Praise Him. Amen.

Nobody likes me!

Kids can be unbelievably cruel to each other. The smallest difference can become a cause for taunting and making fun - 'you're too fat,' 'your glasses are ugly,' 'your jeans are weird.' Any parent knows the how terrifying that kind of rejection is to a child. When our children were in elementary school, from time to time they would come home with sad stories of being picked on and crying, "nobody like me." I found it a real challenge to empathize, yet to help them get a more realistic point of view of their circumstances. As they were crying, I'd try this: "Are you sure that nobody likes you, or is it just a couple of kids? Have you been mean to them causing them to try to get even? What specifically don't they like about you? Does it really matter?" I don't know if those discussions had much effect. Truth is, the squabbles were usually short-lived and the same kids that 'hated' each other this week, were often allies on the playground the next! The one net effect of our parental training is that all of our now adult kids have a strong streak of social concern for the weak and those who are victimized by others.

So, do you ever take the road of self-pity crying, "Nobody likes me?"

Some great people in the Bible did. Remember Elijah, the mighty man of God, that did so many miracles? After a day of spectacular events when God rained fire from heaven on the sacrifice prepared by Elijah, an infuriated idol-worshipping queen, named Jezebel, sent this threat to the prophet: “The gods will get you for this and I’ll get even with you! By this time tomorrow you’ll be as dead as any one of those prophets.” (1 Kings 19:2, The Message) The great man fell into a terrible depression and ran off into a remote desert where he asked God to take his life! There is a lot of self-pity in his prayer when he says, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I alone am left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” (1 Kings 19:14, NLT) He was out of touch with reality. God reminded him that there were still thousands of people left in Israel who were true worshippers.

When we feel rejected, alone, and/or afraid - we must resist the temptation to take the 'it's me against the world' stance that leads us deeper into the mire of paranoia! I am convinced that the Enemy takes advantage of our fears and plays on our emotions in those times, leading us into greater sin, often with tragic spiritual results.

Feeling besieged today? Does it seem to you that you want to cry - 'nobody likes me?'
Find your way to your knees and talk it over with the Lord. Just lay it, plainly, for Him. He'll understand, perfectly! Let God love you. For when you are loved by Him, all other sources of insecurity become much less important.

Then, too, do not isolate yourself. Instead, reach out to a friend you trust. Ask them if they will listen and help you sort through the situations and emotions.
God has always provided me with friends whose counsel helped me find my way. Sometimes they empathize, just letting me work my way through the conflicts, the tough stuff. Sometimes they challenge my 'stinking thinking' when I lose touch with reality. Sometimes they pray for me or with me, asking for God to intervene in me and in the situation. I am so thankful for those people who have, in the course of my life, stayed faithful to God and stood by me.

Pick yourself up from the dust and go honor Him by living lovingly, faithfully, consistently committed to His ways. Here's a word from the Word. Meditate on it today.

A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord. He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul.

I love you, Lord; you are my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
I will call on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies...

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.
To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.
You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud.
Lord, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.
In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
For who is God except the Lord?
Who but our God is a solid rock?"
(Psalm 18: 1-3; 25-31, NLT)

Safety in numbers

"I love you, you love me, we're a happy family." Isn't that what that fat, happy purple dinosaur character sings to the kids watching TV? It's easy to poke fun at the corny expression of the importance of 'connectness,' but... we do need each other. We will never be all that God wants us to be, apart from strong and close ties to other Believers. That is why the Enemy of God and His people works so intently to destroy or diminish relationships. In 1 Corinthians 12, our connection to others is illustrated with this statement: "The way that God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part."

Recently I had a difference with a brother who some hard things to me and about me which pierced my heart. I'd like to be able to tell you that my first impulse was to listen carefully, to sort through his words searching for the truth. It wasn't! I took offense. For days, his stinging words echoed over and over in my mind, like a looping tape. But, the Spirit of God is faithful, and helped me (eventually!) to step over my offended spirit, to work toward an honest consideration of what he had to say. As I gave up my need to be 'right,' God granted me peace. With that peace came the perspective that was necessary to evaluate his message, unpleasant as it was. Though this brother and I see the way God works with some difference, his perspective is important to me, and I hope mine is to him. We are both stronger for having each other 'in the Body.'

The natural, and all too common, result of the kind of conflict I am working through is to separate company, to pick up our toys and move on. That's one reason that in most American towns there are 20 different churches preaching nearly the same message. When difference arises, instead of doing the very difficult work of talking through our disagreements and asking the Spirit of God to help us to remain 'one' in His love; we hit the road, off to do our own thing, learning little or nothing from conflict except how to avoid it, mask it, or worst of all - to employ tactics that allow us to 'win at all costs,' without realizing that we are destroying the work of God.

We must not confuse our very real freedom in Christ that makes us independent of religious rules and regulations imposed on us by others with a libertarian attitude that says, 'Nobody's gonna tell me anything except the Holy Spirit!' (Please re-read the previous sentence, thoughtfully.) Our American love of independence mutates into a toxic virus when we bring it to church with us. That virus blinds us to the fact that we are interdependent by God's design, which is to say, "we need each other." The result of being a free-lance Believer, is that sins and weaknesses go unchallenged and thus, unchanged, in us. People who have been Christians for decades are often still acting like infants because they will not consider any words that are unpleasant as possibly being true. Truth and love, they are in balance. That is why the Word teaches us to love the truth and to keep talking with each other about it! Notice the result of that extended conversation: "... we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." (Ephesians 4:15-16, NLT)

God means for us to enjoy the safety of numbers! Proverbs pithy wisdom goes right to the core of the matter saying, "...victory depends on having many counselors." (Proverbs 24:6, NLT) Get connected, stay connected - through good and bad, pleasant and unpleasant. That's God's way of getting you and me to 'grow up' in Christ.

And remember -
"Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves,
for they shall never cease to be amused."