Sorry Charlie

I was listening to news on my car radio, driving from one pt's house to another, when I heard the anchor say that Charlie Manson enjoyed a cultist celebrity status for over 50 years, and then she corrected herself adding, "Enjoying."  That phrase rolled around in my head for a moment before a I asked the question in my spirit, "Really?  Charlie Manson is enjoying something, anything just now?"

While I am no one's judge, I can hardly believe that Charlie is enjoying the poison fruit of his evil and murderous past. Although my understanding is that Manson remained unrepentant and defiant from the time he caused the deaths of seven individuals in August of 1969, until the Lord called him to answer for his deeds earlier today, November 2017, he may have repented somewhere between those fateful dates.

If Manson somehow or someway turned his heart to God and was covered by the blood of Christ, cleansing him from the blood of the innocent lives he took, he would not be enjoying that notoriety but thankful that it would not be remembered against him. If he, as I suppose he did, remained unrepentant, I cannot imagine he is enjoying being reminded for eternity of his sin and his judgment for the evil this man conjured in the hearts of others and the suffering he visited on even more still.

The truth is that "God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Gal 6:7).  We know that Manson was serving 9 life sentences and denied parole 12 times as a consequence of his sins. If he did not find his way to accepting Christ before he found his way to the end of this life, his jail time would not be even a drop in the ocean of sentence coming from the Throne.

The Good News is that "The Lord is...not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Pet 3:9).  So passionately does the Father want to keep us from judgment, "He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him" (1 Jn 4:9).

God's grace is available, the choice is yours. Jus' Say'n.

Gaining Wisdom

It has been said that "You have to be young and stupid before you can become old and wise."    While I acknowledge the truth in that statement, it's implication that wisdom comes with age is not necessarily true.  There are more than a few in the gray-haired set that are old and still stupid.  Can I get an amen?

Young and stupid can be a gateway to old and wise, if we learn from our mistakes.  If not, we simply keep making the same mistakes, learning nothing more than perhaps to perfect our mistakes.  Haven't you borne witness to folks who step into the same mess over and over again?  Sorry if I stepped on your toes.

The sure way to wisdom is to take your life and experiences to God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (Js 1:5).  However, even here, wisdom doesn't necessarily just happen.  He does give wisdom generously but what is required of us to receive?  For instance, a pitcher throws a fast ball right across the strike zone but the batter has no bat and the catcher has no glove?  What then?

To begin with, we must truly believe God will grant us the wisdom we seek: "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord" (Js 1:6-7).  The problem of not truly believing is that you will not be paying attention when God provides, and that distraction, like an ocean wave, will not allow you the focus to receive.

You must also be prepared for the manner in which wisdom is granted, and that, so often, comes in a very stressful and even painful way.   The stress and the pain must be embraced until wisdom's work is done: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (Js 1:2-4).

So, wisdom comes freely from God but is received by us with a price - a price of faithful holding on to God's hand through the challenges and losses of life as we begin to learn what we've done (or others) to bring on calamity, and what God can do in and through us.  Jus' Say'n.

Everything I Need

I sat talking to a man who was just a bit older than myself. We were talking about his life and his circumstance. The progression of his cancer and the natural outcome of a life lived too hard and too fast, left him a shell of his former self and the look of someone much older than his years.

As we talked about his current circumstance, he looked me directly in the eyes and said, "I have everything I need."  I looked around at his cabin, which was literally falling down around us, floor sinking so much that everything tilted toward the center, mold on the walls, cobwebs as big as hammocks; furniture old, worn and covered with grime built up over years of neglect.

I didn't see anything beyond a working TV, several packs of cigarettes and a stock pile of beer in cans, that would have any market value. But he did. He had a roof (of sorts) over his head, his cigarettes and a beer when he was of a mind. He could watch TV or take a nap, and step out on the porch once in a while. His life is reduced to something very small but his needs have shrunk with them.

His faced-paced life as a drummer in a traveling band was just a faint memory. What he thought as high-life had brought him down very low in life, but he reset his expectations and has been coming to grips with what his choices have led him to. He would rather things be different but he accepts what is with acknowledgement that his life is of his own making.

But more than that, he has been awakening to his place before God and that his future is not in his hands, that God is not done with him even though it would appear otherwise given his current state of affairs. He believes his time on this earth is about over but his life is still in God's hands.

Something else he has come to see is that all the stuff he used to have and all the high-life he used to live aren't things of value. He has a really good friend, not quite as broken as he, who comes by daily and sits with him and tries to help where possible.

He is discovering that all that really matters is faith in God and the fact that he has a true friend who cares for him regardless of his circumstance. He knows that he doesn't have much as the world counts riches but he believes himself to have plenty.

My friend is learning the truth of Matthew 6:19-21,  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Jus' Say'n.

Brick Walls

We've all been there, trying to get something done, trying to achieve something, trying to make a difference. And there it is, right before us - a huge brick wall, a barrier to big to go over, to wide to go around and too thick to go through.

We say things like, "I just can't believe it!  I'm trying to do something good and this comes up!" Or "I need to make this happen for my family and now this!" Or sometimes, "Why me God, how could you let this happen when I'm doing my best for you?"  Why is this brick wall set in my way to prevent me from doing something good, something right, something to make a difference?

The problem isn't the wall and the problem isn't God's indifference or his interference, the wall isn't even to stop your efforts if the goal is good and righteous, the wall is there to challenge your motives and your faith. Is want you are seeking really a blessing and do you really trust God in bringing about your ultimate good?

Listen to what the apostle Paul had to say, "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 6:9).  "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" (Rom 5:3-5).

The brick wall is not a barrier to keep us from achieving something good, it is a challenge to help us define what we're are seeking more clearly, to determine how much we want or need it more definitely and to place our trust in Good more deeply.

If the need is real and your heart is right and your hand is in God's, the wall will not stop you for “What is impossible with man is possible with God" (Lk 18:27).  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28). Jus' Say'n.

Looking Up

The Psalmist asks, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains--where does my help come from? (121:1); then answers, "My help comes from the LORD" (v. 2).

He further says, "He will not let your foot slip (v. 3)...The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" (vv. 7-8).

Knowing that God watches over us so intently, promising to protect our lives both now and always, what should cause us fear?  What precisely ought we to worry about?  What can separate us from the watchful eye of God?  The answer: "nothing in all creation can separate us" (Rom 8:39).

So, why do we, as children of God fear?  Why do we get depressed and anxious and worried?  Don't we believe that God can provide?  Yes we do, but we too often don't look up to God, we look down on the danger, the threat, that thing which we fear.

Do you remember the Gospel Story of Peter climbing out of the boat, walking on the water at Jesus word?  Do you recall what happened when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm?  "He began to sink" (Matt 14:30).

The Psalmist, on the other hand, lifted his eyes to find the answer of who would be handling the threats to his life and well-being. He lifted his eyes and saw that it was the LORD, not himself who would face the threat.

What about you?  When you face a dangerous, threatening or unmanageable situation, where is your gaze directed?  May I suggest that we all stop looking around at the mess and start LOOKING UP to the Master?  Jus' Ask'n.

Amazing!

I was reading an article about a pack of wolves being introduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 that changed the complete ecosystem.   The wolves hunted deer and elk, reducing their numbers allowing for the growth of needed plants and Aspens that attracted insects and the return of berries.

The insects and berries attracted birds and other small creatures such as the beaver, which built dams causing pools of water that attracted even more creatures.    The wolves killed coyotes that allowed for the increase of rabbits and mice,  which attracted foxes and birds of prey.  

Today, for all the reasons listed above and more, the Park is flourishing, which prompted the author of the article to exclaim, "Isn't nature amazing?"  But what resonated in my heart was, "Isn't God's design amazing?"  Nature is what God is doing in the natural universe.

Simply put, what we see in nature is a reflection of the Creator: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made..." (Rom 1:20).

God's power, his majesty, his presence is shouted by the glory above and the wonder below of our natural system that was created by his supernatural power and design.   Take a moment now and again to stop and smell the roses, observe the ant, marvel at birth, gaze into the heavens, or even read about a pack of wolves, which when allowed to live according to His design, is indeed an awesome thing.   Jus' Say'n.

Showing Up

After preaching at Gateway this past Sunday, I went to the  Veterans Nursing Home at Fort Roots where a small group was gathered in the activity center. After the service, one of the elderly veterans said to me, "I wish we could have had more people here for your sermon."

I smiled and thanked the elder vet and replied, "We didn't have a large group, but we had a good one. We are the ones who showed up. I showed up, you showed up and the handful of others showed up. That's were 90% of what happens in life begin - in just showing up."

In most every church, it is that relatively small percentage of members who keep showing up to set up, clean up, fix up, cheer up - you name the task or the need and the same small group will be there. Others may drop in and help from time to time but you know the faces and the names of the ones who always show up. They are the ones that get kingdom work done consistently, time after time.

This isn't something new, it's been the case from the start.  Jesus commented on this truth as he observed those who showed up: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" (Lk 10:2).

It's always been that way; perhaps it always will. But you don't have to be one of the frequently or always missing in action. You can choose to be one the the few that consistently shows up and makes a difference in your community and advances the work of the kingdom.  Jus' Say'n.

All Things

If you've been in church much or around Christians in general, you've likely heard Philippians 4:13 quoted: "I can do all things through him [Christ] who gives me strength."    The discussion that would typically follow encourages us with the limitless power to accomplish whatever God calls us to.  And, the premise is true but the context is flawed.

Let me explain.  God does promise his children the power "to do more than all we ask or imagine according to his power at work within us" (Eph 3:20), but the Philippians 4 passage is not talking about accomplishing things, it is talking about enduring things.

To see its context, let's look first at verse 1: "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!"  Paul is calling us to rejoice in every circumstance, regardless.  In verse 12 he goes on to say, "I know what is to be in need, and I know what is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Now, in verse 13, Paul reveals the secret of "being content" in "all things," which is employing the Christ-given strength that all Christians have available to them - even you.  So, if your are a disciple of Jesus Christ and you are not able to find contentment in your circumstances, it is not what God is doing to you but what you are not allowing God to do in you.  Jus' Say'n.

A New Command

In John 13:34, Jesus told his disciples, "A new command I have given you: Love one another."  And, in the next verse (35) he continued, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

It is interesting that Jesus calls this command to love new as it was commanded in the days of Moses, "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev 19:18).  And, God, who "is love" (1 Jn 4:8), would certainly have expected his children to love each other from the beginning.  Yet, Jesus does say, "a new command I have given you."  How so?

Look at the qualifier of this love as we read the rest of 13:34, "As I have loved you, so you must love one another."  Ah, this is the new, a love so deep it has no bottom.  A love so exhaustive that it cannot be exhausted.  A love that would give up everything, even life itself for the other, this is the new command.  He love loved us to the point of death, "even death on a cross!" (Phil 2:8).

This new command pushes the old command to love neighbors as yourself, to loving others more than self, to "in humility value others above yourselves" (Phil 2:3).  The "as much" is replaced with the "more than."  And, this love is not to be reserved for those who love you.

Jesus would further add, "You have heard it said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies..." (Matt 5:43-44).  Wow!  This is a command so new that it hasn't quite caught on yet, has it?  This command from Jesus is still a shocker to most of us, even as Christians.  But it is his command and it is our commandment.

What will we do with it?  How will we fulfill this new command?  Will you keep it?  Jus' Ask'n.

Expectations

If you don't get a million dollars deposited in your checking account next week, will you be disappointed?  Probably not because you have no expectation of anyone depositing that amount.  But what if your paycheck is not deposited in your account?  In that case, "Heads will roll!"  Why?  Because you fully expect your paycheck to show up in place, on time and for the right amount.

Expectations play a larger role on our reactions than the actual action or event.  A million dollars would be better but we're only expecting our paycheck so we are not disappointed when we don't get a million bucks.

If you sat down at a restaurant and was served a perfectly cooked and prepared hamburger, would you be happy with it?  Depends.  If you were expecting lobster, there is not a chef in the world that could make your hamburger good enough.  If you were expecting a plain hotdog and a gourmet hamburger with all the trimmings came instead - well now, that's a different story!

This is one of the greater problems in relationships.  Wives expect things from their husbands that aren't being provided, husband want from their wives things that they aren't considering, parents want performance levels displayed in their children that aren't being achieved, bosses are insisting on outcomes that employees...  Get the picture?

In the church, we expect other Christians to behave in certain ways, live up to certain standards that we hold and hold over them in expectation.  When they don't act or talk or react in a manner that meets that expectation, we are disappointed with them and sometimes deem them unworthy.  Our expectations determine our reactions.

Sometimes there is a clear case of someone failing to keep biblical standards by lying, stealing, adultery, etc.  We do have to deal with those failures.  However, many times we are judging levels of commitment or amounts of giving or length of hair and so forth.  We are judging others based on our expectation of what we deem acceptable.

We need to approach expectations with great care because Jesus plainly says, "Do not judge, or you too will be judge.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matt 7:1-2).

I'm not saying we should not evaluate what people do, for Jesus goes on to say in verses 15-20 that we are to inspect the fruit people bear.  What I am saying is that we need to be very careful and err on the side of grace not judgement.  Be sure your expectations are biblical standards and not personal standards.  Consider whether the other is up to the standard by which you are forming expectations.  Just be careful and grace-filled in your expectations.  Jus' Say'n.

Over The Horizon

Regardless of how clear the sky, you just can't see past the horizon.  When the eye meets the curvature of the earth, that marks the end of one's vision.  In order to see past that point one has to move in that direction so has to get past that part of the curve.  Simple principle: Man cannot see beyond the bend, regardless of how hard he squints.

I've noticed as the meteorologists have a real limitation in predicting the landfall of Hurricane Irma.  I just looked at a USA Today article posted an hour earlier that said, "It could be on a collision course with Sough Florida over the weekend."  The fact is that the weather gurus cannot predict even 12 hours out with certainty.

However, those same scientific folk are assuring us they can predict the temperature within a degree in 50 years and the rise of the ocean levels accurately around the world two generations out.  Really?  I must say that I doubt their accuracy at predicting increases as the curvature of time increases.

Even more arrogant than their scientific prowess of predicting beyond our ability to see, is there lofty belief they can actually control climate change and determine the temperature beyond the curve.  As climate change has been occurring as far back as evidence can reveal, how is it that we are going to stop it?  Could we have stopped the last Ice Age or the ones before that?

How do we even know what the normal temperature of the planet is supposed to be?  How can we know if we are not in the beginning of the end of another Ice Age?  Is man really able to determine the weather patterns and changes in the seasons from one place to another?  Really?

What is true is this: "Since no one knows the future , who can tell someone else what it to come?" (Eccl 8:7).  We cannot tell the future, let alone determine it.  As we've seen with weather predictions, we "do not even know what will happen tomorrow" (Js 4:14).  We certainly cannot control beyond the curve.  "As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes" (v. 16).

So, what do we do about the future?  We trust in God and do his will, which will include being caretakers of the planet, making our best decisions about waste management, fossil fuel consumption, agricultural chemical use and land management.  But let's not think that we will determine the future weather patterns or global climate change.  Only God can truly do that.

Instead of arrogantly believing ourselves capable of seeing past the curve and determine what the planet will or will not do, let us humbly bow before the Creator, asking for his blessing and then being responsible in the management of the resources he gives us?  Jus' Say'n.

Curves in the Road

When I lived in the Panhandle of Texas, I could stand at my back door and see the night lights of Amarillo, 29 miles away.  The way the crows flies and the way the roads ran were pretty much identical - straight ahead.  You could always look up ahead for traffic jams, road blocks and weather changes.

Here in Arkansas, you can only look up ahead to the next curve in the road, which is about as far as you can throw an engine block.  In this state roadkill is the leading cause of death (not among humans).  I've know a fair number of folk who have gotten a deer on the way to the deer camp, rifle still in the case, rounds safely tucked in the box.  Death by car seems to be the exit of choice of deer, armadillos, squirrels, turtles and most other woodland critter due to their propensity to cross the road in the curves.  It is reported that one blonde asked, "Why don't they move 'Deer Xing' signs to safer parts of the road?"  OK, moving on.

My point in all of this is that a consistent reality of the terminal patients I work with is: "Life didn't turn out the way I thought."  It never does.  Looking down the road, we plan for a future and as far as we can see, things seem to be working one way or another.  The trouble is that just beyond where we can see, there is another curve in the road.

This is not only a reality taught by experience, it is a truth taught by Scripture: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.'  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow" (Js 4:13-14).  In the words of the old Doris Day song, "Que sera sera," 'what will be will be, the future's not ours to see...'"

That's the reality of life: We are not in charge of circumstances and we cannot determine what they will be.  The truth of the matter is, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" Pr 19:21.

So, what is the answer to the curves in the road?  Get your pencil out or Ipad ready - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Pr 3:5-6).  Jus' Say'n.

Flood-Water Truth

The unprecedented rainfall caused by Hurricane Harvey has caused flooding of epic proportions.  The economic loss is expected to be in the tens of billions of dollars, the displacement of families will be measured in years, and while Huston will eventually recover, some will never make it back.  Some died in the floods, others were decimated to the point that there is nothing left and no way to return.

The tragedy Harvey rained upon Huston is truly unmeasurable in terms of family impact, job loss, personal property loss, real property loss, et al.  But, in the middle of all the loss, there was something precious gained: the truth about the American Spirit.

While the media has been engineering a picture of a divided America in which white and black have little but disdain for each other, the flood water images flowing across the airwaves and the Internet displayed a united America, where the color of skin had no bearing on who helped whom.

Folks of all color were streaming into the Huston area brining food and supplies, pulling boats and coming prepared to enter into the flood waters to rescue those who were trapped by the deluge.  The color of the rescuers and the color of the rescued was of no consequence.  People were helping people.  There is a flood-water truth that Americans, across the board, are decent and caring, willing to sacrifice for others they don't even know and whose color is not their own.

I know that there are Caucasian knot heads and African American knot heads.  Stupid comes in all colors.  Hate and fear reside in the hearts of the ignorant and the godless.  There will be the radical KKK, NAZI, FATIMA, BLM and whatever initialized race-baiting, violence-spreading, culture-dividing knot-headed groups there might be, but the vast majority of Americans love their country and their countrymen.

The media has been actually reporting the news for the past few days.  I wish that would continue, that they would seek to uncover truth rather than exploit the news in a fashion that creates a false narrative of this country.  We have problems as we are human, but we are, by and large, a good people.

We need to hang on to the truth revealed in this tragedy when the media turns its focus again to the minority of people seeking to divide this country.  For truth has a divine power to heal a nation: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (Jn 8:32).  Jus' Say'n.

Due Season

"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 6:9).

In an agrarian society, where people live directly from the land by sowing and reaping, Paul's words make perfect sense and no explanation is needed.  They understood that there was a time to sow and separate time to reap.  They understood that in between the sowing and reaping came a period of time where cultivating what was planted was necessary for the crop to produce a harvest in the future.

In a post-industrial society like we live in today, we expect to stop by MacDonald's, talk in a box and have the food ready when we get to window.  We order a product from Amazon at night in our PJs and look for it to arrive to our door in 48 hours.  We can call Domino's and have a pizza delivered in 30 minutes.  We just aren't very keen on the idea of doing something today and then wait through a entire season of perhaps months or even years for results.

Paul's open-ended approach of "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people" (v. 10), waiting for positive results or real change to occur in another's life, or in the life of the church, is just foreign to our "once and done" mentality.

However, true change and lasting development requires time and timing.  There are seasons for planting and then there are seasons for reaping - the two do not occur simultaneously.  The fact that you put in your best effort today and see no results whatsoever is not particularly evidence of failure but likely the necessity of time to take root and develop.

You've tried hard, you've put in your best effort but you are seeing no results.  You want to give up, but don't.  Keep doing good, keep faithfully laying what you do and why you do it before the Lord.  At the proper time, if it is to be, God will make it grow (cf. 1 Cor 3:6).  Even if the results you had in mind do not come to fruition, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Rom 8:28).  As my mother used to say, "good comes to them that wait."  Jus' Say'n.

Bearing Fruit

When I was a young Christian, I worked hard at "bearing fruit" as I had read the passages saying, "The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire" (Matt 3:10; Lk 3:9).  And I believed, based on what I read and was taught at the time, that bearing fruit was converting others to Christianity.

So, I had to be out knocking doors, confronting people with the Word, convincing them of what I believed and getting them to accept Christ in baptism.  If I accomplished that act and continued to accomplish that act, I was bearing fruit, otherwise I was destined to be cut down and thrown into the fires of hell.

Problem: Where is grace in all that?  And, does my salvation really depend on the decision of others to embrace my faith and convert to Christianity?  Really?  To be saved I have to be able to change others?  In other words, I have to earn my salvation by producing replicas of myself (bearing fruit)?

No!  For two reasons: 1.  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works..." (Eph 2:8-9).  2. Fruit bearing is not something done external of the tree, it is something that is done coming from within and as a part of the tree itself.  Listen to the words of Paul: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22-23).

Fruit bearing is being is reproducing the seed-bearing aspects of the tree.  When that it done and that seed falls into fertile ground, it will take root and grow.  But the fruit bearing is separate and apart from the growth of another plant.  I believe that will happen as we live out a Spirit-filled life but producing another Christian is not the point, being changed by the presence of the Spirit, by grace is the point.  Jus' Say'n.

The Knock

I don't generally knock on my own door.  Normally, I just walk in as I have the key and the code to open the doors.  However, the other day, when I parked in our garage, I found the door locked and I was without a key to that door, so I knocked.  Fortunately, my wife heard my knocking and opened the door so I could come in for supper.

Jesus faces this same situation where he stands at the door of his own house, the church, and has to gain entry by knocking: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, they with me" (Rev 3:20).

Many would object saying that he is at the door of sinners, not the church.  I would counter by saying that he is knocking at the door of sinners in the church.  I know this to be true because the Book of Revelation was written for and sent to "the seven churches in the province of Asia" (1:4).

Could he be knocking on the door of your church?  Could you be one of the sinners within whose door is locked against him?  Are your eyes fully set upon Jesus?  Is your heart fully open to him?  Or have you lost focus, has your heart become calloused, have you "forsaken the love you had at first?" (2:4).

It happens easily enough, where one's passion for the Christ begins to wane as concerns about finances, health, job security, status, retirement, family, etc. - all begin to take the top spot in our time, energy and resources.  For many, even recreation time of biking, fishing, hunting, vacationing, all begin to eclipse their love for the Lord.

The question is not for "the many," it is for you, it is for me, it is for us.  Do we still have "first love" for Christ or has it been replaced.  The what it is replaced with does not matter; it matters only that it has been replaced.  So, what say you?  Is Jesus knocking at your door?  Will you answer it and invite him in to "eat with him and he with you"?  Jus' Ask'n.

Clueless but Unshaken

The software program used by the hospice I work for has not been especially user-friendly.  In fact, it has been challenging enough to bring nurses to the point of tears and chaplains to the point of cussing.  I was fortunate enough to have been using an equally evil software program in my insurance business I had before beginning hospice work that it was less of a hurdle for me than many.

In fact, over the years, I have been able to train new chaplains on the system and help others in different disciplines to slay the software dragon.  But, a new day has dawned; the decision has been made to switch to a new system, a hopefully better and more user-friendly system, but new to everyone - even me.

So what this means is that I will no longer be a system sage that others turn to, we will all be equally ignorant as we transition from one software program to the next.  We are about to experience a software wilderness of sorts, moving into a place where none of us has gone before.

As I think about the upcoming move to a new and different system, I am reminded of the Children of Israel moving into the Promised Land.  The new land would be far better than what they had been experiencing but it was completely unknown.  Nonetheless, they would enter the land as the Lord directed.

However, young Joshua, who likewise would be a novice in this new land, was not afraid - not because he had such great confidence in himself or that he had some special knowledge of this place. He was clueless about the extent of where he was about to lead the people but unshaken because he knew who would be there with him: The Lord!

And, God told Joshua, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Josh 1:9).  The where, the what and the when are not so imposing or important when you know The Who.

I feel this was about a company-wide move into a new software program, I know there are a lot of praying people, concerned about our ability to provide the best care possible for our patients, that are laying this out before God - I'm one of them.  And, I know God will be there with us.  I am not discouraged.  I am clueless but not shaken.

May I suggest that whatever new or different or challenging thing you are about to face is no different?  It may be completely unknown and daunting to you, but it is not with God who goes before you if you are following Him.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you.  Jus' Say'n.

Race

I listened to a science professor speaking at a graduation in which he said that it was scientifically proven that we all came from the same source, that the idea of races is a myth - there is only one race: The Human Race.  He went on to illustrate this truth with the example of a Great Dane crossing with a Chihuahua and coming out with a dog.  When a man and a woman mate, they produce a human child, period.

The difference in the color of our skin, the professor went on to say, was a product of the degree of sun impacting us due to longitude and latitude and climate - basically the amount of exposure to ultraviolet rays.  We are not different races but one race from different parts of the globe.

This scientific fact squares with the biblical truth that God is our Father, the One Source of all mankind.  We all originally came from the same spot on the globe but as we moved out, we were exposed to different environmental conditions that began to change our outward appearance but not our inward being.

All of the tension and violence surrounding race begins to look more foolish than ever considering there aren't any racial divisions, that we all are of one race.  This oneness is further advanced by the prayer of Jesus "that all of them [his followers] may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you" (Jn 17:21).

There is One God, who created one mankind and calls us all to be one human race.  Isn't it time that we listen to the truth about ourselves and stop the nonsense of racial division that is really a laughable distinction over the degree of darkness of each other's tan?  Jus' Ask'n

Patient Faith

The story is told of a woman who had a large tree in her back yard that she wanted removed.  Remembering a sermon in which the preacher quoted Matthew 17:20, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move," she decided to try moving it by faith.

So, that night she prayed to God for the tree to be moved out of her backyard.  The next morning, she looked out the back window to see the tree right where she left it.  As she turned away to get her morning coffee, she exclaimed, "Yep, it's still there, just like I thought it would be."

The problem?  Where does one begin?  She lacked even mustard seed size faith as she didn't really think the tree would be gone.  Her prayer was more of a "Hail Mary Pass" than a strategic request of faith.  James says that those "who doubt should not think they will receive anything from the Lord" (Js 1:6-7).

She also lacked the patience to wait upon the Lord further displaying a lack of trust, for when we truly hope in the Lord for "what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" (Rom 8:25).  God's timing is not our timing.  We can ask of the Lord but we cannot demand of the Lord, let alone dictate the schedule He must keep.

Faith in God means to trust in Him to act on our behalf in the right way and in the right time.  Faith inherently requires patience as we expectantly wait for the Lord to provide.  "And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised" (Heb 6:15).  Jus' Say'n.

Seasons

It was common in California to purchase a new house with literally no landscaping or even any grass in the back yard, which was enclosed with a privacy fence that hid the incomplete part of your property.  The working theory was that people could always get around to a back yard when they had the time and money.

However, due to the fact that it often took so long to get around to the back yard, it became a sort of running joke that when your back yard was finished, it would be time to move.  The completion of that particular project, marked the end of a season and by then things had changed so much you could no longer stay due to job changes, a need for a larger house, whatever.

Some joked that they simply didn't plan on finishing the back yard so they wouldn't have to move.  I'm not sure that ever worked but I do know that when they were ready to move, they had to scramble to finish the back yard as people weren't willing to buy a previously owned house without a completed back yard.

My point in waxing nostalgic is that life itself is really made up of a series of seasons, or as it has often been phrased, "A line of beginnings and endings."  We start and we stop, then we begin again.  It is generally sad but at the same time exciting.  When your child goes off to college, you cry a little but you are so excited for what lies ahead for them.  When you retire, you grieve over the passing of youth on one had but look forward to being able to travel or spend time with family

The apostle Paul said that we "groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling...but we do not wish to be unclothed" (2 Cor 5:3-4).  In other words, we look forward to that day when we will be with the Lord in our heavenly home but we are not anxious to die, leaving everyone we know and love behind.

Nonetheless, seasons come and seasons go.  Whatever our feelings at the time, we will move from one to the other, and so, how are we to deal with the next season?  Answer: take our eyes off the change and put them on the Changer, accepting that "The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad" (Ps 118:24).  If we trust that God has our lives in his hands, we can rejoice as we look forward to each new season on our journey home.  Jus' Say'n.

Sanctuary

When you come home at the end of a troublesome day, where do you go?  Do you head the fridge for a little comfort food?  Do you sit down with your Xbox where you are more in control?   Do you pull the cork out of a bottle so you can "wine" down? Do you go to the Internet where you can find endless forms of escape?  What is your sanctuary?  

Concerned for his disciples, Jesus said, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (Jn 17:17).  The sanctuary Jesus offered his followers was and is the Word of God, that allows "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding [to] guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:9).

I go to my sanctuary each morning when I open the pages of the Bible and devotional material. I believe that the study of God's word has a purifying and peace-producing effect on my heart, mind and soul.  May I suggest that you create a sanctuary time in God's word daily?  Jus' Say'n.

Listening

The old toothless black man mumble as he spoke.  Some of his words made sense, others not at all.  I listened intently, keeping eye contact as talked.  When he smiled, I returned mine.  When I understood what he had said, I nodded or said a word or two of support.  While much of what he was trying to convey passed by me, I caught what I could.  What I returned to him was respect and concern.

I sat close, tuned in and quietly listened as he related how thing had gone since we last met.  He had experienced an epic battle with a wasp in his house in which he wound up falling and injuring his rib area as he struck the arm of the couch.  But - the wasp was vanquished.  Although most would not have considered it much of a battle, at his age, with his limitations and physical health, it was a story worth telling and, therefore, a story worth hearing.

As I was leaving, he thanked me for coming, warned me to be careful out there and to be sure and come back again.  Why?  What did I do for him that caused him to be grateful and invite me to return?  I listened with respect as he told his story.  I affirmed his worth and applauded his victory over the invading wasp.

An old black man and a not quite as old white man sat together on a couch and talked about life and faith, with a mutual respect based on nothing other than God made us both.  This is precisely what the apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians based on their common faith in God: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thess 5:11).

In a country so divided by race and ideology, why not try to come together as children of God, not over what we believe so much but rather in Whom we believe.  Jus' Say'n.

Finding Purpose

So often I hear my terminal patients say, "I know I'm still here for a reason.  I just wish I knew what it was."  Many are more than ready to pass on but keep waking up each new day wondering why God didn't take them the day before.  So they wait and they wonder.

I wonder why mature Christians wait for a word from above when that Word has already been delivered centuries ago: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of all mankind" (Eccl 12:13).

The Bible is filled with things God wants us to do like, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mt 19:19). So, what can you do for your neighbor?  Even if you are bedridden, you can still pray for those around you.  The Word says to "let your light shine before others, that they might see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Mt 5:16).  It is just as important how one dies as it is how one lives.  People are watching.  Are you allowing your faith to shine through your deeds, especially as you are facing difficulties or even death?

Here is God's will in a nutshell: "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says" (Js 1:22).  The Bible is not just a history book or a book of poetry or a series of stories; the Bible is the Book of Life and the directions for living are to be found from cover to cover.  Take time to read it and do what it says.  In so doing, you will be fulfilling God's purpose.  Jus' Say'n.

Finishing Well

Solomon wrote, "The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and patience is better than pride" (Eccl 7:8).  Americans, however, tend to focus the other way around.  We are more caught up in a "Grand Opening!" than a strong finish.  In fact, we are more likely to restart several times than to struggle through, following a plan to the end.

Couples will spend months planning and thousands of dollars on a wedding but never read a book on marriage or attend a weekend seminar to improve their relationship.  God forbid you suggest we should seek counsel on how to keep a marriage together.  It is so much easier get a divorce and start over.  Prince Charles and Princess Dianna spent millions on their wedding but allowed their marriage to crumble into dust.

Millions of young people jump into college but many simply do not follow it through.  Only 56% of American college students starting a four year degree finish it within six years.  Just 29% of students entering a two-year program finish it in three years.  And only 27% of college graduates have a job related to their major.  Strong starts, weak finishing.

With new businesses, about 80% make it past the first year, 50% past year five and 30% are still in business after year ten.  Again, lots of time, money and energy on the launching of a business but not nearly as much though about long-term sustainability.  We are, as previously mentioned, big on Grand Openings but not so much on keeping it open for the long haul.

What's the problem?  Why so many finishing poorly?  The problem, as Solomon intimated is pride over patience (read Eccl 7:8 again).  Patience, Solomon assures, is better than pride.  Pride gets us going but patience keeps us moving, especially when the going gets tough.

Pride assures us we can handle college but patience is needed to handle the rigors of college and the rigor mortis of the teaching styles of some professors.  Pride gets us to borrow the capital to start a business but patience is needed to capitalize on the often meager opportunities for advancement.  Pride tells us that we are ready to set a wedding date but patience alone sees us through the rough patches on the way to our Silver Anniversary.

James gives the analogy of the farmer who "waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains" (James 5:7).  Pride comes before a fall (cf. Prov 16:18) but patience causes us to stand firm (cf. James 5:8).  Jus' Say'n.

Worth

The rich farmer in Luke 12:16-21 foolishly put his trust in the bottom line instead of the Benevolent Lord.  He was sure that he had everything he wanted in life.  The truth was that he had everything but life - he died that very night with the divine epithet: "You fool!" (v. 20). 

We haven't changed much over the last 2000 years.  We are still chasing the dollar bill as if it will truly give us life providing security, satisfaction and significance.  Really?  Why then do the wealthy continuously chase after more riches?  Why is it that couples married for a long time look back fondly at those early, lean years?  

The problem is that we have come to believe that our worth is measured in dollars and cents.  Therefore, our ultimate value will always be just ahead.  Rockefeller was once asked, "How much is enough?"  He responded, "Just a little bit more.  Sadly, we never quite have enough and we can't even insure we'll keep what we've got.

 But the truth is that God settled our worth on the cross (cf. Jn 3:16) and His currency is secure for eternity.

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Downward Up

Solomon once wrote, "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor" (Prov 29:23).  

At first glance, this doesn't seem quite right as pride is usually seen as that which puffs us up and causes us to feel superior. True, but puffing up and feeling superior are illusions from the bottom. 

Several years ago, Tandie purchased me a series of golf lessons for my birthday.  One of the first things the pro said was, "Golf is a game of opposites.  You have to power down in order to cause the ball to rise up."  

Often, biblical truth seems that way. Here, in particular, puffing up with pride can keep you from mending a fence that might contain a gate to success later. It can keep you from listening to constructive criticism that might have helped to propel you further. It can keep you from admitting a fault you could have then changed and saved your marriage or career. 

Pride can keep you from serving and deny you from becoming more Christ-like. Humility, on the other hand, can cause you to defer to the person who can lift you up.  It can allow you to follow closely behind Christ as He brings help and healing to others and to you as well. Humility places you in the position to be blessed by God (cf. James 4:10). 

Opposite from the natural man's thinking as it may be, the way up spiritually is down. By the way, my new downward golf stroke caused more upward motion. But I find playing every year or two keeeps me in the duffer zone. That principle holds true for spiritual development as well. Jus' Sayn.

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Living Free

In Galatians 5:1, he apostle Paul writes, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."  Can we then, do anything our hearts desire?  Can we justifiably make any choice that seems good to us?  

Actually, no.  We were "set free from the law of sin and death" (Rom 8:2), which used to "reign in your mortal body" (Rom 6:12).  So, if we yield to the natural impulses we feel or make choices based solely on what we want, then we are slaves again to that which leads to death. 

It is from this very slavery, the bondage of self, that we have been set free. We are not free to do what we want, which is slavery to our worldly passions, we are free to do what is right, free to walk in the "path, which leads to life" (Matt 7:14).  

Paul puts it this way, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love" (Gal 5:13). Jus' Sayn.

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Victorious Life

Listening to some preachers, especially televangelists, talk about the victorious Christian life, one gets the picture that faithful Christians will be healthy, wealthy and wise. Some teach that if you lack anything or want something, all you've got to do is "name it and claim it" and it's yours. 

Why then did the prophets have such difficult lives?  Why did the apostles become identified as "fools for Christ" (1 Cor 4:10)?  Why did Jesus suffer?  

When the Psalmist wrote, "The Lord is my stronghold of whom shall I be afraid" (Ps 27:1), why was he needing a stronghold?  Why does James teach that difficulties serve to mature our faith (cf. Jas  1:2-4)? 

The truth?  We will be victorious in heaven and God will see us through difficult times in the meanwhile, but the Lord doesn't promise a carefree life to the faithful - quite the opposite, disciples are called to a life that includes sacrifice (cf Lk 14:33).  

The apostle Paul didn't say he had found the path of joy-filled circumstances, he said that he had "learned the secret of being content in all circumstances..." (Phil 4:12).  The victory was being remade in Christ (Phil 4:13), not In having it made. Jus' Sayn.

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God's Grip

In Isaiah 49:15, the Lord rhetorically asks, "Can a mother forget the  baby at her breast?"  Of course not. But, he promises, even if she did, he could not for he has engraved our names in the palms of his hands.

As a child of God, your name is tattooed in his palm.  This gives new meaning to Jesus' promise in John 10:29, "No one can snatch you out of my Father's hand."  Just how would one go about grabbing a tattoo out of anyone's hand, let alone God's?

The settled truth is that no one and nothing can separate you from God (cf. Rom 8:38-39).  Only you, by the freedom of choice God has given can, "turn your back on God even as a washed pig returns to the mud" (2 Pet 2:20-22).

As long as you desire to follow Jesus, regardless of how much you struggle, you cannot fall or be plucked from his grip.  Despite the fact that you have not developed spiritually as much as you think you ought to have or you're not as good a person as you believe you should be, don't give up on you - God hasn't. Jus' Say'n.

Desires of the Heart

"Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps 27:4). 

So, if I go to church, I'll get that new house?  If I read my Bible, I'll get that new iPad?  If I give money to a homeless person and I'll get that raise?  To hear some tell it, yes.  But if listening to the Word, no.  

To delight in the Lord is to desire His will and to seek after His ways. When our heart is reconditioned by the Spirit, we begin to want what God wants and to seek after His will. When we are in tune with God, then, like Paul, we will be "content in all circumstances" (Phil 4:12). Our hearts will be full as we help someone in need, they will swell as we wipe away the tears of someone hurting, we will take delight when good prevails over evil. 

As a side effect, when we "Seek first the kingdom of righteousness" (Matt 6:33), our personal needs are met as well, but getting what we want becomes secondary in our hearts to seeing God's will carried out. The desire of our heart becomes experiencing God and His rule in our lives. Jus' Say'n.

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Delight in the Lord

"Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps 27:4). So, if I go to church, I'll get that new house?  If I read my Bible, I'll get that new IPad?  I give money to a homeless person and I get that raise?  To hear some tell it, yes.  But to listen to the Word, no.  

To delight in the Lord is desire His will and to seek after His ways. When our heart is reconditioned by the Spirit, we begin to want what God wants and to seek after His will. When we are in tune with God, then, like Paul, we will be "content in all circumstances" (Phil 4:12). 

Our hearts will be full as we help someone in need, they will swell as we wipe away the tears of someone hurting, we will take delight when good prevails over evil. As a side effect, when we "Seek first the kingdom of righteousness" (Matt 6:33), our personal needs are met as well, but getting what we want becomes secondary in our hearts to seeing God's will carried out. The desire of our heart becomes experiencing God and His rule in our lives. Jus' Sayn.

God's Tattoo

While traveling Portugal, Spain and Italy for the next three weeks, I won't be posting much. But I may on occasion. Today is one occasion. Enjoy!

In Isaiah 49:15-16; the Lord rhetorically asks: Can a mother forget the baby at her breast?  The answer is, of course, no.  But even if she did, the Lord says that He will not. In fact, He cannot for He has engraved our name in the palm of His hand. 

That's something to consider: God has your name tattooed in His palm. This fact gives new meaning to Jesus' promise in John 10:29, "No one can snatch you out of my Father's hand."  Just how would you grab a tattoo out of anyone's hand, let alone God's?  

No one and nothing can separate you (Rom 8:35-39), that is, except you by your own choice (cf. 2 Pet 2:20-22).  No matter how much you struggle, as long as you keep your eyes on Jesus and strive to follow Him, you cannot fall from His grasp.  

So, despite the fact that, you have not developed as much spiritually as you think you should have or you're not as good as you think you should be; don't give up on you - God hasn't.  Jus' Sayn.

Victorious Life

Listening to some televangelists talk about the victorious Christian life, one gets the clear picture that faithful Christians will be healthy, wealthy and wise. Some teach that if you lack anything or want something, all you've got to do is "name it and claim it" and it's yours. 

Why then did the prophets have such difficult lives?  Why did the apostles become identified as "fools for Christ" (1 Cor 4:10)?  Why did Jesus suffer?  When the Psalmist wrote, "The Lord is my stronghold of whom shall I be afraid" (Ps 27:1), why was he needing a stronghold?  James even suggests that difficulties serve to mature our faith (cf. Jas  1:2-4).  

We will be victorious in heaven and God will see us through difficult times in the meanwhile, but the Lord doesn't promise a carefree life to the faithful - quite the opposite, disciples are called to a life that includes sacrifice (cf Lk 14:33).  

Paul said that he learned "the secret of being content in all circumstances..." (Phil 4:12).  The victory was that he had Christ (Phil 4:13), not that he had it made. Jus' Sayn.

Your Kingdom Come

In the prayer model Jesus provided for his disciples begin with praise to God and a request, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matt 6:10).  It's a request most Christians have prayed with a genuine desire for God's reign and his will to be exercised on planet earth, but I wonder if we have directed that prayer in a personal way.

What I mean is to pray specifically that His kingdom peace come into your life, his kingdom strength, his kingdom power, his kingdom agenda, his kingdom forgiveness...  Do you see the point?  While we ought to pray that God's kingdom will is embraced by the world, even more we ought to seek that kingdom will into our own.

This kingdom seeking is the key to a holy and contented life on earth while awaiting the day when God's kingdom will be realized fully.  Perhaps you'll remember Jesus' words in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you as well."

The world definitely needs the kingdom of God rule in order to escape the downward pull of sin and depravity we see all about us.  But more important than a general prayer that God's will be embraced by the world around us, we need to be praying that His will is accepted and exercised in our lives, in the lives of our families, in the lives of the people with whom we come in contact.

We need to be focused on making the kingdom will of God a reality in our lives and modeling it before others, prepared to share it's truth when given the opportunity.  As Peter instructs, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Pet 3:15).  Always live out and be willing to share the kingdom hope you have.  Jus' Say'n.

Don't Worry

I visited an elderly couple today; she was sick but he was bedridden. Their yard hadn't been tended to in weeks and their house was in worse shape than all. If it had been an animal, a vet would have put it down. If it had been a person, the doctor would have disconnected life support.

They had kids but they were too busy to help and didn't feel comfortable facing the fact that their dad was getting close to death. They belonged to a church but, as the wife explained, our pastor is very busy with the church and his other job. I don't know the excuses others had, I just know the wife said, "I'm so glad you came, I don't get to talk to anyone much these days.

After our prayer at he husband's bedside, she looked down in his weary eyes and said to him in an encouraging tone, "Don't you be worrying about me.  I'll be OK. God will provide for me."

She took Jesus at his word, where he said, "Do not worry about what you will eat or drink or what you will wear...your Heavenly Father knows that you need these things" (Matt 6:31-32).

Living under conditions that many of us worry could happen to us,  worse come to worse, she refused to worry that things might go bad. She wanted for so little, thankful for what she has,  while looking to God for provision in the days ahead.  I wonder just how rich in heavenly treasures she might actually be?  Jus' Think'n.

The Moment

In a visit with a new hospice patient yesterday, I asked if would like me to sing her an old hymn.  She responded, "I heard you could sing."  I responded by saying, "Well, I do like to sing.  Is there a particular hymn you'd like to hear or would you like me to choose?"  She said that she couldn't think of one right then.

So, I paused for a moment while a few songs began to come to mind and then "In The Garden" came to the forefront.  As I began to sing, I could see her eyes soften and begin to tear.  A gentle smile made its way to her lips and her head began to nod as I continued singing.

When I came to the last note, she looked up at me and said, "That was the first song I ever learned to play on the piano, and the only one I can play by heart.  We both felt a little awed by the choice made, sensing the Spirit of God in the choice.

Who can say for sure if the Spirit planted that song in my heart at that moment?  It may have been just a lucky guess, though I doubt it.  But one thing I know is that the Spirit was among us in that moment as we connected in spirit with this hymn that brought two strangers together for "Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matt 18:20).

As we concluded the visit in prayer, holding hands and praising God, there was no doubt that that elderly widow and this aging chaplain were together, bound by the one and same Spirit of God.  It is amazing the good that God can do through such little things as opening your heart and sharing a hymn.  We were both blessed in that moment.

Say, do you suppose you might have a moment today to connect with someone in spirit making use of the binding power of God's Holy Spirit?  A song, a prayer, a kind word...?   Jus' Ask'n.

Heaven's Fireworks

As I sat in my hot tub late evening on the 4th, I could hear the fireworks going off around the neighborhood and I could see some in the distance.  But, what got my attention was one little light flickering in my backyard - a single firefly was flitting about and I watched it for several minutes until it flew over the fence and into the night.

All the big noise and the bright lights of the fireworks faded into the background as one little heavenly light carried me back to my childhood and reminded me the God who created fireflies and me.  I was captured by the majesty of a little bug with a tail that lights up like a beacon.

My point?  "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands" (Ps 19:1).  In this case, it was just a little part of the heavens, a tiny creature floating about in the lowest part of the heavens but still proclaiming the lofty majesty of the Almighty God.

The hand of the Creator can be seen in all of creation.  When you are wondering where God is, just look about you and he can be found in the laugh of a baby, in the smile of a friend, in a gentle breeze or even in a tiny little bug with a flickering tail.  Jus' Say'n.

Letting Go

In Judges chapter two, the Israelites had been told not to make agreements with the Canaanites and told to tear down any of their altars when they entered the land. The Israelites failed on both counts. God then told them, "they will become a trap for you" (v 3).  

As we enter into a covenant relation with God, there are things and perhaps relationships we must give up. If we don't, they will become a trap for us as well.  

For instance, a drug addict comes to God, desiring to get clean but continues to hang out with his old crack buddies. You stop telling dirty jokes when you started going to church but you still listen to them at the office. Maybe you're holding on to anger or lust or pride. Do you see the point?  

We either go with God or we stay where we are - one cannot do both. Now, the journey may take a while as we shed things along the way, but shed them we must for "no one can serve two masters" ( Matt 6:24).  

Say, what  sin are you holding on to?  What attitude are you excusing?  What relationship needs to be broken off?  Jus' Askn.

Freedom

Tomorrow, on July 4th, we will be celebrating Independence Day, a day that declares American Freedom.  And as I do not plan on writing a blog in the morning, I wanted to share my thoughts on freedom today.

It is my belief that we are less free in this country today than in days past as we are increasingly giving up true freedom to the tyranny of our base human desires, which will leave us imprisoned by the guile of the Evil One.  Let's talk about true freedom:

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Gal 5:1).  Therefore, can we now do anything our hearts may desire?  Does freedom mean we can make any choice that seems good to us?  

Actually, not.  We were "set free from the law of sin and death" (Rom 8:2), which used to "reign in your mortal body" (Rom 6:12).  If we follow the natural impulses we feel or make choices based solely on what we want, then we are slaves again to that which leads to death. 

It is from this very slavery we have been set free. We are not free to do what we want, which is slavery to our worldly passions, we are free to do what is right, free to walk in the "path, which leads to life" (Matt 7:14).  

Freedom is the ability to become the true self we were created to be, to walk in the path marked out for sons and daughters of God.  Freedom is the liberty to become our best and truest self.  Jus' Sayn.

Humility

In 1 Kings 21:25, we read, "There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord..." And, yet, when he heard the pronouncement of God's judgment, "he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted" (v. 27).  He humbled himself before the Lord.

And the Lord, noticing his humbling, declared, "Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day" (v. 29).

Imagine, someone as despicable as Ahab was shown grace by the Lord because he acknowledge his sin and humbled himself before the Lord.  Isn't it amazing how gracious and forgiving God is?  What have you done to ever put yourself in league with Ahab?

So, what do you think stands between you and his grace?  Nothing but your pride.  If you will humble yourself before him, God will look down in favor.  For, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble" (Js 4:6).  Jus' Say'n.

Trouble

I heard a preacher on the radio yesterday say, "In our culture, we do not expect to have trouble.  And when we do, we want a pain-free and inexpensive answer to our problem."  He also pointed out that this cultural thinking was alive in the church as well as Christians look to pastors for quick, cheap, pain-free fixes to their problems.

Years of no attention to our marriage may have left a shambles of what it used to be but we want the pastor to have an answer that can fix things in a few marital session that he will, of course, provide for free.  Our kids may have been let run wild while in their formative years but we expect the youth minister to straighten them out in the hour a week he has them in class.

We want to drink a smoothly to take care of the extra pounds we've put on over the years.  We want to take a pill to fix the medical condition our lifestyle had produced over decades.  We want a consolidation loan to fix all our bad credit choices.  We want trouble-free answers to insure a trouble-free life.

The problem is however, even if we weren't making messes, which require great effort, time and often expense to correct, life is not going to be trouble-free - not even for the child of God.  As Jesus warns, "In this world you will have trouble" (Jn 16:33).  We are not promised a trouble-free life.  Quite the opposite.

However, Jesus goes on to say, "But take heart!  I have overcome the world."   He shared this truth so that "in me [Jesus] you might have peace."  It isn't through a cheap and easy fix to our problems that brings peace, it is by accepting the grace of God in Christ and trusting in him to "never leave you as orphan" (Jn 14:18), to trust in Christ to see you through.  Jus' Say'n.

The Way Up is Down

Solomon once wrote, "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor" (Prov 29:23).  At first glance, this doesn't seem quite right as pride is usually seen as that which puffs us up and causes us to feel superior. True, but puffing up and feeling superior are illusions from the bottom. 

Tandie once purchased me a series of golf lessons for my birthday.  One of the first things the pro said was, "Golf is a game of opposites.  You have to power down in order to cause the ball to rise up."  

Often, biblical truth seems that way.   In particular, puffing up with pride can keep you from mending a fence that might contain a gate to success later. It can keep you from listening to constructive criticism that might have helped to propel you further. It can keep you from admitting a fault you could have then changed and saved your marriage or career. 

Pride can keep you from serving and deny you from becoming more Christ-like. Humility, on the other hand, can cause you to defer to the person who can lift you up.  It can allow you to follow closely behind Christ as He brings help and healing to others and to you as well. Humility places you in the position to be blessed by God (cf. James 4:10). 

Opposite from the natural man's thinking as it may be, the way up spiritually is down.  Jus' Sayn.