NO more indifference!

A couple, who have become dear friends in recent years, told me yesterday about their positive choice!  One year ago, realizing how much alcohol was controlling the lives, making them into people they did not want to be, they chose to ‘get sober.’  With lots of grace from God, encouragement from friends, courage, and willingness to keep making tough decisions – they broke a decade long pattern of drinking and yesterday they celebrated a full year of sobriety. I celebrate their choice even as I know that there are many more days of choosing ahead for them.

How is this new week going to be for you?  “What, Jerry? How should I know?”  Yes, true; life can change in an instant when the unexpected shows up and yet my question remains. Are you going to choose to live or be content to merely exist?

It's easy to drift indifferently through life, letting others make the choices, just ‘going with the flow.’ Elie Wiesel, a  Jew who was sent to the Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz when he was 15 years old, chose to respond to that unspeakable evil by speaking up, dragging the ugly truth into the open.  The horror he experienced there changed him and in a time when most Holocaust survivors remained silent, he became a tireless voice to remind the world of the sufferings of millions then and throughout his life. I love his words – “The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of beauty is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, but indifference between life and death.”

This Monday morning, will you heave a sigh, pick up your keys and go to do whatever you must, with a kind of resignation?  You could join the Psalmist to declare, "Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me … I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory! … This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:7,21,24, NLT)  There is choice in the way you enter this new week and if you will look up, give thanks, and take His grace – you can live with joy.  One of the greatest gifts God gave us is the power to choose!

Even though we are entrusted with amazing powers to think, to learn, to create, to plan; we all know that we cannot control life. Christians and unbelievers both experience sunshine and storms, sickness and health, and delight and disappointment. We act foolishly if we make boasts, supposedly based in faith, about our ability to bend life to our will. My faith is not in saying the right words or forcing myself to think only positive thoughts that create the outcomes I want today. I believe God! He promises that I will never walk alone, that all my days are in His hands, and that my eternal life is secured by a covenant written by Him, sealed by the gift of the life of His Son at the Cross, and confirmed by His resurrection. So, I choose to walk with Him.

Joshua, near the end of his faith-filled life, called the leaders of God’s people together. His challenge echoes down through 3 millennia to us. “Fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. … Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. … But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15, NLT)  What a challenge, what a choice!

Make it a good week – one choice, one day, at a time – focused on Jesus, His goodness, and the amazing grace of God.
___________


Abba, this brand new week is full of possibilities.
Give me eyes to see them and courage to choose them!
When I allow indifference and laziness to bring on deadly drift,
Stir me, Holy Spirit, to stand, to speak, to work, to be full of faith.
I am thankful for the freedom from sin and Self
That is mine in Christ Jesus.
Help me to use that freedom for your praise.
Fill me, use me, and may I live beyond regret.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Who ya gonna trust?

“Fake News” is a term that entered our vocabulary this year. For most of my life, I consumed news of the world and followed the political scene in this country avidly. I read the paper every day for 40 years.  ABCNews was a such a regular part of life that my children grew up thinking that Peter Jennings, the anchor of that broadcast, was a family friend.  But, like so many Americans, I have disengaged from news because I no longer can tell what is propaganda (fake news) and what is actual truth.  I don’t trust any news source to bring me an unbiased story any longer.

Much the same kind of war is being waged for you and me spiritually! The world in which we live is redefining morality, meaning, and purpose for us. Words may be the same, but meanings are radically different. Some call this ‘progress,’ but what I see is confusion. Families, churches, nations are being torn to shreds by lies that have been told so many times that many believe they are true.  One of the basic lies that has become ‘truth’ is that happiness is life’s highest value. We are told that we must find our bliss, that we should not do anything that makes us unhappy. And so, we change jobs, abandon our church, seek a divorce, set aside principled lives – in a headlong pursuit of ‘happiness.’

In my pastoral care, there are those who come to me in difficult situations looking for counsel. When I suggest that they patiently work through the challenge, that they wait to take action as they prayerfully allow God to develop His plan, I am often met with a look of astonished disbelief. “Pastor, I can’t do this another day. I am just so unhappy!” And, that is the last word as far as they are concerned. Being happy far outweighs all other things for so many of us.

I trust God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s promise to make that Word alive in me. Do you believe this passage? Read it carefully, allowing the implications of each line to penetrate your consciousness.

"The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.  (Pause here. Think about those preceding lines!)

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? (The implied answer? By knowing God’s Word)
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:7-14, NLT)

Before you start to say, “Yes, but …” and offer excuses for ignoring the counsel of Scripture, think about what you’re giving away. Life, wisdom, joy, insight, reward, and the approval of the Creator await those who embrace His truth and give themselves to loving Him. "There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool? Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin." (Psalm 19:11-13, The Message)

So, who are you going to trust? “Follow your heart” is a nice sentiment, but it is also a lie that will lead you to a lesser life and perhaps even to destruction.  “Be happy” is a great thought and I do pray that each of us can find a place to be happy much of the time, but I also know that chasing happiness is like looking for water in a desert mirage, an empty hope.

Here is a prayer of David, after he chased his own happiness in the arms of Bathsheba and brought sorrow to himself and his household. The word from the Word - "Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I’ll sing anthems to your life-giving ways." (Psalm 51:12-14, The Message)  Amen

Pressure and Heat – those tests!

 

I recently watched the film, “Deepwater Horizon” which tells the story of the blow-out of an oil well off shore from Louisiana in 2010.  The spill was the largest in US history and the explosion on the rig killed 11 men. According to the film, the well blowout resulted, at least in part, from a decision by BP executives at the site to skip testing of the cement that was used to seal the well after drilling was finished. As the well was being prepped for closure so that the drilling platform could be moved, the untested cement plug failed. A decision to cut corners and save about $150,000 turned into a tragic and costly incident.

Do you know that those difficult situations that you experience serve a purpose in your life? Do you avoid doing ‘hard’ things that test your courage and resolve?  God tells us this about our testing times. "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, NIV) That same verse in the NLT reads - "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Choosing a life of service, letting the Holy Spirit lead us beyond the boundaries of what is convenient or familiar, almost always leads to discomfort, a sense of being dislocated, and disturbing of our well-being. By faith we understand that God will use those moments to lead us to lean harder on Him, to realize what is true and worthwhile, and to grow a deeper character. James was inspired by the Spirit to teach us this - "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:2-4, The Message)

Growth and development of Christ’s nature is not the inevitable result of hardship or difficult situations!  There are many who become wreckage, who choose to run from God, and fall apart. Jonah, the ancient prophet that God called to go and preach to a pagan Nineveh, knew the call would be arduous, more than he thought he could endure. What did he do? He ran in the opposite direction, catching a ship to escape God’s call. Jonah’s choice cost many people a great deal. The storm that came caused the loss of cargo. Even then Jonah refused to submit, asking instead to be thrown overboard. The Lord was persistent, sending that ‘great fish’ that swallowed the man, carried him to shore, and vomited him onto the beach.  When Jonah obeyed, a spiritual renewal came to the city of Nineveh!

Are you like Jonah, knowing where God desires you to be, what He wants you to do, but running willfully from something you think is ‘too hard?’  Take another look at the promise. "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."  Rather than run, we choose to ‘persevere,’  to stand steadfast, with courage, in hope while the time of testing batters, bends, and bruises us.  Why? Are we just masochistic? No, we are willing to endure temporary pain to discover the reward of a heart that loves God and the reward He has in store.

Our word from the Word is an oft-quoted passage from Jeremiah. As the people of God experienced the consequence of their idolatry and self-will, the destruction of the nation, the Lord promises that He will have the last word and that He will not abandon them.  As you read these ancient words let them give you courage to follow Him, even into the hard things, through change, on the great adventure of godliness that leads us to our eternal Home. "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. " (Jeremiah 29:11, The Message)   If you find yourself going through the pressures of life, let God use it to  “force your faith-life into the open and shows its true colors.”  And, then like the tested saint, Job, you will say - "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." (Job 23:10, NIV)

_______

Good, Good Father

I've heard a thousand stories

Of what they think You’re like

But I've heard the tender whisper

Of love in the dead of night

You tell me that You’re pleased

And that I'm never alone

You're a Good Good Father

It's who You are, It's who You are

It's who You are

And I'm loved by You

It's who I am, It's who I am

It's who I am

I've seen many searching for answers

Far and wide

But I know we're all searching for answers

Only You provide

Because You know just what we need

Before we say a word

You are perfect in all of Your ways

You are perfect in all of Your ways

You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

Love so undeniable I can hardly speak

Peace so unexplainable I can hardly think

As You call me deeper still

As You call me deeper still

As You call me deeper still

Into love, love, love

Anthony Brown | Pat Barrett

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When you are ‘beat up’ by life

Yesterday turned into an emotionally exhausting one.  Big human needs, some problems that appear to have no answers, continued right up to 9:30 PM when I fell onto my bed. There, my head and heart full of cares, I breathed out a kind of sigh and prayer, "Help me, Jesus."  I turned on the Bible App in the Ipad™ and let the words of the Scripture remind me of His strength, His grace, and His amazing love.  My soul rested as I heard these words - "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (Colossians 3:12-15, NLT)  It’s not really a ‘comfort’ passage, is it?

It was God, the Spirit, using His word to coach me.  He was telling me the choices I must make to live with His joy in this broken, needy world.  And, I 'heard' the voice (no, not audibly, but that inner voice of God's Spirit speaking to my spirit) inviting me to rest in Him. He whispered, "Just let me lead. I know the way and, whatever demands present themselves to you, I will be there with wisdom and resources."  In spite of weariness, I renewed my hope in the promises of God.

Perhaps as you read about my listening to the Spirit's voice, the words seem contrived or silly or simply the work of a vivid imagination. I assure you, it's not! I am not a man given to wild flights of imagination or trips through fantasy land. He can reveal to us, in the depths of our spirit, what we cannot know by observation or conclusion, what we cannot see with our eyes or hear with our ears! He loves and we can love Him. That intimate communion with the Lord of Heaven is the Treasure of Life!

Jesus tenderly says, to each of us: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)

"Come to me, Jerry." The invitation is not to Easy Street, nor is it to another vacation. He goes on to say, "Walk with Me and work with Me!" Jesus invites us to learn how to work steadily, to be tired, but not exhausted; to give it our all, but not to feel that life has been sucked from us.  He invites us to work smart, as well as hard.  I love that phrase - he 'unforced rhythms of grace!' Naturally, I tend to fall easily into a place where I drive hard, push hard, go at life at high speed. I have regrets from moments where I pressed for solution when I should have waited. But, I also know the joy of waiting on the Lord, remaining at a place attentive to His voice, and seeing Him bring answers that are “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Eph 3:20) 

So those situations that wore me out yesterday are still here this morning, but my perspective is new, my heart renewed. Are you weary today? Do you wonder if you can take another day, if you can endure one more day with that person, in that place, or dealing with that ‘problem’ without losing your mind?

Let me urge you to take a "Jesus" break. Carve time for personal worship into that busy schedule. Perhaps your prayer will just be the whispered words, “Help me, Jesus.” He hears. So, breath deep, and wait, and listen, and “you’ll recover your life” He promises. I hope you have a friend or two who will just listen and love without judgment, kindly being “Jesus with skin on” for you.

Later this week, break away from the grind to be among other Christians in corporate worship, attending to worship with your full attention. In worship, you will find that His demands are not those of a cruel tyrant. Don't think of Him like that, for if you do, bitterness will creep into your heart. Instead, thank Him for fitting you for service, and for His promise of renewal of strength.

Here is a word from the Word.

"But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.

They spread their wings and soar like eagles,

They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind."
(Isaiah 40:31, The Message)

___________________

Jesus I Am Resting Resting

Jesus I am resting resting

In the joy of what Thou art

I am finding out the greatness

Of Thy loving heart

Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee

And Thy beauty fills my soul

For by Thy transforming power

Thou hast made me whole

Simply trusting Thee Lord Jesus

I behold Thee as Thou art

And Thy love so pure so changeless

Satisfies my heart

Satisfies its deepest longings

Meets supplies its ev'ry need

Compasseth me 'round with blessings

Thine is love indeed

Ever lift Thy face upon me

As I work and wait for Thee

Resting 'neath Thy smile Lord Jesus

Earth's dark shadows flee

Brightness of my Father's glory

Sunshine of my Father's face

Keep me ever trusting resting

Fill me with Thy grace