Sowing and Reaping

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:1-10 ESV). British prime minister Herbert Asquith once spent a weekend at the Waddesdon estate of the 19th-century Rothschild family. One day, as Asquith was being waited on at teatime by the butler, the following conversation ensued: “Tea, coffee, or a peach from off the wall, sir?” “Tea, please,” answered Asquith. “China, India, or Ceylon, sir?” asked the butler. “China, please.” “Lemon, milk, or cream, sir?” “Milk, please,” replied Asquith. “Jersey, Hereford, or Shorthorn, sir?” asked the butler. One of the phrases I have often used in teaching responsible choices is that you get what you get because you went where you went. The words of Eleanor Roosevelt ring true: “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words. It is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” The Bible clearly teaches that we reap what we sow. Someone has written the “chapters of a healthy life making good choices: • Chapter 1: I walk down a street and there's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. It takes forever to get out. It's my fault. • Chapter 2: I walk down the same street. I fall in the hole again. It still takes a long time to get out. It's not my fault. • Chapter 3: I walk down the same street. I fall in the hole again. It's becoming a habit. It is my fault. I get out immediately. • Chapter 4: I walk down the same street and see the deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. • Chapter 5: I walk down a different street. Who are you living for? What is driving the choices in your life? Turn toward Him the direction and power to make good choices today. Perhaps its time to walk down another street! Today is the eve of walking down another street!

The Owies of Life - Part 2

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9 ESV). Listed below are seven ideas that really work to help you think more positive. Life is difficult, but there are things you can do to lighten your load. See if some of these don't help. 1. Teach Yourself A Lesson. In counseling this technique is called reframing. You take a bad experience and try to define what it is that you can learn from this experience that will make your life better. It is a way of turning pain to gain. 2. Interrupt Your Negative Thoughts. Research shows that if you continue to think negatively, you will feel more negative. Interrupting those thoughts and replacing them with positive memories can be extremely helpful in creating more positive energy. 3. Set Realistic Goals. Positive thinkers have learned how to meet their objectives. They set standards that are neither too high nor too low. They feel a sense of accomplishments when they complete tasks on their daily "to do" list. Realistic goals must be specific and they must be achievable. 4. Be Good To Yourself. You need to define those things that make you feel good and as often as you can incorporate them into your life. We know that positive reinforcement works. You need to reinforce yourself with the things that you value and enjoy. 5. Look For The Silver Lining. While it is true that negative things do happen and that there are times, when we seem to be overwhelmed by them, it is important that positive things do, in fact happen. Take time each day to write down or think about positive things that occurred in your day. It could be as simple as looking at a beautiful cloud, or hearing a song that you really enjoy. 6. Be Glad It's Not Worse. This technique simply put says, while my situation may be bad, it indeed could be worse. An example would be that you break your wrist, but that's better than being paralyzed for the rest of your life from the waist down. While sometimes our situation is as bad as it gets, usually, in most of our situations, we can find things that are worse. 7. Fake It, Charlie. Chaplin once said, "Smile though your heart is breaking." While it is important to get in touch with our feelings, being able to tell a joke, put a smile on our face, or do something that is absurdly pleasurable can help the discomfort of our lives go away.

The Owies of Life - Part 1

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:2-5 ESV). The unpleasant and difficult experiences of life are what I often call “owies.” They always hurt, but they don’t need to permanently affect us. The key to dealing with troubles is in seeing each as an opportunity for increased joy. There are five practical things that help in achieving this. First, understand that no experience comes labeled, you are the labeler. The power to choose is yours! As William Shakespeare said, “Nothing is good or bad but thinking makes it so.” You and only you are the labeler of your experiences. Do you complain that roses have thorns or do you rejoice that thorns have roses? You have the ability to choose your reactions. Sometimes these decisions to label are not done consciously and your past habits will put on a negative label. Become aware of that and change it immediately. Realizing your ability to label is an awesome power and a great step towards success. Second, avoid blaming yourself for making mistakes. The road to success is always under construction. Every morning we awake to a day we have never seen or experienced. Mistakes will be made and obstacles will appear. You have no control over these events but you do control your reaction to them. It is important that we forgive ourselves for making mistakes. We need to learn from our errors and move on. Sometimes we hurt in order that we may learn. Do you see a stumbling block or a stepping stone? You decide. Third, understand that like energies attract. Like attracts like. Positive thoughts produce positive results. If you surround yourself in positive emotions, energies, thoughts, and people then positive events will be the end result. Unfortunately, the same is true if you surround yourself in negative energies. Do you know someone that is always negative and melancholy? Notice that bad luck seems to continuously follow them. They may say that a rain cloud is right above his or her head. Well, they’re right. And as soon as they realize that it is nearly always themselves who create that rain cloud they can chose to make it disappear. What you plant, so shall you harvest. If you plant rose seeds you get roses right? Plant seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love; it will all come back to you in abundance. This is the law of the harvest. Fourth, determine what you want and act on it. Imagine an archer that did not have a target to shoot his arrow at. He would fire his arrows aimlessly and would not be successful. Have a goal, write it down, and act upon that goal. Now that there is a clear target you can have a plan of action. A visible target it easier to hit. Nobody ever sat his or her way to success. It takes hard work, motivation, a positive attitude and a strong belief that you can do it. That combination produces what we call luck. Do not sit back and wait for life to happen to you. Have a plan and take the needed steps to create what you want. Fifth, choose to feel happy. It has been said "Act as if and you will become." Try it. It really works. Put your chin up, smile, and think positive thoughts. Remember the happy times and notice all you have to be grateful for and you will feel lighter, happier and more empowered. If you frown, groan, grumble, and focus on everything wrong in the world you will feel down, lethargic and negative. Why bother with that? Choose to be happy and positive. Take steps to insure a more joyful and positive life. Do happy things; see positive movies, read good books, be around positive people, and practice affirmations. Identify the things and people that bring you happy feelings and surround yourself with them. Cultivate your relationship with yourself and your Heavenly Father and you will be successful.

Morning Coffee

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed! For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! (Psalm 84 ESV). Perhaps you are like I once was; you need your morning coffee. You need the real stuff. Statistics point to the fact that 75% of all Americans are in this same position. We are a group that drinks some coffee product every day at some time during the day. Coffee has become such an important part of our lifestyle that very profitable businesses have been developed to serve nothing but coffee. And, it seems contained to our generation more than any other generation. Young people are not so addicted. Only 61% of their population drink coffee each day. Perhaps their addiction is to Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, or Coke! Some studies have been done and the new “fix” comes from caffeinated products like “Red Bull.” Fortunately I no longer fight that battle as I have been off caffeine for some time. I am reminded, however, how easy it is to make habits and so hard to break them! One of those that have served me well in the past years is the habit of spending time with God in the morning. That has been a habit that has proven to be a very good one! There have been times when I “skipped” it, but for the most part, I always return to it as a source of strength and comfort. The writer of Psalm 84 was like that also. It must have been easy for him as he apparently worked at the temple. It is interesting to see the difference in his life when he was unable to continue in the presence of the Lord. We don’t know exactly what circumstance it was, but something happened, whether invasion or illness or other reason, which prevented his being there. His reaction was similar to mine when my morning coffee comes late. He wanted to be near God, in the temple, more than anything. He mentioned yearning and fainting. There are many things we want badly. I wonder if God's presence is on that list? We need God much more than we realize. He is the source of our spiritual life. If we are Christians, we cannot make it one day without God's enablement. We need Him bad. Why don't we feel like it? Granted, we shouldn't rely too much on emotion. As the writer of Psalm 84 demonstrated, however, when we set our emotions in the right direction, our walk with God is enhanced. Don't look at your quiet time as drudgery. Think of it as entering God's presence. Learn to enjoy Him. Oh, you can bring coffee too!

Twin Falls

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV). Not long ago I saw a program detailing some of the sights of Maui. Mary and I traveled there some years ago for a vacation. It was a one of the most spectacular places we have ever visited. We did all the things that folks normally do when they visit Hawaii. We spent time along the beaches walking in the sunshine, took a snorkeling tour to Molecai, and generally had a wonderful time of relaxation. One of the things we did that turned out to be very interesting was our road trip to Hana. Hana is a port city on the island of Maui that is somewhat difficult to get to since the roads are very narrow and often in bad repair. However, we felt adventurous and set out to make it all the way around the island! It was well worth the time and effort with spectacular views all along the way. At one point, we stopped to hike a trail to the Twin Falls. It was touted as an “easy walk.” Well, about an hour into the “walk” we began to ask some of the others coming back if it was worth it to continue. Some never made it to the falls and couldn’t say, while others said it wasn’t very much farther. After a while of walking and resting, then walking and resting again, we made it to the falls. And, it was worth it! The view was wonderful! I learned something from that little trek. It is the same in our walk with God. Many times it seems that life is a long walk along the trail, long, tiring, and no view beyond the next corner. When we reach a large mountain, we feel that we'll never be able to make it and so some of us give up. But if we lean on God He will increase our power and give us strength. Then, when we reach the top, we can see how far God brought us. We realize that we could not have done it without Him, and that whatever we went through was worth it. Some years ago I read an account that illustrates the trust we need to make it to the top. It seems a group of scientists and botanists were exploring remote regions of the Alps in search of new species of flowers. One day they noticed through binoculars a flower of such rarity and beauty that its value to science was incalculable. But it lay deep in a ravine with cliffs on both sides. To get the flower someone had to be lowered over the cliff on a rope. A curious young boy was watching nearby, and the scientists told him they would pay him well if he would agree to be lowered over the cliff to retrieve the flower below. The boy took one long look down the steep, dizzy depths and said, “I’ll be back in a minute.” A short time later he returned followed by a gray-haired man. Approaching the botanist, the boy said, “I’ll go over that cliff and get that flower for you if this man holds the rope. He’s my dad.” Remember that your “Dad” is holding the rope for you too. He will never fail you or forsake you! Trust Him!

The Christmas Names of Jesus - Part 4

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV). Merry Christmas! Isaiah gives us the last of the Christmas names next. He declares Jesus is the Prince of Peace. We are in Texas at this writing. The day will be filled with family, food, and exchanging gifts. However, the greatest gift ever given was over two thousand years ago in a quiet little town called Bethlehem. It was the gift of peace. So, what is this Peace? According to Webster's dictionary, peace is a state of tranquility, quiet, calm, freedom from civil disturbance, a state of security - being secure within a community, freedom from oppression, strife and disorder. In harmony in personal relations. Untroubled by conflict, agitation or commotion. In a world filled with war and violence, it’s difficult to see how Jesus could be the all-powerful God that acts in human history and be the embodiment of peace. But physical safety and political harmony don’t necessarily reflect the kind of peace He’s talking about. The Hebrew word for peace, “shalom,” is often used in reference to an appearance of calm and tranquility of individuals, groups, and nations. The Greek word eirene means unity and accord; Paul uses eirene to describe the objective of the New Testament church. But the deeper, more foundational meaning of peace is the spiritual harmony brought about by an individual’s restoration with God. In our sinful state, we were enemies with God. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are restored to a relationship of peace with God. This is the deep, abiding peace between our hearts and our Creator that cannot be taken away and the ultimate fulfillment of Christ’s work as “Prince of Peace.” But Christ’s sacrifice provides more for us than eternal peace; it also allows us to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Helper who promises to guide us. Further, the Holy Spirit will manifest Himself in us by having us live in ways we couldn’t possibly live on our own, including love, joy, and peace. This love, joy, and peace are all results of the Holy Spirit working in the life of a believer. They are reflections of His presence in us. And, although their deepest, most vital result is to have us live in love, joy, and peace with God, they can’t help but to spill over into our relationships with people. Is peace desirable? Do you have it? Would you like to have it? Accept this Child of Bethlehem today! He offers you the greatest gift on this wonderful morning of receiving gifts!

The Christmas Names of Jesus - Part 3

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV). Next Isaiah declares Jesus is the Everlasting Father. In the Hebrew the phrase is literally “the Father of Eternity.” This speaks of the purpose of his coming. He is before, above, and beyond time. He is the possessor of eternity. He is eternally like a father to his people. This is not a statement about the Trinity but about the character of our Lord. All that a good father is, Jesus is to his people. Because he is like a father, he cares for his people. Because he owns eternity, he can give us eternal life. That’s important for those who live on this sin-cursed planet. No one lives forever. Sooner or later we will all find our own place in the graveyard. We are not immortal but transitory. We’re here today, gone tomorrow. A dead Christ will do us no good. Dying men need an undying Christ. Charles Swindoll relates a story that draws us an appropriate picture of what Christ has done: “Eight-year-old Monica broke her leg as she fell into a pit. An older woman, Mama Njeri, happened along and climbed into the pit to help get Monica out. In the process, a dangerous black Mamba snake bit both Mama Njeri and Monica. Monica was taken to Kejave Medical Center and admitted. Mama Njeri went home, but never awoke from her sleep. The next day a perceptive missionary nurse explained Mama Njeri’s death to Monica, telling her that the snake had bitten both of them, but all of the snake’s poison was expended on Mama Njeri; none was given to Monica. The nurse then explained that Jesus had taken the poison of Monica’s sin so that she could have new life. It was easy for Monica.” She then understood the work of Christ on her behalf very clearly. Jesus makes the spiritual life possible. He is a father forever! That’s important to me. He taught me many things. He taught me the importance of family. He taught me what it meant to sacrifice for your children. He taught me some of the most endearing and important lessons in life. However, he was not a father forever. He is gone now. He was a very good man, but he could not be a father forever. I am a father to Kyle, David, and Aaron, but I am not a father forever. I will someday pass away. All human fathers must go. But Jesus is a father forever! He’s just what we need.

The Christmas Names of Jesus - Part 2

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV). Next Isaiah declares Jesus is the Mighty God. There is something very interesting in the contrast that God provides in the birth of Jesus. The people both at the time of Isaiah and when Jesus was born were looking for a Savior. It was always a part of their belief that God would send a redeemer to liberate them from their enemies. However, they were looking for a superhero not a baby born in a stable! They wanted someone who could return them to physical power, financial power, and political power like they had experienced under King David. Jesus’ power would not be found in his “super powers.” Jesus would show us his power in love, righteousness, justice, mercy, and forgiveness. It’s no wonder people were shocked by what He claimed. They knew who Jesus was. He had grown up in their neighborhood. He may have even played with their children. He had flesh and blood just like them. How could He say He was God? But it wasn’t just His words that surprised people. Jesus not only claimed the amazing, but He did the amazing. At His command, violent seas went still, the sick were healed, and the dead came to life. While many denied His claims, no one could deny His power over nature, sickness, death, and the supernatural. If we look into the Gospel of John we discover that Jesus had the power over all creation. Jesus was the one who created our world! He is the Creator and the Sustainer of all creation. He doesn’t just have authority over the earth. He has authority also over the heavenly realm. He has ALL authority. Any authority on this earth is “derived” authority. When you put all these claims together you must come to a clear conclusion. Jesus claimed and His disciples declared that Jesus was God. The authority and power of Christ was unique. Throughout the Gospels Jesus claims god-like authority for His words, claimed that He had the authority to forgive sin, and declared that He was God. Any view of Christ that makes Him merely a good man, misses the true declaration of the Bible. The promises of Jesus are wonderful and they provide us hope. But those promises often seem distant. They seem sometimes unrelated to what we are going through in the present. The fact that Jesus is the Mighty God also means that He is able to help us where we need that help right now. He will draw close to the person who is filled with loneliness. He will give strength to the one who is engulfed with fear. He will provide comfort to the one whose heart is broken. He will give direction for the one who doesn’t know which way to turn. He will give new courage to the one who is discouraged. He will protect and defend the one who feels their life has come crashing down around them. He is the Mighty God!

The Christmas Names of Jesus - Part 1

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV). For the next four days we will look at the prophetic names of Jesus given by Isaiah. Each of these reveals a special part of the Gospel. The first of these is Wonderful Counselor. Some have thought to separate these two words. And, while it is true that Jesus is both wonderful and a counselor, the sense is that he is a “wonder of a counselor.” In Isaiah’s day the people lived in a pervading darkness. There were wizards, witches, sorcerers, and those who sought to consult with the dead for their wisdom and understanding of life. They lived in a world that gave no comfort or reason for their pain and suffering. They had no hope and no future. God, knowing this, prepared for the day when he would send his Son who would be a counselor beyond imagination in his goodness and compassion. There are three things that strike me clearly in this truth. 1. First, Jesus listens with compassion. Jesus understands the hurts, the needs, and the rebellion of men. The Lord understands our tears. Take your best friend, the person who listens when no one else will, the person who understands your deepest need, the person who will not jump on you when you make a mistake but will help you get back up; Jesus is like that, only extraordinarily better. 2. Second, Jesus interprets things in a new light. The old wisdom introduced at the fall when Adam and Eve first sinned skewed everything in favor of deception and darkness. It is altogether too easy to believe that is the truth. Jesus changes that. He brings light into the darkness and reveals the truth. 3. Third, Jesus confronts with the truth. There are many who would twist the truth for their own purposes. They respond with a “spin” to turn opinion to their purpose and desire. However, Jesus never distorts the truth. He confronts us with truth because he is the truth. There are those times when the truth is difficult for us to hear, but it always brings us to freedom. What I hope you see is that when Christ came into the world as a baby in Bethlehem, it was not some historical event that is irrelevant to you and me. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem the Wonderful Counselor was born. He is one we have been looking for all our lives. He is the one who understands when no one else does. He is the one who stands by us when everyone else turns away. He is the one who really can help us confront the past and begin again. He is the one who can help us find the God we knew was present but couldn’t reach. Maybe it is time to stop hiding from the things that haunt your life. Why not take your hurts, fears, and failures and bring them to Jesus?

Just 43 Years!

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV). Happy Anniversary, Mary! Yep, it has been 43 years since I stood in the altar of First Baptist Church, Bryan, Texas as the organ played Mendelssohn's Wedding March and Mary walked arm in arm with her dad down the aisle for us to say our vows to one another. There were so many things about that day that I could recite as the memories have been etched into our minds. Some of them were very serious, others very humorous. Though I was not aware of it at the time, a dear lady named Alice Butler had gotten the dates and times for a special choir practice confused with our wedding. She was running a bit late and thought she would simply burst into the choir loft with an aria. Of course, had she not caught herself in mid-breath opening the door behind us, it would have made for an even funnier story! But, she did and no one was the wiser. We have laughed about that near disaster for many years. Lots of folks had wise words to share with me both before and after the wedding. Honestly, I can remember most of them even today. The wisest bit of wisdom came just as Mary turned the corner into the aisle with her dad. Bailey Stone, then pastor, and a dear friend and mentor to me today, leaned in to me and said, “Get where you can see Mary Anne (he has always called her by both her names). This will be a sight you will never forget.” He was absolutely correct. She turned the corner, waiting for the trumpets, and it seemed as if there was a glow surrounding her. She was beautiful beyond words, but the most wonderful sight was in the strength that she represented. It would be in those next few moments that we would become that threefold cord. There have been times when the strength of that cord would be tested, but never broken. The disappointments and challenges of life would never fray that cord! Through the years I have been able to understand better why that’s so true. While Mary is incredibly strong, and I have some strength as well; the two of us alone could never withstand these challenges. It would always be that third strand. His name is Jesus. In the many opportunities I have had through the years to counsel other couples during difficult times, it always comes back to the strength of Jesus. That is the essence of the grace of God operating in our lives. As I wish her Happy Anniversary today, may I challenge you to examine your “threefold cold”? What better time than Christmas to do that? Nothing and no one will do like Jesus!

The God of All Comfort

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ESV). You only need look around to see the constant presence of suffering in our world. There is an elderly woman with a walker slowly making her way from the car into the grocery store. There is a young lad in a wheel chair. There is a parent suffering from cancer. There is a child with chronic asthma. To one degree or another it is all around us. And the size of the medical profession is mute testimony to its extent. Why does a loving God permit all this suffering? Elizabeth Prentiss’ story offers and answer. Elizabeth Prentiss, the wife of a Presbyterian minister, spent most of her adult life as an invalid, seldom knowing a day without constant pain throughout her body. Yet her friends described her as a bright-eyed, cheery woman with a keen sense of humor. Elizabeth was always strong in faith and encouraging to others, until tragedy struck the Prentiss family beyond what even she could bear. The loss of two of their children brought great sorrow to Elizabeth’s life. For weeks no one could console her. In her diary she wrote of “empty hands, a worn-out, exhausted body, and unutterable longings to flee from a world that has so many sharp experiences.” During this period of grief, Elizabeth cried out to God, asking Him to minister to her broken spirit. It was at this time that Elizabeth’s story became a living testimony! During this time she wrote one of the church’s most familiar hymns: More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee; This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee... Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek—Give what is best; This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee... Let sorrow do its work, send grief and pain; Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain, When they can sing with me, More love, O Christ, to Thee... Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise; This be the parting cry my heart shall raise; This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee. Yes, we do encounter afflictions of various types in this world. But God is the author of real comfort. And we learn about the comfort only God can give by trusting Him and leaning upon Him. Without first experiencing pain and then knowing God's comfort, you really can't say to others, "This is what God can do for you."

Your Funny Bone

You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. (Matthew 5:21-22 ESV). Have you ever wondered why it hurts when you hit your funny bone? The funny thing is, the funny bone isn't a bone at all, but a nerve, and hitting it is anything but funny -- in fact, it's painful. According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons web site, the nerve that is referred to as the funny bone is the ulnar nerve, which extends down the arm, across the elbow, and into the hand. It provides sensation to the little and ring fingers and activates many of the muscles in the hand. "The ulnar nerve happens to be very superficially placed in the back of your elbow," says Ed Toriello, MD, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. "At this spot, it lies directly under the skin and runs in a hard, bony groove on its way to your hand. " Why is hitting it guaranteed to make you cringe with pain, rather than laugh, as its nickname suggests? "Nerves are very temperamental and sensitive structures," says Toriello, who is an orthopedic surgeon in private practice in New York. "For this reason, nerves generally course deep in muscles, where they are protected from direct contact with the things we bump into during our normal course of living. The ulnar nerve at the elbow is an exception, because it lies in a spot that is very vulnerable and protected only by a thin layer of skin." When you bump the back of your elbow directly over the ulnar nerve, it's caught between what you hit and the bony groove, explains Toriello. A painful electrical impulse is discharged from the nerve, which runs through the arm and into the little and ring fingers. So shouldn't it be called the painful nerve, instead of the funny bone? One theory is that the name funny bone is a pun on the Latin word humerus, which describes the part of the arm between the shoulder and the elbow. Another theory is that the "funny" in funny bone means strange rather than ha-ha. "My suspicion is that the first person who experienced this sensation when he or she struck their elbow did not find it fun, but rather found it an odd sensation since it didn't seem to happen when they bumped other parts of their body," says Toriello. "So I think 'funny' in this context really means 'odd or 'strange.'" The more I thought about that, the more I began to think about the “funny” things that people often say about others. To ridicule another is never justified. Even when it is followed with the excuse of “I was just kidding,” like the funny bone, it’s just not funny! Be careful about your speech, especially toward others. To hurt another with the things we say is always a bad thing!

The Coming Savior

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:1-6 ESV). I read the following story recently. While it purports to be true, it may only be another urban legend that has come to carry a significant truth. Darrell Loomis was a truck driver. Each week he hauled goods from Cincinnati to Atlanta. Joe's Diner was his favorite eating spot on the route. Darrell always stopped for meals at Joe's. One summer afternoon, Darrell parked his truck and walked into the diner. Sitting down in his favorite seat--the third counter stool--he ordered the usual--hot meat loaf sandwich, mashed potatoes, and iced tea. In the distance came a roar and a cloud of dust, followed by the arrival into the parking lot of twelve members of a motorcycle gang, riding Harley Davidsons with extended forks. These were fine bikes, quite a sight to see as the gang parked them next to Darrell's Peterbilt truck and set down the kickstands. As the gang stomped into the diner, the leader immediately spotted Darrell. "Well, who is this little sissy at the counter?" he sneered. Darrell merely remained silent and continued eating his lunch. Forming a semicircle around Darrell, the gang members started snapping their fingers in rhythmic cadence. Unperturbed, Darrell just sat and ate his lunch. One of the gang members picked up Darrell's iced tea and poured it over his head. The others watched, still snapping their fingers in unison. With his napkin Darrell quietly dried his face, but said nothing. Another gang member picked up Darrell's mashed potatoes and stuck a handful into Darrell's ear, wiping his hand on Darrell's back. Darrell remained calm and didn't respond. He simply continued to eat his lunch. Although the gang continued to harass and taunt Darrell, he never responded to any of it. Even when Darrell finished his lunch, he only stood up, turned to Joe, and silently paid his bill. He left the diner without saying a word. The leader of the gang laughed and said to Joe, "What a wimp! That guy sure ain't much of a man!" Joe, looking out the window of the diner said, "And he ain't much of a driver either. He just ran over twelve Harleys." When Jesus came as the Messiah, He wasn't at all what people expected. Many looked at Jesus and said, "What a sissy! He sure ain't much of a man! What kind of a Messiah is this?" Jesus never said a word, though. He took all the abuse that the world could throw at Him. He was ridiculed, humiliated, spat upon, whipped, crowned with thorns, and hung on a cruel cross. Satan did everything he could to destroy Jesus and to make Him the laughing stock of the world. Some still ridicule Him and His followers today. But Jesus never opened His mouth. He willingly accepted it because He knew that in the end, Satan and all of his followers would be defeated. Which side are you on?

The Power of X

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31 ESV). There have been some famous “X’s” in recent years. We’ve seen the X-Generation emerge, X-Men has made it from the pages of comics to the wide screen, and the X-Files has become a familiar TV program. X stuff has become vogue these days, though the popularity of X is nothing knew! It has a distinguished and glorious past! The closer we get to Christmas, the more we will be reminded of that past. The abbreviation Xmas for Christmas or Xtian for Christian are especially used at that time. These are reminders of X’s greatest glory. You see, in the Greek alphabet, X is not “ex” but “chi.” This X could be used alone and every believer would instantly know who was being talked about. It stood for Christ! You see the Greek spelling of Christ is “Xristos.” And Christians, or Xtians, have always had X Files! Not just any X Files. Not FBI X Files. But The Ultimate X Files. These are the files about the ultimate X, Christ. They are called the Gospels, the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Unfortunately, these X Files are not very widely read, not even by Xtians. So many people have found their favorite passages in other books of the Bible. Very few have spent the majority of their Bible reading time in the Gospels. And yet the declaration of John is that their sole purpose is to bring life to the reader! In an era when Christians have widely embraced the WWJD slogan, it’s seems strangely incongruent to ask “What Would Jesus Do?” and then not spend time with Jesus in the Scripture to know what He really did! Thankfully, we can easily correct this imbalance. One of the greatest gifts we have is the collection of these writings. We can sit down and read four different accounts of the life of Christ. We can know what Jesus did in his daily life by reading them. This is the real power of X! We are well into another winter and the beginning of another year. Why don’t we use the remainder of this year to read at least one of the Gospels? Read it all the way through in one sitting. Before you do that, ask God to reveal Christ more clearly than ever before. Read it in several different translations. Read it looking for clues to what God is saying to you by sending Jesus to earth. Read it asking God to help you fall more passionately in love with Christ and more convicted to follow him as Lord. Nothing could make a bigger difference to the world, nothing could help you better understand the meaning of being human, nothing could be more profound than for Christians to truly be captured by the key focus of the Gospels. After all, that’s what being a Christian is all about!

Glorious Fountain

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV). There has only been one time in our nearly 43 years that Mary and I were apart for an extended period of time. Just before the twins were born, Mary went to help while Brandy was in the hospital for nearly 16 weeks. It was a tremendous learning experience. At least one of the things I have learned is that there are many things I have taken for granted that she does that simply don’t get done very well without her! Those memories drew me to the subject for today. Long-lasting marriages, the "'till death do us part" ones, are not as common as they once were. In our current culture, we have grown so used to the fast pace and everything being easily obtained, it has become as easy as tossing a broken toy to the wayside when it breaks, rather than trying to repair it? Has love lost so much value that it can now be boiled down to a few laughs, shared memories, and the temporary thrill of passion? Is this all love is, or is there something more? The Lord has already told us exactly what love is. Why on earth would our Maker tell us how to recognize true love? I mean, after all, it is one of the most basic emotions, isn't it? Do we really need God to tell us something we should already know? Once again the answer seems obvious. Just look at the divorce rate and the statistics on teen pregnancies, spousal abuse, and abortion. Turn on the television and it's almost impossible to avoid some soap opera or talk show where we aren't being exposed to some degree of boastful bed-hopping. The Apostle Paul tells us about the true nature and character of love in our reading this morning. Notice there is no mention of romance, passion, or physical pleasures. While such things as a candle-lit dinner, long walks on the beach, or a warm embrace may be some of the ways we express and communicate love. They do not represent love in and of themselves. Love that has been injured needs time and great care to mend. When we have a cut or scrape to our knee, do we rub dirt in it? No, we cleanse it and assist it back to health. So, too, does our Heavenly Father desire us to care for and nurture love so that we can live a more joyous life. In like manner, God is the great healer and mender of hurting souls. All we need to do is call on Him and He is faithful, not only to answer, but to offer us His undying and eternal love. James Russell Lowell said it so well: "Glorious fountain! Let my heart be fresh, changeful, constant, Upward, like Thee!" Could that be your prayer today?

The Bayeux Tapestry

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:14-17 ESV). Many museums around the world house collections of embroidery. Some of these works of art are centuries old and provide us with an idea of what life was like in times past. American samplers from the 18th and 19th centuries were often stitched by schoolgirls and are highly prized today. Old European cathedrals and churches were richly decorated with altar cloths and kneelers painstakingly crafted by skilled needle workers. One of the most famous historical embroideries is the Bayeux Tapestry. It tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 through panels which depict scenes of battle and of daily life. Castles, boats, hunters and men dressed in armor decorate this wonderful piece of needlework. It measures approximately 20 inches high and 230 feet long, although its original length is not certain due to a damaged final panel. Odo, Bishop of Bayeux from 1050 - 1097 and half-brother of William the Conqueror probably commissioned it. The Bayeux Tapestry, as any piece of embroidery, begins as blank fabric. Even the plainest material can become a thing of beauty in the hands of a gifted artist. Satin, silk, needlepoint canvas and cotton are commonly used as the base. Threads made of silk, cotton; metallic and even velour provide different textures. They can be shiny or flat, thick or thin, and give the finished piece its unique character. Our reading this morning declares, "Those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" When we accept Christ as the Savior sent by God to atone for our sins, we become much like that plain piece of fabric. Through God's special plan for each of us, we become what he envisions us to be. He embellishes us and makes us beautiful, no matter how tattered and worn we may feel. Please give yourself to the Master Craftsman today, and see what he can do for you.

Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. (1 John 2:6-8 ESV). Emerson wrote, “The only gift is a portion of thyself." The title of today’s devotional is the chorus from a very familiar Christmas story and carol. Perhaps you remember reading "The Little Drummer Boy" to your children as I do. The fictional story tells about a poor shepherd boy who went to visit the Christ child on the day of his birth. When he arrived, the boy realized that other visitors presented the baby Jesus and his parents with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but the shepherd boy had no gift due to his impoverished state. The only possession in the world the child had was a small handmade drum, and so, the little drummer boy gave the only gift he could give out of the pureness of his heart. The young shepherd picked up his drum, and as he looked in wonder at the Christ child, he played the best song ever; a drum solo inspired by the opening of his own heart. The story never fails to remind me of an essential truth. The message it conveys is not only very real, but of great importance. The gift of self is a most precious gift, indeed, because it is not a gift that can be purchased easily with money, but requires the time, energy, and heartfelt sentiments of the giver. For example, every mother knows how her heart leaps when her child presents her with a hand-drawn card, offers her a hand-picked flower, or gives her that old kindergarten standby, the noodle necklace! I don't know about you, but that silly noodle necklace was more precious to me than diamonds or pearls! This, my friends, is a gift of love. It is a gift of self. There are birthday gifts and Christmas gifts. There are gifts of fruit, chocolates and flowers. However, the most precious gift known to all of mankind, is the gift of love from our heavenly Father presented all of us when He allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to be a living sacrifice for our sins. Our Creator did not "have" to do this, but He loved us so richly as individuals, that He gave to us the greatest gift He could give. The gift of love. The gift of self. It ought to motivate us toward that kind of giving this Christmas season. What gifts are you preparing to present to those whom you love?

White Elephant Gifts

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17 ESV). It’s that time of the year when many people plan for their office Christmas parties. We are a large enough organization that we have several such parties. Sometimes we exchange names and a gift at such parties. There are other times when the group is small enough that the practice of “White Elephant Gifts” is used to exchange gifts. I have always enjoyed those parties the most. One year I recall getting a bag of goldfish. Another gift was the singing “Billy Bass,” with a rendition of Throw Me Back in the River! There are always a few gifts that are in the mix that really are pretty nice. Those are the ones that everyone tries to exchange for. There’s another gift exchange that is available to us. It is so unbalanced it is hard to believe. This exchange takes place when we believe and accept the fact that Jesus has died for our sins. We give him our sins, and He gives us His goodness and forgiveness. How totally unbalanced is that? I got everything wonderful and gave him my bag of sinful garbage. The Apostle Paul tells us that God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21). Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us. What an exchange that was! How loving a God we have! He is one who is willing to allow His son to suffer the pain of sin, bearing it so that we could be reconciled with our heavenly Father. It is an incredible gift of grace! The most wonderful thing about God’s love is how constant it is toward us. I like the story told of how one day C. H. Spurgeon was walking through the English countryside with a friend. As they strolled along, the evangelist noticed a barn with a weather vane on its roof. At the top of the vane were these words: GOD IS LOVE. Spurgeon remarked to his companion that he thought this was a rather inappropriate place for such a message. “Weather vanes are changeable,” he said, “but God’s love is constant.” “I don’t agree with you about those words, Charles,” replied his friend. “You misunderstood the meaning. That sign is indicating a truth: Regardless of which way the wind blows, God is love.” If you have never participated in a real Christmas exchange, I encourage you to do so. Accept the gift of eternal life and forgiveness of sin that Christ himself will give you. It is certainly not an even exchange, but one that He offers with love so profound it is beyond our understanding.

A Lesson from a Christmas Carol

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” (2 Corinthians 8:9-15 ESV). It’s that time of the year when we are asked to give to many different charities and causes. From our own churches and annual budget drives to the volunteers in front of department stores ringing bells, there are many opportunities to give. As I thought about that, the well-known Christmas story, "A Christmas Carol” by English writer, Charles Dickens, came to mind. You recall it is a story where an old, wealthy yet grumpy and selfish man named Ebenezer Scrooge didn't care much about Christmas nor about helping those less fortunate than himself. Although he was blessed with the financial resources to be a blessing to others, he instead kept his riches selfishly to himself. He kept this up until he received visitation from three spirits who showed him the painful side effects of his selfish actions unless he changes course. Afterwards, he did change his ways and became one of the most generous men in England. I believe that Charles Dickens was implying a spiritual message behind this story so that we would not mistakenly read this as just another cute Christmas story. Did you know that the name "Ebenezer" is Hebrew for "stone of help"? Ebenezer Scrooge in the story was not living up to the true definition of his name until he received supernatural intervention that caused him to have a change of heart and, thus, enabled him to be a financial stone of help to those around him. Sometimes, God needs to stir up our own nests so that we do not live our lives beneath our true potential. The Lord intends for us to live our lives daily in accordance to His righteous standards, and this is done when we deepen our relationship with Him. The more we spend time with Him, the more Christ-like attributes we take on. Once we become more like Christ, we will be more of a blessing to those around us. Christ constantly gave of Himself selflessly to others; even old man Scrooge had a giving spirit after His supernatural encounter, let us therefore model Christ the best way we can. I hope you don’t need that kind of reminder to share the things God has blessed you with, especially at this time of the year!

Would You Like t Upgrade?

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:12-18 ESV). In our modern world, those who are in retail sales are constantly working to help us upgrade in our purchase. In any type of merchandise purchase we are always shown and asked if we want to go a little bigger or better. With some purchases there are dozens of options that may be chosen as well. All of these upgrades enhance the basic level of performance and comfort from the same model. Our world markets everything as new and improved, upgrading the heart of something without changing its external appearance is a bit bizarre. But bizarre doesn’t mean bad in a world of façade and spin. Improving from the inside out is nearly always best. We heal best from our physical wounds from the inside out. Good health programs don’t just focus on making the outward appearance look better, they stress cardiovascular improvement, and they want to improve our heart. In much the same way, we grow best spiritually when we grow from the inside out. While external appearance may be our most important personal attribute to others, God doesn’t look at our outward appearance, but at our heart. So how do Christians say to God, “Upgrade me, please?”  First, we confess our sins and shortcomings ask God to truly upgrade us—to make our heart new and pure.  Second, we ask God to continue to transform us to be more like Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit.  Third, we regularly put good and holy materials into our hearts to renew our thoughts and clarify our focus through what we read, see, pray, and sing.  Fourth, we obey what we know to be the clear will of God in our daily lives to honor Jesus as our Lord trusting that he is doing the work of transformation on our hearts. Don’t you need to upgrade today? It is easy to do: “…as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.”

Poisoned Pills

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12 ESV). Perhaps you remember a twisted act of individual terrorism that happened a few years ago, it turned relief into tragedy. Someone had managed to put poison in some pain relief capsules - there was a sudden series of deaths from some people who took this particular brand. I remember reading, for example, about a flight attendant who arrived home after a trip with a serious headache. She reached for a couple pain relief capsules. I'm sure she thought they would make her feel better soon. Instead, she died from them. Our reading today is one of the most sobering, unsettling statements in the Bible. Several years ago, just before Good Friday, America was stunned by the mass suicide of 39 members of the "Heaven's Gate" cult. Then we saw some of the video testimonials made by those people just before they took their own lives. They talked about how at peace they were, how happy to be taking this next step - suicide. And we learned that these were not some religious freaks - they were bright, competent people. They believed very sincerely that they were graduating to something better. But listen to Jesus, the Son of God. He says, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved" (John 10:9). And it is Jesus who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." If you're counting on anything or anyone other than Jesus to get you to heaven, you're just not going to make it. Sincerity doesn't make what you believe in right - that flight attendant sincerely believed that pain reliever would help her. Peaceful feelings don't validate what you're counting on either - the people who died from those poisoned capsules were expecting relief. They died instead. Our hearts are incurably spiritual. We need a spiritual answer, and we know it. We are looking for something bigger than ourselves . . . something that can give us significance . . . that can conquer the darkness inside of us . . . that can take us to something better someday. Ultimately, we are looking for a savior who can make us what we could never be otherwise and take us to a heaven we could never go to any other way. And there is only one Savior - there's only one Person who took the death penalty for the sinning you and I have done . . . that's Jesus . . . on the cross. And no belief, no religion - even if it is about Jesus - can get you to heaven when you die. Only the savior can do that. You may be on a beautiful spiritual road that looks and feels right - but like pain relievers that contained poison - it may lead to death.

Better Than Ever!

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:1-12 ESV). A broken bone is always difficult to deal with. However, after it heals it will be better than ever. In fact, if you are healthy otherwise, where it’s broken will be the strongest part of your bone when it heals properly. You’ll be able to feel a little ridge where it’s healed up. You might even have a little advanced warning for a cold front. But you will be better than ever after you get your muscle tone back. While it seems strange, it’s true when healthy bones heal from a break, they are strongest in the place where they were once broken. And it’s true in more areas than just broken bones. Or at least it can be. God has always found a way to redeem and use the weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and failures of people devoted to him. In fact, he turns these “deficits” into opportunities for his power to be displayed. Whether it’s being down to five loaves and two fish to feed a crowd, the moral failure of a King who repents when confronted (King David), or the greatest enemy of the Christian movement being converted (the Apostle Paul), God has a powerful way of turning deficits into plusses, failures into opportunities, and weakness into strength. Now don’t get me wrong, we’re not talking about an excuse for failure or complacency about our weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and failures. But there is great comfort in knowing that God can use my past disasters to equip me and strengthen me so I can bless others. There are, however, three key ingredients for this kind of turn around.  First, as believers we want to have healthy “bones.” We usually take away from disasters what we brought with us into them, only more so. Healthy bones are stronger where they’ve been broken and healed. Diseased bones are often much weaker where they’ve been broken. Commit yourself to be “healthy” in the Lord so that when disasters, failures, or problems come, you can be healed and made stronger.  Second, we must acknowledge our brokenness and bring it to God to be fully healed. Hiding what is broken, or trying to just let it heal itself, will usually only make what is broken heal improperly. If it’s sin, confess it. If it’s failure, admit it. If it is weakness, acknowledge it.  Third, offer yourself back to God to be used by him in his work. Like the boy who brought the loaves and fishes, what we offer may not seem like enough to meet the demand. But when it is offered to the Father, he makes it more than sufficient. He takes what is broken and makes it strongest in the broken places.

Missed Opportunities

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:9-10 ESV). Benjamin Franklin said, "One today is worth two tomorrows." His words point out a real danger for all of us: while dreaming about a better tomorrow, we can make the mistake of neglecting today. Recently I read a poem titled “Missed Opportunities.” It is very thought-provoking: There was a very cautious man Who never laughed or played. He never risked, he never tried, He never sang or prayed. And when he one day passed away, His insurance was denied. For since he never really lived, They claimed he never died. That man went through the motions, and never really enjoyed life. If we are not careful, we can do the same. Psychologist William James said that, "Compared with what we ought to be, we are only half awake. We are making use of only a small part of our possible mental and physical resources. The human individual . . . possesses powers of various sorts he habitually fails to use." Thus, James discussed in professional terms what the poem talks about. Both describe people who go through the motions, hoping that somehow things will be better tomorrow. Unfortunately, they miss many good aspects of life because they fail to make the most of each day. I read somewhere that yesterday is a canceled check, and tomorrow is a promissory note. But today is cash, ready for us to spend in living. How are you spending today? In John 10:10, Jesus said that he came that we might have life, "...and have it to the full." Decide now to make the most of each day. Start by asking God to help you build a closer relationship with Him. Or, if you've never made a commitment to Him, take this step today. And talk with Him about how you should spend the time He has given you. Then follow up by making adjustments in your life. Finally, remember that one today is worth two tomorrows.

How Well do You Listen?

And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” (1 Samuel 3:10 ESV). An incident in the life of President Franklin D. Roosevelt provides some interesting insight about listening. The incident illustrates how we often fail to really listen to what others say and do. President Roosevelt got tired of smiling that big smile and saying the usual things at all those White House receptions. So one evening he decided to find out whether anybody was paying attention to what he was saying. As each person came up to him with an extended hand, he flashed that big smile and said, "I murdered my grandmother this morning." People would automatically respond with comments such as "How lovely!" or "Just continue with your great work!" Nobody focused on the real meaning of President Roosevelt's words. In fact, when one foreign diplomat approached the President, Roosevelt said, "I murdered my grandmother this morning." Rather than expressing surprise, the diplomat simply responded, "I'm sure she had it coming to her." Most of us have relatives, friends and co-workers whom we care about. However, we fail to demonstrate our care by listening to them. Instead, we ask people how they are doing, exchange brief remarks, and then do our own thing. As Mature Living notes, "Talking to yourself isn't always a sign of old age. In this day and time it may be the only way to be sure someone is listening." In short, we fail to really listen. We don't focus on other people and their needs, so we don't understand them. The result: hurt feelings, painful conflicts, and broken relationships. Another result of not listening is that we miss important truths about life. Isaac Newton, one of history's most distinguished scientists, reflected back on his life and said, "I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me." Newton's words contain a lot of meaning for our lives. There is a great ocean of truth out there for each of us. Our Creator wants to reveal it, but we have to listen in order to gain His understanding. Are you listening? Real listening depends on your attitude. This is the background of our reading this morning. Samuel's attitude was: "Speak, for your servant is listening." God spoke, Samuel listened and became a great man of God. Most of us do very little real listening to God. When we pray, we can't wait to get to the things we want to communicate about the things we want. God's desires and what He wants to communicate to us receive little, if any, attention. So for new understanding, shift your focus away from yourself. Make an effort to really listen to other people. Your relationships with them will improve significantly if you do. Also make an effort to really listen to God. Adopt Samuel's attitude in your life. Your life and relationships, with God and others, will take a dramatic turn for the better when you do. How well are you listening?

Swept and Bagged

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:5-10 ESV). As I left the house one day last week I saw some of the neighbors out doing some yard work. The leaves have all but fallen completely here in Middle Tennessee and it is easy to just use the gas-powered blower to “sweep” them away. One neighbor was doing just that as he cleared his driveway of the falling leaves. It was a quick way to clean it off, but they were still in the yard! It’s only a matter of time before a “norther” blows in. Now a norther in our area is a six hour big blow of arctic wind as a cold front moves in and changes our temperature about 30 degrees toward the chillier end of the scale! My neighbor will find that the leaves will be everywhere after that first windy day. Not only will his leaves be back on his driveway, they’ll be all over the yard too. The only real way to get rid of them is to sweep AND bag them. This requires a broom, a rake, and a trash bag, not a leaf blower! We live in a leaf blower culture! Get it done in a hurry. Don’t mess with the details. Why use a broom and get rid of the problem when you can blow the problem into someone else’s way. But it’s not just our culture. It’s also our walk with Jesus. We often look for shortcuts. When we’ve blown it, we want instant forgiveness. God generously gives us forgiveness, but we seldom look for growth, we take the shortcut to clean up in our own hearts and so we fall into the same traps again and again. Our reading this morning speaks of forgiveness in the context of community. Whether you call it small group, Christian friends, an accountability partner, we all need others to help us get through. To ask forgiveness and then not place ourselves into a relationship of accountability with others is like blowing leaves off the driveway. Everything looks clean for the moment, but the problem’s not gone. It’s just waiting for another ill wind and back come the leaves. Until we’ve swept them up and put them in a bag, they’re going to come back. You know, the next season for leaves to fall comes soon enough without having to deal with the ones that are already on the ground again. While a leaf blower works quickly, it doesn’t really get the job done. If the goal is to have clean sidewalks, they’re going to have to be swept and bagged, not just blown. Isn’t the same true with you?

Live Long and Prosper

Some of you will recognize immediately the phrase I have used as a title this morning. It comes from a standard greeting used by Vulcans, especially Mr. Spock, in Star Trek. I couldn’t help but be reminded of this as I began to ponder the many things that could be in the future for Faith and Logan. Tom Heyman, in his book, In an Average Lifetime, writes that the average American spends: 3 years in business meetings, 13 years watching TV, $89,281 on food, consumes 109,354 pounds of food, makes 1811 trips to McDonalds, spends $6881 in vending machines, eats 35,138 cookies and 1483 pounds of candy, catches 304 colds, is involved in 6 motor vehicle accidents, is hospitalized 8 times (men) or 12 times (women), and spends 24 years sleeping. All of this and much more in the average life span of 71 years! While that span of years is nearly double that of anyone born at the end of the 18th century, and there have been some who have lived well beyond that age, the measure of a person’s life is not best made in numerical years. “Live long and prosper” must take into account so much more than that! Listen to the words of Jesus: Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. (Matthew 16:24-27 ESV). Here are a few suggestions if you want to live long and prosper. First, take control of your life. By that I mean change the things that may be changed and accept those that cannot. Second, stop worrying. Easier said than done, but essential nevertheless. The quickest way to ease your worry is to practice faith. Believe the Lord for your past, present, and future. Third, eliminate stress. Obviously there is a certain level of stress necessary for normal life to continue. However, most of us are stressed so much that we cease to function at optimum levels and lose our joy in the process. The burdens we have accepted are far beyond our capacity. Fourth, talk positively to yourself. It is amazing how positive self-talk can increase self-esteem and self-confidence and thus create inner peace. I have noticed that most people are their own worst enemies. These and more are some of the things that I wish for my grandchildren. Can they possess these traits? Of course they can. Anyone can. There is no secret to possessing and practicing these positive attributes. Begin with faith in Christ; continue by following Him in all that you do. He will lead to you Live Long and Prosper!

Meanderings of My Mind

This morning I began to let my mind wander a bit. While it has been just a few days since we celebrated Faith and Logan’s birthday, my thoughts have been filled with the lessons God is teaching through them. I have always been able to learn best through my family! The following are just a few of the meanderings of my mind today. Perhaps they will speak to you as they did me. “Faith Michelle” is a name full of meaning. Obviously her first name simply means “faith.” It is from the English word and was one of the virtue names favored by the Puritans. Michelle, on the other hand, is the French feminine form of Michael and means “like the Lord.” So much has been written and spoken about the character of faith and our lives as children of God. V. Raymond Edman expresses it well in the following verse: Faith is dead to doubts— dumb to discouragements, blind to impossibilities, knows nothing but success. Faith lifts its hand up through the threatening clouds, lays hold of Him who has all power in heaven and on earth. Faith makes the uplook good, the outlook bright, the inlook favorable, and the future glorious. “Logan Allen” is also a name full of meaning. Logan is from a surname, which was originally derived from a Scottish place name meaning “little hollow” in Scottish Gaelic. And Allen means “handsome.” None of you who know me would have any problem believing that I think Logan is “handsome.” After all, he is my grandson! But, his first name began to take me along a different thought path. The prophet Isaiah recalls the greatness of our Savior in the following verses: Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? (Isaiah 40:1-12 KJV). Wander a bit with me. Faith is the essential element in our relationship with God. Once we exercise faith we are brought into a relationship that guarantees God’s protection. He holds us “in the hollow of His hand.” The two are inseparable, just as twins at birth! Sometimes I have forgotten that truth in my life. I have called out to the Lord for His protection and forgotten that it merely requires my faith in Him! His strength and beauty are available to me simply by believing in His word!