Transcendent Hope!

For what do you hope?   Perhaps you hope for a better job, or improved health, or a sunny day.  Of this I am certain, hope is a critical part of a healthy life – spiritually, emotionally, and even physically!  When a person loses hope, giving up on life, he slips into despair. It is a situation beyond sadness, worse than depression.  Without hope all is dark, there is no tomorrow, no reason to get up. For some this is a temporary state brought on by crisis. With support and time hope is regained and life goes on. Tragically, some give up on life and exist without hope.

Hope is not elusive or beyond our reach. Real hope is connected to faith and love, the traid of which Paul wrote - "—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT)

One author suggests that we experience hope in several ways. 

There is a realistic hope, focused on an outcome that is possible with intervention or help.  When I was recovering from surgery, I had a realistic hope of feeling better because I knew that my body had amazing recuperative powers, that healing would take place and it did. 

He says that some live with a utopian hope, a desire to eliminate all sources of pain or difficulty. Often such hope drives individuals to seek new places, new experiences, and/or new spiritual experiences because they are convinced that the utopia of which they dream is right over the next hill in life. But, utopian hope always disappoints because we live in a world where people fail, where disasters come.  

Many experience a chosen hope, one fixed on a certain accomplishment or person.  They strive to win that that award pulled on by hope. They work to build a business hoping for financial security. They love another person, pursuing them because they have hope of knowing love.

Then, there is transcendent hope.  This is the hope of which Paul was inspired to write. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:1-5, NIV) 

Christians live with hope that is anchored outside of their day to day existence. Our true hope is focused on Christ, on gaining eternal life, on the fact that God is working to perfect the character of Jesus in us. This hope, which is transcendently connected to the realm of the Spirit, has real impact on how we live right now in this world. It is not just for the ‘by and by’ nor is it a utopian dream.  The Scripture says that “we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19)

Steady hope that is not subject to the up’s and down’s of life is focused on Christ Jesus and that rests on the foundation of the love of God. This hope is not subject to my failures, does not ebb and flow with good health, sustains us in tragic moments, and reaches beyond this present life to Heaven. This hope inspires us to live joyful and purposeful lives. Do you know that hope?  Have you trusted Christ Jesus as your Savior?

Remember, this is more than an emotional response. It is a choice to receive God’s offer of life. If the day is darkened by disappointment, look up. Open up to the love of God. If you have found yourself chasing the mirages of false hopes, pray for eyes that can ‘see’ the hope of Christ Jesus.  It is a hope that never fails us – now, tomorrow, and into eternity.

Meditate on this word from the Word and live hopefully! "As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and stand before him?" (Psalm 42:1-2, NLT)  "Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:5, NLT)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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The Solid Rock

 

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus' name

 

On Christ the solid Rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

 

When darkness veils His lovely face

I rest on His unchanging grace

In ev'ry high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil

 

His oath His covenant His blood

Support me in the whelming flood

When all around my soul gives way

He then is all my hope and stay

 

When He shall come with trumpet sound

O may I then in Him be found

Dressed in His righteousness alone

Faultless to stand before the throne

 

William Batchelder Bradbury

Words: Public Domain

Let Him Onto the Boat!

Yes, it is a childish part of me but for some reason, I will choose to stand behind a corner and yell “Boo” at an approaching friend or come quietly behind a person and say “Hi” just a little too loudly. Inevitably, they are startled and I laugh. It’s all fairly harmless except for the aggravation it causes for some of my victims. 

Much less fun are those moments when life takes a turn for the uncontrolled, when situations go badly.  We feel tension rising, perhaps fearful of what is next. I make no claim to understand it all nor do  I choose to retreat into simple platitudes in a useless attempt to feel better. It is best, Christian friend, in such moments to invite Jesus into the boat.  What do I mean?

Take a look at this story from John’s Gospel.  "When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading." (John 6:16-21, NIV)

The key lesson for me in that account is the one of faith, the importance of welcoming Jesus when life goes sideways, when the storms arise. There are a couple of facts we must not miss if we want to ‘get’ the full impact of the story.

First, Jesus chose not to go with them.

It was time to go home, a trip across the lake. They waited around ‘til dark and Jesus did not show up so they finally decided to just go home. I have to wonder if they were a little put off about that. Did they wonder where He was? Were they irritated that they had to make the trip in the dark?  Then, they found themselves rowing into a strong wind on choppy water.  Again, my imagination has them complaining about the delay in departure while they are rowing, feeling growing concern about the weather.  I believe it was a ‘set up.’ He choose not to go because He wanted to reveal Himself to them in a new, deeper way!

Second, when Jesus did show up, His Presence was not, at first, comforting!

Jesus showed up in the middle of the lake, without a boat!  God’s Presence is often comforting, but not this time.  Before you accuse them of cowardice, think about. A man is walking through the darkness, on stormy waves of a lake, some distance from the shoreline! They were frightened half to death. John implies that they initially resisted His approach. It’s not a long stretch to imagine that their terror caused them to scream at this “thing” to go away. Until, He spoke and His voice, familiar to them, assured them that this was no ghost. This was their Friend, joining them, so they then welcomed Him into their boat. 

 

John offers scant details about what happened next, but it appears He miraculously moved their boat from the storm to the home port. The experience was a moment of revelation. Jesus was truly “Immanuel” – God With Us. When they responded to Him in faith, they found His Presence enough for their need. 

 

Could it be that God is allowing the stormy season in your life so that He can reveal Himself in a deeper way, so that He can grow your faith and your understanding of Himself? 

Our “Sunday School” ideas about Jesus often tame Him, make Him into a nice, comforting Presence fitting neatly into our lives without disturbance. That is not the Jesus of the Gospels. He does not ‘fit into’ my life, or yours, neatly. Often, when He shows up, it is surprising, terrifying, disturbing, disorienting.  He is the Lord of Life and it is His right as our King and God to appear in our lives as He wishes.  When He does, in the middle of our fear over the unexpected, let us listen for His voice.

There is another story found in Luke’s Gospel that reveals a similar kind of fear. After His crucifixion, while they were still grappling with the Resurrection, Jesus showed up among them. The Gospel says " While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” (Luke 24:36-39, NIV)

Do feel like you’re rowing through the storm alone? What has come over you? Sickness, a change in employment, or a broken relationship, or even perhaps death has made life dark and difficult. Pause, pray, wait. When Jesus shows up to meet you welcome Him INTO the situation. He may calm the storm, He may take you out of the storm, or He may go through the storm with you. Exercise faith to welcome His Lordship, trusting not for a specific outcome, but to love and keep you no matter what happens. Open your heart and your mind to His Presence, listening for the voice of the Spirit.  Don’t be afraid. Be full of faith.

The word from the Word is an invitation. "Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ." (Colossians 2:7-8, NLT)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Peace In The Midst Of The Storm

When the world

That I've been living in

Collapses at my feet

When my life

Is shattered and torn

Tho' I'm windswept and battered

I can cling to His cross

And find peace

In the midst of my storm

 

There is peace in the midst

Of my storm-tossed life

Oh there's an Anchor

There's a Rock

To cast my faith upon

Jesus rides in my vessel

So I'll fear no alarm

He gives me peace

In the midst of my storm

When in twenty-four short hours

Years of living

Are brought to moments

And when life's final picture

Is taking form

In the dark-room

Of my suff'ring

There's a Light

Comes shining through

He gives me peace

In the midst of my storm

 

When my body has been broken

'Til it's wracked in misery

When all the doctors

Shake their heads

And look forlorn

Jesus comes to make my bedside

A cathedral of hope and love

He sends His peace

Right in the midst of my storm

 

Stephen R. Adams

1978, 1981, 1998 Pilot Point Music

CCLI License # 810055

The Joy of Being Real!

I have a lot of fun with the filters that are part of the camera app in my smartphone. Don’t like that person in the background? Erase them.  Want the day to look brighter, instead of gloomy? Add some light to the picture.  With a few touches on the screen I can look younger or older. I can take some pounds off of my face, smooth out the wrinkles. It’s pretty harmless stuff but the same kind of technology can be used to create complete fiction, false narratives; yes, fakes!  

I read a person’s social media yesterday and realized that the information was completely unrelated to the reality of his life but there it was, published as fact. I wondered if he believed his own stories or he is just willing to lie to create a ‘better’ appearance?   In Texas, there is a great phrase for those who hang fake degrees on the wall or who boast of accomplishments they have not really achieved:  they are said to be ‘all hat and no cattle,’ a guy without any cows or a ranch who thinks he’s a cowboy!

There are many reasons people choose to be fakes - disappointment with outcomes, a lack of recognition, failure, and comparison to others are among the reasons that some choose to live a lie. That choice is a double tragedy. The opportunity to pursue success is not possible when a person’s energies are devoted to propping up a false front and that person never finds out who he really is or what he is really capable of doing. Focused on trying to be somebody else, he misses the joy of being who God created him to be, joyfully filling the place in this world that God, through spiritual gifts, experiences, and opportunities, creates just for him.

Are you a 'real' Christian?  

I make no judgments about the salvation of another, for I am no one’s judge. But, I do know that some who claim to be in Christ Jesus live inauthentically, trying hard to be someone they read about or admire, instead of becoming the person God desires them to be.  God wants to make you a saint, inside out, not a copy of another, but someone unique, authentic, real!  Basic to discovery of His will and knowledge of His grace is living confessionally.  When we fail, we own it, and seek His grace which is freely given. We when succeed, we rejoice, and praise Him for His love. When we are unsure, we wait without speaking empty words, letting God shape His truth in us. Our constant prayer is that our inner private experience is aligned with our conversation and action. 

Jesus reminds us that turning religion into a public performance is a sure way to becoming inauthentic and He teaches us to do our best praying, giving, serving without fanfare. Here’s how The Message paraphrases His words found in Matthew 6. “Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding. “When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out." (Matthew 6:1-4, The Message)   

A word of full disclosure is in order here. One of the occupational hazards of being a pastor who stands ‘up front’ is the temptation to look better than I am!  I pray to resist the lure of inauthenticity everyday by the power of the Spirit.

There is wonderful freedom to be real found in this fact – God loves YOU.  He will not love us more if we are thinner, taller, smarter, admired by others, rich, or dressed in the latest fashion. He is unimpressed by our ability to pray eloquent prayers or boast of great insight into theology.  

Jesus told a story to a group of religious leaders who knew all the right words, who did a lot of ‘right’ things on the outside, but whose hearts were not aligned with the will of the Father.  Jesus said that a man had two sons to whom he gave a direction. The first son waffled about compliance, actually refusing the order, but then changed his mind and did as he was told. The second son answered him, “Of course, right away,” but did nothing.  Which one was ‘real?’  The one who actually obeyed, not the one with all the right words. He then offered this shocking conclusion to those who were pretenders: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do." (Matthew 21:31, NLT) 

Self-acceptance can be difficult. Looking in the mirror- physically and spiritually - reveals reality which isn't always pretty. But, we are basically worthless to God and ourselves until we face the facts, get real, and let Him begin to transform us. He offers us His Spirit to work on us but not just for a 'make-over' on the outside. He creates real disciples, full of the Spirit, marked by a depth of character that no one can deny! This transformational process is called sanctification. That just a big word for 'becoming like Christ' through the school of the Spirit! There will be blunders along the way, but - if we are committed to Him and to being authentic- we can be sure that His promise - "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV)- will be true!

Be challenged by the inspired words of Paul. Think deeply.  The word from the Word today - "But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace." (1 Corinthians 15:10, NLT)

Get real – with God, with yourself, and discover the amazing person He created you to be. Don’t settle to be ‘all hat, no cattle!’

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Be Glorified

Your love has captured me

Your grace has set me free

Your life the air I breathe

Be glorified in me

 

You set my feet to dancing

You set my heart on fire

In the presence of a thousand kings

You are my one desire

And I stand before You now

With trembling hands lifted high

Be glorified

 

Be glorified in me

Be glorified in me

Be glorified in me

Be glorified

 

Chris Tomlin | Jesse Reeves | Louie Giglio

© 1999 Rising Springs Music; Vamos Publishing; worshiptogether.com songs

CCLI License # 810055

The Evil, the Good

9/11 is a date indelibly written into the minds of Americans who were alive that awful day. The morning, a beautiful Fall one, quickly turned into one of death, fear, sorrow, and destruction. The contrasts in our memory are stark. On one hand we remember the evil that guided the actions of 19 young zealots. Then, we remember the awesome courage of first responders, hundreds of whom died that day, and many who have suffered sense then. We remember the sweetness of unity that swept across our land, an outpouring of concern for one another that reminded us of the best in ourselves. 

As we remember, let’s not forget the fact of real Evil, dear friend.  There is an Evil One who hates you, and me, and life, and light! His work was evident in the hatred that fed the acts of those men that day, but he has not stopped in his efforts to destroy life, to spread darkness, to stir hatred.  “Is the Devil real?” Some ask. About half of Americans do not believe that there is a real, sentient being who actively opposes God and good, thinking this a superstitions left over from a time of lesser knowledge. He hides himself and his work in that disbelief.

In the book of the Revelation, full of strange imagery and language, John informs us about the ongoing war between good and evil.  His inspired words help me to pull back the curtain between the invisible realm that is as real as the world of my senses. He saw an ‘enormous red dragon’ (Revelation 12) who was poised to destroy the Messiah at his birth, who rebelled against the order of Heaven, who was kicked out of the Presence of God, and who now has “come down to you in great anger, and he knows that he has little time.” (Revelation 12:12, NLT)  Evil has a name and a personality! "This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels." (Revelation 12:9, NLT)

It is true that much division, suffering, and conflict comes to this world because of ignorance, poverty, religion, or pride.  But, what is behind those ills of humanity?  Consider this. The Bible presents us with the fact that Evil is an organized conspiracy, orchestrated by the Devil, who works through the demon spirits, with the ultimate goal of destroying all that God has created and loves. War-mongering politicians, greedy corporate kings, abusive spouses, and kids who hate their parents share a common inspiration – the Devil!  If we fail to understand this we will attempt to solve problems by focusing only on symptoms, while allowing the disease of true evil to flourish. As important as education, eradication of poverty, and behavior modification might be in the effort to make the world a better place in which to live; they have limited ability to change a human heart. Only Christ Jesus can set us free from slavery to Satan and our own sinful nature. Only the Holy Spirit can transform our minds and hearts so that we are able to live whole and holy lives.

 

That is why as I remember 9/11 my prayer is a simple one, the words of Jesus – “May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven!”

I do not fear Satan or his demons because I live under the authority of Christ who defeated evil at the Cross, and ultimately triumphed at the Resurrection.  But,  I have real respect for the power of evil, and so should you.  Christ Jesus restores my identity as a ‘child of God’ and the Spirit of God live in me. I am secure. John says of Believers, "they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony."  (Revelation 12:11, NLT) He alludes to the Exodus story, where the Israeli people who obediently responded in faith by putting the blood of the Passover lamb on their doorposts escaped the death angel’s judgment.  

Christ is our Passover, our Protector from spiritual destruction.  And yet, we face the attacks of the Devil.  He (and his forces – spiritual and human) come at us. Though we live in a world ‘with devils filled,’ that ‘threatens to undo us, we will not fear for God has willed His truth to triumph through us.’ (Martin Luther) 

Here’s a word from the Word. Meditate on it then pray to be a part of the Divine Conspiracy to save Creation from the Devil and to see God’s kingdom come!
"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.
They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world,
and the world listens to them.
We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us;
but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.

This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."  (1 John 4:4-8, NIV)

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The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)

Father let your kingdom come (holy holy)

Father let your will be done

On Earth as in Heaven (let it be done)

Right here in my heart

 

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us forgive us

As we forgive the ones who sinned

Against us forgive them

And lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from the evil one

Let your kingdom come

 

It's yours it's yours

All yours all yours

The kingdom the power

The glory are yours

It's yours it's yours

All yours all yours

Forever and ever

The kingdom is yours

 

On Earth as in Heaven

Right here in my heart

 

Bryan Fowler | Jacob Sooter | Matt Maher

Be Essential Songs; bryanfowlersongs; Caroco Songs; Just When Publishing; So Essential Tunes

CCLI License # 810055

Ready for life?

How many times have you questioned your abilities, wondering if you were up to the task at hand? Have you told yourself “I know I would be able to accomplish that if only …”  and then filled in the rest with your perceived lack?  We all tend to think that we would do better if we had more – time, money, skill, help, encouragement, or insight!  But, here is what I know. God has provided everything you need to fulfill His purposes in your life, right where you are, in this time.  What we need is vision and the courage to step up.

The familiar story of David in the books of Samuel introduce us to the faith of that young man as he goes to take supplies to his brothers in the army during a campaign against Israel’s perennial enemies, the Philistines. There he finds the army camped and frozen in fear because of the taunts of a Philistine champion named Goliath. The big man strode out every morning to challenge Israel. “Send a man to fight me. Let’s end this. I win, you serve us. You win, we serve you.”  Nobody would go to face him, a man who towered over them.  David sees the challenge with eyes informed by faith, the issue not just a battle between armies but about the honor of God, Who’s Name was on the line.

He offered himself to the king who at first rejected him- “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There is no way you can go against this Philistine. You are only a boy, and he has been in the army since he was a boy!” (1 Samuel 17:33, NLT)  Eventually David’s passion and record of past encounters with predators while he tended his father’s sheep overcame the king’s reluctance and he suited David in his own armor.  It just did not sit right with David to wear that armor, to allow the king to claim victory; and beside all that, it did not fit him very well. So he took it off and headed out to the challenge.

On the way "He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them in his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across to fight Goliath." (1 Samuel 17:40, NLT)  With eyes of faith, David saw potential in five ordinary little rocks he picked up from a creek bed!  Others saw nothing, he saw a weapon that God could use.  Moments later, Goliath lay dead after being knocked down by one of those ‘five smooth stones!’  “Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it from his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face downward to the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine giant with only a stone and sling.” (1 Samuel 17:49)

What’s your challenge today?  Pray for faith. Look around for resources at hand.

Then go, not arrogantly, not pumped up on your own self-confidence, but leaning on the Lord’s ability to work in you and through you. He can make you a better husband and father. He can help you to gain a better understanding of your job. He can lead you to overcome those crippling fears. Whatever the challenge, God has resources available to you that will equip you for the task.  Will you find the same fame and glory as David did as a result of his exploits? Probably not, but you will know the sense of joy that comes from finding one’s self in the center of God’s plan:   meeting needs, serving others, being effective as a change agent in your family, among your friends, at your church, and in your place of work.

The word from the Word is a promise of provision. Read it carefully and receive it in faith. "As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature. So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better." (2 Peter 1:3-5, NLT)  

So, where are those ‘five smooth stones’ you need for today’s work?

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Be Bold Be Strong

Be bold be strong

For the Lord thy God is with thee

Be bold be strong

For the Lord thy God is with thee

Do not be afraid do not be dismayed

Walk in faith and victory

Walk in faith and victory

Walk in faith and victory

For the Lord thy God is with thee

 

Morris Chapman

© 1984 Curb Word Music

Quit too soon?

“I’m not happy. I’m over it, done, gone!”  I understand that but is being unhappy reason enough to quit… a job, a marriage, a relationship, a church?  Some marriages end, not because of abuse or adultery, because two people will not grow with each other, letting love die. The story of Joe and Sally Christian walking away from a church when they become bored or discontented is one told often. I remember a young woman’s words about her own spiritual wandering - “It started when my parent’s pulled me out of the church where I had a spiritual home just because they were unhappy. I lost my roots, my anchor, and then my way.”

Facebook ‘wisdom’ frequently advocates self-love and happiness as prime shapers of personal choice. 

Disappointed in a friend? Walk away.
Offended by a comment? Cancel the person.
Just not ‘feeling it’ these days? Find a new toy or diversion.

The Spirit of God asks you and me to be different and one of the traits desired of us is this – PERSEVERANCE.  

 It’s a word we do not use much these days. Those who persevere stick with life, work on challenges, take positive action. Please do not understand this to mean that we become passive, simply giving up and letting life happen to us. In the Scripture there are several synonyms for this word: patience, endurance, and longsuffering.

James tells us "As an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." (James 5:10-11, NIV)

Jesus said, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62, NLT) Serious words, aren’t they?  The rewards of the Christian life do not always show up immediately. In fact, they seldom do. It’s al long game, illustrated in this way. "Dear brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who eagerly look for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They patiently wait for the precious harvest to ripen." (James 5:7, NLT)

The kingdom of God needs people who show up even when they don’t feel like it, who do what they’re called and equipped to do even when they’re bored or tired. We need steady men and women who are willing to say: “I know that God has called me. My feelings are secondary to my commitment. I’ll serve, I’ll stay, I’ll love – so help me God!”

Those disciples become effective in God’s work doing what they are equipped to do, what they find before them, quietly and often without recognition. They care little for the praise of others because they have learned the secret of serving with perseverance, focused on God’s desire more than their own. That paragraph reads like heresy to the average ‘happy hungry’ American who can’t imagine doing anything hard for any length of time.

Here’s some of the best encouragement you will ever get on the subject of commitment and endurance. "Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne." (Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT)

Are you considering quitting on life?
Are you prepared to abandon a friend?  
Are you tired of trying to love that teenager who challenges you every single day? 
Are you thinking about laying down your place of service because you are tired?
Are you considering becoming a ‘private’ Christian, walking away from the Church?

Pray about it! Tell God how you feel. Your emotions are real, so don’t deny them. Then, listen carefully for the Spirit’s counsel. “Run with endurance!”  And remember this glorious promise for the weary, the battered, the bruised who remain faithful to the Lord, our word from the Word:

“These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:14-17, NIV)

Yes, my friend, one day the struggle will end and joy eternal will come, with rich reward for the faithful. Onward we go!

(Video of this blog at this link)

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When The Battle's Over

Am I a soldier of the cross

A follower of the Lamb

And shall I fear to own His cause

Or blush to speak His name

 

Must I be carried to the skies

On flowery beds of ease

While others fought to win the prize

And sailed thro' bloody seas

 

Are there no foes for me to face?

  Must I not stem the flood?

Is this vile world a friend to grace,

  To help me on to God?

 

Sure I must fight if I would reign

Increase my courage Lord

I'll bear the toil endure the pain

Supported by Thy Word

 

And when the battle's over

We shall wear a crown

Yes we shall wear a crown

Yes we shall wear a crown

And when the battle's over

We shall wear a crown

In the new Jerusalem

Wear a crown wear a crown

Wear a bright and shining crown

And when the battle's over

We shall wear a crown

In the new Jerusalem

 

 

Isaac Watts  Public Domain

Free from shame!

“Why did I act that way? I said some terrible things.”  He spoke with shame, regretting those moments.  Who hasn’t felt that way?  Shame is defined as “a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong behavior.” It can serve us well, moving us to seek change when we act in ways that are selfish, cruel, dishonest, or sinful.  That shame, the ache of guilt and regret – can overcome our reluctance to break out of habits with counsel and discipline. OR, we can choose to live in shame which is a terrible way to live that poisons us, inside out!

Not all shame comes from actual wrong-doing. People can feel true shame about their body that does not match an idealized cultural standard of beauty.  People can feel shame over sexual desire that is normal and make a choice to attempt to repress those thoughts, leading to even more compulsions fed by secrecy of shame. 

There are many adults who carry the scars of being raised by parents who misused shaming words as a primary corrective tool.  If a child is told she is stupid, incapable, or lazy enough times it becomes a defining part of their inner narrative, very hard to overcome.  If you tell a little person he is worthless long enough, he will learn to believe it and most likely will treat himself like a piece of junk! It is not ‘discipline’ to speak to a child in a way that makes him feel worthless!  People are valuable, behaviors can be changed!

Years ago I counseled a woman who hid herself in baggy clothing and felt shame if any thought of being attractive entered her mind.  Together we talked about what she was experiencing and, with tears, she told about her father’s awful words. As she entered adolescence and her body began to develop, she liked being pretty.  Her father responded to her beauty by telling her that they way she was dressing was fit for a whore, referring to her behavior as that of a “filthy tramp.”  Though I never knew that man, my guess was that he had his own complicated feelings of shame about his sexuality which got twisted into his awful words to his daughter.  It left deep emotional scars.

The Good News of Jesus is that because of His love, we can experience full release from shame! Christianity that is made into a source of shame and condemnation is a caricature. The heart of our faith teaches us that Jesus Christ came us when we were in darkness and sin, and became the Light of True Righteousness.  His death on the Cross is God’s act to liberate us from every shameful thing we have ever said or done. In confession and faith we lay down guilty feelings and shame and are free to serve Him and love others.

God’s grace speaks directly to my sin and yours, too!  There is no need to hide our sin, to pretend perfection, or to attempt to ‘make it better’ with incessant ‘good works.’  Jesus says - "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." (John 8:12, NLT)

The religious leaders that opposed Jesus were taught a shame-based religious system. He challenged that with loving grace. In this story we see the stark contrast.

"As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and Pharisees brought a woman they had caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger.

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 

Then Jesus stood up again and said to her, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”" (John 8:3-11, NLT)

This same Jesus loves you and me! He sees us not just for what we have done, but for who we can become in Him. He does not excuse our sins and failures, He forgives and grants us the possiblity of a wholly new life in the Spirit. The Cross is for us both a symbol of terrible shame and awesome glory, for there the worst of sin met the unfathomable grace of God. 

The Scripture tells us "You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross." (Colossians 2:13-15, NLT)

These words from the Word can change you. Meditate on them today.

-“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” (Psalm 34:5, NIV)

-“Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so, you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” (Isaiah 61:7, NIV)   

-For in Scripture it says: -“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:6, NIV)

Are you living in shame?  There is no need to stay there any longer.
The One who knows you best, loves you most!

(Video of this blog at this link)

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No Longer Slaves

You unravel me with a melody
You surround me with a song
Of deliverance from my enemies
Till all my fears are gone

I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God
I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

From my Mother's womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I've been born again into Your family
Your blood flows through my veins

You split the sea so I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me so I could stand and sing
I am a child of God

Brian Johnson | Joel Case | Jonathan David Helser © 2014 Bethel Music Publishing

CCLI License # 810055

Finishing the Job

I love teaching the Scripture’s truths to our middle school students at the church’s Christian Education program called Awana (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed -2 Timothy 2:15).  Last night our team met to prepare for the new year and we were reminded of the core reasons we do what we do every Sunday afternoon with our kids!  We work to create a place where children can Belong, Believe, and Become – belong to Christ, believe the Truth, and become His follower.

Moses reminded the people of Israel of the heart of their faith and of their responsibility in a passage called the Shema- "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4, NIV) "Shema Y'Israel" There are not many gods, there is One True God and He is “the Great I AM.”  He goes on to tell them that "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 your hearts." (Deuteronomy 6:5-6, NIV)  The Lord asks our engagement with Him, fully, every part of our life committed to Him as we carry His Word with us at the center of our being. 

Now, note the next directive which is my focus today. "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:7-9, NIV)  Make sure to hand off the faith to the next generation, not casually, but with real intent. How? By incorporating the Lord’s Word and Presence into everyday life – in our thoughts and in our way of life.

It is true that God has no grandchildren! Each generation must be introduced to Him and then, by the Spirit, be born into eternal life. That is not to say that we cannot pass the faith along. It is a sacred obligation to make certain that our children understand the ways of God!  Christians frequently quote a proverb which emphasizes the parental responsibility of passing the faith along - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6, NIV). It is true!  Tragically it often quoted by desperate parents who have watched their children wander from the Way, who are deeply concerned over the spiritual well-being of their children.  It is a misapplication of the verse to read it as a kind of magical statement - "if you do this, then this is the inevitable result."  In keeping with the pithy wisdom of the Proverbs, it should be read as common sense kind of knowledge. 

The Message catches the spirit of the passage - "Point your kids in the right direction— when they’re old they won’t be lost." (Proverbs 22:6, The Message)

Does your life, do your words, do your attitudes, do your values reflect a deep faith, anchored in Christ Jesus with hope that transcends time? A superficial Sunday faith will die quickly in our child’s life. A hypocritical presentation of Christianity that says one thing and does another will sour a child’s heart. Only a living faith that is as real on Monday as it is in church on Sunday is able to take root in the next generation. Kids have a wonderful hypocrisy detector that can sense the old 'do what I say, not what I do' nonsense at a very early age! Where they see that kind of gap between profession and possession, they will much more likely to conclude that faith in God is unnecessary baggage to be tossed away as soon as practically possible.

Ah, friend, do remember this -  You are not the Savior of your child! Jesus is. Only God, the Spirit, can transform a human heart! We present the Truth and, if we are wise, live it well so that they have powerful examples of the desirability of serving the Lord. But, then we must pray for the Spirit to take hold of the heart and mind of our child, so that they will kneel before the Cross and receive the love of God, so finding a soul-transforming experience of the Spirit. There is a folly in the land of the churched that believes that a good youth group or a solid Sunday School can replace parental example! A good community of faith is an important part of the spiritual development of any person - young or old. However, when it comes to passing the faith to the next generation there is no one who can have the influence of a godly Mom and Dad.

As we sat around those tables planning last night, my silent prayer was “Lord, help us to pass the faith along, with authenticity, with love, teaching the ways of a loving, living Savior to our little ones.”

Are you passing the faith along, laying the foundation of the knowledge of God, living a life that invites the next generation to join the community of the people of God?  
One author offers these practical suggestions to us.

-Acknowledge and reinforce spiritual realities!
    Do your children know, for example, that Jesus loves everyone?
    That God is personal, loving and will forgive us?
-Teach that God is a personal, caring Being who is to be loved and respected!
-Make spiritual activities a routine part of life!
-Clarify timeless truth — what’s right and wrong!
-Incorporate spiritual principles into everyday living!

Here is a word from the Word. "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." (2 Timothy 1:5-6, NIV)  

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Be Glorified

Your love has captured me

Your grace has set me free

Your life the air I breathe

Be glorified in me

 

You set my feet to dancing

You set my heart on fire

In the presence of a thousand kings

You are my one desire

And I stand before You now

With trembling hands lifted high

Be glorified

 

Be glorified in me

Be glorified in me

Be glorified in me

Be glorified

 

Chris Tomlin | Jesse Reeves | Louie Giglio

© 1999 Rising Springs Music; Vamos Publishing; worshiptogether.com songs

CCLI License # 810055