He Knows YOU

In a worlds of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn it is often difficult to separate truth from reality, isn’t it? Big smiles can hide broken hearts. Resumes can be doctored to make an impression unrelated to the actual life of the person. Even the royals of Britain got caught publishing an edited picture of a Princess last week for reasons unknown.

When I was serving as pastor, I desired to lead a congregation that placed high value on being authentic, so that the people who gathered were willing to be no more and no less than they were. They could weep if necessary, find support in their times of failure, admit to doubts and fears, and celebrate true victories. The kind of openness can be messy. Sometimes we just want to put on smile and sing loudly so that others think everything is 'just fine' in life. Yes, I understand that social necessity requires some restraint of us. I make no case for excessive drama, but we need to work at being at home in our own skin, willing to be who we are without comparison.

Here is my question today - an important one.
Are you actually that person you try to make others believe that you are?

The place to begin is with self-awareness.
How clearly do you see your own values, understand your motives, define your real hopes and dreams, and fit into your circle of friends and co-workers? 
Do you really knowyou’re your reactions including your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses affect the people around you? 

People who are damaged emotionally by abuse or rejection, especially early in life, can struggle to escape the skewed understanding of themselves even as mature adults. People who have power and influence also can lose touch with themselves, accustomed to others telling them what they want to hear.

Christians can become more self-aware as they learn the discipline of silence and contemplative prayer, stepping out of the noise of living in a place where the Holy Spirit’s whisper can be heard. Jesus promised that He, the Spirit, would ‘guide us into all truth’ and that includes understanding ourselves better. When we become more authentic; owning our successes and failures, grasping the strengths and weaknesses, using the gifts that God has given us without coveting those of another, we are liberated from that awful ‘need to succeed’ that drives millions to create phony public images. Jesus says, “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought." (Matthew 5:5, The Message)

Please do not think that this kind of humility is to be confused with apathy, nor should we confuse being ‘contented’ with laziness. The Creator, our God, is worthy of our best and highest efforts in life:  our personal best, not what others say it ought to be. It is hard to measure ‘best’ without comparing ourselves to others but that will lead us into the trap of image building and pride.  Comparison will cause us to seek approval or to live in self-condemnation.  We are socially trained to this. From the earliest days of schooling we get report cards and take tests that rank us based on our achievement. In fact, we cannot all be brilliant, top of the class!  That is why God will never grade us in comparison. He sees us in totality - our personality, our opportunties, our training, our skills, our ability - asks that we live for His applause, using the gifts and opportunities presented to us to please Him.

I need to remind myself… and I’ll remind you … of this liberating fact: 
The One who knows you best, loves you most! 

Yes, He wants us to deal with our sins, to develop our gifts; but He does not want us to lose ourselves to the pressures of performance laid on us by our world.  He has prepared a place for YOU and ME in His world and the Church that no one else can fill.  He has uniquely equipped you to be a part of His faithful people who are sent to change the world. Paul was inspired by the Spirit to teach us that "There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church." (1 Corinthians 12:6-7, NLT)  What has He formed YOU to be?

Here is a word from the Word.  Let this wisdom remove the pressure to ‘be somebody’ from you, an invitation to serve the living Lord authentically.

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you." (Romans 12:2-3, NLT)

He knows YOU. Know yourself. It is the best way to live!

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(Video of this blog at this link)

Dressed Up?

America has become casual about the way in which we dress. 4 decades ago I always wore a jacket and tie for pastoral ministry. That was an unspoken expectation. In earliest years a black suit was the daily ‘uniform.’  For the last decade, I wore blue jeans even on Sundays except for holidays.  Remember when people ‘dressed up’ to travel by air?  That traditions is long gone! Now you see gym clothes and even pajamas on flights. Since retiring from full-time ministry, I have worked part-time for a local funeral home as an attendant. Yes, you guessed it - I’m back to more formal attire- dark suit and tie for those days.

So let’s get to the spiritual application today.  
Do you ‘wear’ Christ each day?
Are you clothed in the gifted garments He provides to cloth our souls?

Paul spoke of ‘being clothed’ to describe the holy calling of Christians. In writing to the Galatians, a group of Christians who were ‘looked good’ on the outside, with a form of religion based on their own efforts, he told them that the real transformation, the genuine Christian life, resulted from a gift: "for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:27, NIV)  Pressing the metaphor, he reminded them that the clothing of Christ erased all the class distinctions that came from the kind of clothing they wore.  Rigid class distinctions that separated people, noted by the cut and quality of their clothing, disappeared when they put on Christ. "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28-29, NLT)

Jesus, when He was ending His earthly mission, told the disciples that God would open the wardrobe of Heaven and dress them up to for His work. He said, "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49, NIV) Remember the awesome account of Pentecost (Acts 2) when these ordinary men from obscure origins became world-changers?  They were dressed in the Spirit, given authority, wisdom, and influence that still flows down through the centuries to us. My prayer today is not for smarter Christians, richer Christians, or better educated Christians. I pray that we will be ‘dressed up’ newly clothed with the Spirit, marked by Him as the people of the Lord.

 

Let’s take a cue from those first disciples who were promised a new suit from the Spirit. They did not go buy it somewhere. They waited for the Lord to bring His Presence to them.  When the Spirit came at Pentecost (See Acts 2) they were notably different, clothed in God’s goodness, granted the ability to serve Him.

 

Ever wake up late, rushing through the morning, pressed by urgent demands of life, throwing on an outfiit without thought?  What a difference when we plan an evening out, looking over the closet, choosing the clothing that makes us feel ‘just right.’ Let’s not rush into life without the clothes of the Spirit!  Let’s take time each day to pray, to meditate, to invite Christ to clothe us. Without that we are vulnerable to temptation and we will show others the goodness and the ‘glory’ He desires us to display.

We must spend time in the Presence of the Father, letting Him clothe us with His Presence.
We must learn to live in this day – asking Him where we can serve, what we need to know, and to show Himself through us by wrapping us in glorious robes of righteousness not of our own making.

John, in the amazing picture language of Revelation (the Apocalypse) borrows the clothing metaphor to describe the eternal state of the people of God.  Take this word from the Word with the prayer that God will dress you up, prepare you for His service, and make you as powerful as Gideon in building His kingdom in your world. 

"After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7:9, NLT)  "Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?” And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white." (Revelation 7:13-14, NLT)

Lord, clothe us in Your holy Presence. Amen!

____________

(Video of this blog at this link)

 

 Dress us in beauty, Father.

Help us to discard our self-righteousness,

To let You make us resplendent with holiness,

Radiant with the Spirit.

 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Still Hungry?

A steak sizzles on the grill. A potato bakes in the oven, getting ready for serving with sour cream and butter. There is whole grain bread, warmed and rich in flavor. A salad of fresh greens and vegetables is prepared along with a homemade vinaigrette dressing … hungry yet?  

My tastes are simple, but I know this - a fatty, salty cheeseburger and some fries will fill my stomach, but a rich meal will truly satisfy my hunger for much longer.  America’s number one health problem is obesity. Could it be that the fast food we eat too often is leaving us hungry, thus increasing our consumption of calories?

Of course I am not a dietician, but I am a pastor and I know that too often, too many, spend too much time chasing satisfaction for their empty soul in junk food - entertainment, sex, TV, and endless diversions! Even Christians remain spiritually hungry, starved even, because their spiritual diet is mostly pre-digested devotional material, 30 second prayers, infrequent worship, and based on emotion rather than truth.  Sound harsh? Give me a couple of minutes to explain.

IF we chase an emotional high in our spirituality while avoiding the complexities of spiritual disciplines such as meditation, silence, and corporate because they are hard, or boring, or just feel unfamiliar - we will not come to know the fullness of the Spirit of God Who, alone, can satisfy our hunger and thirst!  A quick hit of inspiration cannot replace a soul-deep time with God. An occasional thought of spiritual matters cannot take the place of the pursuit of the Presence of the Living God. The Lord asks us a question and follows with a promise:  
“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free!
Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?
Why pay for food that does you no good?
Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul.”

“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake. I am ready to make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the mercies and unfailing love that I promised to David.”- Isaiah 55:1-3 (NLT)

We are made to know God, alive in His Spirit, experiencing His Presence.
If we do not pursue Him, because of fear, or rebellion, or ignorance, our famished soul will look for something or someone to satisfy.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is our invitation to know God. He closed the gap that existed because of guilt and shame, inviting us to come close to Him. Listen to the Word. On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “If you are thirsty, come to me!  If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within.”  (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him.) -John 7:37-39 (NLT)

My friend, we do not have to go to some far away place to find Him. We need not go on an expensive spiritual retreat or find some special preacher or spiritual leader. He is here, now!  He will come to the humble one who invites Him in faith to be Savior, Lord, and Hope. He is the ‘Bread of Life.’  When we have received His grace gift we then must learn to live in Him, serving, worshipping, developing ways that are holy and pleasing to Him. The Scripture illustrates this growth by referring to the ‘milk’ of spiritual infancy and the ‘meat’ enjoyed by those who are grown up in Christ.

In what are you trying to find soul-satisfaction? The word from the Word is the wisdom of Jesus who contrasts a life given to temporal things - clothes, wealth, pleasure- with the life of the Spirit. Jesus says: “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6:31-33, NLT)  That sounds like real soul satisfaction to me! How about you?

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(Video of this blog at this link)

Satisfied

 All my lifelong I had panted
For a drink from some cool spring
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within

Hallelujah I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved
Jesus satisfies my longings
Thro' His blood I now am saved

Feeding on the husks around me
Till my strength was almost gone
Longed my soul for something better
Only still to hunger on

Poor I was and sought for riches
Something that would satisfy
But the dust I gathered 'round me
Only mocked my soul's sad cry

Well of water ever springing
Bread of life so rich and free
Untold wealth that never faileth
My Redeemer is to me

 Clara Tear Williams © Public Domain

Value Added!

Here is a little phrase to start your week right - "Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud" (Maya Angelou) Who is not delighted by the splash of color that appears when the sun reappears after a storm, often when the clouds are still clearing from the sky?  In much the same way, we can add value to life if we choose to focus on bringing joy, encouragement, hope, and love into our circle of life. So many people are turned inward, carefully looking out for #1, quick to take offense, making sure to get their ‘fair share’ of attention.  In contrast, think of that person who notices others, who gives herself away, who lifts your spirit when she’s around. Like a ray of sunshine on a clouded day, isn’t she?

Last week we learned of an amazing choice by a woman unknown to us. Ruth Gottesman, age 93, has donated $1 billion to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx. The money will be placed in an endowment to fund the education of future physicians. She was a faculty member who had worked her entire life at the institution.  She claimed she had no knowledge of the vast wealth that her husband, Sandy, an early investor in Berkshire Hathaway, had accumulated. When he died in 2022 at the age of 96 he left her the money.  His only instruction was ‘do whatever you think best with it.’  Her gift has the potential to change lives in ways beyond our imagination. Yes, she is a value-added person!

Now let me remind us - one does not have to invent a cure for cancer or give $millions to charity to add value to life. However, we will share one common trait - GENEROSITY!  People who bring life and light, hope and joy, are outward focused, actively seeking ways to connect and improve the situations in which they find themselves.

Jesus teaches us this in his words in Luke’s Gospel. There we read - “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” (Luke 6:37-38, The Message) What a counter cultural way to live:  giving, not getting!

Today, notice that person who sits alone. Look at the faces of those around you and offer a smile. Speak a word of encouragement when the opportunity arises. Leo Buscaglia said “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”  Those are gifts we ALL can give.

So what makes that kind of life possible?

It begins with love. Sounds trite perhaps, but it is true. Children who are deeply loved, who grow up in homes where they feel secure, where they experience clear boundaries of behavior, where they are taught responsibility accompanied by affirmation, are much more likely to share of themselves than those who are insecure. 

You and I are just ‘big kids’ in many ways, still very much in need of knowing our own value, of experiencing an enriching love. That is NOT just for others, my friend, is for all of us who learn of the love of our Father. John exults - "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1, NIV)  Christianity centers on the message of the selfless love of our Savior. He gave Himself, joined us in our experience, and saves us from death and destruction.

How I hope that you know the love of God, shown in Jesus. There is so much freedom found in being held in the hands of God, come what may in life.

This value-added life is a daily choice in the place where we are.  Generous people do not wait until they feel that they have enough. They give of what they have.  Paul wrote of the willingness of the Christians in Corinth, who were going through difficult times, to share out of their poverty. "Now I want to tell you, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done for the churches in Macedonia. Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will." (2 Corinthians 8:1-3, NLT)

The paradox of that way of life is that the giver actually finds himself richer for the giving!
Pray to know the love of God, then love.
Trust the provision of your Father with thanks, then share what you have.

The word from the Word comes from the Proverbs. Take the thoughts with you and be a rainbow in someone’s sky today!

"It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything.
The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:24-25, NLT)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

God So Loved

Come all you weary
Come all you thirsty
Come to the well that never runs dry
Drink of the water
Come and thirst no more

Come all you sinners
Come find His mercy
Come to the table He will satisfy
Taste of His goodness
Find what you're looking for

For God so loved the world that He gave us
His one and only Son to save us
Whoever believes in Him will live forever

Bring all your failures
Bring your addictions
Come lay them down at the foot of the cross
Jesus is waiting there
With open arms

For God so loved the world that He gave us
His one and only Son to save us
Whoever believes in Him will live forever
The power of hell forever defeated

Now it is well I'm walking in freedom
For God so loved God so loved the world

Praise God praise God
From whom all blessings flow
Praise Him praise Him
For the wonders of His love

For God so loved the world that He gave us
His one and only Son to save

Bring all your failures
Bring your addictions
Come lay them down at the foot of the cross
Jesus is waiting
God so loved the world

Andrew Bergthold | Ed Cash | Franni Cash | Martin Cash | Scott Cash

© 2019 Angie Feel Good Songs; Bay19; Capitol CMG Genesis; Capitol CMG Paragon; Scott Cash Publishing Designee; We The Kingdom Music

CCLI License # 810055

He gives life and breath

I listened to our President’s words last night with sorrow as he made himself an advocate for the death culture in America. What do I mean?  Increasingly, Americans are prone to use phrases that ignore the real issues. “Quality of life” creeps into our discussions about those with critical, lingering illness. “Choice” obscures the decision to end a life almost before it begins. When people reject the truth of Creation, believing that humanity emerged from the primordial ooze by chance, the sacredness of human life is forgotten. The conversation about life that only turns on words about happiness, convenience, or what seems best in the moment, ignores the precious gift that each person is to us and to our God.

The most difficult conversations usually swirl around the issue of abortion, the choice to end a human life during pregnancy. I am aware of the very real and difficult issues that can surround an unplanned pregnancy.  The discussion extends to the those hard choices that must be made at the ‘end of life,’ while we are aging, when we suffer dementia, or become terminally ill.  Though times of complexity, to choose to make our decisions on  ‘what seems best’ or what appears to be convenient, ignores the Christian convictions about life’s sacredness. 

I am moved by the wonder and mystery of the words of the Psalm which tells us "You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV)  You matter to God!  We are in awe of this truth - "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (Psalm 139:16, NLT)  

And we know that Jesus calls His followers to hold others in highest regard by refusing even to express contempt for another person.  “You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the high council. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell." (Matthew 5:21-22, NLT)

After the Supreme Court decision of 1973 that set aside the state laws governing abortion, I joined with a group of Christians who took a public stand to protect life. While holding the life of the unborn as sacred, we firmly believed that attacking women and sensationalizing the argument was antithetical to the call of Christ. Rather, we chose to create a place in our community that offered support, information, and resources for women (or couples) who found themselves struggling with an unplanned pregnancy.  That ministry continues to this day as a place where love is expressed with truth and practical support for women who are struggling to find their way to make a life-changing and difficult choice.  (CareNet Pregnancy Resources)

Because I know that life is a gift of God, that each and every human being belongs to Him, I am ‘pro-life!’ I despise ‘the death culture’ that embraces violence as a solution to conflict.  Loving ‘life’ will cause a citizen to work to hold authorities who operate with government sanction responsible to protect the lives of the poor and those without political influence and, in my opinion, will lead to great skepticism about the imposition of the death penalty, since it is applied so randomly and unfairly. And, being pro-life will extend to those who are approaching the end of life, especially the elderly.

Some question the reason that I am so convinced about the necessity of defending the lives of the unborn. More than once I have been asked, “Jerry, there is no passage in the Bible that says, ‘you shall not have an abortion’ so why do you believe it is an issue of moral concern?” 

As previously stated Holy Scripture teaches that life comes from God, His gift. That is the primary reason that I am convinced of the need to protect life from the instant of conception to the last breath. And then there is this, too.

Repeatedly, our God teaches those who love Him to love others selflessly. This means that we will seek justice, stand alongside of the weak, defending those who cannot defend themselves. Who is more defenseless than the one still in the womb, totally dependent on another for survival?  Who is more vulnerable than Grandma who has become dependent on the care of others to survive?

The defense of life must be shaped by love, not harsh condemning words. Taking the model of Jesus, we must hold out our hands, being willing to give ourselves away to help those who find themselves hurting, confused, or uncertain about the future. We cannot claim to be ‘pro-life’ if we promote war, demand violent means to meet violence, or if we are unwilling provide for the child that is born ‘inconveniently.’ However, compassion must never silence our commitment to the truth about the sacred gift called ‘life.’  Life is as complex as love is. The defense of life should involve intense prayer, careful thought, and carefulness in our rhetoric. It is a sin to demonize our adversaries. While the basic truth is an unwavering principle, the way that we express that truth must be compassionate.

A final word must include hopeful redemption! How thankful I am that God loves and forgives. All of us come up short of God’s plan for us. Our only hope of finding eternal life is through faith in Christ Jesus who died for all of us and who lives to reconcile us to our Father. To single out the woman who has had an abortion and imply her decision is an unforgivable sin is wrong, ignoring the wonder of the grace of God, found in Christ our Lord. Lives are really changed by restoration that we received as a gift of God.

So, I will stand for life, and do so with humility, with grace, and praying to know the compassion of Jesus even as my convictions extend to every human being, knowing that ‘they are precious in His sight.’

Here is a word from the Word. Let the wonder of the Creator’s love cause you to hold life as a precious gift. "He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need there is." (Acts 17:25, NLT)   "Then God said, “Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life—the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals.” So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:26-27, NLT)

________________

Father, I thank you for the gift of life.
I am in awe of the wonder and complexity of being.
I pray that we, as a nation, will come to understand
Your will and way, that we will take great care of life
in all seasons and times.

Fill us with compassion. Help us to serve selflessly.
Shine the light of Your love through us, I pray.

In Jesus’ name. Amen

Defeated or Surrendered?

If you know me very well you know that I question authority! One of the things that especially irritates me are rules that lack any real reason other than “because I said so.”  Yes, the law exists for public order and I am glad for it but I despise regulations that appear to exist solely to justify the job of some regulator.  Despite my inclination to independence, I try to surrender myelf to obedience because it is generally the right thing to do, for God’s sake. The Word tells me to be a good citizen and to honor the law.   

Of much more significance is the challenge of surrender to the will of God!  He asks me to love the unlovely, to forgive without holding back, to serve even when unnoticed, to say “no” to temptation and “yes” to His ways. I know full well the experience described by Paul in Romans 7:  “The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.”

Maturity has taught me that my surrender to the will of another is not a sign of defeat or weakness.
It is a mark of strength to choose humility. 

When I say “yes” to the Spirit’s call to love the unlovely, to care for the broken, to take up the cause of those who are without the ability to defend themselves, setting aside my pride and my way, I am living like Jesus did!  Paul, prior to meeting Jesus, was a proud Pharisee, a man much concerned about his reputation. But, in his encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, he surrendered! 

He recognized Jesus as his Lord, a word of submission. His embrace of submission to Jesus was personally costly in terms of his stature among his fellow Pharisees. Jews following his conversion.  Later in his life, even many of those with whom he shared the Gospel treated him poorly.  But, he surrendered - choosing to allow himself to be accused, attacked, and rejected.  Why?  He answers with these words - "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." (2 Corinthians 11:30, NIV)

Christian we are called to be like Jesus, willing to forget Self and embrace surrender! He gave away His divine rights and stood alongside of us who were sinners. "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being." (Philippians 2:5-7, NLT)  He went further!  He submitted Himself, in the will of God, to the ignominy of crucifixion.  Stripped of respect as well as His clothes, He hung naked on a cross, identified with the outcasts, reviled by the respected.  On the Cross, He became the Bridge of God’s grace to sinful humanity.

Do you want to love like Jesus? Do you want to be a person through whom He is able to show His love? The only way is the surrender of self willl to God’s will. He asks that we “turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." (Luke 9:23-24, NLT)  The wonder of all this is that when we have left behind our love of Self, making what we treasure here on this earth secondary to His call, only then do we find the treasure that is most precious.  We cannot possess the latter until we have let go of the former.

Here’s the word from the Word shows the reward of surrender. Because of His submission, "God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining." (Philippians 2:9-14, NIV)

This Monday morning the key question for your prayerful meditation  is this - is there something I need to surrender to Jesus that I might fully live in the Spirit?

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(Video of this blog at this link)

Heavenly Father, help me to live in obedience,
Filled with faith,
So that Your blessings can flow through me
To this world.
May my thoughts, words, and actions
Cause others to turn to You and
Give You praise.
In Jesus’ holy Name, I pray.

Amen

Terror or Trust?

Are you afraid today?  There are enough reasons for fear in this turbulent world, as well in our individual lives, IF we choose to focus on them. Russia’s dictator bragged of the readiness of his nuclear forces and threatened the West with destruction yesterday.  Our own government is a mess of dysfunction, unable or unwilling to address even the basics of budgeting and immigration.  Much closer to home, many of us struggle with health, or marriages that are broken, or children who have difficulties making their way in the world. And then, too, inside our own heads we hear the whispers of insecurity wondering if we are ‘enough.’

Christian, God promises peace IF we will accept His way, His love, and learn to live in faith.  So, what will we choose today - terror or trust?  Here is what I know - when fear owns our emotions, we never make the best choices. We become reactionary, sometimes angry, and self-defeating!  The 14^th chapter of the Exodus is a great teaching moment for those who are afraid. 

Through the miracles of His mighty hand, God had delivered the Israelite people out of Egypt. They were joyous over their new-found freedom, ready for the journey to Canaan, their home, God’s Promised Land. Then this happened. "When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites were not planning to return to Egypt after three days, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all these slaves get away?” they asked. So Pharaoh called out his troops and led the chase in his chariot." (Exodus 14:5-6, NLT) "As Pharaoh and his army approached, the people of Israel could see them in the distance, marching toward them. The people began to panic, and they cried out to the Lord for help." (Exodus 14:10, NLT)    

Let’s not make little of their crisis! There was an army behind them and the sea in front of them. But, somehow in spite of all the miracles they had witnessed over the previous year or two, those people quickly turned on Moses with angry accusations. “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave? Didn’t we tell you to leave us alone while we were still in Egypt? Our Egyptian slavery was far better than dying out here in the wilderness!” (Exodus 14:11-12, NLT)  The Scripture says that they cried out to the LORD, too, but their cry was not born out faith, it was a wail of terror.

God spoke to Moses and told him to face forward, to expect to be delivered, to move on in faith. He took that Word to the people. “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14, NIV)  We often read that last line as one of comfort, but the Hebrew text has the context of rebuke. The phrase in Hebrew is an obscure one that can include the meaning of steadiness, of forward focus, like a man plowing a field! The Message picks up that context translating the verse this way: “God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!”

When we find ourselves in the middle of a crisis, when we are full of fear, one of the most difficult choices we can make is shut up and keep moving forward in faith. The very source of our strength, hope, and wisdom is the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit, but He is often drowned out by the panic, the wailing of fear.

We know the rest of that story. God opened a way for them through the sea and then closed the waters over the army of Egypt and the threat was gone.

This principle of quiet faith and patience waiting on God’s will and deliverance is one repeated often in the story of God’s people.  “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!" (1 Samuel 12:16, NIV)  

David, the shepherd King of Israel, lived through many crises. His song says-
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." (Psalm 37:7, NIV)

Terror or trust, it is a choice that we who live in the Spirit can make. Will we?
God invites us to go steady on, to keep plowing the field!

Here is a word from the Word. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:8-11, NIV)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

Goodness Of God

I love You Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days
I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
I will sing of the goodness of God

All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night
You are close like no other
I've known You as a father
I've known You as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God

Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me

With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after
It's running after me

Ben Fielding | Brian Johnson | Ed Cash | Jason Ingram | Jenn Johnson © 2018 Capitol CMG Paragon; SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia; Fellow Ships Music; So Essential Tunes; Bethel Music Publishing
CCLI License # 810055

I’ll make you pay!

So, have you ever been offended? I feel the stir of irritation, from time to time!  Sometimes it’s a momentary thing as when a careless driver cuts me off in traffic. At the other extreme,  I can remember deep soul wounds that kept me from sleep and even, I confess, provoked thoughts of retaliation. Nursing the anger, unholy thoughts of making the other person pay for what they have done or said take over my mind - temporarily!

Everybody gets angry at someone, sometime. Kids persist in behavior too often requiring correction. Husbands leave the toilet seat up! Neighbors speak angry words over a trivial matter and go on to build fences. 

The issue for followers of Christ is not so much will we become offended or even why we get offended. What’s of greatest importance is this - how will I respond when I feel offended?  

Scripture’s wisdom teaches us that "The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger and his glory is to overlook a transgression. " (Proverbs 19:11, NKJV)  A more modern phrasing sayd "People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs."

When we face our response of offense honestly and maturely, we usually will find elements of pride and/or insecurity. Recently, when I felt offended by another’s words, after the moment passed and I thought it over, the realization came that I was wondering if I were still up to the task, if my age was making me less capable. I heard words through a filter that set me up for offense! Almost always in the offended person there is more than a small amount of self-love, self-concern; is there?  When we get worked up because someone pulls into that parking slot in front of us, or we when find someone sitting in ‘our’ pew, or because our work does not find the expected appreciation, or … (you can fill in your own issue here.)  

We all desire to experience respect, to know that we are regarded with worth.  That is normal and healthy.  A person without good self-esteem becomes prey, subject to manipulation and abuse. And yet, it is also a fact that if we gauge our personal worth by measuring the response of other people to us, we will spend inordinate amounts of time angry or in despair.  

Here’s what I know - what we see as a slight, when we are wounded, most of the time it is not malice in the other person. It is just thoughtless or pre-occupation with their needs in the moment. Maturity in our emotions and discipleship brings about an inner strength that allows us to absorb the bumps and bruises of everyday life, a self-awareness that gives us insight into our own strengths and weaknesses.  A key part of this serenity is the love of God!

The great message of grace is that God, because of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins, forgives us, removes our shame and guilt, and restores our dignity. We, who were broken by sin in ourselves and by the sins of others, are called 'children of God!' And we are not just tolerated kids, either. We are His beloved sons and daughters. When we remember the profound way in which we are loved, anchoring ourselves in this turbulent, often cruel, world, we can become tender, gentle, and loving.  T

his passage is a favorite of mine.  "See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! But the people who belong to this world don’t know God, so they don’t understand that we are his children. Yes, dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure." (1 John 3:1-3, NLT)

Here is the kernel of truth about this. The more we are filled with the Spirit of God, the less we will grow offended by others. 

John has in mind the need to overcome offense and builds on God’s love to point the way. "We should love one another. We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was right. So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. 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. We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:11-16, NLT)

It’s too simple to direct the ‘blame’ for offense outward saying things like - “She just makes me so mad!” or “He just drives me right over the edge!”  No, that’s really not true. We are not given the ability to shape another’s actions but we are fully in charge of our own response.  Feeling offended?  Take God’s grace to heart... really!! And you will find yourself at peace- loved, and therefore, loving.

The word from the Word is two-fold today.  First a warning - “An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”  Proverbs 18:19 (NIV)  Knowing that, here is the call of Christ. “Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you.” (Luke 6:37-38, NLT)

So, in a world where there is so much tension, one in which people are constantly offended, let us as the children of God live in peace and pray to become peace-makers. That is a noble and high calling.

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(Video of this blog at this link)

Refiner's Fire

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold
And precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold
Pure gold

Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You my Master
Ready to do Your will

Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within

Brian Doerksen © 1990 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing; Vineyard Songs Canada

CCLI License # 810055

 

Make ME happy!

Personal happiness is regarded as a basic right by most people. The idea that we can be most happy by loving ourselves first has become an unquestioned ‘fact.’ “Serve another? Why?” we ask. When asked to set aside our own preference for the greater good we generally react with surprise, even anger.  Our feelings are honored to a great degree, aren’t they?  I make no case for misery, nor do I believe that seeking suffering for its own sake is a wise choice. However,  we will accomplish the greatest good for God, others, and ourselves when we mature into a life in which our choices are made with more in mind than ‘what makes me happy’ right now.

Just being ‘happy’ cannot be our goal in life. We will find it when we make godliness and service our priority.  When a person focuses on attaining happiness, he will change course a hundred times trying to hold onto what is an ephemeral thing - an elusive feeling. That is precisely how millions of people make their day to day decisions and then they wonder, “Why am I so unfulfilled?” After burning through three marriages, moving to yet another town, restarting their live in a fourth new career; they may finally realize that happiness is not a situation or a location.

We are wiser when we make the pursuit of JOY are goal.  Joy is similar to happiness. The difference is that JOY flows inside out, from a life that is centered on God and good whereas happiness is outside in, a product of what is happening (see the similarity in the words?) to us.

Isaiah, the preacher, spoke of the eternal wisdom of God’s word and will. Those who surrendered themselves to Him will discover JOY.  The passage is written in vivid metaphor to emphasize the point. “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed.” Isaiah 55:12-13 (NIV)  That is the life I desire, one of so much more depth than merely being happy.  How about you?

A life that yields the greater satisfaction over the long term is one guided by the will of the One who designed us.  Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV) On another occasion, a man quoted these two commands to Him and His response was, “Do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:28, NIV)  The word that is translated ‘live,’  is a rich word in the first language of the Bible, meaning much more than to ‘keep on breathing.’  Jesus says that the person who loves God as his highest priority will find a full, rich, vigorous, refreshed existence.  That sounds like the life I want!  How about you?

I remember a grindingly difficult time in my life, now 15 years past. In January, 2008, my father was very ill with cancer and my mother needed help to care for him. I changed my priorities so that I could make the 2.5 hour trip each week on Sunday afternoon to help with his care for a couple of days before returning to my work on Tuesday. I walked, at length, with my parents through that deep, dark valley.  I was usually awake all night because my presence gave him comfort.  It was not always a happy experience, but I found tremendous joy throughout that 14 month journey.  I often came home after those days feeing very sad and exhausted. But, in sharing their tears I gained a different kind of joy.

Disciple, refuse to chase the mirage of happiness. It will always be one day, one dollar, one experience beyond your reach! Instead, choose joy!
Surrender Self to God today.
Love somebody today even when it is costly to do so.  

Listen for the Spirit’s urging today and respond with a ready, ‘yes, Lord!’

Here’s a word from the Word. Let it fill your mind as you prayerfully ponder it. "The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!" (Psalm 32:8-11, NLT)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

Jesus Calls Us O'er The Tumult

Jesus calls us o'er the tumult
Of our life's wild restless sea
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth
Saying Christian follow Me

As of old St Andrew heard it
by the Galilean lake
turned from home, toil, and kindred
leaving all for His dear sake.

Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world's golden store
From each idol that would keep us
Saying Christian love Me more

In our joys and in our sorrows
Days of toil and hours of ease
Still He calls in cares and pleasures
Christian love Me more than these

Jesus calls us by Thy mercies
Saviour may we hear Thy call
Give our hearts to Thine obedience
Serve and love Thee best of all

Words: Public Domain

Choosing matters

What choices will you make today? Some matter little like the clothes you pull from the closet or the brand of fuel you put into your car. Some seem small but have larger consequence like the kind of food you put into your mouth or the words you say.  The inescapable fact is that today’s choices are the foundation of the life you will live tomorrow.  

That high school student who shows up for class, does assignments on time, and engages with her education gains far more than knowledge. She learns disciplines that will serve her well in college or in her job. The husband who takes time for the little considerate words and acts in his marriage strengthens a relationship for a lifetime. The person who disciplines himself to regular saving instead of spending every penny he earns creates a resource that will serve him well in leaner days.

Before I continue let me offer this caution. Life is complex with all kinds of influences overlapping in our day to day lives! We are not machines and a straight line of cause and effect is often outside of our discernment. Bad things happen to good people without explanation. 

Bev, my late wife, was always careful about what she ate, never drank or smoked, got regular rest, and lived a generally healthy life yet in her 59^th year, ovarian cancer developed in her body that ended her life at age 61. There is no discernable reason for that cancer to occur, but it did.  I have known the best and most devoted of parents who raised rebels.  Business owners must deal with economic factors that are outside of their control. That is why we resist judgment of others! 

However, the general principle that we harvest a crop of the seed we plant remains true!  We are foolish to think otherwise.

Love prompts love.

Generosity invites generosity.

Kindness gives rise to kindness.

Investment brings reward.

(Most of the time!)

Are you living in a way that creates the probability of a richer, fuller life in the future?
Are the choices you are making laying a foundation of health, wholeness, and prosperity?

The Proverb reminds us that "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception." (Proverbs 14:8, NIV)  God gives us the gift of choice, the ability to think, to look down the road, to adjust our course of action. How tragic is the life of the person who lives only in reaction to what comes their way rather than taking action to shape their life around the best and the beautiful.

Nowhere is this more important than in our spiritual life. In Jesus there is an offer of ‘life to the full,’ an ‘abundant life’ that can be experienced by those who will follow Him faithfully. That is why we are invited to be ‘disciples.’ Disciples are, by definition, people who give themselves away in service, who set aside self-will to adopt the plan and purpose of Jesus!  Short-term those choices can be very costly to us. 

Consider this challenge - “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-15, NIV)  It’s easy to drift with life’s current, isn’t it?  The lure of comfort and today’s reward can obscure the promise of tomorrow’s reward.  That is why Jesus calls the path to the life of the Spirit a narrow one. He demands our intentions, requires pursuit, and His will is discovered only by those who are willing to seek it.

Remember this. The way of the Spirit, the life of Christ, is not a fearful one, nor is it found in a ‘holier than thou’ attitude towards others. Some think that to be godly makes one mean, judgmental, and close-minded. What a deception. The truth is that the disciple is living an adventure.  In Christ we find what is of greatest value - love, joy, peace, and eternal life.

Here is a word from the Word. I am using The Message, a contemporary paraphrase today. Meditate on the challenge, then make the choice for life!
"This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life.
It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”
God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are.

We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.
And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance!
We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him,
then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! " (Romans 8:15-17, The Message)

So, what important choice do you need to make today?

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Build My Life

Worthy of ev'ry song we could ever sing

Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring

Worthy of ev'ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

Jesus the name above ev'ry other name

Jesus the only one who could ever save

Worthy of ev'ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

We live for You

Holy there is no one like You

There is none beside You

Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who You are

And fill me with Your heart

And lead me in Your love to those around me

I will build my life upon Your love

It is a firm foundation

I will put my trust in You alone

And I will not be shaken

 

Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Kaple | Matt Redman | Pat Barrett

© 2016 Kaple Music; Capitol CMG Genesis; Housefires Sounds; Said And Done Music; sixsteps Music; Thankyou Music; Vamos Publishing; worshiptogether.com songs; Martin, Karl Andrew; Bethel Music Publishing

For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com

CCLI License # 810055

Jesus, help me!

When asked the common question- “how are you doing?”- I generally answer, honestly, with the word - “Wonderful!”  I mean it. I love life!  I am blessed with a meaningful life, plenty of food, a comfortable home, a wide circle of friends, support, and four children who make me both proud to be their Dad and thankful for their accomplishments.  have peace of mind and hope for eternity.

Yes, life is good and yet … days come when the chaos and suffering so common in this world gets to me, keeping me awake in the small hours of morning, turning my prayers into sighs and sometimes even tears.  A couple of those kinds of days came my way this week. Remembering the millions suffering in war conditions, sitting with a couple struggling to come to terms with the realities of advanced age, standing with a family broken by an untimely and tragic death, seeing poverty up close, and reading of violence in the streets of our cities - there was a feeling like being punched in the gut. 

Mike Woodruff, pastor and author, calls that a "Caspian moment."  He writes - “When Prince Caspian — the title character in the Narnian Chronicles of the same name — comes face to face with Aslan, the lion king asks him, "Do you feel yourself sufficient to take up the Kingship of Narnia?" Caspian says, "I — I don't think I do, Sir." To which Aslan responds, "Good. If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been proof that you were not.” Have you had your Prince Caspian moment?”

When we are overwhelmed, when we sense our smallness in a vast universe, there is fertile soil for the growth of humility which paradoxically creates the opportunity for Christ to reveal His grace and goodness to us. When our sense of mastery and control melt away we are ready to say, “Come, Lord Jesus, to my life and lead me.”  Or less eloquently, we may borrow Carrie Underwood’s words - “Jesus, take the wheel!”

So many want Him to be their Savior, giving hope. Fewer want to crown Him King and serve Him as Lord. Here in the opening days of Lent, the chaos of the world and the choice to surrender can combine to help us to discover a life that is rooted in things beyond the common blessings of our existence.

Our hope is not without a foundation. Jesus’ prayer for His disciples at the Last Supper before He went to the Cross gives us the promise of a strength beyond our own.  He prays for us!  “Now I am departing the world; I am leaving them behind and coming to you. Holy Father, keep them and care for them—all those you have given me—so that they will be united just as we are.” … "I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of this world any more than I am. Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth. As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world." (John 17:11, 15-18, NLT)

Is your life stormy at the moment? Do you sense your weakness, knowing your inability to calm the storm? 
Rather than rage or fear, choose faith!
Shouting at the wind does little but exhaust us.
Retreating into ourselves in fear tends only to amplify the voices that threaten our destruction.

Have you had a ‘Caspian moment?’
Choose humility. Act from faith, even if small. Find rest in His arms! From that place, you will become strong, equipped to live as He desires, knowing a ‘peace that goes beyond human comprehension.’

Here is a word from the Word - "We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God’s comfort. I think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us." (2 Corinthians 1:7-10, NLT)  Trust Him!

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Jesus, Take the Wheel

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati on a snow-white Christmas Eve

Going home to see her mama and her daddy with the baby in the backseat

50 miles to go, and she was running low on faith and gasoline

It'd been a long, hard year

She had a lot on her mind, and she didn't pay attention

She was going way too fast

 

Before she knew it, she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass

She saw both their lives flash before her eyes

She didn't even have time to cry

She was so scared

She threw her hands up in the air

 

Jesus, take the wheel

Take it from my hands

'Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

And save me from this road I'm on

Jesus, take the wheel

 

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder

And the car came to a stop

She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat, sleeping like a rock

And for the first time in a long time

She bowed her head to pray

She said, "I'm sorry for the way I've been living my life

I know I've got to change, so from now on tonight"

 

Jesus, take the wheel

Take it from my hands

'Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

And save me from this road I'm on

 

Oh, Jesus, take the wheel

Oh, I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

Save me from this road I'm on

From this road I'm on

Jesus, take the wheel

Oh, take it, take it from me

 

Sung by Carrie Underwood

Written by Hillary Lindsey / Brett James / Gordy Sampson