First Impressions?

It only takes a few seconds for our brains to unconsciously decide whether we will trust or like that other person. It’s called ‘first impressions.’  We take in how that person is dressed, the way he stands, the expression on her face -  and choose to engage or ignore. If your reaction to that statement  is ‘not me, Jerry,’ you are not being honest with yourself.  The conclusions that we make in that moment, persist long after we have come to know the person better.

Here is the good news - we are able to make a choice to take a second look and get to know a person’s true character.  First impressions are made without thought, people deserve more!  This does not mean we abandon discernment, that we lose the ability to hold others accountable for their actions.  Our high calling is to approach people with a loving spirit, expecting the best of them, not the worst.  We make the choice to give more thought to the opinion formed in a moment.

Here’s how Jesus talks about the importance of that second look - “Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?" (Matthew 7:1-3, NLT) 

In Sunday School, I learned a story of real drama about how to look at people.  Our memory verse for the lesson stuck with me all these years. “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.” (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT)   Here is the context.  Samuel, the prophet, was told by God to find and anoint the next king of Israel. Led by Spirit, he went to Bethlehem, to the home of Jesse.

When he saw the first born son, Eliab, he immediately concluded that he had found the king! The young man was confident,  accustomed to making decisions, and looked like a leader.  As the prophet readied the anointing oil, the Spirit spoke to his heart, ‘not that one!’  He met the next, then the next - seven of Jesse’s sons.   “The Lord has not chosen any of these. Are these all the sons you have?”

Jesse told him of one last son, the youngest, apparently of little standing in the family, left out to tend the sheep!  That teenager’s name was David, a ‘man with God’s own heart,’  who would become the poet-king of Israel.

Aren’t you glad that God looks past our failures, our weaknesses, our bumbling and fumbling, our natural skills, our intelligence – right into our heart? I am!  He reads my intention, knows my motives, and calls me higher.  He extended the gift of favor to me, making me a member of His family, not because I impressed Him, but because He loved me. 

Though we were "dead in (our) transgressions and sins," (Ephesians 2:1, NIV)  "because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…  it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV)  "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10, NIV) 

Graced, we need to be grace-filled, willing to take a second look, to revise our opinion of others beyond our first impressions.

John teaches us that because we are loved, we will love. A Christian who looks at others judgmentally, who lays a harsh application of rigid rules on others, who just ‘knows’ that the other guy is a worthless piece of trash – needs a love infusion, reminded again that  “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-8, NIV)

Is there someone who needs a second look from you, a person about whom you have made a judgement, someone you have written off as hopeless or worthless? Pray for grace and wisdom, to look, like God, at the heart of those with whom you live.

The word from the Word is a repeat of a passage with which I started this CoffeeBreak. May the Spirit make it living truth for us today. “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. " (Matthew 7:1-3, The Message)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Give Me Your Eyes

Look down from a broken sky

Traced out by the city lights

My world from a mile high

Best seat in the house tonight

Touch down on the cold black top

Hold on for the sudden stop

Breathe in the familiar shock

Of confusion and chaos

All those people going somewhere

Why have I never cared

 

Give me Your eyes for just one second

Give me Your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me Your love for humanity

Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted

The ones that are far beyond my reach

Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me Your eyes so I can see

 

Step out on the busy street

See a girl and our eyes meet

Does her best to smile at me

To hide what's underneath

There's a man just to her right

Black suit and a bright red tie

Too ashamed to tell his wife

He's out of work he's buying time

All those people going somewhere

Why have I never cared

 

I've been here a million times

A couple of million eyes

Just move and pass me by

I swear I never thought that I was wrong

Well I want a second glance

So give me a second chance

To see the way You've seen the people all along

 

Brandon Heath | Jason Ingram

© 2007 All Essential Music; Sitka 6 Music; Peertunes, Ltd.; Windsor Way Music

 

CCLI License # 810055

Out of sight, but not out of mind

Two old proverbs stand in contradiction. One insists that ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder.’  I like that one, don’t you. The other says ‘out of sight, out of mind,’ speaking to an honest reality.  The longer we are separated from others, the less space they occupy in our thoughts, crowded out by the ongoing activities of our lives. Some are ‘invisible’ because of age, or poverty, or physical limitations.  Without careful intention we will overlook them, forget to include them, or even ignore their existence all together. Tragic, right? But, all too true. 

In the 31^st Psalm, David writes a lament. “I am a dread to my friends—  those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. (useless)” (Psalm 31:11)

It may be that you are feeling somewhat invisible these days, even feeling like God Himself has sidelined you from life’s mainstream.  I can assure you that He has not forgotten you and that there are things that can happen to us in those times that will not happen when we are swept along by the noisy swirl of a busy life.  

Even when our own choices cause us to be forsaken by others, God will not write us off!  When the people of Judah were taken up by selfishness, greedy and sinful, God allowed their nation to be overwhelmed by Babylon, the best and brightest of the land carried off in slavery.  Yet they were not forgotten nor abandoned. Listen to His promise. “The truth is that you will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:10-11, NLT)

In reading the story of the first generation Christians in the book of Acts, I find that one of the ‘superstars’ of that generation spent time on the sidelines. Saul (later, Paul) had an experience with Jesus that changed him. He then disappeared from the scene for severel years!  He mentions spending time in Arabia, but the details are lost to us. Was the apostle to the Gentile world forgotten, invisible to God.  Not at all!  

As the Church began to grow, many moved from Jerusalem to Antioch to avoid persecution. The increasing numbers needed leadership, so we read that  "News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.”

It was soon obvious to Barnabas that his spiritual gifts of encouragement needed to be balanced by a teacher, someone whose gifts would strengthen and stabilize the new converts. Someone remembered a man schooled in Scripture, who had taughts Believers in Damascus. The story goes on to tell us -  “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." (Acts 11:22-26, NIV)   Paul went on to change the Roman world, taking the Gospel of Christ to the ends of the Empire and leaving us letters that make up about half of the New Testament!

If you’re living in the shadows, if you’re feeling out of sight and out of mind, give yourself to prayerful reflection and ask the Lord to help you to be content in that situation as HE does what HE wants to do in your life. Pastor Chuck Swindoll suggests that there are at least four things that can happen in us while we are in such a time of life.

1. We can learn to live with PATIENCE, able to wait without complaint.
2. We can learn that we are not INDISPENSABLE, developing genuine humility.
3. We can discover DEPTH in the life of the Spirit, understanding Who God is better.
4. We will find out about God’s PLANS and RESOURCES, making us more effective in our service.

Friendships may die. Circumstances beyond our control may move us from the place we most desire. Choices we make may cause us to be set aside. Illness may come leading to confinement. Age will surely bring its own challenges. But know this: you are not forgotten, no never, by the Lord of Heaven. Be careful about kicking and screaming for attention!  Avoid trying to break open something, anything, to leave that place where you feel so useless. Instead, be present to the Spirit, entering into worship, listening for the Spirit’s voice.

Let the story of Hagar, the slave girl of Abraham’s household who was mistreated and ‘forgotten’ when she ran away into the desert to escape her torment. There she met the Angel of the Lord, her heart renewed, and her strength restored. This is our word from the Word today -  "She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13-14, NIV)

Most loving Lord,
Give me a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag downwards;
An unconquered heart, which no hardship can wear out;
An upright heart, which no worthless purpose can ensnare.
Give me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you,
and a faithfulness that will finally embrace you;
Through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

• Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
  

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Lord I Need You

Lord I come I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
And without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Lord I need You oh I need You
Ev'ry hour I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way\
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay

Lord I need You oh I need You
Ev'ry hour I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You

Christy Nockels | Daniel Carson | Jesse Reeves | Kristian Stanfill | Matt Maher

© 2011 sixsteps Music; Sweater Weather Music; Thankyou Music; Valley Of Songs Music; worshiptogether.com songs

CCLI License # 810055

Unfinished

Are there any projects in your life that remain unfinished, perhaps not even started yet?  Seven years ago I started to talk about repainting the master bedroom in my home … it’s not even started yet. Other things became priorities, the project was not made a priority so it’s still just a dream.  There are some things of much greater importance in my life that remain unfinished or in need of my attention. I fairly certain that the same could be said of each one of us.

In my Christian discipleship, I am an unfinished project. There are parts of my life that are mis-aligned with the will of God, things that I make fitful starts at correcting, but that are still unfinished business. I need to love others better, more consistently, without reserve. I need to serve without complaint more often, forgetting the cost while focusing on the privilege. I should forgive more readily and give pride no room in my life.  It is tempting, at times, to look back over my years and only remember those things that were left unfinished, the choices made that should have been different.

But, I know that if I am spending too much in regret or focusing only on ME I will not live as Christ desires TODAY.  Rigid self-discipline and beating myself up is NOT the way to Christian maturity and holiness that the Word teaches.  The paradox of the life of the Spirit is that greater things are accomplished, not because of my resolute will but because of His infinite power at work in me.

Note the call to the upward look in this passage.  "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." (Hebrews 12:1-3, NKJV)

Jesus Christ gives us grace, fills us with His Spirit, and calls us to finish well as we follow in His steps. He is the example, the captain, who leads us. And He has already perfectly accomplished the work of salvation for us. What an amazing thought. By faith, we are now completely right with God, assured of our eternal life, and in relationship with the God who made us to love Him.  Christ did for us what we could never do for ourselves "so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:29-30, NIV)

The grand story of the father of the faithful, Abraham, reminds that he did earn his place. God gave it to him. By faith he accepted God’s declaration and was made ‘righteous,’ that is to say, restored to his relationship with the Lord. Was Abraham perfect in his choices and behavior? If you think so, then you really don’t know the story. He made some awful choices at key moments in life, but God loved him and continued to lead him into life. 

None of this should be understood to say that our choices are without consequences, or that we should carelessly toss aside our failures.  We are called to work His grace into our lives, to appropriately respond with humble confession when we become aware of what we have done to offend God or others, but all the while our focus remains on the unfathomable grace of Jesus Christ. We grow on when he leads. The evidence of the Spirit’s life flourishes, like fruit on healthy tree - "he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT)   

So what is unfinished in your life? Are you looking only backward in regret or forward in anticipation? 

Trust the grace of God given us through Christ Jesus.  “Keep step with the Spirit” and one day, when time is called, you will enter into His Presence forever, with great joy, a beloved child of the Father, welcomed home.

Here is a word from the Word.  May this familiar passage own your mind today.  "I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV)  “Lead on, oh King Eternal!”

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Trust In God

 

Blessed assurance

Jesus is mine

He's been my fourth man in the fire

(reference to the fiery furnace story in the book of Daniel)

Time after time

Born of His Spirit

Washed in His blood

And what He did for me on Calvary

Is more than enough

 

I trust in God

My Savior

The One who will never fail

He will never fail

 

Perfect submission

All is at rest

I know the author of tomorrow

Has ordered my steps

So this is my story

And this is my song

I’m praising my risen King and Savior

All the day long

 

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That’s why I trust Him

That’s why (I trust Him)

 

Brandon Lake | Chris Brown | Mitch Wong | Steven Furtick

© Brandon Lake Music; Music by Elevation Worship Publishing; A Wong Made Write Publishing; Integrity's Praise! Music

 

CCLI License # 810055

Enamored by Old Ways

One of the things that can trip up those of us who are in our later decades is our fondness for the familiar, for doing things the way we have always done them. Anybody else out there feel that way? I have some clothing that is well worn that I will not discard because ‘it’s comfortable.’  I find myself singing 80’s songs rather than new ones, not because they are better, but because I just ‘know them.’   Sorting out a harmless love of things traditional from a deadly grip on the past is not an easy task but it is, according to Jesus, critically important.

Several men brought a sick man to Jesus, making great effort to get him to the Lord to be healed. Knowing His audience, Jesus spoke to the man saying, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” It was an open statement of His spiritual authority which was instantly recognized by the religious leaders in the crowd. They were indignant!  “This is blasphemy! Who but God can forgive sins?”   He then healed the man and sent him walking whole, carrying his mat. This left those leaders sputtering.   Later on, those same men questioned the ‘devotion’ of Jesus’ disciples because they did not fast and spend extended times in prayers. Rather they often celebrated with feasts.  They were convinced that really knowing God required great effort and self-imposed suffering.  They could not see the joy of the Kingdom of God that Jesus brought because they were enamored with the traditions of the past.

Jesus challenged them with this illustration.  “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be torn, and the patch wouldn’t even match the old garment. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. The new wine would burst the old skins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be put into new wineskins. But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the fresh and the new. ‘The old is better,’ they say.”" (Luke 5:36-39, NLT)

My friend, are you open to the ways of the Spirit, willing to consider that God may wish to do a ‘new thing’ in your life, or are you a slave to traditions and past convictions?  I think many of us can identify with Jesus’ conclusion - “The old is better.”   Can we discern when we love the old just because our preference for the familiar, not because it is the “Truth” that we think it is.

 

Christians tend to complain about the state of the church, criticize the youth, and/or long for the preaching of another era.  "It's not the way it used to be," they sadly say; and they are right! Change is inevitable! Any organization that makes keeping all things exactly the same - and many do - become less and less effective. The world moves on and so must we.  A living Christian must grow. But, you say, "Jerry, Christianity is ancient.  Traditions are important."   And you're right. 

 

 The Bible assures us that "Jesus Christ is the same; yesterday, today, and forever."   The celebrations of Communion, baptism – remembering the birth, death, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus – keep us anchored to the core truths of our faith.  Some traditions are helpful because they preserve continuity in the Christian community.  Certainly seeking to be novel, just trying to be on the 'cutting edge’ to keep things interesting for the restless, will only lead us on one wild goose chase after another as we adopt each new church fad introduced by the coolest new mega-church pastor. In fact, the Spirit  warns about being "immature like children … tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching." (Ephesians 4:14, NLT)

 How the Gospel is communicated; the forms of our corporate worship, will change over time.
Christ’ truth will address the challenges of our time, the same truth, newly relevant to the world’s needs. 

Songs that moved us, that shaped our expressions, will be replaced by the songs of new artists who are expressing their love for Christ with new rhythms and melodies. 

Forms of worship, even ideas about cultural expressions of Christianity will adapt to the culture even as the Gospel transforms that same society!

 We need to memorize and meditate on the preacher’s words found in Isaiah where God declares - “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV)

Now, let me speak personally to you. 

Are you missing out on what God wants to do in your life TODAY, because you're attempting to recreate the spiritual experiences of another time?

Do you fondly remember a decade when, in your memory anyway,  God seemed so close to you?  

Rejoice in that!   Don't try to erase yesterday. My great memories of family times with my kids are foundational to my love for them today.  But, if I attempt to relate to my kids who are now adults like I did when they were pre-adolescents, I'll alienate them from me.    So it is with the Lord. What He did for you and with you yesterday is foundational for your walk with Him today, but those things are past, and He's doing a new thing in you, in me!

Ask God to help you to see and appreciate what He's doing today.  If you think the Church has gone a little 'off the rails,'  pray for those who lead, asking the Spirit to make His Presence known - and be ready for God to do a new thing - in you, in your church, in this world!  Yes, think deeply about Jesus’ challenge, quoted a moment ago where He reminds that we cannot squeeze the work of the Spirit into the old containers without causing loss. “The new wine would burst the old skins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins." (Luke 5:36-37, NLT)

Here’s a word from the Word. Pray for the Spirit’s vision for your future as you read it.  “Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. He has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness." (Psalm 98:1, NLT) 

And remember this, about vision for the future:  “Eyes that look are common. Eyes that see are rare.” – Oswald Saunders

(Video of this blog at this link)

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New Today

I've been hard on myself lately

Every morning I feel the weight, mmm

When it's hard to just get out of bed

Tell my heart, 'cause sometimes I forget

That Your mercies are new today

Your mercies are new today, oh

I can rest on Your shoulders

There is grace to start over

Your mercies are new today, oh

Your mercies are new today

 

Help me rise like the morning sun

Help me see that Your work's not done, oh-oh

When I'm less, than what I want to be

Lord, I need You, to keep reminding me

Your mercies are new today (Your mercies are new today)

Your mercies are new today, oh-oh (Your mercies are new)

I can rest on Your shoulders

There is grace to start over

Your mercies are new today, oh

I kept thinking You were angry

But You were fighting just to hold me

And picked me up every time I fell

If Your love is here to lift me

And Your blood says You forgive me

Show me how I can forgive myself

'Cause Your mercies are new today

Your mercies are new again and again

Your mercies are new today (Your mercies are new today)

Your mercies are new today, oh yeah (Your mercies are new today)

I can rest on Your shoulders (I can rest on Your shoulders)

There is grace to start over (there is grace to start over)

Your mercies are new, oh, new today

I can rest on Your shoulders

There is grace to start over

Your mercies are new today

Your mercies are new today, oh

 

Paul Duncan / Colby Wedgeworth / Micah Tyler

New Today lyrics © Centricity Music Publishing, All Essential Music, Be Essential Songs

In praise of obscurity

Many of us are tempted to measure our worth, to validate our existence, with external measures: who knows our name, what degrees hang on our wall, how much money is in our bank accounts, the title on the office door, the neighborhood in which live - and that list goes on. That way of life leads us to live inauthentically, tempted to look better than we are, to create an image unmatched by our inner reality. Ever known that temptation?  Some respond by becoming rebels, purposefully marching to the beat of their own drum, defying social order. There is a better way - the way of the servant who lives a quiet life guided by the voice of the Savior. That choice will often lead us along pathways of obscurity.  Is that a bad thing? Let’s consider that in this CoffeeBreak reflection.

Each week I spend a few hours volunteering at the church’s Food Pantry ministry along with around 10 other people- all over 70 years of age - who are incredibly faithful to the work. Several of those volunteers have more than 2 decades of service behind them and they are still going strong. And here’s something noteworthy - they serve out of sight and largely unrecognized. I doubt that 10 people in the church’s congregation could name even three of the people who carry on this work. Their reward is not medals, certificates, or applause. They serve under the approval of the One who commissioned His Church to care for those in need.

For more than three decades, I have gone to nursing homes to conduct worship services for the residents. While serving a congregation in Massachusetts, I went each week to one of our local homes to minister to the residents. I don’t think the congregation even knew about it. The effort did not produce growth in numbers in our local church nor did it add a penny to our offerings. It was just an opportunity to love those who were confined by age or illness and to fulfill the call of Christ in my life. I still go to lead services at a nursing home twice a month on a mid-week afternoon for the joy of serving.

Through the lifetime of pastoral ministry that I was privileged to know, I gave thanks often for the people who financially supported their church, not to get their name etched on a building or to have a room named for them, but simply because of generosity and love for the Lord.  I chose not to know who gave how much so I would resist the temptation to treat donors of large amounts differently from those who gave less. Truthfully I was thankful for each one who gave and prayed that they would sense the importance of the part they had in carrying out the mission of the Kingdom of God.

My friend, there can be great fulfillment found in faithful service that happens behind the scenes, unseen, and unrecognized IF the focus is on Jesus rather than on results or rewards! Most Thursday afternoons I leave the church’s fellowship center with a heart full of happiness, remembering the smiles of those that received some groceries along with a blessing of loving care.  Have you experienced that inner joy from obscure service?

What place of service can you fill in your world, for Christ’s sake? 

You serve your family, perhaps taken for granted, without much thanks. Will you do it with joy? 

You work diligently at your job, patient and encouraging others, maybe feeling like you are pulling the heavier part of the load? Will  you continue to be faithful?

You care for an elderly parent who forgets the cost to you in time and commitment? Do you complain or choose joy?

You serve in some ministry at your church and get overlooked because you are always there and seem to just be part of the fixtures. Will you look higher than applause for your reward?

Listen to Jesus’ wisdom. “Take care! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give a gift to someone in need, don’t shout about it as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone, don’t tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you. “And now about prayer. When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I assure you, that is all the reward they will ever get." (Matthew 6:1-5, NLT)

Let’s be clear. Nowhere in those words does He tell us not to accept thanks. IF someone offers you thanks, humbly accept it. The Lord speaks to motive. Praise of others is not why we serve. If we do, then when that praise comes, we have received the result we sought. Instead we serve, we give, we pray - for the joy of serving Him. And we know this - He NEVER forgets and promises that our investment of time and effort  in the Kingdom will find rich rewards in eternity.

Give yourself to Christ today. Let go of the need to be recognized and find the joy that can be discovered in the contentment of obscurity.

Here’s a word from the Word. Jesus says “If any of you wants to be my follower you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life." (Mark 8:34-35, NLT)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Only Jesus

“Make it count” “Leave a mark”
“Build a name for yourself”
“Dream your dreams”
"chase your heart above all else"
“Make a name the world remembers”

But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams
I got lost in the light when it was up to me
To make a name the world remembers
But Jesus is the only name to remember

And I I don't want to leave a legacy
I don't care if they remember me
Only Jesus

And I I've only got one life to live
I'll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus

All the kingdoms built all the trophies won
Will crumble into dust when it's said and done
'Cause all that really matters

Did I live the truth to the ones I love
Was my life the proof that there is only One
Whose name will last forever

Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name to remember

I I don't want to leave a legacy
I don't care if they remember me
Only Jesus

Bernie Herms | Mark Hall | Matthew West

© Get Ur Seek On; House of Story Music Publishing; My Refuge Music; Matthew West (Combustion); Remaining portion is unaffiliated

CCLI License # 810055

Shaped by Wisdom

The man best known for his declaration -“Give me liberty or give me death!” left another quote that I found interesting.  Near the end of his life, while holding a Bible, Patrick Henry said - “Here is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed: yet it is my misfortune never to have found time to read it, with the proper attention and feeling, till lately. I trust in the mercy of heaven, that it is not yet too late.”  I suspect that he is not alone in his neglect of the Holy Scriptures. Even among Christians who may likely own several copies of the Bible, there is often a lack of attention given to reading it.  Many of us read books about the Bible, attend services where passages are read, and listen to sermons that reference the Bible - but we too often fail pick it up to read and learn.

If that describes you I urge you to adopt a new practice-  Read the Word! 

Yes, it can difficult to understand some parts of it without knowing the historical context of the writing. There are passages that collide head-on with our cultural ideals and rationalism that make our minds spin.  But, the Word is God revealing Himself, His ways, His wisdom to us.  The Psalm declares "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! … Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105, NIV)   That’s not just poetry, it is TRUTH. Those who would grow in grace and wisdom will take time to sit with others to learn and they will pick up their Bible every day to feed the soul.   

At the age of 68, with a life-time of Scripture study and sermonizing behind me, I still read it, finding myself informed, challenged, asking questions, convicted, and shaped by the Bible.  I pray for the Spirit to guide me so that my views, my speech, my values will be aligned to the will of God.

Most basically, the Bible teaches us that we are NOT gods but that there is a God to Whom we can entrust ourselve both in this life and for the life to come.

Regardless of what interpretative mode we use in our understanding of the book of Genesis, we learn from those stories that we are created, not accidential, that the world is formed at God’s word.  In the Gospels we are reminded that God does not stand aloof, but that He is engaged with us, walking with us, offering himself on the Cross for to save us.  The Bible convinces us that He is a loving personal Lord that cares for His people. He teaches us of the sacredness of life itself and directs us to keep a reverence the dignity and personal worth of all people. The Bible’s revelations preserve us, giving us the hope of eternity, teaching us that this present world is the prelude to the 'forever' life that is promised to all of God's children. Eternity, out there on time's horizon and growing closer each day, allows me to live at peace in the turbulence of life’s storms.

I don't have a lot of patience with those who twist the wonderful Word into strange doctrines, who use snippets of the Word to support their pet theories. Few things make me more disturbed than hearing someone 'interpret' the Scripture with little or no real skill or study. It is simply too precious to be misused by charlatans, misquoted by simpletons, or ignored by misguided sophisticates!  Paul encouraged Timothy, a younger pastor, to remember the importance of good teaching. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV) And James held this caution out to those who would take the podium to teach- "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." (James 3:1, NIV)

Are you a person of the Word? Don't make the mistake of just owning a Bible and thinking that makes you Biblical! Read it. That’s not a simple assignment. It demands discipline of the mind. But, when we are engaged to understand what God says we will find words of life.  The reward of knowing and doing what the Word teaches is beyond estimation.

There are dozens of guides for our daily readings. At this link (https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/one ) you will find one that is good and trustworthy. Begin by trusting the Living Word (Jesus) in faith. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your heart. Then go on a journey of discovery - mining the riches of the Scripture for yourself.

If you’re not a reader by nature, try reading along with an audio Bible. There are many that are free online. Here is a great resource. (https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/)

Here is a word from the Word. "You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." (2 Timothy 3:15-17, NLT)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Thy Word

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path

 

When I feel afraid

And I think I've lost my way

Still You're there right beside me

Nothing will I fear

As long as You are near

Please be near me to the end

 

I will not forget

Your love for me and yet

My heart forever is wandering

Jesus be my guide

And hold me to Your side

I will love You to the end

 

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path

 

Amy Grant | Michael W. Smith

© 1984 Meadowgreen Music Company; Curb Word Music

CCLI License # 810055

Celebrating NEW

Our worship gathering at Faith Discovery Church included baptisms, 6 people from ages 10 to 60 obeying the call of Christ Jesus. Tears flowed freely as ‘old’ life was left in the water and the ‘new’ began. The atmosphere was charged with joy and love. We practice “Believer’s Baptism” in our church, following the ancient pattern first set down by Jesus Himself Who commissions us to “Go, make disciples, and baptize!” 

Two young boys who were baptized yesterday, came to me on the Sunday after their orientation class, having processed the things we talked over and they asked me in all earnestness - “So when we are baptized does that mean we are then disciples of Jesus?”  I assured them that it did, for it is true!

Baptism is a rite that identifies us a Christian. We join Jesus in His death and Resurrection, as Paul said. "Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection." (Romans 6:3-5, NIV)  That is why we immerse those who have made a profession of faith.

Baptism of the faith-filled is a doorway into a whole new way of life, a moment when the Spirit is invited to live in us. Peter preached to the crowd who gathered in Jerusalem at the birth of the Church on Pentecost and urged them to  “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2)  The big word we use is regeneration - to be new - the opposite of sin’s degeneration to death.

Baptism also invites us into unity, a oneness of heart that grows out of a that new identity found in Jesus that is more important that any other label we may wear.  "For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26-28, NLT)  Whatever divided us in the past is set aside as we become ‘brothers and sisters’ in the family of God.

I pray that those 6 who took that step of faithful obedience will always remember that day when they said “yes” to Christ Jesus in a public and humble way - plunged into the water of baptism.  It is a moment of resolution that marks us for life.  My own baptism now more than a half century past is etched in my memory, a moment when I declared to God, to the world around me, and to myself - “Hey, I’m a Believer!”  Everything changed - life now and for eternity - when the amazing, irrevocable life of the Spirit took hold of me.

Remember the day of your baptism with joy, renewing your commitment to faith and discipleship.  Let me ask you - have you been baptized since you believed? If not, why not? Take the step of obedience to Christ, with full faith.  Invite the Spirit to turn that act of obedience into a moment of empowerment, filling you with the Resurrection Life of Christ.

Here is a word from the Word. “Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.   

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.  For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” Romans 6:3-8, NIV

Oh Hallelujah, what a Savior!
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(Video of this blog at this link)

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Spirit of God, Descend upon my Heart

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

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

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

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

 George Croly© Public Domain