Help Wanted - save the world

Help wanted, save the world

“Help wanted, save the world.”  Does that sound grandiose to you?  That is the calling God gives to every Christian!  Need purpose, meaning, a reason to get out of bed every day? Well, there it is. There is no question this world needs saving.  Injustice, greed, lewdness, loneliness, depression, sex slavery, poverty, and environmental exploitation are all symptoms of  the same sickness – sinfulness! God calls us to wade into the middle of all of these things to build a bridge out of that lost place into His Presence, where there is forgiveness, restoration, and life eternal.  The Scripture calls that being a ‘priest.’

When we invited Christ to be Lord of life, we also entered the holy priesthood of Believers. "Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. …  you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you." (1 Peter 2:8-9, The Message)  No matter what your occupation may be – plumber, lawyer, mother, teacher, pastor, or systems analyst – your calling is to the priesthood.

The Bible teaches us that being a priest means we live in such a way that our daily actions cause others to think of God and His goodness.  Our lives lift others, shed light into darkness; yes, even cause people to become acutely aware of their own sinfulness.  No, it isn’t necessarily that we point out their sins or accuse.  It the life of the Spirit in us that creates a longing for something better.  Being a priest also involves standing between heaven and earth, holding out our hands to God in prayer on behalf of those who need His grace, and then turning to extend our hands to invite the world to join us at the Cross of Christ.

If that all sounds overwhelming, it is. That is why we must not attempt this Christian life on our own. We cannot fulfill the calling of the priesthood without the empowering of the Spirit.  The very first disciples were told of their mission to go into all the world and preach the Good News, but Jesus told them before they went, they had to wait.  Wait? For what?  "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49, NIV) "In one of these meetings as he was eating a meal with them, he told them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. Remember, I have told you about this before." (Acts 1:4, NLT)  "But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8, NLT)  "On the day of Pentecost, seven weeks after Jesus’ resurrection, the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." (Acts 2:1-4, NLT)

Those people went from that place newly empowered priests!  Their lives and message transformed the world within a generation. What does God want to do with you in your family circle as you represent Him as His holy priest?  Are you faithfulness to carry your friends and family members, your neighbors and the world before Him with priestly prayers that seek His grace?  

Yes, we can change the world. Could there be any higher purpose?

"Lord, You owe me!"

Pain and fear punched me; one after the other and I cried out – “Lord, I’m one of the good guys. I don’t deserve this.”  As soon as I heard those words, my spiritual pride became obvious to me.   Without realizing it, I had started to play, “Let’s Make a Deal” with God, trading my goodness for His favor.  The subtle shift in focus from His grace to my religion undermined real faith. Instead of crying out, “Lord, I trust You to keep me,” I was complaining, demanding even.  I am so grateful that in that moment, the Spirit revealed my heart, I confessed, and He forgave me.  From that moment, there was grace that kept me through the rest of that trial.

Are you in a difficult situation, a time of suffering? Is there a simmering anger at God that comes from an unspoken sense, “You, Lord, have failed me. I deserve better.”?  Habbakuk is a companion on this road. He, too, experienced disappointment. The opening words of his book reveal his struggle to keep faith: "How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence!” I cry, but you do not come to save." (Habakkuk 1:2, NLT) That is one gutsy prayer, isn't it? "Hey, God, what up with this? I thought you would answer my call and it feels like you hung up the phone on me instead." Habbakuk saw the growing threat of the Babylonian Empire and thought God would step in to deliver His people. Instead, God revealed that He would allow that nation to conquer Israel.

How does one deal with that kind of disappointment? It's what we struggle with when we pray to be healed and God says, "I'll be with you but I won't take away the illness."  We must reject spiritual pride that brings a sense of entitlement as we pray for release from temptation.  We are taught to ask boldly, but always with humility.  Sometimes the Spirit will not bring us the answer we want! Instead of delivering us out, He decides to take us through.  He says, "We'll walk together through the fiery trial."  Unlike some of the prophets who thunder with certainty about the power of the Lord, Habbakuk gives us a prayerful voice that waits and wonders at God's often inscrutable ways. Ultimately, he comes to the place where he says, "God hang onto me. It's the only hope I have."  "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains. " (Habakkuk 3:17-19, NLT)

Many times when my faith is stretched thin I claim this prophet's prayer and make it my own desperate plea. If you're in a hard place today, broken-hearted, fearful, disappointed, confused - do not let the Enemy of God and good make you believe that you are just weak, or that you are a terrible Christian. Don’t demand or complain.  Know that testing and temptation is the common experience of those who love Jesus. When we put one foot in eternity while we still live on earth, we invite a certain tension into our lives! We keep hoping when others give up and live small, hopeless lives. We keep working to make the world brighter and better when others settle for 'what is' and accommodate themselves to the emptiness a life with no other purpose than "eat, drink, and be merry!"

“Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”  That, my friend, is the stuff of faith! "Whatever comes, whatever my disappointment - Lord God, I will keep on trusting You." When He fills our vision, He becomes our strength and He makes us sure-footed in treacherous territory.

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Whom Shall I Fear God Of Angel Armies

You hear me when I call,

You are my morning song,

Though darkness fills the night,

It cannot hide the light!

Whom shall I fear?

You crush the enemy

underneath my feet.

You are my sword and shield

Though troubles linger still.

Whom shall I fear?

I know Who goes before me.

I know Who stands behind.

The God of angel armies is always by my side.

The One who reigns forever,

He is a friend of mine,

The God of angel armies is always by my side.

My strength is in Your name

For You alone can save.

You will deliver me

Yours is the victory!

Whom shall I fear?

Whom shall I fear?

 (And) nothing formed against me shall stand,

You hold the whole world in Your hands.

I'm holding on to Your promises,

You are faithful. You are faithful.

Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Scott Cash

© 2012 Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055

Ripples through Time

“Hello, Jerry, this is Jack Winters.”  An image of a man with a smile, a sweet, loving demeanor filled my mind as I heard the voice of that old friend on the telephone yesterday.  He went on to tell me that it was his spiritual birthday, that 40 years ago on that day, my Dad had knelt beside him in church and led him to open his life to Christ Jesus.  A tough, not so nice man, whose marriage was in shambles, became new and whole.  Jack’s voice trembled with emotion as he told me that the previous Sunday night two of his granddaughters were baptized.  “I’m so glad your Dad wouldn’t give up on me,” he said.  That is how Christianity works!  The Gospel is like a seed planted, then grows, matures, and bears fruit.  It is replanted and the effect ripples outward through the world.   Occasionally we get to connect some lines, as I did yesterday, but often only God in Heaven knows what our choices today will produce a generation from now.

What effect will ripple through time from your life? Who are you pursuing with the Gospel, persistently but not offensively, quietly, prayerfully, gently; and above all, with Christ-like love?
Influence that ripples out into the lives of others does not require that we shout our message or overwhelm the world! Salt is a critically importance ingredient in so much of our food, but it doesn’t take much! Light is a powerful influence. Put a brightly colored rug in front of a sunlight filled door. It will fade quickly! Plants bend toward the source of light. Jesus reminds us to be like "salt and light." He says, "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13-16, NLT)
Keep in mind that what you do is creating a culture. Make it one of excellence! Here’s a word from the Word.  I accept the Lord’s challenge. Will you? "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:1-6, NIV)

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“Heavenly Father,  the wake that follows my passing in life today

Be one of grace.
Let my conversation be full of faith, my words marked by compassion.
Create a wholeness in me that lifts up those I pass by.

Thank you for those who have influenced me.
Be honored by my thoughts, words, and actions.
Christ Jesus, I pray in Your Holy Name.”

Report cards, measuring progress?

I used to be all about ‘report cards.’  Let me see those “A’s!”  Time has shown me the limitations of measuring the quality of an education with grades in a folder. Sure, teachers need some way to determine how much of the course content a student is grasping, but a 100% on the test is not proof positive. Some people are just recorders of information. They can focus and file dates and facts in their brain. Good for them! But, can they reassemble that data using it to learn new things, create conclusions not provided by the lecturer?  A truly educated person is not just a walking encyclopedia, he is a person fully developed using the information he learns to build a productive life. 

How do you measure spiritual progress?   How do you know if you are meeting Peter’s challenge to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18, NIV)?  

The easy and obvious way many Christians measure their spiritual formation is by recording minutes spent reading the Bible, time spent in prayer, Sundays in church, dollars given in the offering, or even offices held in the church.  Some do really well, and that is good since each of those choices can return real benefit. But, a perfect record in them may indicate nothing at all if no depth of faith exists, no love commands, no evidence of Christ’s life is visible. There is only one true measure of spiritual progress – fruitfulness.  

The Christians in Galatia received the good news of Jesus with joy. They were transformed by God’s love, eager to learn of Christ’s ways, and accepting the Spirit’s guidance.  Then, along came some teachers who turned their new walk of faith into a system of religion. They were taught a wrong way to measure and started to compete with each other to prove how many “God-things” they could do.  The Spirit’s life disappeared and an ugly parody of Christianity emerged.  Pastor Paul was infuriated and wrote them a letter that we read as Galatians.  He called them back to Christ. Then, told them the true signs of spiritual formation.  “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. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. (The Message Galatians 5:22-26)

Christian, there are choices to be made if you desire to become a Christian of greatness.  Nobody becomes a well-educated person by sleeping through class. Nobody grows in grace by just wishing it to happen.  However, it’s not your ability to hit the metrics, to please the pastor, or gain the church’s admiration that drives the process.  It’s living in the Spirit.  Each day, we are presented with situations that allow us a choice – to control or to surrender.  We can work hard to make ourselves and life what we think it ought to be, or we can give ourselves away to the loving Leadership of Christ Jesus, inviting the Holy Spirit to flow into, through, and out of us.  When He waters the dry places of our lives, we are growing.  It’s evident, as plain as the apples hanging on a fully fruited tree.

Here is a word from the Word.  May the Spirit water your life with it this day and bring fruit.

"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.

But this is not true of the wicked. They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction." (Psalm 1, NLT)

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Pushing Wheelchairs, changing lives

       

Bill stepped through the door of my hospital room and in a few moments changed the entire day. He is a looming presence, 6’3” at least, a man of ample dimensions, all around.  He is as gentle as he is big. Thursday morning he was totally focused on caring for me, making certain to do his part in helping me to heal.  I soon found out that he wasn’t just ‘at work;’ he was ‘at life,’ doing what he does with joy, with complete engagement.  I watched him interact with other members of the hospital staff. He spoke their name, offered a word of praise or encouragement. I noted that faces brightened when Bill entered the corridor.  Bill changes the environment of that hospital, but not from the top.  What do he do?  He is a transporter, moving people in wheelchairs or on gurneys from place to place!

People who bring joy and experience joy are those who embrace who they are and what God offers them at that moment – fully. They are not waiting to live or love. They may have greater dreams, they may not be in a place that fulfills every desire, but they are choosing contentment and living in the Spirit. Many of us, even who claim to belong to Christ and to be filled with His Spirit, only live there occasionally.  Can you identify with any of these?

·         The beauty of a sunset captivates us and, for a moment, time stands still. 

·         A child looks us straight in the eye and the purity of their gaze melts our self-consciousness, washing us with delight.

·         We rise above the need to express our anger and encourage another instead, and hear the Spirit’s ‘atta-boy.’  Heaven’s hug is palpable.

·         Love finds us; in a song, with a tender word, and we know why we exist.

We can live in that kind of wholeness much more consistently, Christian. The full life promised by Jesus is not found in the perfection of a religious system, nor in the exemplary performance of our daily responsibilities. It is found when, as He said, “rivers of living water from within!”  We become who we are meant to be and experience the deepest joy when we faithfully believe and receive a life gifted to us in grace, not one achieved by strenuous discipline.  The Gospel says that "Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “If you are thirsty, come to me! If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within.” (John 7:37-38, NLT)  The offer stands! Today, we can live as children of God and know the delight of His love.

Imagine if Bill, the hospital transporter, only thought that doctors could help people and just showed up to push wheelchairs to earn a paycheck? Would I have felt the same kind of care, observed the same kind of interactions? No way.  Imagine if Bill envied each nurse he saw, knowing that they were compensated at least 3 to 4 times more than he is? Would he have be-friended them, noting their life’s situations and offering hopeful words? No, again.  He had made a choice – whether consciously or not – to be all that Bill, the transporter could be.  This made it possible for one of the people lowest on the organizational chart to enjoy an out-sized influence on a community!

Today will bring you opportunities. Will you miss them while you’re waiting for a different set of circumstances, envying another’s education, wishing for more of something, longing to be somewhere? Or, will you offer yourself, right where you are to God, the Holy Spirit, asking that a river of living water would pour through you bringing life?

Here’s the word from the Word.  Lord, help us to believe it, receive it, and live it. Amen.

"For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10, NIV) "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!" (Ephesians 3:20-21, The Message)

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Spirit Of God Descend Upon My Heart

Spirit of God descend upon my heart.

Wean it from earth, thro' all its pulses move.

Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art

And make me love Thee as I ought to love!

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!

Frederick Cook Atkinson | George Croly

Public Domain