An Upward orientation?

The clergyman at the funeral was saying the right kinds of words, but - for me, at least - it was flat, dry, and devoid of the Spirit. I didn't get the feeling that he thought of God as present in the room or that his intent was to connect those of us in the congregation with the Spirit. I came away from that service yesterday, empty and sad. In what should have been a holy place, a church dedicated to the worship of Christ, I found only a human performance, someone who appeared to be 'going through the motions.' Admittedly, such a conclusion is subjective, but it caused me to think about living my own life with an upward orientation. I asked myself, "Jerry, do you keep your own heart and mind in tune with the Spirit? Are you living your life primarily to please other people or to honor your God? Are you a holy man in whom the Spirit is at home?"

Those are hard questions. I cannot say that I meet those goals anywhere near even most of the time, but I want to! Paul's simple directive - "Pray continually!" (1 Thes. 5:17) is aimed at the same goal. He is not asking each of us to enter a monastic order where we can spend our days in a prayer cell hidden from the pursuits of life. Instead, he teaches us to become God aware, so that all our life is addressed to the Lord. The classic by the 17th century Brother Lawrence "Practicing the Presence of God" is about living in this way. Lawrence was a simple man whose primary duties in his order were not 'spiritual.' Yet, in his kitchen work, he found that he could live with an upward orientation, experiencing the Presence of God.

Paul says that the Believer who lives his life with an upward orientation, who is filled with the Holy Spirit, has a unique quality that is like an expensive fragrance. "Through us, he (God) brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No—but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, The Message)

When I first dated my wife Bev, 32 years ago, she wore a fragrance called WindSong. From that moment, whenever I detect that same fragrance, I think of her because the fragrance brings back a memory. The Word says that when we put on Christ, He creates a quality of life in us that is undeniable. We must live so as to turn others attention to God- and for some that will be a life enhancing moment; for others, a reminder that they are dead to God!

Like Paul, I am daunted by this responsibility for as I've already admitted, I fall short of representing Him well to my world too often. Yes, on my own, I cannot consistently live with an upward orientation. Only the Spirit of God, living in me, overcomes my weaknesses and flaws, my sins and my failures. Jesus taught this using a different illustration. "I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit!" (John 15) We are connected and from Him draw life.

As you venture into your life today, take Him with you.
Right now, take a moment to become 'God aware.'
Now, ask the Spirit to make Himself known - to your thoughts, in your words- so that others, even those who are without faith in God, will say, "When he comes around, God comes with him."
________________________

Father, we step onto the merry-go-round of life and it often gets hectic.
Our phones ring, deadlines come, fatigue sets in.
Please keep us in a place where we are aware of the Spirit.
Don't let us live profanely, grieving You, pushing You to the edge of our mind and heart.

When we start to perform for others, thinking only of pleasing them,
remind us that You are the One we live for, that Your applause and approval
is what really matters. Protect us from empty religion, or even from spiritual acts done
to impress other people. Center our devotion on You.
This we pray in Christ's Name. Amen.

Break the cycle!

In the book of Judges (not one of my favorite Bible books) there are stories that reveal a spiritual cycle that the people of God lived generation after generation.


They enjoyed God's blessings and in the flush of prosperity became apathetic towards Him.
Then, they turned to other gods and the Lord withdrew His blessing from them.
As a consequence, they were unable to stand up to those who attacked them, and they were oppressed by foreign rulers.
In their distress, they cried out to God who, because of His gracious mercy, sent a them leaders that brought them back to Him.
When they returned to faithfulness to their God, they were delivered from oppression into renewed blessings!


This same cycle can happen to us in our own lifetime; and it is common across the generations. I am not talking about the rise and fall of our spiritual emotions, the highs and lows that come to each one. In the course of our walk with God we will traverse mountaintops- from which we enjoy wonderful vistas of faith and bask in the beauty of God's Presence- and we will descend into valleys where we cling to His hand though we cannot see beyond the moment. That is normal Christian life!


Andrae Crouch wrote a song that includes these lines about that:
So I thank God for the mountains,
And I thank Him for the valleys.
I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through;
'cause if I never had a problem,
I wouldn't know that He could solve them,
I wouldn't know what faith in God could do! - Through It All


Of concern to us should be the tendency that we have to drift away from consistent faithfulness in the practice of spiritual disciplines. If we allow our commitment to cool, compromise creeps in, and we find ourselves far from God. Both Moses and Joshua challenged Israel to keep the faith! Moses told them to talk about the Lord at home, on the road, at work, in the morning, in the evening. (Deut. 6:4-8) His point was that they should never let a day pass without renewing their awareness of God's presence. A generation later Joshua said, "Choose today, whom you will serve! As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" (Joshua 24:14-16) He, too, was urging them to renew their commitment on a daily basis.


You and I must do this, too.

As life grows busy, it is so easy to become slaves of the urgent matters, leading us to neglect the important things! In times of blessings, we tend to put our spiritual lives on cruise control - leaving our Bibles unopened, our prayers unspoken, and times of corporate worship fewer and farther between. When troubles come, if we have not tended the fire of faith, we tend to blame God rather than run to Him. Our failure to stay near to His heart leads us to being afraid of the very One that is our Hope and Strength.


Here's a challenge from the Word.
Meditate on it for a few moments today as you pray- "Lord, keep my faith fresh, alive- my commitment strong. For Your glory, Amen."

"Let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him.
For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:22-25, NLT)

What is different about you?

When Dean trusted Christ as Savior and Lord, he changed- really changed. A coworker who missed his risqué jokes and other things that were part of the 'old man,' said, "What's wrong with you?" I think it might be better phrased, "What's right with you?" Genuine Christianity is about personal transformation. We throw that word around loosely much of the time not actually getting to the real meaning of spiritual transformation.


In Revolution, George Barna writes - "Spiritual transformation is any significant and lasting transition in your life wherein you switch from one substantial practice or perspective to something wholly different that alters you at a basic level. Switching from a Methodist church to a Presbyterian church is not transformational; determining to live in accordance with a Biblical worldview is. Attending Sunday School after years of absence is not transformational; identifying one's spiritual gifts, and grasping the call to use those gifts for the Kingdom's outcomes, and initiating a lifestyle of service to others is..... Transformation is a significant spiritual breakthrough... and you are never the same.. it redefines you."


As Dean discovered, transformation - like all real change - is disturbing. It upsets the status quo and makes people uncomfortable. Jesus was radical about it! Read His shocking words: "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”" (Luke 12:51-53, NIV) Tepid religion that makes nice does not do that! Spiritual transformation does!


A person who has met God, who has confronted his sins and in whom the Spirit now resides, becomes a fanatic about loving God. His life, even more than his words, is a rebuke to those who are living for lesser things. His passion for justice, for holiness, for Christ is so overwhelming that those who do not know God often want the transformed person to go away and take "Jesus" with him. Let's not get the wrong idea here. Some people are just obnoxiously religious! They rudely shove their religion in other's faces, become the office Ayatollah who judges everyone else. That's not the offense of the Cross. That's just being ignorant and rude.

Genuinely spiritual transformed people often say little, but their life is so changed, that their very presence brings others to the realization of their own spiritual bankruptcy. In a story recorded in Acts 4, Peter and John go to the Temple for prayer. On their way they saw a man who could not walk and he asked them for some change. Having no money, Peter and John shared the power of God with him, and he was healed. They got arrested for it! Dragged before the religious council, they spoke passionately and eloquently about Jesus. The transformation from rough Galilee peasants to powerful men of God caused that council to take note that "these men had been with Jesus."

Believer, are you being transformed by 'being with Jesus' or just reformed by religion?

Is your life totally re-oriented around a core love of God or are you just making adjustments, on the edges, in an attempt to be a marginally better person?

If we are seeking God, if we are in a daily conversation with the Holy Spirit, the Bible says that He will "...transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is." (Romans 12:2, NLT)

Meditate on that challenge today! Pray, "Lord Jesus, change me - from the inside out!"

It's no simple makeover, it's a radical life change - a revolution.

_________________________

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
All His wonderful passion and purity;
May His spirit divine, all my being refine
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

copied - public doman

A missionary - 9 miles from home.

There are hundreds of opportunities to do God's work right where you live. With more available resources, many Believers are taking trips to the far sides of the globe to teach kids, build churches, and share the good news of Jesus Christ in street outreaches. And that's a good thing! Cross cultural short-term ministry in locations far from home can be exciting - exhilarating even. But, there's a mission field right outside your front door! I 're-discovered' that fact for myself yesterday.

I received a call from a woman requesting that I lead a memorial service for a man she loved for 31 years who had died last week. at a relatively young age of 55. At first, it seemed an odd request. The deceased man was a Buddhist! Initially I was inclined to refuse the request, but after listening to her, I felt compelled to do the service. I made certain she knew that I would speak of Jesus Christ and from the Bible. She said that would not be a problem. Arriving at the hall where there would be a brunch after remarks, I found a group of about 25 gathered. They listened quietly, politely, but without visible reaction, to the Scripture, the words, the prayers, and then I sat down, thinking to myself, "Why I am here? That surely didn't go well!" I was at a table with four men, his buddies from work, all in their 50's; men who showed the marks of labor, dressed in work clothes, whose words were rough despite their best efforts to honor the presence of the preacher at their table. As we ate, there was a strained silence for a time so I asked questions about their late friend. "What did he like to do? Tell me a story about him." Gradually they opened up with recollections of the man. Then, out of the quiet, a man sitting at the table said, "I don't hold much with religion. But, I guess he knows now what we're all gonna find out sooner or later." General agreement was mumbled and nodded all around and then they all looked at me! On reflection, I am not all that certain that I said anything all that profound, but when I stood to leave, they thanked me for coming to spend some time with them in their time of grief.

On my drive back home, I realized that I had just made a missions trip,' though I'd only traveled 9 miles! I had, for a few moments, stepped into another world that exists virtually outside of my front door. I pray that something I said or did reflected the Light of my Savior to those who were living in spiritual darkness.

We must let ourselves think, even for a moment, that real needs exist only across an ocean or in a land far away. Spiritual needs and opportunities to love others in the name of our Lord are all around us.

Did you know that you could join a team and visit in a local jail for a Bible class and to be a friend once a week?
Did you realize that there are nursing homes that would welcome your presence an hour each week to read to someone, or even to conduct a worship service?
Did you know that Big Brothers and Big Sisters are always looking for volunteers to mentor a child?
Did you know that there are elderly people in our community who would consider a couple of hours a month to help with household maintenance a gift from Heaven?
Have you considered that the people at the lunch table at work might be your mission field?

"Come on, Jerry, my life is already full. I am busy." I hear you! I am not interested in leading any guilt trips today. Perhaps you are already fully engaged in using your spiritual gifts (we all have them!) to accomplish God's work. And yes, I know this too, we each have differing callings and opportunities. Just make sure you're actually seeing the needs and stepping up in obedience to do what the Lord is asking you to do. Jesus led the disciples into the region of Samaria, to be among people that were 'invisible' to them. Then He challenged them as he would challenge you and me: "I’m telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what’s right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It’s harvest time! “The Harvester isn’t waiting. He’s taking his pay, gathering in this grain that’s ripe for eternal life. Now the Sower is arm in arm with the Harvester, triumphant." (John 4:35-36, The Message)

Jesus told us that when God's Spirit rested on us, the transformation of our lives would cause us to become living demonstrators of the Truth of His Gospel 'in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' Are you only seeing the need that exists far away? Don't overlook your home town as a place to do God's work. For most of us, it is our mission field!
___________________________

Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow'r to forgive.
Others will trust Him if only you prove true
Every moment you live.

Give as 'twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you.
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Ira Sankey © 1924. Renewed 1952 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) CCLI License No. 810055

Honest to God?

In mid-week, when I put on a necktie and jacket, Bev jokes with me about 'putting on my armor!' But she's on the mark. It's amazing what a little strip of silk around his neck and a dress shirt can do for a man's image. If I put on my blue jeans, sneakers, a sweatshirt and a baseball cap, I find people responding to me entirely differently than when I put on a suit and tie. Why? Because each outfit 'says' something about 'who I am' in that moment. Those who really know me, relate to me the same way regardless of my clothing. But, the larger world takes their relational cue from my 'image.' That's a rather harmless illustration of the power of external appearances.

The sad truth is that many of us are all about the external image. We live as though life is one big movie set where we take on one role after another and act it out. The tragedy of this is that in the middle of all the pretending and posing, we often lose touch with ourselves and reality. It takes some real effort and a lot of growing up to stop posing for life's camera! Image building, once the fascination of actors and politicians, is now the obsession of many Americans. "How do I look?" is the key question asked by posers and pretenders. The reality of their life matters little as long as they 'look good' to the world. The superficiality that is rampant in America feeds whole industries that are designed to help us project whatever image we've chosen as our ideal.

So, what's wrong with that? Much, in every way!

First of all there is the issue of integrity. If we choose to appear to be somebody that we are not, we lie! Lying offends God and is terribly destructive. Perpetuating even a little bit of fraud requires increasing effort and more fraud, creating dishonesty that grows with a snowball effect.

Second, projecting an image is all about pride. Image is about the big "I." When we are treating others as a mirror in which we see our own reflection, we will not concern ourselves about their needs. We will not be able to listen well. We will not be capable of being present and attentive. Instead we will be posing and preening like a little girl playing dress up in front of Mommy's mirror! Every watch that tableau? A four year old will try on all kinds of faces, adopt different voices amusing herself with her own reflection. It's funny when it happens with a four year old and a full length mirror. It's pitiful when it happens with a forty year old trying on different 'images' for the world.

Third, who we really are eventually emerges. Better to have been real all along, don't you think? Supposedly President Abraham Lincoln, renowned as "Honest Abe" said, "You may fool all the people some of the time; you can even fool some of the people all the time; but you can't fool all of the people all the time." To which I respond, then why not choose to live honestly, openly, and authentically from the start?

God's word calls you and me to humility. "...serve each other in humility, for “God sets himself against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5, NLT) Jesus illustrated the quality of humility He desires from us on the night before His crucifixion. His disciples were pretending and posing, puffing and primping, as they fought over their relative importance in their little group. Full of themselves and in love with their images of self-importance, none of them would serve, so Jesus got up from the Passover meal and took up the servant's towel and basin. He made His way from man to man, washing their filthy feet, in the custom of the hospitable household at that time. His choice to take the place of the lowest, though He was the Greatest, shocked and offended those men. Peter protested, "You will never wash my feet!" But Jesus did. "After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because it is true. And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." (John 13:12-15, NLT) I don't think he meant we should have foot washing rituals! He spoke to much larger issues of serving each other without considering whether such service was in keeping with our image!

Friend, are you trapped in pretense and image-building?
Are you trying to be someone other than who you really are, trying to escape some past shame by covering it up, trying to compensate for some hole in your resume by claiming titles you have not earned? Know this - God loves you. Yes, it's true. He knows exactly who you are, what you've done, how you think - and loves the real you. He can use you: not the pretender, not the poser- but the real you. He can forgive your sins, heal your hurts, and give you spiritual gifts that overcome your innate weaknesses. He will maximize your strengths. But the baseline requirement for being used by Him in the most effective way is to become 'honest to God' real.

Ponder this word from the Word today. -- "Obey God’s message! Don’t fool yourselves by just listening to it. If you hear the message and don’t obey it, you are like people who stare at themselves in a mirror and forget what they look like as soon as they leave. But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don’t just hear and forget." (James 1:21-25, CEV)

"I am with you."

Monday I discovered that my riding mower needed the blades changed. After propping it up (safely!) I found I couldn't turn the wrench and hold the blade at the same time. My neighbor, Tom, was working in his yard, so I called out, "Would you help me, please?" An extra set of hands made the job much easier to complete. Could I taken the blades off of the mower deck alone? Probably, but with frustration and skinned knuckles!

One of the memories that brings a wide smile to my face is that of my daughter, Chrissie, when she was a little girl. She was fiercely independent. (I wonder who she got that trait from?) I remember a wintry day when she was perhaps 4 or so and we were preparing to go outside. There she stood in the back porch with her winter parka upside down, her foot in the hood, and she was attempting to put her arms in the sleeves. When I tried to assist she brushed off my offer - "I do it myself!" and then became more and more agitated as her efforts failed.

Maturity brings us the realization that living like the Lone Ranger, aloof and self-sufficient, is not an ideal to emulate, but a foolish fantasy. On TV, the Lone Ranger may appear a romantic figure, but in reality, people who choose that path are just lonely and ineffective. We need each other. Sharing our lives, joining with others in deep and meaningful relationships, is a source of joy and multiplies our effectiveness. One of the keys of a successful life is learning how to relate well to others, how to collaborate on tasks, how to contribute to others and how to receive from others. The best leaders are not those who try to do it all by themselves, or who want to be the star of the show; but rather those who know how to draw together people of disparate skills into teams and then to keep the team inspired and unified!

Believer, Jesus Christ has given you and me a big job to do. "Go, build the Kingdom." I hope you realize that He wasn't telling us to create power structures and wealth building schemes! His commission was that we should go into the world and shine the light that dispels confusion and fear; that we should bring love and compassion that would defeat hatred and apathy; that we should demonstrate the purposeful existence to which God calls us for those who are living without hope. And He promises this- "...be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20, NLT) We are not alone!

When we grow weary, especially after a time of high output, we are subject to falling into the 'Elijah syndrome.' That great prophet saw a great victory on Mt. Carmel with the defeat of the Baal gods. But the victory of Yahweh, the God of Israel, infuriated Jezebel who threatened Elijah with death. Exhausted, he ran off into the wilderness. In his isolation, he prayed a foolish prayer - “I’ve been working my heart out for the God-of-the-Angel-Armies,” said Elijah. “The people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, destroyed the places of worship, and murdered your prophets. I’m the only one left, and now they’re trying to kill me.”" (1 Kings 19:10, The Message) Doesn't that just ooze self-pity? But God didn't give up on the prophet. Instead, He gave him rest and sustenance and then reminded him that there were still 7000 other faithful Believers in Israel. Then, God told him to go find a man to work alongside of him, someone to whom he could hand off the prophetic responsibilities, and he found Elisha.

If you really want to make a difference for God, maximizing both your joy and effectiveness, join a team! If you're looking for a 'perfect' team, you will search for a long time, and should you find it and join it, your presence will ruin it. ('cause you're not perfect, and neither am I.) Bring your strengths, your spiritual gifts, and your weaknesses! Let God use you as you are content to be who you are - no more, no less. And never forget what Jesus promises - "I am with you!"

Here's a word from the Word to ponder today -

"You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you’re still one body. It’s exactly the same with Christ....

If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything." (1 Corinthians 12: 20, 26-27, The Message)

Choose!

Making a choice can be a liberating experience. All through the past Summer, I pursued replacement of my car. For three months I spent time on the Internet researching various models, visited showrooms to do test drives, and calculated the difference in costs between buying a used car and a new one. Only God knows (literally) how much time I used (wasted?) in the process of finding another car. Then one day at the end of August, I made a decision. Within an hour's time, I had signed the contract. My choice liberated me from the ongoing search for new wheels.

When we were serving a church in Massachusetts, my daughters approached High School graduation dates and I knew in my heart that God would be sending me to another place of service. In early 1999, I began to pray that He would guide us in the new step. "Where do you want me to go, Lord?" I prayed about the possibility of missions. I considered various regions of the country. I evaluated the gifts He's given me to use in His work. Then, in the Summer of 2000, an opportunity was presented to us and we prayerfully followed through. The choice to accept the pastorate of Washington Assembly in August was liberating. No more wondering, 'where, how, what?'

Making a choice, committing ourselves to a course of action, allows us to move forward. But some of us will not choose, because we want to keep all our options open.

Joshua, at the end of his life, called the people of God together and presented a challenge of choice to them: “Fear God. Worship him in total commitment. . . . If you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you’d rather serve—and do it today. . . . As for me and my family, we’ll worship God.”" (Joshua 24:14-15, The Message)

Elijah, a few generations later, called the leaders of Israel together for a show-down and demanded a choice - “How long are you going to sit on the fence? If God is the real God, follow him; if it’s Baal, (the regional fertility god) follow him. Make up your minds!” (1 Kings 18:21, The Message)

Jesus came by the fishing boats of Peter and Andrew and said: “Come with me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.”" (Mark 1:17, CEV)

I believe that Holy Spirit is confronting us with the same question today! "Choose! Make up your minds. Come, follow me!" If we answer His call with a clear and unequivocal, "Yes!" we will find great freedom and new direction for life. The wondering and wandering will be over for us. Life will be purposeful. There will be moments of stress, times when we may wonder if we have taken the right way, but if we keep focused on Him, we will not fall or falter, for the choice is made.

To whom do you belong, friend? Is your choice made, or are you still 'on the fence?' Are you trying to protect all your options and as a consequence doing little or nothing for the Lord and His work? Are you miserable because you are trying to keep one foot in the things of this world and the other in the Kingdom of God? Choose! If you are not ready to make Him Lord of all, then do not attempt to make Him Lord at all! He is a jealous God and will not allow you to share your affections with other gods.

I believe that the single greatest reason people find their Christianity so unsatisfying is that they have not truly made the choice to follow Jesus. Many want Him to be their Savior. They want the assurance that God is there for them, that Heaven's door will be open to them when the last act is played - but they want to hang onto their life, to live by their own desires, to say and do what they want, without seeking or submitting to the Lord God. In that double-mindedness, they are, as James says, "unstable in all their ways." They cannot enjoy anything because they are trying to own everything.

So, choose today! If God is really God, then serve Him. Consider these words of Jesus and I pray that they will compel you to choose Him as Lord of life.
"Then another said, “I’m ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home.” Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.” (Luke 9:61-62, The Message) ______________________

Jesus Is Lord Of All

All my possessions
And all my life,
Jesus is Lord of all.
All my tomorrows,
all my past,
Jesus is Lord of all.

King of kings,
Lord of lords,
Jesus is Lord of all!

I've quit my struggles,
Contentment at last,
Jesus is Lord of all.
All of my conflicts,
All my thoughts,
Jesus is Lord of all.

His love wins the battles
I could not have fought,
Jesus is Lord of all.

All of my longings,
All my dreams,
Jesus is Lord of all.

All of my failures
His power redeems,
Jesus is Lord of all.

King of kings,
Lord of lords,
Jesus is Lord of all!

© 1973 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management CCLI License No. 810055

Step into the river!

Israel was at the door to the Promised Land once again. The second generation, the children of those who had left Egypt were now presented with the opportunity to take what God had promised them. Would they see the hardships and turn back as their parents had done? Would they allow fear to drive them to faithlessness? God said, "Be strong and courageous!" So spies were sent out on reconnaissance missions. Plans were made. The people were on the move. Then, they met their first obstacle- yep, there it was- a river that stretched along the entire border of Canaan, flowing at flood stage. What could they do? They turned to the God who made rivers and He said, "Step into the river and I'll stop its flow!" In obedience to this seemingly impossible directive, Joshua placed the Ark of the Covenant on the shoulders of 12 priests and told them to walk into the river!

Joshua tells the story - "... as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water began piling up at a town upstream called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho. Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Lord’s covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by them. They waited there until everyone had crossed the Jordan on dry ground." (Joshua 3:15-17, NLT)

I've always wondered what it was like to be one of those priests. What did they think as they waded into that river? How long did it take before they saw the miracle start to happen? Did they hesitate, even for a moment? This story from Joshua reminds me that if I want to enjoy God's providence I must be prepared to be obedient and take the step of faith before I see the result!

It's not hard to jump on the bandwagon once we see the miracle in progress, is it? But, it is a real challenge to do what God tells us to do when all we have is a promise!

For example, I believe in the principle of tithing, that is, giving away the first 10% of my income for charity and the work of God in the world. I also believe that Jesus promised that God would bless the generous person who puts His work first in their finances. When my own financial needs were pressing, it was an act of faith to write those checks on the first of the month, giving away a substantial sum of money. But, I stepped into the river and throughout my life He's always provided for my needs. Now, it's not hard at all, because I've experienced His provisions.

The churches I've led through the years have come to moments of decision, when it was important to move forward in obedience, but when it seemed impossible to do so. At that moment, we had the choice of two roads - fearful retreat or faithful advance. Like the Israelis, my experience has been- to this day - that IF we're moving in obedience to God's directive, He does what needs to be done so that we can move ahead.

So, Believer, is there a river God wants you cross?
Then, stop talking about the decision and 'step into the river?'

This principle applies in so many areas of our life in Christ.
Forgiveness is often a step of faith, offered when we just don't think we can actually do it, and God gives us grace.
As I've mentioned, tithing is a step of faith.
Perhaps God is calling you to reduce your standard of living so you can spend more time doing ministry work. That's a step of faith, isn't it?
Has He called you to take on a new responsibility and you're stalled, focused on the impossibilities? Step into the river!

The Bible says- "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see .. So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." (Hebrews 11:1,6 NLT)
_______________________

Step into the water,
Wade out a little bit deeper.
Wet your feet in the water of His love.
Step into the water,
Wade out a little bit deeper.
Come, join angels singing praises
To the Lamb of God.

There is vict'ry for the Christian
Who walks the narrow way.
There has been a prize appointed
For the soul who does not stray.
Oh, I want to live for Jesus,
Be all that I should be
So that I can rest with Him
Forever, live eternally.

© 1981 Homeward Bound Music. 1984 Assigned To Kirk Talley Music (Admin. by Integrated Copyright Group, Inc.) CCLI License No. 810055

T'is a Glorious Church!

George Barna studies trends in America and writes about them, particularly as they will effect Christian churches. I'm part way through his latest book, Revolution, (Tyndale, 2005) in which he reports on people who are "devout followers of Jesus Christ, serious about their faith, constantly worshipping and interacting with God, whose lives are centered on belief in Christ." These 'revolutionaries' have written off the organized church because they are disgusted with 'do nothing' churches. Barna opines that they "refuse to play religious games... and want to aggressively advance God's kingdom." Well, I surely can empathize with their desire to make a difference for God. I am frustrated by meetings that accomplish nothing, ministries that just spin wheels, and religious systems designed to protect the privileges of a few at great cost to the many.

But, unlike Barna's revolutionaries, I am not ready to say that the church is a relic of the past. She is God's creation; He loves her, and so, we (yes, Believer - you and I) must work to recapture a vision of her glorious mission that will once again drive us to seek God's power for her, to set aside our petty differences to do His work through her, and to devote our lives and wealth to making a difference.

The facts are that suffering is real. Evil is relentless in its assault on God's world. I see a globe where urban American kids are full of hate, where militant Islamic terrorists want to spread their religion with bombs, where AIDS is killing millions in Africa, where poverty stalks billions (!) of people on this globe. I agree with Barna's 'revolutionaries' that too many Christians close the doors behind them on their safe building and shrug off their responsibility to change the world by saying, "Isn't that awful?" and then singing about the Lord's love for them. Too often we buy into the theories that point to psychological and/or economic issues as the reasons behind the societal 'problems' that are so prevalent. In the last 50 years, the church has grown increasingly irrelevant while the government's role has increased.

Wake up, Believer! We have a high, holy calling from God to be warriors against the Evil one! Do you KNOW that? Government cannot change the human heart and is powerless in the face of evil. Only a Spirit-filled church is equipped to defeat sin and Satan. We can still make a difference, but not if we're locked into defense of tradition, maintaining tepid programs, and escapist theologies.

Does this purpose motivate you to prayer, to serve in compassionate ministry, and to invest your resources in God's work? The Gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ is the one great hope for the world because the real issue is EVIL; and if that is true, the solution is SPIRITUAL.Yes, I realize that many American Believers have so personalized their faith in Christ that it has become all about their 'feelings' about self-satisfaction and gaining a home in Heaven while the rest of the world is left to Hell! Many churches -- might I generalize and say, 'most?' --organize their efforts around making a comfortable 'home' for sleepy saints. The building is carefully prepped to be 'inviting.' The sermon is toned to be therapeutic, not too challenging, so as to keep people returning to the services. The lyrics of the songs are focused on "Jesus loves me" but in such a way to make us selfish even with that great truth! "Church-ianity" is a multi-billion dollar business in America that is a lot like football. Church entertains us on Sunday morning, football on Sunday afternoon, but neither makes all that much of a difference in the way we live!BUT... it can be different and it should be! Christian you have a critical role to fill -- first as a warrior. Your prayers (are they weak or powerful?) are strong weapons that can tear down strongholds. Have you lifted your family up to God today? Have you prayed for situations of suffering that need to be changed by Christ's love today? Have you prayed for the kingdom of God to come on earth and His will to be done?

Your service to Christ through vital ministries of the Church is another means of defeating evil. Teaching children, taking the Gospel to a prison, feeding the hungry, giving to a mission, supporting a Christian school, discipling someone in the way of Christ, studying the Word of God so you can share the wisdom found there with your world are just a few of the ways we become catalysts of change - or as Jesus said, "salt and light!" When we are actively engaged in spiritual warfare that meets evil where it is with acts of service and love, then church will become different, too. Shallow sermons about the 'love of God' and vapid choruses that are catchy tunes with lyrics that are all sweet emotionalism won't nourish us. We will drag ourselves together like spent soldiers desperately in need of The Word of God that stiffens our resolve. We will cling to each other because we know we must watch each others' back and make sure that no soldier falls and is left behind on the battlefield.

Believer, re-claim the MISSION! Jesus stated it succinctly at the end of His time on earth. Meditate for a moment on this passage.
"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them.” When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs." (Mark 16:15-20, NLT)

Here's my prayer for us today -
God, awaken us to the thrill of being in your work to change the world. Fire us with a passion to see slaves to sin set free. Clear our vision so we are not deceived by the illusion of power provided by our material wealth. Bring us to the end of ourselves and cause us to thirst for You, to desire You more than anything or anyone in this world.
Holy Spirit empower us, not for silly emotionalism, but for real spiritual warfare. Set eternity in our hearts.
Lord, make us authentic Christians. Save the church from us and from our programs.
For the glory of Jesus Christ's holy name, we pray Amen.

Using Fear to Motivate?

Since 1995, churches around the US have been creating "Hell Houses" in October, capitalizing on the Halloween craze for fright and horror. The concept of the "Hell House" first developed in Arvada, CO by Youth Pastor Keenan Roberts. He created a walk-through experience that featured graphically produced teen-centered vignettes on the consequences of disobeying God's commandments. Promiscuous sex, alcohol abuse, abortion are among the sins that make their appearance in the experience and the ultimate scare is that sinners end up in Hell's flames.It is true that drunkenness, engaging in promiscuous sex, abortion, and homosexual activity are all sins. The Scripture is clear that "the wages of sin is death." But, I would never allow a "Hell House" presentation in the church I lead because I find the whole presentation tragically mis-focused!

The message in the Hell House presentations that people go to Hell because they do bad and immoral things is flat out wrong! Yes, I believe there is an eternal separation from God that is marked by misery, but nobody ends up there because they do immoral acts. If that were the case, we're all doomed. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard." Neither you nor I are an exception to that sweeping indictment. My assurance of being in God's house for eternity is based, not on my moral goodness but on the grace of Christ, which I received in response to the Spirit's gift of faith! I am convinced that in this Hell House craze, Christians who are truly concerned about sharing the goodness of Jesus Christ are placing the em-pha'-sis on the wrong syl-la'-ble!

It is religion that depends on fear and guilt as primary motivators. It is a performance oriented, human effort based religion that needs gory, graphic Hell Houses to scare people into church. But true Christianity doesn't! We don't drive people to Christ Jesus. We lead them, with a message full of promise, to Him. Paul says, "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. We are Christ’s ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, “Be reconciled to God!”" (2 Corinthians 5:19-20, NLT)

It's hope, not fear, that is our message to a sinful world. Yes, I know that fear is a powerful motivator, but I also know it has a very short shelf life! The fear felt in the dark of night evaporates in the morning's sunshine. The pull of temptation to sin quickly overcomes the terror of God's judgment. As a kid who grew up in church, I heard more than my fair share of 'Hell and damnation' sermons. I attended Youth rallies where the build up to the altar call was long and terrifying! I made many trips to the 'altar' and cried fearful tears of regret as I begged God to forgive my sins... and then days, sometimes even hours, later I went out and did the same things again. Why? Because, fear is simply too weak to restrain the rebellious and sinful heart. When God revealed His patience to me, showed me the depths of His love, and let me know that Jesus died on the Cross to reconcile me to the Father, more than to keep me out of Hell - I was changed. The truth proclaimed in 2 Peter 3:9 became real to me. ". . . He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent," and I discovered the power of transformation by love.

Love is so much stronger than fear! If we would see people commit their lives to Christ, it must be for love's sake alone. They must see such an irresistible grace in Him that they will repent and turn from sin to serve Him wholeheartedly. The Good News is not 'you're a bunch of awful sinners and you're going to Hell!' The Gospel is "We're all sinners who are deeply loved by God, loved so much that He went to great lengths in Christ Jesus to make our forgiveness and reconciliation possible. He loves us and wants us to come home to His house forever." Read Luke 15 again. In that chapter we read 3 stories Jesus told about 'lost' things: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. In each instance when the lost was found, there was a great celebration. The story of the Prodigal Son is really mis-named. It should be called the story of the Waiting Father. When His way-ward son finally comes home, broken by his own willful sinfulness, the father kisses him, restores him to the family, and celebrates his return. Jesus was telling an 'every-man' story! It is a love story that I can never tell without becoming full of emotion.

This Halloween, there will be no Hell House for me. How about a "Heaven House" instead?
_____________________


Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now I'm found,
was blind, but now I see.

T'was grace that taught my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved,
how precious did that grace appear,
the hour I first believed.

The stuff with which we wrestle

We had a meeting of our church's Leadership Team last night. We reviewed the church's work; the good things that the Spirit is doing, and there are plenty of good things for which we are thankful. God continues to provide for the church's financial needs through the faithfulness of His people. We are experiencing answered prayers, some real breakthrough moments, for which I praise God! This Summer, two new team members joined us bringing their skills and dedication to our ministries. As we practice good management of our Kingdom resources we are able to take care of the buildings that house the ministries. And then, we faced our challenges - ministries that are not living up to their mission, people needs that we are not yet addressing with effective ministry, and the ongoing requirements of staffing the work we do. In 6 years that I've been a part of this Assembly, we have seen many advances, but there is much left to do. I suppose that there will always be much yet to do! I have said it before and will say it again - "When one set of problems is addressed with solutions, new ones appear making new demands of us." That is true of us as individuals, too.

When I was a young Pastor, just starting out, I would occasionally look at the 'older' Pastors with a couple of decades of experience and think, "When I am as old as they are, I will finally know everything I need to know to really be effective!" Now I am as old as they were then and I realize that while I have accumulated experience and knowledge along the way, there are new challenges rising up in my life for which I must dig up new resources and learn new skills so that I can meet them head on. And, that is as it should be! If a person stops growing, he's dead! A church or ministry without challenges and/or problems is almost assuredly not doing anything measurable for the Kingdom of God.

So, what's challenging you, Believer?

Is it some personal sin and/or habit that is resistant to every attempt you make to overcome it?

Is it a relational challenge - a child you can't reach, a spouse that is growing distant, a old grudge that has festered into something like hatred?

Is it a spiritual thing, where your will and God's will have collided and you're unwilling to yield to His ways?

Is it a physical need that makes you fearful of the future?

Is it anticipating a new stage in life, a looming 'empty nest,' or retirement, or heading off to college, or beginning a new career?

Yes, the list could go on and on. Know this, that list is autobiographical, as those are challenges that I've had to meet and overcome by God's help. Through it all I have come to accept this fact - This kind of stuff happens, 'cause I'm not home yet. I'm still in transit to my Heavenly home where I'll lay these burdens down and enter into the Rest that God has prepared for me. This is the stuff of life with which we wrestle. For some of these challenges there is no understanding 'why,' at least for now. But I know Who does understand it all and He's promised me that I don't have to face these things alone or with my puny resources. There are a couple of promises that I keep in my mind and heart - and I pray those promises when the challenges pile up!

One is that God is coaching me and He knows my limits better than I do. The Bible says it like this- "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, The Message) The spiritual Foe who seeks to neutralize me wants me to feel alone, forsaken, and overwhelmed. "Jerry, you're the only guy who's ever been in this situation. There is no answer, no way through it, over it, around it, or under it." - is his persistent lie! But, God reminds me, "This is the stuff of human experience, the kind of challenges every child of mine faces. I'm in charge and if you will trust me, I show you the way to stand up to the pressure." What a glorious promise.

Another promise that I hold on to is that Jesus Christ is my Priest and Advocate who is, at this very moment, praying for me! "Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help." (Hebrews 4:14-16, The Message) My Perfect Priest knows fatigue, disappointment, rejection - every temptation and test - and He's now presenting my needs to the Father, praying for me to be an overcomer!

And, then there is this insight coupled with a great offer - "For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking." (James 1:3-5, NLT) These challenges have a purpose - to grow me deep in faith and strong in character. If I'm having trouble understanding that, I just have to ask God - "give me wisdom!" and He will.

When I accept God's rule and provision, trust my Priest Advocate, and let my character and faith be developed by life's challenges without complaining, I experience REST even in the middle of the mess! No not the kind of rest like a summer nap in the sun, but the rest of the spirit that keeps my heart and mind from descending into fear, confusion, and panic when challenges are multiplying. And when my final moment of transformation comes, I fully expect to step over the threshold of eternity and hear my Heavenly Dad holler - "Welcome home, son. Pull up a chair and enjoy my provisions. You're at rest forever." My eyes are on that prize.

Endure the challenges, Believer. Embrace them as God's work. Wrestle with them, praying for wisdom and strength - and see what God can do with you in His world.
_____________________________
Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?
God specializes in things tho't impossible.
He does the things others cannot do.

"Be of good courage"-God spake unto Joshua.
When o'er the river God pointed the way;
Jordan uncrossable! Things seemed impossible,W
aters divide as they march and obey.

Battles to win! They would meet with their obstacles.
Jericho's walls, too, must fall to the ground;
God never failed He stood back of His promises.
Walls had to crumble as they marched around.

God is the same and His Word is dependable.
He'll make a way thru the waters for you;
Life's situations by Him are amendable.
Mountains and hills, He will part for you too.

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?
God specializes in things tho't impossible.
He does the things others cannot do.

© 1945, 1973 Oscar C. Eliason. Assigned Singspiration Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067) CCLI License No. 810055

Remembering... again and again.

How quickly we 'backslide,' forgetting God's goodness to us in our need, becoming casual in our commitment to His ways, neglecting our devotion. I see this pattern repeated again and again:
crisis comes into a person's life; they fervently seek God and discover the goodness of His love; the crisis passes; life normalizes; the prayers and devotion wane. Mostly likely all of us, if we're honest, will see that we got a lot more devout when the heat was turned up! Sometimes it is a conscious act, a kind of "Let's Make A Deal" with God where we think that if we are really 'good,' that God will reward us with the answer we seek. More often, I believe increased devotion is simply the result of increased awareness of our weaknesses that drives to our knees and into the church house to pursue God's Presence. How sad He must be when we forget Him when all is well.

Moses prepared the Israeli people to enter the Promised Land near the end of their 40 year wilderness trek. From the time of the exodus, through many tests and trials, they had enjoyed the visible Presence of the Lord. He fed them every morning with manna. The glory of His Presence hovered over the Tabernacle. Now, they were about to enter into a good land where they would become more self-sufficient. Moses warned them of the spiritual hazards of increased wealth. He said, "Make sure you don’t forget God, your God, by not keeping his commandments, his rules and regulations that I command you today Make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, build pleasant houses and settle in, see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, watch your standard of living going up and up— make sure you don’t become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God, the God who delivered you from Egyptian slavery;" (Deuteronomy 8:11-14, The Message)

That word still applies to our lives, Believer. My heart is broken, time and again, by the waning devotion of those who are blessed by God. As they have 'more,' they often serve less in ministry, join in worship less frequently, and develop a lukewarm heart towards the things of God. Let me lay it out plainly with a generalized example. When a young couple is scratching out a living, they find time to teach Sunday School, visit the sick, do nursery service, and such things. They do these things faithfully and without complaint. Their greatest joy is found in their love for God, His people, and the church. Then, the Lord blesses their diligence. As their income increases, they have more choices about leisure time, more resources to use in a discretionary way. Do they increase their service? Too often, no! Instead, they start to travel on weekends, missing worship frequently. They quit the ministries in which they have served for years, because now they claim to have 'no time' when, in reality, they have more leisure time, which they choose to use for themselves. And, then they wonder - "why don't my kids love God like I did when I was younger?" Well, they have a model of Christianity as 'hobby' not as passion! Get the point here?

Moses told the Israelis - "Remember where you came from, Who brought you here, and what He desires from you!" He told them to talk about the Lord constantly, to keep His laws fresh in their minds and hearts, to keep their children. He was direct with them. "I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. " (Deuteronomy 30:19-20, The Message)

Believer, use the power of CHOICE. Choose God's ways today. It is true that our right relationship with God, our salvation is fully provided by Jesus Christ. We are justified by His grace fully and freely. However, living in fellowship with Him, enjoying His blessings - that is the result of our choices. Love Him and let it show.

Here's a word from the Word -
"You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’
And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich.
And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love.

Be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock.
If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends." (Revelation 3:17-20, NLT)

"Because you're worth it!"

Yesterday's mail brought a gift from my daughter. She sent me a book she had read, wanting to share her discovery of Gordon Fee's scholarship with her Dad. She also enclosed a card that expressed her affection. I loved it! And you know why, right? Because it was a genuine expression of love that made me feel valued and appreciated. We all want that. Last Sunday I went to conduct a worship service at a home for aged people. My son and his wife went along. Yes, the residents there appreciated the songs and the Scripture lesson, but as Jay observed, "Dad, when I just asked them their name and talked with with them for a minute, it was like I gave them an expensive gift!" Jay and Lindsay, by taking time to visit with people they didn't even know, were communicating, "We care about you, you're valuable."

Believer, our calling in this world is to be like Christ. One of the primary ways we do that is to love others. The Bible says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NKJV) Believer, this is God's commission to us! We don't have to literally die for others, but in learning to love, we will have to set aside our schedules and our convenience, becoming aware of the needs of those with whom we interact. The true needs of the people with whom we interact isn't always obvious from their words. We have to learn to listen for the sub-text, for the message revealed by their face, their sigh- the clues are many!

Many people really just want us to acknowledge that they exist and that we care for them. Sounds easy, doesn't it? But it is not! All kinds of things conspire to keep us from loving others: the busy pace of life, concern for our own needs, fatigue, selfishness, fear ... to name a few. For example - as you hurried in the coffee shop today, did you take time to make eye contact with the server, to say, "Thank you," and mean it? If you didn't, most likely it isn't because you have malice towards that person. You were in a hurry, thinking about beating traffic and getting to work, right? As you left your home, did you take time to seek out your spouse or your kids and bless their day, give a hug or a kiss? If you did, you said, "I care about you." Once again, if you didn't, it probably wasn't because of any real lack of concern, but rather your focus elsewhere.

If we would become people who add value to the lives of others, we will have to train ourselves to listen, to empathize, to care. God will help us, for that kind of love pleases Him. We only have to pray, "Lord, teach me to love as you love. Open my eyes and ears to the needs of people around me." He will, and as He does, prepare to learn to ache. It is costly to care. When we begin to really take note of the people around us, we start to see the pain in so many lives. We will not brush past people protected by the blinders of self-interest.

Here's a word from the Word. It's a familiar story, but read it prayerfully, carefully - and invite the Spirit to stir up a new concern for others in you.

“A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits.
They stripped him of his clothes and money, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. “
By chance a Jewish priest came along; but when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt deep pity. Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two pieces of silver and told him to take care of the man. ‘If his bill runs higher than that,’ he said, ‘I’ll pay the difference the next time I am here.’ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (Luke 10:30-37, NLT)

Let's do God work in the world- loving others. Should they ask why, let's just simply say, "Because you're worth it!"
________________________

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another,
for love comes from God.
Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
But anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is love." (1 John 4:7-8, NLT)

As you sail on by

"You can tell a lot about a ship as you look at its wake. If it is in a straight line, you get the feeling that the boat is steadily on course and that the captain is not dozing at the wheel.... if it is smooth and flat you know something about the speed of the boat. ... With people the same thing is true. As a person goes through life, he leaves behind a wake." Dr. Henry Cloud, Integrity, 2005 That analogy caught a hold in my mind and made me think about the wake that I'm leaving as I sail through life. Cloud observes that we leave a two-sided wake, relationships and tasks. We should remember that it isn't just how we accomplish those jobs we are assigned, but who we effect in in the process.

As we evaluate the task side of our lives, it is important that we ask questions like -
- am I completing tasks on time and without needless diversions?
- do I understand the task and set my course to finish it?
- is my work well done, worthy of review?
On the relational side of our lives, there are important questions, too.
- do I create hope and encourage, or build barriers and discourage?
- are people glad that I have passed through their lives, or relieved when I leave?
- do I leave people enriched or exploited?

Sometimes the answers are obvious, easy to find. In other situations, discerning how we have performed, how we have interacted, is not so quickly discerned.
Why? Because we encounter situations and people over which and over whom we have little control. They bring their own personalities and programs into our lives. The smooth wake that we want to create by our passing is broken up by theirs. As their wake flows into ours, if we are at cross-purposes, the chop that is created can stir up a real tempest! I've been on a small boat and experienced being bounced around when a couple of speed boats passed by on crossing courses, leaving the waters roiled and rough. Then, too, there are days when we run into winds of opposition and/or difficulty that blow us off course and purpose. No matter how diligent we are at the wheel of life, trying to steer a straight course, those gusts that blow over us, can cause us to sail a wavy line for a time!

We must determine the course that God wants us to sail. We must work to know and understand His ways, and then - go forward - steady on.

In my lifetime, I've come to understand that I cannot adjust speed or course every time somebody makes an objection! I must spend time alone with God and understand what He wants from me then sail on. I must commit myself to principled living and pray for His Spirit to keep me true to those principles, set the course, and keep going. Then, over time, the wake left in my life will be a good one. Yes, there will be moments of wavering, times of rough water, but overall the results and relationships will be positive.

Take a look at the wake you're leaving on life's sea.
Don't just look close to the stern. Look toward the horizon, too. Is it straight and true? Does it show steady speed?

Here's a word about living well, for God's glory. Take Paul's benediction and turn it into your prayerful petition today.

We are... "praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you ... As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us." (Colossians 1:9-12, The Message)
Amen

Right now, where you are

Moses was wandering around in the desert, tending a small flock of sheep for forty years. He had been a prince in Egypt until his sense of justice got the better of him and he killed an Egyptian slave master who was mistreating an Israelite. He fled the country and ended up in a remote place called Midian, got married, and settled down. Forgive me for adding to the Biblical record, but I'm fairly certain, he thought about Egypt everyday! I think that as he walked under the sun, sat in the shade of a rocky overhang, and changed predators from the sheep in his care, he remembered the people he had left behind. Years came and years went and gradually his old dream of making a difference for his people faded until one day when God presented him with an opportunity. As Moses stood barefoot before the bush that burned without being consumed, God said, "Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You will lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”" (Exodus 3:10, NLT) I can sure identify with that man in his response. He stammered, made excuses, argued, and bluffed - but it was God in the fire! After a long discussion about qualifications and other difficulties, God finally asks Moses to do an inventory!

"Moses objected, “They won’t trust me. They won’t listen to a word I say. They’re going to say, ‘God? Appear to him? Hardly!’ ”

So God said, “What’s that in your hand?”
“A staff.”
“Throw it on the ground.”
He threw it. It became a snake; Moses jumped back—fast! God said to Moses, “Reach out and grab it by the tail.” He reached out and grabbed it—and he was holding his staff again." (Exodus 4:1-4, The Message)

"I'll get to that next week."
"If I just had a degree in ?, I would submit my resume for that job I would love."
"Lord, I just don't have the time to take on that ministry."
"I'm going to learn that skill, next year."

So, which of those statements have you made recently? Many of us are deferring dreams, putting off change, or setting aside God's call to a ministry- convinced that tomorrow will be a better time to make it happen. Often we sincerely believe that another time or place will provide us opportunities, when, truthfully, we must make the opportunity today! Easier to say than to do, isn't it? Changing our lives involves risk. We might have to give up the security of our present job to take that one we really want. We may have to risk our family's approval to step out of their expectations to do God's will. We might have to give up some of our 'freedom,' to embrace significant responsibility. We could try and fail!

Is God asking you what you have in hand? What we must remember is that He uses people right where they are, with the resources they have available. His power in us is what makes the difference. You think Moses' staff was some kind of magical stick? Of course not. It was a regular old piece of wood that God used as a means of getting people's attention. God can use you if you will let Him. Or you can just keep making excuses. It's up to you.

You can keep making excuses that allow you to stay in that safe place, to follow the deep ruts of the ordinary; or you can get on your knees and give your life to God, right now, right where you are.
____________________

Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem too small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And He’ll not forget His own.

Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown—and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ Name.

When the conflict here is ended
And our race on earth is run,
He will say, if we are faithful,
“Welcome home, My child—well done!”

Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown—and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ Name.

-- Kittie Suffield, Public Domain

Stormy weather

Several of my readers responded to yesterday's TFTD about battle fatigue with notes that said - 'me, too!' The situations were different - relating to health, kids, jobs, marriage - but each writer identified with the weariness of soul that makes one want to run and hide! A couple of others wrote encouraging, loving notes that said, "Hang in there." So, there it is - empathy and encouragement. We are not alone, and we should not allow ourselves to think that we are. However, as important as the support and love of others is to us in times of stress and fatigue, nothing replaces faith in God! Submitting ourselves to Him, giving our troubles, our fears, our confusion, over to Him is the key to standing up under pressure, for when we trust Him, He gives us grace.

The power of a deep faith that produces a selfless life has been on display on our TV's this week. Have you noticed the response of the Amish Community in Lancaster, PA to the terrible (that's not a strong enough word) tragedy that a man full of hatred brought their way? That man entered one of their one-room school houses, took 10 little girls hostage, then shot them, killing 5 and leaving 4 others critically wounded. If that had happened in New York City, can you imagine the scenes of furious people demanding more police, blaming the Mayor, screaming for revenge? But, the Amish, who live simple lives that actively pursue surrender to God, are choosing forgiveness even as they mourn. That response mystifies many, but it challenges me to think about my demand that God make my life easier! When unexplained events bring less than happy circumstances my way, will I strike out at God, at others? Will I become bitter and hateful in my demand for pleasant ways and easy days? OR, will I let God be God, and trust Him with those situations for which I have no explanations?

As I read the Word today, the text spoke to me. It is a simple story that the Spirit applied to my stormy heart and mind. Here it is. Read it carefully and do not let the familarity of the passage cause you to rush through it. "One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. On the way across, Jesus lay down for a nap, and while he was sleeping the wind began to rise. A fierce storm developed that threatened to swamp them, and they were in real danger. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” So Jesus rebuked the wind and the raging waves. The storm stopped and all was calm! Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” And they were filled with awe and amazement. They said to one another, “Who is this man, that even the winds and waves obey him?”" (Luke 8:22-25, NLT)

In Mark's account of this event, we are told that Jesus stood up and spoke to the storm - "Peace, be still!" Then He turned to the men who moments before were filled with terror for their lives and asked, "Why are you so afraid? Don't you have any faith?" For me that passage makes me feel comforted and challenged - both an "Oooh!" and an "Ouch!" The comfort comes from the Lord's ability to calm the storm in my life. The challenge, the ouch, comes from His rebuke to my small faith that fails to trust Him at the height of the tempest.

"Lord, increase my faith," is my prayer. I admit that I pray it with some reluctance because I know that the trials and tests of life are what produces deep faith. If we would move beyond our love of the world- grow out of our preoccupations with trivia, celebrities, sports, and such things - we must be willing to let the storms blow. We must be willing to follow the Lord into places and situations that are not of our own choosing. There, where we are desperate, where we are beyond the illusion of being masters of the universe, we learn who God is and thus, to trust Him fully.
______________________

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart:
wean it from earth, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,
and make me love Thee, as I ought to love.

Hast Thou not bid us, love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own - soul, heart, and mind, and strength?
I see Thy Cross, there teach my heart to cling,
O let me seek Thee, and O, let me find!

Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh,
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear;
to check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

Teach me to love Thee, as Thine angels love;
one holy passion filling all my frame.
The baptism of the Heav'n descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Thy love- the flame.

- George Crosby

Battle Fatigue

Soldiers who are part of combat for prolonged periods of time often develop battle fatigue, also called PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), or shell shock. Characteristics of this mental state include psychological numbness, hyper-awareness, rage, and reliving situations of extreme stress as though they are happening again. Every war leaves men and women scarred in mind and spirit, but we are now discovering that wars without a front - like Vietnam, and now, Iraq - where soldiers never know exactly who the enemy is or where he will come from, produces higher percentages of battle fatigue.

I think I've been feeling a little battle fatigue lately in the spiritual conflict! The Enemy keeps popping up - here, then there - bringing suffering and difficulties to so many lives that touch my life. Cancer, divorce, discouragement, love of this present world, apathy... are just a few of the sins and problems that people have brought to me in recent days. When I add in the barrage of news about depravity that has been on the tube lately, I occasionally feel the urge to run for the hills. Thoughts like - "God, I can't take it anymore. I can't stand another story about the impact of sin, about depravity, about selfishness, greed, or hatred. Is it a 'winnable' war, Lord?" - tumbled through my mind on Monday (my weekly day off from my church duties) while I was riding the lawn tractor and thinking about the 'stuff' of life. God's answer to me was not what I expected. Over the roar of the mower's engine, the Spirit whispered in my heart, "What made you think it should be easy?"

The Bible has many reminders that make it quite clear that our commitment to Christ is one requiring endurance and toughness! Timothy, a young pastor in the early church, met with opposition and apparently was suffering from battle fatigue. Paul, inspired by the Spirit, kicked him in the seat of the pants with this challenge - "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer." (2 Timothy 2:3-4, NIV) In another passage, he shifts the illustration to the marathon - "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, NIV)

Christians are called into conflict with evil - a war that has real consequence in both this present world and eternity. We are called to bring hope, healing, and the kingdom of God to our world even as we proclaim the Truth that prepares souls for eternity. Our Enemy attacks from all sides. Sometimes he finds accomplices from within the ranks of those we considered our brothers and they turn on us. Sometimes he is allowed to attack our bodies, which break down and betray us. And we know he is always at work in the world systems where he uses corruption, depravity, and deception in his diabolical mission of destruction.

Yes, of course, we wish for an "Easy" button! (You have seen the Staples ads, haven't you?) But, that is not the way God ordained life to be. Instead, He calls us into service, equips us with the gifts of the Spirit, and sends us to defend and expand the borders of the Kingdom of Heaven. Our efforts are not futile. The war is winnable in Christ's power.

So, "...we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God’s throne! So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up." (Hebrews 12:1-3, CEV)

Mr. Foley is in rehab

Former Congressman Foley's attorney announced that the man had gone to a rehabilitation center after his Internet communications with teenage boys about explicit sexual matters became public and forced his resignation from the House; and, his lawyer also told the media that Mr. Foley had mental health issues! I cannot debate whether the man is an alcoholic or mentally ill, but I find these excuses for malfeasance increasingly hard to accept. Just about every time somebody does something really stupid or very bad, they are deemed to have a medical or mental illness. The implied excuse is 'I could not help my actions because I was incapable of good judgment.' We have become the "Oprah" culture, where everyone is a victim, whose actions find this or that excuse.

Can we possibly accept that human beings just do very bad things because they are depraved creatures who have made sinful choices?

I own my actions, without blaming them on someone else or on situations 'beyond my control.' Here's the straight truth - I do not always do wonderful or noble things. I wish I did, but tragically, for myself and others, I am sometimes selfish, sometimes egotistical... and other things that I won't put into print! And I'm not intoxicated or mentally unhinged when I act in those ways. I have a flawed character; I am a man with a sinful nature that struggles to control me. Does the way my parents interacted with me have some effect on my choices? Yes, most certainly. Is that fact an excuse to act out on my baser impulses? No way! I am responsible for my choices. That said, I throw myself on God's goodness with desperation: "Save me, Lord, from myself!" I pray thus because I accept the Bible's declaration that the only thing that stands between me and some of those whose stories make it onto the TV news is the grace of God. I appropriate His grace liberally. It is only the powerful transformation of my heart and mind, the work of the Spirit of God, that keeps me from sin. The same is true for you, my dear reader. Face the truth, and cling to Jesus!

The paradox is this - in our confession of weakness we are made strong. When Paul prayed for release from his weaknesses, God spoke to him saying, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” Paul responded, "So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am." (2 Corinthians 12:9, CEV) We must never revel in our sins or make the mistake of thinking that we are free to disobey the Lord because of His great mercy. Instead, as we confess our need, we draw on His strength, and we are made new, given the freedom to say no to ungodliness and yes to holiness. Remember, too, that this process of being made holy is ongoing. On a daily basis we ask the Spirit of God to fill us, to overflow in us. Today's victory is cause for rejoicing, but tomorrow will bring new temptations. That is why we 'walk in the Spirit' receiving grace and mercy for each new day!

Ponder this passage of promise.

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." (Galatians 5:13-18, NIV)

Let's not join our victim culture, excusing our sins, blaming others for the things we have done. Instead, let's confess our sins and then receive His transforming grace. Pray for genuine holiness not merely superficial piety. At the Cross of Christ, find reconciliation to God.

Then, pray for the Spirit to work to change you from the inside out into the image and likeness of Christ. It is possible. Sinners can and do become saints - not by their own strength, not by rehabilitation, not because of restraint by will or law alone - but from knowing Christ.

Do you know Him? Is He Lord of your life today? Then let it show. And should you fail, find a place of humble prayer, own your sin, and be made new.

Glory to God!

The Reason

There is an oft-told story about a Life Saving Organization, which was started along the shore of the sea to rescue sailors in peril. When the first group of rescuers gathered, they were intense about their mission, serving in terrible weather without complaint, risking their own lives to venture out to souls in distress. With such fervor and excitement, it was inevitable that the LSO would grow, and with increasing numbers of members, the need to build a meeting house became obvious to all. So a functional building near the sea was built where life savers could be trained and rescued sailors warmed and fed when they were dragged from the sea.

The organization offered such a sense of camaraderie and mission that even more people joined up, but fewer and fewer actually made any rescues, preferring to offer their support and encouragement from the meeting house. Within a few years, the small house was deemed inadequate, so a large, commodious clubhouse was built where members could gather and enjoy each other's company with good music and dinner which always ended with a lecture about some aspect of rescuing lost sailors. The clubhouse continued to be improved, becoming quite comfortable, the nicest building in the community. Since rescued sailors were wet, dirty, and smelly - and their presence interrupted the great community events often scheduled in the clubhouse, the LSO membership decided that they would built a small annex apart from the clubhouse where the sailors could be taken and their needs could be met without bothering the LSO membership.

As the years past, the number of people who actually went out on rescues declined to the point that the club decided to terminate all rescue activities and, instead, to hire professional contractors to carry out rescues for them. Gatherings at the clubhouse became boring, though there were great stories about great rescues of the past, and lectures about life-saving, nobody actually did it anymore. The sense of mission that once galvanized the young was long lost. Membership began to decline rapidly and within a few decades, the LSO was nothing more than a big, old building on the edge of sea that was preserved as a 'historic' site.

Just in case you've not made the connection - the story is about the Church! We must not forget our core mission, which is to rescue people from the stormy seas of sinfulness, bringing them into the safety of the Kingdom of God. This mission is no less critical today than at any other time in history. Men and women are still lost - apart from the God who loves them - headed for an eternity of darkness and despair. Hell's fury still sows death and destruction in our world, often right at our doorsteps. We don't have to got to a far-off land, to a war zone, or into some hellish neighborhood to find evidence of the need for ongoing soul rescue.

An illustration of the need that exists all around us came to me as I watched 60 Minutes last night. It was a news magazine piece about "Bum Hunting," a phenomenon among teenage boys across America. Inspired by a series of videos called, "Bum Fights," which shows homeless men who are alcoholics and destitute engaged in all kinds of self-destructive behavior, the boys, often from respectable suburban homes, find homeless men (bums) and beat them purely for 'the fun of it.' The reporter said, "Across the country, packs of teenage boys are stalking homeless people and attacking them, shooting them with paintball guns, beating them with baseball bats, even dousing them with gasoline and setting them on fire. Over the last five years, at least one homeless person has been murdered each month, for no apparent reason." Who is in need of rescue here? The obvious answer are those helpless, homeless bums. But equally desperate, in a different way, are those young boys who think that beating, and some cases, killing a helpless, pitiful individual is 'fun.' (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/28/60minutes/main2049967.shtml)

I believe a whole generation of young Americans are in serious peril, adrift on a sea of sensuality and materialism, living without God, seeking meaning, purpose, and hope in things that can never provide them. So we must spend ourselves, give our resources, risk our comfort - to pull them from that stormy sea. And, that is just one place to carry out the soul-saving mission. Hundreds of other opportunities exist for those who will open their hearts to the Holy Spirit so He can inspire a new vision! Believer, we must not forget that Christ called us and saved us from sin so that we could become active members of His soul saving crew. He did not give us grace simply to make us rich, comfortable, and secure on our trip to Heaven.

Ponder the commission of Jesus. "Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, The Message)

____________________

Rescue the perishing,
care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity
from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one,
lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus,
the mighty to save.

Rescue the perishing,
care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.

Rescue the perishing,
duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor
the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way
patiently win them;
Tell the poor wanderer
a Savior has died.

- Crosby, public domain

A saved wretch

John Newton penned the now familiar line - "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!" Newton knew the depths of wretchedness. In his youth, he had gone to sea and over time became a captain, but not of noble ships. He plied the slave trade, carrying human cargo from their African homes to lands far away. Those ships were islands of misery and death with sick and suffering humans chained below decks in unimaginable squalor. Over this ugliness, Newton presided until he met Christ and experienced transforming grace, becoming a minister of the Church of England.

Some churches have taken to changing one word - 'wretch' - to 'soul.' I prefer to hold onto the 'wretch' word because it makes God's grace all that more amazing! What is a 'wretch?' My dictionary defines it as 'a deplorably unhappy person of base or despicable character.' No wonder some hymnals are taking the word out of the song. We moderns don't like to think of ourselves as wretched. We don't sin anymore, we just make mistakes. Wrong! Inside of every person lives a wretched sinful nature, which is inherited from Adam, the first in a line of wretches. Paul knew of the wretched state of humanity first hand, too. He spent years pursuing Christians to bring them, with whatever means necessary back to their senses. He even stood at the murder of Stephen, watching him die as stones thrown by hate-filled men pummeled that young saint's body. Then, he too, met Christ and experienced amazing, transforming grace.

Paul never forgot that his sinful nature was ready to make a re-appearance if given the least chance. He wrote, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24, NKJV) Then, praise pours from his being at the demise of the wretch and the appearance of the glorious man - "The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. " (Romans 7:25, The Message)

I awakened today with a strange mixture of wonder and revulsion in my heart - the dark outlines of the wretchedness at the edges of my life repulse me, but against that dark backdrop, there is glory all around, for am no longer just a wretch, but a saint saved by grace! I rejoice that the God of the ages, through Christ Jesus, would liberate me from wretchedness, not because of anything good thing I've done, but because He is so good and His grace so amazing.

Have you bowed your heard, and humbled your heart, recognizing your wretchedness? There is no need to remain in that unhappy state.
There is a Savior who gives new hearts and fresh starts to those who receive His amazing grace. He accepts wretchs and work a wonderful renewal of heart, soul, and mind!Yes, you and I will, from time to time, slip back into our wretchedness when we take our eyes off of Jesus. The sinful nature waits to assert the wretch in us.
But we need not wallow in the shame of our sins. Instead, we turn back to our God, and like the lost son, find the open arms of the Waiting Father.

Here's a word from the Word-
"We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory,
are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)

Shine brighter as you live in His amazing grace.
_________________________

Something Beautiful

If there ever were dreams
that were lofty and noble,
They were my dreams at the start.
And the hopes for life's best,
Were the hopes that I harbored,
Down deep in my heart.
But my dreams turned to ashes,
My castles all crumbled,
My fortune turned to loss.
So I wrapped it all in the rags of my life,
And laid it at the cross.

Something beautiful, something good;
All my confusion He understood.
All I had to offer Him
Was brokenness and strife,
But He made something beautiful of my life.

© 1971 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management - CCLI License No. 810055