Simple Gifts (Part 2)

Few can “make the world go away” by retreating to the lake or other vacation destination. But you can find the ordering, simplifying presence of God for each hectic day. The moments you spend alone with God in prayer at the first of the day are doubtless your most productive. Then and there He sets the pace for a day of fruitful living. The pressures don’t relent. But neither does His continuing presence.

The great Apostle Paul appealed to the Corinthians in these words … “I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”

All of us hunger for peace, simplicity and joy that only Christ can give. There is no stress that God cannot relieve. Why not give Him a chance in your life and experiment with His promises?

Simple Gifts (Part 1)

Do you remember this stanza from the classic Shaker song, Simple Gifts? The haunting melody and evocative words remind us that busyness and stress are not supposed to be our daily experience.

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'Tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

Simplicity! Oh, what a wonderful word! I hope the following will aid us somewhat in our desire to be free from life’s undue pressures and complications! My thanks to two of my pastor friends for helping me put it together!

A Louisville policeman was late for work one day and was told to write out his excuse, which had better be a good one. His report read: “Due to strenuous exertion of psychophysical facilities, I experienced no revivification from my comatose condition by external stimuli.” When asked if heaven’s name that meant, he replied, “My alarm clock didn’t wake me!”

Simplifying always helps.

For instance, my hat is off to the Wall Street Journal for this assistance. What’s the difference between a “million” and a “billion”? Will, if you spent $1,000 a day it would take you two years and nine months to spend one million. But at $1,000 per day, 2,739 years to exhaust one billion.

Life itself needs simplifying.

The Escort

The following story was passed along to me recently. The respect it shows toward our troops is deeply moving. It is important to remember and honor those who have died for our country. Their sacrifice gives us the freedom we enjoy to live the American dream … to build a new order for the ages. We must make this vision of our Founding Fathers our own!

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who’s been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

“No, sir,” he responded.
“
Heading out,” I asked?

“No, sir. I’m escorting a soldier home.”

“Going to pick him up?”

“No, sir. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I’m taking him home to his family.”

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn’t know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier’s family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, “Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.”

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.”

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud and grateful to be an American.

When I read the above story tears come to my eyes. Even after conducting many military funerals as an Air Force chaplain I am not ashamed to confess my tears for their service … especially for those who have died in action. We owe them a great deal … not just for what they have done … but also the debt to live more deeply for the cause for which they died!

So here is another personal and public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do … so we can live the way we do. It will be my privilege to salute them in person this Memorial Day, May 28th, when I am the keynote speaker at the Fayetteville National Cemetery memorial ceremony. The program begins at 10 A.M. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery flag pole area, 700 Government Avenue. Everyone is invited to attend.

In Memory: The USS New York

“Never Forget” is the motto one of the U.S. Navy’s newest vessels, the USS New York. The ship, built in New Orleans, is one of three to honor those who died in the September 11 terrorist attack. The other two are the “…USS Arlington — named after the section of the Pentagon that was also hit by an airliner on September 11 — and USS Somerset, in memory of United Flight 93, which crashed in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, on the same day as passengers struggled with al-Qaeda hijackers.” (Times Online, May 22, 2006)

Due to be commissioned this year (2007), the USS New York is an amphibious transport ship designed to land combat-ready Marines on any coastline with or without a port. These ships can also deliver relief aid, as her sister ship, the USS Boxer, did in the wake of hurricane Katrina.

The USS New York is already a monument to two disasters. First, her bow section was cast from scrap steel from the World Trade Center. The casting of the bow section from this scrap metal was an emotional moment for the foundry workers. Navy Captain Kevin Wensing recalls the pour thus, “… those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence. It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.” Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, recalled that the “hair on my neck stood up” when he first touched the steel. He said, “It has a big meaning to it for all of us. They knocked us down. They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.” The USS New York is a new weapon in the war against terror, one well fitted for her mission.

Second, the half-completed New York came through hurricane Katrina in tact. While the city around her came apart the ship faced the elements and stood firm. The crews who worked on her came back and took up the task of her completion as soon as possible. The workmen treat the ship with reverence, making a point to touch the bow when passing. This is in response to the meaning of the metal in her construction but in a wider sense, the respect shown the USS New York is a symbol of the hope, courage, determination and spirit of the American people – to build a warship from the ruins of a great defeat or to rebuild a ravaged city.

Americans have excelled at turning defeat into victory, of recovering from disaster and of starting over … again and again and again! This quality is one of the great secrets to our nation’s greatness. If there is anything totally admirable in the patriotic spirit of our country it is this “never give up … we can make it better” attitude. The USS New York is tangible proof that, as Mr. Chevers said, “They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.”

This is exactly the foundational faith of our Biblical vision of Jesus Christ. No matter what happens … even death … we can say with our resurrected Leader … “I will rise again!”

Check out the following websites for more on the USS New York: Snopes.Com, Times Online news story, Navy website.

The Bullet of Difference: Love One Another

The mature Christian realizes that every other person who is “born again” is a permanent member of God’s family. Regardless of human differences, doctrinal emphasis or mental limitations, our joyful duty is to love them as they are where they are! In fact, just like our Blessed Master has loved us!

Are we greater than Jesus (John 13:15-17)? No! Then let’s quit acting as if we are! Think of “how different” He is from us yet He loves us unconditionally! Only the Christian who is immature, arrogantly prideful or a fool can set aside the Savior’s specific request and commandment in John 15:12 … “This is My commandment, that you love one another, Just as I have love you!” That’s a heap of love!!

We must follow our Leader and Lord in becoming experts at loving imperfect people! (That includes learning to love ourselves!) It saddens me to see a Fundamentalist Christian attack another because of doctrinal imperfections. It greaves me to see the Liberal Christian mock a more ignorant yet sincere brother. It wounds me to see the Charismatic Christian pridefully belittle others because they suppose they have “experienced less!” It’s all a drama of babies pretending to be giants.

Paul said “when I became a man I put away childish things … the greatest of all is love” (I Corinthians 13:11b, 13b). Of course everyone seems to have “their idea” of how to love. Here is where we must give up our own view of love, hush our ignorant mouths and diligently follow Christ’s example in the power of the Holy Spirit. We must be students of the Scripture if we are to possess the Mind of Christ! The Lord knows who is faking it, so do others, and deep down so do we, if we are honest about truth!

The world may divide Christians by personalities, by denominations, by culture or by doctrines but it is not so with the Father! From Heaven’s point of view there are only two classes of Christians. Those who love one another and those who don’t! I pray you and I are numbered among those who know the difference.

The Bullet of Difference: One Spirit

I don’t know about you, but let me tell you my most depressing experience with Christianity! It’s the way Christians are intolerant of one another! The way they allow divisions. The way they always “find something” to fight over. The way we take “cheap shots” at one another!

Don’t misunderstand me. There are some things we need to fight for. Issues where we must draw the line. Times when Christians can no longer work together because of too many “secondary differences.” God understands this and so should we. That’s why there are so many different ministries, churches and styles of Gospel presentations. As I Corinthians 12:4-6 so clearly tells us “there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit … varieties of ministries but the same Lord … varieties of effects but the same God Who works in them all!!!”

All of us, even the best of us mentally and spiritually, have huge gaps of imperfection. Our blind spots are enormous. Hence, even our differences which are many can serve the common good if we are mature about it rather than sectarian!

The Bullet of Service: Being a Servant

A servant is one who regards others as more important than himself. He is one who actively seeks the best interests of others. A servant foregoes all personal rights, ambitions and comforts as he finds his greatest fulfillment in the lives of others.

Certainly Christ gave us the greatest example of what a servant is. The Servant of Jehovah laid down His life on the cross for you. He took upon Himself the form of a bond-servant and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. Christ regarded your life as more important than His own.

Each and every one of us needs to have our thinking rearranged concerning the true measure of greatness in a person. What is it that God would change in you to begin this new life pattern or servanthood?

“You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and great men exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)

The Bullet of Service: As God Counts Greatness

The story is told of a small religious school that was having financial difficulties, even though their spiritual and academic standards had remained very high. One day a very wealthy businessman came on campus. He walked up to a white-haired man in overalls who was painting the walls of the administration building and asked him where he could find the president. The painter pointed to a large, two-story house at the end of the campus and said he was sure that the president could be seen there at noon.

At the designated time, the visitor knocked at the president’s door and to his amazement was admitted by the same white-haired man, though now differently attired. The painter was the president! The visitor accepted an invitation to have lunch with the painter-president, asked a number of questions about the needs of the college, and told him he would get back in touch with him.

Two days later a letter arrived at the president’s office. Enclosed was a check for $50,000 and a note that read, “I am sending this gift, not because of your personal achievements and awards, but because you are a servant.”

It is this same principle that God uses to elevate our lives and measure “greatness.” God’s basis of “greatness” is very foreign to our way of life. In the world’s system, “great” men are those who exercise authority over others. “Great” men are those who can tell others what to do. They possess power. They possess authority. They possess clout.

However, Jesus said, “it is not so among you.” In fact, God’s evaluation of greatness is the complete opposite. In the eyes of God, true greatness is not being served, but serving others. The world equates greatness with being over others. God equates greatness with being under others. In God’s kingdom, the way up is down. The way to “live it up” is to first live it down … by serving the needs of others.

“God” and “gods”, Part 2

All of us have our idols – that on which our affections are passionately set. Most of you would be honest enough to agree with me that your idols or gods have not brought you deep and lasting satisfaction. The new car or house, the trip, the raise, marriage, even a baby, will not ultimately satisfy one’s greatest, deepest hunger.

The Scripture tells us that not “gods” but only “God” is the answer and goal of life. “The poor deluded fool feeds on ashes; he is trusting what can never give him any help at all; yet he cannot bring himself to ask, ‘Is this thing, this idol that I’m holding in my hand, a lie?’” (Isaiah 44:20).

I know many folks around town who have held a lot of idols and are still holding onto them. They keep up the activities, they’re involved in everything and anything (even religion), they keep thinking the next experience, the next possession, the next goal realized, will really give them that great “kick” of life which has so far eluded them. But it never happens!

I’m not judging anyone. Old H.D. McCarty has played the fool as much as anyone else. In fact, I still feel the pull. I do know one thing though: of all the things I’ve ever experienced or possessed, only one has really delivered what was promised and what I really desired – that one thing is my personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Religion is man’s search for “god.” Christianity is not a religion, for it is God’s quest for man! Why not take inventory? What is your “god?” Or better still, why not give yourself to “God?” It will make a fantastic difference in your life.

“God” and “gods”, Part 1

I once heard of a sermon entitled, “The Contemporary Practice of Polytheism.” The last word in the title simply means the worship of many (poly) gods (theism). The worship of many gods is not confined to the ignorant in faraway countries. Most Americans are victims of the practice. The sermon mentioned above was preached over forty years ago, but is just as fresh and applicable today.

My dictionary defines “god” as “any person or thing exalted as the chief god, or made the object of supreme devotion. Anything that absorbs one’s attentions or aspirations.” Therefore, whatever controls you, whatever you build your life around, whatever is your ultimate concern – that is your “god.” Be it your job, money, family, business, pleasure, self or even religion, etc. There are many “gods.” The dictionary further distinguishes between “god” and “God,” the creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe. The God of the Bible claims for Himself this distinction. He states through His Old Testament prophets and in the New Testament through His Son that He is the only true God and Savior and beside Him, there is no other. (See Isaiah 43:11 and John 14:6)

That’s a pretty heavy claim and one of man’s chief quests ought to be to discover if the God of the Bible is speaking truth, is a liar or is just putting us on!

The Bullet of Joy: Gratitude

Maintaining a sense of joy and well-being is dependent on one attitude … gratefulness! You can never be joyous unless you have a sense of gratitude! A thankful heart for all the good, not a selfish mind set on your disappointments, is the key to joy!

Most of us expect too much that isn’t really essential to true living. When we don’t receive what we think we deserve we lose joy. The truth is that we deserve nothing from God! The way most of us treat God is ample proof that He is under no obligation to provide all or any of our wants! Most of what we want is for ourselves and not others anyway! This is not the example of Jesus!

True joy comes when we are grateful for possessing what we know we don’t deserve or could have lost! For instance, falling in love with the right person always has both partners feeling unworthy of the other’s love. Gratitude for someone’s love brings fantastic joy! Again, joy is greatest for the athlete when he is grateful for winning, knowing that he came close to losing. And, again, receiving the news that you’ve won a new car in a contest is a perfect example that joy is born from gratitude.

William Secker put it well when he said, “He enjoys much who is thankful for little things: a grateful mind is both a great and happy mind.”

Show me a joyless person and you can be sure he or she is not grateful for the real and lasting gifts of life! A griping, grumbling Christian declares to all that there is no gratitude in his heart for Jesus Christ!

The Bullet of Joy: It’s What We Want

What is the source of true joy? Have you ever seriously asked yourself that question? Certainly one of man’s primary pursuits is joy and happiness! How are you doing?

In a nationwide survey among High School students, the question was asked, “What are the three things you want most out of life?” The answers were far from unanimous but the three desires most prominent in order were (1) love, (2) joy and (3) peace. I believe it’s more than coincidence that the Apostle Paul lists the first three fruits of obeying the Holy Spirit (in Galatians 5:22) as love, joy and peace!!

Every week I hear comments from people admitting the emptiness, shallowness and joylessness of life. The prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 55:2) spoke of this problem in the 8th Century B.C. when he asked, “Why do you spend your money for what won’t really feed you? And why squander your wages on what doesn’t satisfy?” In the dry seasons of my own life … and who hasn’t had them … I’ve asked myself why I feel so down! Nothing seems to really excite me! Everything is so routine.

It seems I always tend to think of what’s wrong rather than what’s right! Folks can have ninety-nine good things happen and one bad and what do they concentrate on? Almost always the one bad!!

The Bullet of Joy: Look to the Source

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." John 15:11

The source of real joy is found in these words of the Lord Jesus. Real joy cannot be found outside one’s life but foundationally only within one’s own being. If there is no real joy from God “inside” your life, it is futile to seek for it on the “outside”; no matter the quantity of things you buy, friends you garner or how many sporting events you attend!

The gospel of Jesus tells us that His plan is to put joy into us if we will allow Him the right and receive it as His gift.

Nehemiah (read his book in Chapter 8, verse 10 and remember he lived in the 5th century BC) … know the secret! He knew that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”

Only God’s joy within can overcome all the agonies and injustice life hurls against us! It’s a pity so few are humble enough to receive it! The conquerors of life have God’s joy in their hearts! It is the greatest power on earth! His joy!!

The Bullet of Joy: Fulfilling a Purpose

Christians in name only will probably miss my point today. I have a truth to share that only those who have tasted the Spirit of Christ will be able to comprehend.

True Believers should look for their joy in Jesus Christ alone. Only in being consumed with God’s reasons for everything … family, life, fun, purpose, work, etc. … can a human being know “life” as God created it to be.

The question is then asked, “Why is it that so many Christians seem cranky or sad, and seem to live life that is flatter than a duck’s instep?

The answer is easy! God’s bottom line purpose for our lives is to make us like Himself … to conform us to His Character … to make us like Jesus!

Our Master led the most fantastic life ever lived because His home and purpose were in the Father rather than situations that surrounded Him or in the current fads of so-called worldly wisdom.

Our blindness to the false promises of fleshy fulfillment and unfaithfulness to the high standards and realities of God give us a problem. Hence, the Lord must continually allow pressures to build in our lives so that we will be forced to reject the false and embrace the truth!

Every “prison situation” we feel trapped in is in reality only God’s classroom to focus our attention on our current needed divine homework.

To sum it up, God puts people into “joyless situations” for a season to test the purity of their motives and affections. Only in a joyless trial can we give powerful evidence that the source of our joy is in God and not in situations or circumstance.

Energy Crisis, More Than the Price of Gasoline

Here is an intriguing headline from an article on the current energy crisis from money.cnn.com.
How to beat the high cost of gasoline. Forever.

(By Adam Lashinsky, FORTUNE senior writer, January 24, 2006)

This story is about one kind of energy crisis but there is a more important one.

A real “energy crisis” is within us! A statement by Paul centuries ago is still as true today as it was then. “The good things I want to do never seem to materialize. In fact, I find myself actually doing the things I hate” (Romans 7:19). This is the story of my life. If you’re honest, I’ll bet it’s your story too. This isn’t to say we never do anything good. There are thousands of good people doing good things. But man can’t be happy just doing good things. Why? Because man was made to do the best thing. He/she can never be happy or fulfilled without doing his/her best. Remember, the good is usually the worst enemy of the best.

I am constantly aware that even though I’d doing many good things, I’m failing to do some things that would be better. Better to visit my neighbor, than watch TV another evening. But I don’t. Better to work a little less and spend more time with my family. But I don’t. Better to get my body in shape by exercise and eating less. But I don’t. The list could go on for pages.

Where do I get the power to begin breaking the habits I hate and yet feel guilty about justifying? This is the “energy crisis” to which each of us should give priority! What makes Jesus Christ so fantastically appealing to me, and to thousands of other, is that He demonstrated a life lives always at its best. The even greater news is that He promises us “our share” of God’s energy for our own “life at its best!” “For to all who receive (accept, rely on, believer) Him, He gives power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12).

In short, the “spiritual energy crisis” is far more critical than any “physical energy crisis.” Physical energy won’t help a person who is spiritually miserable, bored with the good and hungry for the best. The reason serious Christians are so excited is that God has begun to rewire them for maximum living! Power to live life at its best! Energy for breaking hated habits! If you’re missing it, perhaps your connection is loose. Or worse still, better check to see if you’re even plugged in! I’m for solving “both” energy crises. How about you?

The Bullet of Praise: Sing, No Matter What Your Voice

The older I get and the deeper I understand the wisdom of Scripture, the more open I am to truth, regardless of its source. All truth ultimately is from God. God’s truth is not limited to the labels of man. The more a man loves God and shows it, the less his label, heritage and bias seem to matter.

A remark from the late Pope John Paul I struck a cord of joyous response in my own heart. Listen to his words: “Some bishops resemble eagles who glide majestically at high levels. Other are nightingales who sing the praises of the Lord in a marvelous way. Other are poor wrens on the lowest bough of the ecclesiastical tree who only chip, seeking to offer some small though regarding the great themes. I belong to the final category.”

Right on!!! I know the feeling! Alone with God during the week I find my mind and heart literally exploding from the rewards of prayer and Bible study. I know that when my time comes to preach, I will strike with the force of an H-Bomb! But, alas! It seems that every time I preach all I can produce equals the force of a B-B gun!

Knowing the Lord Jesus Christ personally for what He really is … loving, forgiving, patient, joyful, truthful, tender, seeking … Shepherd, Savior, Master, King, Lover, Father … magnificent, wondrous, powerful, thrilling … all make me want to fill the earth with the beautiful praise song of a combined band and symphony orchestra numbering at least a thousand pieces and joined with a chorus of two thousand mixed voices!

Those of us who have experienced the authentic Christ yearn desperately for all the world to know His beauty and greatness and to love Him accordingly. But between wanting this and doing it is a great gap.

My greatest intentions to sound like a symphony for Christ usually deteriorates to the gutturals of a frog crock! Yet, far better to croak and get some of the message out than to remain silent. There are hundreds of folks around who are on the “croak wave-length” and will get the picture.

Be it the chirp of a wren or the croak of a frog, we little followers of Jesus must do something.

Easter: Accepting Reality, Part 2

The Apostle Paul said, in II Corinthians 4, the Christians are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake. In other words, we must die to our self desires before we can live for God’s desires. What fools we are in our insane dreams to think our desires for our lives are grater than God’s desires for our lives! Creator ambition for us is overwhelmingly greater than our limited ambition!

The following little anonymous poem sums it up quite adequately:

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all, most richly blessed!

Resurrection is something like this! I hope you’re in on it!

Easter: Accepting Reality, Part 1

The reason that the resurrection of Christ has less meaning for Christians than it should and is really a mystery to most non-Christians, is the refusal to mix it with suffering. Pain and resurrection go together. The latter will never come without the former.

The greatness of resurrection victory is woefully diminished by the smallness of our vision of reality.

One practical expression of this is that so many Christians seem to think all they have to do is trust and pray, and God will pull of the hard stuff without their effort. This is immaturity and shallowness at its worst! Christ didn’t pray His way through the cross, He actually went there! His suffering wasn’t a “quickie” and then on with the fun. He hung there for six hours and then was sealed in a tomb! Agony and silence preceded His triumph.

In man’s blindness and lust for the easy, we refuse to mix agony and ecstasy. We deny the necessity of pain and seek only joy. We hunger for the happy times and are mystified at the place of grief. We disdain our need for suffering and thirst selfishly for more pleasure! Eric Heiden, the winner of seven gold medals at the 1980 Winter Olympics in speed skating, attributed his success to the pain he endured in training, “If a person’s going to win,” he said, “he has to be prepared to suffer for it.”

Palm Sunday

One of the greatest joys of my Christian life has been the memorizing of Scripture. It’s harder now that I am getting older, but scores of the verses I memorized earlier come back again and again to give me strength and insight. I would have to say that one of the biggest mistakes of my following Christ is to not be diligent in hiding the Word of God in my heart (Psalm 119:9-10). I hope all of my readers will consider these verses with a new intensity.

I memorized a new verse recently that ties into the celebration of Palm Sunday … that day 2000 year ago when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem to the praise of hallelujahs of thousands. Only a few days later these same voices would cry for His crucifixion!

Zechariah 9:9 says, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you; He is just and brings salvation, He is humble, riding on a donkey …”

Think of the humility of God … coming to us not at the head of an army dressed in splendor, but in the common everyday cloths on a donkey! Even earlier, John the Baptist announced Jesus as the Lamb of God, the humble, sacrificial lamb!

Yet all true Christians know that someday Christ will again return to earth, not meekly or humbly seeking our attention, but as reigning, triumphant, conquering King. He will judge and put right the veil of selfishness of all mankind.

I picked up the newspaper this morning and almost despaired as I read page after page reporting human failure. I almost wept as I saw story after story of evil, hurt, wounds, murder, injustice and hopelessness. Will men and women ever learn that they cannot conquer that which destroys them without the power of God?

Yes, Jesus came to earth first as a lamb. But the Scripture clearly declares that He will come for a second visit, this time as a victorious lion rather than as a suffering and patient lamb.

Fight on, those of you who love the Master! Jesus and His church may look like a lamb for the present, but let me assure you, the day of the lion is coming!! I especially like to think about that on Palm Sunday!!

Choosing the “Good Part”

It’s again time for … the days of family vacations, trips to Grandma’s and trips to the lake. One of the typically recurring questions asked on every family trip by at least one of the children at least half a dozen times is, “Where are we?” It’s not too difficult to recall the look on the child’s face as he awakens from his backseat nap only to realize that he doesn’t know where he is.

This issue of were we are seems to be very pertinent in these days. How often do we hear the question asked, “Where are you going to be if I need to get in touch with you?” Most of us tend to reel off an answer rather quickly feeling assured that we know where we are and where we’re going, and we don’t have time to wait around answering rhetorical questions. Instead, we need to run the laundry, pick up the kids, go to the bakery, run by the doctor’s office, prepare the talk for the civic club and, after it is all finished, take a moment to relax before we start again.

We rarely stop to think that this “rhetorical question” that we let slip so often should be subjected to greater scrutiny. In chapter 10, verses 38-42 of the Gospel of Luke, Luke gives us a good picture of where we ought to be! The passage begins with Jesus being received into the home of two sisters. One sister, Martha, scurries about attempting to make preparations for Jesus. We can imagine her trying so hard to get everything just so right and just so good. Meanwhile, Mary, Martha’s sister, has decided to sit down at the feet of Jesus. Martha continues her frantic preparation and then in verse 40 we catch a glimpse of a very interesting occurrence, one that each of us must see about once a day. We catch a glimpse of anxiety in Martha as she gets mad at Mary for not helping to get all these “important preparations” taken care of. She calls out to Jesus trying to get at Mary through Him. At this point, Jesus answers Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things, but only a few things are necessary, really only one; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Where are you? If you aren’t seated at the feet of Christ, then you’re probably like Martha – “worried and bothered about so many things” when only one thing is really necessary. You’re probably spending so much time trying to do right that you don’t have time to be right.

Where are you? If you feel like you’re on a roller coaster that seems to have no end of it, if you feel like you’re chasing rabbits in the desert, then STOP! Remember where you ought to be! If you already have a seat at the feet of Christ, stay put! If you aren’t at the feet of Christ, come and take a seat; there is more than enough room for everyone!

The Bullet of Significance: The Good Life, Part 2

A man’s quality of living is directly proportionate to his priorities. In the last analysis, how well you live is simply a question of priorities. We must face up to the fact that one can’t do everything. There are thousands of options open to all of us – things to be involved in, many of them good, many of them bad … civic work, politics, leisure, travel, hobbies, athletics, business, clubs, crime, self-indulgence, etc. The question is, which investment really gives life?

It is at this point that Jesus Christ steps in and says to all who will listen, “Follow Me, and I will give you the best seventy years you could possibly spend.” After all, it is not how many years you pack into your life that counts, but how much life you pack into your years! Jesus Christ is the world’s greatest expert on life. He takes the sweat out of living. Knowing that we Christians have eternal life and will live forever takes the panic out of trying to cram everything into seventy years! It we listen to Christ, He will give us a package deal for an adventurous and exciting existence. It will only happen if God is our first priority! It’s essential that a person be honest about priorities!

The Bullet of Significance: The Good Life, Part 1

An old Chinese proverb says that a man can’t carry two melons in one hand. In other words, there are some things a man simply can’t do. One of our greatest frustrations as humans is knowing that we are so limited in our abilities and our time. How can we get the most and best out of our years? How can we be sure we’re committing our life in the best possible way?

It is amazing that so many of us live as though we have forever! All of us waste hours upon hours in doing things that produce low returns. We see so many movies, take so many trips, watch so many football games, etc. But what does it really add to our quality of life? There are about 8,760 hours in the year and with one-third spent in sleeping, and another one-third in eating and working, what we do with the remaining 2,920 is critical. It is impossible in sixty or seventy years of life to cram in 100 years of living. We need to remember that life doesn’t begin at forty for those who “went sixty” when they were twenty.

One of the most arresting things that Jesus Christ ever said is recorded in Matthew 6:33 … “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things needful will be added to you.” In this passage the Son of God makes the absolute statement that if we concern ourselves with the reality Big Issue, all the other little issues will resolve themselves. In no uncertain terms Jesus says that God is the Big Issue. He is “The First Priority.”

Things to Think On

All of us benefit from great thoughts that challenge our lives. Here are a few of the goodies that have kept me going through the years! Enjoy!

• You will never get closer to God by choosing as your best friends those people who are running from God.


• It is not how many years you pack into your life, but how much life you pack into your years that is important.


• A man’s greatness is not measured by what he accomplishes, but by what he OVERCOMES in order to accomplish it.


• You are free to make any choice you want, but you are not free from the consequences of the choice.


• If you can’t see God in everything you probably can’t see God in anything.


• An individual who spends his life wrapped up in himself has nothing to share but his problems.


• A God who cares cannot be represented by people who don’t.


• What God is teaching me is more important than what happens to me.


• Freedom is not the right to do what you want to do, but the power to do what you ought to do.


• The degree to which I experience Christ, is the degree to which He possesses me.


• We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.


• People can be divided into three groups: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened.

Paul tells it (Philippians 2:5) that they should have the same mind that Jesus Christ had. If all of us would think like the above, we’d take a big step in that direction. Let’s check our thinking.

Thinking, the Defining Trait of Humanity

If there were any one word that could come close to characterizing man, it would probably be thinking ... thinking man. Even in a world of constant change and fast pace rat races, one thing that always seems the same is that man continues to think. Whether it’s thoughts of what to do this weekend or where to go on vacation, it doesn’t matter. The thinking process continues.

Thinking is so commonplace that all too often we take it for granted. But, in this modern age of computers and such, thinking needs to be reconsidered. In this computer age, the mind is often compared to the computer. This analogy is not so far-fetched. Consider a computer. It can spit out that which has been fed into it. This feeding, so to speak, is called programming. A computer can only regurgitate the facts that have been programmed into it. If the computer is fed historical facts, it will yield historical facts. The mind, much like the computer, tends to regurgitate only that which has been fed into it. If your mind has been fed trash, it will yield trash. If your mind has been fed honesty, it will yield honesty. The sad thing is that the analogy can go no further. Even though a computer is fed junk and yields junk, it will still only be a computer. But the way that a mind is programmed determines what a mind thinks, “… as a man thinks, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7). In other words, the trash that we program into our minds is what we think about. What we think about determines our actions. In essence, we are what we think. If you spend all your time watching and listening to trash, it’s not surprising that it eventually becomes a part of you. That’s how you’re programmed: trash in – trash out!

To alter the read-out from a computer, you have to alter the input. With our minds, to alter the read-out, i.e., our thoughts and actions, it is necessary to alter the input. But how can we alter our input? The Apostle Paul on two separate occasions commented on the proper programming of our minds. In Colossians 3:2, Paul says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” In other words, Paul is telling us to re-program our minds. In Philippians 4:8, Paul gives a more precise illustration of what our minds should be programmed on. As he states, “… whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

If you feel like you have a one track mind to nowhere, or if you feel like your mind is in the gutter, start examining your program. You may be feeding your mind trash and thus, you’re merely reaping what you’ve sown. It’s time to re-program! Set your mind on things that are above. It’ll make a world of difference.

Listen Up!

In the last few years there has been a great deal of discussion about pollution of every sort, and rightly so. The facet of this problem which I find most interesting is noise pollution. We are told by the experts that the collection of noises one encounters daily can cause all sorts of problems. For instance, noise makes one nervous. In fact, it is suggested that the dinner table be a quiet place, for noise can bring about poor digestion. We are told that teenagers who listen to excessively loud noises often suffer hearing loss. Noise is just not healthy.

It is interesting to note that when God inspired King David to write Psalm 46 roughly three thousand years ago, the problem of “noise pollution” was mentioned. The first part of verse ten reads, “Be still and know that I am God.”

The problem then, as now, was noise. For you see, man knows whether or not his relationship to the Father is what it should be. This is one of the jobs of the Holy Spirit … to convict (or tell) man of his sin (the cause of his fractured relationship with the Father). You and I don’t always want to hear this. We all know people who hear only what they want to hear and block out what they don’t like. Well, we oftentimes are like this with God. He speaks and since we can’t ignore Him, we try to drown Him out!

When we are alone we automatically turn on the radio or TV. We don’t like for it to be quiet. But God, in His concern for each one of us, says “be still,” or turn off all that noise so you can hear Me and then you will know or realize that I am God. I AM who I say I AM, and by virtue of this fact (not fable as some noise makers want to believe), I promise to be all you need if you’ll but listen and act on what I say.

One of the most refreshing experience of existence is to stop in the middle of all our frustration, perplexity, confusion and doubts and take time to listen to God. Jesus Christ didn’t come from Heaven and live on earth to keep us guessing about God’s purpose and power for our lives. Listen to Him!

If the noise of the world is creeping up on you, why not start listening to God? I can assure you He’s got something to say just for you.

The Bullet of Significance: Balance

Our life is one of extremes! Some days we are up and some days we are down! But, a mature individual lives most of his life between these two extremes. He is a balanced man. He knows about the bad but he keeps seeking the good!

Two of the greatest personalities of the Bible had their moments when they wanted to die … the Prophet Elijah in I Kings 19:4 and the Apostle Paul in II Corinthians 1:8-9.

As I write these lines today I have never felt better! My joy is complete! Yet, I know darker and more difficult times are still ahead of me. As a Christian, though, I know every testing, every agony, every hurt will leave me a better man if I keep my eyes on the truth of God. We need to remember that God tested Abraham and He will test us (Genesis 22:1). The man who conquers is the one who “doesn’t let his defeats defeat him.”

An old story tells us of a writer who was commissioned to write a motto that would work in every situation … good or bad! He came up with this piece of wisdom all of us quote … “This too shall pass!”

The Bible teaches us that every lesson in life comes to teach us two things … that there is only one true God and that, in the last analysis, He alone is able to meet our deepest needs!

The Bullet of Witness: Walk, Talk and Time

How does one spot a real Christian? The only way to authentically evaluate a person’s talk and walk is to watch it over a period of time. I’m not talking about days but months and years.

Anyone can fake his actions for a little while! Anyone can talk big in the brevity of the untested moment! But only the real Christian can put his talk and walk together over a period of years!

Real Christianity is not a sprint but a long distance run! Faith is not real unless it lasts. Even the most sincere, dedicated and earnest Christian doesn’t become perfect overnight. Time is necessary to learn the inescapable fact that faith is not a temporary crutch but a life-long relationship.

It takes years to grow a great and noble life. Experience comes only with time. Quality isn’t instantaneous. We shouldn’t be surprised or discouraged by the temporary failures of those who claim to be Christians. Give them the benefit of the doubt! Love them! Encourage them! But before you decide if they are real Christians – give it some time! Lots of time!

Real Christians, sooner or later, get their talk and walk together. They will rise to the top. When they do, it will be worth the wait!

A popular wine producer once boasted that, “they will serve no wine before its time.” With due reverence, let me suggest, that God has the same idea! He is growing some real Christians! It’s our own fault if we insist on “tasting” His workmanship before He says it’s ready!

The Bullet of Witness: To Walk or to Talk

How does one spot a real Christian? Only two ways … by what he says and by what he does. Most of us always talk a bigger fight than we live, so one has to be exceedingly careful in putting too much stock in someone’s words.

Then there are some folks who don’t say much, yet you are impressed with their life. This is a safer and more effective course to follow (than being a talker), yet even here a serious error crops up. A person who has found the “great life” is selfish and short-sighted if he doesn’t share the source of his strength with others.

So we have the two extremes. The guy who can’t keep quiet because he thinks he has it all together, and the class individual who just sits there in silence and pities all the run-off-at-the-mouths.

Of course, the solution to our dilemma is the model we have in Jesus Christ. Although He lived a perfect life, He still came talking. A great life without talk is mystery. Great talk from a weak life is boredom. Great talk from a great life is exciting!

The wise and happy human is the one who knows how to balance his own talk and his own walk, as well, as honestly evaluating the talk and walk of others.

I’ve know lots of Christians (I still do) who talk a bigger life than they live. But I’d rather hear them talk about a bigger life than a lesser life.

The silent types who seem to have the great life put together ultimately betray their weakness. A crisis come as an off-the-cuff comment is made which reveals their silence was a cover for inadequacy. But I can’t help admiring the guy who seeks to guard his tongue, and not burden others with empty words.

The Bullet of Wisdom: The End of the Matter

Is a man’s value determined by what he makes of himself?

Anyone with any sense ought to desire the maximum of his or her life. I have a passion to live life to the fullest, discover its greatest joys, explore its deepest satisfactions, carry love, hope and meaning to the most people, and above all, to experience the exhilarating joy of knowing God on earth!

But how? Thousands of voices and philosophies are peddling their claims. Who or what is right? The witness of thousands of Christians (including my own) is, that we have discovered that when we place our confidence and trust in Christ, we are never disappointed (Romans 9:33 and 10:11). I can say without exception that I have never been disappointed when I believed God’s Word about some activity, pursuit or decision. On the other hand, my life is filled with “wrecks of the past,” when I lean on my own limitations and immature goals.

King Solomon was a man who tried everything and had everything. Read the book of Ecclesiastes for a real dip into exiting reality literature! He tried wisdom, pleasure and the good life. He said he got everything he laid his eyes on. Still, he wasn’t happy. His final witness to avoid futility and “blowing in the wind,” was to love God and obey His teachings.

I’m convinced of one thing. If I’m going to really make something of my life I must get the basics right. For me … and thousands of Christians like me, that “basic” is Jesus Christ. We’re not completed yet, and there are many imperfections, but we are in process.

Remember the old adage, “close only counts in horseshoes?” I don’t want to stop at being a “horseshoe!” How about you?

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Who Do You Trust?

“Cursed (frustrated) is the man who trusts in man … Blessed (fulfilled) is the man who trusts’ in the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:5,7)

FRUSTRATED OR FULFILLED … we are one or the other. Twelve spies sneaked into Canaan. Only two of them trusted God. The other ten didn’t like what they saw … giants and well-defended cities.

Oh, they were intelligent enough. And they were practical enough. But they lacked the one ingredient upon which victory was keyed … trust.

When they saw the odds, they did the logical thing, inventoried their own military assets. After all, you can’t kill giants with slingshots … haven’t we heard a story about that? Their military stockpile didn’t stack up to well so they drug home to make their somber report: “We don’t stand a chance!”

Were they cursed? Well, the graves of those ten are somewhere out there in the wilderness, along with hundreds of thousands of others who placed their trust in them.

The wilderness begins where trust in God ends. “Cursed is the man who trusts in man … He shall swell in the parched places of the wilderness” (Jeremiah 17:5,6). Forty years later, with greater odds against them, their children and grandchildren were victorious. Why? Where was the difference? In implements of war? NO! In the shrinking of the giants? NO! In depleted forces of the enemy? NO! The difference was “the trust factor.” They trusted in the Lord. And they were blessed.

The wilderness ends where trust in God begins. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by the water” (Jeremiah 17:7,9).

The above came to me from an unknown source. I made a few changes and would like to pass it on for your encouragement. Truly God’s people are “… Blessed is he who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments! He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:1,7)

The Bullet of Obedience: To Grasp or to Do

Many parents know the experience of going away for the weekend and leaving the kidos behind. Invariably, mom and dad leave notes all over the house instructing the children what they are to do in their parents’ absence. Notes on the refrigerator, notes on the thermostat, notes on the dog bowl, notes on the trash can, notes on the bathroom mirror. Notes everywhere. Imagine the parents’ surprise if upon their return they found every instruction ignored but their children seated at the kitchen table busily engaged in note reading, note study and note memorization!! The critical issue is not fascination with the notes, but obedience to their content. Upon the return of mom and dad, their children are found to be either in a state of obedience or disobedience and are judged accordingly.

Similarly our heavenly Father has left us 66 “notes” with instructions to occupy the time until Jesus returns to claim His own. This issue is obedience or disobedience. There is no middle ground. Where will he find you?

The Bullet of Obedience: Necessity or Option

Obedience. Our homes and our society would break down without it. Obedience is obvious. Obedience is necessary. Obedience is expected.

As a parent, as an employer, as a coach, as a teacher, as a military officer, in virtually every area of life we see obedience as the factor that makes life and behavior both predictable and orderly. In fact, in many relationships, obedience is not only helpful, it is the basis for fellowship in the relationship; i.e., obedience is the only ground of fellowship with a superior.

And yet, in the Christian life we often have a tendency to view obedience to Jesus Christ as optional. It’s as though we say: “O.K., Jesus, we’ll do it your way this time; and next time we’ll do it my way; and maybe the time after that, you can do “your thing” and I’ll do mine.” In the low view of God which seems to pervade so much of our society and our own personal thinking today, Jesus is reduced to the level of some heavenly “wimp” who isn’t terribly affected one way or the other when we treat His demands on our lives merely as polite but unrealistic suggestions. We are professing Christians but practicing atheists.

The Bullet of Growth: Growing in Hope

Following Jesus Christ … I mean really following … is no easy thing! It demands a growing honesty with ourselves about our true motives and level of sacrifice. It calls for constant change. None of us like change, especially when it means the surrender of selfish habits and the acceptance of increased spiritual responsibility. All of us are at different stages of our growth in Christ. My philosophy (which is Biblical) is to condemn no one for where you are, but rather, to encourage you to become more for Christ and to do it as quickly as possible. It’s great to sense a new godly tension. We must be sure our growth is not a creation of the flesh but a proper response to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

As Dr. Baxter would put it … “We must be intensely spiritual, perfectively natural, and thoroughly practical.” May our Lord give us Christians like that throughout the world.

Don’t be deceived by the deceptions and empty attractions of our world. Reject any spirit of cynicism or bitterness! Our little lives given to the Father’s big purposes will alone satisfy our hunger for what He crated within us!

The Ice Line
By RA Stites

In mid-January, 2007, a powerful storm encased much of the area from Texas to Illinois in a deadly coating of ice. Power lines fell, trees broke under the weight, Amtrak service was interrupted, flights from area airports were cancelled, several people died as a result of the storm. In its wake, Governors issued disaster decrees. It would take the next two weeks and more to get everything back to normal.

In the days leading up to the storm, the National Weather Service issued watches and warnings. Our area was included. We watched the drama unfold on television and outside our windows. One of the most amazing things about this storm was the clear line between devastating ice and a little winter weather. One newscast had a memorable picture of a mountainside where a line appeared to mark the boundary between ice coated trees and those that were not.

The reaction of the public was predictable. If you lived in the affected part of our state you were doing your best to survive without electricity and, in some cases, heat. Even that effort proved deadly; a Bella Vista, Arkansas, couple died in their home from carbon monoxide poising produced by the fumes of a heater. The Red Cross set up emergency shelters in several communities. Businesses closed putting wage earners out of work for days. If you lived on the ice side of the line you wished you could have done more to prepare.

If you lived on the non-iced side you complained about those fool weathermen getting everyone excited about nothing. It is doubtful that anyone in our area was more than two degrees of separation from the icy side – we all know someone or knew someone who knew someone who was out of power or in distress. But it was not our houses and towns under the ice so we made light of the storm – even though we knew that only a few miles away people suffered.

It seems to me that there is a similar “ice line” between ordinary life and one marred by evil. Like the winter storm, there is a little, normal “bad weather” or there is an “ice storm” of sin and depravity. We all suffer the effects of sin to some degree. We all encounter bad things: arguments with co-workers, finances out of order, fights with a spouse, someone gossiping about us or we gossip about them, children acting up, a raise or promotion denied, criticism of our actions, the list is never ending. That is the normal “bad weather” of life.

Then there are the truly horrible things that happen in our world where sin and depravity seem to outweigh any good; these are the “ice storms” of life. A child is the victim of a serial killer or drive-by shooter or suicide bomber. Bankruptcy is the only way out of debt for the individual or the company. A spouse betrays ones trust and devastates ones happiness in a horrible divorce. Depression settles in for a long stay and the sufferer can not face each day without thoughts of suicide. This list, too, is long and painful.

The “ice line” runs through the lives of individuals and communities. Our responses are as predictable as those to a weather warning. If we are on the “bad weather” side we take little heed of the warning. We see the devastation and offer sympathy or support but we don’t live “there.” We are arrogant in our regard of those who warn of disasters. But if we live on the “ice storm” side we cry out in pain and longing. We wish we had taken heed of the good counsel we had received. We mourn. We fail; we even die in our battle to survive.

This is the state of the world. There is nothing that can completely protect any of us from the storm. Money won’t. Status won’t. Fame won’t. Position won’t. Being a good person won’t. Even being a Believer won’t. What matters is not escaping the storm but how we face it. It is by learning how to “put” all our “bad weather” challenges, difficulties, problems and pains “in Christ” that we prepare to encounter the big “ice storm” when it comes. We may live the greater part of our lives on the “bad weather” side of the line but not all. There will come a time when the predictions are all too true and we are the ones facing the ice. It is the wise man who is prepared!

30 Then I was beside Him, as a master workman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, 31 Rejoicing in the world, His earth, And having my delight in the sons of men. 32 "Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, For blessed are they who keep my ways. 33 "Heed instruction and be wise, And do not neglect it. 34 "Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. 35 "For he who finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD. 36 "But he who sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love death." The words of the Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 8:30-36

Thoughts for a Super Bowl Weekend

Some of the finest specimens of mental and physical toughness in America are those men who play intercollegiate or professional football. To see them thud and crunch into one another with breakneck speed and then jump up for the next play is a wonder to watch. Occasionally, however, one of these "warriors" takes a hard hit that leaves him stunned and lying limp on the field. Even those who are in the best physical shape and who wear the finest equipment are not immune from some of the brutal hits of the game!

When I see hard hits on the football field, I am reminded of the hard hits of life that come to us all. There is no way to escape them if you are in the game. On some plays you won’t even be touched. On others you’ll take a solid but easier hit. Yet there are times you will be hit terribly hard if you are a part of the play! There are some times when an opponent takes a cheap shot that the referee may not see or call! Sometimes the hard hits and cheap shots even come from those on our own team!

The hard hits of life are inevitable for those who play the game for Christ. They are also necessary and beneficial to the one who understands the Heavenly Coach’s process! Hebrews 12:11 puts it beautifully … "no discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful, later on however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." The old adage "no pain, no gain" is as true as ever! The hard hits of life leave us hurt, confused, and weak. The time it takes to come back from those hits depends on our level of maturity. With the wisdom of Christ and the understanding of His greater purpose in our lives, we discover by faith that hurts can be healed, the confusion can turn to wisdom, and the weakness can become strength!

The Bullet of Discovery: Post-Modern Virtual Reality or God’s Reality

I see the fake irrelevance and pretense of our culture all around us. Columnist Suzanne Fields has expressed it beautifully: “Television dramas, talk-show celebrities, news anchors all create a synthetic sense of community. Common references require no time-consuming obligations, no icky closeness. It’s less important that we live vicariously than that we feel vicariously, a post-modern virtue. It’s no coincidence that the only show that exceeds Seinfield in popularity is ER. It creates urgency, the modern version of the tragic idea that, “there but for the grace of God go I.” It helps us to think ahead at a faster pace … we get to feel someone else’s pain-painlessly.” In modern American Christianity, the emphasis is almost totally on what we feel rather than what we are to be in Christ!

The Lord is shaking many of His people so that our attention will be drawn to first realities. Pray that a remnant of us will opt for His peace and calmness in the chaos of this “fast-forward” world.

One of my favorite hymns from college expresses my own heart’s desire. My prayer is similar for Christians everywhere:

Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside,
So enchained my spirit’s vision,
Looking at the Crucified.

(All for Jesus by Mary James: the beautiful melody I like is from The Crucifixion, by John Stainer. To hear it click on the link to it on this All for Jesus Page.)

The Bullet of Discovery: Does Knowing the Creator God Make a Difference?

To discover Christ Jesus as Savior and to experience His Lordship daily in our lives is to live according to “the Gospel of the Christ Life.”

Even though all churchmen say they believe and even pretend that God is alive, His mighty promises to all too many of us are lifeless. It’s a staggering thought to know that many Christians find the Creator God too trivial and limiting to excite their lives and captivate their hearts.

Os Guinness beautifully stated that “if God is dead, then nature is morally ambivalent, reason is only a tool to power, and human freedom is fiction.” As Christians we must build lives where the wondrous details of the written and living Word of God make us alive in the incredulous claims and promises of the Master.

The Bullet of Pressure: Storms and Walking on Water

God is always initiating storms in our lives that we can’t handle. Do you remember the story of Peter and the disciples in the middle of the Sea of Galilee in that great storm? Peter was able to walk on water only after Jesus told him he could.

Strange, isn’t it, that many of us think that we can walk on water without God’s power. The Father wants all Christians to live supernaturally and many of us have sunk trying just like Peter. When we look to self we sink … when we look to God we walk! The simple reason for our failure is that we have lived by our own wills and not by the Word of God.

Until we know God has said something to us through His Word, we’d better stay in the boat! What storms has God initiated in your life to prompt you to let Him cope for you? You’d better not get out of the boat until you’ve settled that question.

The Bullet of Pressure: Why Do We Encounter Problems?

One of the most liberating and thrilling truths for the Christian is how to handle problems. Everyone has situations that frustrate them … everyone feels pressure … why?

One of the great revelations of Scripture is that God allows pressures to come into our lives so that He can get our attention. All of us run from truth and try to disguise our petty plans and pygmy lives with the cloak of real meaning. As creatures of the Creator we can not escape His efforts to teach us that He matters most.

A dear friend of mine tells the story of his five-year old boy who was trying to climb a tree and ended up hanging by both hands from a limb that looked real high for a small boy. His mother approached for the rescue just in time to hear him pray … “God, help me! Jesus, help me! One of you, please do something!!” I don’t know about his theology of the Trinity but he certainly know he was in a place beyond his ability to cope. The person who discovers that life is too big to cope with without God makes earth’s most thrilling discovery.

You, Me, Moses and "I Am"!

Consider, one of the most remarkable statements found in Scripture. It is God’s response to a question by Moses. In three little letters – only two words – is unleashed a greater explosive power than when man split the atom and released nuclear energy.

You remember the story. The event of the burning bush in Exodus 3 is one of the classics of the Bible. The Lord had called Moses to leadership. Moses was chosen to bear the weight and responsibility of leading people from the pit to the promise – from slavery to salvation – from mediocrity to meaning.

Moses tries to convince God he’s not the man for such a major sacrifice! (Don’t we all?) Yet the Lord will not leave him alone! Nor will the Master give any of us that luxury! The man who has accepted Christ will be constantly exhorted, by light discipline to hard chastisement, to accept more of His cross. The longsuffering Job but it beautifully, “O Watcher of Heaven, why has Thou made me Your target?”

Moses knows He can’t escape “the truth of the Presence” so he pleads inadequacy. (One of our favorite ploys, I hear it in the church all the time!) “Who am I,” says Moses, :”to challenge Pharaoh and deliver Israel?” (Exodus 3:11)

The Lord implies that Moses is rather dense and has missed the whole point. The strength for the impossible is not dependent on “who Moses is” but on “who God chooses to be with!”

Once he realizes that, Moses questions what response that will evoke from others, in this case, the over one million Hebrews enslaved in Egypt! What authority can he have as one little man using the term “God of your fathers?” (3:13) Anyone could do that! They will expect more and want evidence.

Then Moses is told to tell them, “I Am,” (or a variant in Hebrew, “I Will”), “has sent you!” God determines that when Moses speaks in the Name of I Am, He, God, shall accompany that revelation with the power of conviction and demonstration! History confirms the fantastic results, the ten plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea and the giving of the Ten Commandments.

I Am says it all. I used to think the Lord missed it here by not finishing that declaration! For example, I Am the Greatest, or I Am the Power! Now I realize that would have been limiting and inadequate. I Am is Who He Is. The unlimited and inexhaustible Responder to all that comes against Him in rebellion or comes to Him in need. When Satan came against Him, the Lord demonstrated I Am your Superior! When man insists on his sinful rebellion, God says, I Am your Judge.

When the Christian is weak, God says, I Am your Strength. When you are lonely, He says, I Am your Friend. When you are in the dark and lost, He says, I Am your Light! To every need you or I can name, the Lord says, I Am your Answer … and lets us fill in the blank. Fantastic!

Is there an exciting, practical application for Biblical manhood? It is so obvious. A man is nothing unless he becomes God-dependent! Discipleship, the pursuit of and obedience to Christ – is nothing more than the deepening discover of the One who calls Himself I Am Who I Am. The goal is to turn “Who am I” men into those who can know and say, “I am God’s man in Christ.” Such confidence is the seed knowledge of all spiritual triumph.

As a Biblical man, I must never thing first of “what is” but “what I am” because of I Am. In response to unbelievable financial pressure, the Biblical man says, “I am confident.” Regarding his betrayal by key personnel who have jeopardized his business, he testifies, “I am a man who endures.” In reaction to a severe physical problem or failed health, he declares, “I am one who finds the Master’s purpose in everything!” Perhaps best of all, the “I Am” man has discovered the key to a happy and significant marriage. As a Biblical man, my mind is not to be focused on what expectations my wife should fulfill toward me but always on what “I am” to her.

The Biblical man never considers any situation or circumstance as the major issue. No! Only one thought dominates. It’s not “what is” but what “I am” in the midst of “what is” that reveals my true passion to follow my Master!

The Lord told Moses to tell Israel “I Am has sent me.” Yet to Moses, He revealed His deeper purpose and more intimate Name when He called Himself I Am Who I Am. The lesson here is that true men must always know the deeper character of their Creator. The greatest Christian who ever lived captured this insight. The Apostle Paul took Exodus 3:14 and phrased it as every Biblical man’s highest ambition, “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” (I Corinthians 15:10)

Nothing matters for the Biblical man other than being what “I am” by Christ’s power and for Christ’s glory! Only then will everything else matter as it should! Only then will we enter into the exhilarating and life-changing experience of knowing I Am has also laid His hand on us!

Prayer Power

J. Sidlow Baxter had a way of phrasing things that makes them memorable. The following is one such thought:

Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons … but they are helpless against our prayers.

J. Sidlow Baxter

Reaction Time

Someone once told me that it is not a man’s actions, but his reactions that prove his strength of character. The older I get, the more this makes sense. Actions can be planned, though through. Reactions come immediately, suddenly, with little chance to prepare.

I remember driving down the street some time ago talking to a young university student about his future. I was happy with the world, thinking through my thoughts as I shared with this young man, and I was musing to myself that I was doing a pretty good job of stating forth the faith. Suddenly, a car pulled in front of me without signaling. At this point it would have be nice to say it was a “crazy woman driver,” but unfortunately, it was one of my own gender who, at the last moment, had decided he was going to make a turn. I hope I don’t lose faith with the “holy readers” of this column or that my rabbinical dignity is tarnished too easily by the following confession; but my reaction to the maneuvering of this male drive was one of surprise, fear and intense irritation as I threw on my breaks to keep from hitting him. I found myself thinking I’d like to tell him a few things; but as I calmed down, I realized I had been guilty of the same offense on many occasions.

The above experience is true of all of us in all areas of life. We think we can take honest criticism until someone tells us where we are wrong. We think we can love everyone until the very unlovable person confronts us with his unlovability. We pride ourselves on being rational until our emotions are stirred. We deceive ourselves into thinking we’re on top of the situation until a mood of passion destroys us.

A man’s reactions always are a finer test of what he really is than his actions. Jesus Christ said that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Quite a few years ago a young man brutally murdered eight nurses in Chicago as they came to their apartment, one by one. He didn’t suddenly decide to do this, but had been thinking dirty and ignorantly for years. His reaction to this opportunity simply displayed the thrust of his thoughts. He though evil for years, and it finally came out. A man never suddenly goes wrong, but rather is suddenly found out.

If you want to know what a man is thinking, watch his actions over a long period of time; for as our Lord said, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” All of Jesus’ reactions were perfect. That’s because His mind was constantly set on God. He controlled His actions as well as His reactions. That’s the test of greatness. How do you test out?

The Bullet of Value: Words verses Righteousness

Words are cheap! What we all should hunger for is the reality of truth in life behind the words we speak! In my book the only way for a person to be righteous is to gain the mind of Christ! We discover the mind of Christ by understanding the Bible as confirmed by the leadership of the Spirit. It’s a slow process!

Some folks are “religious” with no desire to be “righteous.” They may even use the Bible to beat others over the head and to justify their own prejudicial ways! Other folks are genuinely sincere in wanting to comprehend and obey the way of Christ, and they agonize over their slow progress! Rest assured that God knows the difference between them!

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

The Bullet of Forgiveness: Being a Little Child

Allow me to use my younger grandchildren for an illustration of an important truth. One morning in my devotions, I was rather depressed at the messy life that seemed to plague me. My past failures and future weaknesses looked bleak. As I “discussed this” with the Savior in prayer HE reminded me that I was His “little child.” My depression originated in my false assumptions about my supposed maturity. We may be 40, 50, 70 or 80 but when we are in the presence of the Heavenly Father we are all as a “little child!”

Little children act like little children. They mess up, don’t get it and play when they should think. Their happiest reality is the “world of pretend.” The sudden realization of all this came alive for me when I thought of my small grandchildren. The past for them holds no guilt and the future holds no fear. Their contentment is full when they are with their Poppy (that’s me!!) on one of our “Dates”! My presence makes their past and future secondary if not irrelevant. All that matters is our being together on some new adventure! So it is when I am truly “in the presence” of the Father. He is with me in “the now” and whatever we do together is secondary, although pleasing. Why let the past or future mess up the wonder of our present?

I am liberated from my goof-ups and sense of uselessness when I accept the fact I am the Lord’s “little child.” He loves and forgives me as I do my “little children.” He is with me and I find myself more alive because of it.

These simple thoughts constitute the ground of forgiveness. The inability to forgive crushes the ability to live. Until we truly see “the light of God” and accept our status as “little children” the explosive power of forgiveness will forever elude us. Forgiveness is the Father’s greatest word! Our “little children” are our greatest lesson on what forgiveness means!

Determine to live in His presence and to discover forgiveness … for God , for others, for yourself and for the church … then you will find all your heart has ever sought … just like a little child!

“Suffer the little children to come unto me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)

Pictuare Credit: Children Playing, RA Stites

The Specter and Hope of a New Year

Hopefully the troubles of this past year, what ever they may have been, will fade quickly for those who are wise and growing in truth. The past no longer exists except in our minds. It’s gone! Over! Through!! Nothing is left but to redeem it in the present. If not we become its slave! The past must however be “remembered right” or it haunts us! Most of us can’t seem to let it go … especially the bad things. We find the struggle exceedingly intense to truly forget our deepest wounds or losses, our foolish, even dumb mistakes, and our missed opportunities.

The same anxiety also grips us about the future. There are fears galore about keeping our jobs, management panic, over-extended finances, holding our marriages together, battling health concerns … even death, concern about our children, our burdens about our nation, and … above all … a vague yet nagging sense that we might not have what it takes to endure and conquer all that is to come in the year ahead.

One truth is obvious. If you continually collect your guilt and frustrations from your past and add to them your fears and doubts about your future, you will be a successful candidate for living THE DISPARING LIFE. Pity is the only word for the poor fools whose problems, pain and panic always seem greater than God’s promises, pardon and power! Alas, at times we have all too often played the fool.

For those of us who have put our lives, our troubles and our hopes in “the man” Christ Jesus, there is a promise of revelation of truth “beyond ourselves.” The solution to my trouble is not in me but in the Father. For instance, the Scriptures teach us we are to worship the God of “the eternal now!”(1 Chronicles 16:36; Psalm 41:12,13) It is today that matters most … not yesterday or tomorrow!

The concepts of past and future are human categories necessitated by our limitations as created beings. But if we comprehend the Father’s eternality we demolish the concepts of past and future as controllers over our lives. That’s hard … yes … almost impossible to grasp … but it is true. With yielded hearts and eager minds it is possible to glimpse the wonder of eternity. An illustration might help.

Jesus declared He was “the light of the world” (John 8:12). If one knows the properties of light this is a staggering claim. Light is warmth (sun), food (plants must have it to grow), revelation (it illuminates) and energy (laser, etc.). Light is also speed at 186,000 miles per second. If you fired a beam of light around the circumference of the earth it would circle our planet seven times in one second!! Distance is increasingly irrelevant with speed like that! Being eternal has the same relationship to the concepts of past and future as the speed of light has to distance. To know “The Light” of God is to escape the bondage of the past and future! Time is increasingly irrelevant with an eternity like ours. Time only exists to be dealt with while we move on to greater things!

Best wishes from the Staff of Ventures for Christ for a new year lived fully in the Light! Those who truly follow Christ are free from the darkness of their past and the darkness of their future (John 8:12). Why should any darkness dominate us when our NOW is filled with an inexhaustible Light that will never leave us! To live the Christ Life is to point Christ’s Light at every darkness that threatens our peace. So may it be with us all in 2007 as never before!

Christmas

Opening
Lighting of the candles to the playing of The Light of the World is Jesus.

Meditation
The Light of the World

Jesus was born to a Jewish family who was of the “house and lineage” of David, the great king of Israel. He was Jewish, the King of the Jews, and came to the Jews as he said on several occasions. But he also came for the rest of us as the scripture we will look at today shows. Sometimes the magnitude of including gentiles as equal partners in the worship of God gets lost after so many years of Christian worship. The following story reminds us of how revolutionary the message of Jesus really is.

Sandra Edster tells of how her eldest daughter began a family tradition when she brought a very unusual element to the family nativity scene. When she was little, Regena had a favorite small ceramic pig. Sandra had carefully set out her handmade nativity and was surprised to find Regena’s pig sitting beside the manger looking at the baby. She thought, “What, a pig in a Jewish stable? You wouldn’t have found any pigs there!” She was going to remove the little pig when a wonderful insight from God spoke to her – “Aren’t we gentiles the pigs in that Jewish stable? I’m THAT pig!”

The Gospel, the Good News, came to all people but it came first to the Jews. It was to His people that Jesus, the Light of the World first shown. Let us consider the meaning of that Light as we celebrate Christmas.

In the Biblical account the light came to the shepherds at night, in the dark. In the history of Israel, the Light came in the dark of occupation by the pagan, gentile Romans. In the lives of sin darkened men the Light of the World still comes!

The Gospel of John opens with a great theological statement about the coming of the Light. As you listen to the scripture consider what it means to know the Light, to show the Light, to be one with the Light!

Scripture
John 1:1-18 (New King James)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' " 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

Hymn
Join us as we sing (some good choices):
Good Christian Men Rejoice
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
One Day

Prayer
Please pray that each of us will walk in the Light of Jesus to the Glory of the Heavenly Father not only at Christmas but every day of the year.

Closing
The Candles remain lit until the end of the service when the person who lit them blows them out.

Blessings to you and yours this glad Christmas day from all of us at Ventures for Christ.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Opening
Lighting of the candles to the playing of a hymn such as We Three Kings.

Meditation
Gifts Reward The Giver As Well As The Recipient

At Christmas we spend a lot of time, money, and energy on buying presents to please our family and friends. As we do, we are imitating a trio of ancient gentile gift givers, the three Wise Men. They brought the baby Jesus rare and costly gifts.

We see the practical value of these gifts as Jesus’ family fled the evil plan of King Herod to kill the young child who was also King of the Jews. But what did the three Wise Men receive from giving rich gifts to the Christ Child? They had the opportunity to see the successful end of their quest, to serve the Savior, and to experience far more of God than they had expected when they left home. We can only imagine the satisfaction they felt as they began their homeward journey.

On this Christmas morning we are gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus. There are many gifts we can bring to him even more than 2000 years after his birth. The reward of the Wise Men is still available to all who seek to find the King of the Jews.

Scripture
Matthew 2:1-23(New King James)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' " 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also." 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him." 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son." 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more." 19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child's life are dead." 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

Hymn
Join us in song: (some good choices listed below)
We Three Kings
Go Tell it on the Mountain
O Come, All Ye Faithful

Prayer
Ask someone to pray that we are thankful for the “Greatest Gift”.

Closing
The Candles remain lit until the end of the service when the person who lit them blows them out.