Diamonds in Tupperware

When my kids were little, they loved to 'help' me when I was working around the house. Every parent knows what I'm talking about. When they're too young to run the lawnmower, they want to. But when they are old enough, the desire evaporates like morning mist. The eagerness to 'help' Dad, meant they would be perfectly positioned in the way, 99% of the time. Helpful son would be standing right where I needed to place that heavy load in my arms. He would be holding up the end that needed to be put down. But, who could be angry with him? His desire for my approval and the eagerness to be 'with' Dad captivated my heart.

In much the same way, I know that I often get in God's way! Like an overly eager child who wants to 'help,' I find myself standing right where God wants to move, speaking when I should be listening, and doing when I should be learning. It's not a pride thing most of the time, anyway. I am not trying to take God's place; I just want to 'help' Him. As I was preparing my heart for the worship services yesterday I was growing increasingly anxious about the message that I had prepared. Early Sunday morning as I read through the text and my notes, I complained to no one in particular, "I can't take this to the pulpit. This isn't worth preaching!" Then, I felt the hand of God on me and heard His voice in my heart say, "Don't get in My way!" He was reminding me again that if I made Jerry's performance the focus of the sermon then people would respond only to me and His work would not be done in the most effective way. All He wanted me to do was my best, while letting Him lead. My desire needed to be that He was lifted up and that I would be eclipsed by His glory!

Believer, do you allow yourself to get in God's way?
Does the desire to perform cause you to lose sight of what God wants done?

How easily we are fooled into thinking we are much more important to God's work than we really are. When I start to feel like He couldn't get His work done without me, I remind myself of Balaam's donkey! Numbers tells us the story of a prophet who got his priorities mixed up. As he was on his way, God sent an angel to block the road. The man was so determined to do what he thought needed to be done, that he did not perceive God's messenger, but his donkey did. Here's how the Bible recounts what happened next. "God’s angel blocked the way yet again—a very narrow passage this time; there was no getting through on the right or left. Seeing the angel, Balaam’s donkey sat down under him. Balaam lost his temper; he beat the donkey with his stick. Then God gave speech to the donkey. She said to Balaam: "What have I ever done to you that you have beat me these three times?" (Numbers 22:26-28, The Message) A donkey saved a prophet's life and even spoke!

This doesn't mean that we are worthless, or that God doesn't need us, or that we can do His work carelessly. But, ministry of any kind (that's just service, by the way) is never about us. It's always about Him! We don't serve so we can feel useful, or so people admire our spirituality, or with the desire that our abilities will be applauded. If we do, we're just in the way. We serve so that God's glory shines through. Paul uses this homely metaphor to drive home that point. "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Corinthians 4:7, NIV) His allusion is to the ordinary household vessels of the day that were used for water, food, etc. In today's jargon, he might write it this way, "God's glory in us is like diamonds stored in Tupperware." It's not the container that is the treasure, it's what's inside!

By the way, when I got God out front and forgot about myself in the delivery of that sermon, there was amazing joy and deep fulfillment. And, God did exactly what needed to be done. Hallelujah!
________________

Stand still and see His glory.
Hallelujah! 'Tis wondrous,
His victories and triumphs.
Stand still, ye people,
Be silent and see His glory,
Hallelujah! His glory,
Hallelujah!
Stand still and see His glory.

Stand still and see His glory;
Watch as His mysteries unfold.
Bask in the sweetness
of pure Living Waters,
Refreshing, reviving the soul.
All hail His infinite wisdom!
None is so mighty as He.
Master, Creator of all things enduring,
None else is so precious to me.

Stand Still and See His Glories

Dottie Rambo© 1977 John T. Benson Publishing Company (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067) /
CCLI License No. 810055

"Christian" Politics

An editorial in Christianity Today (March '08 issue) carries the title, "Hating Hillary." It thoughtfully raises the issue of how Believers should engage in political discourse. After reading it, I asked myself, "Do we leave our Christian convictions behind when we discuss political matters?" Many of us do apparently. I have received many slanderous emails in recent months that repeat outright lies. These diatribes are silent about the policies of the candidates, but make outrageous assertions about them personally. You've probably seen them, too. "Obama is a radical Muslim." He's not. "Hillary is a lesbian." She's not. "Huckabee will be Pastor-in-chief." No, if elected, he will be the President. I have yet to get any hateful attack emails about McCain's personality.

Some Believers have adopted the mannerisms and words of the flame-throwing radio personalities who appear to care less about the truth than they do about inventing clever phrases and building audience loyalties. Hillary Clinton is a favorite target. According to CT, one representative of the Family Research Council (a Christian organization) distributed fortune cookies that contained the message - "#1 reason to ban human cloning - Hillary Clinton." It may be cute, but it is offensive and, more to the point, it adds nothing to our understanding of her policies. Of course it goes the other way, too. Left-learning Christian groups go far beyond attacking President Bush's policies to deriding him personally with names like "Village Idiot."

This kind of personalized politics is nothing new! Campaigns of the past were just as ugly, at times, even more so! That is one reason that Christians of a century ago, stepped aside from politics, considering it simply 'too dirty' for their involvement. That changed about 35 years ago, but tragically, often Christians fall into the mud-slinging ways instead of being a positive influence on the political scene. This ought not be true. We can be involved; yes, we must be involved in the process since we are citizens of both the Kingdom of God and the nations where we live! However, we must bring our Christianity to the process, not let it be trampled or ignored.

"While the loudest political voices this election season will keep only a loose rein on their tongues, evangelicals (Believers) do well to ponder the Bible's insights into the mysterious, yet profound, connection between a person's mouth and heart. 'The things that come out of the mouth,' says Jesus, 'come from the heart.' Which is why Paul says, 'now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.' (Colossians 3:8, NIV) . . . What's more, vitriolic language directed at political figures does not, to use the metaphor of Paul, attract others with 'the aroma of Christ.' It just creates a stench, making it more difficult to nurture relationships with those who want to meet Christ and who happen to support (a candidate you do not support.) Such talk easily slides into denigrating those on the other side of the political spectrum -- who may just be on the other side of the aisle on Sunday morning." -Christianity Today (March '08 issue)

A candidate's policies are fair game for our dissections and discussions. Believers should be knowledgeable about what a candidate proposes and what kinds of programs he wants to implement. We should take care, however, not to be swept up in hysteria. We must not allow ourselves to be taken in by fast-talking media pundits, or even by Christian leaders who allow their personal preferences about personalities of the candidates to color their political rhetoric. We are to 'speak the truth, in love,' to borrow a Biblical phrase. We do not elect a person for his or her likeability alone, or because he or she is telegenic, or even because he 'goes to a church' like the one we attend.

We are to give our vote and support to candidates who understand the basic worldview of a Christian - that God, not man, is the One to whom all are accountable, that human life is sacred from conception to old age,that seeking peace is preferred always to making war, and that justice and dignity for all is what being created in the image of God means.

When we set aside the personal attacks on political candidates, remembering that they are not just a collection of ideas, but that they are real people, too; we earn credibility for our voices. We are then able to speak effectively, be taken seriously, and raise the level of discourse out of the gutter. In this, we not only serve our nation well; we glorify the Lord who is our Eternal King. Amen.

Abuse of Power

The video showed a middle-aged woman in police custody. She was accused of driving while intoxicated and was resisting the officer's directions, but she was not threatening him. Apparently he lost patience with her. We see his hand reach up to turn off the video camera. Moments later, when he switches it back on, the woman is lying on the floor in a large pool of blood. That officer lost his job for 'abuse of power.' When we think of abusing power, most of us probably think about dictators who get rich while oppressing a poor nation, or a rogue cop, or a cruel parent. But, think again! It can happen in any situation that one person has control of another person.

Power is a dangerous thing. Because of the sinful nature that you and I inherited from Adam, power is corrosive to character. In too many situations to enumerate, we see how quickly influence is turned to serve ego and to enrich the privileged at the expense of those over whom they wield influence. Lord Acton, a British historian of a century ago observed :
"Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts absolutely!"

God is deeply concerned with the abuse of power and His Word is clear about the immorality of using the trust of leadership and/or influence for selfish gain! Amos, the shepherd from Tekoa, thundered against ancient Israel for her sins. Primary among them? Abuse of Power! He roared: "The Lord said: I will punish Israel for countless crimes, and I won't change my mind. They sell honest people for money, and the needy are sold for theprice of sandals. They smear the poor in the dirt and push aside those who are helpless. .... They lie down beside altars on clothes taken as security for loans. And they drink wine in my temple, wine bought with the money they received from fines." (Amos 2:6-8, CEV)

Ah, friend, as I read those lines they make me want to weep. This is the description of our time! The 'have's' of our nation are too often forgetful of the responsibilities that come with their privileges. Those in power, though perhaps not on the 'take' as we might think of corruption - are often read to use their position to enrich the rich and to give favor to those who can return favor. The poor and the powerless are forgotten, or thought to be simply the victims of their own stupidity and deserving of their fate!

Pride says, "I climbed to the top of the heap, so let me enjoy the benefits that come with this position." As Amos continues in his sermon, he reminds the corrupt leaders of Israel that they had once been slaves, people without a country or power. They were not rich and powerful because they were smarter or deserving. They had experienced the grace of God! "And yes, I'm the One who delivered you from Egypt, led you safely through the wilderness for forty years And then handed you the country of the Amorites like a piece of cake on a platter." (Amos 2:10, The Message)

God says, "You are who you are because of My grace! You have an obligation to use your blessings to serve those who are without power, without privilege, the weak, the poor."

A couple of years ago the news media reported that Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, would be stepping down as head of Microsoft, the company he founded in his garage 30 or so years ago. What was he going to do? Build a villa in the Caribbean and take life easy? No. Find another venture to increase his store of wealth? No, again. Gates plans devote his life to his foundation, to finding ways to improve the lives of the poorest people in Africa! His plan is to give away his $billions over the next two decades!

What a beautiful thing it is to see that kind of compassionate care. When a powerful person remains filled with humility, he blesses his world by using his position to ennoble others.

Jesus, Himself, left the pinnacle of power as the Second Person of the God-head, to become a Man. "He took the nature of a servant... He humbled Himself." (Phil. 2)

Are you a 'giver' or a 'taker?'
In positions of influence and/or power, is your aim to attract praise and benefits or to bless others in the Name of Jesus Christ?

Here's what Jesus said about it. Meditate on His words.
"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth." (Matthew 5:3-5, NLT)

The Good Pain

Gabby Gingras, age 7, is incapable of feeling any pain. She runs headlong into a table, bounces off, falls down, and gets up to run off without even a whimper. A blessing, right? Think again. When she was teething, Gabby gnawed on her own fingers, mutilating them until her parents had all of her teeth pulled out to prevent her from further harm to herself. She wears goggles all the time, since she damaged her cornea so badly with her own fingernails that she is now blind in one eye! The little girl has a bizarre disorder in which the pain sensors in her body never developed.

Pain serves a very useful purpose. It keeps us from unintentionally damaging our bodies!

Many in the generation of Americans who are now reaching adulthood are incapable of dealing with life's challenges. They can't hold a job, meet deadlines, or finish a task without direct supervision. Their parents intently worked to spare them difficulties all through their childhood. They hovered over-protectively and rode to the rescue of their child at the slightest sign of his discomfort. If the child protested, rules were changed. Teachers were forced to coddle these little darlings; moving paper due dates, giving re-tests, and generally lowering any standards perceived to cause their students feel 'stress.' It was all in the name of love, a misguided love that has developmentally handicapped millions of kids. These kids are perpetual toddlers, having never dealt with appropriate adversity that helps us to come to emotional maturity, to learn how to get along with difficult people, to push through unpleasant circumstances towards a desired goal.

I know that suffering is awful! I see it up close almost weekly in my ministry. I've known disappointment, sorrow, and pain in my own life. Some suffering is so horrific, caused by such terrible evil, that with my admittedly limited perspective, I can find no good purpose for it. Far be it from me to minimize anyone's situation with platitudes.

However, would you allow that there is a kind of adversity that is good for us? James tells us to "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) Paul tells us that he went through such awful and painful circumstances, he concluded that death was imminent. Later on, he said, "As a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:9, NLT)

Jacob was a deceiving, manipulative person! He cheated his foolish brother out of his birthright with a bowl of soup. He tricked his own aging, blind father into giving him the family blessing by pretending to be his brother. He defrauded his father-in-law in pursuit of greater wealth. Despite the promise of God's blessing, he tried to live life on his own terms. But, in a moment of fear, at a time when he was attempting to go back to his father's country and thought his brother Esau would seek vengeance; Jacob met God! All night he wrestled with the Lord and just before daybreak, the Lord threw his hip out of joint and left him with a limp, a physical reminder of the encounter. In addition, he gave him a new name, Israel, which means "he struggles with God." He was a changed man and limped the rest of his life.

Who wants to limp? Not me, unless it serves as a reminder of a time when God came down and reordered my priorities. Then, perhaps a limp would help to keep me from becoming the same old miserable man again. Every time I felt the catch in my step, it would be a merciful blessing. Paul struggled with some unspecified physical malady. Many preachers guess at it, but that's all we can do. He never tells us what it was, but he was clear why he suffered. Take a close look. "I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."
(2 Corinthians 12:7-9, NLT)

Believer, there are things about the provision of God and the ugliness of our human nature that we are simply unwilling to seek to know apart from the pressure of suffering. Yes, I know that God is our Deliverer and our Healer. It is good and right that we should ask Him for relief. But, we need to trust Him when He does not give us what we ask for!

I'll weep with those who weep, even as I pray for the purpose of God to be accomplished. I'll pray in full faith for healing, hope, and deliverance from every evil, even as I take my cue from the Lord Jesus Christ, who prayed as He faced the terror of the Cross- "Father, not my will, but Yours be done!"
________________

Thru my disappointments,
Strife and discontentment,
I cast my ev'ry care on the Lord,
No matter what obsession,
Pain or deep depression,
I'm standing on the Solid Rock.

I'm standing on the Rock of Ages,
Safe from all the storm that rages,
Rich but not from Satan's wages,
I'm standing on the Solid Rock.

I'm Standing on the Solid Rock
Harold Lane © 1977 Ben Speer Music (Admin. by Integrated Copyright Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055

"Got-to's" to "Get-to's"

Do you perceive your responsibilities as obligations (got-to's) or opportunities (get-to's)? A simple shift in perspective can make a big difference in attitude and performance!

If a person chooses to think - "It's Monday. I've got to go to work!" they have started the week with a complaint. The person who thinks in that way sets himself up for resentment, lower performance, and a generally negative attitude. The person who says- "It's Monday. Thank God I get to go to work and earn a living." is living from a place of gratitude, which opens the door to all kinds of possibilities. You might say, "Jerry, you have no idea the grind I face. You are so naive." True or not, it does not change the wisdom of Scripture which teaches us to choose to be thankful, to accept each day with faith in God's ability to work deeply in us and through us in the world!

Last week the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about changing my own attitudes; about seeing the opportunities that exist in in my work. Here's how. The church I lead faces some real challenges at this time. We have committed ourselves to expensive ministries that we believe are in the will of God for our congregation. We own several buildings that are very expensive to maintain that house those ministries. By all natural calculations, we cannot afford those buildings! When I look at the balance sheets and the cash flow reports, I am tempted to see only obligations that have got to be met instead of amazing opportunities to do the work of the Kingdom. When that attitude shapes my thinking, faith goes out the window. However, when I thank God for trusting the Assembly with so many opportunities; when I pray that He will provide wisdom and resources, joy returns, along with faith to believe Him to accomplish the 'impossible.'

Here's what the Word says, clearly and simply: "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT) I do not want you to misunderstand. God does not ask us to ignore the reality of our lives, but He does teach us that what is real is not always the same as what we see with our natural eyes!

There was a time when Elisha, the mighty prophet of Israel, was pursued by the king of Syria. The prophet and his servant were in a tiny village called Dothan when the armies of Aramea surrounded the town, preparing for their capture. The servant, seeing the obvious, grew terrified. Here's how the Bible tells the rest of that story. "Don’t be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!" The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, "O Lord, please make them blind." So the Lord struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked." (2 Kings 6:16-18, NLT) The fact of the presence of the Aramean troops did not change. It was a real threat. But, there was another unseen army that was even larger, the armies of Heaven. Elisha saw his world with spiritual eyes and it made all the difference!

Believer, I want to encourage you to pray, "Lord, open my eyes and let me see!" Trust God with that situation that you see as a problem. Ask Him to show you the opportunities that exist for you and for the display of His Glory right where you are, at this present time. Here's a word from the Word.

Take it to heart and live it today. "You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful." (Colossians 2:6-7, CEV)
_________________

When we walk the Lord,
in the light of His Word,
what a Glory He shines on our way.
When we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

But we never can prove
the delights of His love,
until all on the altar we lay,
For the favor He shows,
and the joy He bestows,
are for those who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey,
for there's no other way,
to be happy in Jesus,
but to trust and obey.

John Sammis
Public Domain

The REAL Deal

Fraud abounds on the Internet! Just about daily, I get emails that tell me that Mrs. Woeful's husband died leaving her with $25 million and that if I will just send her my name, address, phone, and bank account information, she will send me $2 million of her money.... Right! Recently emails have started showing up that tell me I have won a large sum of money in a Microsoft drawing in Europe. It goes on to list a contact and to request the same data. Those fakes are easy to spot and get deleted with a quick click. The ones that are less obviously fraudulent are the ones that use real logos from places like EBay or PayPal or my bank. Invariably those emails tell me that my account has been compromised and that I need to log in to confirm my password, or something like that. If a person clicks the link in these so-called 'fishing' emails the crook gains access to the real account when he records login information!

Do you know that religious frauds exists as well? Some of them are obvious and I wonder how anybody could be taken in by the outlandishly ridiculous claims. Remember the guy from Puerto Rico who appeared on the news last year, who claims to be Jesus Christ on earth now? He hangs out with a bevy of beautiful young women, sips expensive whiskey, and has a criminal record and still there are thousands of people who follow him, who give millions of dollars to him, and who tragically think that he is showing them the way to eternal life. Much less obviously fraudulent are those 'churches' that emphasis morally upright lives, that preach a message of service and selflessness, but where the Cross of Christ is replaced by human effort! They use many of the right words and even the symbols of Christianity, but substitute mere goodness for the true righteousness of Christ. It's an old lie that has been around since the first generation of the Church.

The Scripture warns about this empty form of religiosity. Read on!
"God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body.

For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it. You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, "Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!"? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them.
These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth." (Colossians 2:13-3:2, NLT)

How easily sincere people are taken in by the lie, "you can earn God's approval." Many make herculean efforts to be 'righteous.' They build a solid record of church attendance, kindness, and even self-denial in the vain hope of being good enough to merit Heaven. Jesus says that without a transformation of the spirit-man, which only happens through faith by the act of the Holy Spirit, any effort on our part to become holy, is like a new paint job on a mausoleum. The outside may shine brightly, but the inside is still full of death.

The amazing, wonderful, absolute Truth is that "God made you alive with Christ." Believe it, receive Him, and you gain 'imputed righteousness.' That's a theological way of saying that God will give you full acceptance as His child at Jesus Christ's expense. A holy life that results from this change is accompanied by joy and real delight in doing the will of God. From a distance a merely good person and a Spirit-filled holy person look much the same. Up close, there is an undeniable quality of love, of devotion, of integrity, and yes; of Life that refreshes, in the one with the new heart. Accept no substitutes for the true Gospel - the Good News of Jesus Christ who died and who lives to save us completely from our sin.

Here is a familiar passage. Read it again, with faith. Ponder the scandalous and wonderful truth of God's amazing grace as you remember these words.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10, NKJV)

_________________

I stand amazed in the Presence
of Jesus, the Nazarene,
and wonder how He could love me,
a sinner, condemned, unclean.

He took my sins and my sorrows,
and made them His very own.
He bore the burden to Calvary,
where He suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory,
His face at last I'll see,
will be my joy through the ages,
to sing of His love for me!

How marvelous! How wonderful!
and my song shall ever be!
How marvelous. How wonderful!
is my Savior's love for me.

- Charles Gabriel
Public Domain

Misplaced hope?

I sometimes think that life would be easier 'if only...' -
I had more money,
I lived in Colorado,
I could be 30 again, or
the food I like wasn't fattening. (The last one is just for laughs!)

We look for hope in so many places, don't we? For the Believer, there is only one true Hope: the Lord Himself. In the story of Exodus, Moses is sent by God to Egypt. He is charged with leading the Israelites out of slavery and to the Promised Land. In chapter 5, we learn that his first encounter with Pharaoh is a disaster! Not only does the king mock him and the Lord, he doubles the work load of the Israelite slaves, who turn on Moses in anger.

So, what does he do?
Go out and party heartily?
Find a new job?
Move to a new city and take a new identity?
Sorry, none of the above.
The Bible says, "Moses returned to the LORD." (Exodus 5:22, NIV)

Admittedly, the prayer he prayed was a nothing more than complaint, "O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me?" (Exodus 5:22, NIV) But, God listened and answered. It is the Lord's answer that I want you to focus on with me, Believer. It is a wonderful three part reply, in which God calls us to renewed hope in Himself.

First, God says, "Trust in my Providence!" "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country." (Exodus 6:1, NIV) If Moses and Aaron had met success on their first visit to the king, they would most likely have congratulated themselves! The Israelites would have tried to turn them into gods. God wanted the Israelites and the Egyptians to know, beyond question, Who was the mover and shaker in this great deliverance. The difficulties were a means of creating utter dependence on Him.

Second, God says, "Know me Personally!" "I am the LORD (Yahweh). I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty (El Shaddai), but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them." (Exodus 6:2-3, NIV) God told Moses that the trials would lead him to a deeper intimacy with Himself. Moses was given the Name of God, the holy Name that was so revered by the Hebrews they would not speak it. So in the Scripture text, we read the word they substituted - Lord. Where you see that in all capital letters, that is a clue that the personal Name of God, Yahweh (some say, Jehovah) appears. His Name means, "the I Am," "the Self-Existent One," or "the One who is Present."

Third, God says, "Renew your hope in my Promises!" "Say to the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.’" (Exodus 6:6-8, NIV) Seven "I wills" are God's declaration. And the promises are bracketed by the statement, "I am the LORD." He secures the promise with the honor of His Name!

Believer, He is our Hope! Money might temporarily make life simpler, but you can't buy peace with God, nor exempt yourself from life's trials with wealth. Pleasure may divert your attention away from suffering, in your own life or in the world around you, but when the music stops playing and the dance is over, reality returns. God does not fail. Return to Him. Renew your worship, deepen your devotion, lay aside your complaints.

Trust His Providence!
Know Him Personally!
Rehearse His Promises!
_________________________

My faith has found a resting place,
not in device, nor creed.
I trust the Ever-living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea.
It is enough that Jesus died,
and that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
this ends my fear and doubt.
A sinful soul, I come to Him,
He'll never cast me out.
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea.
It is enough that Jesus died,
and that He died for me.

- Eliza HewittPublic Domain

Passed By on the Other Side

The woman on the phone was crying softly. Sally (not her real name) said she had not eaten in two days and that she had fallen and broken her arm the night before. Her list of woes was long, as it has been in the past when she called. With shame, I admit that I didn’t want to get involved in her troubles. But, the love of Jesus compels me, so I asked Pat, who coordinates the church’s food pantry ministry, to prepare a bag of groceries that I could take to Sally.

When I got to her room; yes, she lives in a single room, my heart was broken by the poverty, loneliness, desperation in that place. A hug, a prayer, and a bag of groceries didn’t begin to meet her need! I left heavy-hearted, wondering what the Body of Christ could or should do for Sally. Without help, she will never be able to climb out of the pit into which she has fallen. Most likely she has made poor decisions along the way that have only made her situation worse. But, can we, should we, just leave her beside the road, beaten up by the Devil and dying, spiritually and physically?

Sally and those who live ‘on the edge’ like her, are often invisible to the rest of us. We choose not to see them, for when we do, we realize that we have a responsibility to care for them. By care, I do not mean, just feed them, either. We must offer love – costly, sacrificial love.

Why? Because that what Jesus teaches us. Take a look.
“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.
A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:30-37, NIV)

Believer, the salvation God has given to us is not just for Heaven. We are to be about the business of building the Kingdom, here and now. That means we include the Sally’s of this world. But, we cannot help them if we do not ‘see’ them. The solutions are not simple, easy, or cheap. Success is not guaranteed. But, Jesus sends us to love the least and the lost just as He loved us. Doing so will disturb our middle class serenity, drag us out of our comfort zone, and mess up our lives. And, it will also make us just like Him!
____________

On that day when we will pay for
All the deeds we have done.
Good and bad, they'll all be had
To see by everyone.
And when you're called to stand,
And tell just what you saw in me,
More than anything I know
I want your words to be,

She's got her Father's eyes,
Her Father's eyes,
Eyes that find the good in things
When good is not around.
Eyes that find the source of help
When help just can't be found.
Eyes full of compassion,
Seeing ev'ry pain.
Knowin' what you're goin' through
And feelin' it the same.
Just like my Father's eyes,
My Father's eyes,
My Father's eyes.

Father’s Eyes
Chapman, Gary © 1978 Paragon Music Corporation (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055

Confusing MIght With Strength

Power is a major theme in our world, isn’t it?

Politicians build coalitions seeking to exercise greater power. Nations are armed to the point of bankruptcy. Punks on our streets have more guns than ever before. Lawsuits are common. Conflicts too often are settled by violence of one kind or another. Yes, I admit that when I feel threatened, there is always the temptation to evaluate my strengths, to determine if I have enough ‘might’ to flex my muscle and make the threat go away.

But, Believer, Jesus teaches us to respond differently! His words are not difficult to understand, but oh how hard they are to practice. Take a look. "Don’t hit back at all. If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift-wrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. . . . Live generously. " (Matthew 5:39-42, The Message)

We object to His words as impractical, pointing out that they leave us defenseless. No, not defenseless, but unarmed! His words, if we accept them and live in them by faith, transfer our trust for defense to our Heavenly Father, who cares deeply for us. The Word promises justice. "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord." (Romans 12:17-19, NKJV)

The exercise of power always raises the level of conflict. A tragic story from the time of the kings illustrates this. King Solomon died and his son, Rehoboam, ascended to the throne of Israel. The people came to him and asked for relief from their high taxes and forced labor. His older counselors urged him to be a servant to the people knowing that they would respond with support for the king. But he rejected their wisdom and took the people’s request as a challenge to his authority. His response was one of might, not true strength! “If you think life under my father was hard, you haven’t seen the half of it. My father thrashed you with whips; I’ll beat you bloody with chains!” (1 Kings 12:14, The Message) His insecurity fueled a foolish arrogance which led to the division of the nation and he spent the rest of his reign in a simmering civil war!

Rehoboam’s story is repeated millions of times. Men, who are bigger and stronger, intimidate their families instead of providing loving leadership. Bosses drive those they supervise with threats instead of building teams with concern. Neighbors built fences and write laws to protect their rights, only increasing alienation.

Believer, we are secure in Christ. Paul points out the many ways that life and people conspire to harm us, and then he says, "… despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-42, NLT) In His embrace, we can lower our defenses, and trust in His care.
_______________________


O love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee.
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow,
May richer fuller be.

O light that foll'west all my way,
I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee.
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in Thy sunshine's blaze it's day,
May brighter fairer be.

O joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee.
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O cross that lifted up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from Thee.
I lay in dust life's glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red,
Life that shall endless be.

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Matheson, George / Peace, Albert Lister
© Public Domain
CCLI License No. 810055

Critics - a blessing or a curse?

Film critics regularly tell us if a movie is worth our $8. Is a film a 'must see' or a 'don't waste your money' snooze? Are there flaws in storylines, poor editing, and bad writing? One thing about movie critics that makes me smile is how seldom they see a good film! Perhaps pointing out the flaws, real and imagined, creates a kind of "movie critic" job security. Dr. Larry Crabb, renowned Christian author, said that reading the reviews of his books makes him shake as he finds it difficult to see his work analyzed and sometimes criticized. Imagine putting your heart on paper and submitting it to the world and then to have people who don't even know you tear your work (and your heart) to pieces!

Have you been criticized lately?

As a church leader I have had to come to grips with the fact that in every congregation there are always a few critics who enjoy that delicacy called 'roast preacher' for Sunday dinner. I was once naive enough to think that if I were "good enough" or "smart enough," everybody would like everything I said and did. It took about 15 years of ministry to learn that trying to please the crowd (even the church crowd) was a sure way to become ineffective in pleasing God! Both applause and criticism are short-lived.

Don't believe me? Look no further than our Presidential election process. While sorting through a pile of old US News magazines last week, I stopped to read a couple of articles about the 'inevitability' of Hillary Clinton's nomination. Today's paper questioned her judgment and lauded Barack Obama! In the same old magazine, one editor spoke in glowing terms of Fred Thompson, whose charisma and popular appeal were 'sure' to carry him to the nomination. Fred who? Once he entered the race, the criticism of his style was unending.

Here are ten ways to avoid criticism...
1. Do nothing.
2. Do nothing.
3. Do nothing....

Getting the point? The only way you will never be criticized is if you choose to say nothing, do nothing, and keep out of sight. Even then, someone will probably blame you for something that you were marginally connected to! If we state an opinion, do ministry, take a stand, create a work of art, do our job -- we must expect criticism. Noble Believers, we must learn to say, without arrogance, "I believe this is what God wills for me" and then to go forward in pursuit of His great purpose. In the book of the Acts, we read about that time, early in the church's history, when Peter and John were hauled into the court of religious leaders and "told never again to speak or teach aboutJesus." Do you think that was intimidating? Of course it was! But here's what those brave men said in reply. "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard." Acts 4:18-20 NLT

A word of caution is necessary!

Pride will cause some people to twist these thoughts into an excuse to be insensitive and/or overbearing. Others will take these words and make them a reason to discard advice from those older and wiser than themselves. Please do not do that. We live in community and God uses our brothers and sisters to help shape us, to keep us from falling off the deep end of extremism. Criticism that is offered in love is of tremendous value and that must be kept in the front of our minds at all times. "If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise." (Proverbs 15:31, NLT) Living defensively and rejecting all counsel is a fool's walk that leads to ruin.

However, (isn't life full of 'however's?) moments come when we set our course because we KNOW what God has said to us by His Word and His Spirit and we do it -- despite the critical voices that assureus of impending failure or foolishness for we know that obedience to God is the highest calling of our heart. Here's a word from the Word to take with you today. Meditate on this eternal wisdom and then -- go confound your critics as you humbly, quietly, and consistently obey the one Master.

"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 3:23-24, NLT)
__________________

Which goal - success or significance?

Bob Buford is a businessman who lived for success. Around the age of 14, he determined that he would enter the business realm, along side of his mother who owned media outlets, build a solid business and make money. He succeeded. As he tells the story in Half Time, in mid-life he realized that while he enjoyed and appreciated success, there was something missing. At about the same time his only son, a young entrepreneur, died in a swimming accident. Profoundly effected by all of this, he made the decision to change the focus of his life from success to significance and went on to found an organization that helps ministries and church leaders use the opportunities that exist around them more effectively. A decade later, his writing and coaching has become a movement that is positively changing many lives.

Are you chasing success or living for significance? Maybe you do not even know how to differentiate those goals. Success is measured by external markers: status, money, titles, possessions; being a few. Significance is much more difficult to measure because it involves the inner person, the spiritual life. A person who seeks significance builds relationships, encourages others, serves without need for recognition, and most important - obeys God. Some mistakenly think that success and significance cannot coexist. Admittedly, wealth can, and often does, complicate spiritual development. Jesus told us that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:25, NIV) He went on to explain that spiritual transformation must be sought and only comes when a person is totally surrendered to the Spirit of God. That is a very hard choice to make for someone who has been accustomed to calling the shots and leading the charge! However, when a person who has known success says 'yes' to the will of God, the Lord can take the success he has known and make it useful for His work in this world.

Jesus puts this challenge before each one of us- will you choose to chase success as measured by accumulating possessions or will you pursue significance as measured by Heaven's values? Here's how He said it. "Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being." (Matthew 6:19-21, The Message) The siren song of success lures many to give their lives something that proves illusory. They find that even when they have some measure of success, more beckons. The next big deal, the next award, the next promotion, the next vacation or toy will surely be the one that fills up the hole in their soul. But, after reaching the goal, they find the hunger is only temporarily sated, and returns even more fiercely!

The person who finds himself at rest in the center of God's will, lives a life blessed with the peace of God. Let's not make the mistake of thinking that the gateway to significance is poverty or retreat from life in the real world! God may call some of us to walk that way, just as Jesus did when asked by a young rich nobleman how he might find eternal life.
"Go, sell your possessions and give your wealth to the poor. Then, come follow Me." Sometimes a radical cure for materialism is required. But for many, Christ will assume mastery of their lives right where they are. Their business, their career, their home, their family will become God's and they will begin to let Him lead. That can be an even more challenging transformation than suddenly selling it all and moving to a monastery!

Believer, what is the true goal of your life? The answer may not be obvious, for our hearts are deceptive. Discerning our true motives demands spiritual surgery. If you want to live for significance, to spend the days you pass here on this earth in a way that creates a lasting legacy, let the Word of God speak to you.
"God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what." (Hebrews 4:12-13, The Message) Are you ready for transformation?

Take my life and let it be,
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

- public domain
Frances Havergal

Love Day

Call me a fool, call me overly sentimental, but I am very happy that the calendar includes a day to celebrate romance! Yes, I spent too much on cards and the roses are ordered. Clichéd? Perhaps, but I don't think that there is such a thing as 'too much' when it comes to celebrating our marriage. Well, there might be. I bought a Valentine's card (just for fun) for her a couple of weeks ago that measures about 16 by 24 inches! The picture of the rose printed on the front is so big, it is almost frightening. When Bev opened it, she laughed and blurted out, "What am I supposed to do with this?" The card cost $5. Her reaction was priceless, momentarily her surprise overcame her 'niceness.' Today she opened the 'real' one that reminded her of how important she is to me. Bev enjoys Valentine's Day, too. She handed me a pile of cards for our kids and grandkids that represented a lot of money for ink and paper. Why? Because love must be nurtured. Love that is simply assumed too easily dies. And guys remember this; those who are really 'in love' are never too sophisticated for Valentine's Day. Romance is not about careful calculation or sophistication. It's a heart thing!

Of course, there will be plenty of faux love spread around today. Cards, chocolate, and flowers will be purchased to make an impression, to manipulate, or to just meet expectations. Without real affection and esteem, the symbols of love are without meaning, even offensive. And what does real love look like? Not much like the depictions of it in popular culture. Our culture often equates love with sex! Of course sexual attraction is a part of love. The Bible is quite clear about that. There is an entire book devoted to it in the Old Testament. (Think Song of Solomon.) The Proverbs have more than one reference to sexual fidelity, too. And, Paul is clear, too. He tells Believing couples "Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again. . . ." (1 Corinthians 7:5, NLT)

Love is more than sex. Yes, you know that, but it must be said to counter the flood of sexual propaganda that threatens to engulf us in this culture. In this beautiful and challenging passage, the Bible gives us the whole story about love. Read it thoughtfully, won't you?
"Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. ....For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love." (1 Corinthians 13:7-11, 13, CEV)

That kind of love costs more than a card or a dozen roses. It flourishes long after the hormones that spark sexual passions have diminished! It gives a beauty that really is more than 'skin deep.'

Love of that quality isn't restricted to spouse, family, or friend. It comes from God and flows from us to those who are unlovely. Jesus talked about love frequently. In one of his talks, He includes this: "God gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that." (Matthew 5:45-47, The Message)

I hope you're able to celebrate Valentine's Day. And you can, even if you're not romantically tied to anyone. Love, like Christ loved you! It will change your world; yes, that love will come back to change you!

________________________________________

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,—I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!—and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

God's Mysterious Ways

Comforters with good intentions often offer up this line when there is nothing else to say, "Well, God works in mysterious ways." Sometimes want to ask, "Is that supposed to be comforting?" When we are up against a crisis, when we don't know which way to turn, what to do, or pain is overwhelming - there isn't much comfort to be had from "mysterious ways!" Or, is there? Let us not rush to a conclusion. Yesterday I spent an hour or so with a young woman who has fought a courageous war with cancer for 9 years! Several times in the last 3 years she has walked right up to death's door, only to be miraculously (and I use that word advisedly) restored to some measure of health. Now she is once more in terrible pain, extremely weakened. As I knelt beside her bed and prayed for her, I could not help from wondering why the Lord would preserve her life, but not heal her completely.

None other than Moses ran into circumstances that tried his faith. In the 5th chapter of Exodus there is a story that reads like a tragic comedy. Moses and Aaron arrive in Egypt with great news for the Hebrew slaves, "The LORD God has sent us to lead you out of slavery, back to the Land of Promise." The people heard their message with great joy and they worshipped the Lord. Then, these two men went to Pharaoh to appeal for release of the Hebrews. As expected, he rejected their request. Instead, the king doubled the slaves' workload, making life even more miserable! So the Hebrews foremen went to him and made an appeal to his fairness. His response was stone-cold, "Lazy, that’s what you are—lazy! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’" (Exodus 5:17, NIV) When the Hebrews next saw Moses and Aaron, they were not worshipping, nor were they joyful! "The foremen said to them, "May God see what you’ve done and judge you—you’ve made us stink before Pharaoh and his servants! You’ve put a weapon in his hand that’s going to kill us!" (Exodus 5:21, The Message)

Moses was as confused as anyone. His prayer of complaint is one that most any of us could pray when God's ways leave us confused. "Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!" (Exodus 5:22-23, NLT) Yes, God was working! From our seat in the grandstand of history we look over the story and realize that the Lord was setting the stage for a confrontation with the gods of Egypt, in which He would show His mighty hand and that they were no gods at all. Egypt was a wonder of the ancient world and God would bring her to her knees before He was finished, but nobody knew that then. They were confused, in pain, and afraid, seeing only the situation that appeared to grow worse by the day.

Believer, if you're in one of those seasons, let me say with deepest tenderness the word which are true: "God works in mysterious ways" and the rest of the line is, "His wonders to perform!" That line is not meant to dismiss your pain or to judge you in your struggle. Instead it is a lifeline of hope that urges us to keep faith, to hope for Him, and to wait as patiently as we are able for His purposes to be revealed. And should you be one of those who is privilege to be walking in the sunshine, enjoying good times, good health, and many blessings - be thankful and keep faith, too! Don't judge your brothers who suffer and do not dismiss their struggles as evidence of lesser faith. Instead, encourage them. Love them. Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.

The line "God works in mysterious ways" is actually part of a great hymn written by William Cowper in the 18th century. Cowper struggled with depression for most of his life. In the depths of his pain, he wrote poems that have become well known. According to several sources, the hymn from which this line is taken was his last. The story of the hymn's origin is fascinating though we cannot confirm it. I quote from cyberhymnal.org. "One night he de­cid­ed to com­mit su­i­cide by drown­ing him­self. He called a cab and told the driv­er to take him to the Thames Riv­er. How­ev­er, thick fog came down and pre­vent­ed them from find­ing the riv­er (ano­ther ver­sion of the story has the driv­er get­ting lost de­liber­ate­ly). After driv­ing around lost for a while, the cab­by fin­al­ly stopped and let Cow­per out. To Cowper’s sur­prise, he found him­self on his own door­step: God had sent the fog to keep him from kill­ing him­self. Even in our black­est mo­ments, God watch­es over us."

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

- Public Domain, William Cowper

Before the Throne

Remember some of the best worship experiences you have had; no, not the one with the kickin' band, or the one where the preacher was eloquently stirring. Use another measure. Remember those times when you sensed God's amazing and powerful Presence settle over you, bringing awe and serenity. If you have never experienced that, I can only say there are not really words to adequately describe the moments, the response, the assurance that flows from such times. Of course it doesn't require a church service for us to know God's Presence. Indeed, my point today is that we should desire to live in His Presence all of the time. And there is this complication, everything in our daily lives conspires to keep us from living with an awareness of the Presence of God.

Headaches, car trouble, stormy weather, disagreeable people, the blare of media - the list is lengthy - all become distractions from being 'before the Throne.' If my own life is any gauge, a Believer can go a whole day rushing from job to job, putting out fires, coping with the 'stuff' that comes down the road at him- with little or no thought of God's wonderful Presence. But, we should not accept that kind of life as a normal Christian life! The Word reminds us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NKJV) Perhaps your first thought on reading that line is the one that came to my mind - "Sure, I could do that if I lived in a monastery, but not in my world!" If that were true, then God would be asking the impossible from us, something He will not do.

The Lord asks us to make purposeful, conscious choices that keep us in His Presence.

The first is to choose joy. Don't confuse happiness, which is largely circumstantial, with joy which we can choose! The person who chooses joy is not fake, nor does she live in denial of the pain that comes her way.

Instead, she takes the next step, pray continually. How can a busy person do that? Keep an attitude of submission to God and refuse to go anywhere or do anything that would offend the Spirit and break your communion with Him! Selfishness, filthiness, greediness are a few of the things that move us away from being in a prayerful attitude. You can call me strange if you want, but I know the voice of the Spirit that says to me, "Stop what you're doing right now!" Or, He'll say, "Change the radio station." Or He says, "Turn off that movie." Or, He says, "Refocus your mind, now!" If I obey, His peace persists. If I resist, the serenity of living in His Presence ebbs away. The more a Believer learns to live 'in the Presence,' or 'before the Throne,' the more he treasures it. When my sinful words or actions, grieves the Spirit so that He removes His peace from my life, I cannot stand the loneliness that results and I find a place to renew our fellowship quickly.

Then, there is the choice to be thankful! Knowing how important this decision is to a person's experience of the Presence of God, the Enemy of our souls, does whatever he is able to do to get us to think we are deprived. He really works to cause us to live in envy of other's place. I believe that is one reason that God includes the 10th commandment - "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17, NIV) I will never be content, nor live serenely, if I want what belongs to another- even if it is his spiritual experience. Thankful acceptance of this day and the provision of God for me to meet its challenges, is a key to living 'before the Throne.'

The Bible says that you and I are the 'temples of the Holy Spirit.' We are 'God's house.' Wouldn't it be a shame to claim to be a living temple, yet be bereft of the Presence that makes the temple glorious?

Here are words from the Word for your meditation today. May He keep you close as you choose to live 'before the Throne!

'Then he told me, "These are those who come from the great tribulation, and they’ve washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. That’s why they’re standing before God’s Throne. They serve him day and night in his Temple. The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:14-17, The Message)
______________________

Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands,
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me,
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the Risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I Am,
The King of glory and of grace,
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God.

Before The Throne Of God Above
Cook, Vikki / Bancroft, Charitie Lees
© 1997 PDI Worship (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
CCLI License No. 810055

The Importance of "No"

From the earliest moments of our lives we are conditioned to be agreeable, to want to make other people happy. A child is seldom rewarded for saying, "No, Mommy, I don't want to do that!" That same child receives all kinds of positive strokes when he does what he is told to do and more. The same is true of big people, too. In my pastoral work I cannot remember a time when someone sincerely said, "Pastor, thank you for telling me, 'no.' I needed face up to the fact that it is my responsibility." But I can tell you about countless times when people expressed their appreciation when I did what they should have been doing.

It is hard to admit, but I am an approval junkie. I'll march straight into total exhaustion if it will allow me to bask in the sweet warmth of the approval of others. This past Saturday morning, I was at church, on a ladder, changing light bulbs! Did anyone in the church expect me to do that? Of course not. Was it even a good use of my time on a morning when I needed to be reviewing my Sunday sermon and spending time with the Lord? Probably not. But I did it anyway, because it was easier to just do it myself than to make sure that somebody else got it done! And, (this is embarrassing to say but confession is good) I feel terribly righteous when I'm doing those 'servant' things! (Jeremiah surely spoke the truth when he talked of the "deceitfulness of the human heart," didn't he?)

The truth is that knowing when and how to say 'no' is just as important as being responsible, flexible, and willing to serve. Why?

First, we serve best when we serve in ways that God calls us to serve!
I know that He has called me to teach and preach. When I am using the spiritual gifts He has invested in me to do those things, I feel passion and real joy. I may get tired but I am renewed as well. Other people - time and again- tell me of ways that my teaching or preaching brings them insight or spiritual growth. When Believers are serving where God has called and equipped them to serve, they need little in the way of motivation. They are actually renewed by pouring on the effort. They often make other people want to do what they do, because they have so much fun doing it.

Second, we rob another of a blessing when we do what they should be doing!
This isn't just a spiritual principle. It is true in so many ways. Parents who do what their kids should be doing, fail to prepare them for life, and set those kids up for failure as adults. Anyone who has been a parent knows how hard it can be to get a kid to make his bed, take out the garbage, or do his own homework without complaining. It is easier to do these things for them, but... every time we do, they lose. Short term convenience for us produces long term disability in them! Every Believer has a place of service in the Body of Christ. Those who are mature need to encourage those who are younger in the Lord to develop skills and gifts in service. Will the 'newbie' do it as well as the mature? Not likely, at first anyway. Will it be efficient to mentor a younger Believer? Of course not. It would be quicker to just do the job ourselves. But think of what happens to the next generation if we fail to give them opportunities to serve by just doing it ourselves? We are most lovingly when we insist that they step up to responsibility even when they do not feel like serving.

Third, we risk becoming burnt-out drones when we serve people rather than God!
More than a few Believers who were once full of the joy of the Lord and passionate about His kingdom, are now just doing their ministry and the ministry of three other people with a grim determination. They don't excite anybody or inspire others, but they get the job done. We admire their grit, often recognize their efforts with awards and/or applause; but we wonder, "why are they so unhappy?" The sad fact is that many are serving people not God! They have lost sight of the Biblical teaching about being spiritually gifted and called. Now they are just 'working their way to Heaven.'

There is this caveat. There are times when the job just must be done, and it right there in front of us, so we do it. I hope you don't read this and decide that you will only do what you feel passionate about doing or only what God specifically calls you to do. I pick up garbage I see in the church's parking lot because I can! God doesn't need to speak to me and say, "Jerry, retrieve that discarded bottle and put it in the trash!" Humble service is a universal calling! The Words says, "Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human!" (Philippians 2:5-7, The Message)

Are you exhausted, critical, miserable, and mean?
Just maybe you need to learn how to use a little word, "No." Go ahead, practice saying it out loud, "I appreciate that you think so much of me that you would ask, but I have to say, 'No' today." If you're an approval addict like me it will be very, very hard to let those words pass your lips. You will feel guilty and wonder if you're a really bad person. You will be tempted to check back a couple of days later to see if anyone has taken on the job yet.

Have a servant's heart! Be ready to do anything, but watch the motive.
First, do what God calls you to do.
Second, do what you do for Him, not to earn the approval of others, no matter how good it feels.
And, third, remember that your refusal may become someone's opportunity.

"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows." (Galatians 5:13, The Message)

Radical Community

Yesterday I went to visit my father and to go with him for his first appointment with the oncologist (cancer specialist). That's an unnerving experience, to say the least. Though heart disease and diabetes are greater health problems in America by far, cancer still has the edge when it comes to 'fright factor.' Just the word makes us feel dread. The tension built up in the three of us; Mom, Dad, and me. What would Dr. Patel say? What is Dad facing in terms of treatment? That's the other thing with a cancer diagnosis. Sometimes the treatment looks as bad as the disease! As it turns out, before a prognosis can be offered or a treatment regimen suggested, there are some more tests the physician wants, so we did not really get answers to our questions. So, now there is more waiting, which adds to the tension.

There was a bright spot of encouragement in the day, however, which I want to share with you. I apologize for the long run-up, but the point needs a context. When my parents moved to Pennsylvania in March of 2006, I was not too happy about their decision to be that far away, in case of the very kind of circumstances that they are dealing with right now. But God had a different plan which became even more clear to me yesterday.

Dad is a friendly guy who feels the need to talk to everybody he meets. In the area where they now live there are many members of the Old Order Mennonite sect as well as the Amish; groups that to outsiders seem indistinguishable. Both groups reject much of the modern world, living without phones, electricity in their homes, automobiles, or computers. They dress plainly in homemade clothing, live simply, and most distinctive of all - practice radical communal living. They are tightly knit groups that few in the world outside really know. As the Lord would have it, Dad has found a 'home' with these groups. He has become a friend of many and they have reached out care for him and his family.

Last night, 'round 7 PM, there was a knock at the door. There stood about an extended family of Old Order Mennonites; straw brimmed hats, overalls, and plain dresses. There were about 12 adults and several little children. Jason, one of the young men in the family, has been doing some work for Dad and knew of his illness. So he rallied his family to give what they could! They asked if they might come in and lift up Gerald (they are a very formal people, too) with songs. They gathered around the dining room table and opened their hymnals. For a little over an hour, they sang without accompaniment, in simple harmonies, songs about heaven and hope! They communally gave my parents (and me!) a great big hug. These strangers touched my heart so deeply that even as I type these words the tears fall from my eyes! What a simple gift, but powerful, amazingly powerful!! These people know the meaning of love that is beyond sentiment. They don't send a card or flowers, they bring themselves. I realized the genius of their form of Christianity. It's not about hats, home made dresses, or horse drawn buggies. Those things are attempts to maintain their distinct lifestyle of radical community. They cannot live with any illusions of independence. They cannot survive without depending on each other. And, now they are giving that love and support to my parents, who are not even 'in' their group!

Incidentally, another Amish man showed a similar love to my father yesterday. Mr. Stauffer takes care of trimming the hooves on Dad's horses. He came by to do that work about 3. He knocked on the door and asked to see Gerald (again, that formal thing). He was so gracious. Two hours later, after he had finished his work, he came back to the house and when Dad went to make payment, the man said, "No, this is my time to give to you." He refused payment for his services. Obviously, he isn't a rich man by any stretch of imagination, but he understands the meaning of caring, sharing in love.

Believer, I am not suggesting that we all need to go back to farming, sell our cars, and try return to the 17th century. But, we do need to recapture the radical love that is the heart of Christian faith. Jesus' words, "all men will know that you are my disciples by your love for each other," took on a whole new meaning for me last night.

Here's a word from the Word. Let the Spirit speak to you today. I hope you will join me in asking Him how we can better become a radical community of love, so that we may demonstrate the truth of the Gospel to those who live around us.

" My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

And friends, once that’s taken care of and we’re no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we’re bold and free before God! We’re able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we’re doing what he said, doing what pleases him.

Again, this is God’s command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. As we keep his commands, we live deeply and surely in him, and he lives in us. And this is how we experience his deep and abiding presence in us: by the Spirit he gave us." (1 John 3:18-24, The Message)

Give it away!

There are givers and there are takers in this world. In 1977, I met Tom Johnson, one of the most giving people I have ever known! I was one of those he blessed. I was in a situation where I needed to support my little family, just three of us at that time. I was trying to balance a call to ministry with the imperative of putting food on the table. I had a back-breaking job that required every waking hour, 6 days a week, leaving me little time to do what I believed God wanted me to do. Tom came by our home one day and said, "Come with me." We went to his place of employment and into the boss' office together. Tom told him, "Jerry is a great guy and I know he can do my job. I quit, hire him!" He gave me his job which paid better and demanded fewer hours so I could pursue my calling! That wasn't the last time that Tom blessed me. And the best part was that he did it all for Jesus, not for himself, not to buy my friendship, not with any strings attached. He believed that people are 'blessed so that they can be a blessing.'

There are people who add life to whatever situation in which they find themselves and there are people who leave everybody around deflated. Which kind of person are you? In his great book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey teaches that we can live with either an abundance or scarcity mentality. If we believe the pie is just so big and that sharing it means everybody must take a smaller bite, we will tend to hold onto what we have. On the other hand if we are convinced that the pie can grow larger, we will tend to share. Generosity isn't just about money, either. We need to be generous in many ways: forgiveness, encouragement, helping others find success, volunteering, with our time, with love. Those are just a few things that come to mind. You can add to that list.

Here's a real paradox! Prosperity is the enemy of generosity. One would think that having more would lead a person to want to give more, but experience argues against that. It is a fact here in America that those who have more wealth generally (there are exceptions!) give away a smaller percentage of their income to charitable causes than do the poor. Before we engage in class warfare, let me ask you - do you support charitable causes? Do you give generously to others in proportion to your income? Generosity starts right where we are, right now; not sometime later when we have excess. Why? Because for most of us, if we do not start practicing the discipline of giving in the present, we will simply expand our standard of living as our store of resources increase.

In the Proverbs there is this wisdom: "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:24-25, NIV)

Jesus taught many lessons about being a giving, generous person.

One was the importance of having the right motive. "When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out." (Matthew 6:3-4, The Message) A person who practices his 'generosity' while putting out press releases is just serving himself. His 'gift' stinks because it is rotten with self interest!

Another is that God values all gifts that are given not just those that are big! "While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. "I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has." (Luke 21:1-4, NLT)

And He taught that an attitude of generosity allows God to bless us! "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (Luke 6:38, NLT) He was not suggesting that we ought to give to get! But, He was telling us that God isn't likely to trust us with more if we are hoarding what we already have!

God is our resource! He isn't having an economic crisis. He is not short on forgiveness. His love is unlimited. So, let's trust Him, let Him love us extravagantly, receive His grace in abundance. Then, let's pray that God will help us to let His generosity overflow through us. Indeed it is "more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35, NLT) Go bless your world with life gifts today!

Near to the Heart of God

I spent a couple of hours immersed in election returns before turning into bed last night. The arrogance of the prognostication of the talking heads was irritating, to say the least. Though they spoke in certainties, it was obvious they do not know the future or the minds of the American electorate much better than do you or I. I surfed from ABC, to FOX, to CNN, to MSNBC. Depending on the channel I watched, McCain was winning big or not taking the lead expected. Hillary was ahead, but not fulfilling her mandate, whatever that means. On one of the expert panels featured on CNN Paul Begala mocked Huckabee's Christianity. He sneered, "Can you believe Americans are willing to vote for a man who doesn't believe in evolution, photosynthesis, or gravity?" Last time I checked, evolution was still a theory of origins, in an entirely different scientific category than photosynthesis, but never mind the facts. Could somebody just move the election up to March, so we could get on with life?

While all that was being reported tornadoes roared through four southern states, killing 27 people last night. I thought about the lives that ended with a whirl of wind, about living rooms crowded with grief stricken relatives trying to put the pieces of life together. Presidential politics are not all that important to some communities today as they grapple with death and destruction.

In contrast to the chaos of presidential politics and the tragic news of whirlwinds, New York City had a party! They threw a parade for their Giants, raining tons of confetti on their heads as they made their way down Broadway to City Hall, where Mayor Bloomberg handed over the symbolic key to the city to the players and their coach. It was a pleasant distraction, especially when Michael Strahan took the podium, leapt into the air, and landed with a pronounced thud of both feet while declaring, "You know what we did to you? We stomped you out!" It was a gleeful moment in a dreary day.

I am so glad that in a world where life seems to be so unpredictable - yes, even random - I have a Savior! Knowing Jesus does not mean that I live above either the sorrows or the joys of being in this world, but He does provide me with assurance, with an anchor for my soul. Because I know that He does know what tomorrow holds, unlike those commentators who guess at it; because I know He is Lord of life and death even when the storms blow; because I know He gives the faithful joy that supersedes, by far, that produced by Super Bowl victories - I face today with hopeful expectation. When I come near to Him, He gives me courage to get on with life, to take on the challenges this day will bring.

Dear friend, are you secure in Him today or are you fearful?
Do the headlines make you want to hide out from real life, or escape into momentary pleasures?

Perhaps you're not even paying attention to the news because your own life is overflowing with drama! Perhaps the source of your insecurity is job loss, marriage problems, or spiritual crisis! God understands. I did not just watch the news yesterday. I was part of real life, too. In one short day, I prayed for a man who needs a job now to meet his family's needs. I preached a funeral for a family. I spoke with a man who was trying to make sense of his own life which presently is overflowing with sorrow. I prayed for a young woman who miscarried her baby two weeks ago and who has made some real dumb decisions since, as she tries to run away from her grief. And there was more, but I won't bore you with the details! I did not just offer sympathy. I took these needs to the One who knows the why and the what. And, I am confident that He is working and will work to bring about His purpose for those who will trust in Him.

Take this word from the Word, as I did today, and take hope from God's promise.
"God has given both his promise and his oath.
These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie.
Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
It leads us ...into God’s inner sanctuary." (Hebrews 6:18-19, NLT)
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There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.

Near To The Heart Of God
McAfee, Cleland
© Public Domain

It only takes a spark

We sang a song in my youth group (think, 1970!) that included these lines,
"It only takes a spark
to get a fire going,
and soon all those around,
can warm up in its glowing.
That's how it is with God's love,
once you've experienced it.
You spread His love to ev'ryone,
you want to pass it on."
(Pass It On, Kurt Kaiser)
It always moved me. Yes, perhaps you had to be there to be touched by what is a rather banal sentiment, but the general thought is still challenging. You want to pass it on! Are you making a difference where you are?

Too many times to count, people have made this comment or one similar to it to me, "I wish I were a Pastor; then I could really do something good for God and other people." Somehow they believe that being an employee of a church and ordination to a holy vocation confers greater abilities to accomplish good. If you think that way, consider this story. John Ortberg recounts it in his book, When the Game is Over, it all Goes Back in the Box.

Johnny is a bagger at a local grocery store. One day he was invited to a training event for the supermarket chain where a speaker described how every interaction with another person is an opportunity to create a memory and to give a blessing. She told the workers to look for those moments. She gave her phone number and invited follow up calls if someone wanted to talk about what she had said.

A month later, Johnny called her. This 19 year old bagger proudly told her he has Down's Syndrome, then he told her that he liked what she said, but that, at first, he didn't think that there was any way for him to do anything special for the customers at the store. But, then he had an idea. He decided that every night after work he would look for a short thought, something that would be positive and help people think about the good things in life. He would type it into his computer, print out sheets with the line on them and cut those sheets into small strips, each bearing his 'thought.' So he did it, fifty pages every day, carefully cut into ribbons of paper bearing a message. He took his little strips to work and carefully put one in the top of a customer's bag when he finished packing it. As the person was leaving, Johnny would look them straight in the eye and say, "I've put a great saying in your bag. I hope it helps you to have a great day. Thanks for coming here."

Soon the store manager noticed that the line for Johnny's checkout was always three times longer than other lines, that people would even stand in that line even when other check outs were open. People were not just getting words from a boy with Down's Syndrome. They were getting hope from a kid who cared! Six months later, the entire store was transformed! The floral department had once discarded flowers with broken stems. Now they took a moment to go into the aisles and find an elderly lady or a little girl and give the flower, bringing much delight to customers. The meat department decided that it would be nice to put a little ribbon on the packages of meat they prepared. Johnny, the bagger, sparked a retail revolution! He did it by doing what he could do right where he was, not for himself, but for others.

You can read that story and cynically dismiss it or you can begin to believe that God has a way for you to serve Him and to make a difference in His Name; right here, and right now. Some part of you will insist that you have to make a grand splash, that you need $thousands to make it happen, or .... well, just know that there will be many 'reasons' to reject the idea of making a change. Some of them come from common human pride that keeps us from risking too much. Some of that reluctance results from the cruelty of those who are jaded, who sneer at the 'do-gooders' who try to make a difference. They are always on the scene trying to make those who work at loving others feel foolish, childish, or small! Their work is effective, too, but negatively as they suck the joy out of life! And, I am convinced that the Enemy of God and good does his best to cause us to keep the love we have experienced to ourselves, because he knows just how little effort it takes to make a huge difference in an office, a church, a neighborhood, and even in a city.

Here's a word from the Word. May the Truth spur you to action today. "From the beginning you were told that we must love each other. Don’t be like Cain, who belonged to the devil and murdered his own brother. Why did he murder him? He did it because his brother was good, and he was evil. My friends, don’t be surprised if the people of this world hate you. . . . Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it. When we love others, we know that we belong to the truth, and we feel at ease in the presence of God." (1 John 3:11-13, 18-19, CEV)
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Father God, all around me there are people in need.
There are sad, lonely, confused, hopeless, deceived, broken people
that I could love in Your Name.
Give me a tender heart that can be touched,
a sensitive spirit that responds to the prompting of Your Spirit,
and a mind that is ready to engage in action to make a difference.

Love me, Lord, not just to make me happy;
but to prepare me to love others in ways that urge them to wholeness,
that allows them to see the hope that Jesus' Gospel brings.
Help me to do what I can do- right here, right now-
to make a Kingdom difference.

In Jesus' holy Name I pray. Amen!

Loving the Truth

The couple with whom I spoke were broken, absolutely devastated by allegations of abuse of their children. He was free on bail, the authorities had custody of their children. The newspaper had reported their arrest and charges with shocking and sensational words. As I talked with them, my heart was torn by their grief, and I wondered, "What are the facts in this case? How did it come to this?"

Truth, what is it? The word is fairly easy to define - the actual state of a matter, conformity with fact, honesty. Living truthfully is much more difficult. In a complex world the 'truth' is often buried beneath layers of shading, spin, and even outright lies. Nowhere has this been more evident than in the Presidential politics that have been everywhere around us. Candidate A declares that Candidate B took a certain position on a critical issue. Candidate B replies that his words are being quoted out of context and that he didn't really take 'that' position, but one similar to it, and we are left to wonder, what is the truth?

You and I cannot control the veracity of others, but we can commit ourselves to living truthfully. The best place to start seeking the truth is with ourselves! Admitting to the reality of certain attitudes or thoughts, acknowledging that we are tempted in certain ways, dealing with the things we would like not to be true, is a huge challenge. When I see that balding, somewhat over-weight, middle-aged man staring back at me in the mirror every morning I'm tempted to refine reality! My mind is tempted to superimpose the image of an energetic 30-something man. I'd be foolish to allow myself to pretend to be 2 decades younger than I really am! Even more seriously, it is hard, when I am before the Lord, to acknowledge the realities of my sinful nature that the Spirit brings before me. When He says, "Jerry, this attitude or this action must change," many times I would rather excuse it or deny it, than deal with it. James tells us that the key to living in freedom is living in the truth. "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 1:23-25, NIV)

In the gospel of John there are dozens of references to the 'truth.' Truth is declared to make us free, to sanctify (make acceptable to a perfect God) us, and to allow us to live 'in the Light.' Believing what God says, receiving the gifts He gives us, is tremendously empowering.

Jesus said, "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you." (John 8:31-32, The Message)

In another passage, He says, "he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." (John 3:21, NKJV) Interesting statement isn't it? "Does the truth." Truth is not abstract nor is it merely philosophical. We can live it!

In yet another passage, Jesus promises that God will do a miraculous work in our lives with the Truth: "Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth." (John 17:17-19, NLT) When we Believe in He who is Truth personified, Jesus Christ, and we surrender our lives to Him, a transformation begins to happen in our minds and hearts. We reject deception, serving an image, the lies of the Evil one and become holy, shaped by the truth.

Friend, do you love the truth?
Is your life characterized by honesty, authenticity?
Do you refuse to play games with yourself and others?

Living in that way will not necessarily win any popularity contests. Jesus confronted the world with the truth and they killed Him for it! But, living in the truth and letting truth shape your life from the inside out will make you whole and holy, a person who conquers temptation and pleases God. Look for even the smallest kinds of bending the truth in your life and ask God to give you the courage and strength to get it right.

Here's a word from the Word for your thoughts today:
"Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37, NKJV)
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