Right now, where you are

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- Kittie Suffield, Public Domain

Stormy weather

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- George Crosby

Battle Fatigue

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Foley is in rehab

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

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

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

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

Ponder this passage of promise.

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

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

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

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

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

Glory to God!

The Reason

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

____________________

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

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

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

- Crosby, public domain