Showing the Gospel, an important part of telling it

Pastor Steve Sjogren suggests that before we try to convince other people of God's love with a four point presentation and carefully printed literature we ought to show them the love of God practically. Case in point; Theresa, a young single mom, who was broke and discouraged. Her dented Toyota idled roughly at the Taco Bell drive thru. She was there because a search for loose change had produced a few bucks, all she had in the world. She just decided to take her 8 year old son out thinking, "Anyway you look at it, we don't have enough money to make it to my next welfare check, so let's go out with a little style." As she pulled up to the window to pay, the guy standing there met her with a big smile and told her it was her lucky day. "The people in the car ahead of you paid for your order and told me to give you this card." On it she read, "We hope this small act of service shows you God's love in a practical way." A church's name and address were printed on the flip side of the card. The next day found Theresa and her son in that church, where she found the help she needed to get back on her feet and a new beginning in life. (REV., January, 2007)

James urges us to keep our faith connected to real life. What we truly believe, he says, will always have a discernable effect on the way we live. "What’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, “Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” I say, “I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds.” (James 2:14-18, NLT)

I am examining my life for places where my professed faith in Jesus is disconnected from my words and actions. I don't want to bring dishonor on the Name of Christ by being hypocritical, that is, living a life where my rhetoric is unmatched by what I do, even unconsciously. This applies to so many areas in addition to compassion to those who are poor which is where James, the Apostle, makes his point. How about the way we deal with outcasts? For example, there is a whole group of people in America that experience rejection on a grand scale everyday - those convicted of crimes of a sexual nature, especially against children. Yes, such a crime is repugnant and has terrible consequences for those who are abused, but Jesus loves and died for pedophiles, didn't He? Shouldn't we love them, too, albeit with proper safeguards in place for our children? Of course, we must! Conservative Christians have had a terrible relationship with homosexuals, in part admittedly because we hold to the Bible's truth that homosexual behavior is not acceptable to God. But we also need to face the fact that, as a group, we have not exactly extended a welcome mat to gay men and lesbian women in our church communities, either.

"I will show you my faith through my good deeds" has implications for our personal relationships, too. Love is the core of Jesus' teaching, and yet many who claim to be His followers are carrying around terrible anger over unresolved conflicts. How many of us, even as we say we love God and are loved by Him, at the same time, continue to harbor bitterness against a neighbor, or a family member, or a church leader? How can this be? Can we really have experienced the reality of God's love and remain hateful? Not according to Scripture. "If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to eternal life. But a person who has no love is still dead. Anyone who hates another Christian is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them." (1 John 3:14-15, NLT) Ouch! That hits kind of close to home, doesn't it? Since conflict is the number one issue for most American churches, I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions about the reality of the spiritual experience of many who claim to be followers of Christ! What I will do is to ask the Holy Spirit to help me to close the gap between my words and actions, to make my faith real and observable to those among whom I work and play.

We must not miss the point of being a Christian. We are not Christians simply because we have claimed to have understood the four spiritual laws, or because we once said a prayer with Billy Graham at the end of a televised service, or because we affirmed some doctrinal statement and received a baptism certificate. We are Christians when our faith is real, which leads us to working out the implications of the Gospel of Christ in the real world, with the Spirit's help, on a daily basis. John says, "My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality." (1 John 3:18-19, The Message)

Here's a 50 cent phrase to remember - Orthodoxy will produce orthopraxy. In simpler terms, if we really connect to the truth of God, our lives will come into line with the will of God!

So, it's Christmas. There's a ton of sentimentality attached to this holiday. Let me encourage you to go beyond that little tear in the corner of your eye, that catch in your throat, to do the tough work of applying the Story to life. If you believe that Jesus is really Emmanuel, God with us, then invite Him to live in you. Think through what it means to embrace Him as both Savior and Lord - and let it show- for the glory of God.
_________________________

O come, O come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

O come, thou Rod of Jesse free,
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of hell thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night,
And pierce the clouds and bring us light.

O come, thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to thee, O Israel!

O Come O Come Emmanuel -Neale, John M. / Coffin, Henry S. / Helmore, Thomas
© Public Domain

I'm better than you are.

Yesterday, as I was reading yet another article about Ted Haggard, the former pastor of a large church in Colorado who resigned after sins involving drug use and sexual misconduct in his life become public, I found myself thinking, - "Why didn't he shape up? What's wrong with him?" God forgive me! What gracelessness! In fact, I fail, too. However, because they are 'my' failures, in my mind they are excusable, even reasonable under the circumstances. For example, if I am short-tempered or unloving, I let myself off the hook because "I am tired due to my full schedule."

So, as I was mentally railing on Ted Haggard, I heard the Spirit's challenge as He asked me: "Why are you so unwilling and/or unable to give others the same grace that you give to yourself?" What I desire is that God will continue to work on transformation of my heart and mind that causes me to love, to encourage, to comfort, and even when there is reason to correct another person, to be able to do it with such grace, that even words of rebuke are heard as a gift. I am challenged today by this passage from the Word. It is lengthy and probably familiar, but I urge you to read it attentively.

"We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God’s anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. . . .

Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith." (Romans 3:22-27, NLT)

Does that mean we are free to live as we want to live, that our daily actions are unimportant in terms of our relationship with God?
Some might reach that conclusion, but they would be wrong. We are set right with God by faith in Christ Jesus, but that faith is not a ethereal thing, disconnected from 'real' life! Here's the glory of grace-based Christianity. When we take the focus off of ourselves and put it rightly on God's gracious work, we gain the ability to say, 'no' to ungodliness and 'yes' to the Spirit. What all of our self-discipline, peer pressure from other Believers, and moral codes can never accomplish - making us truly good and completely acceptable to God- begins to take place from the inside out!

When I am focused on me- determined to be good, to say the right things, to make a good impression - all supposedly 'for the glory of God,' I get stressed and graceless, losing the joy of the Lord. When I face up to my religiosity, I have to admit that concern for reputation and respect, which are all about Jerry, have crept up on me; again! There is only one thing to do in that moment - get on my face before the Lord and 'give up.' "I did it again, Lord. I became proud, I compared myself to someone else. I started to believe You are blessed to have me on your team!" That confession, coupled with thankfulness for Jesus Christ, the great grace gift, whose death and resurrection brings me the promise of life and godliness, restores my joy, and - that moment of grace renewal - temptation loses much of its power over me.

Pastor Ted, I am not better than you are! We are both sinners in need of the grace of Christ. I pray he understands that today, more than intellectually.
I pray that I will continue to hang onto to Jesus's grace, kept from disgrace and from dishonoring His Holy Name - by grace and grace alone.
_____________

Father, Your love for me is astounding.
Your favor extended to me makes me both glad and uncomfortable.
I want to do something to pay you back, but I know that I never could,
and even to attempt to do so, insults You!
Defeat my sinful tendency to perfectionism and religiosity, which leads to judgment.
Stir up a love for You in me that spills over to others, that takes no thought of their deservedness.

Thank you, Jesus, for the Manger, which speaks to me so powerfully that you became Flesh, God with us;
for the Cross that shows me Your love and sacrifice, and
the Empty Tomb, which assures me that the work done for sinners is complete!

Spirit of God, guide me into all Truth today.
Keep me centered on You.
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.... yes, for the glory of God alone. Amen.

Christmas gifts

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? Many of us still have people on our gift list without a matching present! We will venture out to make our purchases motivated in many different ways. Consider these...

There is the CHEAP giver. He is driven by one goal - buying something, anything, that satisfies the imperative for gift giving - while spending as little money or energy as possible. My one question to this person is - "Why bother?" You have missed the meaning of Christmas entirely. Save yourself the effort because the person who receives your 'gift' will only be obligated to write an insincere 'thank you' note!

There is HURRIED giver. With hummingbird-like rapidity, she darts from store to store, grabbing this and that, checking off the names on her list. Obligation, not love, is the primary motivation for giving a gift, so most any gift will do, just get it and wrap it up.

There is the PAY MY DEBTS giver. This person foolishly believes that with one gift, usually one that costs way too much, he can make up for his failures through the year. Yes, it is particularly a 'man' thing! Men are much more likely, according to published reports, to overspend to compensate for misdeeds than women. But, the truth is, no single gift can erase a year's worth of inattention or emotional distance. This shopper is in for disappointment!

There is the "I'D SURE LIKE THAT" giver who buys things he would like to receive and presents them to others! His gifts are often very nice, but they don't 'fit.' Why? Because, his gifts are not thoughtfully chosen with the recipient in mind. Even his 'giving' reflects his preoccupation with himself. To me a 1 Gig USB Flash Drive is a fine gift, but if I buy one for my wife, she'll say, "What's this?" She has no use for it, and probably doesn't even know what it is.

And, there is the "BECAUSE I LOVE YOU" giver. Finally, we find the heart of Christmas! This person thinks carefully about the tastes, the needs, the personality of the person for whom he is getting a gift and, after a careful search, prepares a gift that he presents with no strings attached. This kind of giving reflects what the Bible says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35, NLT) This is how God gave to us. John says, that "God so loved the world (you could insert your name in place of 'the world') that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NIV)

God's Gift to us was costly, prepared from eternity, based on my need, and shaped by love! What a gift.

"Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ." (Romans 3:24, The Message)

In your gift-giving, make LOVE the reason. Having trouble finding a gift for someone on your list? Relax and think about who they are, what they need, and how you can express love in a language they'll understand. It will come to you!
____________________

Pressured and Squeezed

I think I'll re-write a holiday song, "T'is the Season to be pressured, Oh, oh, oh, oh, how much can I stand?" I am fairly certain that it is not just me that feels the weight of social obligations, family expectations, the desire to something meaningful in God's name, and even the weight of my own hopes for the holiday. The pressure comes in all sizes of packages- "Could Christmas finally bring resolution to that old grudge that Aunt Ruth holds against me?" or- "I hope the gift I selected for him communicates the right message," or - "God please let me worship you from my heart." We pile on extra activities this time of year, stir in a large helping of travel, and what should be a time to celebrate too often turns into a month to endure. When we finally get to January, we breath a sigh of relief that it is finally over!

So how can we better celebrate this Season?

First of all, we need to become conscious of the expectations we are putting on ourselves and others. Often the pressure comes from a place deep in our sub-conscious where, in an almost childish way, we somehow believe that there is something magical about Christmas day. Sure, we may be a little more kind, somewhat more generous and thoughtful. But, a single day does not change a person's character or personality! Old Ebenezer Scrooge may have had a revelation about his life in Dickens's "Christmas Carol," but a true change of his ways required more than the visitations of Christmas' Past, Present, and Future! Just because it is Christmas, don't expect that miserable person that rains on your parade to suddenly become Sam Sunshine. Be realistic! Know, too, that one gift or gesture, as nice or generous as it may be, cannot erase a past event. Face the fact that a marriage that is cracking at the seams won't be repaired by an expensive gift. If we are realistic about the limits of the day, it will help us to celebrate with more joy.

Second, focus on the spiritual part of the Season. Yep, you've heard that before, too, haven't you? It is celebration of Christ's birthday. You won't find Him in the mall, on Overstock.com, or in the twinkling lights of the decorations. Giving gifts can be a lot of fun. Decorating our homes and offices can add a festive air. Parties are great, sometimes. It is worship, however, that brings true peace, that connects us to the One who came to be our Prince of Peace. Prioritize (don't you hate that word?) your life so that there are quiet moments in which you can listen to God's voice. Make time to pray and meditate. Serve someone in the Name of Jesus with no ulterior motive. Go to church having prepared your heart to participate in the corporate acts of worship.

Third, admit to yourself - "I cannot do it all!" Somebody will be disappointed that you didn't get to their party. Somebody won't get the perfect gift. The pie you bake might turn out with a burnt crust. That's life. Smile, anyway! It's all right to be human. Admit it - first to yourself. If you own your own humanity, it is a way to unload a ton of pressure.

And, don't forget to be child-like. Give yourself permission to experience some wonder. Let the Grinch be cynical! Laugh at those things that are absurd. Hug Grandma. Sing, even you can't, and enjoy the experience. Ponder the story of a Baby born in a manger, of Shepherds who heard angels sing, of God come to earth to change everything, including your eternal destiny. Ask God to give you the eyes of a child again.

I think if you'll do these things, January 1st will roll around, and you'll wish it were still Christmas, instead of being glad it is gone for another year. Let me know, won't you?

Read these ancient words today. I pray that you will experience something like the wonder of those who lived the story.
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:6-11, KJV)
"And all they that heard it wondered at those things ..." (Luke 2:18, KJV)

For whom do you sing?

In his book, The Cry of the Soul, Dan Allender tells the true story of Tom, a young preacher fresh out of seminary, who was struggling to be effective in the pulpit. One day a man from the congregation showed up in Tom's office with 7 tapes in hand. "Week after week we listen to you drone on. Your preaching is killing us and you're going to destroy this church." He pushed the tapes into Tom's hands with the admonition that he should listen to the speaker on them and learn his style! Of course the next Sunday in the pulpit was torture for Tom. Try as he may, he could not see anyone in the congregation except his critic and that man seemed to be glaring at him. His mouth was dry and there was knot in his stomach. Such is the stuff of fear! After that service, he was standing by the door greeting the departing congregants. The last person to leave was an elderly woman. She approached with a stern expression on her face. "I don't know what's gotten into you, Tom, but you are preaching to please someone in this church. I want you to go to your study immediately and repent. Next week, just preach to please God!"

Most of us are performing for somebody: saying the things that we hope will earn their approval, trying to do a job that will assure our value as an employee, even telling ourselves, "I'm OK," and then trying prove it with money, beauty, awards, or whatever we believe worthy. Such a life is marked by the sin of idol worship! We have put someone else or Self in the place at the center of our life that only God should occupy. There's another problem with living that way, too. Fear and her cousin, inferiority, are our constant companion. If we measure our worth as a person by what we do or by what others say of us, the prize almost always slips from our grasp. One critic drowns out the voices of a hundred who praise us. Someone in life's competition shows up to outwit, out race, or out shine us just when we think we're about to win. And even if we do 'win,' our victory is soon eclipsed by another's performance.

The Scripture declares - "Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death." (Proverbs 14:26-27, NLT) When God says, "Fear Me alone!" - He is not asking us to live in terror. He wants us to live for His approval alone. "Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God." (Proverbs 9:10, The Message) Oh, that we would believe that. It is true! Yes, it is amazingly, wonderfully true. If we are living for God and God alone, much of the silly posturing that we put ourselves through, drops away. We don't have to work so hard at concealing our true selves and creating an image we think that others will like. We no longer attempt to 'look good,' for if we are living and working for God, we actually become good because of the love of Jesus Christ and the life of the Holy Spirit.

Friend, I write this as one who knows what it is to fall into the idolatry of the fear of man! I have spent more than a few days in the grip of critics, squeezed into their expectations, but unable to fit there comfortably. I've spent many days dancing feverishly to win the applause of those who surround me. Sometimes I've succeeded and drank from the cup of their affirmation, but the refreshment I find there is short-lived and soon, I thirst for more, and even more intensely than I did before.

Then, too, I can say I have experienced the warm smile of God. I have known what it is to just be who He wants me to be, not perfectly, but none-the-less accepted in His love. What rest, what joy, what wholeness is found in that place. My prayer is that He would deliver me from idols and fill all my vision!

Today, take a look at your life. Listen to your conversation. Whose praise are you seeking? Whose approval matters most -- God's or that of the people around you?

Pray that the 'fear of the Lord will become a life-giving fountain,' so that as you are at rest and at peace, whole, healed, and satisfied - you will pour that peace and wholeness into the world in which you walk today.
Soli Deo Gloria! (For the glory of God alone!)
________________

Be Thou my Vision,
O Lord of my heart;
Nought be all else to me,
Save that Thou art
Thou my best thought,
By day or by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.

Riches I heed not,
Nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance,
Now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
First in my heart,
High King of heaven,
My Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven,
My victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys,
O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
Whatever befall,
Still be my Vision,
O Ruler of all.

© Public Domain

So Who is God?

Baylor University released a study in which they found that 92% of Americans believe in God, but that we hold "four distinct views of God's personality and engagement in human affairs. These Four Gods — are dubbed by researchers as Authoritarian, Benevolent, Critical or Distant." These views of God reveal much about our social, moral and political views and personal piety.

About 32% see God as Authoritarian, directing the affairs of the world and ready to bring his judgment on the ungodly. As you might imagine, those who primarily view God in that manner, generally hold very conservative political and absolute moral positions.

Another 24% believe that He is a Benevolent God, forgiving, best described by Jesus' story of the waiting father who welcomes home his wayward son. A Benevolent God sets absolute standards for mankind in the Bible.

16% believe that He is a a Critical God who keeps His eye on the world. But, they do not think He gets involved. It is a paradox that those who believe in a Critical God believe that He holds humanity to account, but they tend not to pray or think to turn to Him in time of need.

And about 25% of Americans have adopted a view similar to that of the Deists of two centuries ago, believing in a Distant God, Who, they believe, got things started here on earth and then removed Himself from the picture. Those who think God is distant tend to moral relativism and generally hold the most liberal social views.

The results of this study are not surprising. From it we see that people tend to 'create God in their own image and likeness,' to misuse a Scriptural quote. Instead of going to the Bible and waiting on the Spirit to reveal the fullness of God, many of us tend only to see the God we want, or the face of God that was painted for us by parents or spiritual leaders in our formative years. We also tend more to define God by our experience, rather than by intelligent thought. It is important to know God; that is, to invite Him to be a part of lives and to be open to experiencing His Presence. However, and this is important, if we have only our personal experience to define God, we will not truly know Him! Experience will color our perception of God, depending on several factors, including our spiritual maturity and the circumstances of our lives. To know Him best, we must also know Him from the pages of the Scripture, where He reveals Himself in His fullness. And, that means we study the whole of the Bible to learn Who He truly is. If our only revelation of God was drawn from the Pentateuch, the Law of Moses, He will be seen quite differently than if we only viewed Him through the four Gospels! God is a Person, an active, living, purposeful Being who is not one-dimensional. He is loving and capable of anger, accepting and judging, kind and stern - a perfect Father!

Theology is not a dry pursuit, peripheral to real life, as some would think. Theology, the study of God, is important to us, for how we perceive Him, has a definite impact on the way we live in our day to day world!

Here's a word from the Word. Let it sink into your mind and heart today. As you read it, note the many facets of the Person of God and especially take note of the last sentence!

"... the Lord shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment.
He shall judge the world in righteousness,
And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble.

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. " (Psalm 9:7-10, NKJV)

Here I am, Lord, use me!

We are doing a survey in our Wednesday evening School of the Bible. It's been good to take a wide lens look at the Word, to learn again that within the individual dramas God was at work, creating and preserving His people. Last night, we came to the little book of Esther, which tells the story of a Jewish girl in the Persian Empire who through an amazing series of 'coincidences' became the queen and, in that position, had the opportunity to save her people from annihilation. The Book reminds us that God is always working - visibly and invisibly- to accomplish His purposes. The key passage of the book says - "Don’t think for a moment that you will escape there in the palace when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What’s more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-15, NLT)

Interesting, isn't it? Esther's guardian, the man who raised her when she was orphaned, reminds her that her 'good luck' is more than that. God has brought her to this place. His purposes will be fulfilled and now she has the opportunity to step up and be a part of what He will do!

Great stuff, isn't it? God will always accomplish His purposes, with or without us. He invites us to participate and by His providence brings us to moments of decision where we can put ourselves on the line for Him, or walk away. Two principles that appear to us to be in direct conflict are taught as being equally true in the Bible:
A. God is charge and will do what He purposes to do. And,
B. I am free to choose to join Him or refuse Him.

How can both be true? Only by faith! He is not a puppeteer making us dance on the end of the string. Yet, He will still accomplish His will. Difficult to understand? Yes! Is faith required? Absolutely. Does our lfe story always tie up all the loose ends as neatly as the story of Esther? Nope! Some situations will not make sense until we join the Lord in eternity and are able to see what He sees and grasp the grand sweep of time.

I nearly missed the point of the story of Esther for a couple of reasons.

First, I over analyzed the story. I got caught up asking, "If God is charge, why didn't He just keep old Haman from his jealousy and rage that provoked the attempt to annihilate the Jews in the first place?" Good question but there's no answer this side of Heaven. If I go there, I won't see the later developments that do reveal God at work. Yep, I do the same thing when somebody tells how God ministered to them in a tough spot, like an auto accident or getting cancer. If I'm not careful I miss the joy they found in His grace because I am protesting, "Well, if He's so good, why did He allow that wreck or disease to happen?" Yes, God is good even as He allows sin and suffering to continue.

Second, I read my own cultural assumptions into the story of Esther. When I got to chapter 2 and read of old King Xerxes sending out his representatives to gather up hundreds of beautiful girls from the empire to become part of the search for a new queen and then to live the rest of their lives in his harem, I was outraged by the treatment of women who were basically just 'boy toys' in that era. My outrage blinded me to the fact, temporarily, that it wasn't the 21st century and that God works with people in the time and place where He finds them! In Bible study, somebody reminded me that Esther's story can be read as a lesson of the beauty of God's selection of those whom He will love and our response to His love. True enough! And, again, we must understand that we cannot read our cultural assumptions into the Text, unless we want to mostly miss the point!

Faith isn't easy for us, is it? However, "By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see. ... It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him." (Hebrews 11: 3,6 The Message) An intelligent faith asks God for understanding, studies the Word and the situations of life, and wrestles with the questions, but humility causes us to know limits of our vision. So, when we come to the wall too high for us to climb or see over, we offer ourselves to the One who reveals Himself as "Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End," and say, "Here I am, Lord, use me!" And He does, and we experience joy! Hallelujah.
__________________

God Is Good All The Time
Moen, Don / Overstreet, Paul

God is good all the time.
He put a song of praise,
In this heart of mine;
God is good all the time.
Through the darkest night,
His light will shine;
God is good,
God is good all the time.

If you're walking through the valley,
And there are shadows all around,
Do not fear, He will guide You,
He will keep you safe and sound.
He has promised to never leave you
Nor forsake you, and His Word is true.

We were sinners so unworthy,
Still for us He chose to die;
Filled us with His Holy Spirit,
Now we can stand and testify,
That His love is everlasting,
And His mercies, they will never end.

Though I may not understand,
All the plans You have for me,
My life is in Your hands,
And through the eyes of faith,
I can clearly see,
God is good, God is good - all the time!

© 1995 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.) / Scarlet Moon (Admin. by Copyright Management, Inc.)- CCLI License No. 810055

Zeal

The doorbell rang at 6:50 PM and there at my front door, in the cold evening, stood two well-dressed, handsome boys. Their nametags identified them as "Elder ________" and I knew they were Mormon missionaries. When I invited them into the house, out of the chill, they were thankful, polite, and yet still very focused on their work. They respectfully and articulately told me about Mormon faith and tried valiantly to get me to accept a Book of Mormon. Theirs is a tough assignment. They knock on doors to invite people to consider the 'prophetic' claims of Joseph Smith. Though I reject the doctrine of the Mormons whose theology is not orthodox Christianity, the earnestness and devotion of 19 year old kids who give two full years of their lives, living far from home, is something to admire.

In a recent TFTD I reflected on God as a Divine Diversion, One we try to fit between those activities that take higher priority. (see http://jerryscott.blogspot.com/2006/12/divine-diversion.html) It is clear to me that those two boys at my front door have made a priority commitment to their religion, setting aside personal comfort, educational pursuits, relationships, and profit to do what they see as God's work. And I ask myself, am I at least that dedicated to the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? It is a question worth asking ourselves, Believer! How quickly we fall into complacency, overly concerned with ourselves, touchy and sensitive to the slightest inconvenience or perception of offense. Those Mormon boys press on, house to house, with most doors closed in their face, brushed off brusquely even rudely, time and again, but they take no thought of that because they are focused on a goal much higher in their estimation than personal comfort or convenience.

Believer, God has given us the very Words of Life! He has commissioned us to change the world, one person at a time, with His good news - that Christ came once to die for our sins and that He will come again to be the King of Glory. How can we yawn about such a calling? Are we asleep in the Light, dead on our feet OR are we full of zeal, inspired by the Spirit, giving Him our best, our all? In that disturbing book called "The Apocalypse," or the Revelation of Jesus Christ, at the end of the Bible, John hears the words of the King addressed to the various churches of Asia Minor. Those words echo to us today. Read them -
“I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you’re dead, stone dead. “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.
“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. “Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.” (Revelation 3:1-6, The Message)

Don't come to the wrong conclusion today. I am not advocating that we all quit our jobs and start going door to door with Bibles! I am repeating the call of the Lord Himself that we take up the commission to "go into all the world and preach the Good News." I am reminding us of the importance of keeping Jesus Christ in the first place in our affections. How we demonstrate our zeal for Him will take many different forms and expressions - humble service in our home, forgiveness for God's sake extended to those who do wrong to us, generosity with our time and resources because of a genuine love for people He creates in us, boldness to speak up about the hope that we have in Christ.

Jesus plainly says to you and to me: "Great crowds were following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, “If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me." (Luke 14:25-27, NLT)

What does your life say about your zeal, Believer?
Do your daily choices show that Jesus is Lord of all of your life?

Keith Green, the songwriter whose life ended too soon, a couple of decades ago, penned these words.
They are a confession, a prayer.

My eyes are dry, my faith is old,
My heart is hard, my prayers are cold;
And I know how I ought to be:
Alive to You and dead to me.

But what can be done
With an old heart like mine?
Soften it up with oil and wine
The oil is You, the Spirit of love
Please wash me anew
In the wine of Your blood.

My Eyes Are Dry -- Green, Keith

© 1978 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / Ears To Hear ü / BMG Songs, Inc. (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) CCLI License No. 810055
Amen!

Shameless, what a loss!

Shame rises in us when we become aware that we have violated accepted social or religious standards. It differs from embarrassment in that we can feel shame even when our actions are undetected by others. Embarrassment results when our failure becomes public. Shame is useful in that it helps us to regulate our behaviors and reminds us that we have a responsibility to fit into a community. When one loses his sense of propriety, he becomes shameless and the net result is not positive! We've seen this, time and again, in the public conduct of some of our celebrities. Last week, Danny DeVito, the actor, appeared on a national daytime TV talk show so inebriated that he was near incoherent. Was he ashamed of himself? Apparently not. Britney and Paris went out on the town last week wearing far too little in the way of clothing and were exposed (literally!) but apparently feel no shame. Mark Twain said, "Man is the only animal that blushes, or needs to." To our loss, many of us no longer have the ability to blush! The social coarseness that results when manners are forgotten is regrettable.

My focus today is on the tragedy of the loss of a sense of right and wrong that comes when we sin against God again and again. God put a conscience in each of us. The voice of conscience speaks to us, causing us to feel shame, and as we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, pulls us toward the Lord. The Bible says, "Even when Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. They demonstrate that God’s law is written within them, for their own consciences either accuse them or tell them they are doing what is right. The day will surely come when God, by Jesus Christ, will judge everyone’s secret life." (Romans 2:14-16, NLT) But conscience can become desensitized! The Bible speaks of those whose "consciences are seared, as with a hot iron." (2 Tim. 4.2) When we violate our conscience repeatedly, it loses its function. We get so accustomed to our sin, we no longer feel shame. We no longer feel any need to turn to God and seek to be changed by the Truth of the Scripture and the Power of the Spirit.

The conviction of the Holy Spirit, which operates through our conscience, is a great gift! My conscience often screams - "Stop, Jerry! You're headed in the wrong direction. If you do this, you will sin against God and bring destruction on yourself!" And, yes, if I ignore the warning and persist, conscience brings shame on me, which is not pleasant, and that is a good thing. Yes, of course, our conscience is not infallible. We can become overly sensitive in some areas and desensitized in others. For example, I know one man who becomes offended the moment that anyone around him even mentions sex. He gets agitated at just the mention of sex. Filthy talk and coarse jokes should make us feel shame, but his conscience has been damaged so that he is overly sensitive in this one area. Another Believer that I know swears liberally, and seemingly without any sense that his language is inappropriate for one who belongs to Christ. Again, the conscience is not fully functional. We need our conscience! Jeremiah saw the sins of God's people and cried - "Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them,” says the LORD." (Jeremiah 6:15, NIV)

In certain matters of Christian conduct, the role of conscience is key. It is one of the ways that God helps us deal with issues that lie within the so-called 'gray' areas, outside of the clear direction of the Scripture. Some things are always sin, for all people, everywhere, at all times! Adultery, for example, cannot be justified. We do not need our conscience to tell us to 'stop!' The Scripture is clear as crystal on the issue. But there are many issues for the Christian that are 'matters of conscience.' In the early church one of those issues was the consumption of meat. Some Believers felt that buying and consuming meat was sinful, others felt differently. Paul, under the inspiration of the Spirit, reminds us that we cannot make our individual conscience the guide for the whole Church! He urges us to be accepting of one another, making allowances for our various sensitivities.

"Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume all Christians should be vegetarians and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ’s table, wouldn’t it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn’t eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God’s welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help." (Romans 14:1-4, The Message)
"When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don’t eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love. Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent." (Romans 14:21-22, The Message)

Is your conscience healthy and functioning well?
Keep it sensitive to God, by responding quickly to its correction. Properly sensitize your conscience by reading and understanding the Scripture, knowing what God's will is for your life.
Pray that the Spirit will correct and keep your conscience healthy, too.

A Divine diversion?

hob·by – an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation So what's your hobby? Please don't say watching TV or playing video games... sorry, that just couldn't be helped! For many people, TV watching consumes the largest percentage of their leisure time. TV's are on in the average US household for 8 hours of each day, with the average person watching about 4.5 hours a day. TV is a diversion, but it certainly does not qualify as a real hobby. A real hobby adds value to our lives by giving us a creative outlet, by connecting us to other people, and/or by helping us develop new skills. I hope you've got one! You're probably wondering where I am going with this line of thought, don't you?

Here it is - I get impression that to many people God is a kind of hobby, a diversion, but not really the main thing in their lives. For those for whom God is a divine diversion, He is placed down the list of priorities of activities not at the top. He gets a donation from money that is left over after 'real needs' have been addressed. His work fills in the gaps in the day planner, after the 'real work' is finished - as a hobby ought to, but as He never should. It's an old, yes even ancient, problem among us humans. We tend to forget that we are spiritual beings first and foremost, that our physical bodies are dying, that things of this world that we love are subject to decay. We begin to worship ourselves, our bodies, our achievements, our stuff even as we play at spiritual matters such as worshipping God and using the gifts of the Spirit to serve others in His Name.

The Lord God desires that our entire life be oriented around Him. The Bible tells us to "Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:16-17, NLT) What does that really mean to us? Everything!

As I go to work today, I must ask myself, "Am I going to do God's work or to simply earn a living?" How I answer that question will make a difference in the way I work.

When I am making decisions about spending the resources I have, I must ask, "will it be as one who understands that I am managing a sacred trust or as an American consumer looking for a way to buy more stuff?"

As a parent I can seek to live in such a way that my children are God-aware and I can help them to understand that serving Christ wholeheartedly is their primary purpose; or I can focus on developing their social skills and education with such focus, that they conclude that success in this temporal world is their reason for living.

If God is a hobby, you'll go off to work today and forget that He even exists until you get home or perhaps even until next Sunday rolls around... if you're not too exhausted from your Saturday activities to attend church.

If God is a hobby, you won't take the first 10% of your income to build His kingdom and serve those in need, you will wait and see if there's anything left over before you put Him in your spending plan.

If God is a hobby, you will raise children who "worship their play, and play at their worship!"

In the last book of the Old Testament, a prophet named Malachi received a word from God for His people. Seems that the Jews were being blessed, but they were forgetting Who was blessing them. God was playing second fiddle to their own desires and plans. He was getting the left-overs and He was angered by this kind of treatment.
He said, “I am honored all over the world. And there are people who know how to worship me all over the world, who honor me by bringing their best to me. They’re saying it everywhere: ‘God is greater, this God-of-the-Angel-Armies.’ “All except you. Instead of honoring me, you profane me.
You profane me when you say, ‘Worship is not important, and what we bring to worship is of no account,’ and when you say, ‘I’m bored—this doesn’t do anything for me.’ You act so superior, sticking your noses in the air—act superior to me, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!
And when you do offer something to me, it’s a hand-me-down, or broken, or useless. Do you think I’m going to accept it? This is God speaking to you! “A curse on the person who makes a big show of doing something great for me—an expensive sacrifice, say—and then at the last minute brings in something puny and worthless! I’m a great king, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, honored far and wide, and I’ll not put up with it!"

A 'hobby' God is unable to meet our deepest needs. That is a reason that so many Christians are unfulfilled spiritually! The One who could give them purpose, steady them on their way, and be the Center for their being is pushed to one side, leaving them unbalanced and out of focus. Because they are neither 'of this world,' nor fully devoted to Christ, life is confusing; they are conflicted and without the joy of the Lord. The answer, for many, is to look for a new spiritual experience, to go here and there in search of inspiring sermon or an exhilarating worship service. However, the real answer is not a 'what' nor is is a 'where.' Satisfaction of soul hunger is only found in a whole-hearted commitment. When they choose to make Him Lord of all, they find that He is more than enough!

I leave us pondering this word from the Word today. Mediate deeply on it! "... do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the (those without God) seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:31-33, NKJV)
______________________

Forgiveness - God's answer for the rage of a troubled soul

She came to inquire about getting her children involved in the church. She was concerned about their spiritual care. She had barely opened her mouth when tears filled her eyes. The depth of her emotion startled her. "I didn't think this would happen," she said. For the next 30 minutes, Mary (not her real name) could not stop crying as she told me a story of a priest's abuse of her when she was a child! She told me that she had not been in church for many years, cut off from faith, by the sinful actions of a man who represented God to her. I soon realized that her tears were not flowing from sorrow, but from a rage hidden deep in her heart. I pray that God will allow me to help her to re-discover His love that can secure her soul, and then, hopefully she will be ready to discover the release from her rage and emotional pain that is possible through forgiveness.

During this Holy Season the phrase first announced in the skies over Bethlehem about 'peace on earth' is often heard, and little practiced. In fact, the holiday season often uncovers old wounds, family rivalries, and bitterness that is carefully packed under layers of politeness or denial. The remedy for the pain is found in only one thing -- forgiveness. This is the most costly gift we give to ourselves or offer to another. Forgiveness as an expression of grace. The whole subject stirs up deep emotions, and often not positive ones. Despite the benefits that a person receives when they release another to God with active forgiveness, many people resist taking that step. We love justice (as long as it's for someone else) and usually consider the idea of extending another forgiveness unfair.

People offer all kinds of reasons (and excuses) for not extending forgiveness to someone. I've heard these and many more in the course of offering Pastoral care to my flock.

"But I just can't let her off the hook! She must make things right with me."
"How will he learn the lessons he needs if I forgive him?"
"He hurt me. He must pay!"

The greater truth is that forgiveness is the only thing that breaks the cycle of escalating conflict and ever greater retaliatory measures. The gift of forgiveness is irrational, and yes, unfair by natural reasoning! Grace, by definition is undeserved! God shows us the way in how He treats us. He sent Christ Jesus into the world to bear the burden of justice on our behalf, to take away our sin, so we could be forgiven. The Psalmist sings, "...nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west." (Psalm 103:9-12, NLT)

When we forgive, we are like God. His love for us shows us the way. It requires great courage to lay down our grudge, to set aside our rights, and to offer another forgiveness. If we will not forgive, we make ourselves slaves to guilt and bitterness. Unforgiveness hands another person the keys to our heart and allows them to keep us locked into the past.

Here in the weeks prior to Christmas when we celebrate the birth of the One who brought us God's gift of forgiveness - it's time to forgive! Lewis Smedes says, "the only person healed is frequently the forgiver." Don't expect your forgiveness to bring about some miraculous transformation in the one who has offended you. They may actually feel vindicated! Don't expect that forgiveness will lead to reconciliation. The other person may wish to continue in hatred.

Forgiveness is YOUR act, YOUR choice, YOUR gift- to the offender and to YOURSELF! Letting the hurt go, releasing that other person from any debt to you by transferring it to God who judges with ultimate justice, will be one of the most difficult choices you make. It is the right choice.The Lord's Prayer, there is this line- which we pray hopefully with sincerity - "forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us." (Matthew 6:12, NLT) Jesus follows that with this warning - “...there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part." (Matthew 6:14-15, The Message)

Peace on Earth! That is the declaration of the One who came to bring us a message of forgiveness, with all debts paid at His expense.
Let that peace find a way into your heart as you break down every wall, discharge every debt, and forgive those who have trespassed against you. It will make for a Merry Christmas!

"I am the Lord's servant."

With that faithful response, Mary accepted the message of her pending pregnancy from the angel Gabriel. Her entire life was about to be thrown upside down. Her fiancé would question her fidelity. Friends would think she was immoral. Her story would be judged a fantasy by those who heard it. But, this young woman, a girl really, from Nazareth embraced God's plan with humility that reveals her deep faith. “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her." (Luke 1:38, NIV) We are left mainly with our imagination about the events of the next 9 months of her life. We are told she took a trip to see her cousin, Elizabeth, probably to avoid the questions and stares that her expanding womb brought her way in the village of Nazareth. We also know that Joseph took her on a long journey to Bethlehem in the final days of her pregnancy, but mostly her story is left untold. Her faith, however, remained strong! She embraced God's plan and 33 years later was standing near the cross with a broken heart watching her Son die in the plan of God. Two millennia later, we respect this woman for her unique place in our faith and her example of faith inspires us!

When I was a teenager, the Lord spoke to my heart concerning giving my life to His service. My response, unlike that of Mary, was not immediately positive. I wrestled and waffled and resisted. My immaturity, both emotional and spiritual, led me to believe that I would be happier doing something other than Christian ministry with the gift of my life, but God was patient and merciful. He drew me to Himself. The decades of experiencing His faithfulness and provision, have brought me to a place where I find myself saying "I am the Lord's servant," more readily. I embrace His plans with greater enthusiasm, too. 'Bout time, wouldn't you say? I join Jeremiah in praising God, borrowing his prose - "The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord." (Lamentations 3:22-26, NLT) Amen and amen! Because of His promise, I know my home is ultimately in the Presence of God, in a place of unimaginable beauty called Heaven. The road between today and eternity is hidden in His mind, but by His grace I will say "I am the Lord's servant" at each turn, at each new challenge.

God has a plan for you, just as He did for Mary and for me. Don't be misled by those who say that His plan will always lead you along sunny pathways, strewn with flowers of sweet fragrance! Praise God, there are moments on the mountaintop. And, some days, even the most faithful are led through deep valleys. Some of us He leads to greatness, others to obscurity. In the great faith-walk chapter, we read of those who saw God's promises unfold in glorious ways; and we read of those who died in persecution holding onto their faith. The Word assures us that "All of these people we have mentioned received God’s approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.
For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can’t receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." (Hebrews 11:39-12:1, NLT)

Are you ready to trust Him with your life, friend? Yes, that is rather grand, isn't it?
Better we ask ourselves, "will I trust Him with this day?" and leave tomorrow's faith until then.

Let the faith of Mary instruct you today. As she was willing to let God use her for His purposes, may you, too, respond to Him with a simple faith, without pre-qualification, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
_________________________

I am weak but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk, Close to Thee.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, None but Thee.

Just A Closer Walk With TheeCopyright: Public Domain

Walk with the wise

In the course of my life I've made some really dumb mistakes! Up until I was around 30, I could pass them off to youth and/or ignorance. I do not have that luxury now. After a half century of living, it's a lot more difficult to say, "I did not know...." convincingly to myself or others. With the gray hair in my beard comes the expectation that I should have accumulated a measure of wisdom. Without intending to sound arrogant, let me say that the shortage of true wisdom in our world never ceases to amaze me. How can people make some of the choices they make is beyond my comprehension. Last week's flap over the proposed book and TV program by O.J. Simpson entitled, "If I Did It, Here's How It Happened," is one of those moments. In case you're out of touch, he had collaborated on a book that "hypothetically described" how he would have committed the murders of his wife and a friend who were killed in 1994 in a terrible and bloody way. Dumb, dumb, dumb! When the public reacted to this bit of idiocy, the publishers and producers cancelled the release. I'm sure you have a situation in mind that makes you question human intelligence, too.

Truthfully, often what appears to be obviously without merit to some, seems quite logical to another. That is why we need a reference point outside of ourselves, an external source of Wisdom, if we desire to live judiciously. The Bible holds out this promise: "Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose speech is corrupt." (Proverbs 2:3-12, NLT)

Knowing my natural propensity to make short-sighted, ill advised, and/or self-serving decisions, one of my daily prayers is for the wisdom of the Spirit to guard and to guide me. I pray for the ability to understand how the Scripture's principles apply to my life and the internal discipline to say 'no' to those impulses that would bring short term satisfaction but long term regrets! I ask the Lord to help me to keep in mind that the choices I make today have consequences I will live with for years. That is not all bad! The principle applies for good, too. We can harvest a rich crop of blessings if we sow wisdom consistently in our daily decisions. The Psalmist sings: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3, NIV) What a promise! The wise person who loves God will enjoy continual refreshment and become a source of blessings to those around him. Now, that's what I really desire, how about you?

Want to enjoy the benefits of true wisdom? Fear God! Turn to Him and let Christ change you from the inside out. Seek advice from godly people. Gather friends from those who love God. Don't admire those who are flip, arrogant, and smug! Love the Word. The result will be insight that preserves you in a world full of folly.

Here is a word from the Word. Meditate on it today. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8, NIV)
________________________

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Nought be all else to me, Save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, By day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom And Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee And Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, And I with Thee one.

High King of heaven, My victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, Whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Be Thou My Vision - Hull, Eleanor / Byrne, Mary E.
Copyright: Public Domain

Advent's reasons - simply amazing

While shaking my head over a story of yet another egregious moral failure that appeared in our newspaper yesterday - this time a grandmother and local mayor caught stealing $9000 from a church where she volunteered to work in the office - I had another grace awakening! Once again I came to understand that God's love story for us, which we celebrate anew this Advent season, is so amazing precisely because it is told to a dark world in desperate need of the Light. God looks over a world where people hate each with murderous intent in His Name! He sees cruelty on a scale that is beyond my imagination. He hears the secret conversations we have inside our own heads- where we lust, covet, and hate in secret. He sees the mass murderers in action and the little child learning to sin - and loves this world anyway.

You and I become impatient with someone after just a few failures. We are ready to dismiss a person from our life for a sin or two. When I look at all the evil around me and feel the storms of temptation that blow over my own heart, the story of Noah makes a lot more sense to me than the story of Jesus. I can understand God's anger and the solution He proposed! "God saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil—evil, evil, evil from morning to night. God was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart. God said, “I’ll get rid of my ruined creation, make a clean sweep: people, animals, snakes and bugs, birds—the works. I’m sorry I made them.”" (Genesis 6:5-7, The Message) That makes sense, doesn't it? Just destroy it and start over!

But, the New Covenant is different. God acts from an amazing grace, a love that defies my understanding. God steps into the darkness and reveals the Light. He intervenes, not to destroy but to restore. Advent is summed up in this passage which says - "When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." (Romans 5:6-8, NLT)
Our brokenness becomes the place for the display of God's beauty! Our sinfulness provides the canvas on which He paints His picture of forgiveness.
The darkness makes His Light shine brilliantly.
We must not make the faulty leap in reasoning that would then say, "well, then let us sin all the more!" The Word reminds us that His desire is transformation and that when His love touches us, we are changed. "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:1-2, NIV)

Today, I am filled with a new sense of hope - for myself, for the world that I live in. It is not a hope that springs from any human self-improvement program or some personal victory. This hope comes from the promise of Jesus Christ to love us despite our sin. Advent sings with joyful celebration -"He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found!" My prayer today is that His grace will teach me to be 'grace-full.' Instead of seeking to dismiss or destroy those who sin - against God or even against me with some small offense - I pray that I will be full of love that looks for a way to restore.

Are you in despair this morning? Are you discouraged - by your own sins, by the failures of a friend or family member, by the darkness of the world?
Fall on your knees and look up to the Cross where the broken Savior built a bridge that connects us to our Father. Take renewed hope and rejoice in the amazing grace that can transform the most desperate sin or situation into a thing of beauty.
____________________________

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods,
rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love. - Isaac Watts

My fickle heart

Yesterday around 7 AM I was praying in the sanctuary before the church services as I customarily do. Music was playing in the background and I became aware of the lyrics of the song which spoke of loving Jesus whole-heartedly because there was nothing in life that compared to knowing Him. The song said that "all I have in You is more than enough!" Nice song, but is it true for me? That's what I asked the Lord as I prayed. "Jesus, am I really content with knowing You? If I found myself going through a Job-like experience, where my family, my home, my reputation, my stuff - were stripped away from me, would I still sing, all I have in You is more than enough?" It was a difficult prayer to pray. The growing realization that there is often a gap between my expression of love and experience of devotion was not all that pleasant, either.

The Holy Spirit made me face the fact that I have a fickle heart that sings of loving Jesus, but that is also captivated by the Circuit City ad for an HD TV. I don't mean to set up an either/or situation for those of us who are followers of Christ. We don't necessarily have to choose between an HD TV set or Jesus! Sincere Christians can have nice homes, cars, and goods. We are not all called to vows of poverty or monastic lives. But we must all wrestle with the question that Jesus put to Peter there on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. As He gestured toward the fishing boats, the familiar surroundings of Peter's life, He asked - "Do you love me more than these?" (John 21:15)

The rich young man who came to Jesus asking about gaining eternal life was told - "Go and sell all that you have, then, come follow me!" The man left Jesus sad because, "he had great wealth." He loved his stuff and his status. In the moment of testing, what he loved most became evident as he choose his stuff over Jesus! The rest of the passage grips me, for I, too, am a rich man comparatively speaking. "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to get into the Kingdom of Heaven. I say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”" (Matthew 19:23-26, NLT)

I cling to that final phrase as my hope as I deal with my fickle heart -'with God all things are possible.' I cannot save myself, nor can you. We cannot do enough to prove to ourselves the depth of our love and devotion. We can only pray that He will keep us faithful, day by day. We can only respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit in this moment, and rest in the fact that we have obeyed today. He will save us from ourselves tomorrow. Yes, I do love Him. How much? Truthfully, only God knows!

Let me encourage you to think and pray about your love for Jesus and the things of God today. I believe He is asking us - "Do you love me more than these?" Watch out! Don't compare yourself to others. God does not ask you or me, "Do you love Me more than Sam or Sally loves Me?" Each of us must examine our own heart, then we present ourselves to Him. He asks different sacrifice from each one - according to His will. And He rewards our faithful obedience to Him, not to the rules and expectations of others.
___________________________

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

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

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

Title: Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
Author: George Croly
Copyright: Public Domain

Keep Christ in Christmas.

Thanksgiving feasts are over. Football games played out for us who watched from our recliners! Our families are thinking about going home. And today ... is 'Black Friday,' the day when American consumers spend $Billions! It is called "Black Friday" because retailers count on the burst of spending to put their annual revenue in the black. Today and tomorrow will likely be the most profitable days in retail sales for the entire year. So begins the Christmas Season, but hopefully, But, hopefully Believer, you will walk through the Advent Season differently than the wider culture.I want to encourage you to make this a holy time of great joy.

Advent is the time when Christians prepare themselves for the coming of the King. In various ways- fasting and feasting, with special songs, exchange of gifts, meditations on Scripture, readings, and worship - we celebrate the fact that God entered the world as a baby boy, or as John's Gospel tells us: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, NIV)

Without attacking the rituals that are very much a part of an American Christmas, may I plead with you to make it a Christ-centered Christmas this year?

By that I do not mean that we play into the hype about the 'X-mas' ads or the failure of public school programs to include Christmas in their 'holiday' concerts. Yes, let's just acknowledge that in many ways America is a secular country that is increasingly losing touch with her Christian roots, then let's go beyond symbols and rhetoric, to truly celebrate a Christian Christmas! Instead of coming to January 1, 2007 with credit cards maxed out and an extra 10 pounds packed onto our waistline, why not come into the New Year with a full heart and the joy of knowing that you touched someone with the same kind of love that God showed us in the Gift of His Son? Like Peter and John, who realized the source of True wealth, let's give away the best and richest gifts in the Name of Jesus. Those two men were presented with an opportunity when a beggar asked them for money as they went to worship. Peter's reply makes me smile.... "Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”" (Acts 3:6, The Message) That beggar received a grace gift that day and his life was changed. Wouldn't it be great to be used of God this Christmas Season to give away grace gifts of love and healing?

Let me make some suggestions for a sane and Christ-honoring celebration:

Set an affordable budget for all your gift-giving BEFORE you venture to the store. If you find it too hard to discipline yourself to the spending limits, then leave your credit cards home and shop with cash only.

Keep yourself from exhaustion by wisely choosing which activities you will attend. When we try to fill our schedule too full with many good things, we become cranky and miserable, and end up making the Season something to endure rather than days to celebrate.

Include regular times of spiritual renewal. Move church attendance UP on the list, not down. Step out of your comfort zone and go to church with other members of your family that attend a church that worships differently. (Believe it or not, some of the most meaningful Christmas services this life-long Pentecostal Believer has attended were at an Episcopal church where the priest was a close personal friend. Those ancient liturgies, reading, and prayers - interspersed with carols - made me REALLY think about the meaning of the Gift of Heaven.)

Include charitable organizations, needy families, and/or your church on your gift list - giving in honor of Jesus, God's gift.

Here's an ancient hymn/prayer - weaving together many strands of the prophetic themes that God used to tell of the coming of His Messiah. Here at the beginning of the season of Advent, make this hymn your personal prayer.
___________________
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory over the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Dangerous Blessings

I am blessed in too many ways to count! My life has been filled with good things - loving parents, a rich spiritual heritage, enough resources available so I can have food, health care, shelter, and creature comforts more than I need. I am loved by my wife, have great children, work at a profession I love (most of the time!), and enjoy robust health. My life is filled with purpose. I know peace with God and, because of His grace, I am assured of eternal life in the Presence of Jesus. What more could a person desire? Sad to say - Plenty! Contentment eludes me too often and I find myself complaining or at least wishing for 'novel,' or 'different.' It is the curse of 'entitlement.'

Those who know great blessing often come to believe they deserve it, that they are owed more and more by God, others, and even the government. It shows up all through the American way of life. Many kids believe that they are owed a college education and never even think of it as a privilege. They assume Mom and Dad are required to go into debt to get them a degree. At the other end of life, many of us make little preparation for those years when we will not be able to work to earn a living because we believe that the government owes us a pension and health care. When disaster strikes in America today, many people sit down and wait for help to arrive because they feel entitled to assistance from Uncle Sam. Even McDonald's played to our sense of entitlement with a wildly successful advertising campaign built on the slogan - "You deserve a break today!"

Believers are not exempt from that entitlement mindset. It is easy to begin to believe that God owes us more and when He does not give us what we want, we start to complain, often bitterly. Ancient Israel is an example for the modern Church. After their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, God provided for their every need. Most amazingly, every morning they went out of their tents and found manna on the ground, angel food that the Lord gave them to sustain them in the wilderness. Did they appreciate it? For a few weeks, then they started to feel entitled to more. The Bible says, "The riff-raff among the people had a craving and soon they had the People of Israel whining, “Why can’t we have meat? We ate fish in Egypt—and got it free!—to say nothing of the cucumbers and melons, the leeks and onions and garlic. But nothing tastes good out here; all we get is manna, manna, manna.” (Numbers 11:4-6, The Message) Time and again, when God gave them something, they tired of it and wanted more.

And I do it, too! Do you?
There are a couple of things we can do that will help us to avoid the ugly characteristics of entitlement thinking.

First, practice the discipline of giving, generously and sacrificially! I am convinced that tithing (giving 10% of our earnings) is a principle that is good for us. God demanded the tithe of the Jews under the first covenant. For those of us who are in Christ, under the agreement of grace, it is no longer a law, but it is a great guiding principle for our giving. We need to go beyond giving as a emotional response to sad stories, or because we feel pressure from a preacher, or because we buy into the 'seed faith' nonsense (basically a 'give to get' scheme without Biblical merit) that prosperity teachers use to manipulate us. Instead, we should give purposefully, like an investor uses his money. We should look for worthy ministries, well run charities, and individual people that we can help onto their feet. In these ways, we put a portion of our resources, at least a tithe, to work for God. When we choose to set aside some of our wants so we can give, we gain a renewed sense of our blessings. We are able to grasp that what we have is not because we are more deserving than someone else, but because we are God-blessed.

Second, worship deeply, regularly, and from the heart! True worship restores proper perspective. Taking a significant amount of time each day and on a special day each week to focus our attention on God, reminds us that He is God and we are not! As we mature in our prayerfulness, we begin to talk to Him less about our wants and listen more intently to His instructions. In worship we learn more about how to live to bless than we do about how to gain blessings for ourselves. That's not to say it is wrong to pray about our needs. God wants us to ask boldly. But I think each of us can remember more than a few prayers that were more about our wants than our needs. Spiritual worship helps us to discern the difference.

Third, we need to express our gratitude! Cultivating a habit of thankfulness helps us to avoid a 'me centered' life. We keep in sight the ways that God has blessed us. We realize how much those around contribute to our well-being. Thanksgiving should not be just a day on the calendar for Believers. It should be a way of life.

Here's a word from the Word. It is an excerpt from the 'song of Moses,' which he recited for the people of Israel when he was advanced in age and near the end of his time of service. In this passage he warns them of the danger of blessings - that they would begin to feel entitled and forget to serve God. I pray that these ancient words of warning will find a place in our hearts and minds today, so that we will give glory to God.

"For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession. He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland. He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as his most precious possession. Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them in and carried them aloft on his pinions.

The Lord alone guided them; they lived without any foreign gods. He made them ride over the highlands; he let them feast on the crops of the fields. He nourished them with honey from the cliffs, with olive oil from the hard rock. He fed them curds from the herd and milk from the flock, together with the fat of lambs and goats. He gave them choice rams and goats from Bashan, together with the choicest wheat. You drank the finest wine, made from the juice of grapes.

But Israel soon became fat and unruly; the people grew heavy, plump, and stuffed! Then they abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation." (Deuteronomy 32:9-15, NLT)

Tempted?

Snack chips are a weakness of mine! Just about any variety will do, however sour cream and onion potato chips and nacho cheese corn chips top my personal snack list. But, chips are not health food so I must fight off the longing to eat them. They are loaded with carbs, fats, and sodium and pack a calorie punch into a tiny serving of about 8 chips. Who eats just 8 chips? Remember that old line ad line from Lay's - "Betcha Can't Eat Just One" ? Oh, what a temptation they are! Because I know my proclivity for over-indulgence, I take active steps to keep myself from eating chips by addressing two things: opportunity and desire. We just don't keep them in the house which takes care of opportunity most of the time. You can't eat what's not available. When I'm buying lunch at the deli, I have to address desire because that bag of Doritos calls out to me. So I remind myself that my hunger will soon be satisfied with more healthy food, that the apple will be much more nourishing, and that in an hour I will be glad I didn't wolf down 400-500 calories in 45 seconds - and I walk right past the chip display with desire in check.

Hopefully, you realize that this TFTD is not really about snack chips! It is about temptation, which is the common experience of every living human being. The Bible says that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man." (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV) We often think, "Nobody will understand how difficult this is. Or, we live alone with our struggle thinking, "I'm weird, twisted, because surely no one else has this kind of desire." But, we're wrong on both counts. Temptation is part of being human. The truth is that temptation's power is reduced when we find others who understand us, who support us, and open up our hearts. That's the genius of 12 step groups. Those groups bring together people who are slaves to alcohol, drugs, food and provide them a safe place to admit to their temptation, to process their inner thoughts with others who share the same way of thinking. Together, they are able to find strength to defeat the temptation.

It is true that we are each tempted by different things depending on our personality and/or our situation. Temptation comes to us out of the natural longings and needs of our lives. Sexual longing quickly morphs into lust. We easily slide from a proper use of money, which allows us to provide for ourselves, into greed. Our need to be secure is a source of temptation to become people who control others. Our God-given curiosity about the world we live can become the fertile ground in which doubt grows with the rapidity of weeds. James explains this - ". . . each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (James 1:14-15, NIV)

You may thinking, "What about the Devil, Jerry? Doesn't he have anything to do with temptation?" Yes, he does. The Bible convinces me that evil has a father, that evil is organized by a person who brings his demons to fight against God and good in me and in my world. But, I believe we give him way too much power by blaming him directly for things he does only indirectly. The Devil can only exploit desires that exist in you and me. For example, if I refuse to hate and practice forgiveness on a regular basis, the Devil has no way to tempt me to murder anybody! He can't plant that seed in my mind if there is no soil in which it can grow. Does he try to manipulate situations so that I will misunderstand others or misjudge them? Yes, he does! And where I allow him to succeed in these small ways, he finds opportunity to do worse things. And, yes, over time, if a person gives more and more of his life over to evil, the Devil is able to use that person to do greater and greater evil.

In the life of the Believer, where the Spirit of God is actively at work, the places to deal with temptation are at the points of desire and opportunity. First of all, we need to understand our true needs and how we think about them. Let me use sex as an illustration since so many people get that one all tangled up! Sex is a God-given part of our humanity, a gift He has given to us that propagates the human race, that provides us with pleasure, and that powerfully bonds us to the person we marry. Sexual desire is not sinful- in itself. But, because it is such a powerful part of us and because we live in a culture that worships sex, our legitimate sexual desire is a frequent source of temptation! One of the ways we defeat that temptation is to satisfy the desire in the way that God intended. The Scripture is quite practical about this. Take a look at the opening lines of 1 Corinthians 7. There Paul makes a couple of suggestions. "Get married and don't withhold sex from your mate!" These choices, he says, deprive Satan of a place to tempt us. To return to my illustration about chips- I am much less inclined to long for a bag of Doritos after I've eaten a balanced, healthy meal! So the first place to attack temptation is at the source of desire asking two questions: What legitimate need is letting this temptation gain my attention? How can I meet that need in a good and godly way?

Then there is opportunity! If we know that we are prone to temptation around certain things, we would be wise to limit our exposure to those things. Evangelist Billy Graham, who has served his entire career in very high profile ministry, recognized his humanity and the tendency for temptation to grow in strength when we are alone. So, he and his inner circle of associates made a pact that they would not be alone, that they would serve as a team! This limited their opportunities to give in to temptation. An alcoholic who is serious about staying sober doesn't keep a huge wine cellar full in his house, nor does he spend Friday nights in a bar! Believer, don't set yourself up to sin by creating opportunities for temptation. Often victory is found in something as simple as just not going somewhere, or taking a preventative step early on before the temptation is a raging war.

Here's God's promise for you and me. Meditate on it today - "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT)
_____________________

Now, walk with God

God said, "Go to Nineveh!" Jonah said, "No, I'm having none of it!" and so starts one of the more amazing sagas of the Bible. The Bible says, "Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction in order to get away from the Lord. He went down to the seacoast, to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping that by going away to the west he could escape from the Lord." (Jonah 1:3, NLT) The prophet's rebellion brought God's judgment in a storm and he told the sailors to toss him overboard. The Lord prepared a 'great fish' which swallowed him whole and he spent three nights in its belly where he concluded he would obey. The fish vomited him onto the seashore and he went off to do what the Lord asked him to do. Near the end of the short story, the self-will of the prophet shows up again in his complaint against God's will.

It's a story for every one of us. Have you ever been a Jonah? People run from God for all kinds of reasons - fear, self-will, misunderstanding - to name a few. Early in my own life, I had a real sense that God was calling me into His service. I considered a run for the hills, figuring that I could find success in some other field and then settle up with God later on down life's road. Thankfully, at prayer rail in a little church on a Sunday night, God spoke to me unmistakably. All these years later I still remember leaving that time of prayer in the Summer of 1971, where I just knew that it was 'make or break' time for me with Him. I could go my way and walk alone, or I could follow Him and trust Him with those things that made me afraid of saying, "yes" to His purposes. I am so glad that I was obedient. He has been so faithful to me!

One of the reasons Jonah resisted God's will was his unwillingness to see Nineveh, the enemy of Israel, blessed by God! The prophet took a look at the growing threat of Assyria to the north of his native country and concluded that it would be best to let God's judgment fall on that kingdom, but that was not the plan of Heaven. God wanted Jonah to preach to Nineveh and He wanted to bring about a spiritual renewal there through the efforts of that unwilling preacher. Implied in the text is this, "Jonah, you do what I tell you to do today, and I'll do what I need to do in the days ahead." Sometimes we attempt to live in the future and resist the will of God today because of what we think might happen tomorrow. That is a tragic deception. Jesus reminds us that if we want to please God, it must be today! He says, "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. " (Matthew 6:33-34, The Message)

Some of us run from God's plans, too, because we feel so inadequate. I don't know if just the thought of the task of preaching repentance to Nineveh was overwhelming to Jonah, but I can imagine it was. I know that there have been moments in my life when just the thought of obeying God was too much for me, given my natural abilities. Seems that is a common response to God's commission. Remember Moses' encounter with the Lord in the desert? He, too, had been on the run for years. God knew his address and showed up in a burning bush out in the wilderness. He spoke to the errant prince of Egypt and directed him to go back to that land and lead the people out of their slavery and into the Promised Land. Moses didn't jump for joy and do a little victory dance in the desert. He began to argue with God, telling the Lord about his inability, his speech impediment, and that nobody would listen anyway. Read the 4th chapter of Exodus. His dialogue with God is almost comical. Moses could not grasp that where God is leading, He is also preparing the way and providing the resources!

Those who walk with God are always 'on the edge,' and so they never feel completely adequate! So Paul writes, "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God." (2 Corinthians 3:4-5, NIV) He tells of a time when things got so tough, he concluded that life was over. And then he writes, "We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead!" (2 Corinthians 1:9, The Message) Obedience to the Lord's purposes will take us into a life where we have just one option - complete faith. Without it, we will not please Him.

So, what's facing you, friend?
Everyday, each one of us makes a choice - to obey or to 'escape from the Lord.'
We're either moving toward Him or away from Him, for life makes just standing in one place impossible. Put your hand in His and trust Him for today. He'll take care of the rest.
_____________________________

On God's holy Word I challenge you,
To give to the Lord your life anew.
My friend, make your choice; He waits for you,
For this is the moment of truth.

Now walk with God;
And He will be your dearest Friend;
Where'er you go, In everything you do.
And may your life,
Reflect His love to ev'ryone.
Now walk with God,
And He will walk with you.

Now Walk With God - Otis SkillingsCopyright: 1969 Lillenas Publishing Company