A bowl of red soup, a cup of laughter

I belong to a group strangely named - P.I.P. - which stands for Pastors In Prayer. We gather a couple of times each month with no agenda other than to spend a couple of hours talking to each other and to the Lord. Most meetings are relatively small, just 4 to 8 middle-aged white male types who share a similar life experience and calling to pastoral ministry. Just like church, some meetings are better than others. Sometimes we just get together, pray rather perfunctory prayers, and go home. Sometimes are like yesterday's meeting. We had a hard time 'getting spiritual.' I don't know why, but we were in high spirits, making fun of each other's foibles, laughing at the 'stuff' that each of us is dealing with in our lives. Harry called us to prayer and read us some Scripture. As I knelt, I felt God, the Spirit, come near. When Chris prayed for each of us, by name, it was sweet to be lifted up. Later, we decamped to Enzo's for lunch. The company of friends and the cup of laughter made my bowl of red soup more satisfying than a full course meal.

Here's a curious thing. Every other Thursday, right around 11 am, things come up which make me think, "Maybe I should skip the PIP meeting today and take care of that situation." I am not much of a conspiracy theorist, but I am convinced that the Enemy of my soul tempts me to neglect this important gathering because he knows the strength and encouragement that I find in the company of other Pastors when we seek the Lord's face together!

All Believers need other Believers in their lives who understand and accept them, who can poke holes in their pretensions, and pray for them with true empathy. We need to be able to laugh and retreat from the work that piles up around us, not just in solitary pursuits, but in the company of our brothers. There is something godly and worshipful about sharing life at that level and then taking our cares to the One who sits on Heaven's Throne! That is why we read in the Word- "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)

Something has gone wrong with a kind of Christianity that thinks that a nicely ordered, and often rather impersonal, worship service is it! Yes, the corporate worship experience is a valuable time to learn the Word, to sing and pray together. But, we need a little group where we don't have to be polite and/or explain ourselves, where both our tears and our laughter are welcomed, where we are encouraged to stay in the race. Many of us are so committed to function and purpose, we fail to appreciate just how valuable it is to take time regularly to sit down and just be a brother or sister to somebody. The greater pressures in your life, the more stress you are dealing with, the more you need this kind of camaraderie. It doesn't just happen, either. Fellowship (a much over used word) requires that we make getting together a priority. It means we endure some meetings where the "it" factor is missing, where nothing seems to happen. It means that we work at building trust, that we set aside our images and get transparent.

Believer, I am convinced that in addition to all the programs of church; genuine Christianity involves time for sharing a bowl of soup and a cup of laughter. May God draw us together in the love of Jesus.
___________________________

Making your way in the world today
takes everything you’ve got
Taking a break from all your worries,
sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go where
everybody knows your name,
And they’re always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where
everybody knows your name.

You wanna go where people know,
people are all the same,
You wanna go where
everybody knows your name.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name
- Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

Grow up!

Three men sat at the table for Bible study at the county jail. One was about 35, another in his early 40's, and the third, around 55 years of age. They are just average guys, not career criminals. They have jobs, families, and mortgages. They were all in jail for the first time, locked up for the same offense - driving while intoxicated. In addition to sitting in jail for 6 months, they are facing 10 year suspensions of their driving privileges in the state of NJ. Each one of them told me that they were legally intoxicated when they were arrested, and, each one of them had an excuse. "Everybody stops for a couple of beers after work!" "After you drink a couple, you start to lose count!" "Even cops sometimes drive when they have had one too many." "My lawyer did a terrible job representing me." "A friend came into the bar just as I was getting ready to leave and I had a couple more beers." "Pitchers were being served for just $3. I just had to have two at that price." After listening to their stories, I asked this question - "Don't you have any responsibility for your actions?"

Blaming others when we get ourselves in a bad spot is a human trait as old as history. The opening chapters of Genesis record the Creation story - God's provision of a beautiful home for Adam and Eve where they had everything they needed and wanted for a good life. There was just one restriction - "Don't eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that stands in the center of the Garden!" The Deceiver showed up one day and asked, "Did God really say that you were not to eat from any tree in the Garden?" When Eve engaged him in conversation, she was making a mistake- one that proved spiritually fatal. She eventually chose to disobey God's command, presented Adam with her decision and he joined her in disobedience. When they finally were confronted by God - each pointed the finger of blame elsewhere. Adam told God, "It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it." (Genesis 3:12, NLT) Indirectly, he blames God! Eve, likewise, passed the buck, blaming the serpent deceiver. God would have none of it and, in the end, each player in the drama of sin, paid the price for participating. The Serpent was cursed, Eve was given the pain of child-birth and subservience to Adam, and Adam was left to deal with a world that frustrated his every attempt at work, weeds and thistles growing in his garden.

Then came the Second Adam! Jesus Christ came to reverse that Curse, to restore us to our destiny as God's own children. "To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son." (John 1:12-14, NLT) But to receive our inheritance of salvation in Christ, we must acknowledge our part in our sins, accept responsibility for our choices that lead us to disobedience, and ask God to forgive us for our rebellion - without excuse. Repentance is required! It is different from regret. Each of my friends in jail regrets getting caught, but none of them is ready to repent - to accept responsibility for what he did and to turn around and travel in the other direction!

We want God's peace and we want to know that He is providing for our every need - but many of us want these things on our own terms. We refuse to deal with our disobedience. We won't listen carefully to the Spirit when He calls us to change our ways. We're full of excuses and rationalizations for what we do, why we did it, and why we will do it again tomorrow. Jesus says, "Unless you repent, you will perish!" Believer, are you struggling with some sin in your life? Stop giving yourself a pass! Name it with the same name that God gives it - sin. Don't let yourself off the hook by pointing to your parents, your spouse, your neighborhood, your .... well, that list goes on ad nauseam!

Grow up and accept responsibility for change. And here is what God promises - "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) When we face up to our spiritual bankruptcy, Jesus steps in and says, "Let me pay the price!" And the Spirit comes with new life, which leads us into blessings we could not have imagined even existed when we were living in excuses for our sinfulness.

Ponder this word from the Word today as you give thanks.
"With that kind of hope to excite us, nothing holds us back." (2 Corinthians 3:12, The Message) "They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, The Message)
Thanks be to God. Amen.

Home Safe!

Around 1:30 pm yesterday the world learned that the Rev. Jerry Falwell, pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, had died. In later reports, comments on Falwell's political activism, his work in founding a mega-church and a Christian university, as well as replays of a couple of his more outrageous comments summed up his life. ABC News unkindly noted that Falwell had become a 'self-parody,' in other words, a joke. Through the years, his political pronouncements and his fundamentalism have elicited more than a few uncharitable responses from me, but giving credit where credit is due; I recognize that the Church lost a leader yesterday, a man who influenced millions, in 50 years of Christian ministry, to consider the claims of Jesus Christ. Jerry Falwell is now home safe, beyond the reach of critics, secured from the temptations of fame, power, wealth, and other worldly lures.

He met that inevitable appointment with his Lord yesterday and gave an accounting before the Judge whose evaluation matters most. There were just two issues addressed as Jerry Falwell stepped through that door that separates time and Eternity.
First, what did you do with the grace of Jesus Christ?
Second, were you faithful in the use of the opportunities that were provided to you?
As much as being the founder of Liberty University might matter here on earth, in Heaven it's just a footnote. Though many are impressed by Falwell's work in building a church that gathers thousands of worshippers each Sunday, in Heaven such works will be evaluated in the light of faithfulness. Even more than results, Christ desires faithfulness and diligence of His servants. What Jesus asked Jerry Falwell is what He will ask you and me: "Did you use the gifts and opportunities you were given in a way that was faithful and that honored of Me?"

Consider this passage - "Whatever we build on that foundation will be tested by fire on the day of judgment. Then everyone will find out if we have used gold, silver, and precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw. We will be rewarded if our building is left standing. But if it is destroyed by the fire, we will lose everything. Yet we ourselves will be saved, like someone escaping from flames." (1 Corinthians 3:12-15, CEV) Heaven will reveal some amazing surprises! Some who seemed giants here on earth will have little of lasting value in Heaven, while others who were invisible here will wear crowns of glory there. Only God truly knows the motives that fuel our daily work. What is done for Christ will endure His fiery gaze. What is done for Self and applause of men will burn away.

Live ready, dear Believer. None of us knows the hour of our appointment with Lord. You or I could be called home today. Is that thought grim or glorious to you? Our mortality need not be a source of fear for us. Our Heavenly reservation is secured by the blood of Christ Jesus. If we have received His grace, trusting in the Cross, 'though we die, yet shall we live!' I do not fear death for that reason. I am not excited about the process of dying, to be sure. "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (2 Timothy 1:12, NKJV) For that reason, I know that I will be welcomed into Heaven, home safe, on that Day. What I am responsible to do is to make the most of every opportunity to do the work of Christ Jesus. It should be our goal to complete the work assigned to us by the Spirit, to keep our accounts paid up, no debts - except the those of love - outstanding.

"It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort." (1 Corinthians 15:56-58, The Message)
___________________

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace,
In the mansions bright and blessed,
He'll prepare for us a place.

Onward to the prize before us,
Soon His beauty we'll behold,
Soon the pearly gates will open,
We will tread the streets of gold.

When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be,
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory.

- public domain

A little padding in the story?

I was reading the resume of an acquaintance recently. He made some claims that- well, let's say, didn't exactly reflect reality. If I had not known the person, his resume would have led me to believe he was much more experienced and accomplished than he actually is. So, everybody does it, right? Maybe, but "should it be done?" is the real question. Perhaps I am too cynical but because of the way that words are used, I tend to discount much of what I read and hear, thinking - "So, what really happened? What is the kernel of fact under the layers of padding?"

Hyperbole is not the problem. When a person says, "I've told you a thousand times!" we know what they mean, that their words are not to be taken literally. The problem is word inflation, which is just plain old dishonesty. It is everywhere around us. Candidates for political office say things that are full of fluff, just to impress. "It's so good to be here in NJ, the best state in the US. I always look forward to visiting beautiful downtown Newark." The audience politely applauds while thinking, "How many times have you said that this week?" Job titles are handed out that mean little in reality but that give the appearance of importance. Have you ever noticed how many assistant vice presidents there are in banks? Advertisers routinely mislead consumers, though carefully within guidelines that avoid legal repercussion. Last Fall, I took my grandson to McD's for a Happy Meal, which included a little toy. After a moment, he threw the toy down on the table in disgust. "What's the matter?" I asked. "It doesn't work like on TV!" he replied. Hey, little boy, welcome to the deceptive world.

Believer, we must not acquiesce to this trend of dishonesty. We must not fall into the trap of padding our stories. To do so is a sin. Jesus tells us "Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong." (Matthew 5:37, The Message) He made this statement while talking about vows and promises. Our word, He taught, is to be so trustworthy there is no need for us to buttress our truthfulness by saying things like, "I swear to God!" Those who follow Him should be so authentic, so transparent, that no one even thinks to question the truthfulness of what they say or wonder if there is any need to search for hidden messages. James, likewise, directs us to plain speech. "Since you know that God cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you." (James 5:12, The Message)

I want to encourage you to listen to your words today. See if you have developed a habit of inflation, even in the little stuff.
Do you exaggerate the tone of another's words?
When you speak of yourself do your words make no more, no less of the situation than is real?
Do you use language in a way that always shines the favorable light on yourself?

Aim for honesty. I am not suggesting that in the name of being real that we have to say hurtful, mean, or ugly things! There's a time for discretion which is expressed best by silence. Sometimes the best words are no words. Honor the Lord by refusing all forms of puffery, dishonesty, and fluff! Refuse to cultivate an image. Be the person God, in His grace, has called you to be, nothing more, nothing less.

"We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. " (2 Corinthians 4:2, The Message)
Amen

All for a buck!

"Don't do it, Dreamz." Irrationally, I was talking to a person on the TV, to a situation recorded months prior, trying to get him to be honorable, to do the right thing, which was so obvious to everyone outside the pressure of the Game. The show is "Survivor." Dreamz is a young, 'up the from the streets' guy, a savvy player in the game. Two episodes ago, he made a deal with another player, accepting a new truck from Yau Man as part of a deal that would take both of them into the final four. With a $million on the line, Dreamz faced a critical question. Would he keep his word, a decision that would cost him any chance at all to win the big prize, or would he just 'play the game?' Despite many on camera ruminations about the importance of setting a good example for his 2 yr. old son and keeping his self-respect, in the end, Dreamz chose to renege on the deal. His perfidy not only cost him his self-respect; it caused the rest of the show's participants to scorn him for the prize!

Why did I expect anything different from this kid? A whole lot of people fold on their 'convictions' in the critical moment, choosing self-interest over honor or morality. There are three big sources of temptation - pride, sex, and money! But, money (and/or material things) has a unique attraction. Money offers us the illusion of freedom and power, because with enough of it, to a limited extent we are able to fulfill our desires. How many times have you wanted more? The Bible hits the subject hard. Paul wrote to Timothy, a younger pastor, with this warning. "People who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:9-10, NLT) Please do not misquote, and therefore misunderstand, that passage as so many do! Money is not the root of many evils! The love of money is!

Is there evidence in your life that you love money or material things? Consider these questions.

When you're unhappy or upset do you want to go buy things?
Are you convinced that you would be really happy if you could just afford a new house, or a vacation, or a car, or clothing, or.... ?
When someone else succeeds in gaining wealth, do you envy him?
Are you always short on cash because you chronically spend more than you earn?

A 'yes,' on any one of those indicates a need to seek God's help to effect a change of heart, which leads to a changed behavior. Here's the truth. "True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8, NLT) If you're chasing money, striving to add to your pile of possessions by bending the rules, discarding moral choices, or neglecting the call of the Spirit; slay that dragon. Kill the love of money by choosing to give - sacrificially and frequently. Give your time to serve. Give things away. Share your resources. Don't wait until you have enough, you never will! Don't wait for the right feeling to come over you. If you only give emotionally, you will open yourself to manipulation and regret. Start to give now, with a plan, in a disciplined, God-honoring way. Become the owner of your things, not their slave.

The spiritual fact is that when we learn to give, and thus break the hold of money love, we become trustworthy servants that God can trust with leadership, influence, and greater resources.
Think I'm just making that up? Ponder this word from the Word today prayerfully.

"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Luke 16:10-13, NLT)

Let it get to you!

The woman on the phone was beyond heartbreak. The pain in her marriage was 'unbearable,' as her husband visited his anger on her repeatedly and subjected her to his sexual perversions. The family with the child with severe disabilities learned that any help they might receive with her care is years away and the prospect nearly crushed them. There was the interaction with the man who just didn't care about his soul, not at all. He brushed off all suggestions that he needed to know that Jesus was the Way. Then, there were the men at the table in the Bible Class at the jail who told about addictions and alcoholism that led them to being in jail, their families struggling, and their hopelessness growing. They told me about the struggle they knew they faced when they were released. The people with chronic illness called for prayer. It all got to me! What then? The spiritual, emotional, and physical needs drew me to talk with my Friend Who renews me, Who is the One that can make a difference for those who are lost in their own sin, who are hurting, who are hopelessness, who are spiritually apathetic. I sang my prayer, "Oh, Rock of Ages, hide Thou me. No other refuge have I but Thee! When life dark roads I wander, far, far from Thee, then I cry, Oh, Rock of Ages, hide Thou me!"

Believer, we must be willing to let the needs of the people around us get to us. We dare not shut ourselves off from the world, close our eyes to those who live next door, or play so hard that we are able to ignore the opportunities for ministry that are everywhere. Sometimes we are tempted to stop caring, aren't we? It is costly to care. It makes us cry, drives us to give time and money; yes, even our lives. But when we care, when we let the needs of others get to us, we are being like Jesus.

John's gospel tells about a time when Jesus took a trip with His disciples into Samaria, a region that most devout Jews avoided at all costs. He sat down by a well to rest, while they went into the village. A woman showed up at the well. Her life was a mess. Today we would say she was dysfunctional. Jesus listened to her, shared God's grace with her, and she was changed. Later, he told His disciples - "You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest." (John 4:35, NLT) He wasn't talking about grain! He was telling them to see the need of the people! Jesus let it get to Him! One more than one occasion, He is said to have been 'moved with compassion.' "Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers!" (Matthew 9:35-37, The Message)

We were not called by Christ into a 'bless me club.' God's grace was not given to us so that we could hoard it. He called us to Himself, gave us life and hope, and sends us out to let our hearts be broken - by the sinfulness of those who reject the living God, by the suffering that evil brings. If you will let your eyes see, let your ears hear, and open your hearts, the most amazing thing will happen. God will give you a passion for serving, and your tears (there will be tears!) will water the dry ground of the world around you. In serving others in His Name, you will experience a new grace, a deepening sense of purpose, and you will live with the approval of the Father.

Here's the commission of Jesus. Ponder it. Apply it. Live it.

"Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously." (Matthew 10:8, The Message)
_________________________________

Father of creation,
Unfold Your sov'reign plan.
Raise up a chosen generation
That will march through the land.
All of creation is longing
For Your unveiling of pow'r.
Would You release
Your anointing?
Oh God, let this be the hour.

Ruler of the nations,
The world has yet to see
The full release of
Your promise,
The church in victory.
Turn to us, Lord, and touch us;
Make us strong in Your might.
Overcome our weakness,
That we could stand up
and fight.

Let Your glory fall
In this room.
Let it go forth from here
To the nations.
Let Your fragrance rest
In this place,
As we gather to seek Your face.

Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your will be done.
Let us see on earth,
The glory of Your Son.


Let Your Glory Fall © 1993 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055

Give it up!

The controversial billboard that went up recently in Chicago displayed provocative body shots and this text line - "Life is short. Get a divorce." It was to draw business to a legal firm, and it worked! The appeal of the ad was to self-centeredness, to the idea that a person's happiness trumps all other concerns and commitments in life. Should we be shocked? I don't think so. Self-love is everywhere today, a basic part of this society. I see it even among Christians who should know better. Despite being loved by Christ and forgiven a huge debt of sin, I see this attitude on display often - "I did not get my way, so I am going to stir up trouble."

Yes, I admit that I struggle with egotism, and most likely, so do you. Take a moment to evaluate.
What is your response to an individual who cuts in line at the supermarket? Are you quickly irritated?
How do you respond to that driver who goes too slow, or who makes you brake abruptly? Do you yell in anger?
These are the small things, but a lack of grace in them, reveals the state of our heart.
When you do not get the credit you think you deserve in your ministry in the church or,
when your spouse fails to remember some significant moment in your life, how do you respond? Do you sulk or intimidate with anger?
When a change is made in your church that invades your comfort zone are you gracious or do you start to line up allies to force the perceived offender to 'do it my way?'

In his letter to the Corinthian Christians, Paul appeals to them to be unified, to give up their self-centeredness, to surrender their rights. His address to them is direct. They thought they were mature. They though that because gifts of the Spirit were abundant in their gatherings, they were all grown up. The apostle says otherwise. " Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? When one of you says, "I am a follower of Paul," and another says, "I follow Apollos," aren’t you acting just like people of the world?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-4, NLT) The sign of spiritual maturity is not speaking in tongues or exercising some other esoteric spiritual gift; it is living with loving concern for others and genuine unity!

In a subsequent chapter, Paul observes that the Corinthian Believers were so selfish, they were even suing each other in court. He tells them they are making a big mistake, then he hands us a challenge that only the mature can accept. "If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? . . . Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?" (1 Corinthians 6:4-5, 7, NLT)

Jesus reminds us that the way up is down, that the greatest among us is the one who is servant of all! Is that a popular message? Not at all. We are an upwardly mobile people. Many of us aspire to climbing to the top of the heap, thinking that when we have come to a place where people serve our needs, follow our agenda, march to our cadence - we have arrived! That is not the wisdom of God.

Prayerfully ponder this passage for a few moments. Let the truth penetrate.Then pray for grace to serve - with joy, as you give up your rights, without a moment's thought for your own comfort.

"Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all.

When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges.

Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11, The Message)

A life so lived will find this amazing commendation in Glory - "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter your Father's rest."

Christ as Lord?

Christian Century magazine (1/9/2007) reports that Americans 'have difficulty putting their remotes where their mouths are.' A poll commissioned by the American Bible Society and conducted by the reputable Zogby firm found that 85% of people say that they want less sex and violence on TV. They also said that they would like to see more religious values reflected in entertainment. Yet, at the same time, the Nielsen rating system showed that the top 10 TV programs in terms of audience share were those laden with sex and violence: Desperate Housewives, Criminal Minds, Grey's Anatomy among them. So are we (Americans in general) just hypocrites or have we created some kind of imaginary wall between what we profess to believe and how we act? Both are true.

All of us tend to talk a better line than we walk, don't we? By way of illustration consider this. Believers universally profess that prayer is an important part of the Christian life, and yet a majority of evangelical Christian pastors report that they spend less than 15 minutes a day in focused times of prayer! What does that sorry fact imply about the prayer lives of those people on the other side of the pulpit? Many intend to have better prayer practices than they do in reality. They are not trying to appear more spiritual than they are, which is truly hypocritical; they just neglect the important in favor of responding to the urgent! So some of the gap between faith and practice results from setting high goals, but falling short unintentionally.

I am much more concerned that some Believers have learned to bend their brains like pretzels claiming to be disciples of Jesus Christ and meaning it; yet at the same time, persist in actions that are hateful, selfish, greedy, and/or immoral! They 'believe' that they can simultaneously claim Jesus is Lord and serve their own agenda without being even vaguely aware of their lack of integrity! This is not about those momentary lapses into ungodly behavior in the heat of an emotional moment. This is about those ongoing choices that are clearly wrong, for which there is ample Scriptural guidance, that Believers continue to do despite knowing better at some level! Jesus pointedly asks - "why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46, NKJV) Separating faith from practice is an old, old sin. Isaiah wrote of God's lament over Judah 2600 years ago! "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Isaiah 29:13, NLT)

The results of this kind of hypocrisy are many. There is the lack of true joy in the things of God. A Believer whose daily life is filthy with sin cannot enjoy the Presence of a Holy God. When he comes to worship, he will feel only conviction and want to hide himself from the Spirit of God. There is lack of genuine spiritual power. The compromised Believer has no ability to be 'salt and light' influencing and preserving his world because the Spirit cannot operate through him. The hypocritical Believer disgraces His Lord! Though he may be unaware of the gap between his belief and his actions, others are - particularly those who are looking for a reason to refuse the Lordship of Jesus. So, when the talk is unmatched by the walk, they are able to point and say, "See, Christianity does not work."

How do we integrate our profession of faith with our daily lives?

First, we consecrate Christ as Lord daily! When I awaken in the morning, one of the prayers that I breathe is quoted from the Psalms. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, NKJV) Am I perfect? No! But I state to Him and to myself that He is Lord.

Second, we learn to think Biblically! Romans 12 calls on us to "Let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him." (Romans 12:2, CEV) Our minds need to be full of Scripture. We need to read the Word, hear the Word, pray the Word so that the values and principles of God's Truth become the foundation for our lives - in thought, and then in action.

Third, we become part of a holy huddle! When the football team steps away from the line and those men put their heads together for several seconds, they are getting the play from the quarterback, regrouping and getting ready to move the ball in a team effort. Living as a Believer of deep faith requires a team, too! "My friends, watch out! Don’t let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called "today." If you don’t, then sin may fool some of you." (Hebrews 3:12-13, CEV) Call out the best effort in each other. Get on the same page. Challenge one another to a high level of service.

Fourth, we kneel at the Cross! I cannot be holy by my best intentions, nor can you. We are 'made holy,' by Christ. So, day by day, we kneel at the Cross to be washed, to be renewed in our acceptance of a holiness that is not of our own making. The remarkable declaration of the Word is this - "For He (God) made Him (Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV)

Believer - let us live in the beauty of holiness, for God's sake. Amen.

Learning to Lean

A Gospel song says, "I'm learning to lean on Jesus! Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed; I'm learning to lean on Jesus." (Brentwood Music, 1976, John Stallings) That is not a position most people would aspire to, is it? We work to be self-sufficient, to feel 'in control' of our circumstances, don't we? But, I have learned (sort of!) that bluff and bluster, trying to appear more in control than I am, only makes me look foolish and, worse even, cuts me off from the very resources that I need. When I go to trusted friends and ask for counsel, my levels of stress go down, and I am better able to deal with life. When I bow my head before the Lord and admit my failures and weakness, He comforts me and often - in that very moment - reveals the next step.

Learning to lean on Jesus begins with the realization that we cannot save ourselves. Oh, how we try! Most of us, especially in the confidence of youth, believe that we can overcome our world by getting an education, with hard work, with commitment to moral principle, or in the accumulation of wealth and/or influence. Some succeed partially, for a time, if they are fortunate enough to have brains, brawn, or heritage that gives them a running head start. But, sooner or later, every person begins to grasp that his best efforts are futile. New problems arise for which he has no answers. The flaws in his character become too obvious to ignore any longer. The flood of human depravity that washes over the world reaches his own door in one way or another. Or, he is trampled by the stampede of time, which no one can stop. What then? Many come to despair in those moments. Others bravely stand on the deck of the sinking ship trying to ignore the obvious. Some escape into distractions of pleasure. Or, he looks up in response to the whisper of the Spirit which calls him to consider the ways of God!

Elijah, the mighty prophet of ancient Israel, after the day of his greatest victory when fire fell from heaven and the false prophets were defeated soundly, realized that he was no match for the sins of the nations. He ran to escape, but there was no relief, no peace, until God, the Spirit, found him. "When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he muffled his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave, and stood there. A quiet voice asked, "So Elijah, now tell me, what are you doing here?" (1 Kings 19:12-13, The Message) In the Presence of God, Elijah found strength. The great man grew even greater that day as he learned to lean more on the Lord!

There is a message that overcomes the world! What is that message? In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul says that the message is that Christ was crucified, buried, and raised to life - so that we can live in a dying world! "The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. . . . Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18-24, NLT)

So what is your challenge today? There are many - broken hearts, cancer, aging, people that fail us, sin in us that mocks our best attempts to reform ourselves, suffering, war, hatred, meaninglessness of life - need I go on? Perhaps you're at the peak of success experiencing none of those things. I rejoice with you - and I know - that, in time, the season will turn! Your challenge is dealing with the ego that trusts in its own strength! For all of humanity, the paradox is that the true strength to overcome is found in weakness. The Cross - a symbol of shame and death - becomes point where God's eternal power intersects with our weakness, where we find, by faith, His life that overcomes our death! So we embrace the Cross, listen to the Spirit, trust Him. And, we come to know that the pressure of life which seems to be crushing us to death, will lead us to know the life is is lasting and eternal, the gift of grace.

Here's a word to prayerfully ponder today. "He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:28-31, NIV) Learn to lean on Jesus, knowing that 'when you are weak, He is strong!'

"Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed; I'm learning to lean on Jesus."

Insurance or Investment?

An astute person buys insurance and makes investments. We purchase insurance coverage to assure our fiscal situation in the event of unforeseen situations - accidents, fires, or floods. We want to buy enough insurance, but we are foolish to buy too much. There is no need for me to pay for a $million policy on my home which is worth a quarter of that amount! I look for the policy that can be provided to me at the least expense by a reputable company. When I write a check to Travelers, I hope I never have to collect a return. It is a 'just in case' expense. An investment is much different. An investor puts a percentage of his income into financial vehicles that provide maximum return and minimum risk. He anticipates receiving his money back, plus some accrued interest, at a point in the future. When I send off a check to the company that manages my investments, I trust that they will manage the fund properly in a growing economy for my benefit. I retain an interest in those dollars, checking rates of return periodically, shifting ratios of investment to take advantage of opportunities which are presented.

Among church-goers I observe that some treat religion like insurance, making the minimum payment to assure security! They attend church, not with joyful anticipation of meeting with God, but with a sense of making sure they 'keep in touch.' They give offerings, perhaps even tithe (10%) not to joyfully participate in God's Kingdom work in the world, but because they believe that they are creating a store of Divine good will that forestalls tragic events in their lives, or at least, makes certain that they can ask for God's help when they need Him in a crisis. They are sadly mistaken, misled by human religiosity rather than spiritual truth! They find neither joy, nor the security they thought they were 'buying' with minimal outlays of their resources.

Then there those Believers who invest themselves in God informed by deep faith! The prospectus found in the Scripture assures a rich return on investment. They pour their resources into His work - worshipping, serving, giving - with joy, fully expecting that what they are investing will provide true wealth for their lives - present and future. And, they are right! Jesus gives this investment advice- "Don’t store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them." (Matthew 6:19-20, CEV) In the middle of a talk about generosity of heart that reaches beyond money, Jesus promised this - "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (Luke 6:38, NLT)

Those who are invested in Eternity, live differently and at peace, for their mind is secure and their heart is connected to the One who is now managing their life treasure. Their wealth, their health, their happiness, their children, their sense of purpose are all secured - not by Merrill Lynch or Morgan Stanley, but by Jesus Christ! If you think I am mistaken, read the words of Paul which he penned to Timothy, near the end of his life, from death row in Rome. He is not in despair, nor does he express regret for putting his entire life under the management of Christ. "I am not ashamed, (embarrassed by my present circumstances) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (the Day of Judgment)" (2 Timothy 1:12, NIV) "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8, NIV)

Here's the question -
How do you think of your Christianity, as insurance - minimal outlay to secure present wealth the in event of catastrophe;
or as an investment - maximum participation with assured return in Eternity?

The way you live will be radically different, depending on your point of view!
______________________

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord to Thee.
Take my hands and let them move,
At the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my love, my God, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Take My Life And Let It Be

© Public Domain CCLI License No. 810055

Really loving?

A few years ago there was a bumper sticker with this sentiment- "Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty!" Jesus has a much better idea. He calls on all of us who have been invested in by His love, to be deliberately and consciously loving, in a calculated attempt to share His beauty with our world! We are not to love because a sense of duty. We are to generously love others because "He loved us first." We are told that when we experience Jesus' love; we will forget ourselves and serve others with delight. "Do this," Jesus says, "and you will find a new, rich life!" Paradox? No, not really. It is a spiritual principle of reward. "Lose your life for My sake," He said, "and you will find it." I thought I knew what that meant, until the Holy Spirit took me to the school of character again this week.

Betty (not her real name!) has lots of problems - health, marriage, financial, emotional - and probably others of which I am not presently aware. She calls the church office frequently, mostly because she is lonely, but always with a request. Sometimes she wants me to go and buy something she needs 'right now.' Sometimes she wants me to pick up a prescription. She often asks for groceries or wants me to arrange a ride for her to the doctor's office. Wednesday she called and asked me to go to the drugstore and get medical supplies for her that were, as usual, an 'emergency' need. Betty is oblivious to the fact that I might have any other responsibilities or prior commitments. I'd like to be able to report that I am so full of the love of Jesus that I always respond to her calls without complaint, but that would not be the truth. Yes, this week I made time to run the errand for her, but with much inner grumbling and some anger, which I expressed to no one but myself in my car on the way to her apartment to drop off her prescription.

Someone was listening to me blow off steam. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, "What if she were your daughter? What if she were rich and/or beautiful and/or famous? Would you resent doing this small act of kindness? Would you expect thanks in that case or would you consider it a privilege to serve her?" The justifiable shame I felt literally made me redden with embarrassment. A new realization flooded my mind and heart. Betty is God's daughter and, despite her limitations, is a person of incredible worth for whom Christ died. Was I so self-important that I would resent spending a few dollars and 20 minutes of my time to take her some things she needed? My internal dialogue took a whole new tone; first of repentance, and then of petition for the love of Jesus to be renewed in me. A few moments later, I stood at her doorway, listening to her whiny complaints - but different in attitude - really caring for her, praying for her, treating her with dignity produced by genuine Christ-like love.

Who tests your love? A lazy co-worker? That teenager in your household? A supervisor who is overly demanding? A neighbor who lets his dog run all over your yard? That beggar who bothers you in the train station? How difficult would be it to love them if you started to see them as a brother or sister, as a person of worth for whom Christ died? Words about love are quick to come to our lips. Songs of love are so easily sung. Genuine love serves people, not with condescension, but in a way that gives them dignity and respect. Love causes us to give up our 'rights' even when we are misunderstood or misused. Love refuses to take note of unkind words, causes us to extend ourselves to meet the needs of another even when it is inconvenient.

How do I know that? Because, our model for love is Jesus; and that's what Jesus did for me... and you. He left the Throne Room of Heaven to become one of Nazareth's common laborers, in a time when labor was back-breaking, without vacations or fringe benefits, or even aspirin to ease the muscle aches. Why? For love's sake alone! Hebrews says He became a full participant in this world so that He could our Priestly Intercessor - One who "understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do." (Hebrews 4:15, NLT) He embraced people who hated Him. He died 'while we were still sinners!'

Friend, I offer you my story about Betty, with an invitation to join the ranks of Heaven's Brigade of Loving Servants! You and I can change our world for Christ Jesus, not with clever use of technology, nor with techniques of psychological manipulation - but with expressions of sacrificial love.

Be encouraged to love with this promise made by our loving Lord."

Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. "Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’

"Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’

Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’ " (Matthew 25:32-40, The Message)

Open your heart!

Sean, my son, and I were talking about the church he has been attending for several months. He really likes it. The worship music is good, both from an engaging quality and in Spirit! The pastor is a good teacher and a man of faith. Their facilities are first rate. Sounds good, right? It is except for one thing - it is hard to 'fit in.' He has found that there is a tightly knit group at the core of the church that is really 'the church,' and hundreds of people who just attend without really forming a strong connection to the Body. As we talked, I was thinking about the church that I lead, wondering if that is the experience of people who join in worship at the Assembly.

It is quite natural for each of us to form attachments to people of similar interests, or educational background, or economic status, or age, isn't it? Once we have secured a place in a group that meets our social needs, we are apt to close the gates, content with our little 'four and no more!' Natural? Yes. Right? No! Believers, because of the love of Jesus Christ, are taught to have open hearts, to receive others with joy and acceptance. In addition to a personal relationship with Jesus, they are called to be people that love. One way this is expressed is in interest in others, our care for them, and our willingness to keep on adding others to our circle of friends. In Romans, Paul expounds on the grace of God for chapter after chapter. Then, as he closes the letter, he urges personal holiness. "Present your body as a living sacrifice to God!" He doesn't stop there! A further indication of the grace of God at work in us is our sense of community. "Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. . . . Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. . . . Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!" (Romans 12: 9-10, 16, NLT)

Genuine Christian love goes far beyond shaking someone's hand in the time of greeting at the beginning of the church service. It is more than being polite to people who are new. It is an active interest, a genuine concern for those who we might otherwise consider 'outside of our circle.' It does not 'just happen.' Genuine community is built intentionally by those who realize that because they are loved, they must love others. It takes time, requires an investment of ourselves, and involves risk. Some who enter the community of faith will be frauds, others will take advantage of the love, using it for selfish benefit. Others will bring spiritual gifts that enrich our gathering, perspectives that help us to grow and meet the needs of our community.

Are you a xenophobe [zěn'ə-fōb']? That is someone who fears foreigners or customs that are strange to them! Realize this - in the Body of Christ - there are no strangers! We are brothers. John reminds us to be "faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you." (3 John 5, NIV)

A repeated New Testament directive to Believers is about showing hospitality. Does that mean you have to create a big gathering, put on a feast, or spend a lot of money? No way. It is a call to an open heart that accepts others, that looks for ways to strengthen the Body of Christ, both in your local congregation and in the Church. So, open your heart. Discover the great, big wonderful family into which God has called you in Christ Jesus.

Here's a word to ponder -
"This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." (John 13:35, The Message)

"Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always "me first,"

Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, The Message)

Just-as-if-I'd never sinned!

We are very intent on justifying ourselves. In a counseling session I listened as a person who has spent much of her adult life abusing drugs blamed the world. She could not bring herself to say, "It was my decision to smoke, snort, and inject that stuff." Instead, she blamed her mother, her boyfriends, and just about everybody else in her life. I am sure her stories had an element of truth, but as long as she convinces herself that her addictions are not 'her problem,' her life will remain in disarray. For most of us it is as natural a response as breathing to point out why we were right to do what we did, to say what we said. It is a pattern as old as Eden, where Adam told God that "it was the woman you gave me that gave me the fruit!" She, in turn, blamed the serpent, "it deceived me and I ate the fruit!" Think of the various 'reasons' you present when challenged about some behavior. We blame bad parents, poor schools, our genetic heritage, co-workers, traffic, wives, husbands... the list is long, isn't it? When I was a teenager, Mrs. McDaniel often reminded our Youth Sunday School Class of her definition of a self-justifying excuse - "a skin of a reason, stuffed full of lies!" After 4 decades I can still hear her saying it, with all the passion she could muster, as she pressed us to be responsible people.

If you want to be right with God, throw away the excuses; forget about convincing Him that 'the Devil made you do it.' Real forgiveness starts with honest confession of our sins and failures - without excuses. The Bible says, "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." (1 John 1:8-9, NLT)

We look at the mess we've created with ill-informed, or selfish, or thoughtless choices and we say, "That's what I did. God help me!" The glorious truth is - He will.

In the book of Romans there is this passage that is packed with promise. Take a look.
"Now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:21-24, NIV)

God says that the Law of Moses defined the standard we were to live up to in order to be acceptable to Him. We failed miserably. Everyone does! Whatever distinctions of 'us vs. them,' that we might make in this world disappear when God shines the light of His judgment on us and we are found to be 'sinners.' What then? Should we blame our humanity or something else for our predicament? The passage says that the situation is not hopeless, because what I could not do for myself- get right with God - has been done for me by Christ Jesus.

When I respond in faith to His invitation, I am justified! No excuses needed. God declares my sins forgiven and erases the debt and guilt. Yes, as the old phrase says, I am new; just as if I'd never sinned!

Believer, are you wallowing in guilt? Are you still trying to excuse the things you have done that you know are wrong, sinful in the eyes of God and others?
Then, you are living far below where God wants you to live. Choose now to receive the invitation to be made whole and clean.
It is the way to real and lasting change, the only way to become genuinely holy, and therefore, pleasing to God.

Take this Word with you today. Meditate on it for a few moments.

"Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners." (Romans 5:1-6, NLT)
__________________________________

What can wash away my sins?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh, precious is the flow,
that makes me white as snow,
no other fount I know,
nothing but the blood of Jesus.

- public domain

The sky is falling?

The old story of Chicken Little amuses and warns us. In case you've forgotten, Chicken Little was walking one day when an acorn fell on her head. She assumed that the sky was falling and ran around spreading fear and chaos with her urgently repeated warning, born of misinformation. I am all for being aware, informed, and in touch. Part of me wonders, however, if we are falling victim to the hysterical voices warning of impending doom that is imagined, the result of wrong conclusions, based on misinterpreted facts. Yes, Americans eat too much and are overweight. Is this a problem or a crisis? Yes, we burn too much carbon based fuel and our actions are having a real impact on the planet, but are we really headed for the environmental cataclysm promised by some alarmists? Yes, there is a general spiritual malaise in America, but is Christianity actually on the brink of extinction as implied by some preachers and prophets?

I look back at 'the good old days' and do not see a better world! Looking back fifty years ago, we could conclude that America was a better place if we recall a few selected memories of intact families and , but it was a troubled time, too. America was living under the threat of nuclear annihilation, the governing strategy being a stand-off between nuclear powers called "Mutual Assured Destruction," with the very apt MAD acronym describing it. Black Americans still lived in segregated communities as second class citizens. Many churches were full, but as many were in the grip of the culture, almost completely silent in the face of societal sins, using the Gospel of Christ to provide a nice gloss over the excesses of American culture.

Here's the truth. Every generation faces its challenges, deals with its own sins, and has important decisions to make. There are factors that converge - such things as wars, natural disasters, political leadership, and spiritual influence - that effect the flow of history for a time. Some choices are made well and even help to set the stage for the success of the next generation. But there is also the law of unintended consequences! Decisions are made, using the best information available at the time, based on the knowledge available, that prove to be disastrous 50 years later.

What we all need is a healthy dose of humility that acknowledges our limits of knowledge, power, and control over life. King Solomon was right. He wrote, "The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, The Message) This kind of life is blessed with courage to face today's challenges, with the wisdom of God that leads to the best life, and - best of all - with His eternal approval.

Here's a word to take with you today.
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and
wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes."

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."
(Psalm 37:3-7, 23-24 NLT)

The only lasting hope

"American Idol Give Back" - was the theme of the TV program last week. In a 2 hour long special, the producers took us to various places where they saw human need. They visited the people still living among ruins in New Orleans. They visited some kids in a youth center in a poorer section of Los Angeles. Simon showed that he was actually human when they visited a couple of places in Africa that are reeling under the effects of poverty, where people are dying at terrible rates from AIDS. With various celebrities urging us on, while the pictures were tugging at our heart, Americans responded by contributing $30+ million for relief projects.

I am glad, very glad, for that kind of generosity, but I also know that eliminating poverty and suffering requires more than dollars! We like to think that these problems are the result of a lack of resources or education. If they are, then we can take care of them. It is simple, right? If an African child is just taught to read and write, he have a happy life. Wrong! Poverty and human suffering is frequently the result of multiple needs, and these things will be changed only when we bring Jesus Christ and His Truth to the situation! For example, economic prosperity requires many ingredients - a capable work force, an economic system that rewards hard work, a system of laws that protects the powerless from exploitation by the powerful, a stable government that provides a climate that encourages long-term investment, etc. Just pulling one string by giving a few dollars to educate a single child, as admirable as that might be, does not unravel the knot of human failures and sins that put that child in harm's way in the first place.

The Gospel of Christ changes individual people, which in turn, changes cultures! When His truth takes root in the hearts and minds of people, they are transformed. They learn to love others which leads to respect. They learn the value of individuals which leads to human rights. They learn to respect the rule of law because they believe in a ultimate Judge to whom we will all give account.

That is why, friend, I spend my life in the work of God. I believe that the only Hope for humanity is in Jesus Christ; starting with my own family, reaching to my neighborhood, extending to my nation, and touching every part of this world. I know He transforms alcoholics with broken lives into faithful husbands and hard-working citizens; I have seen His Gospel work. I know He changes selfish bigots into loving philanthropists, for I have seen it happen. I know He can take a self-absorbed man seeking only his own success and make that man into someone who loves others deeply because He changed me!

Here's what the Word says - "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (Titus 2:11-14, NIV) Know it, Believe it, Live it! The gospel is not just a Sunday morning experience. The gospel is the foundation of 'life to the full.'

Ask the Spirit of God to convince you of this, dear friend. As wonderful as humanitarian acts are, unless they are connected to transformational truth, they are only a mirage of hope. Jesus Christ creates genuine hope, of life now and life in the world to come. Once convinced, become a sharing of truth - loving others to wholeness for God's sake.

Yes, this is our commission from our Master, Jesus, who said- "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: 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 28:18-20, The Message)
____________________________

My hope is built on nothing less,
than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus' Name.

On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand,
all other ground is sinking stand!
- public domain

Focused by Fear

Many years ago, we cared for John (not his real name), who was a foster child in our home. That little boy was fearless. Because he could not, or would not recognize dangers, big or small, we had to constantly monitor him. Despite our best efforts, he was constantly injuring himself, with falls, scrapes, and burns. Fear serves a very useful purpose in our lives, helping us to avoid harm and/or to respond to potentially dangerous situations with strength. When we perceive a threat, our muscles tense; perspiration flows, as a rush of adrenalin prepares the body for fight or flight. It can happen in a moment. Then, too, there is the kind of 'fear,' more of a stress response actually, that helps us to focus our efforts. After years of preaching, I still experience tension on Sunday mornings. Both physically and emotionally I become focused before I stand up to speak to the congregation. I tune out most distractions, forget about aches or pains, and prepare to do what is important for that moment.

Take a look at what David wrote about those who lose their fear of God. "Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are. Everything they say is crooked and deceitful. They refuse to act wisely or do good." (Psalm 36:1-3, NLT) Like little John who did not perceive the danger of a hot dish or an open stairway, those who lose their fear of God do not grasp that their choices are bringing destruction and death their way. Proverbs reminds us that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." (1:7, NIV)

Some of you are thinking, "But isn't God a loving Father?" Yes, God is gracious,loving, and "patient ... not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9, NIV) But He is still God, always just, and perfectly holy. Those who abuse His grace and refuse His mercy, will be disciplined and, if they persist in disobedience, destroyed. A high view of God's attributes is important to building a deep love, faith, and trust in Him that creates a desire to live a holy life before Him.

Have you ever watched a weak, ineffective father try to provide guidance to his children? In that situation, even a little child quickly realizes that his Dad is all talk, no action. That two year-old will throw a tantrum, slap, kick, and be generally obnoxious for he has no fear of parental authority. Watching a parent who has lost the respect of his children saddens me for inevitably the results are not good! Am I making a case for child abuse, for a father's roaring rage? Of course not! A father gains respect by being fair, firm consistent, and willing to take action. In the long run, children who live in a home where there is that kind of discipline need less correction, for their 'fear' of the parent is a deterrent to disobedience. There is less nagging, less stress, less yelling where loving parental authority has created deep respect. A good parent projects wisdom that invites their child to submit to their guidance. Early, the wise parent teaches their little one to trust and obey, because that is the best way to avoid danger and harm.

The parallels to the Christian life are many. If we Believers are taught only the grace of God, if we only learn of Jesus, as our Friend,but not as our Lord; we will lose the awe and respect that motivates us to subjugate our will to God's will. We will see no need to let God own us (a definition of being holy) because we will trivialize His demands. Passages like Isaiah 6 need to be read often to help us to understand the majestic 'otherness' of God, that He is not a man! The prophet wrote: "I had a vision of the Lord. He was on his throne high above, and his robe filled the temple. Flaming creatures with six wings each were flying over him. They covered their faces with two of their wings and their bodies with two more. They used the other two wings for flying, as they shouted, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord All-Powerful! The earth is filled with your glory." . . . Then I cried out, "I’m doomed! Everything I say is sinful, and so are the words of everyone around me. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord All-Powerful." (Isaiah 6:5, CEV) The LORD did not abandon Isaiah to that despair. He cleansed him of his sinfulness and commissioned to go out powerfully under the Spirit's anointing with a message of hope and restoration to the people.

Is your God big enough to fear? Is He worthy of awe? Is He able to guide and keep you?
The God of the Scripture is all that and more, much more! The better question is, do you know Him in His fullness, or have you only glimpsed a part of Who He is?
Recover a true fear of the Lord based on the full revelation of His nature and character in the Word. No, that will not be a terror that makes you cringe and hide. Rather, you will feel a deep sense of awe that causes you to tremble, to love Him, to serve Him in holiness.

Here's a word from the Word. Meditate on this truth today.
"Have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness." (Hebrews 12:5-10, NLT)

Who owns you?

On the ring finger of my left hand is a gold band, set with small diamonds, that is well-worn after 32 years! It makes me a marked man. That little symbol declares that Jerry is married, that his affections belong exclusively to Bev. The ring never comes off for it is a constant reminder of the vows we exchanged - to blend our lives in an interdependent relationship. The integrity of our relationship is one of the aspects that makes our marriage fulfilling and joyful. I am owned by Bev, she is owned by me - but neither of us feels enslaved. Our mutual commitment provides security. Our lives are connected in such a way that "me" is replaced by "we;" every decision made to benefit the "Jerry-Bev" unity that was created when we pledged ourselves in holy matrimony on the evening of January 10, 1975. Our marriage is not a legal contract. It is a sacred covenant. We "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:21, NLT)

I have to confess that there is another that owns me, too. My life is devoted to that One, the highest priority given to the will of the One to whom I belong. Yes, I am owned by God, a man with an obligation to seek, to know, and to do the will of God for I am called to be holy! I once thought that being holy was the observance of a lot of prohibitions. To be holy, so I believed, was to observe a strict moral code: No "R" rated movies, no alcohol, no "questionable entertainment," no use of tobacco, etc. Most of those rules were not necessarily all that bad as they provided me with good guidance for my behavior, but they were not what made me holy for they only defined the way I acted, not the way I thought! I came to understand, as I grew spiritually, that I am holy, not because of what I do not do, but because I belong to God - heart, soul, mind, and body! That is the essence of holiness.

My wedding band makes the statement that I am a married man, but fidelity to my wife comes from thinking of myself as a married man, keeping my eyes and my thoughts, as well as my body faithful to Bev. True holiness is not just an external conformity to a code of conduct, it is a way of life that grows out of the knowledge that I am not my own person any longer, that I was 'bought at a price,' by Christ Jesus who gave His life to own mine. Here's how the Word expresses it: ". . . we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:16-18, NLT)

While some think of holiness as constricting and limiting their self-expression, the Word says that holiness allows us to enjoy God's provisions. As we give ourselves to Him wholly, He accepts as 'sons and daughters.' How amazing is that? When we live in holiness we reap the benefit of "life and peace," and we gain the privilege of addressing God as "Abba," - yes, familiarly as "Dad." More than that, we are included God's covenant, becoming heirs, with full rights and privileges to the wealth of Heaven! (See Romans 8)

The Evil One attempts to convince us that fidelity to God, giving ourselves to a single-minded pursuit of His will, is a sure way to misery. So many Believers buy into the lie that true happiness is found in self-expression. They want Jesus to be their Savior, but not their Husband! But when they try to serve two loves, they are not able to know peace for they are torn and divided. "Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do." (James 1:8, NLT) Is that where you're living today? Are you trying to blend the love of this present world with a love for God? Believe me when I say, you're robbing yourself!

Give yourself - without clause, without reservation - to God! Surrender to Him. You will discover a life you did not know was possible.

"So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:1-2, The Message)

Amen!
_________________________________

I'm calling out to You
There must something more
Some deeper place to find
Some secret place to hide
Where I've not gone before

Where my soul is satisfied
and my sin is put to death
and I can hear Your voice
and Your purpose is my choice
as natural as a breath

The Love I knew before
When You first touched my life
I need You to restore,
I want You to revive

Could You place in my heart,
A passion for Jesus
A hunger that seizes
my passion for You
My one desire,
my greatest possession
My only confession,
my passion for You

Passion for Jesus --Brian Houston
CCLI License No. 810055

Source of Significance

Mary Kay Ash, the founder of the cosmetics company that bears her name, says "Everyone has an invisible sign hanging around their neck saying, 'Make me feel important!'" Is she right? To a degree, yes. We all like to know that we are valued. Are we egotistical? Perhaps. Are we self-centered? Sometimes. Mostly we desire to be connected to others, to have a place in this world. Where Ash goes wrong is in implying that others can provide that sense of place for us. People whose words and actions declare, "It's all about me," quickly offend others. If we insist that others 'make me feel important,' we will become a very difficult, emotionally needy, unpleasant person to be around!

"But, Jerry," you object, "doesn't everybody love getting an award?" Sure, we do. That is why Mary Kay Ash provides those famous pink Cadillacs to those women in her sales organization that are high producers! People will work hard to win praise. Even my wife's first-graders strive to get a certificate that officially declares they are the best crayon artist in the class. But, there is a big flaw in making recognition and awards the source of significance in our lives. Someone will come along, sooner rather than later, who does it better and they will get the prize. What then? Are we worthless because we are not 'number one?' Awards do not prove our personal worth. In fact, they say nothing about whether we are a good, honest, loving, faithful, or godly human being - factors that are much more important in the larger scheme of life.

The paradox is this - in true self-effacing service we find the deepest significance. When we stop calculating the benefits that might accrue to ourselves and begin to serve others lovingly; our lives take on a spiritual and emotional health that makes us really attractive people! That person who ascends the hill of success by climbing on the backs of others, who turns every situation into a "I win, you lose" competition, who is always writing news releases to announce his accomplishments reveals the shallowness of his soul. His insecurity locks him into a defensive posture that blocks the very kind of affirmation he is so desperately desiring. The person who creates mutually beneficial networks, who helps other succeed by mentoring and empowering, who liberally praises the achievements of those around him, and who does his work without fanfare becomes a person with a strong safety net of soul-affirming connections.

Jesus taught this lesson again and again in different ways. One time the men he was preparing to lead the Church were fighting about their relative importance. When Jesus realized how much this mattered to them, he brought a child to his side. "Whoever accepts this child as if the child were me, accepts me," he said. "And whoever accepts me, accepts the One who sent me. You become great by accepting, not asserting. Your spirit, not your size, makes the difference." (Luke 9:47-48, The Message) On another occasion when the mother of James and John came to Jesus asking for a place of high position for her sons in the Kingdom, Jesus surprised them. "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28, NLT) Why do we love Jesus so much? Because He loved us so selflessly!

He points the way to a life that wins the only approval that matters - that which God gives. "He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:38-39, NKJV)

Does your life send mixed messages? Are you saying, "love me, affirm me," while standing there with your fists clenched, daring anybody to try to take away your stuff? Are you building fences around yourself trying to hang onto a little place of importance and then wondering, "why do I feel so isolated from others?"

Let Jesus love you! Open your arms to embrace others. Tear down the fences and give your stuff away, trusting God to take care for your needs.

Amazingly, the less you care for yourself, the more deeply you will find yourself cared for!
_____________________________

Make me a servant,
Humble and meek.
Lord, let me lift up
Those who are weak;
And may the pray'r
Of my heart always be.
Make me a servant.
Make me a servant.
Make me a servant today.

Make Me A Servant - Kelly Willard
© 1982 Maranatha! Music (Admin. by The Copyright Company) / Willing Heart Music (Maranatha! Music [Admin. by The Copyright Company])
CCLI License No. 810055

The Family Name

More than a few times in my life, particularly in my teens, one of the reasons I did not give in to peer pressure to do some stupid thing, was that I heard the echo of my Dad's voice in my mind, "You're a Scott. Take care of that name." Somehow he imbued me with a sense of family honor. It was not that we were some kind of royals, or that I was aware of long-standing family traditions, or even that I had emotional connections with a long line of ancestors. Family honor was a powerful factor to me because my family defined my place in this world. I was loved and accepted, nurtured, and taught by parents who, in the middle of their own challenges, made sure that our family was a solid base. Home was inviting. My successes were celebrated, my bruises healed there. Our table was the center of our social life as we shared much more than food when we sat down together most every night for dinner. We worshipped together always and so it became a matter of importance to me to honor those who formed my sense of identity.

Today, I feel that same sense of love for and honor of the family of God! Many times when temptation comes my way, one of the deterrents to giving in, is the sense of dishonor that my sin would bring to my Lord and to His family, the Church. God has adopted me as His son, given me a name, and included me in His family. His love is shaping me into a person I could not otherwise be and He gives me an identity in this world. My response should not be any less than to love and honor Him. Peter, in his first letter to the churches, talks about our place in God's great family. He says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, . . .you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God." (1 Peter 1:3-4; 2:9-10, NIV)

Believer, you and I are given the family name. Other people will judge God based on the way we live. If we are loving, good, and kind; they will conclude that our Father has given us a noble heritage. If we are miserable, ungrateful, and full of insecurities, they may well conclude that God is not worthy of trust, for it will appear that He has cared for our basic needs in life! Peter's conclusion is "Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. Then on the day of judgment, they will honor God by telling the good things they saw you do." (1 Peter 2:12, CEV)

We honor God by living holy lives.

Holy? Yes! Holiness is not a bad word. It goes far beyond our moral choices, much deeper than what we eat or drink, or how we dress! It means that we understand that we belong to God, that we have no higher purpose in life than to discover and obey His will. True holiness - the sense that we belong to God as members of His family - is a beautiful thing, a powerful motivator to good works that honor the One who called us 'out of darkness and into His glorious Light.' Let God write His Name on your heart. Receive the adoption of the Spirit and with His Presence, a new identity. Then, live to honor the Name.

". . . make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him. Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you—they are totally useless! The Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people." (1 Samuel 12:20-22, NLT)

God rules!

People greet me with that common question - "How are you?" I often reply, "Marvill-ious!" The silly, made up word catches them off guard and, after a couple of seconds of trying to figure out what I said, they smile. Even when I am inwardly struggling with some situation in life, I attempt to be 'up,' encouraging, and optimistic. By nature, I am a melancholy individual, and sometimes I excuse my negativity by labeling myself a 'realist.' But I know the value of choosing to be optimistic, of focusing on hope in every situation. Emotions are infectious and I want to 'infect' those around me with hope, with God's help.

Harold Myra writes; "Optimism is not living in a fantasy world where nothing tragic ever happens. Vital optimism is a confidence that tragedy is not the last word, that the best is yet to be. Optimism is being able to acknowledge brutal realities and to point to an even greater reality - that our experiences are not in vain, our responses are not futile, and our efforts are worthwhile. For Christians this kind of optimism is linked to an abiding trust that history is going somewhere and that God... is powerfully directing it."

Those of us who love and follow Christ have great reason to live with optimism. Yes, we live in a world where terrible things happen. I read the newspaper and watch the news, too. I work with people who, from time to time, deeply disappoint me. Sometimes I miss my goals, and I fail God and others. But disappointment, failure, - yes, even death - are not the last words for the Believer. God's amazing promise is that He is the Restorer of the broken, the Healer of the bruised, the Lifter of my head!

Romans 8 is a wonderful passage where Paul speaks of the glorious hope of the Believer. He says that sometimes we groan under the pressures of this present world, but that even then the Spirit shares the load, praying for us. He reminds us that God has called us to His purposes and that nothing can ultimately frustrate God's will! His conclusion is a resounding shout of hopeful faith, a reason for optimism that has no equal. Take a look. "None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." (Romans 8:37-39, The Message) Those who love Jesus can sing in the darkness, not because of bravado, but because of promise. They are not just 'trying to look on the bright side,' they actually know that behind the cloud, the Son shines!


The story is told of a man walking along the shore where starfish lay scattered, washed in by the tide. He was picking them up and tossing them back into the ocean, when someone questioned the rationality of his actions. "What do you hope to accomplish? There are so many, you could never throw them all back." His reply, as he prepared to toss another back into the sea was, "But, this one will live!" That is exactly the attitude we need to sustain our faith in the face of challenges that appear overwhelming. Sometimes we just need to trust God just for this day. We need to let the smallest achievement become a reason for celebration.

As you begin a new week, purpose to live optimistically, drawing on a deep reservoir of faith that is inspired by the promise of God and the Presence of the Holy Spirit. Grasp hold of the hope to which you were called in Christ Jesus. Lay claim to His promise that He is greater than anything in your life today. Choose to be 'marvillious!'
"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." (Psalm 23:6, NIV)
____________________

How firm a foundation,
Ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith
In His excellent word!
What more can He say
Than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge
To Jesus have fled?

Fear not; I am with thee.
O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God,
I will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee,
And cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious,
Omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters
I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow
Shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee
Thy trials to bless,
And sanctify to thee
Thy deepest distress.

The soul that on Jesus
Hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not
Desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell
Should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never,
No never forsake.

How Firm A Foundation-
Keith, George / Steele, Anne / Rippon John / Funk, Joseph© Public Domain