Wow'em!

Beauty abounds in God's Creation. From the colors splashed on the sky, to the span of the view from a mountain peak, to the mesmerizing song of a waterfall, to the engineering of the crystals of a snowflake, to the stupendous variety in aquatic life... the list of places to be awed in Creation is long. God loves beauty; not the plastic perfection we are trained to admire, but the truly awesome of grand design. Those who love and serve His purposes in this world are commissioned 'make all things bright and beautiful!'

In the 5th chapter of Ephesians there is an extended passage that compares two ways to live- one ugly, the other, beautiful; one the result of sin, the other the work of God. The opening lines are our commission. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love." Imitators of God! Co-creators of beauty, beginning with our own hearts. The passage calls us to set aside immorality, impurity, and greed. "Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." The Spirit urges us to reject the emptiness of drunkenness that deceives us to think of the coarse, the base, and the ugly as beautiful! "Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Take a look at the aim of the Lord in loving us! "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." (Ephesians 5, NIV)

• Are you bringing out the beauty in life by using your creative gifts, by loving deeply, by being the one-of-a-kind person God asks you to be?
  
• Are you letting the Spirit transform you from 'glory to glory?'

Let me encourage you today to let the beauty of Jesus Christ shine through. Just as a true work of art creates a 'wow' factor in those who take it in, pray that God will make your life a work of divine art. Then, others will know what an awesome Designer you serve, for the praise of His glory.

Here's a word from the Word for your meditation. "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires." (2 Peter 1:3-4, NLT)
_______________

He gave me beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise
For the spirit of heaviness,
That we might be trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord,
That He might be glorified.

Beauty For Ashes
Manzano, Robert
© 1976, 1979, 1983 Maranatha! Music (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055

Beware of dogs!

Leonard Sweet, in his book The Gospel According to Starbucks (Waterbrook Press, 2007), asks - "Is God a reality to be experienced or a belief to be remembered?" He goes on to point out that the Bible is less a book about how people thought about God than it is a book about how people experienced God. It is not my intent to set doctrine and experience against each other as though one or the other is unimportant. However, we must not allow ourselves to fall into the error of making Christianity a creed only, just a set of rules and/or statements to be memorized. Christ Jesus is not just to be described, He is to be known- experienced as a real Person!

Paul warned that "the Letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." His reference was to the practice of those who took the First Covenant and substituted its rules for the living Experience of the Holy One made possible in Christ Jesus. The glory of Christianity is that God has given His Holy Spirit to live in us, allowing us to know Jesus Christ.
He writes, "Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me." (Philippians 3:1-12, NLT)

Paul's astonishing claim is that he was a master of doctrine. He even had applied the doctrines nearly flawlessly to his own life and yet he did not know God! Then, he met Christ, through faith, and came to experience the life offered to him by the Spirit. He was writing to the church in Philippi to warn them about certain teachers who wanted to turn the experience of knowing Christ into a set of rules for behavior, substituting puny attempts at self-righteousness with the authentic relationship with the Lord that came through Christ, by faith. With high scorn he says, "Watch out for those dogs!"

Sweet observes that "Authentic Christian experience is not playing praise music on your car radio or placing your body in a pew to listen to a sermon. Authentic Christian experience is the process... of growing into Christ. The world is not impressed that people attend church on Sunday mornings. If anything, such a habit is viewed as a quaint waste of time. But, imagine if every Christian in the world were living as a little Christ." A passionate, transforming experience of the living Christ tantalizes those who live around a living disciple, drawing them towards Christ, causing them to desire to share that experience. Who wants more rules for living? Who wants a holy nag adding to their sense of failure, heaping guilt upon guilt? Few, if any, seek more religion. But, we all crave an experience that gives Life!

Believer, do you simply know about Christ, or do you know Him?
Those who know Him, experience the renewal of the Spirit and are 'becomers' exchanging death for life, filled with the evidence of the Spirit's life. Here's a familiar passage about the fruit of the Spirit, paraphrased in The Message. As you read it, believe.

"But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives." (Galatians 5:22-25, The Message)

You are a priest!

One of the privileges that a Pastor enjoys is being part of the emotional moments, the crises of life, that happen to those he shepherds. A baby is born and we celebrate. A death occurs and we comfort. Marriage gets stormy and we counsel. Disappointment comes and we console. We share life and connect those we love with the One who loves them most. That is what Jesus modeled for us in His ministry! He did not run from people's needs. He shared their lives, stepped into the fears and tears and storms and joy and pain. His Presence made a difference and it still does!
In Mark, there are two stories of His compassion that show me the depth of His care.

• In chapter 5, we meet a woman sick for years who is too fearful to face Jesus so she just tries to touch Him. When she succeeded, her faith allowed her to experience healing. Jesus sensed the touch and when she came out of the crowd trembling with fear, He gently called her "Daughter!" and then told her that her faith was rewarded.
• Wrapped around that little drama, we meet a desperate father whose daughter lay dying. Jairus pressed Jesus to come to his home, but the delay on the way brought word she died. Jesus' words are so tender and challenging - "Don't be afraid, just believe!" And he saw his daughter restored.

An important part of being a shepherd of God's people is remembering that it's not about me, but rather about becoming a priest that connects people with the grace, peace, and wisdom of God. It's all about Jesus Christ! Never forget that, disciple. Don't get in the way of what the Lord wants to do through you, by thinking it's about you. Serving Christ and becoming a minister (and every Believer is a minister!) is not about giving you or me a sense of importance; it's not about providing a way to gain affirmation; and it's not about creating a list of wins and losses. It's about letting the Presence of Jesus Christ be known as we share life with others. The Word says, "The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less." (Colossians 1:27-28, The Message)

As you walk through this day, let yourself be touched! Take an active interest in the people you among whom you live and work. Connect them with Jesus and stand amazed at what He does for them.

Here's a word from the Word. I pray it challenges you to a renewed sense of ministry. ". . . for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9-10, NLT)
________________________

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds,
In a believer's ear;
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds
And drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded Spirit whole
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul
And to the weary, rest.

Jesus, my Shepherd, Brother, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.

Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With ev'ry fleeting breath;
And may the music of Thy name
Refresh my soul in death.

How Sweet the Name
John Newton © Public Domain

Wrinkles and Wisdom

I caught a glimpse of my face in the mirror this morning and wondered who that old guy staring back at me was! Grandpa Scott- that's me! All grown-up, just starting the last quarter in this game of life. Aging is inevitable, but not maturity! Some men die of old age while still thinking and acting like a teenage boy. I don't want to be one of them.
Maturity gives a person the freedom to choose to master his impulses because he understands that he won't 'just die' if he doesn't get what he thinks he needs or wants.
Maturity clarifies the truly important from the merely urgent. Maturity refocuses the man from image-building to authenticity. It allows a person to live 'now' instead of waiting for some ideal set of circumstances to develop so that he can really live.
Maturity brings acceptance (not apathy!) of spiritual gifts, opportunities, and yes -even limitations - and in that acceptance is found the fertile soil in which real effectiveness grows a rich crop of spiritual and relational fruit. Instead of striving to become somebody's ideal, the mature man is content to be the best at who he is.

The Word urges us to grow up. "No prolonged infancies among us, please. We’ll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love. And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd." (Ephesians 4:14-17, The Message)

For the disciple, maturity develops from two things: Commitment to the Truth and a Radical obedience to Christ.

We will not mature as long as we hide from the truth - about ourselves, about life, about what we've done or who we are. Jesus said it simply: "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Truth can be devastating. Admitting that we sin and fail, letting the Spirit of God and/or those He brings into our lives tell us the the truth, won't always be much fun, but if we face it, God will give us grace to deal with it as necessary.

James, that practical teacher, reminds us of the importance of acting on the truth. "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22-25, NIV)

We will not mature if we let discipleship remain an idea that is separate from 'real life.' James tells us to 'do what the Word says!' By way of illustration, he goes on to say, "Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world." (James 1:26-27, The Message)

Disciple, it's time to grow on. You're going to get older and there's not a thing you can do about that. Match aging with maturity and then you will be able to enjoy the blessings of being all grown up.
____________________

I am Thine O Lord; I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me.
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Consecrate me now to Thy service Lord,
By the power of grace divine.
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord.
To Thy precious bleeding side.
I Am Thine, O Lord
Fanny Crosby © Public Domain

Who going to pay for it?

I encouraged dreaming yesterday. I hope you didn't take that as permission to get lost in silly fantasies. With a child-like faith, allow yourself to think about how God wants you to go against the flow, how He is asking you to apply yourself to make a difference for the Kingdom. Somebody asked me, "And just where do I get the resources I need to make that dream into a reality?" With confidence I can say, "If your dream is inspired by God, and if you're willing to work hard and think 'out of the box,' He will provide!" A story from Genesis makes that point.

"Dad, we have the flint and the wood for our sacrifices, but where is the sheep for the offering?" Abraham and Isaac were on their way to Moriah. Both are filled with questions. One of them is wonders where the lamb is and the other is trying to understand what God is doing and why! The account of the testing of Abraham in Genesis 22, wraps up with a Hebrew proverb.... "When you get to the mountain, God will provide." That was how Abraham responded to his son's question. "Isaac, God will see to it that there is a sheep for the offering." In other words, "we will just keep going and see how He works it out."

Is God calling you to some sacrifice, has He pointed you down a road filled with challenges that you have NO IDEA how to overcome? "When you get to the mountain, God will provide." If you're at all like me, you prefer that He show you the plan BEFORE you get to the mountain. Being the planning type, I rest better when the route is laid out, the provisions set aside, and the outcome is assured. There's nothing wrong with purpose and planning, but God reserves the right to CHANGE our plans and not to tell us what He's doing. That is why faith is a basic requirement for living out His dreams in our lives. "It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, NLT)

When He calls us to take up His challenges, He is not cruel nor is He impulsive. He wants us to know that it is His doing, not ours. He is leading us into new revelations of Himself. Deeper vision; greater dreams!

The text of Genesis 22 gives us no insight into Abraham's emotions on that three day journey to Moriah. What is underscored is that he was obedient and trusting -- even though everything he had built his life around -- God's covenant, the life of his beloved son -- was on the line. It appeared that God had kicked the legs out from underneath him, that God was a deceiver who gave with one hand and took away with the other. But Abraham did not accuse God, rebel against God, or even resist. After receiving the Word of the LORD, the Bible says, 'early the next morning, he got up and saddled his donkey' to go and obey!

I think he must have kept repeating to himself, "God will see to it. God will provide" over and over and over. What would God do? The writer in Hebrews says that Abraham considered that God could raise his son from the dead if necessary!

You know the story. As he raised the knife to slay his son, God spoke. "Enough! I have seen the depth of your love." The Message translation concludes the story like this: "Abraham looked up. He saw a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. Abraham took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. He named that place GOD-Yireh (God-Sees-to-it!). That's where we get the saying, "On the mountain of GOD, he sees to it."

Live obediently today.
Keep moving toward the mountain trusting that when you get there, GOD-Yireh, the One who sufficient and able, will 'see to it' giving you just what you need at that time! He will because He is faithful.

Jehovah Jireh, my provider,
His grace is sufficient for me, for me, for me.
Jehovah Jireh, my provider,
His grace is sufficient for me.

My God shall supply all my needs,
According to His riches in glory.
He will give His angels charge over me.
Jehovah Jireh careth for me, for me, for me.
Jehovah Jireh careth for me.


© 1974 Sound III, Inc. (Admin. by MCA Music Publishing) / Universal -MCA Music PublishingCCLI License No. 810055.

What of those dreams?

Dreams can be so sweet, fun, even hilarious. Our dreams are woven out of the experiences, images, and ideas stored in our brain. They are, in part anyway, our hopes and fears amplified, played out on the stage of our imagination. I often dream of family gatherings, of my children and grandchildren. The fact that they all live at a distance means nothing in my dreams. My brain gathers them all 'round the table as I sleep! In my dreams, I can be a child again; or I can journey to places far away; or I can overcome limitations that life imposes on me. Sometimes dreams turn dark. I have awakened from those nightmares with my heart pounding, only to realize that the man or beast that was chasing me existed only in my brain, much to my relief! More than once, I come to consciousness much relieved that things said or done were confined to my brain, only the stuff of dreams!!

Dreams can be useful, a place to work through life's challenges. More than once, in a dream I have solved some problem, or gained some insight. How does that happen? I believe that when our minds are freed from the limits imposed by our consciousness, there is an opportunity for the creative work of the Spirit of God to be accomplished in us. The Bible speaks repeatedly of God using dreams to reveal His will or His purposes. In the book of Genesis, we are told that Joseph saw the outlines of his future in a teenage dream that stayed with him through decades of slavery and imprisonment until he came into prominence in Egypt. His brothers mocked his dreams. Later, friends forget his dreams. But, those God-given dreams made Joseph the man who saved his people. Jesus' earthly Dad, another man named Joseph, learned of God's amazing plan for Mary and himself in a dream. "After he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:20, NIV)

We also speak of dreams in another way. We say that a future goal is our dream. Those who inspire others to reach higher are called dreamers or visionaries. These people can be hard to live with because they are possessed by a discontent with things as they are. They are compelled to stir things up, to make others uncomfortable in pursuit of that which only they can see. A person who loses the ability to dream, or whose disappointments brings about the death of his dream, becomes the captive of his circumstances, a drone who just exists, dragging himself to work, then home to watch more TV, fall asleep, and do it all again the next day. The Proverb reminds us of the power of dreams saying, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18, KJV) The Message gives a deeper insight into that verse: "If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed." (Proverbs 29:18, The Message)

Let me ask you two things today:
Do you dream godly, good, and inspired dreams?
Are you submitting your dreams to the Lord, asking Him to whisper of His purposes and plans to you?

In these difficult days, when sin increases, challenges multiply, and many situations are overwhelming - a new vision is much needed. Ponder this promise of inspiration! Invite the Spirit to make these words true in you.
Here's the word from His Word.
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." {my note - They will become God's spokesmen in this world!}
(Acts 2:17-18, NIV)

______________________________

Father, teach me to dream again.
Yes, I pray you will keep me from empty and escapist fantasies!
Protect my heart and mind from the sinful impulses of Self.

Holy Spirit, work deeply in me today,
giving me a vision for the way You want me to live.
Let me 'see' what You're doing,
hear what You're saying,
so that I will lead the way to the kind of world You desire.
I ask this confidently in Jesus' holy Name. Amen.

Who needs Heaven?

Heaven! That future home has been on my mind more these days.
Isaiah caught a glimpse of Heaven and it changed his life. When the Lord allowed him to see the wonders of the Throne Room of God and the angels that worship God perpetually, he was overcome by the realization of his sinfulness and cried, "I am doomed because I am a filthy man!" (Isaiah 6) And, in response to his confession, God made him clean, fit for holy service.

Paul tells of being lifted up to Heaven, seeing visions that were too holy to describe. Those visions sustained his faith through a life of unbelievable difficulties in his ministry and near the end of his earthly journey allowed him to face his pending execution with this hope: "now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return." (2 Timothy 4:8, NLT)

John, in that book of unveiling, The Revelation, tries to describe other worldly visions with this world's language. He gives us language that shapes Heaven for most Believers, including such ideas as streets of gold, gates of pearl, and streams of pure water. Who can really fully understand all that John means with statements like these? God "took me away in the Spirit to an enormous, high mountain and showed me Holy Jerusalem descending out of Heaven from God, resplendent in the bright glory of God. The City shimmered like a precious gem, light-filled, pulsing light. ... The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate a single pearl. The main street of the City was pure gold, translucent as glass." (Revelation 21:10-11, 21 The Message)

While I anticipate the amazing beauty of the City of God, the best part of Heaven is the promise that says, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4, NIV) Oh, what joy! The Lord I love now only in part, I will then love with no distance. The hand of Jesus will dry my tears and I'll never cry again, ever. No regret, no pain, no disappointment, no longing for what cannot be, no loneliness exists where God, in all His Fullness, holds us close and banishes sin. "After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God." (Revelation 19:1, NIV)

Does all this talk of Heaven strike you as irrelevant, just the musing of someone who is trying to escape the pressures of this present life? That's how I once thought, too. I had little time for Heaven for I said, "there's just too much living right here and right now to 'waste' time thinking about Eternity. I'll enjoy it when I get there!" What a foolish boy I was. Heaven is for now. A Christian who does not have Heaven in view on the horizon of life will wander, become distracted by earth's pleasures, and even lose heart when the questions outrun his answers.

A firm grasp on the promise of Heaven and the disciple's assurance of eternal life is what keeps him on track, holy and wholly committed to a godly life. The Word says, "We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth." (Colossians 1:3-6, NIV) In The Message that passage reads thus: "We keep getting reports on your steady faith in Christ, our Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians. The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope. The Message is as true among you today as when you first heard it. It doesn’t diminish or weaken over time. It’s the same all over the world. The Message bears fruit and gets larger and stronger, just as it has in you. From the very first day you heard and recognized the truth of what God is doing, you’ve been hungry for more." Isn't that rich?

Plant your heart in Heaven. Invest yourself in God's work, as Jesus said, "laying up treasure" that is beyond the reach of decay, rust, or thieves! Let the hope of your Eternal Home keep the lines of purpose taut!
____________________________
O, heaven is in my heart, O, heaven is in my heart.
The kingdom of our God is here, Heaven is in my heart.
The presence of His majesty, Heaven is in my heart.
And in His presence joy abounds, Heaven is in my heart.
The light of holiness surrounds, Heaven is in my heart.

His precious life on me He spent, Heaven is in my heart.
To give me life without an end, Heaven is in my heart.
In Christ is all my confidence, Heaven is in my heart.
The hope of my inheritance, Heaven is in my heart.

We are a temple for His throne, Heaven is in my heart.
And Christ is the foundation stone, Heaven is in my heart.
He will return to take us home, Heaven is in my heart.
The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" Heaven is in my heart.

Heaven is in My Heart
Graham Kendrick
© 1991 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services)

CCLI License No. 810055

God Bless America

President-elect Obama! A year ago, who would have thought it probable, much less possible? Our President-elect is no friend of evangelicals. Unless he governs differently than he campaigned, he is not going to be supportive of Biblical values that are so important to us. Now that the election is over, I will admit to a deep sense of concern over the direction our nation will likely take during his administration. He will be governing alongside of leaders in Congress that are equally hostile to evangelical Christian ideals, so there will be little reason to be a moderate. Most troubling for me personally is the kind of judges our new President is likely to appoint to the Federal bench.

Despite all of that, I see his election as a real opportunity for evangelicals to get back to our calling to be the Church. I hope that we will embrace God's call to pray for our leaders, to work for a just society, and to proclaim the transforming Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work. We can now stop looking to the Oval Office and our legislators for initiatives to save our nation from her sins! It time to feed the hungry, to care for the dying, to visit the imprisoned, to become the defenders of the oppressed, to offer love to the outcasts and hope those who are enslaved by their sins.

These words from Romans challenge us to remember that God gives us leaders and demands that we pray for them and live as good citizens. It becomes even more compelling for us when we remember that the authorities at the time these words were written were pagans, not just apathetic toward Christianity but in many cases actively persecuting the Church.

Read these words, then take time to pray for those elected to serve us.
"Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong.
Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.

So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do." (Romans 13:1-6, NLT) _______________________________

Father in Heaven, I thank you for Your reign!

Today, I pray for our leaders, particularly for President-elect Obama.
Protect him from those who hate him because of the color of his skin.
Grace him with virtues of Wisdom, Justice, Courage, Humility, Faith, Hope, and Love as he prepares to assume the Presidency.The challenges presented to him in our world are many.
Work deeply in his heart and mind and draw him to a new understanding of Who You are.

Spirit of God, call your Church to a renewed understanding of her place in this world, a place of service and a place of embodying the Truth of Christ.

May we interact with our government, even when those who govern are hostile to Your ways, with grace and gentleness.

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in us.
All of this, I ask in His holy Name, Amen.
_______________________________

TFTD will not be in your email box for the next few days.
This writer needs to unstring the bow for a few days and give my heart and mind a recess.
Thanks for reading along. See you next week.

Do You Worship Worry?

A year ago, the church I serve as a Pastor was experiencing a difficult time financially. I dreaded the monthly meetings with the Leadership Team when I had to bring reports that showed we were consistently running in the red. We knew some of the reasons that our income was down. We had added an additional staff member a year prior, anticipating growth to help us meet the expense, growth that did not occur when we expected. I began to experience real worry and it increased over time. I thought about the church's finances all of the time. Every decision I made as a Pastor was colored by the financial implications involved. Every time of prayer seemed to end with worried pleas for God's provision.

Around February of this year, the Lord helped me to see that I was actually worshipping worry! If worship is defined by what we give most attention to, what we spend the greater part of our time and energy on, then worry had become my god! In His great faithfulness, He helped me to see the faithlessness of my prayers. Isn't that a contradiction- 'faithless prayers?' I was praying faithfully, but focusing on my perception of need rather than His promise of provision. Instead of deepening my assurance, which true prayer will do; my misfocused prayers were actually increasing my anxiety. The counsel of friends and the wisdom of the Word brought a corrective and I intentionally changed my focus to thankfulness. That did not mean ignoring the reality of the need. However, I began to look beyond the need to the One who promises that He will resource us to fulfill His call. Instead of worshipping worry, I offered my praise to Him - and we have seen His ongoing provision.

In the book of 2nd Chronicles, which tells us about the times of the kings of Judah, there is an account that should encourage us to pray with praise, not with worry. The chapter opens with this assessment of the real threat. "Some time later the Moabites and Ammonites, accompanied by Meunites, joined forces to make war on Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat received this intelligence report: "A huge force is on its way from beyond the Dead Sea to fight you. There’s no time to waste—they’re already at Hazazon Tamar, the oasis of En Gedi." (2 Chronicles 20:1-2, The Message) The king brought together the leaders of his kingdom for a prayer meeting, but the focus of their prayers initially was on their powerlessness! Then a prophet of the Lord redirected their prayers with this cry, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." (2 Chronicles 20:15, NIV)

Jehoshaphat's response is simply astonishing. When he sent his armies off to war, look what he did. "Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, "Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed." After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: "Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!" (2 Chronicles 20:20-21, NLT)

It's praise-time, disciple. On this pivotal day in America, don't worship worry over the future. Instead, praise the sovereign Lord who stands Eternally over the affairs of humanity. Whatever your need may be today, present it to the Lord, as you focus on His majesty, His love, His purposes. Send out the singers, in front of the army, and God will make a way for you.
_______________

The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty;
Let all the earth rejoice, let all the earth rejoice!
He wraps Himself in light and darkness tries to hide,
It trembles at His voice, it trembles at His voice.

Age to age He stands and time is in His hands,
Beginning and the End, Beginning and the End!
The Godhead, three in one, Father, Spirit, Son;
The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb!

How great is our God!!
Sing with me - how great is our God!!
And all will see how great,
how great is our God!!

Name above all names!!
Worthy of all praise!!
My heart will sing,
"How great is our God!!"

How Great is our God
Chris Tomlin © 2004 worshiptogether.com CCLI License No. 810055

A choice for a better life!

There is a choice you can make today that will make a real difference in life; for you, for others! It does not require much time, needs no money invested, and is not difficult. When you choose to do this thing, it infects people around you with optimism and joy. It can become a habit and when it does, it will make you much more likely to enjoy better health, a wider network of friends, a deeper relationship with the Lord. A person who does this often, sincerely, and with enthusiasm will have enjoy the blessing of God. You want to know what 'it' is?

You're going to laugh because it is so simple. You may be tempted to dismiss it thinking it cannot possibly be that easy! So, should I tell you? Here it is, the wisdom of God.

"I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice." (Psalm 34:1-2, NIV)

You and I cannot always choose our situations and circumstances, but we always can choose our response! A person who lives a praise-filled life, centered on God, has a stronger faith, a more joyful outlook, and invites the Lord and others to bless him!

I cannot do a thing about the American economy today, but I can choose to thank God for His promise to provide for all my needs.

I cannot do anything to change my Dad's cancer, but I can choose to love him and to thank God for every moment we get to spend together.

I cannot stop my critics from trying to make my life miserable, but I can thank God that He sees my heart and loves me, in spite of all my flaws!

"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High." (Psalm 7:17, NIV)

"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid." (Psalm 56:4, NIV)

"Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does." (Psalm 96:1-3, NLT)

If you think I am selling positive thinking, you're missing the point. Optimism is good, but it is not the same as praise. Thinking positively only can carry a person so far. Situations arise which simply defy all attempts we make to put a positive spin on them. But, praise never fails us because real praise is centered on the Person of our God, His promises, and His power to save us! Do not let anyone sell you the folly of praising God for bad things! It's just plain stupid to praise God for cancer, for example, but we can praise God that He can and will use even cancer to accomplish His purposes.

I challenge you, throughout this month of November, which ends with Thanksgiving, to cultivate a spirit of praise. When you're tempted to complain, shut your mouth, pray for a moment, then speak praise to God. Keep it sincere. Insincere praise is a form of profanity! Print this Psalm and read it often, perhaps at the start of everyday. Read it out loud. Praising God will change your life. He guarantees it!

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalm 100, NIV)
______________________

A damning indictment!

"If you were put on trial for being a disciple of Jesus Christ, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" is a question that was asked among Christians when I was in my teens. I do not know who first asked it, but it's a worthy question, isn't it? Those who truly love Him should live a distinctly separate and different life from people who are not Believers. I love that story in Acts where Peter and John are dragged before a religious court and questioned about their work for the Lord. Those men who were hostile to their message none the less were impressed by one thing: "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13, NIV) Oh, that those who talk, work, and live around us today would come to the same conclusion!

A kind of sophistication has settled over many American Christians that allows them to live in two worlds at the same time. They lay claim to the grace of Christ and the hope of eternal life while holding onto their love of things, their pride of place and face, and unholy pleasures. Any call to genuine holiness, to living a separated life, is rejected as 'legalism.' So, they are capable of singing, 'take all of me, Lord,' on Sunday in worship and then choosing to be their own master on Monday. Those who live that way might think they are sophisticated, but they are actually foolish - robbing themselves of the power and joy that a wholly committed follower of Jesus knows.

In Mark's Gospel, Jesus took on some sophisticates of His day who thought they could know God and keep control of their lives at the same time. His words were a damning indictment that I would never want Him to speak of me.
"Isaiah was right about frauds like you, hit the bull’s-eye in fact: These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it. They act like they are worshiping me, but they don’t mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy, Ditching God’s command and taking up the latest fads. ... You scratch out God’s Word and scrawl a whim in its place. You do a lot of things like this." (Mark 7:6-8; 12-14, The Message)
Disciple, do not let it be said of you that you are hypocrite, saying the right words but failing to live the life of a disciple. Do not slide into legalism, either. That's a dead end, too. Merely putting some external rules in place about what you eat, what you wear, how you talk, what movies you watch, and such matters is not true holiness. To be sure, when Christ is Lord of our lives, there will be an observable difference in those things, because our hearts are changed!

For example:
A man who loves Christ and is filled with the life of the Spirit will not be profane or filthy in speech because his heart is washed of anger and lust!
A woman who is truly full of the Spirit will not exploit the sensual beauty of her sexuality because she will know the true beauty that comes from a heart full of the love of Christ.

Spend time in quiet with the Lord today. There is no substitute for solitude, for prayerful meditation, for becoming truly holy. Only when we are really with Jesus will we become like Jesus! Here's a word from the Word. I pray that the challenge will one you will embrace, with God's help, today so that others will see real evidence that you are a disciple of the Lord of life.
"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3, NLT)
________________________


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 feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Always, only, for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages for Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold,
Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne.
It shall be Thy royal throne.

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
Francis Havergal © Public Domain

EOTWAWKI? (Translation? See last line!)

Could we move up the election to tomorrow? The election hype, the dire warnings that come from both sides promising that the US of A is doomed if the other guy is elected are so over the top that I wonder how the candidates utter them with a straight face? Are there differences between the Republicans and the Democrats? Sure there are. Will the election of one party or the other really effect American history? Most certainly! Public policies for the next decade will be changed by the legislation enacted, the national security choices made, and the judges appointed during the next four years. I am not minimizing the importance of this election, but I want to set it in context of Heaven's truth.

Time and again, God makes it known in the Scripture - "I am in charge of history!" Consider Daniel. This man was carried from his home in Jerusalem to Babylon where he was put in the service of a pagan emperor. It must have been hard for Daniel to reconcile the truth that God was revealing to him concerning His control of human events and the fact that his homeland was in ruins and that young Jews like himself were in captives in a foreign land. Yet, he stayed faithful to the revelation. Daniel, despite tragedy, remained God's man. As a result he was amazingly effective as God's spokesman in that pagan culture.

One time, Nebuchadnezzar demanded that his counselors tell him what he had dreamed and the meaning of his dream. Impossible? Sure it was. But, Daniel went to prayer, received the revelation, and went to tell the king what God was saying to him. God showed Daniel that He was still in charge. Remember that dream? It was a large statue with golden head, silver chest, bronze belly, iron legs, and feet of clay. It represented the kingdoms of men. The key part of the dream was the Stone that was cut out, not with human hands, that smashed the statue. The meaning? All earthly kingdoms will come to an end when the King of Kings sets up His reign.

Later in the king's life, he had another terrifying dream. He saw a great tree in the center of the earth. It was cut down by a heavenly messenger, but the stump was left. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that it was a message that he was about to be cut down because of his arrogance. "They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses. "And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules." (Daniel 4:25-26, NKJV)

When Daniel was about 80 years old, once again a king saw a terrifying vision. Belshazzar, the regent of Babylon, whose arrogance far outstripped that of Nebuchadnezzar, was throwing a banquet when a hand appeared to write on the wall of the hall. No one could understand the cryptic phrase - MN MN TKL PRSN. Then the queen mother reminded Belshazzar of an old Jewish man who had counseled the prior king. Daniel came and read the inscription: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin" -- "Numbered, numbered, Weighed, and Divided!" Boldly, Daniel pronounced the message of Heaven.
"Your Majesty, the Most High God gave sovereignty, majesty, glory, and honor to your predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. He made him so great that people of all races and nations and languages trembled before him in fear. ... But when his heart and mind were hardened with pride, he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. ...until he learned that the Most High God rules the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone he desires to rule over them. You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself. For you have defied the Lord of heaven ...you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny! So God has sent this hand to write a message." (Daniel 5:18-24, NLT)

God rules! For the Believer, that is not a message of fear, but of great comfort. The Scripture consistently calls us to be responsible, proactive, and engaged all the while reminding us that we are not in charge and that we need not be afraid. Though we are aliens in this world, passing through on our way to our home, the Spirit is with us and God is guiding us.

Disciple, I want to urge you to trust that revelation today. Steady yourself in faith in God, that He is capable of keeping you in the palm of His hand, no matter what happens to our economy, no matter who controls the Congress after next Tuesday, and no matter who sits in the White House. God has not left us to ourselves. Pray for eyes that see what God sees and a mind that thinks as He thinks as the Spirit gives revelation. In this election year when there is so much anxiety about the future of this country... remember the Truth!
"Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all: He changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also brings them down." (Daniel 2:20-21, The Message) He has charged us with responsibility to pray for His will to be done, and then we will obey Him and live with heart-deep faith and rock-solid assurance.

"This, then, is how you should pray:
"‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’" (Matthew 6:8-13, NIV)

Oh, yeah: EOTWAWKI means- End Of The World As We Know It

What is the worth of just one?

Today's TFTD starts with a story from www.Christianitytoday.com. I am re-telling it because I think many Christians- yes, that includes me! - sometime fail to appreciate the value of serving just one. If we're not "changing the world," we are tempted to believe that our efforts are wasted, or that we need not serve wholeheartedly. Grayson's story inspires! His idea that is changing many lives was born because he let himself be touched by the need of one! Take a look.

Grayson Rosenberger, 15, often asked God where he fit into his parents' work with prosthetic patients in Africa. His mother lost both legs as a result of a car accident. To provide hope to others with this same setback and share Christ, Grayson's parents founded a non-profit organization called Standing with Hope. But how could Grayson fit in?

After one of their trips to Africa, Grayson's parents told him about Daniel, a boy his age. "He broke his leg playing soccer and had to have it amputated," Grayson said. "Standing with Hope could only afford to give him a basic metal-rod prosthetic leg. The kids always teased him and he wanted a cosmetic covering. But they're so expensive that even some Americans can't afford them." Hearing of Daniel's experience, Grayson wanted to somehow invent a low-cost cosmetic covering for prosthetics. So, when Grayson heard about Sealed Air Corporation's Bubble Wrap Invention Competition, he came up with a crazy idea. He wrapped a prosthetic rod with bubble wrap and then used heat to mold it into the shape of a leg. With a colored stocking pulled over the Bubble wrap, the leg is very realistic looking. And it only cost $15 instead of the $1,000 or more a cosmetic leg covering would normally cost. Grayson won the contest's $10,000 prize.

Last June, (2007) Grayson and his parents traveled to Ghana, Africa, to fit amputees with new legs. He was excited to meet Daniel and give him the invention he helped inspire. But when the Rosenbergers arrived at the Ghana clinic, doctors told them Daniel had died from malaria just a few weeks earlier. "My heart sank," Grayson said. "But I knew God had called me there for a reason." Grayson refit Daniel's leg for another boy. "Someone will walk because of Daniel," Grayson said. "As I put the boy's leg together, I envisioned Daniel."

For 10 days, Grayson, his parents, and other staff worked 10 to 13 hours a day. The Rosenbergers fit 25 people with brand new legs. They also trained clinic workers to build Grayson's invention. "We had some long days," Grayson said. "But I had the best job on the production line. I got to put the end piece on the leg and watch people walk on two legs." http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2008/001/27.11.html

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." (Zechariah 4:10, NLT)

Disciple, Jesus values individuals! Sure there are the BIG moments in the Gospels: feeding five thousand with five loaves of bread and two small fish, preaching the Sermon on the Mount in the meadow overlooking Galilee- but most of Jesus' work was done one to one! He was never too busy for one - young, old, poor, sick, lonely. Rescuing humanity was the core of His mission during the Incarnation and yet, He always had time for one!

Do you? Would you take time for a long conversation with one person today who needed you to listen? Would you write a note, make a phone call, or give a $20 bill to just one this week? Even after the Resurrection, in His glory, He had time for one; Simon Peter, the failed disciple. Jesus traveled to Galilee to find him, made breakfast for him on the beach, and offered him the opportunity to renew his commitment and find forgiveness- for just one!

Does one person matter to you? He does to the Lord. Take this word from the Word with you today. Let the Spirit lead you to so that you know the joy of serving, even just one!

Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." (Luke 15:3-7, NIV)
______________________________

Each one, can reach one, as we follow after Christ.
We all can lead one, We can lead one to the Savior.
Then together, we can tell the world, that Jesus is the way.
If we each one, reach one.

The message is unchanging, "Go ye into all the world.
And share the love of Jesus, Far away or door to door.
Just like somebody told you, That Jesus loves you so.
You must tell someone, Who will tell someone,
Until the whole world knows.

So will you go and labor?
Will you hold high your light?
One by one, and two by two,
We can win our world
For Jesus Christ!

Each One, Reach One
Babbie Mason © 1990 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055

Misusing the Name of the Lord?

As Election Day approaches, there are more and more messages in my email inbox telling me that God wants me to join with other Believers to vote for _____________ because he is "the one" God has chosen, the only righteous candidate. God has not told me which candidate He's voting for! I don't think He has revealed that information to anyone else either. What I am certain about is this: He has given me the amazing capabilities of reason and analysis, and the gift of choice. In the upcoming election, I am equally certain that I will please Him if I make a wise and principled decision that is aligned with the all of the values derived from the Scripture that I hold as a Christian.

As for those who claim that "God told me to tell you..." I think that they are dangerously close to violating one of the Ten Commandments, the one that says: "You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." (Exodus 20:7, NLT) This Word forbids invoking God's authority and/or endorsement for our decisions and choices.

That either political party could lay claim to being the "party of God" or that any Believer would think that either the Democrats or Republicans have the endorsement of Heaven are ideas that I find, well - more than a little naive. "But, Jerry, don't you think God is pleased by the pro-life stance of Sen. McCain?" That is a good position but to my knowledge the Republican's platform on pro-life issues is woefully inconsistent in that a true ethic of life will extend beyond protecting unborn babies and include such things as addressing quality of life issues for the the aged and thoughtful treatment of the morality of capital punishment. "So, Jerry, don't you think that Sen. Obama's support of civil rights for homosexuals is sinful?" No. The Bible is clear that homosexual practice is sinful, but everyone of us who sins is still afforded protection from harm and discrimination under the law.

My point is not to argue either candidate's worthiness! What I am trying to point out is that neither party nor candidate offers up a totally "Christian" platform as I would write it. We must not use a single issue to brand one candidate or the other, "God's candidate." To do so is to misuse His holy Name.

One week from today, we have the wonderful privilege of selecting our leaders - from our local town, to our state government, and for the nation. I urge you to be very prayerful. Exercise your citizenship with wisdom and in keeping with your primary calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Many will vote along lines of self-interest. The choices made in the voting booth are so often shaped by questions like: "Who offers me more promise of benefits? Who is most like me?" Disciple, be different! Ask God to help you to see through the haze of the campaigning with a discerning eye. Then, vote for those that you believe will most help all of us to fulfill God's demands of all people.

"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8, NIV)
_____________________________

Father, I know that this nation is in terrible times.
Our economy is faltering; greed is everywhere.
Lust and pleasure seeking are America's idols.
I repent and pray for your mercy to be extended.

We have sought our own interest too often,
both individually and as a nation and so I humbly say,
Please forgive us. Show us how to love others, Lord.

Through the next few days, Spirit of God, give me discernment.
Keep me from being used by a party or candidate only interested in pursuit of more power.
Help me to choose those who have the character and courage
to lead this nation to the highest and best for all-
to act justly, to love mercy, and to take You seriously.
In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen

Healing a broken heart

A broken heart is one of the most painful experiences in life, isn't it? The experience is universal, too!

• A little girl came down the aisle in church last week nearly inconsolable, her entire face twisted with sadness. I stopped her and listened as she poured out her woe about being rejected by another little friend. Earth shattering? No, but heart breaking when you're eight years old.
• I sat with a father whose 16 year old daughter had just told him she was pregnant. We cried together because we both knew, far better than she did, how her choice was going to change her life forever. Some of his dreams for that daughter died that day.
• I held the hand of the aged widow as we stood beside her husband's body. She could not even cry, so profound was her sense of loss. All she could do was say his name, again and again.
• I listened to the anguish of a young husband whose marriage is dissolving and wondered how a man survives such rejection.
  
• Too many times to remember, I have been privileged to hear the confession of those whose sins have broken their hearts. The weight of guilt and/or shame breaks their heart. Unconfessed sin is a poison to the soul and a heart breaker without equal!

At one time or another, in differing situations, we all experience the pain of a broken heart. I know what a broken heart feels like, too. I know the ache that settles in the pit of the stomach, when food has no appeal, when spiritual worship is a sacrifice, not a delight, and I also know this promise of God:
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." (Psalm 34:18, NLT)

Is your heart broken today, disciple?
Know that God cares and He understands even that sorrow that defies definition with words! He does not ask you to ignore your pain, nor does He try to cheer you with jokes or slogans like "The sun will shine again tomorrow!" He is our Comforter, One who listens when we cry and holds us together with hope.

And take care, too! A broken heart leaves us vulnerable to temptation. It is a short trip from broken to bitter! It is so easy to justify becoming full of rage and/or vengeful when the heart is filled with grief. Don't! In times of disappointment with people and situations, the Word urges us to something other than licking our wounds. God tells us to be proactive.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, NLT)

David's heart was broken by his own faithlessness. When the sins of adultery and murder were uncovered by Nathan, the prophet, the king's heart was crushed. His prayer, more of a heart cry, is one of the most beautiful passages in all of the Bible. The 51st Psalm is raw, emotional, and full of hope. For the broken hearted, I take these words. May they bring us comfort and healing as we pray them.

"God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me.

Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! ...
I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice."

(Psalm 51:9-12, 17, The Message)
________________________

If you've knelt beside the rubble
Of an aching broken heart.
When the things you gave
Your life to fell apart,
You're not the first to be acquainted
With sorrow grief or pain,
But the Master promised sunshine after rain.

Hold on my child,
Joy comes in the morning,
Weeping only lasts for the night.
Hold on my child,
Joy comes in the morning,
The darkest hour means
Dawn is just in sight.

To invest your seed of trust in God,
In mountains you can't move.
You have risked your life
On things you cannot prove.
But to give the things you cannot keep,
For what you can not lose,
Is the way to find
The joy God has for you.

Joy Comes in the Morning
William and Gloria Gaither© 1974 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management
CCLI License No. 810055

He just keeps on going and going!

One of Aesop's Fables came to mind this morning when I was trying to muster up some enthusiasm for the day, you know; the one about the Energizer Bunny. Oops... wrong cultural icon! I mean that one about a tortoise and a hare. It's so improbable! Seems that the rabbit challenged the old turtle to a race, knowing full well that he was so superior in running abilities to his short-legged, heavy-shelled friend that the outcome was a foregone conclusion. Turtle accepted the challenge because he knew rabbit was much too over-confident! Mr. Rabbit ran quickly ahead and turned off the course to find a shade tree and catch a nap. Meanwhile, Mr. Turtle plodded along,not stopping even though he, too, was tired. When rabbit awakened and ran to the finish line, he found turtle waiting for him with a bit of advice - 'slow and steady wins the race!'

Consistency cannot be over-rated - but it often is. In our culture we love those who are attractive - physically and/or psychologically. We let ourselves be charmed by appearances. The consequence of this is that the rewards often go to those who 'look' like winners, those who wow us at first presentation. We are too often deceived. Mere ordinary mortals, like the majority of us, observe this trend and come to the conclusion that because we don't have 'the look' we cannot compete in the race, that we will never win. That's not true. Stars may get the attention, but the faithful plodders usually carry the heaviest part of the load in life. They are not overly self-confident. They know that they can compensate for what they lack in 'star power' with hard work, networking, and showing up every day, on time, ready to do wha they are asked to do. In the end, when the star has dropped out, burnt out, or moved on; the steady one is still standing!

Christian, God needs steady plodders in His Kingdom. Christianity has its share of super-stars who can tell miracle stories, though I often wonder about their veracity. We are drawn our culture's myth that 'if we know the secret' then life will be easy and always work in our favor. We think that the bright and beautiful have found the key to the 'life I've always wanted.' Even our preachers imply that what we seek will be found in the next seminar; in the best-selling book, or in whatever city where the 'revival' is breaking out! But, it is just not the truth.

The Spirit of God is with us, right here, right now. He gives strength to the faithful who seek Him. The Bible calls on us to endure: to keep on walking in His strength even when we just want to lay down and rest. Paul reminds us: "I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him." (2 Timothy 2:10-12, NLT) We are called to soldier on in the struggle with the World, the Flesh, and the Devil! Conflict, by definition, is exhausting. We live in a world that is not our home, not a paradise; where the Evil One is working to destroy all that is good and of God. The power structures that surround us are corrupt. They oppose the will of God which includes living a life of love, integrity, humility, faithfulness, and sacrificial service. Our own internal desires are often at odds with the call of the Spirit to holiness. We all struggle with temptation to lust, or greed, or laziness, or pride! (That list could be longer, but I don't want to discourage you anymore than I have already.)

Are you weary today? Me, too.
Got some unanswered questions? Me, too.

Keep walking! Take the steady, standing wisdom of God's Word to heart. He says "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. ... So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." (Hebrews 10:23-24, 35-36, NLT)

If you hang in there, you will be able to say, at the very end of this earthly life:
"This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish,believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God'sapplause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right ... by everyone eager for his coming. "
(2 Timothy 4:7-8, The Message)

Ah, disciple, the celebration at the finish line is going to be some party! I want to finish well and be a part of it, don't you?

Not the answer I want

I spent some time last night in my dreams in the realm of fairy tales. I dreamt of wishing for 'happily ever after,' of finding the right phrases that magically changed everything. But, alas, that is the stuff of kid's story books. I live in a world where problems become catalysts of solutions that are worked out, step by step; where disappointments become the doorway to discovery of God's plans - worked out in His own mysterious ways and almost never within my timetable. If you think I am discouraged, you're wrong. There is some battle fatigue in evidence. I know that especially when I start to dream of the ability to wave a magical wand and make it all go away. Even weariness, however, has its own kind of blessing. It makes me quiet down and listen to the Spirit more intently.

Here's what He said to me through the Scripture today. It was not the answer I wanted, but it was exactly the wisdom I needed. "God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. ... Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!"
(1 Peter 4:10-16, NLT)

For me that short passage was a real boost.

First, God reminded me us that HE prepares me to be part of His work and gives me divine abilities to fulfill His purposes.

Second, He assured me that the stuff that is scorching me - a very ill Dad, leading a church in a world that is so casual about spiritual matters, constantly standing alongside of people in deep times of crisis, resisting temptation that can be intensely attractive, and more - is part of being human and that all of these painful things serve the purpose of burning away the fog that obscures the brightness of Christ Jesus shining through me!

Third, He promised that the pain will make me a partner with Christ, joined in His efforts, and open to the Spirit's strength.

Fourth, He challenged me to praise Him for my high calling in the middle of it all!

None of those things would happen if I found some magical method that allowed me to create a world of eternal sunshine, without any suffering, full of perpetual happiness! (Oh, the land of wonderful dreams and of Heaven that awaits!) Without stress that forces growth I would remain a child in a man's world. Visiting the classroom inhabited by 6 year-old children where my wife teaches first grade is refreshing. Those little ones are largely untroubled by the economic crisis, unconcerned about the state of America's culture, or other problems in life. They are amazingly happy, as little children ought to be. Some people mistakenly think that real disciples of Christ should continue to live as little children- laughing and unburdened. Really? Can those first graders do the work of God? Do they have the capacity to comfort the broken, help a sinner find redemption, or exercise a spiritual gift? Of course not. They are not adults, nor should they be expected to act as mature adults. They will grow up, learn to accept responsibility, and become useful as they deal with life.

I am a mature man, called to the work of building the Kingdom of God in a world full of sin that makes that task sometimes hard. In my weariness, God did not give me the answer I wanted today because I was longing for a childish fantasy! Instead, He gave me the answer I needed; a call to steady endurance and a renewed faith in His strength to keep me.

I hope you're open to His Word and listening intently for the voice of the Spirit. He will speak to you, too: not to say what you want to hear, but always to speak the Truth that brings genuine comfort.
_______________________

In a world of fear and turmoil,
In a race that seems so hard to run;
Lord, I need Thy rich infilling,
Even so, Lord Jesus, come.

Even so, Lord Jesus, come;
O come, my heart doth long for Thee;
Though I've failed and betrayed Thy trust,
O Lord Jesus, come.

When my eyes shall span the river,
When I gaze into the vast unknown;
May I say with calm assurance,
"Even now, Lord Jesus, come."

William and Gloria Gaither
© 1964 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright ManagementCCLI License No. 810055

The Seed Principle

Are you certified? OK, stop laughing. Some of us might wonder if we are 'certifiable' but that's not what I am asking today. In our highly specialized society, we learn a skill that allows us to generate an income. To insure a minimum competence, many occupations now require a certification or series of them. A person is trained and when he demonstrates mastery of information and/or ability to perform, he is given a certificate. Some people mistakenly understand Christianity in this way. Want to become a better human being? Start attending a
church. Attend some classes: a Discipleship course, a Marriage/Family
Life seminar, a course on 'How to Read the Bible,' .....and then, when you have completed all the classes, you join the church and when you're handed your membership certificate... bam! ... you're a good Christian!

Don't get me wrong. Training is great and the Church is commissioned to be a place of instruction. Jesus says that discipleship is a totally different experience than
'certification.' While we may certainly be trained in a range of skills related to the Christian life such as Scripture interpretation, relational skills, and prayer; the actual experience of becoming a Christian is an inner process of life transformation. This happens when the Holy Spirit causes us to become spiritually alive. Jesus illustrates it with one of His great stories.
"The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens." (Mark 4:26-28, NLT)

The idea of 'seed' in the Scripture is two-fold. The Word speaks of seeds that are planted in the earth and seed as the originator of life as in sperm that impregnates a woman. With that latter sense in mind, we read these words from Peter's letter.
"You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." (1 Peter 1:23, NIV) God, through His Word and, by His Spirit, implants the seed of life in us and a transformational process starts! This is the 'seed principle.' Without this mysterious, wonderful, and faith-based impartation of divine life, we may become religious, but we will not become Christian, nor will we ever be able to fully know the life of the disciple that the New Testament describes.

There is certainly a part for you and me to play in enhancing the harvest of spiritual fruit that results when the planted seed grows in our lives. Jesus' story of the various kinds of soil helps us to understand that. "Some of God's seed," He said, "falls on hearts that are as hard as a well-trodden footpath. It never even germinates. Some falls on rocky soil where it starts to grow, but soon dies for lack of root. Some falls into a heart that is receptive but the weeds of a life full of worries and earthly concerns chokes the growth. And, some falls into good, fertile soil, well cultivated. That seed bears a great crop." (see Mark 4:13-20)
<http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%204:13-20;&version=51;>

So there are two questions that each of should ask:

a. Have I, by faith, received the seed of the Word and experienced the spiritual life that is promised to those who believe and receive?

b. Am I, by daily disciplines of the Spirit (things such as prayer, silence, obedience, service, and study) cultivating the soil of my heart and mind so that the harvest will be plentiful?

Are you merely certified as a 'nice person who tries hard to be spiritual,' OR is the seed growing in you? The answer to that question has eternal significance.
________________

O holy Wind of God now blowing,
You are the seed that God is sowing,
You are the life that starts us growing, Spirit, now live in me.

O holy Rain of God now falling,
You make the word of God enthralling,
You are that inner voice now calling,
Spirit, now live in me.

O holy Flame of God now burning,
You are the power of Christ returning,
You are the answer to our yearning,
Spirit, now live in me Amen.

Spirit, Now Live in Me
Bryan Leech © 1976 Fred Bock Music Company

"What makes Jesus angry?"

Mark's Gospel tells this story about Jesus.
"Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, "Come and stand in front of everyone."
Then he turned to his critics and asked, "Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?" But they wouldn’t answer him. He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!
At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus." (Mark 3:1-6, NLT)

The Pharisees were so in love with their traditional ways of observing the Sabbath laws that they could not appreciate that it would be right to heal a man during the holy observance! Their rigidity, their lack of compassion, their failure to grasp the heart of God as they claimed to speak in His Name deeply angered Jesus Christ. "He (was) angry now, furious at their hard-nosed religion." (Mark 3:5, The Message) This is a classic case of missing the point. Sadly, it still happens - and commonly too - when well-meaning people confuse their preferences with God's commands. On some things, the Scripture is very clear. Murder is wrong, so is stealing. Lying is a sin and those who are dishonest are acting like the Devil! Jesus said that. Adultery is always to be condemned, as are greed and worshipping things or persons other than the Lord God. Love is always right; truth is universally good! Making peace is a trait of those who are true children of God.

Beware a 'hard-nosed religion' that gets in the way of the Spirit's purposes. When you are ready to criticize or condemn, check your facts and your motive. Are you really concerned about the 'sins' of the other or are you more interested in protecting your preferences or making yourself look or feel better? Are you willing to allow the Spirit to help you separate between essential Truth and choices that ought to be matters of personal conscience? The Scripture guides us to love and tolerance about such matters. "Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. . . . For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:17-19, NIV)

Can you imagine making Jesus angry? It's possible, but not in the way most of think. He loved those who were truly in the grips of their sin, those who were rejected by the respectable citizens. By His very love, He challenged them to change, invited them into the Kingdom of God. He grew furious with those who allowed their self-righteousness to hinder the work of God. That's a trap that we can easily fall into, and especially the longer we hang around religion!

____________________

Jesus on the radio, Jesus on a late night show.
Jesus in a dream, looking all serene,
Jesus on a steeple, Jesus in the Gallup poll.
Jesus has His very own brand of rock and roll!

Watched Him on the silver screen,
Bought the action figurine,
But Jesus is the only name that makes you flinch.
Oh, can anybody show me the real Jesus?

Oh, let Your love unveil the mystery of the real Jesus.

Jesus started something new,
Jesus coined a phrase or two.
Jesus split the line at the turning point of time.
Jesus sparked a controversy,
Jesus, known for His mercy, gave a man his sight.
Jesus isn't white!

Jesus loves the children, holds the lambs,
Jesus prays a lot,
Jesus has distinguishing marks on His hands.
If anybody walks behind the Good Shepherd,
If anybody holds the hands that heal lepers,
And if you recognize the eyes that see forever, please...
Jesus, Jesus;
Oh, can anybody show me Jesus?
Oh, let Your love unveil the glory, the real Jesus.
Oh, can anybody show me the real Jesus?
Oh, let Your love unveil the glory of the real Jesus, the real Jesus!

The Real Jesus
Downhere copyright 2006

Missing the Scenery?

In the Sept. '08 issue of Christianity Today, Philip Yancey wrote an article that I want to share in part with you today. In it he reminds disciples that their faith is not just about the destination, as glorious as Heaven is. Christ Jesus calls us to a new kind of life along the Way to Heaven, too! It's as much about the journey as it is about reaching Home. He offers this analogy.

"A bus load of tourists is enroute to the Grand Canyon. On the long journey across the wheat fields of Kansas and through the glorious mountains of Colorado, the travelers inexplicably keep the shades down. Intent on the ultimate destination, they never even bother to look outside. As a result they spend their time arguing over such matters as who has the best seat and who's taking too much time in the bathroom. The Church can resemble such a bus. We should remember that the Bible has far more to say about how to live during the journey than about the final destination."

I hope that your Christianity is not just expressed within the walls of your local church! Truthfully, I hope you feel alive in the Spirit as you wrestle with your work, interact with your neighbors, drive to the bank, hold your child close at the end of the day . . . in these ordinary moments, we have the privilege of making God's Presence real in this world. The Scripture is direct about our responsibility to live in the Kingdom right now, not just in the age to come. "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. . . . And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. . . . Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." (Colossians 3:12, 17, 23-24, NLT)

Recently, in a trying situation, when my patience and strength were near gone, I heard the Spirit say to my heart: "Jerry, this duty will be a delight if you accept, by faith, that you are serving your Lord Jesus in it." Obediently, I responded and thanked Jesus for the opportunity to serve Him. His face replaced the face of the one I served. In a moment, I was no longer just doing what my responsibilities required. I was enjoying the privilege of serving Jesus Himself, a high and holy honor!

Our lives are totally changed when we grasp what Jesus said in that one line of the prayer He taught us to pray: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10, KJV) What an awesome, wonderful, amazing, challenging, 'bigger than we could hope to accomplish in our strength,' commission that is! A Kingdom-oriented disciple will find himself in constant communication with the Lord, seeking the wisdom and guidance of the Spirit for this adventure!

Oh, how I pray for a Kingdom vision from Christ to be planted in each of us. It is transforming. How can we give ourselves to base things, to silly conflicts over trivial matters, if our words and actions are about serving Jesus and bringing His love and goodness into every situation in which we find ourselves?

Dear Believer, this is the wonder of Eternal Life. We don't have to wait until we die to begin to live in it! That is why the fear of death no longer controls those who live in the Spirit. Even as they live on this planet, watching the days pass, they are citizens of a Kingdom without end. If we are living thus, when our body ceases to function, our spirit will simply move from the confines of time and space into a realm in which we are already at home. Don't pull the shades and miss the scenery. In fact, let me expand Yancey's analogy - "Don't just stay on the bus!" When it parks, get off and find somebody to serve. As you gaze into the face of that person, whomever she may be; catch a glimpse of the face of Jesus.

___________________________

Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things;
Give heart and soul
And mind and strength
To serve the King of kings.

Rise up, O men of God!
His kingdom tarries long;
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.

Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up, and make her great!

Lift high the cross of Christ,
Tread where His feet have trod;
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!

Rise Up, O Men of God
William Merrill© Public Domain