Reconciliation

God has one great desire: Reconciliation - the return of mankind to relationship with himself.  "He is not willing that any should perish but that all come to repentance" (1 Pet 3:10).  Therefore, godliness requires that reconciliation be a prime mover to us as well. 

Instead, we too often settle for conciliation as a poor substitute.  The difference being that reconciliation is to restore relationship while conciliation is simply to end the conflict. 

Divorce is conciliation as it ends the struggle (actually it ends a struggle while initiating many others).  Not talking to one another can make it seem peaceful, but the divide may be widening in the quiet and a storm brewing. 

Reconciling a checking account can be difficult, time consuming and frustrating.  It is much easier to simply toss the ledger in the trash and not deal with the divide between your record and the bank's.  Except that, the divide continues to grow until one day your account is overdrawn and you are accruing overcharges.

Reconciliation may be more much more difficult to accomplish and can be more painful in the process than conciliation but the results are restorative, healing and God-honoring.   

Don't settle for a false peace of quiet that allows the divide between you and others to widen.  Don't sell yourself, your family, friends and acquaintances short - let God's aim of reconciliation be your goal.  Jus' Say'n.

Seeds

In Mark 4:26,27,  Jesus said that the kingdom of God is like the seed scattered on the ground by a farmer - it sprouts and grows whether he is awake or asleep. The seed grows even though the farmer may not know how. 

The point made is that when you prayerfully, carefully and lovingly plant seeds of change; whether in relationships, finances, parenting, spiritual development or whatever; God can make things happen even when you can't see how or aren't actively working on it at times. 

The same thing can happen if we prayerlessly, carelessly and selfishly plant seeds of change.  Regardless of where we plant them, they will take root and grow whether we are consciously and actively tending to them or not.  Financial loss, disrespectful children, failed marriage, spiritual reversal - any and all will grow accordingly.

The point is to take our eyes off self and look to the Spirit of Christ to guide our steps and determine our ways - to lean on and trust in Him rather than work for and depend on self: "Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Gal 6:8-9).  Jus' Say'n.

Fanatic!

She wasn't on the guest list, she wasn't sanctioned by the religious elites, she was shunned by most - she was out of her element, out of her comfort zone, unwelcomed by the host but, nonetheless, she broke open the jar of perfume and poured it on the Messiah (cf Mark 14:3-9).  

She was not a fan, she was a fanatic!  Jesus said that her audacious behavior would be talked about wherever the Gospel is preached. The talk started that day - Jesus blessing her action, while "decent folk" blasted it. 

Funny how often decent religious folk and Jesus are at odds. We want things tame but He wants passions unleashed. We want things to be reasonable but he wants us love when reason says run. We want to err on the side of caution while He wants us to risk serving in dangerous places and among dangerous or dirty looking people. 

He wants us, like that woman, to "do what we can" not do what little we can without taking the risk of bursting our comfort zone. He calls us, in love, to do what we would not do, go where we would not go, say what we would not say.

Have I said too much?  Do you think I'm being a bit over-the-top or fanatical?  Dear Lord, I hope so!  Jus' Say'n.

Busy

It's a busy world in which we live. So many thing clamor for our attention that we sometimes are overwhelmed to the point we simply don't have time for everything.  Sadly quiet time is often the first thing to go.  But do we gain time by cutting out moments with God & His Word?  

The story is told of 2 lumber jacks competing to see who could cut the most board foot in an 8 hr period. The young jack noticed the older competitor sitting under a tree 15 min out of each hour.  But he kept cutting straight through to gain an advantage. 

At the end, the old jack cut more. The young jack, incredulously asked, "How is it possible you cut more when you took so many breaks?"  The old jack smiled and said, "I was sharpening my saw in those breaks."  

When Israel was faced with one of its greatest challenges, they were encouraged to "Be still and know I am God"(Ps 46:10) instead of gearing up. Jesus warned those worried about the necessities of life to "Seek first the Kingdom of God" (Matt 6:33), not work harder or faster.  

When we are too busy, we are Burdened Under Satan's Yoke and need quiet time with God to free us from that trap. Don't leave out the one thing that can lift you out of this rut..take time alone with God daily.  Jus' Say'n.

Grace Not Grit

His ears vibrated by the piercing sound of the rooster's crowing, then his eyes were locked by the Savior's knowing look. Peter had failed - he had indeed denied The Lord three times before the rooster crowed that morning (cf Lk 22:60, 61).  

Peter was shocked and sickened by his own weakness, "he ran outside and wept" (vs 62).  However, Jesus was not surprised at all, he knew Peter would fail - yet, he chose the fisherman anyway and would return to affirm him after his resurrection (cf Jn 21:15-19).  

When you fail again (and you will), you may be surprised and sickened by your failure. But The Lord will be neither. Christ will be waiting to lift you up and affirm your place and your worth in his kingdom. 

You didn't earn your place in the kingdom and you don't keep it that way either, it is a gift of God (cf Eph 2:8-10).  Each time you fail, just thank The Lord for his gift and glorify Him by trying again. It's grace, after all, not grit.  Jus' Say'n.

Scattering Seed

In Mark 4:26,27,  Jesus said that the kingdom of God is like the seed scattered on the ground by a farmer - it sprouts and grows whether he is awake or asleep. The seed grows even though the farmer may not know how. 

When you prayerfully plant seeds of change, whether in relationships, finances, parenting or whatever, God can make things happen even when you can't see how or aren't actively working on it at times, "For God can do more than we can ask or imagine according to his power at work within us" (Eph 3:20).

The point is to do what you can, do everything in His name and then trust in Him to complete the work, "For the Lord works everything for the good of those who love him" (Rom 8:28).  Jus' Say'n.

Serving This Day

Are you waiting to hear God's plan for your life so you can begin?  Do you hope to do something really worthwhile for the Kingdom someday?  Do you think your life is out there "somewhere over the rainbow" and that someday, when you get there, you're finally going to fly like the Bluebird "way up high?"  I don't really think so. 

Martin Luther once said, "There are only two days on my calendar, this day and that Day."  Annie Dillard said, "How we live our days is how we live our lives."  In other words, life won't begin someday, it's already started. As Paul wrote in 2 Cor 6:2b, "Now is the time of God"s favor, now is the day of salvation."  

God has placed you on a path with divine intersections all along the way to allow you to serve Him. And one day, he may have a mega-opportunity set before you. But for now, His purpose is for you to serve daily where you are with what you have, and in so doing, you may be accomplishing much more than you know.

Just so you know, here are your marching orders - your purpose: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the household of believers" (Gal 6:10).  Jus' Say'n.

Dropping Your Net

In Luke 5, Jesus tells Peter to take his boat out into the deep water and drop his nets.  Peter, an experienced fisherman, had been up all night, tirelessly trying to catch fish that were nowhere to be found, had stayed after long enough to hear Jesus speak and was undoubtedly ready to go to bed instead of drop nets in the same waters he had already experienced as fruitless. 

Nonetheless, Peter said, "because you say so, I will" (v 5).  And so he dropped his net, catching so many fish he had to call his partners, James and John, to bring another boat!

Principle: Obeying God may not always seem attractive but God can bless us in ways we would not have believed. Note that Peter didn't say he knew that he would catch fish - quite the opposite, he didn't think there were any fish to catch, but chose to obey anyway.

Application: When God's Word is clear as to what you are to do, when you feel the tug of the Spirit on your heart to act, when Jesus shows up with a divine opportunity for you to respond, don't allow Satan to tell you why you couldn't or shouldn't do it, just drop your net and let God grant the increase!  Jus' Say'n.

Just Do It!

You have to love Moses' final point in his debate with God over choosing him to deliver Israel: "O Lord, please send someone else to do it" (Ex 4:13).  Having run out of excuses, he gets to the root of his resistance: He just didn't even want to try something so far above his ability.

Moses' feelings of inadequacy were so strong that he didn't believe even God could help him pull off standing up to Pharoah and freeing the enslaved nation of Israel. Having fled Egypt in shame, rejected by Israel and threatened by Egypt, how could he possibly become the Emancipator of Israel - But He did!

He rose from a shepherd of Sheep to being the Shepherd of Israel, standing toe-to-toe against Pharaoh and gaining freedom for his people, not because he was so equipped for the task but because God so equipped him for it.  The final word on Moses' was incredible: "Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face (Deut 34:10). 

And, this same God can equip you to do whatever He calls you to do - despite how inadequate you may feel. In fact, God "can do more than you can ask or imagine according to His power at work within you" (Eph 3:20). When you feel God calling you to do something beyond your ability, instead of running away, put on your spiritual Nikes and with His help, "Just Do It!"

Fixing Thoughts

Solomon warned, "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Prov 23:7, NKJV).  This truth ought to give us some pause in regard to how we condition our minds. 

You see, our mind determines who we are and who we are becoming. And the mind bases what it thinks on what it sees and hears, primarily.

 So, the pause: What are you feeding your mind?  What are your eyes gazing upon?  What are your ears tuned in to?  It's your choice what goes in but once in there, it will grow and develop.  As the apostle Paul put, "A man reaps what he sows" (Gal 6:7, NIV).

Think about it this way: When you look for the best in others, it brings out the best in you.  When you reflect on grace, it becomes the model for your life.  When your eyes are filled with godliness, godliness becomes the central theme of your life.

Here is the vision upon which to build your life: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life appears, then you will also appear with him in glory" (Col 3:2-4).  Jus' Say'n.

Bored

I read once about a missionary's attempt to translate the word "bored" to a tribe of African bushmen. They did not understand the concept. The closest he could come was tired. 

In a culture that has no TV, IPads, Facebook, Twitter, video games, etc.; they cannot conceive of being bored. Whereas we, with 200 plus channels to view, an average of 4.5 hours of TV per day, video games at our fingertips and an IPhone stuck to our ear are Tweeting about how bored we are. 

 Could it be that the gods of entertainment cannot truly satisfy our souls?  Could it be that Augustine was right in saying, "Our souls are restless until we find rest in Thee?"  

Maybe if we would immerse ourselves in the Word and busy ourselves in Kingdom work, tiredness would become the closest thing to boredom in our vocabulary.  Jus' Say'n.

The Bottom Line

The rich farmer in Luke 12:16-21, who, after having a bonus harvest, tore down his old barns to build new ones, thinking to himself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years.  Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry" (v. 19), was trusting in the bottom line instead of the higher plane. 

Thinking only of how he could increase his own margin of comfort, dismissing any good he could do with his excess and having no thought of others that had little or nothing, he was left having everything he wanted in life except another day - he died that very night, leaving it all behind (v.20). He truly thought his bottom line was the answer to security in life but instead, he bottomed out.  

Mankind hasn't changed much over the last 2000 years.  We are still chasing the dollar bill as if it will truly provide us security, satisfaction and significance.   But if so, why is it then that couples married for a long time always look back fondly at those early, lean years as some of their happiest and most fulfilling times? 

The problem is that we have been conditioned to believe that our worth is measured in dollars and cents - something we can never have enough of and cannot insure we'll keep. But the truth is that God settled our worth on the cross (cf. Jn 3:16) as of inestimable value, a value that we don't have to pad for security, as His value is secure for eternity and there is noting we can add to God's bottom line, which exists on the highest plane.  Jus' Say'n.

Lifting Up

Hanging tough or holding on to your beliefs and principles in difficult times is admirable.  Too many give in and give up when the pressure to conform to a group or compromise to get ahead is applied.  It is easier to go along to get along than to continue steadfastly in the face of opposition.  And it is so tempting to pass on keeping faith when we are trying to get ahead.

To resist the temptation to compromise, to hold your head up when the circumstances of life are holding you down requires character.  We should applaud those efforts in others and seek to be steadfast in our own lives.  But, as Christians, we are called to more.  Holding on is not enough, we are called to strengthen others, to lift them up, helping them along the way.

Listen to the words found in Hebrews 10:23-24, "Hold unswervingly to our hope...And consider how we may spur one another on...". If we don't hold on, we will be brought down but if we only hang on, we may fail to rise up.  And if we only concern ourselves with ourselves, we are leaning toward selfish more than selfless, which is a loosening of our grip on godliness.

The point is that we are not placed on this earth to make the journey alone, we are called as community and charged with mutually helping one another along the way.  Holding on is worthy pursuit but falls short of God's desire if it doesn't extend to lifting up others and helping them get a solid grip as well.  So, get a grip and grab a hand.  Jus' Say'n.

God vs gods

The apostle Paul stresses emphatically in Ephesians 4:6 that there is only "one God."  The law-giver Moses affirms just as surely in Exodus 20:3 that there are "other gods."  So, is Paul or Moses correct?  Yes!  They are correct.  Uh, both?  Yes.

There is only one God who created us, one God who is  "exalted above the heavens" (Heb 7:26).  However, there are many gods that we create and exalt in our hearts, paying tribute to in our lives.

Just think of the sacrifices we lay on that altar of success.  Consider how many men have sacrificed their families as they bow down to their lusts and sexual indiscretions. Think of all those who have offered up their freedom paying tribute to greed.

These gods, those things we worship with our time, energy and resources are forever in our ears whispering, "You know you're itching for this, go ahead and scratch" or "Who cares what anyone else says or wants or needs, you deserve this for yourself" or "You only have one life, get all you can while you can."

These gods that we raise up in our hearts command a greater commitment in the moment than we have for the Lord Jesus Christ.  This serving self or success or sexuality or sensation that rivals and sometimes eclipses our love for God becomes a god to us.  To these gods we give up, give over and give in risking much more than they are worth because of their control over us.

But there is only one true God, one who is able to provide life eternal, redeeming us from eternal separation of the soul.   And, as Jesus asks, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (Matt 16:26).

So, who or what will you serve?  Will you serve the God of Creation or the gods you have created?  Jus' Ask'n.

True Lies

When I was full-time preaching and even now as a chaplain, I have often had individuals say to me, "I don't really need a church."  They usually follow up with something like, "I can worship anywhere."

My reaction to that sentiment can be summed up in the title of the 1994 Arnold Swarchzenegger movie "True Lies."  It is true that we don't need church to worship as we can worship anytime and anywhere, but it is a lie that church is simply a place to worship.

In fact, church is not a place at all, it is people who "come together as a church" (1 Cor 11:18).  And, when the church comes together, the primary purpose is not to allow its members to worship, which they can do anywhere, it is "to encourage one another" (Heb 10:25), which can only be accomplished when they assemble.

Additionally, the apostle Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit assigns us as various parts of the body (church) of Christ and each has a function that is carried out collectively (cf. 1 Cor 12:1ff.).  Could you imagine your feet not going to a salon when your head attends for a styling.  How about your feet going in for a pedicure but leaving your head at home?  And what if your hands didn't come to open the door or your eyes to find the salon?

The whole body functions together, regardless of which part is receiving the attention that particular day.  And some days it is for a full-body massage and spa, but often it is one part or another.  In any case, the whole body attends together, each member in support of the others.  Jus' Say'n.

Two Cents Worth

I haven't heard the phrase in a while but we used to talk about "putting in our two cents worth," as we added to a discussion or finding an answer.  The back drop of putting in our two cents actually goes back into the time of Jesus on earth when he observed the rich giving large sums into the Temple treasury and then noticed that "a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins" (Mk 12:42).

His assessment of her gift was counterintuitive to the cultural norms of the day and our day as well.  Instead of noting how little she had to give, he pointed out the depth of her giving saying, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything---all she had to live on" (vv. 43-44).

The widow put in her two cents worth but it was the best, the most, the full extent of what she had to offer.  She didn't hold back anything in reserve, she gave her all.  Jesus, thereby, set a standard of giving that was measured not by the amount one gives but the percentage one gives.  Rather than weigh one's gift on a scale, he weighs it proportion to one's heart.

If one gives a great amount but the gift reflects only a perfunctory level of giving to the individual as it was hardly noticed and the gift meant very little to the individual, it means very little to God.  If, on the other hand, one gives a small amount but that gift represents a heartfelt desire to participate and the amount of the gift is meaningful to the individual, the gift means a lot to God.

It isn't how much you give, it's how you give.  Do you give the leftovers coming from a level of concern that barely registers on matters of the heart.  Or, do you give without regard to what you might have leftover coming from the core of the concern of your heart?

The apostle Paul marvels at this level of giving from the Macedonian Christians: "And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us." (2 Cor 8:1-5).

Here's the question I'd like you to reflect upon: Does that sound familiar or fanatical to you?  Do you aspire to give from this level of heart or does the thought give you heart burn?  Are you willing to give your all to Jesus or is the amount you've been offering all you're willing to give?  What is your two cents worth?  Jus' Ask'n.

Finding Purpose

I often hear my patients say, "I know I'm still here for a reason, I just wish God would let me know what it is."  My response to them is to ask what it is they can do.  Often they will say they can't do anything because they are confined to a bed or housebound.  At this point I often say that they can still pray, that they can still greet others with a smile, that they can praise God, that as long as there is breath in their bodies and the capacity to reason, they can serve.

As far as God's purpose for them, I ask them to look around and see what or who needs their attention.  Often family members are working hard to take care of them and need their prayers.  There are others they know of that are going through difficult times that need prayers or a kind word.  My point is that whatever good they see that they can do is a call from God to them.

The same principle applies to the rest of us who are not housebound or confined to a bed.  We may not have a sense of some grand purpose that would be defined as an ongoing ministry but we do come face-to-face with divine encounters of the daily kind - appointments God has arranged for us to keep and opportunities to serve.

Whenever you see someone in need and you have the time, capacity and resources to help - you have a God-given purpose right before your eyes. Whenever you find yourself thinking, "Someone should do something about..." then you are encountering a divine purpose to either do something about it or try to find someone who can.  And if neither are possible, it is an opportunity to pray about it.

While God may have some specific ministry in mind for you or a grand opportunity to serve, every day, he puts opportunities in your path for service in word or deed or thought.  Whether called to direct action or the indirect action of prayer, there are daily opportunities for ministry.

Solomon put it this way, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (Eccl 9:10).  The apostle Paul adds, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Gal 6:10).  The teaching is clear, as you observe that which you can do something about, go to it!  Do what you can, with what ability you have to do it.  This is always God purpose for you.  Jus' Say'n.

The Valley

As my patients are terminal, a passage of Scripture that many gravitate toward is Psalm 23, especially the part that says, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (v. 4).  It is very comforting to know that their journey through that valley will not be made solo, that the Good Shepherd will escort them across.

However, the question must be begged, "Why does the Good Shepherd allow his sheep to make a journey through such a valley?  Why would he not just turn them back at the valley's edge?  Wouldn't it make more sense just to keep them on this side of the valley?  No.

The Lord isn't being derelict in his Shepherding duties, he isn't allowing unnecessary dismay or distress to be visited upon his sheep, rather he is providing what is vital for them: Safe passage to the place where life and sustenance are found without measure, without end; where we will find the green pasture, quiet waters and the house of the Lord, where we shall dwell forever (cf. Ps 23:2,3,6).

On this side of the valley, life can only be sustained for a short while.  For our life here is "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (Js 4:14).  The sheep have no choice but to leave, entering the dark valley.  However, to do so on their own puts them at the mercy of our "enemy the devil [who] prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8). This side of the valley cannot sustain life and the valley will not permit it without the presence of the Good Shepherd.

Passage through the dark valley, far from being a curse, is vital to our survival.  We can't stay here, we can't navigate the dark valley safely alone, our only hope is to answer the call of the Good Shepherd, who will take us from this dry and barren land across the dark and deadly valley and into the blessed and bountiful Promise Land.  Jus' Say'n.

I Shall Not Want

Yesterday a 91 year-old widow and I were discussing Psalm 23.  We talked about the faithfulness of the Good Shepherd.  An extremely important part of the Psalm is the fact that the sheep would not want or be left in need of anything.  It is a very comforting truth to share with one who is facing a loss of any kind.

To know that Jesus is with you and he will be providing for you allows even the one standing at the edge of life to be at ease.  To know that it is the Shepherd, not the sheep, that will meet our needs allows us to rest peacefully in his arms.  If...

If what?  If we allow him.  If we let go of the control of our lives, then the Shepherd leads, restores, guides, comforts, prepares and appoints.  But if we foolishly attempt to make our own way, chart our own course, try to take his place thinking our own selves sufficient, we make a terrible mistake that will leave us in want.

As Jesus promises, "Come unto me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest" (Mt 22:28).  It is in turn to him not in turning things around that brings peace.  Jesus will save, Jesus will heal, trust him.  Jus' Say'n.

Not My Enemy

The early disciples seemed to have a tribe mentality of inclusion and exclusion: “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” (Mk 9:38).  Apparently only those who were a known part of their group were accepted as part of God's children and followers of Christ.  All others had to be accepted and ordained by them before they could be considered disciples.

 Jesus, however, had a different standard of inclusion: “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us" (vv. 39-40).  Jesus' standard of inclusion was not branding but behavior.  He was concerned with what they did not with whom they were associated.

As I watched the President address the joint-assembly of Congress last night, I noticed that many Democrats sat on their hands even when statements were made that they are know to approve of otherwise.  But in this setting, there was clear tribalism that marked the enemy by personal association not by promise of action.

I was not surprised, it is the state of politics today.  I doubt, in this hyper-partisan state that we live in that it would have been any different if the shoe were on the other foot.  Nonetheless, it is sad and it is wrong.  A house cannot stand when divided against itself and forward progress will be thwarted if not aborted if we continually pull in different directions.

The same is true in Christendom, where we find denominations choosing not to accept or work with others who follow the same Lord but are not part of their grouping.  Even individual churches within a denomination have been known to disavow others within that group because they don't look quite the same or share the same rhetoric.

While we debate a wall at our southern border to control who is able to enter and when, we freely erect walls between ourselves, between cultures, between churches, etc.  How is it that we are going to include others from different countries when we are drawing lines of exclusion in this one?  With a country divided in half, how can we be whole?

I keep hearing about the African American community, the Hispanic American community, the female community, the LGBTQ community, the "Place Your Group Name Here" community.  What I am not hearing much about is the American community.  It is pretty much the same in Christendom where we call upon the same Lord but not in one voice.  In Saline county, where I currently live, there are some 160 churches, largely going about doing there own thing.  Is it any wonder the Church, with some notable exceptions, is on a downward slide to obscurity?

You will probably not be shocked to hear that I am fairly conservative.  But, I have many associates and friends that are liberal.  I like and respect them because of how they do their job, treat others, show respect, keep their word, jump in to help others out - do you see what I'm getting at?  We need to respond to what people do not judge them based on labels.  Even when we find ourselves in disagreement, it doesn't mean we have to be disagreeable or draw lines of exclusion.

How about we try to get along, try to understand one another, try to find common ground, try to serve side-by-side, try to open more doors and build more bridges so that we can tear down some of the walls between us.

We won't always be able to agree.  We won't always be able to work together.  We will have to sometimes take a stand against one another.  But we can come together as Americans wherever and whenever and however we can.  And in the Church, where we serve the same Lord, we ought always to find some common ground, some way of appreciating one another, even as we work out some of our differences.  Jus' Say'n.