A worthy prince?

It is the Season called Advent, a time of preparation for Christ's coming as our King. Yesterday I wrote about preparation. The question - does my life show honor for Him, preparedness for His coming - has stayed with me. We love that phrase that says we're "King's Kids." You know what? We are! So we need to start acting like princes and princesses! There is a certain obligation that goes with belonging to the King's family and bearing His name in this world. In this Advent season. one way to honor the King is to develop a sensitive conscience that allows the Spirit to call us to greater devotion, to a more consistent holiness, in every area of our lives.

In last month's issue of Christianity Today, David Gushee wrote a most compelling article that touches on this subject. I'd recommend a careful reading of it to each of my readers. Online you can find the article at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/011/27.88.html. In that essay, Gushee uses the phrase 'moral sloppiness' to describe the disarray in the lives of many who call themselves Christians.

We modern evangelical Christians are so terrified of sliding back into the legalistic traditions of a generation past that it seems many of us have lost the ability to call sins by their names! With a broad brush of 'grace' we cover even the most flagrant failures. In the the guise of love, we challenge no one, not even ourselves, to make the hard choices that being a genuine Christ-follower require. The result is a pseudo-religious experience that demands nothing from us but some sentiments expressed at appropriate moments.

"Jerry, that awfully harsh, isn't it? Do you want to turn the faith into a set of laws?" No way! I would never be an advocate for going back to a time when we judged the sincerity of another's Christian faith based on his choice of a refreshing beverage on a hot summer day, the length of her skirt, the kind of music that he loved, or whether she smoked cigarettes! Many of those unwritten rules of 'Christian' conduct were so arbitrary that they were even silly. But, when we swept them away in the name of God's grace, many of us went way too far and we lost the very Biblical concept of being God's holy people, who live in distinct ways that are worthy of our Savior and King.

For example, I believe we need to be able to exercise discipline with that Believer who will not honor his marriage vows as he chases skirts at work.
Then, too, the gossip who tears up the church with stories that are born in a fertile imagination should not get a pass because 'that's just the way she is.'
And, our teens should be taught that sex is really a gift of God and that while our culture says, 'just do it' albeit safely. A real Christian knows that sex has a component of sacredness and God put it into the loving context of marriage for very, very good reasons.

A true Christian will have a different set of values about Money. Greed is so common among Christians most of us see no moral problem with craving more, spending more, running up our debt load 'as long as we meet the minimum monthly payment.' One twisted form of American Christianity even regards conspicuous materialism as a sign of God's blessings. Jesus taught us that we don't own the stuff we care for, or the money in our bank account. We're managers of God's stuff and will give account to the Owner someday. Sobering thought, isn't it? Of course I realize that it's so easy to become legalistic, to create some arbitrary $ amount that is 'too much.' It would be a mockery of the Bible's stewardship principles to argue a Christian can only build a house of certain size or drive a Ford, but not a Lincoln! But, how about having an accountability partner with whom you pray and consult before making a major purchase, someone who will help you check motives? That's the stuff of REAL Christianity, isn't it?

Now that I'm on a roll, I'll just go ahead and jump off the cliff and write about -- church attendance. This year Christmas falls on Sunday and I've already braced myself that the majority of the people in our church will choose family and home over honoring the Lord and His Body by gathering to worship that morning. But it's not just Christmas Sunday, either. On any given Lord's Day, only a little more than one half of the people who call the Assembly their church home are actually there! We excuse this self indulgence by reminding ourselves that going to church doesn't make us a Christian, which is true enough. But, don't we show what we value by the way we divide our time? Are birthday parties, football games, or fixing up our house really the equal of corporate worship? IF we love the Lord, we will desire to be in the company of others who love Him, praising Him and hearing His Word. And... by the way, parent... if you want your child to grow up to put a high priority on serving God, one of the ways you teach them what's important is how you use your Sundays! It's a very visible, tangible demonstration of discipline, commitment, and dedication. Argue with me if you will, but it's hard to tell your child -- "Jesus is first, our Lord" -- as you're driving past the church half the Sundays of the year on your way to a family gathering, a sporting event, or while you lay in your bed "because it's been such a tough week, God will surely understand."

In the book of the Revelation of Jesus we are urged by the King- "Up on your feet! Take a deep breath! Maybe there’s life in you yet. But I wouldn’t know it by looking at your busywork; nothing of God’s work has been completed. Your condition is desperate. Think of the gift you once had in your hands, the Message you heard with your ears—grasp it again and turn back to God. “If you pull the covers back over your head and sleep on, oblivious to God, I’ll return when you least expect it, break into your life like a thief in the night.

Here's a promise for those who walk worthy! -- “You still have a few Christians in Sardis who haven’t ruined themselves wallowing in the muck of the world’s ways. They’ll walk with me on parade! They’ve proved their worth! “Conquerors will march in the victory parade, their names indelible in the Book of Life. I’ll lead them up and present them by name to my Father and his Angels." (Revelation 3:2-5, The Message)

Gushee's conclusion is worthy of consideration:
"Christianity is more than an event, an experience, or a set of beliefs. It is a way of life characterized by moral seriousness and the quest for holiness."

Are you living worthy of your relationship to the King? If not, repentance is in order. And then, watch out for shallow legalism! Cultivate deep intimacy with God, from which comes authentic holiness, which is truly beautiful - in His sight, and before our world. I pray that Jesus is King of my sexuality, my possessions, my leisure time, my work habits, my thoughts, my words, my plans and goals.... so that when people spend time with me, they will say, "you certainly have a great Father, and it's obvious you love Him!"
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PS - I didn't write this specifically for you, or for any one of the other couple of hundreds of people who read TFTD on a daily basis. Please do not feel that you need to write to me with an explanation about why you weren't in church last week. This TFTD was born out of my own reflection on ways that I express my devotion to the Lord Jesus, my own desire to live in a way that is worthy of my position as a child of God. I hope you'll read it that way, too. Our Christianity is never lived, ultimately, for our Pastor, our family, or our friends. It is lived for Christ, the King. Love Him.

Preparations made?

When a very important person (VIP) is coming to your town, there are preparations made. The streets are cleaned, bright banners are hung, and high school bands are tuned up so that that person is welcomed in a manner appropriate to his status! If that VIP is the President of the United States of America the preparations are even more extensive because of security concerns. I've read that even the manhole covers in the street are welded shut and the mailboxes removed along his parade route. Imagine that.

Christians just entered the season of Advent, a time of preparation. Four weeks before Christmas, the church calendar calls us to renewed focus on the great promise of our King's return. As He came once, He will come again. Isn't that wonderful promise? You haven't really thought about it? Many of us do not! We are busy with our lives: working to meet deadlines, keep things in order, make the wheels of progress turn. It is good to be productive, but... we must not forget our devotion to the most important Person so that all the other things are kept in their proper place in our list of priorities.

The ancient Church decreed that Christians had a holy obligation to attend worship services on each of the 4 Sundays before Christmas. The intent of this rule was that this would prepare Christians to begin the new year with a renewed devotion to Christ. Of course, the good intent of such a regulation was soon lost and so as we observe Advent we set aside those kinds of rules. But I hope we keep the intention! My prayer is that the carols playing in public places, the decorations that fill our homes, offices, and streets, and even the excesses of commercialism will be turned to good purpose. Make them a reminder of your devotion to your King! And consciously connect the Coming of Jesus, the Baby of Bethlehem with the promise of the Coming of the Lord of Glory!

Zechariah proclaims - "Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—even on a donkey’s colt. I will remove the battle chariots from Israel and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and I will destroy all the weapons used in battle. Your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth. Because of the covenant I made with you, sealed with blood, I will free your prisoners from death in a waterless dungeon." (9:9-11, NLT)

I don't pretend to understand all the intricacies of End Time prophecy. I am not all that caught up in theories of Rapture and Tribulation, a la - the Left Behind series. But I live in the hope of the King's return! When storms sweep across the earth, when earthquakes shatter the nations, when tsunamis roar ashore, when the rumble of war fills the news, when threats of pandemics are announced - I weep for those who suffer, but I find comfort in the promise that the King will restore this broken world. When sin raises its ugly presence in my life, reminding me of my fallen nature and my tendency to fail my Lord, sadness fills my heart for I have failed my Savior, but I rejoice that He is the King- even of my heart - and will free me, and all who await His coming, from this body of death someday.

Once, when I did not understand the magnificence of His grace, the return of the King struck terror in my heart. I was fearful that He would come and find me unprepared. Now I know the wonder of His sufficient grace, the power of His Spirit and so this phrase - The King is coming! - is my hope. I am drawn to live a prepared life, not so that I will be left behind, but so that I will welcome Him in a manner appropriate to His majesty!

It is Advent- the time of preparation. Take the call of the Psalm with you today and let each 'Christmas' decoration or song cause you to renew your preparation to welcome the King of Glory....

"Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors! A
nd the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory." (Psalm 24:7-10, NKJV)

Thank you, Lord

Do you feel entitled, that is, having the feeling that something is your right, that it is owed to you? The entitlement mentality creeps up on us stealthily and becomes an ugly blot of darkness in us. When we don't get what we feel that we are entitled to receive, we become miserable.
"The government owes me that check."
"I deserve to be paid better than I am by that stingy boss."
"My kids owe me some gratitude after all I gave up to raise them." And on the list goes....

Many is the marriage that suffers under the weight of entitlement, for example. Each of us brings certain expectations into our marriage- that our spouse will always be supportive, that our spouse will be warmly affectionate, that he will always remember to be romantic and thoughtful. Those are not bad things, are they? But if they are demanded, if no thanks is expressed to our spouse when she meets our expectation, something wonderful is lost in the relationship! The truth is that her kindness, his thoughtfulness - while admirable - are a gift and as such, should be appreciated.

Do you believe that God owes you - blessings, healing, salvation, peace, joy? Many Christians do! They twist God's rich and wonderful promises into entitlement contracts and their prayers are more like legal briefs that present demands for actions than conversations with a Friend. These Believers turn faith into a 'gimme' system that says, "God, you promised; now, pay up!" How tragic, how misguided. Our Father in Heaven loves to bless and He does, but He owes you and me NOTHING. His gifts are based in grace, not merit.

One day Jesus was traveling and came upon ten men who suffered one of the worst fates in that time. They were lepers. When leprosy became evident on a person's skin, he was immediately separated from the community, as a means of keeping the spread of the disease to a minimum. No more living in his home, no more meals with his family, none of life's pleasures were available. Instead, the wretch lived as a beggar outside of town, usually near the dump from which he scavenged the scraps that kept him alive! When the ten lepers realized who was approaching, they yelled - "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, their leprosy disappeared. Luke 17:14 (NLT) Imagine their joy when they saw their skin clearing, all evidence of their leprous condition gone, given the desperate situation that they lived in because of it! Now, here's the part of the story that I want to emphasize today. "One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God, I’m healed!” He fell face down on the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?" (Luke 17:15-17, NLT)

If we think that we are entitled to the blessing of God, we will not even think of thankfulness! Instead, we'll simply believe that God paid up, made good on the deal. The downside of that line of thinking is that when things go badly, when life falls apart, we will beat ourselves up wondering what we did that brought such grief on our heads. Mercy is God's method. The Psalmist reminds us - "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." (Psalm 103:9-14, NIV)

Are you grateful today?
Does thankfulness overflow from you?
Or is God asking, "where is the gratitude, where is the recognition of My mercy?"

Let's not be AWOL when it comes to returning thanks. In this season of Thanksgiving, check your heart for areas where entitlement has taken up residence. Get rid of it and realize, anew, the gifts of kindness and mercy that come your way. Then, liberally give thanks - to God, to friends, to family.
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There will be a Testimony and Thanksgiving service, celebrated with Communion, at the Assembly tonight at 7. You're invited.

TFTD will be back in your inbox next Monday - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
and -- Thanks for reading along day by day. I do count it a privilege to be invited into your life via TFTD!

"I believe in you!"

When I was a very young preacher, I worked with a man for several months who was an encourager. Dave saw past the foolishness of immaturity and encouraged me to develop the ministry gifts God gave to me. There was much in me he could have criticized, but he choose a different course. That's not to say he didn't correct me. He did, from time to time, with painfully honest words, but I always felt that even his corrections were designed to produce a better man, not to destroy me. Thirty plus years later, I still can feel the warmth of his affirmation, which he expressed even when my zeal outran my good sense!

The world is full of critics! Sadly, I have too often allowed myself to be one of them! One of the more amusing instances is during Sunday afternoon football. What I really know about football could be summed up in a very short essay, but as I watch teams play, I'll say things like, "What a dumb play! Why did that coach go for the field goal? They could have run the ball in for a TD." And so it goes! From my comfy perch in my big recliner, safely ensconced in my living room, I'm a 'big man' critic of the professionals who devote their entire lives to the game!

We criticize our politicians, our pastors, our neighbors, our kids, our wives, our co-workers, our kid's teachers... seeing their perceived failures and missing, too often, the real and wonderfully unique person we might otherwise know so much more deeply. Critics are dangerous, and thus, we avoid them, leaving them to wonder why they feel so alone, so alienated from their world; but encouragers are seldom lonely! We are drawn to people who call the best from us, who forgive us for our failures, who love us enough to tell us, "I believe in you!"

Are you a critic or an encourager? Please do not confuse flattery or empty praise with encouragement. Encouraging words are honest, without ulterior motive, unselfish, and from the heart. The Bible urges us to offer strength and encouragement to each other. Take a look at the wisdom of the Word. "Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)

I cannot think of a better way to mark Thanksgiving week than to cultivate an encouraging spirit.
Let me leave these thoughts from the Proverbs with you today. Meditate on the wisdom they contain and then - encourage!
Proverbs 11:25-30 (NLT)
The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed....
If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!...
The godly are like trees that bear life-giving fruit, and those who save lives are wise.
___________________________

Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing,
Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today


Make Me A Blessing
Wilson, Ira B. / Schuler, George S.Copyright: 1924.
Renewed 1952 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.).

God, as an accessory.

The Ten Commandments begin this way: "I am the Lord, your God, ... worship no other gods; and do not make idols of any kind!" We think that means creating a new religion or carving a little figure and praying to it. Those words could be read that way, but in the context of my life - they speak to a tendency to make Ego my god, to give my strength and resources to my own plans instead of His.

Does God serve you or do you serve God? Let me ask it another way - is your life arranged around God's purposes or do you require that He fit into your plans? Yes, of course, the Lord is never subservient to you or me, nor does He ever really take a second place in the universe. He is First, Pre-eminent, and Sovereign. But, I find that in the business of life, He get pushed aside; my focus on His will replaced with my own desires. In my life, this is not an intentional choice, nor does it happen because I declare a rebellion. I simply get distracted and my focus gradually shifts from the Spirit to Self!

Even good things can be done for the wrong reasons. Let me illustrate. What could be more godly than becoming involved in a ministry; shall we say - collecting and distributing food to those who are in need? God Himself directs us to show concern for the poor so that would have to be a God-centered activity, right? No! If the person engaged in that service does it to gain attention, to prove he is a 'good Christian,' or to as a means of gaining power - it is idol worship; the god truly served being Self.

God asks for all of our resources, imposes His will on us, and makes demands. Those are His godly prerogatives. If we have given Him first place in our minds and hearts, we will not respond to His will with complaint, or by thinking He is unfair, or that He has showed up in a time that is 'inconvenient.' We will obey gladly, finding joy in knowing that we are obedient children of the Heavenly Father.

Jesus asks a question that I hope needs no answer in my life, nor in yours. "Why do you call me ‘Lord,’ when you won’t obey me?"

He continues by explaining the reward of God-centered life and the folly of making God an accessory. Read His words thoughtfully -- "I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then obeys me. It is like a person who builds a house on a strong foundation laid upon the underlying rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against the house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who listens and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will crumble into a heap of ruins." (Luke 6:46-49, NLT)

As we begin Thanksgiving week, I encourage you to prayerfully, thoughtfully evaluate your relationships, your leisure activities, your ministry and worship, your heart attitudes, your fiscal decisions -- yes, all of your life -- in light of this question -- Is He truly God of all?

Unless He is Lord of all, He is not Lord at all. Our words of worship and songs of praise will be hollow, if they are offered when our hearts are divided, following another god.
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Let My Words Be Few

You are God in Heaven
and here am I on earth,
So I'll let my words be few,
Jesus, I am so in love with You.

And I'll stand in awe of You
Yes, I'll stand in awe of You
and I'll let my words be few,
Jesus, I am so in love with You.


Author: Matt Redman, © 2000 Kingsway

Bridges or Walls?

OK, I'm going to state the obvious - bridges and walls are both necessary and both serve very different purposes. Walls divide. Bridges unite! In 1964, our family lived on Staten Island, NY. It was an exciting time for that borough of New York City. The Verrazzano Narrows bridge was finished, and for the first time, those living on the Island felt like they were a part of the city. The multiple lanes on two wide decks of that world famous bridge turned a 30+ minute ferry ride into a two minute drive. The new connection brought development (a good thing?) and Staten Island changed, almost overnight. At the same time, I saw the effect of walls. The people who moved into our neighborhood from Brooklyn thought they had moved onto country estates, despite having postage stamp sized lots. Standing on our back porch, one could see a crazy quilt of fences - stockade, picket, split rail - built around tiny backyards, fences that declared- "this is my space!"

Are you a bridge-builder or a wall-builder? Are you forming connections with others, or shutting them out?

My experience tells me that people are much more inclined to erect walls that define 'their space' than they are to build bridges. Those walls bear political names - Republican, Democrat. Those walls bear ethnic/racial names. Those walls, tragically, bear religious names. How did the best bridge-builder in history - Jesus Christ - become an excuse for people to build such high walls? I ask that question again and again. How is it that we become so attached to our backyard, "I'm a Baptist, I'm a Pentecostal, I'm Reformed, I'm Independent...." that we fail to understand that our walls that seems to shut out those who differ also lock us in from the rich fellowship we might otherwise enjoy?

Some of you are starting to feel unsettled by this line of thought, aren't you? "Why does Jerry say that? Doesn't he know we must be committed to the truth?" Yes, I value truth, but would you agree that we are all too inclined to turn our preference into a 'truth'? For a long time in my life, I thought that 'real' Christians believed in one fixed way - the way I was taught. I just assumed that to be a 'real Christian' a person had to come from the same holiness church I came from, had to sing the same songs, and had to worship in the same manner. I honestly thought that the only way to come to know Jesus was to respond to an altar call, to kneel and pray 'the sinner's prayer.' I was really surprised when I learned that both those ideas only came into being less than one hundred years ago! I was surprised, yes really I was, when I found people from very different Christian traditions talking about Jesus with genuine love, who served Him as fervently - even more fervently - than many of the people in 'my' church did. As I built bridges into their lives I was not in any way diminished. I became richer! I discovered the amazing beauty of ancient liturgies. I found myself anchored and steadied by the recitation of the Church's creeds. Those were alien concepts to a boy raised in the fiery, emotional worship style of the Pentecostal church.

Jesus told us that God's demands of us are summed up in two commandments. "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”" (Mark 12:30-31, NLT) Sounds like a bridge-builder to me, how about you? Was He downplaying the need for orthodoxy, for truth? No! He prefaced those remarks with a quotation of the 'heart' of the revelation of God's Person. "Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord." (Mark 12:29, NLT) Not all gods are truly God.

In our desire to build bridges to others we cannot affirm all 'truth' as being true. However, we don't have to be so quick to confront others with our dogma and a challenge to choose, do we? As I read the Gospels the only people that I find Jesus throwing down a truth challenge to are those who should have known the truth- the religious teachers and leaders! To ordinary sinners, He showed love. He built a bridge into their lives and that bridge became the means for God's grace to become evident. Once He touched them with love, He called them to Truth. Something we need to understand clearly is that acceptance is not the same as affirmation! IF we are like Jesus, we will accept those who are a sinful mess, who lack understanding, who disagree with us. Once we have established a connection heart to heart, we will be able to reason together.

Peter faced a problem in the first century church. Women who came to faith in Christ began to browbeat their husbands who were not yet Believers about their need of Jesus' love. Now remember this was happening in a culture were women did not enjoy rights, where they were considered property of their husbands. So some men started to resent Christianity as being destructive of their homes and families. Here's what the Spirit inspired Peter to write to those wives who were frustrated by their husband's refusal of the faith. "Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives." (1 Peter 3:1-2, NIV) My point isn't about the role of women! It is about the power of practice, of loving behavior. This model of a woman with a pagan husband accepting him and loving him in a way that caused him to see the reality of Christ is a pattern for ALL of us in our relationship with others.

Win their hearts without words, then use that credibility to speak the truth!
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Our security and hope

Sometimes I feel insecure! I find myself wondering, "What does he think of me?" or "Am I doing a good job?" In a situation where I am surrounded by people I do not know, I look for a corner in the room where I can stand aside and watch others, deciding how I fit in! Sometimes I foolishly measure myself using superficial standards to try to overcome a nagging sense that I am not 'good enough.' And, sometimes I avoid situations for no better reason than to avoid the feelings of insecurity that might come over me.

Insecurity is a common feeling. Why not? This world is full of reasons for fear! Hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes tear through neighborhoods. The machines of war spread death and destruction. Friends turn fickle. Our own bodies betray us with disease and aging. Despite our best intentions we often disappoint ourselves by saying and/or doing things we should not say or do! We need not live long to realize our relative weakness - physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually- in the face of the threats that surround us, threats both real and imagined. Our fears demand relief and we find many ways to cover our insecurities. Some of our choices are certainly better than others, but all those focused on ourselves, fail to achieve the desired end. For example:

We bluff and bluster with boastful words.
We criticize others, somehow thinking that noting their flaws hides our own.
We drink too much or party too heartily.
We seek endless diversions in pleasure.
We work to gain degrees, awards, and certificates that 'prove' our worth and our significance.
We build financial portfolios to guarantee our future.
We diet and exercise trying to beat back the evidence of aging.
We learn to speak, dress, and act in ways that project an air of confidence, a cultivated image of acceptability.
We may even use our religion as a security blanket, wrapping ourselves in familiar rituals and words that help us to feel comfort.

True security can be found! It is not resident in you and me, but in Another. Consider this instruction given to God's people. "Don’t be fearful... don’t turn your back on God. Worship and serve him heart and soul! Don’t chase after ghost-gods. There’s nothing to them. They can’t help you. They’re nothing but ghost-gods! God, simply because of who he is, is not going to walk off and leave his people. God took delight in making you into his very own people. ... fear God and worship him honestly and heartily. You’ve seen how greatly he has worked among you!" (1 Samuel 12:20-24, The Message)

We are beloved of God - not because of who we are, not because of what we have done, but because it is His Nature to love! His declaration is: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV) Paul points us toward the facts - contrasting our flaws and God's faithfulness when he writes: At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another." I can identify, how about you? Are you feeling insecure? Read on! "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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," (Titus 3:3-6, NIV)

When insecurity creeps up on you, don't look around.
Look up! Thank God for your eternal security that is anchored in His unchanging character and overflowing love.
Let Him be your Rock, then LIVE confidently - not in self-confidence, but in God-confidence.
________________

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty Fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world,
With devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear,
For God hath willed,
His will to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him.
His rage we can endure,
For, lo, his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours,
Through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also.
The body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still.
His kingdom is forever.

--Luther, Martin; Copyright: Public Domain

You're not able...

Ever been told why you can't accomplish the dream that God has put in your heart? I have! People with good intentions think they are keeping us from being hurt when they warn us about our liabilities, point out all the reasons we ought to 'play it safe.' I've done it to others, not because I am mean, but because I thought I was 'helping' them.

One of the most valuable experiences in my life happened when I was just 21 years old, married for a short time, and father of a 9 month old baby. God dropped a dream into my heart that demanded a move across the country, an expensive move for a kid with no money. With little more than a prayer and promise, Bev and I set off for a new place in which to serve God. But there were those who thought we were crazy, who disagreed with the dream! We learned about real faith - even to the point of having groceries show up on our doorstep. Our baby developed pneumonia and spent 5 days in the hospital, and our parents were 2,000 miles away causing us to lean even more heavily on the Lord. A church and pastor saw potential in us for ministry and let us do things we hadn't done to that point, stretching us 'way past our comfort level. God knew exactly what He was doing and I'm thankful I was obedient even though what we did appeared foolish. Those 12 months were packed full of life-changing, soul-shaping, experiences- for us!

A young teenage boy was sent off to check up on his brothers in the army. When he got to their encampment, he saw something that caused a Spirit-inspired dream to rise up in him. A champion of the enemy walked out every morning to defy the army and their God. When David heard Goliath's defiant challenges, he felt compelled to do something to change the situation. When he mentioned his dream, his older brother scoffed, “What are you doing here! Why aren’t you minding your own business, tending that scrawny flock of sheep? I know what you’re up to. You’ve come down here to see the sights, hoping for a ringside seat at a bloody battle!” “What is it with you?” replied David. “All I did was ask a question.” (1 Samuel 17:28-29, The Message) When David told King Saul about his desire to fight Goliath, the king scoffed at him, too. “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There is no way you can go against this Philistine. You are only a boy, and he has been in the army since he was a boy!” (1 Samuel 17:33, NLT)

The rest of the story is well- known. David finally did face the giant on the field of battle. His method was un-orthodox - a slingshot against sword, spear, and shield! It should have been a quick easy win for the giant except that David had an inspired dream, and faith that made all the difference. Did he shake with fear as he walked out to face a deadly enemy? Probably. Did he grasp the apparent foolishness of his quest? Probably not. That's the blessedness of dreamers! They see possibilities where others see only certain failure.

Dreamers scare me and yet, I admire them. Now that I am 50; yes, a half-century old, I am much more cautious than I was 25 years ago; less inclined to take the risks that most dreams require. That's quite common among older guys! We're now the ones telling the young dreamers to 'go slow,' why they can't do what we would have done 30 years ago, how much it costs, that they will surely 'get hurt,' and yet, dreamers keep on defying the wise men.

If your dream is God-inspired, go for it! The Word says, "If God is on our side, can anyone be against us?" (Romans 8:31, CEV)

Gather your resources, take good counsel, learn all you are able to know about doing what He wants you to do. Prepare for pain. Be ready to endure long spells when nothing seems to be happening. Those closest to you will be your worst critics, but stay the course.
Here's a word from the Word for all you dreamers to meditate on today:
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time... and the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:6, 9-10, NIV)
__________________________
"Are ye able," said the Master,"to be crucified with Me?"
"Yea," the sturdy dreamers answered,"to the death we follow Thee."

"Lord, we are able, our spirits are Thine.
Remold them, make us, like Thee, Divine.
Thy guiding radiance above us shall be,
a beacon to God, to love, to loyalty."

"Are ye able," still the Master,whispers down eternity,
"to be crucified with Me?"
And heroic spirits answer,
Now as then in Galilee.

"Lord, we are able, our spirits are Thine,
Remold them, make us, like Thee, Divine.
Thy guiding radiance above us shall be,
a beacon to God, to love, to loyalty."

- hymn by Harry Mason

What only love can do

I wish that every Christian I know could view a segment from CBS TV's 60 Minutes program that aired last Wednesday evening.
(see http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/11/10/60minutes/main1036922.shtml)
Bob Simon visited Pakistan and reported on 13 American paramedics who are working to help people who were injured in the earthquake that struck there 6 weeks ago. The region was devastated on a scale that is almost beyond imagination. Over 90,000 people are counted dead so far. Entire villages were destroyed and, because they are so remote, no official agencies had reached them 3 weeks after the 'quake! The 13 Americans whose story was told in this segment, went to help on their own, without assistance. They are working in a place that is in the heart of Osama Bin Laden country, where anti-Americanism is rampant, where there are many training camps for Islamic jihadists. AND.... they are accomplishing what the guns of our armies cannot accomplish! In addition to saving lives, they are changing hearts. One of the paramedics reported, “One guy came up to me yesterday and was holding out his hands like this. And I'm looking. I'm like, ‘Oh does he want treatment?’ And he was signaling me to put my hands out and he said, ‘We have five fingers, five fingers, arm, arm, elbow, elbow. We're the same.’ And then he shook my hand.” These heroes are the first Americans most of these Pakistani's have ever met! What a first impression.

Those 13 paramedics from NYC are ambassadors of the USA. They represent this country, though that is not their primary mission. Similarly, Believers represent the Kingdom of Jesus everyday! People draw conclusions about what a Christian is like, who Jesus is, and the validity of the faith - based on our words and actions. Our care, our service to others - motivated by the love of Jesus Christ - can and will change the hearts of people who are skeptical about Christianity. All the ad campaigns, all the arguments, all the grand schemes created to convince others that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world will not have the effect that humble, serving Christians have when we live with the love of Jesus causing us to meet human needs that are around us. 2 Cor. 5.20 refers to Believers as "Christ's ambassadors." I am convinced that there will be more people in Heaven because of simple acts of service that lifted up Christ than because of the all the books and sermons preached in fiery fervency! My own grandparents became Believers because, at a critical time in their lives when Grandfather Scott was terribly injured in an automobile accident, a group of Christians from a little country church came and did his farm work, for weeks on end. Those anonymous servants in NW Iowa changed the course of life for dozens of us who are his descendants because they milked cows and tilled fields in the name of Jesus.

We must take care that we do not become manipulative with our acts of service, trying to impress, using 'compassion' as a propaganda tool. Christian service that is done with an ulterior motive of making converts quickly becomes corrupt! Love for God, love of others are the only motives that are pure. Conversions are incidental, though inevitable. John reminds us that 'we love because He first loved us.' Christian service that does not flow from love is useless, even offensive according to 1 Corinthians 13 where we read, "If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn’t love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever." (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, NLT)

Who is waiting to be loved in your circle of influence?

There are opportunities to serve right where we are. We do not have to travel to Pakistan (though some of us might do that) to show Christ's love. We may just listen carefully to the person in the next cube at work. We may just help our extended family through a crisis. We may become a faithful volunteer in some local hospital or agency. We may just need to dethrone Self and serve our family lovingly.

Love is a powerful catalyst for change. All the power of the armies that march the face of the earth cannot accomplish what an army motivated by the love of Christ can. Have you signed on? Have you accepted your commission to become a person that loves genuinely in His Name?

"Yeah, that's good enough!"

I'm a perfectionist... sometimes... in those things about which I really care. I was working on leaf clean-up in my yard with a friend on Saturday. As he was using the blower to get the leaves out of the shrubbery around the house, there were little pockets of leaves left here and there. I told him - "You don't have to broom sweep it. That's good enough." I like my lawn mowed and neat, but I'm quite content to just do what is necessary, no more. You won't find me spending a lot of time on the details. My car is another matter. I keep it clean; washed on the outside, wiped down inside on a weekly basis- and I'm quite particular about the way it's done. The way a lawn is kept or the maintenance of a car is not a major matter, is it? These are just personal preferences that come from our training and personalities.

There is one area in life where excellence is demanded from all of us, at all times, and where the statement, "Yeah, that's good enough!" has no place. Where might that be? Let an ancient Scripture give a clue. It's lengthy and refers to another time and form of worship but the principle comes shining through to us - clear as crystal!

• The Lord Almighty says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. I am your father and master, but where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have despised my name! ... “You defile them by saying the altar of the Lord deserves no respect. When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the Lord Almighty. ...
  
  “I wish that someone among you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered! I am not at all pleased with you,” says the Lord Almighty, “and I will not accept your offerings. ...
  
  “But you dishonor my name with your actions. By bringing contemptible food, you are saying it’s all right to defile the Lord’s table. You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the Lord,’ and you turn up your noses at his commands,” says the Lord Almighty. “Think of it! Animals that are stolen and mutilated, crippled and sick—presented as offerings! Should I accept from you such offerings as these?” asks the Lord. “Cursed is the cheat who promises to give a fine ram from his flock but then sacrifices a defective one to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is feared among the nations! Malachi 1:5-14 NLT

This Scripture emerges from a time when things were going well for the Jewish nation and as a result, passion for God had cooled. The temple worship was done as a matter of obligation, rather than as a matter of love. Instead of regarding their worship of Yahweh as a privileged honor, they thought it a burden. The result was that they did the minimum they felt was required to keep up appearances. Their hearts were not in what they did! And God was offended by what He sees as contempt for His Person!

When a person cuts corners in those things he does in service to God, when he offers half-hearted worship, when he fails to fully honor God in thought, word, and deed- it is an offense to the Holy One.

Do you teach that Sunday School class to the best of your ability?
When you write your offering check, is it a minimum amount or a generous gift that honors God?
When you come to worship do you come exhausted from staying up 'til mid-night watching TV or with a refreshed heart and mind that is ready to sing, to pray, to hear the Word?
In your daily worship what is your motivation- to spend enough time and stay focused until you meet God or just to check off the box that says, "Duty fulfilled"?

God desires the best, the first, the costly - because He deserves it. And He promises: "if you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deut. 4:29 NIV

Let's never be content to say, "Yeah, that's good enough for God!" Rather let's passionately serve Him, as is fitting for the Majestic Lord.
_______________________

My Advocate

My phone rang in the evening and there was a reporter on the other end of the line. His question snapped me to attention - "Mr. Scott, are you aware a lawsuit has been filed against you?" I wasn't and the call left me unsettled. A couple of days later I was served court papers that outlined a person's case against me. I needed help! I'm no expert on the legal system and didn't know what to do next, so I called my lawyer. As much as our society pokes fun at lawyers, I sure was glad to have one to shepherd me through the next couple of years, until the case was resolved. Recently another legal issue arose in the church and I contacted my lawyer, Mr. Glynn, once again for advice. His counsel is valuable, potentially keeping us from an expensive legal battle.

In 1 John, there is a metaphor borrowed from the legal system to help us to understand Jesus' work on our behalf. "... if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1, NKJV) In God's Presence, Jesus Christ stands right now pleading my case, making a defense, on my behalf! He is my advocate. The word in the original text is parakletos and it describes one who came alongside of another in a time of need, in a lawyerly and/or priestly sense.

We have a great need of an Advocate because we sin, that is, we fall short of God's standard for our life. Not me, you say? You think that because you're a little better than another, you are beyond the need for an Advocate before God? Think again. John says that none of us should be fooled into thinking we are beyond sinning. "If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. ... If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God." (1 John 1:8-10, The Message) Sin is not just defined by the obvious moral failures, things like adultery or theft. Sin includes serving self, ignoring God's will, and failing to do the good we know we ought to do.

When our conscience is stung with guilt, when the Holy Spirit has withdrawn His comforting Presence, we call on our Advocate! He comes to our side and presents a defense to the Father, not one based on the promise of our future goodness or on something we will do to 'make it up' to God. Amazingly, His defense of us is based on His own sacrifice. Yes, He points to His offering and says, "Father forgive Jerry, because I've already paid the penalty for his sins and failures." Jesus graciously allows you and me to 'borrow' from His store of goodness making us clean and whole before God. This is the essence of grace!

John cautions us against abusing that wonderful goodness of our Advocate. He urges us to 'walk in the light,' to take the strength and goodness of Jesus Christ into our lives so that we are changed, so that we sin less! Note that word. Not that we become 'sinless' for that cannot happen as long as we are alive and still dealing with our old sinful nature. However, as we live in close intimacy with God, trusting in our Advocate, the Spirit causes us to 'sin less' as we look forward to our eternal home, which Jesus will bring to us.

Take note of the interplay of hope and realization, of both future and present promise in this passage. "Yes, dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure. Those who sin are opposed to the law of God, for all sin opposes the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, for there is no sin in him. So if we continue to live in him, we won’t sin either. But those who keep on sinning have never known him or understood who he is." (1 John 3:2-6, NLT)

Has the notice of your indictment as a sinner in God's court unsetttled you? It should! The Bible is very clear that there will be persons seperated from God and good for eternity by sin. It isn't just the terrible, the horrible that are under the 'curse.' It is a universal human problem. Call on the Advocate!

Then, restored to the love of your Father, live a life that is increasingly holy.
_______________________

Friend of sinners, Lord of truth,
I am falling in love with You.
Friend of sinners, Lord of truth,
I have fallen in love with You.

Jesus, I love Your name,
The name by which we're saved.
Jesus, I love Your name,
The name by which we're saved.

Friend of sinners, Lord of truth,
I am giving my life to You.
Friend of sinners, Lord of truth,
I have given my life to You.

© 1994 Kingsway's Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI License No. 810055

Spirit Wind, come blow over me!

The young man, an inmate in a local correctional institution, smiled as he told me, "The only reason I came to Bible study was to see a girl. I didn't even believe in God." For the past 3 months, Jim (not his real name) has attended the weekly Bible Study that I teach there. He went on to tell me how at the first Bible study he attended when we opened our Bibles, he forgot the girl he came to see. He was intrigued with what he heard, which was unlike anything he had heard before about God. He told me that each week he looked forward to coming and had recently prayed that Christ Jesus would be His Lord, His Savior, and turn his life around. "There was just something about what you were saying that I had to believe!" he said.

Who or what made the difference for Jim? It wasn't the moving music; there wasn't any! It wasn't awe-inspiring architecture; we were in a drab room, sitting around beat-up tables. It wasn't a persuasive presentation, complete with PowerPoint! He experienced the Presence of the Holy Spirit. The wind of the Spirit blew through that little locked room where a dozen or so of us sat with Bibles in hand and open hearts. Jim is to be released this week. Would you pray that he remains open to the Spirit so he can stand in his new faith when presented with the temptations that will surely come his way on the street?

There was another seeker whose life was changed by the Spirit. He was a man of influence, well acquainted with religion, a wealthy man. In the Gospel of John, chapter 3, we learn that he came to Jesus at night so no one would see him. He had heard Jesus teach and was drawn by the truth he heard, compelling truth that pointed to a new way of life. In that conversation, Nicodemus heard these amazing words: [John 3:5-8 NLT] Jesus replied, “The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. So don’t be surprised at my statement that you must be born again. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” The Spirit-wind blew across his heart and he was changed. He heard this promise, believed it, and the Spirit caused a new birth! [John 3:14-17 NIV] The Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Do you know Christ? Has the wind of the Spirit blown through your life? Invite Him to, right now.
You're a Believer? Great! Have you settled for a routine of religion, a colorless life that has little joy, little power, and no intimacy with God?
Pray - Spirit Wind, come blow over me, again!

Are you afraid of the Holy Spirit? I was raised in a church that emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit, but often it seemed to me that He was used as an excuse for some crazy stuff. We were 'holy rollers!' Some awfully weird stuff happened and was called, "the move of the Spirit." Today, I know much of what I saw then that made me afraid or embarrassed wasn't God at all. It was just people letting off steam! Many of them were just 'emoting.' The true wind of the Spirit won't lead us into silly, stupid stuff. He will lead us into a deep reverence for God, to a place where we know incredible peace and joy, and to be persons of such profound love that we will gladly give up even our lives.

Ah, yes... when the wind of the Spirit blows over us and we are touched by God, we may well act out a bit - shedding tears, laughing from our gut, etc. But, He won't cause us to lose our minds! He will blow fresh life into our sin weary souls; and that's a fact.

Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom. ... as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more. -- 2 Cor3:17-19 NLT

_______________________
Sweet Wind

There's a wind blowin',
All across the land.
Fragrant breeze of heaven
Blowin' once again.
Don't know where it comes from,
Don't know where it goes,
But let it blow over me.
Oh, sweet wind,
Come and blow over me.

There's a rain a pourin',
Showers from above.
Mercy drops are comin',
Mercy drops of love.
Turn your face to heaven,
Let the water pour,
Well let it pour over me.
Oh, sweet rain,
Come and pour over me.

There's a fire burnin',
Fallin' from the sky.
Awesome tongues of fire
Consuming you and I.
Can you feel it burnin',
Burn the sacrifice,
Well let it burn over me.
Oh, sweet fire,
Come and burn over me.

Author: Ruis, DavidCopyright: 1994 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)

Knowing You, Jesus, there is no greater thing!

Is your Christianity a collection of beliefs, a list of ethical principles, and some social habits? If asked what it means to be "Christian" some might say, "I believe Jesus is the Savior, the Son of God. I was baptized, joined the church, stopped using profane words. I attend church regularly, take Communion, and I have a Bible which I read occasionally." So, what's wrong with that? Nothing, except it misses some of the best parts of being a Christian.

Being a Christian is different from acting like a Christian. It is quite possible to do many 'Christian' things, even say 'Christian' words and not really BE a Christian. Consider these sobering words from Jesus: [Matthew 7:22-23 - The Message] "I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’" "You missed the boat!" That is a tragic phrase that will be heard by those who refuse the True Life of the Spirit, preferring to trust that they can make themselves good enough for God by doing good and humanitarian things throughout their lives.

A person is a Christian because she has received the life of the Spirit through Jesus Christ and who is now loving God, her Creator and Father with a love is not just a sentiment; a devotion demonstrated in life choices of obedience. (That's not an attempt to be exhaustively definitive!) Jesus gives us a metaphor to help us understand the profound truth of knowing God in a transformational way. [John 15:4-7 NLT] Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! "Remain in me..." stay connected. Christians know a Person and His Presence in their lives changes them, gives them a substance of being that defies explanation.

While 'knowing' Jesus is a common part of the evangelical phrase book, I fear many really don't know Him at all. They only know about Him, confusing an active life of church service for the real life of the Spirit. We humans are almost incurably religious. If someone has an amazing and wonderful experience of God's Presence and/or Power, what do we do? We build a shrine, create a ritual, and try to replicate the experience. What should we do? Celebrate with them, entering into their wonder and joy, and then find out what God wants to do that is amazing and wonderful in our own life! Yes, there are a few common worship rituals that Jesus instituted to pull us together in our shared Christianity. Communion, Baptism, and joining in corporate worship must not be discarded as we launch into some personal 'Spirit' quest! He commanded that we do these things to celebrate the Truths that make us one Body.

But my point today is that each of us is privileged to really KNOW God and that is the wonder, and mystery, of being a Christian. Here's a word from the Word. Meditate on it for a few moments, and then ask God, the Spirit, to keep you connected to the Vine today, from Whom flows the true spiritual life.

Eph 3:14-19 NIV For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Did you take note of that last phrase? What comes from a deeply intimate 'knowing' of God? A life filled with God! We will live rightly, we will do good deeds - when we know Him._________________

Knowing You
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You,There is no greater thing.You're my all, You're the best,You're my joy, my righteousness,And I love You, Lord.

All I once held dear, Built my life upon,All this world reveres, And wars to own,All I once thought gain I have counted loss;Spent and worthless now, Compared to this.

Now my heart's desire Is to know You more,To be found in You, And known as Yours,To possess by faith what I could not earn;All surpassing gift of righteousness.

Oh to know the power of Your risen life,And to know You in Your sufferings,To become like You in Your death, my Lord;So with You to live, and never die.

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You,There is no greater thing.You're my all, You're the best,You're my joy, my righteousness,And I love You, Lord.

Author: Kendrick, GrahamCopyright: 1993 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services)

Is love always 'nice?'

Is it ever right to pray - "Lord, hit him over the head and make him stop!"?

David did. In those psalms that carry the label, imprecatory, he prays for his enemies to be neutralized! "O Lord, oppose those who oppose me. Declare war on those who are attacking me. Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid. Lift up your spear and javelin and block the way of my enemies. Let me hear you say, “I am your salvation!”" (Psalm 35:1-3, NLT) In other Psalms, his prayers are even more violent! (Psalm 109 will astonish you.) So, what of this response? Is it one we can adopt when under siege? We are quite familiar with Jesus' demand that we 'turn the other cheek,' which would seem to forbid our retaliation against an enemy. But we also see Jesus making a whip and driving irreverent and greedy men from the Temple with an angry denunciation - "You have made this house of prayer into a den of thieves!" We read of Paul's testimony "We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We respond gently when evil things are said about us. " (1 Corinthians 4:12-13, NLT) But we read him speaking in the most strident terms about false teachers who were leading young Christians astray. In the letter to the church in Galatia, his anger spills out as he writes sarcastically about some teachers who insisted that Gentile Believers must be circumcised like observant Jews - "Why don’t these agitators, obsessive as they are about circumcision, go all the way and castrate themselves!"

Are you confused yet? Are these examples of inconsistency in the Bible? No, though some would point to them in that way. They guide us to the understanding that love is not always 'nice.' In dealing with evil in any of its three forms - corrupt world systems, our own sinful nature, or the work of the Devil - our response cannot be conciliatory or soft. We meet evil in the strength of our God, naming it, resisting it, and battling it. But, in the process, we must not lose the character of Jesus Christ! If we become evil in our attempts to fight evil, evil has won the day. When we are focused only on eliminating a situation or person from our life just to restore our happiness, our motive is wrong. If we are focused on the preservation of good, on establishing the work of God, we are much more likely to 'fight' in a way that is godly.

The Lord is a Warrior. He hates sin and evil. He wages war against evil and calls us to be warriors with Him. But, our weapons are not guns, bullets, and broadsides. Our weapons are truth and love. The truth can have a sharp edge. Ever felt it cut into you? I have. When someone names a sin in my life it hurts, even when they do it in a loving way. That is why the Bible says that the 'wounds from a friend can be trusted.' It is a loving act to help a brother to move toward overcoming a sinful habit by naming it. But can you see how easily even this 'loving act' could become sinful? When I start to enjoy 'wounding' my friend because it makes me feel spiritually superior, or because it allows me to control him, or because it takes him down a peg or two, I am no longer a godly warrior.

One old pastor advised young preachers under his teaching, "Never preach a sermon on Hell or damnation, unless you have tears streaming from your eyes." His point was that it is too easy to enjoy the destruction of those we perceive as our enemies. The old line that is much mocked urges us to 'hate the sin, love the sinner.' It is a true statement! That is exactly what the Bible wants us to do. It is what God does. He saw sin in me and hated it. My sin was destroying me, causing my death, and keeping me from living in God's purpose. So He acted, in love, to remove the sin from my life. He did so in several ways. First, He sent His Son to build a bridge of loving forgiveness so that I could aspire to be His child. Then, He allowed me to taste the dregs of the cup of my life. He stood back and let me choose to sin even though He knew it would bring me pain. He even disciplined me by letting my sins bring their fruits of sorrow into my life. And all the while, He loved me, waiting for me to respond to His invitation - "Come home to your Father!" My restoration, not my destruction, was His goal.

That is the goal of every warrior for God when it comes to the creation of God. We do not seek to destroy, we seek to restore. Only an active experience of God's love can help us to know where that line is drawn between waging war for the Kingdom's sake and waging war for our own purposes.

Jesus said, "Pray for your enemies." A loving prayer might well include a request that God would stop that person in their tracks, both to limit the damage they do to God's work AND so that they will turn to the God who loves them. Our prayers will not always be, "Lord, bless them with wonderful things today." We may lovingly pray, "Lord, let them suffer today so that they will realize the futility of life as they are living it. Lord, let them feel real pain. Remove the sources of temporary comfort that keep them from knowing their real need."

And, we give up our natural inclinations by accepting that person who turns to God, who turns from his sin, into our hearts, restoring them in full forgiveness, just as God forgave us. And, in that kind of love, God and good wins the day!

"Yes, God is your answer, Tom Brady!"

On 60 Minutes the 28 year-old quarterback who has won three championships, who has a $60 million contract with the New England Patriots, said, “Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there's something greater out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot of people would say, ‘Hey man, this is what is.’ I reached my goal, my dream, my life. Me, I think, ‘God, it's got to be more than this.’ I mean this isn't, this can't be what it's all cracked up to be.” Now let me say up-front and clearly, I don't know Tom and nothing of his spiritual life, but that sure looks like a statement of spiritual hunger to me. As I heard him make that statement, I wished I could have the opportunity to spend a few days with him helping him explore his relationship with God. To all appearances, Brady is a 'good guy.' He isn't known for selfishness, for carousing, for using drugs. He loves his family. But, morality is not the same as godliness. Being good, is not the same as knowing God.

There a deception that is as old as Eden and as current as today, that is not unique to West or East, young or old, brown or white - "Satisfaction will be mine when I have _________; when I achieve _______!" It is true there is a measure of joy to be found in owning things, in earning a place in our world. But the joy of life is found in finding and living in God's purpose. When a person knows that they are doing what God made them to do, that they are filling the place in this world God created them to fill, that they are pleasing Him - they experience satisfaction. I know that God wants me to be a pastor to His people. Sure, I get tired and complain about life, from time to time, but at the core of me being, I know that there is nothing else in the world I could do that would let me fulfill my purpose. When I have the opportunity to share the life of Jesus Christ or to help someone else discover God's plan - it lights up my life! Serving the local church is not a career for me; it's a calling.

Tom Brady has a calling! You have a calling, too! "Do you mean we should become pastors, Jerry?" Not necessarily! That could be, but you might be called to be a plumber, or a carpenter, or a full-time Mom, or a doctor, or a teacher. "Those are callings?" you ask, "they sound like jobs to me." That's my point! The most satisfied people in the world are those who know WHY, and for WHOM, they are doing WHAT they do. Knowing peace and satisfaction is the result of "being" not "doing." Of course, being in Christ has an effect on what we do, but we need to start with the heart. Even Tom Brady senses that championships and money are a temporary reward. In a decade or so, some other guy will come along who will win games and get the adulation. But, if Brady plays football for God and uses the fame and money that comes with the success for God's purposes, his life will take on a transcendent quality that time cannot erase.

Here's a word from the Word. Ponder this invitation today. If your life isn't satisfying, consider God's offer. If you have embraced the Lord's purposes but are being seduced by the tempter's songs, consider the promise of real satisfaction offered.

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. ...

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." -- Isaiah 55:1-12 NIV

Swinging at curve balls

Sometimes just when we think we have things in line, somebody throws us a pitch that we swing at 'cause it sure looks like a straight-in fast ball! But, we miss because it breaks away from what we expected - right at the last moment. It was a curve ball! Life threw me a couple of curve balls yesterday! A curve ball, for the record, is a fast pitch that appears to 'break' out of a straight line. The ball doesn't really curve but rather travels in an arc, but to the batter, it looks like it curves near the end of its line of travel. If a batter realizes the pitcher has thrown a curve ball and does not swing at it, it will often end up being called a 'ball' since the arc of travel will usually cause it to travel outside of the strike zone- or so I'm told.
(If you're interested in the physics involved, see http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/211_fall2002.web.dir/Jon_Drobnis/curveball.html)

There is one constant in life - change! Just when we think that we have reached a place where things are steady, life is predictable, where we can make some plans, when we can relax: here comes a curve ball. Our employers announces pending lay-offs, a storm blows through our state, somebody in our family becomes seriously ill, our spouse decides that he isn't happy with the marriage, inner doubts rise about our faith. Such is the stuff of life, isn't it? So, in those moments are we at the mercy of circumstances? No, friend. We have a choice. My choice is to turn to the One who steadies me, the One who sees life's curve balls in advance.

What a privilege it is to rest my soul in Christ Jesus, to put those things I did not foresee before Him, and to know that He will guide me. I've gone again and again to a passage from Hebrews 6 this week. There I find this assuring declaration, "we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence. This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls." NLT 18 I am thankful that I have a Rock in Whom my life is anchored. When we are firmly anchored in the unchanging Christ, His peaceful presence can keep us from getting rattled, from swinging wildly, so that we strike out. I've seen young baseball players strike out at the plate, not for lack of skill, but because they got unnerved by a canny pitcher who threw a couple of unexpected pitches at them. I've allowed myself to become panicked more than once when the things coming at me were not what I had prepared for. A fear-filled person is not the most rational person, is he?

We need to take the time to reset our anchor, to deepen our trust, to confess our faith! How do we do that? We pray. We worship. We 'claim the Truth!' The methods we use to do those things will differ. I love to go and sit at the piano for a while, playing songs that come from memory (usually fracturing the lyrics!) and letting those songs become my prayer. One of the reasons that I put going to church so high on my list of priorities each week (besides being the pastor!) is that being among a group of people who are focusing their attention on God helps me to focus my attention on Him, too. Sometimes I just get in my car and drive to a secluded spot near a river or in the woods and sit silently listening to the sounds of the earth, while inwardly asking God for new perspective.

If you're in need of help discovering ways to pray and worship that 'fit' you- let me suggest a book by Gary Thomas- Sacred Pathways, Discovering your Soul's Path to God. While remaining solidly committed to the truth of Christ Jesus, Thomas suggests varied ways that we can enrich our experience of God's Presence.

Has life served up a few 'curve balls?'
Are you feeling unsettled by them, unsure, maybe even fearful?
Right now, take a moment to talk to the Lord - in your own words - about it.
"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes."

_______________________________________

I must tell Jesus all of my trials,
I cannot bear these burdens alone.
In my distress He kindly will help me.
He ever loves and cares for His own.

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear.
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus,
He all my cares and sorrows will share.

O how the world to evil allures me.
O how my heart is tempted to sin.
I must tell Jesus and He will help me,
Over the world the victory to win.

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone.
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

© Public Domain CCLI License No. 810055

Who cares?

That phrase can be an expression of apathy very much like the dismissive - "Whatever!" -that was so overused a few years ago, but that is not the way I'm using it today. "Who cares?" is a question that we're all asking. Who cares about me? Who cares if I live or die? Who cares if I am thriving or discouraged? One well known TV pastor is famed for his line - "God loves you and so do I," which he delivers with enthusiasm. In one of the most impersonal mediums, he delivers one of the most personal statements- and it works; in part, at least, because people are so hungry for love.

We hoped that our wired world would bring us closer together. In one sense, it has. Just look at the way 21st century people use technology! Cell phones and email, technologies that have only become 'mainstream' and widely available in the last decade or so, are now one of the primary means of sharing life with others. A teenager is 'connected' to his network of friends electronically. Billions of text messages beam from phone to phone in cryptic languages adapted to the need to use the 10 keys of the phone to communicate. Need an example? Probably not if you're under 25, but almost certainly if you're older.
F2T - means 'Free To Talk.' I love this one - POS - 'Parent Over Shoulder!' Now why would a teen send that message? I'm LOL - Laughing Out Loud!

Though I am physically located in Washington, NJ, I am able to reach out with a message to hundreds of people - stretched around the globe- each morning, instantly! Yes, we are a wired world, and we are very, very lonely! Speeded up communication leaves us longing for deeper relationships Wider networks of friends and acquaintances stretch us thinner, perhaps with fewer close friends who really know our hearts. Who cares? is the plaintive cry of the modern American. From little children who spend 10-12 hours a day in day care and live all a poor emotional diet of their parent's leftover time; to aged Grandmas who long for dinner with their sons and daughters, people are alone.

Believer, we are sent into the world to care! This is our primary mission. Whatever we do in the name of Christ - whatever our ministry or service- without the motivation of love the Bible says it is a worthless exercise. Consider the Word's challenge. Please do not read it quickly, or say, "I've seen this before." Let it soak into your consciousness.....

If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn’t love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT

Eloquence, mystical spirituality, even a sacrificial life - these things mean NOTHING if they are not rooted in LOVE! Jesus reminds us that the entire ethical code of human relationships is summed up in a phrase - "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." In another place, He said it with these words - "Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back?" (Luke 6:31-32 The Message)

It doesn't have to be a gift of a $million! It doesn't have to be your blood that you give to show love. Communicate the love of God in the simple ways.

Just take time to listen.
Bend down and look your child in the eye and give them your full attention.
Pick up the phone and really pay attention to the person you call.

Having trouble loving others? That's a troubling symptom of real spiritual sickness! The Bible says, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death." 1 John 3:14 There it is. No love, no God!

Here's a passage to take with you today. Let the truth sink deep. When you grasp the love God has for you, that love will spill over into your world and people know that YOU CARE!

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:7-12

Beware the poison of bitterness.

John sat down in my office, the weight of his life obvious in his lined face. I wanted to help him even though I didn't know him at all. No detective was required to see that he was in a dire financial condition , nearly homeless. Quickly it became apparent that his greater need was spiritual! As he began to talk with me his face twisted into a mask of hatred. He drifted into irrationality; lashing out at those who had tried to help him in the past, at the government he felt had deserted him, at preachers in general, and on it went for 20 minutes. His bitterness ranged all the way back to the day he came home from the Vietnam war and was met, so he claimed, in Newark airport by people who turned their back on him because of his uniform. His tirade seemingly exhausted him as he fell silent for a moment, then he declared that he was going home to end his terrible life. When he left my office, my heart was broken for him - poisoned as he is by bitterness.

Another lady that I love named Betty has had a hard life, too. Disappointment has dogged her steps in the years I've known her. In the last two years as she has endured chemotherapy for her cancer and the death of a daughter, but she is not embittered. Sad, yes, but bitter, no. She smiles, even as tears well up. She continues to offer encouragement, when she might just become a sponge soaking up sympathy. She inspires me!

What accounts for the difference between John and Betty? Why is one full of rage, the other able to cope with her sorrow so well?
The answer is a single word -FAITH! John faces life alone; feeling fearful, helpless, trapped, victimized. Betty faces life with the Father at her side, with a heart full of hope despite the setbacks, the sorrows she endures. Even when she speaks of death (usually with some kind of joke that helps her cope) she is full of hope. Does Betty like her situation? No! Would she rather be cancer-free? Of course. But, she has found acceptance in trusting God and His plans, even those plans which she does not yet fully understand.

The Scripture tells us- "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:15 NIV The New Living Translation amplifies the thought- "Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favor of God. Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison." Faith flourishes in community, where our lives are inter-connected. When one among us is hit hard, others come alongside to lift her up. When someone is knocked off his feet and begins to doubt God, those who love him surround him to pick him up and hold him until he is steady once again.

Well, that's the way it ought to be. Often, it isn't like that. Somebody said, "The Church is the only army that shoots its wounded soldiers!" I don't know that I'd go that far, but sometimes we do turn away from those who are in greatest need. The Believer who has fallen into sinful disobedience and who is suffering the consequences of his choices does not need us to remind him "you reap what you sow, brother!" He needs us to encourage him to return to the embrace of the Father. The one who is struggling with doubt does not need our condemnation added to her confusion. She needs us to intercede, to ask the Spirit of God to hold her close. Our calling is to love the unlovely and often that one who is in greatest need is also most resistant to expressions of love. The Bible says that you and I are to 'see to it' that they experience the grace of God. It is the way they may be protected from the poison of bitterness!

Jude encourages you and me to remain in faith, standing strong. And he reminds us to care. In both decisions, we become an antidote for the poison of bitterness that destroys lives when left unchecked. Take this wonderful benediction with you today and let the wisdom of the Word saturate your heart. Be blessed, as you are a blessing to others.

But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.
Live in such a way that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you.
Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.
Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.
And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. --Jude 20-24

The Least and the Weakest

How do you face a tough assignment?
Procrastinate? Gripe? Try to get someone else to do it? Gather resources? Jump in?

A person's response flows from many causes, but primary among them is confidence. "How confident do I feel that I can really do this well?" is a question just about everyone of us has asked ourselves. When we are unsure that we have what it takes, most of us will be reluctant to move ahead.

I was working with a team of men renovating an old barn that our church wanted to use for youth ministry. Brent handed me a tool and assigned me a task doing something I had never done before. I demurred saying, "I don't think I can because I've never done that before." His response was to take the tool, to show me how to use it, and then he said, "Now, stretch and grow!" He loved that phrase. He was also a gifted musician at the piano. I am a dabbler on the piano and I play mostly for enjoyment and worship when I am alone. He would occasionally hear me playing and offer tips on technique. If I said, "I don't think I can" his response was to encourage me to try. Stretch and grow!

In the book of Judges, a messenger from God came to a man named Gideon with an assignment - "liberate your people from the oppression of the Midianites." He wanted this humble farmer to become a national leader and military strategist. Gideon realistically assessed himself and replied,“But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (Judges 6:15, NLT) Nothing in the text would lead us to conclude that Gideon was not speaking truthfully. He was a man of no reputation from a clan of no reputation! He was not a man given to boldness either. When the messenger came to Gideon, he was hiding out from the marauders threshing his wheat in a winepress. Instead of doing this task on an open threshing floor where he could be seen, he was doing it a very hard way, in hiding, a little at a time. But, God saw something in Gideon that others, even himself, did not see. That is shown by the greeting, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” (Judges 6:12, NLT) Obviously Gideon didn't think of himself in those terms.

So how would the Lord God turn a fearful farmer into a bold leader? Take note of the clincher line. The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.” (Judges 6:16, NIV) From the moment that Gideon was convinced that he would not do the task alone, he was a changed man. If you want to read a story of a man who grew in faith as the Lord patiently developed him for the assigned task, read those chapters in Judges. You will be encouraged to respond obediently and in faith when an opportunity is presented to you.

Has God handed you a tough assignment that appears impossible given your present abilities?
Are you avoiding it, trying to find another to do it, or griping about it?

Here's a better response. Ask the Spirit of God to walk you through it, to show you the way - one step at a time. He will patiently grow you into the task.

Here is the promise of the Lord. Take it to heart today.
Let it speak to you so you will be ready to Stretch and grow!
He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6, NKJV)
_____________________________
"Father, as I look at my life I often feel that I am the 'least from among the weakest.'
The gap that I see between my skills, my abilities, and Your commission is wide.
Keep me from fear by steadying me with Your hand on my shoulder.
Help me to live in a way that lets You lead me - obediently, holy, and faithfully in prayer.
Holy Spirit, develop a great "God-confidence"
in me so that I will be ready to do what you ask me to do - today and to eternity.
In Jesus' name. Amen."

"Up's and Down's"

Yesterday was an "UP" day for me! The Spirit of God was evident among us as we joyfully noted the new life of seven people in baptism. Some friends from a church we served in New England were with us for worship and it was good to see them, too. The congregation I lead celebrated a "Pastor's Appreciation Day," with a luncheon featuring a football theme, "Victory in Jesus." (and they even used the Patriot's colors!) I read through cards in the afternoon which noted ways that God has used Bev and I to bless people in the church and it was gratifying to know that He touches lives through us. Yes, it was an "UP" day for which I am tremendously thankful.

Pastors are well acquainted with "DOWN" days, too. In addition to dealing with our own occasional difficulties, we are called to stand alongside of people when death visits, when illness calls, when disappointment floods over them. Repeatedly, we move through the cycle from "UP" to "DOWN" and back again. It isn't just pastors, that live in the cycle, is it? This is the human experience!

With spiritual maturity comes the realization that it is important to continue to trust and serve the Lord consistently all through the cycle. He is equally worthy of our praise when we are in the depth of the valley as when He is when we are on the height of the mountain. He uses both to shape us and to prepare us for His service. When I look back, I see where the intense trials have been a means of discovering new truths about myself and God. I see where celebrations of victories have strengthened my faith as well.

In the Word, Paul urges us to adopt a perspective that sees the big picture!
He writes,
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...
(In the UP days, remember to thank God.)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."...
(In the DOWN days, remember to trust God.)Philippians 4:4, 6 NIV

He points out the steady faith that keeps us on course. -"I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." Philippians 4:12-13, The Message

Life changes. Jesus is the same.
Now that doesn't mean we must work at becoming robots. Nor does that mean that we adopt a stoic response to life that refuses to engage with the joy and/or the sorrows that are part of living. Rather, we learn to be steady. When we are 'in Christ,' we are equipped to a life that is marked equally by the fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence in the darkest nights and the brightest noonday.

Set your hope in Him. Pray that the Holy Spirit will mature a steady faith in you that remains evident in tears and laughter, because your life is anchored to the Rock. "...we ...have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us ... We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (Hebrews 6:18-19, NIV)
_______________________

Through It All

I've had many tears and sorrows.
I've had questions for tomorrow.
There've been times I didn't know right from wrong.
But in every situation, God gave blessed consolation
That my trials only come to make me strong.

I thank God for the mountains and I thank Him for the valleys;
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.
For if I'd never had a problem,
I wouldn't know that He could solve them;
I'd never know what faith in God could do.

Through it all, through it all,
Oh, I've learned to trust in Jesus;
I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to depend upon His word.

Crouch, Andrae - Copyright: 1971 Manna Music, Inc. ARR UBP of Manna Music, Inc. (35255 Brooten Road, Pacific City, OR 97135)