Ordinary Heroes of the Faith - Pt 1

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13 ESV). This is a wonderful verse for us to begin looking at some of the “ordinary” men and women of the faith over the next few days. First, there is a little word study necessary. The word translated “common” in our reading is “idiots.” Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance says the word represents “a private person as opposed to a magistrate, ruler, king a common soldier, as opposed to a military officer a writer of prose as opposed to a poet; and, in the New Testament is should be seen as an unlearned, illiterate, man as opposed to the learned and educated: one who is unskilled in any art.” The emphasis in this context is that the people were listening to men speak whom they knew to be very “ordinary” men. They were not the educated, privileged, or elite of society. They were common fishermen. Yet, when they heard them speak, they were astonished. They were recognized as having been with Jesus. I suppose it would be easy to say that education is a hindrance to the work of the Holy Spirit. Or, as others, we might come to the conclusion that serious study is unnecessary. Neither would be correct. The Scripture is clear that we are to be well trained, “workmen worthy of their hire” (cf. 1 Timothy 5:18). However, it is a very important indicator that it is not our effort at being extraordinary that God uses; it is our ordinary, common means that are fused with the extraordinary means of the Holy Spirit that makes every work astonishing. I find it altogether disappointing that the modern emphasis in the evangelical church is toward some special work or ministry done by the laity that validates the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. Unless the lame walk or the blind see, then the common belief is God was not present! How tragic. The truth remains that only God is the focus of our lives. Additionally, when we fall into the error of emphasizing the spectacular, we deny the truth of the workings of the body of Christ and the purposeful gifting within it. Some years ago I worked in the flooring department of Home Depot. I had no management or supervisory capacity. I was an ordinary employee of the store. However, my gifts went with me. There were opportunities each day to reflect the character and person of Christ. This was not necessarily done through any overt action on my part. Sometimes it was merely doing my job to the best of my ability; to quietly and orderly submit to the authority God had put me under. I can assure you, it was often not amazing or spectacular; however, it was always an honor to Christ. In the next few days I want to spotlight some of these “ordinary heroes of the faith” by sharing their stories. Perhaps it will inspire and encourage you in your walk.

Stampede!

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV). A good friend of mine, Glynn Beaty, shared the following story recently. There is a ranch where a very distinctive herd of cattle are kept. He wrote: They stand out in the pasture, maybe 100 head or more, nonchalantly chewing on cud as cattle are wont to do. There’s nothing spectacular about the place—normal weather, typical ranch setting—just a pastoral setting of no real consequence. Then the bell rings. Suddenly, an idle herd of cattle is now a crazed mob of massive animals sprinting through the fields as if their very lives depended on it. The sound of the thundering hooves is deafening as a large cloud of dust begins to rise into the once pristine sky. On they rush, unstoppable and unwilling to stop, ignoring the few obstacles in their way, running over anything that stands before them. A horn blasts a mighty, long note. The stampede stops, and the once crazed cows are once again docile. Within minutes, the once serene setting is restored, save only for the cloud of dust that still hangs air, slowly dispersed by the gentle breeze. The cattle, though slightly winded, are at peace, content to bide their time and enjoy the grass at their hooves. JT Oberdorf looks at me, bemused. “You’ve got that look, you know.” “What look is that?” I ask. “The same look everyone gets the first time they see the stampede.” JT is a rancher, with over 30 years of experience. His weathered features, lanky build, rugged hands fit the stereotype of a cowboy out of a Western novel. He’s worked the ranch for as long as he can remember, following in his father’s and grandfather’s steps. He knows every inch of his ranch, the lay of the land, every post, every building, every animal. But JT is more than a rancher. JT Oberdorf is a trainer of thoroughbred cattle. Thoroughbred cattle are a cross between longhorns and other beef cattle. Unlike most beef cattle, the quality of the meat is secondary to the ability and desire to run, as well as the lean, somewhat battered look of the cattle that have been on long drives from Texas to Kansas. The training regimen consists of daily workouts of regular stampedes. How they look and how they run is important, because there is a very small and very unique market for thoroughbred cattle - Hollywood. Thoroughbreds are must-haves if a film needs a stampede. “If there’s been a stampede on film, it’s a good bet the hooves were ours,” JT boasts, “From the first to the most recent, almost always our herd.” If a western is being produced, the producer contacts JT, and the negotiations take place. Once an agreement is reached, the cattle are loaded into specially designed cattle cars and sent by rail to the designated film shoot site. (Usually, the train is followed by trucks, since most sites are not on rail lines, but there is a special rail section to the ranch.) While on the set, the cattle are pampered like most other movie stars—their own specially constructed barns, climate controlled, with massages and other amenities available as needed. The cattle are gathered for their shot, placed on their “mark,” where they wait for the bell to ring, signaling the start of a stampede. They run until the horn sounds, just as they’ve been trained to do at the ranch. Generally, it takes one, maybe two takes before the stampede is filmed to the satisfaction of the director. Once their stampede is completed, the cattle remain to “play the part” of the herd being driven or for atmosphere. I asked JT if times were getting harder since westerns weren’t in such demand anymore. He begrudgingly admitted that times had been better, but that there was always a need for the cattle. He wasn’t willing to give up the trade, believing that it only takes one good western to turn things around. He’s convinced that next great western is just around the bend. As with any agribusiness man, JT Oberdorf was dependent on forces out of his control but not willing to surrender to the voices that called for the end of thoroughbred cattling. “One day soon, there will be a call for a cattle stampede, and when it happens, they’ll need a well-trained herd of thoroughbred cattle. They’ll need Oberdorf’s, and we’ll be ready.” Sometimes I wonder if most of what we call “church” is nothing more than training for a fake stampede that is unlikely to come. Jesus’ directive to us is to make disciples “as we are going” our way in the world. We would do well to remember we are not called to be actors on the stage of life; but, to live our lives in the world so that others can see the reflection of Christ in us. A lot of the excitement we conjure up in church looks like the ringing of a bell and sounding of the horn for the start and finish of stampede practice. Let’s get real!

His Higher Ways

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:6-9 ESV). I read a true story from the stories of the tragedy of the Titanic. The Clark family hailed from Scotland, but they had a dream of immigrating to America. To that end, they scrimped, struggled and saved until, finally, the family was able to purchase tickets aboard a ship that would take them to a new life in a new land. Then, as often happens to our well thought-out plans, seven days before they were to leave, the family's youngest son was bitten by a dog. It wasn't a bad bite, but it was enough for the local doctor to hang a "Quarantine" sign on the family's door. You see, there was a chance, a small chance, he had contracted rabies. The ship was to sail in one week, while the boy was shut away for two. The cold, hard fact was this: they were staying behind when the ship sailed. Mr. Clark did not do well with the bad news. He was frustrated with his innocent son and he was furious with God. His dark mood grew darker on the day the ship left harbor and it stayed that way until April 15th. April 15th was the day they found out the ship upon which they had booked passage, the Titanic, had gone down, and taken with her the lives of more than 1,500 passengers. Instantly, Mr. Clark's attitude changed. The Titanic's news had him hugging his son and thanking his Lord. They had been saved and tragedy was transformed to triumph. Haven’t you found this story to be repeated in your life or someone you’ve known? It has in mine. No, most of us haven't booked passage on the Titanic, but we do make our plans and when those plans have to be disappointingly cancelled, we can get upset, sometimes lashing out at others and the Lord. Now if that story is your story, then I would encourage you to think upon this: the Lord, whose ways and thoughts are far above ours, is always going to do the right thing for us. He who sent His Son into the world to be offered as our ransom is not about to do anything but good in our lives. Even those things that make no sense; those things that seem to have no good end are the things that God use to bring great blessing into our lives. Often it takes a while to see it; but, His love and grace are limitless and He can be trusted. He can be always be trusted to do the right thing, the best thing, the Godly thing. And we will eventually see that, if we look at things through His eyes. Give it a try!

Predator and Prey

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16 ESV). Just the other day as I was coming home on some of the rural roads from the church to my home, I noticed a Red-tailed Hawk sitting on the side of the road. I slowed to see if something was wrong. It is not unusual to see them in this part of the country; but, it is unusual to see them on the ground. I had hoped nothing was wrong. My fears were quickly dispelled as I got closer and the hawk took flight with a small rabbit in its talons. Although the two were nearly equal in size, they were clearly no equal match. The hawk, true to its nature, had attacked and killed the rabbit. Breakfast was soon to be served! That's nature — a constant battle between predators and prey. Sadly, this same pattern has characterized much of human history. We experience it ourselves. Predator-like people are everywhere. At some point, we may find ourselves victimized or targeted by one, perhaps without realizing it at first. Jesus warned us about people who "come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves" (cf. Matthew 7:15). We’ve all been in those situations before, when we feel like the prey. During those experiences I remind myself of the many examples from the lives of the characters in the Bible like the psalmists and the apostles, who experienced the grip of predators without possessing any means, apart from God, of rising above their circumstance. Even if they could have found a way to attack and overpower their "enemy" they did not do so. Why didn’t they? I believe it is because they recognized their identity through their union with Christ. They could not be something they were not. They could not become a hawk. So it is for you and me. If we are truly in Christ, any hawk-like behavior is outside of our nature. Remember, our old ways of self-interest and self-management were put to death with Christ. Now, God is our defense and protector. We trust Him to empower us to live courageously with the shrewdness of a snake and the innocence of a dove among people who perpetually strive against each other. I know this balance takes wisdom. And, I would never advise to continue in an abusive situation; however, those times when people take advantage of us and perhaps hurt us in some way can often be a time of great influence depending on our response. Our first reaction in every situation ought to be one of peace and reconciliation. Our competitive nature often gets in the way of that attitude. Relationships are not competitive events to be won at all costs. Wisdom and innocence are the two characteristics to develop.

A Choice

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:1-3 ESV). Many things about your life are not yours to choose. You didn't choose to be born to that mother and father. Matter of fact, you didn't choose to be born at all! You didn't choose a body build, a nose, or ears. And you can't rework the things that have happened to you since being born; where you grew up, your educational opportunities, your career choices, or your relationships are all unchangeable. What you can choose is the attitude you will take toward all those things. An excellent example of the difference one's attitude makes is the late Beverly Sills. If you know the name Beverly Sills, it is probably as a famous opera singer. When she died of inoperable lung cancer this month at age 78, she left an impressive list of achievements as a performer, celebrity, and advocate for the fine arts. As a New York Times writer put it, she "demystified opera" for many Americans. Contrary to the stereotype of elitists in the fine arts, she was a good-humored artist who was willing to appear with both Johnny Carson and The Muppets to prove, in her words, opera isn't just "fat ladies with horned helmets." What you may not know about Ms. Sills is how hard she had to work to get a break in opera and how many personal tragedies dogged her adult life. Beverly Sills was born in Brooklyn to emigrant parents. Her Russian-born mother had dreams that her talented daughter would become a Jewish Shirley Temple and pushed her into singing and tap-dancing for radio shows. Her Romanian-born father put a stop to all that in favor of formal voice training and school. At 16, she began ten years of touring with opera companies. Only in 1955, after eight failed auditions over a three-year period, was she accepted into the New York City Opera. Her professional breakthrough came in 1966, and she became one of the best-known, most distinctive, and widely hailed artists of the twentieth century. Happily ever after? Charmed existence? Hardly! Ms. Sills and her journalist husband, Peter Greenough, had a daughter who was born deaf. Two years later, just as the parents were learning to cope with their daughter's deafness, they had a son who was mentally handicapped. "[Doctors] knew nothing about autism then," Sills later wrote. Perhaps it was adversity that kept Ms. Sills from taking stardom too seriously. She seemed to enjoy comedic roles even after her much-heralded success in high-brow operatic roles. She reflected on her triumphs and tragedies in an interview given in 2005. "Man plans and God laughs," she said. "I have often said I've never considered myself a happy woman. How could I, with all that’s happened to me? But I'm a cheerful woman. Work kept me going." Every life is a mixture of blessing and blight, achievement and heartache. We don't choose the state of affairs but we do choose a state of mind. What’s your choice going to be?

Alaska's Liquid Sunshine

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:14-15 ESV). A few years ago I was part of a group of men that went on mission to Alaska. We were part of a larger effort to build a church and parsonage in Kipnuk. This small town is located on the western coast of Alaska, where the terrain is tundra. The only way to get there was by small plane or boat. We flew into Anchorage and then traveled by van to Soldotna where we boarded the bush-plane for the final leg of our journey. The trip through the Kenai Peninsula was as spectacular as any of the pictures you have seen of the area. However, when we flew over the mountains into Kipnuk, the scenery was quite different! The grandiose scenery filled with sunshine gave way to the flat expanse of tundra and a drizzly, cold sky. There was a reason why we were told to come with rain gear and muck boots. It was raining, pouring or drizzling the entire time we were there. Where were the sun-filled, picture-perfect panoramic views I anticipated? One of the guides back in Soldotna laughed when he heard my experience. He said that the most sunshine he had ever seen in his entire life in Alaska lasted about a week. "Didn't you know that we're famous for our 'liquid sunshine'?" he asked, rather matter-of-factly. Another person told me that he loved rainy weather and was shocked when I mentioned that where I came from most of the weather was sunny and warm. I have also been told that many of Alaska's people are either "liquid" - "Get out of my way" kind of people, or "sunshine" -"Can I be of any help", genuine, back-breaking well-wishers. Most of the folks we worked with were the “sunshine” Alaskans, though I did run into some who were not when we went shopping a time or two for extra groceries. But, then I realized that its really no difference anywhere. No wonder the Apostle Paul encourages us to “shine” in this crooked world. The Bible encourages us to set aside our ice-cold "liquid" attitude and to always be "sunshine". Advertisements can be deceiving, but our attitude should always be right. We should always reflect the One we are following! By the way, despite the constant rain, I loved every minute of our time in Alaska. This state, with its wildernesses, rainforests and glaciers, is really out of this world. I hope to go back and work there again soon. Although I must confess there are some of the native foods I won’t be trying the next time around. Salmon berries and whale blubber is not my idea of dessert! Determine to be a “sunshine” person in your walk through your world, regardless of the weather!

The Carnelian Throne

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. (Revelation 4:1-3 ESV). D. L. Moody tells a wonderful story of a poor old widow, living in the Scottish Highlands: “She was called upon one day by a gentleman who had heard that she was in need. The old lady complained of her condition, and remarked that her son was in Australia and doing well. “But does he do nothing to help you?” inquired the visitor. “No, nothing,” was the reply. “He writes me regularly once a month, but only sends me a little picture with his letter.” The gentleman asked to see one of the pictures that she had received, and found each one of them to be a draft for ten pounds. This is the condition of many of God’s children. He has given us many “exceeding great and precious promises,” which we either are ignorant of or fail to appropriate. Many of them seem to be pretty pictures of an ideal peace and rest, but are not appropriated as practical helps in daily life. And not one of these promises is more neglected that the assurance of salvation. An open Bible places them within reach of all, and we may appropriate the blessing which such a knowledge brings.” When I read that story I was drawn to the text of our reading today. John has been drawn to the threshold of heaven and looks over into the vastness of eternity and sees the throne of God. He doesn’t really have words to describe the incredible sight, so he uses the imagery of his experience. He sees a throne that is like one built from “jasper and carnelian.” Jasper was one of the hardest of materials in his day. He sees the throne as incorruptible, hard in its nature. It is not something that is going to need any maintenance. It is sustained by the eternal nature of the God who sits upon it. But then he uses carnelian. This gem is also known as “sardius.” It is a deep fiery red gemstone. It represents great value. It’s strange to me how often we forget the vastness of God’s resources. As deep as we may reach we will never find the bottom of his resource. I wonder how often we have assumed that God either could not, or would not help us in our need because we had gone too far; our problems were too great. Please be encouraged. God is already sending you regular provisions. Your cry is not unheard by your heavenly Father. He hears and responds with only your best in mind. Trust in Him each day!

A New Prayer

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:24-25 ESV). I recently read a “revised” version of the Serenity Prayer. It was written by James Martin. Here it is: God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, which is pretty much everyone, since I’m clearly not you, God. At least not the last time I checked. And while you’re at it, God, please give me the courage to change what I need to change about myself, which is frankly a lot, since, once again, I’m not you, which means I’m not perfect. It’s better for me to focus on changing myself than to worry about changing other people, who, as you’ll no doubt remember me saying, I can’t change anyway. Finally, give me the wisdom to just shut up whenever I think that I’m clearly smarter than everyone else in the room, that no one knows what they’re talking about except me, or that I alone have all the answers. Basically, God, grant me the wisdom to remember that I’m not you. Amen. Corrie ten Boom told of not being able to forget a wrong that had been done to her. She had forgiven the person, but she kept rehashing the incident and so couldn't sleep. Finally Corrie cried out to God for help in putting the problem to rest. "His help came in the form of a kindly Lutheran pastor," Corrie wrote, "to whom I confessed my failure after two sleepless weeks." "Up in the church tower," he said, nodding out the window, "is a bell which is rung by pulling on a rope. But you know what? After the sexton lets go of the rope, the bell keeps on swinging. First ding, then dong. Slower and slower until there's a final dong and it stops. I believe the same thing is true of forgiveness. When we forgive, we take our hand off the rope. But if we've been tugging at our grievances for a long time, we mustn't be surprised if the old angry thoughts keep coming for a while. They're just the ding-dongs of the old bell slowing down." "And so it proved to be. There were a few more midnight reverberations, a couple of dings when the subject came up in my conversations, but the force, which was my willingness in the matter, had gone out of them. They came less and less often and at the last stopped altogether: we can trust God not only above our emotions, but also above our thoughts." I like the reminder that I simply am not God. Perhaps you don’t have any trouble with that, although I find it easy to forget that I am not always right. And, that’s the basic description of God. He is the only One who is always right. This forgetfulness on my part typically puts me into a position where I’m talking when I should be listening, and that always leads to trouble! It is clear from our reading that Jesus recognizes this problem in our lives. He joins the need to have forgiving attitudes and restored relationships with others to the communion we enjoy with God in prayer. Do you need to forgive someone? Do it today!

Words that Change Us

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. (1 Peter 4:8-10 ESV). Recently, I heard a touching story which illustrates the power that words have to change a life. Sally had grown up knowing that she was different from the other kids, and she hated it. She was born with a cleft palate and had to bear the jokes and stares of cruel children who teased her non-stop about her misshaped lip, crooked nose, and garbled speech. With all the teasing, Sally grew up hating the fact that she was "different". She was convinced that no one, outside her family, could ever love her, until she entered Mrs. Leonard's class. Mrs. Leonard had a warm smile, a round face, and shiny brown hair. While everyone in her class liked her, Sally came to love Mrs. Leonard. In the 1950's, it was common for teachers to give their children an annual hearing test. However, in Sally's case, in addition to her cleft palate, she was barely able to hear out of one ear. Determined not to let the other children have another "difference" to point out, she would cheat on the test each year. The "whisper test" was given by having a child walk to the classroom door, turn sideways, close one ear with a finger, and then repeat something which the teacher whispered. Sally turned her bad ear towards her teacher and pretended to cover her good ear. She knew that teachers would often say things like, "The sky is blue," or "What color are your shoes?" But not on that day. Surely, God put seven words in Mrs. Leonard's mouth that changed Sally's life forever. When the "Whisper test" came, Sally heard the words: "I wish you were my little girl." Moms and Dads, I wish there was some way that I could communicate to you the incredible blessing which affirming words impart to children. I wish, too, that you could sit in my office, when I counsel, and hear the terrible damage that individuals received from not hearing affirming words. While words from a godly teacher can melt a heart, words from a father can powerfully set the course of a life. If affirming words were something rarely spoken in your home growing up, you may find it difficult to give the verbal “atta-boy’s” to your children they need so desperately. Here are just a few suggestions: “I'm proud of you, Way to go, Magnificent, I knew you could do it, What a good helper, You're very special to me, I trust you, What a treasure, Beautiful work, That's so creative, You make my day, You're a joy, Give me a big hug, You're such a good listener, I love you, You're so responsible, You're the best, You sure tried hard, I couldn't be prouder of you, You light up my day, You're wonderful, I'm here for you.” And, for those of you who know me, here is my top two: “Well done!” and “I love you because of who you are, not just what you do!” These are words that change us!

The Power of Encouragement

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 ESV). The power of encouragement is enormous. It shouldn’t surprise us that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica to encourage one another in the face of severe persecution with the knowledge of their hope. I read a story of the background of one of the most successful organizations dealing with weight loss recently illustrating this truth. Jean Nidetch, a 214 pound homemaker desperate to lose weight, went to the New York City Department of Health, where she was given a diet devised by Dr. Norman Jolliffe. Two months later, discouraged about the 50 plus pounds still to go, she invited six overweight friends home to share the diet and talk about how to stay on it. Today, 28 years later, one million members attend 250,000 Weight Watchers meetings in 24 countries every week. Why was Nidetch able to help people take control of their lives? To answer that, she tells a story. When she was a teen-ager, she used to cross a park where she saw mothers gossiping while the toddlers sat on their swings, with no one to push them. "I'd give them a push," says Nidetch. "And you know what happens when you push a kid on a swing? Pretty soon he's pumping, doing it himself. That's what my role in life is; I'm there to give others a push." We live in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving; it is a world where the selfish motives of men can cause others to suffer. We shouldn’t be surprised by these experiences. It is what the Bible warned us would be. However, it certainly helps when we are "built up" and encouraged by the kindness of others. Encouragement can have a tremendous positive effect. It builds people up. It increases their faith, just as it does ours when we are the recipients. It also increases their love and ability to pass on encouragement to others. Not to mention, it solidifies our relationship with that person as a true, spiritual "brother or sister" in Christ. Just one sincerely spoken, kind moment of encouragement can make a huge difference. It can lift an otherwise discouraging day to the level of "tolerable" or even better. These are very possibly the “last days.” Shouldn’t we be even more encouraging than ever before? Give someone a “push.” Our redemption is drawing near!

Growing in Relationship

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:8-11 ESV). The first thing we can do to have a closer relationship with God is to make a daily habit of confessing our sin to Him. If sin is the barrier in our relationship with God, then confession removes that barrier. When we confess our sins before God, He promises to forgive us (cf. 1 John 1:9). Forgiveness restores a relationship that has been strained. We must keep in mind that confession is more than simply saying, “I’m sorry for my sin, God.” It is the heartfelt contrition of those who recognize that their sin is an offense to a holy God. The second thing we can do to have a closer relationship with God is to listen when God speaks. Many today are chasing a supernatural experience of hearing God’s voice, but the apostle Peter tells us that we “have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (cf. 2 Peter 1:19). That “more sure prophetic word” is the Bible. In the Bible, we “hear” God’s voice to us. So if we want to grow closer to God, we should read His Word regularly. The third thing we can do to have a closer relationship with God is to speak to Him through prayer. If reading the Bible is listening to God speak to us, speaking to God is accomplished through prayer. Prayer is much more than simply a way to ask God for things we need or want. One way to revive our prayer lives is to read the Psalms. Many of the Psalms are heartfelt cries to God for various things. In the Psalms we see adoration, contrition, thanksgiving and supplication modeled in a divinely inspired way. The fourth thing we can do to have a closer relationship with God is to find a body of believers with whom we can regularly worship. This is such a vital component of spiritual growth. Not only does regular church attendance give us an opportunity to come before the Lord’s presence in worship, but it also gives us an opportunity to fellowship with the Lord’s people. As we come into the house of the Lord in worship and fellowship with His people, we can’t help but grow closer to the Lord as a result. Grow your relationship to Christ. It will only bring you greater joy and peace!

Heaven or Hell?

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. (John 10:1-4 ESV). In his book, What God Wishes Christians Knew About Christianity, Bill Gillham provides an eye-opening quiz to help us understand the importance of a clear focus on our relationship to Christ. Gillham asks us to imagine heaven with a miserable environment, hot, arid, and terribly crowded everywhere. No beauty, wildlife or flowers, just dust and dreariness. You would be required to work hard in the fields all day, under a blazing sun. But, your coworker, best friend and constant companion would be Jesus. He would labor alongside you, answering all your questions about life, encouraging you, loving you, pouring out all the secrets of his heart. Then imagine hell as a gorgeous paradise, overflowing with beauty, animals, stunning trees and wildflowers. Everyone would feast on gourmet food and live in luxurious mansions. Every type of entertainment would be available, from music concerts to fishing, skiing, and every imaginable sport. Satan would be banished to another realm, never to bother anyone again. The only thing that would be missing would be Jesus. He would be in the desert heaven. So, which place would you choose? That’s not a very difficult quiz really. Almost everyone reading these devotionals would answer that we would prefer to be with Jesus regardless of the environment. But is that really what our actions answer for us? I find myself often asking God for something. And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with making prayers of supplication and petition. Paul encourages us to do so. However, if that is the only communication we have with Him, it may be bordering on an insult to our relationship. It would be the same as asking your spouse to prove their love for you constantly by giving you what you need at the moment. It is the behavior of a petulant, spoiled child. We ought to remember that God proved his love for you on Calvary, when he sacrificed his only son for our redemption from sin and death. God continues to bless us with so many good things. I hope you will be encouraged to seek a relationship with him. Choosing the gifts instead of the giver is ultimately deeply dissatisfying. Tomorrow we’ll look at some practical ways to encourage the growth of your relationship with Christ. His declaration is that He does call out to us and we can recognize His voice to be called out to the best life has to offer us.

The Lone Star Sapphire

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20 ESV). Unless you are a trivia student you would not recognize the significance of a sapphire named “the Lone Star.” The story is somewhat obscure. However, sometime in the 1960’s, a rock hound named Rob Cutshaw was hunting for gems in the mountains of North Carolina. He would collect them for sale to various buyers he had business dealing with through his little shop. He knew enough about rocks to decide which to pick up and sell, however, he was not an expert. He left the appraising of his rocks to other people. As much as he enjoyed the work, it didn’t always pay the bills. He would also supplement his income by cutting and selling firewood during the colder months of the year. When he found one particular stone, that he described as "purdy and big," he thought someone might want to buy it. He tried to sell the specimen, but was unsuccessful. He guessed the blue chunk could bring as much as $500 dollars, but he would have taken less if something urgent came up like paying his power bill. So, it merely sat in his closet for decades until recently when it was rediscovered by Harold Roper in June, 1989. “The Lone Star” blue star sapphire weighs 9,719.5 carats. It is 17 times larger than any other known sapphire in the world! The value of the stone is incalculable! In our reading today, the Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians to thank them for their offering to him. Then he states this incredible principle that God will supply all their needs “according to His riches in glory.” While I don’t know of anyone who has even attempted to translate the riches of God’s glory into a numerical value, certainly it is more than a mere sapphire that happens to be the biggest ever discovered. After all, God made that sapphire! It’s strange to me that so many Christians seem content to live spiritually impoverished lives. The greatest poverty of all is not physical poverty (as profound as that is in our world) but spiritual poverty, poverty of spirit and of the soul. It is the poverty of being out of fellowship with our creator! Solomon, with all his possessions understood how empty life was when lived apart from a relationship with God. In fact, he said that it is only God Himself who gives us the ability to truly enjoy those things God has given to us. (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20). Don’t put your greatest treasure in the closet only to be forgotten. Renew and revitalize your relationship with Christ each day! You will not be disappointed in the results!

Who's Your Neighbor?

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (Luke 10:29-37 ESV). Today’s reading is the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It has become so iconic that it is a part of the modern English dictionary. However, the message of Jesus is far deeper than might be first understood. While the parable is, indeed, about helping the downtrodden, defenseless, and forgotten, Jesus wanted to teach us more. I believe he wants us to know how to recognize the many faces of our “neighbor.” He was not only trying to uncover our prejudices; He was also revealing Himself to us. Along with some of the obvious, this story teaches us how to answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” and in doing so, how to apply the grace of God given so abundantly to us through the work of Christ. Here are a few suggestions for your further thought:  Someone who doesn’t respect or understand you.  Someone you don’t know and have no responsibility to help.  Someone who is inconvenient to love.  Someone who can’t thank you or pay you back.  Someone who is worth the risk, even if your fears are legitimate.  Someone who is loved and valued by God. They are your equal, despite your prejudices.  Someone you have the means to show love to and who will teach you how to love. He’s equipped you to be His hands and feet and will provide what He wants you to give. We should remember that the person He’s put on your path has something to give you also. It is our opportunity to grow spiritually. If the Lord draws you toward someone in we ought to understand that He plans to use that individual in your life as well. Of course, I am not saying that everyone you pass is that “neighbor” in need. However, I am saying we pass by more neighbors without helping than we stop to render our aid. Start looking a bit more and you will see them!

Patience

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:7-8 ESV). While we are looking at the journey and our walking with the Lord, I cannot help but be drawn to think about the exercise of patience. I know that is not a particularly inspiring thought, however, it is a principle that strengthens us in the difficult moments of our life. Because of a devastating childhood illness at nineteen months, Helen Keller (1880-1968) was left both blind and deaf. Her life was rightly written up as a "miracle story" and became a play called "The Miracle Worker" (1957) with Anne Bancroft starring in the Broadway production (1959). But the "miracle" Helen Keller experienced was not any return of hearing or vision. The "miracle" she received was the miracle of her committed, loving family, and of her relentlessly optimistic and patient teacher Anne Sullivan. When Helen was seven years old, trapped in a world where she could only communicate through a few hand signals with the family cook, her parents arranged for a twenty-year old, visually impaired teacher to come and work with their daughter. Using American Sign Language, Anne Sullivan spent months "spelling" words into Helen's hands. Everything Helen touched, everything she ate, every person she encountered, was "spelled out" into her hand. At first Helen Keller didn't get it. These random motions being pressed into her palm did not connect with experiences she felt. But Sullivan refused to give up. She kept spelling words. She kept giving "tactile-verbal" references for everything Helen encountered. Finally there was a "watershed" moment, which was indeed water-powered. Helen's breakthrough moment was as she was having water pumped over her hands and Anne Sullivan kept spelling the word for "water" over and over into her palm. Suddenly Helen "got it." Suddenly she realized those gestures meant something real and tangible. They were naming what she was experiencing. The world of communication, reading, literature, human interaction were all made possible to one person through the gift of another person. The "miracle" Helen's teacher Anne Sullivan worked was the miracle of patience. She simply kept on and kept at it, showing Helen there were "words" for "things," and there was true meaning behind all Helen's experiences. All of this came through the patient perseverance in a difficult experience of life. That’s the miracle! God gives us that power through the Holy Spirit. Walk patiently! You will not be disappointed.

Higher Up

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:1-5 ESV). Yesterday we talked about heaven a bit. I am always inspired as I explore more about our heavenly home. It is one of the most encouraging truths found in the Scripture. D.L. Moody told a wonderful story about a Christian woman who was always bright, cheerful, and optimistic, even though she was confined to her room because of illness. She lived in an attic apartment on the fifth floor of an old, rundown building. A friend decided to visit her one day and brought along another woman -- a person of great wealth. Since there was no elevator, the two ladies began the long climb upward. When they reached the second floor, the well-to-do woman commented, "What a dark and filthy place!" Her friend replied, "It's better higher up." When they arrived at the third landing, the remark was made, "Things look even worse here." Again the reply, "It's better higher up." The two women finally reached the attic level, where they found the bedridden saint of God. A smile on her face radiated the joy that filled her heart. Although the room was clean and flowers were on the window sill, the wealthy visitor could not get over the stark surroundings in which this woman lived. She blurted out, "It must be very difficult for you to be here like this!" Without a moment's hesitation the shut-in responded, "It's better higher up." She was not looking at temporal things. With the eye of faith fixed on the eternal, she had found the secret of true satisfaction and contentment. C. S. Lewis wrote, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” There’s the truth that keeps me going through every experience of life. I am not made for this world; and, I am not bound to this world. God has chosen me to live eternally in a world where there is life in abundance. Even though there is scant description as to the specifics of this abundance, I can know it will be more than I have imagined. You may be trudging through trials and difficulties in your journey now. Please turn your attention to the fact that it is much better “higher up”!

Taking a Walk with God

When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. (Genesis 5:21-24 ESV). The history of the world is not told in detail in Genesis. We have only a glimpse here and there of the life of the first days. But a few names are preserved from antediluvian generations. The people seem to have lived long. All we learn of most of them is that they lived so many hundreds of years, and then died. When Cain killed his brother, it seems as if the turn of events to a race of evil people is sealed. However, Seth was born in his place, and once again men began to call upon the name of the Lord. Some generations passed and in the scant record, we come upon one name that shines brightly in the story. We see Enoch in the reading today as a man who “walked with God.” God and Enoch were good friends. Their relations were intimate and familiar. The meaning is not that God appeared to Enoch in any visible form and walked with him about the country, as a man would walk with his friend. Though I remember a wonderful story that helps us understand the events described when “God took him.” A little child, had been to Sunday School, and when she came home her mother asked her what she had learned that day. She answered, "Don't you know, mother? We have been learning about a man who used to go for walks with God. His name was Enoch. He used to go for walks with God. And, mother, one day they went for an extra long walk, and they walked on, and on, and on, until God said to Enoch, 'You are a long way from home; you would better just come in and stay.' And he went in!" The child's idea of the story is a striking illustration. From a spiritual perspective, it is also true. The figure of a walk is used in the Bible many times for the course of life. When men are said to have walked in the ways of the Lord, the meaning is that they lived righteously. When we read that the people walked in the way of Jeroboam, the thought is that they followed him in his idolatry. When it is said that Enoch walked with God, we are to understand that he was faithful in his service to God. He was a righteous man in as much as God had given him to know. He lived in communion with God. As we live our lives today, we would do well to understand that the example of Enoch is not that we are now called to “walk with God” in order to get into heaven. Since Jesus has come and lived a righteous life, giving himself as the sacrifice for our sin, we are now able to walk such a life. The reward of heaven has already been won on our behalf. Now we can rest in the power of that gift and enjoy the walk! We’re getting closer to heaven each day!

The Treasure of Life

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:1-5 ESV). A British treasure hunter discovered a huge stash of Roman coins buried in a field in southwest England. Using a metal detector, Dave Crisp located a large pot holding 52,000 coins. These ancient silver and bronze coins dated from the third century AD weigh more than 350 pounds. They were valued at $5 million. The Apostle Paul teaches us that we should be on a different kind of treasure hunt. What we seek does not consist of silver and gold. Rather our quest is to gather the precious treasure that comes from the knowledge of Christ. Yesterday we did some study that might be considered as trivia. And, while it wouldn’t be the kind of information you would easily find without an understanding of languages, the Bible is God’s Word to the world. It is not meant to be hidden from the world, but given to the world. It is plain in the declaration of the grace and mercy of God through Jesus. As we get to know Jesus we discover the “hidden” treasure of God. An unknown writer speaking of the Bible, said, "This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.” I find many people looking for the “codes” and hidden secrets of the Bible. My experience has been that the plain truths of the Scripture are more than sufficient to bring joy, peach, and life. Make it your passion to read it!

As Old as Methuselah

When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lamech. Methuselah lived after he fathered Lamech 782 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died. (Genesis 5:25-27 ESV). You’ll need to stay with me to the end of this devotional to get “the end of the story.” I hope it will worth it! Methuselah was the oldest man to live on the earth that we know of in the Bible. Our reading says he was 969 years old when he died. The real puzzle then is how he could have died before his father! Most folks get stumped at this point and simply give up looking for the answer to this “riddle.” However, if we read a little bit before this verse we find that his father was Enoch; and, Enoch never died! The Bible simply says, Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. (Genesis 5:24 ESV). Enoch is a fascinating character in the Scripture. He is tied to the prophetic declaration of the flood. The flood was preached for four generations before it actually happened. Enoch was the primary prophet warning the people of God’s judgment. He was also told to name his son as a warning of this great judgment. Methusaleh comes from two Hebrew words that mean “his death shall bring.” It was commonly known that this great flood would come when Methuselah died. Can you imagine the panic when he got a cold! The genealogy gives an exact counting of the years. The flood did come when Methuselah died. Methuselah was 187 when he had Lamech and lived 782 more years. Lamech had Noah when he was 182. The flood came when Noah was 600 years old. All of this adds up to 969 (187+182+600=969). It is interesting that Methusaleh’s life becomes an incredible picture of the longsuffering of God. His mercy is great indeed! But, here’s the rest of the story. Remember, all of these patriarchs were given names with meaning. When we study the meanings of their names we see an incredible message of God’s redemptive love. In birth order, the patriarchs were: Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jarod, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah. The translation of each of their names is: “Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow; (but) the Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) His death shall bring (the) despairing rest.” Each underlined word or phrase comes from the name of the patriarch in order of their birth. Seems farfetched doesn’t it? Yet, I find it very difficult to imagine a group of Jewish rabbis deliberately hiding the Gospel in a genealogy of the venerated Torah. God’s design is always present in all of the Scripture. Is this so different than the plainly spoken message of Jesus to Nicodemus: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV). That’s the kind of God we can trust!

Horns on Your Head

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. (Exodus 34:29 ESV). There are some interesting, if obscure, references in the Scripture. One of them comes from our reading today. Another English translation renders this verse indicating that Moses had “horns on his head”: And when Moses came down from the mount Sinai, he held the two tables of the testimony, and he knew not that his face was horned from the conversation of the Lord. (Exodus 34:29 Douai-Rheims Version). Because this was the earliest and only authorized version of the Bible available to Michaelangelo, he was prompted to sculpt him with the horns. Many people believe that this was due to a mistranslation of the description of Moses but, in fact, it isn’t. Moses really is described as being horned. However, the reason for this is far from dark or evil. In Old Testament times, a person who was believed to have seen or been touched by God was described as having “horns,” or rays of light, coming from their head. It was an ancient symbol that was common in that day much like the halo is today. I really am intrigued by this thought of having “rays of light” coming out of your head after you’ve been in the presence of God. The people saw the incredible wisdom that emanated from Moses as he descended the mountain with the tablets of the law and having been in the presence of God. That is precisely the result that God desires when we approach our personal study of the Scripture and continue in prayer with him. I wonder how much we really want that kind of wisdom though. After all, it cannot be obtained from the drive through at the fast food of spiritual maturity! Moses had endured many trials and difficulties to get to this point. There were no short cuts for him and there aren’t for us. There's a story about a proud young man who came to Socrates asking for knowledge. He walked up to the muscular philosopher and said, "O great Socrates, I come to you for knowledge." Socrates recognized a pompous numbskull when he saw one. He led the young man through the streets, to the sea, and chest deep into water. Then he asked, "What do you want?" "Knowledge, O wise Socrates," said the young man with a smile. Socrates put his strong hands on the man's shoulders and pushed him under. Thirty seconds later Socrates let him up. "What do you want?" he asked again. "Wisdom," the young man sputtered, "O great and wise Socrates." Socrates crunched him under again. Thirty seconds passed, thirty-five. Forty. Socrates let him up. The man was gasping. "What do you want, young man?" Between heavy, heaving breaths the fellow wheezed, "Knowledge, O wise and wonderful..." Socrates jammed him under again Forty seconds passed. Fifty. "What do you want?" "Air!" the young man screeched. "I need air!" "When you want knowledge as you have just wanted air, then you will have knowledge." Perhaps we all need to get some “horns on our head!”

Jesus Wept - Pt 3

Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. (John 11:32-35 ESV). There is one last point to explore in the compassion of God. When Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, it was a wonderful example for others. Of course, grief over the death of a loved one is to be expected; however, Jesus knew his friend was coming back to life. It was not the separation from his beloved friend that grieved him. I think he was grieved over the pain of those who were there and simply identified with that pain to the point of tears. Sarah Winchester's husband had acquired a fortune by manufacturing and selling rifles. After he died of influenza in 1918, she moved to San Jose, California. Because of her grief and her long time interest in spiritism, Sarah sought out a medium to contact her dead husband. The medium told her, "As long as you keep building your home, you will never face death." Sarah believed the spiritist, so she bought an unfinished 17-room mansion and started to expand it. The project continued until she died at the age of 85. It cost 5 million dollars at a time when workmen earned 50 cents a day. The mansion had 150 rooms, 13 bathrooms, 2,000 doors, 47 fireplaces, and 10,000 windows. And Mrs. Winchester left enough materials so that they could have continued building for another 80 years. Today that house stands as more than a tourist attraction. It is a silent witness to the dread of death that holds millions of people in bondage. Jesus understands our fear and dread of death. However, he also understands the way to life. When he spoke to his disciples that last time, he told them he would be going away to prepare a place for them and he would also come to get them to be there with him Thomas, not understanding the meaning of Jesus’ teaching, simply asked how they could get to a place they had never seen nor been. It is then, in compassion, that Jesus said, “I am the way.” We should understand the victory and comfort others in their pain. I like to remember death this way: Death is not extinguishing the light from the Christian; it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come. Jesus understands. Trust him in all things!

Jesus Wept - Pt 2

Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. (John 11:32-35 ESV). We will continue to look at God’s compassion today. Underscored by Jesus weeping has to be His understanding of our condition. Jesus understood clearly that his death would be the end of the result of sin in the world. Condemnation and death would be defeated once and for all. The fear of judgment would be broken in the cross. Knowing this did not lessen the impact of the condition of the world. Sin continues and grieves God deeply. The act of sin in our lives grieves God and so do the wages of sin. Since the fall of Adam and Eve he had endured sin’s horrific destruction. Death had consumed almost every human being he had created. It had taken Lazarus, and it would take him again before it was all over. Tears of anger and longing were mixed with Jesus’ tears of grief. This happens throughout Jesus’ ministry. It is magnified in Gethsemane. Jesus, on the night of His arrest, went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, “And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death…” (Matthew 26:37-38). Interestingly, “Gethsemane” means olive press. Near the garden was an olive grove, and it was probably in this garden that the olive oil was pressed out of the olives. It is here that Jesus prays for God to let this cup pass from Him. He prays so fervently, and is in such deep anguish, that drops of blood came out of His skin. He was being pressed like an olive. Physicians tell us that this is entirely possible when a person is under extreme amounts of stress and pressure. It happens dramatically on the cross also. His fifth statement from the cross is “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” Jesus, as the second person of the Trinity, has had constant fellowship with God the Father for all eternity. What must hit have been like for Him now to have that relationship severed and broken? Whereas before, Jesus had always prayed to God as “My Father,” He now referred to Him as “My God” the way other humans did. Sin had now separated Jesus from God. Where for eternity past there had been warm fellowship and a loving relationship, there was now only broken fellowship, a sense of deep and agonizing loss, a hopeless despair, and the blackness of depravity. No one could understand the depth of our condition more than Jesus. It shouldn’t surprise us that he weeps in compassion for us. Turn to him. He will not refuse you!

Jesus Wept - Pt 1

Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. (John 11:32-35 ESV). The shortest verse in the Bible is found in our reading today: “Jesus wept.” However, while short, it’s packed with unfathomable complexity. Jesus wept after speaking with Lazarus’ grieving sisters, Martha and Mary, and seeing all the mourners. That seems natural enough. Except that Jesus had come to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew that in a few short minutes all this weeping would turn to astonished joy, and then tearful laughter, and then worship. Knowing this Jesus was still “greatly troubled.” One reason is simply the deep compassion that Jesus felt for those who were suffering. It is true that Jesus let Lazarus die. He delayed coming, and he did not speak healing from a distance like he did for the centurion’s servant. His reasons were good and merciful and glorious. But this did not mean Jesus took the suffering it caused lightly. In Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus we get a glimpse of how the Father feels over the affliction and grief his children experience. The most common verb used in the Greek New Testament to refer to God’s compassion is splanchnizomai. This verb is only used twelve times. Once it is used of the Samaritan’s compassion for the wounded man, the other eleven uses refer to God’s compassion. In nine out of eleven occurrences where this verb is used of God’s compassion it refers to the compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ as his motivation for healing! It is an important word to understand. The nominal form of this word originally referred to the inner parts of a man, the heart, liver, and so on. It could be used of the inward parts of a sacrificial animal, but it became common to use this word in reference to the lower parts of the abdomen, the intestines, and especially the womb. Some theologians have felt that this term was too rough or graphic to be used in reference to God’s compassion. Using the word for “intestines” to refer to God’s compassion is like using the word “guts” for courage in modern English. We have often heard it said, “He really has guts.” I think the New Testament writers meant to do exactly this. They were declaring the readers the power and the force of God’s compassion. They may also have had in mind a physical feeling associated with compassion. The choice of such a graphic word served to impress the New Testament Christians that God’s compassion for them was rooted in his deep love for them and his sensitivity to their pain. Jesus doesn’t take our suffering lightly. He feels it deeper and responds in love and purpose. Trust Him!

Going About

As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. (Acts 10:36-38 ESV). For the most part my days are relatively the same schedule. It hasn’t always been like that for me. There were times when each day was filled with adjustments. Most of them came as a result of some crisis that would unexpectedly erupt. Those were the most challenging times of the ministry. I have vivid memories of those phone calls from my secretary, Barbara, saying, “Pastor, you need to be at the hospital right away.” I was fortunate to have such a wonderful assistant for so many years. She made sure I was where I needed to be when I needed to be there. However, those were not always the most rewarding of times. There were other times when I was merely doing the next thing on the schedule. It might have been some meeting or appointment; it could have been nothing more than going to lunch at the local hangout of that day with some high school students or a member of the church. One of those places was “Annie’s.” Annie was a wonderful Asian lady who made the best food from a small kitchen in the corner drug store on the square. There were only a handful of tables and it was always packed with students on their lunch break. It was one of my regular weekly stops. Annie never allowed me to pay for my meal; though I always went by the cash register and stuffed some money in it before I left. She would say as I was walking out that was not necessary, but it was. Did Annie need the money? I really don’t know. Did she deserve the money? Of course she did. The big issue was it was right to do. It set an example of doing good for the others who were there and conveyed a blessing to this wonderful lady. This is the example we see in Peter’s sermon from our reading; Jesus “went about doing good.” Someone once said, “The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.” I like that; it’s a great reminder. Most of us will fill our days with relatively mundane and ordinary tasks. We will simply be doing the next thing on the schedule. It is those times when so much good can done in the lives of those we interact with. It may a simple act of kindness, or a gentle word of appreciation. All of these things are so important to both others and us. The good deeds we do today may be forgotten tomorrow, but they then give way to the new good deeds of today. Go about doing good to all!

Finished

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (Colossians 2:13-15 ESV). I usually have some project in a state of being finished. You know these projects. They’re the ones that you can almost see the end, but you haven’t quite gotten there yet. It’s usually something that you have enjoyed doing up to a point and then it gets a little more difficult or less exciting and you simply set it aside to finish it later. Life can be like that. We start a path along our journey and do well at first. Then as it becomes more difficult or tedious, we simply slow down our progress. Spiritually we need to remember that “finished" is the word used after a job is done. It is a word that says we don't need to work anymore, because it is done. "Finished" is also the word Jesus used from the cross. He said, "It is finished!" (cf. John 19:30). In other words, "It is accomplished!" The devil was soundly defeated at the cross of Calvary. Any confusion about that truth is devastating to our journey. Referring to His impending crucifixion, Jesus said, "The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out." Through His death, Jesus destroyed the one who had the power of death, which is the devil. And when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, the stranglehold of Satan is broken. He cannot control us. We can rest in the finished work of Christ. This means that when we face spiritual battles, we are not fighting for victory; we are fighting from it. We don't fight to get victory. We fight because it has already been obtained. We don't need to pray, "Lord, give me victory." Rather, we should pray, "Lord, I have victory; show me the way to experience it." We can win in the spiritual battle. We can overcome the enemy. I am not saying we will win every skirmish and every conflict, but I am saying we will win the war. I am not saying we never will sin and never will stumble, because we will. We all will. But we can win the battle overall, because we stand in the righteousness of Christ. So, the next time you are tempted to stop your progress in this journey, remember where you are going. He has made us alive in Him and nothing can change that! You don’t need to finish it. That has already been done. You merely need to continue to work on the project. Keep building. It’s only a matter of time until you see the finished product!

Just Keep Flying

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:12-16 ESV). Most of the time we read the text today and think it is all about doing more in life when in reality it is about thinking more. Alan Bean, an Apollo astronaut, tells the following: Test pilots have a litmus test for evaluating problems. When something goes wrong, they ask, "Is this thing still flying?" If the answer is yes, then there's no immediate danger, no need to overreact. When Apollo 12 took off, the spacecraft was hit by lightning. The entire console began to glow with orange and red trouble lights. There was a temptation to "Do Something!" But the pilots asked themselves, "Is this thing still flying in the right direction?" The answer was yes--it was headed for the moon. They let the lights glow as they addressed the individual problems, and watched orange and red lights blink out, one by one. That's something to think about in any pressure situation. If your thing is still flying, think first, and then act. When we face the crises of life, most of the time we merely need to realize that “the thing is still flying.” Let me make a few suggestions to be practical in the crises of life: 1. First, surround yourself with people who have the wisdom of Christ. These are people who will help you see clearly the provision and planning of God in your life. Instead of panic they will induce peace. 2. Second, remember the end of the journey is assured. Keeping the ultimate goal in mind clarifies the immediate goal. Remember, if it’s still flying, waiting to react until you think your course of action through is always better. 3. Third, check your actions with prayer and Scripture. Whatever you believe needs to be done should be confirmed with prayer and Scripture. It is often true that God directs us to a change of course with a crisis. If that is the case, he will certainly confirm it through prayer and Scripture. So, just keep flying. God has assured that no “crash” will be the end of the journey. There is always a way through every crisis!

The Ordinary Path

So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha's house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” (2 Kings 5:9-10 ESV). In our reading today, Namaan was guilty of greater expectations than he experienced in life. He had a skin disease and was told of a great prophet who could heal him. He had his expectation of what the healing would be like. In his mind, he had pictured the entire scene of how his healing would come about. I imagine he thought he would meet a quirky, old man who would emerge from the house, pray loudly to His God, make a big show with his hands to create a dramatic presentation and then heal him. As his entourage pulled up in front of the prophet’s house, it was just as he had pictured it. He was giddy with excitement. He was ready for the show. As he stepped out of his carriage, a young man, dressed in servants’ clothes, came out to meet him instead. The servant said, “Go wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of leprosy.” Namaan felt like a balloon whose air had just been let out. All those dreams and expectations just fell flat. Instead of being excited that he was going to be healed, he got angry and upset. He thought it was too simple and too ordinary. Why should he have to come all that way to bathe in a dirty river? Why couldn’t he bathe in a clean river where he would at least be clean afterwards? He was looking for the show more than the healing. I wonder if that’s how we are today? Are we looking for the spectacular moves of God while missing Him in the mundane? God does amazing things for each of us every day. We arrive to work safely; we get a paycheck at the end of the week; that song comes on the radio at just the right time; a friend sends a text at just the right moment. Our God does extraordinary things in ordinary ways. Are we missing it because we are looking for the extraordinary? Namaan almost did. Fortunately, he took a bath at the servants request and was healed. He learned that God doesn’t have to go over the top to do something spectacular. Most of our journey will be ordinary. Our schedules will be relatively the same and at the end of the day there will not have been anything done that would be seen as extraordinary. However, even the most ordinary things of life are designed and overseen by our God for the purpose of our good. Make it a practice to look for the ordinary things in your life today and thank God that He brings good from each of them. I have heard it said that it’s not where you come from that matters, but where you end up that counts. I’m not sure that’s really correct. Of course the end matters; but, Christ has taken care of that. It is the going that matters. Travel your path with the absolute assurance that everything God puts in your path is extraordinary.

Relationships

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. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. (1 John 2:7-10 ESV). We saw the importance of relationship to Christ for our journey yesterday; today we see the importance of relationship to one another. John is very specific as he describes the fundamental principle of loving one another in our reading. In fact, you can’t be “in the light” and hate another. The word “hate” is a very strong word. Most of us don’t have a problem with “hatred.” In our “civilized culture” we have minimized the way we treat strangers while paying close attention to those who think and act as we do. Our exclusivity has become the new expression of hate. However, rather than dwell on that, I want us to look at a few suggestions to expand our “circle” of human relationships. Let me make some suggestions:  Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting. I frequent Walgreens for my prescriptions often enough that most of the employees know me by name. Even if that weren’t true though, I always get the same greeting when I enter the store: “Hi, welcome to Walgreens.” I know they are required to do that; but, I also know that my reply is always met with a little surprise. I always say, “Thanks. Hope your day is going well.” Small things often mean much.  Smile at people. It’s a small thing, but makes and incredible difference. A smile is the most infectious of all communicable “diseases.” I sure wish more people would come down with this one!  Be friendly and helpful. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is genuinely a pleasure, and if it isn't, learn to make it so.  Be generous with praise, cautious with criticism. Even though you can always find something to criticize, look for something to praise.  Be alert to serve. What counts most in life is what we do for others. There are so many little things in life that can mean so much to others. Opening the door for others to walk through first; helping people do the little things they must do. These things are a small thing to most of us, but make a huge difference in the lives of others. Try these each day and see if your journey doesn’t become much easier to travel.

Riding a Two-seater

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV). A “two-seater” is better known in the cycling world as a “tandem bicycle.” Yesterday when I was writing about the strength of the Lord in our journey, I also thought how easy it would be to forget that we have a role to play. When the Lord instructed Joshua to claim every place his foot would touch, it implied he had some walking to do! Certainly this is what the Apostle Paul means in his declaration to the people in Philippi. He knew all of the depravation and struggle of life; he knew all of the bounty and victory of life. However, he knew that without Christ he could do nothing. While I have never ridden a tandem bike, I am told that it is a much better experience than riding solo. A tandem allows two cyclists of differing strength and ability to ride together, pleasurably. The faster rider doesn't need to wait for the slower one; the slower rider doesn't need to struggle to try to keep up with the faster rider. A tandem turns the basically solitary, individualistic activity of cycling into a mutual experience that may be shared by both riders. And, isn’t that really what our relationship with Christ does spiritually for us? We certainly don’t have the strength to endure life successfully; yet, Christ does. We cannot be as strong or fast as Christ, even if we knew the way; yet, Christ does. No matter how great our sense of individuality, we cannot endure the pain of being alone in life; and, with Christ we don’t need to! We can live only in relationships. A rather crude and cruel experiment was carried out by Emperor Frederick, who ruled the Roman Empire in the thirteenth century. He wanted to know what man's original language was: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin? He decided to isolate a few infants from the sound of the human voice. He reasoned that they would eventually speak the natural tongue of man. Wet nurses who were sworn to absolute silence were obtained, and though it was difficult for them, they abided by the rule. The infants never heard a word, not a sound from a human voice. Within several months they were all dead. Whatever path my foot finds to walk upon, I can know that I will be victorious for He walks with me. Even when I am so tired I can no longer walk, He will carry me to the end of the journey! Come on… hop on the two-seater!

Getting Stuck

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. (Joshua 1:1-6 ESV). Don't you hate getting stuck? It’s New Year’s Eve as I write this devotional and I’m stuck! I usually try to get ahead a bit so that John Williams at Genesis can post the devotionals on the web site. With the holidays and my penchant for procrastination that may not happen on time. And, worse, I’m stuck considering what to write today. So, why not explore the dangers of being stuck? As Christians we can find ourselves spiritually stuck. This certainly was the case for the Israelites in their wilderness wanderings. They had been on the edge of their “Promised Land” before and turned away in fear of the enemy before them. Our reading today is the second time they were on the verge of entering in to their promise. It would have been tempting for them to stop there. They had left slavery behind, the wilderness is now history, and there's no more need for the manna and quail anymore. Why not just stay on the edge? For one thing, living on the edge of the life God has promised to us still leaves you lacking. God instructs Joshua: Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses (Joshua 1:3). The Israelites needed to physically step on the ground in order to claim the land as their own. With each small victory, tremendous spoils of war awaited them. The Bible said they would harvest food they didn't plant and live in houses they didn't build. But the temptation to stay in the land of "almost" was great. Joshua never got stuck in the land of "almost." The book of Joshua records no lag time between battles. If you quickly scan the book, you'll see repeated phrases like "Joshua conquered," "Joshua slaughtered," "Joshua traveled," "Joshua built," "Joshua continued." What a picture of someone moving forward! In only seven years, Joshua defeated 31 kings! Israel gained control of the Promised Land. Today, the simple message is that there can never really be a time when we are “stuck” if we are moving forward in the promise of God. After all, the promise we have in the New Covenant is much greater than that of the Old Covenant. Spiritually, everywhere we walk is ours in the power of Christ!

Suggestions for a New Year

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. (Philippians 4:5-7 ESV). Happy New Year is the theme for today. We’ll say it to others and it will be said to us. But, will it really be a happy year for all of us. It can be. Even though we all have storms in our lives, we must direct our thoughts to the "whatevers" in our reading this morning. When we concentrate on these things, we can experience God's peace and freedom from anxiety as we pass through our storms. Our hearts will be guarded from becoming cynical and pessimistic. And we will be able to speak peace to others because of God's peace in us! 1. First, reflect His glory. There are always going to be those times in our lives when we are frustrated and tempted to outbursts. I wish I could tell you that I have always been able to control those outbursts, but that wouldn’t be the truth. What I can tell you is that when I realize my failure and seek other’s forgiveness for any wrong I might have done to them, it is always a means of bringing peace into their lives as well as mine. It reflects the glory of God in grace. 2. Second, know that nothing is impossible. Often our biggest problem is not lack of skill or resourcefulness or time; it's lack of faith. We don't believe things can happen. But God specializes in things that seem impossible. He can do what no other can do! Depend on Him to guide and direct you. He wants to. Trust the Lord! And watch as He unfolds His plans for you, and others, in His perfect timing. 3. Third, have no fear. Experts believe that most people have four basic fears: The fear of failure, the fear of rejection, the fear of risk or loss, and the fear of success. I'm sure you have experienced at least one of these fears at one time or another. That's only human. However, the Bible has something to say about how Christians should respond to fear: "Fear of man will prove to be a snare: but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe" (cf. Proverbs 29:25). When we focus on fear, we are paralyzed from acting. But when we focus on God, on His sovereign control over all things, on His love and care for us, we can move forward in obedience and work to satisfy God's will. 4. Fourth, remember that your God reigns. God has been, is now, and will forever be in control. Because it is always harder to face the future than the past, today can be a daunting and fearful day. The news is full of foreboding. I would remind you that Jesus’ promise to us is that he will NEVER leave us, even to the end of the age! Trust Him for the future! Happy New Year!