Hurry Up!

Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me! Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life! Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! Let them turn back because of their shame who say, “Aha, Aha!” May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!” But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay! (Psalm 70 ESV). Have you ever been in a position where you needed something “now”? Not long ago Mary and I began the process of transferring registrations and documents from Tennessee to Texas. We thought that our Driver’s License would be the first to transfer of the licensing, registrations and insuring of our vehicles. Well, that’s not exactly correct. We did a little research on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website and secured all the proper documentation, which was extensive to say the least. Since we really don’t yet have a “permanent address,” we needed affidavits, birth certificates, marriage licenses, specific ID’s, and a lengthy application form. We did get all those things together and went to the office to patiently wait in line only to be told, “Oh, you can’t go by the information on the web site; it’s all wrong.” It seems we not only had the wrong documentation, but we also did not follow the right steps in the process. The Driver’s License comes last! I wanted to scream… “Hurry up and get this done!” I mean, how long can it really take? The Psalmist may have felt some of that frustration in our reading today. He wants God’s help and he wants it now. There’s nothing unusual about that; it is a common human trait. We often try to rush God! I have found that my timetable is almost always ahead of God’s. But his timetable is perfect. We need to recognize that our timetable is flawed. We base it on a limited insight. But God’s timetable is perfect, based on his perfect knowledge of all things. Of course there is nothing wrong with praying for the quick return of Christ; there is nothing wrong with asking God to intervene in the pain and suffering of this world quickly. However, we would do better to recognize that while that is our tendency and prayer, it is always better to temper our desire to hurry God along with a healthy dose of understanding that his timing is always perfect. The difficult circumstances of life make that even more important. Changing our focus to one with an eternal end will also change your level of frustration at the seeming silence of God toward your requests. After all, we don’t always give our children what they want when they want it. Our heavenly Father loves us with a perfect love. He knows when and how to answer our prayers. Wait patiently on the Lord, and he will bring it to pass. Don’t panic. God is never late.

Come and See

Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him, who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations— let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard, who has kept our soul among the living and has not let our feet slip. For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance. I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will perform my vows to you, that which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble. I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals, with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. (Psalm 66:5-16 ESV). So much can be said of the man known as “St. Augustine.” He is known for his extensive writings. Confessions has long been a requirement for every student of Christian theology. Interestingly, Augustine of Hippo is the patron of brewers because of his conversion from a former life of loose living, which included parties, entertainment, and worldly ambitions. His complete turnaround and conversion has been an inspiration to many who struggle with a particular vice or habit they long to break. Augustine tried many of the philosophies in his day. Perhaps most telling of his life is his assertion that when he came to Christ, he said that which was missing in all those philosophies he had studied was the word “Come.” They were impersonal, but the Christian faith was one that graciously invited us to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In our reading today the Psalmist invites us to “come and see.” He wants us to see the wonderful things God has done. Then he singles out one such thing, “He turned the sea into dry land.” God’s works of creation are great. This universe that God created with one word of his power consists of an estimated 50 billion galaxies according to Hubble telescope sightings in 1996! But his redemptive acts on behalf of believers are even more wonderful. The children of Israel were trapped by the Egyptian army after they left Egypt. But God opened the waters before them so that they could escape. When the first disciples asked Jesus about himself, he replied, “Come and see.” We too are invited to see who Jesus is and what he has done. He is the Son of God, he is the Lord of glory. He is the one who walked this earth, always reaching out to help people. He is the one who was willing to die to rescue us from ourselves and our sin. Today that very same invitation is ours. We simply need to come. If there is any doubt in your mind whether he is real and desires to forgive and restore you completely, the simple existence of that doubt is the gentle calling of the Holy Spirit in your heart. Come and see today!

The Half-Way Oak

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1 ESV). Our part of Texas is home to some of the sturdiest trees in the world. Thirteen miles south of Breckenridge, a gnarled, old live oak stands sentry on the windswept plains. The only visible tree for miles, the tree’s name tells its location: roughly halfway between Breckenridge to the north and Cisco to the south, as well as a halfway rest stop on the original Fort Griffin to Stephenville stage coach passage. Having provided travelers a refuge for centuries, its location is noted on maps as early as 1858 and may well have sheltered Doc Holliday or Wyatt Earp while they made their famous run to end the careers of the red-sashed Cowboys. Throughout history trees have been used to commemorate some special event. One such event a bit more impacting was the bravery of Frederik Kabbes. In 1985, a tree was planted in Jerusalem in honor of Kabbes. He had won Israel’s highest award for bravery for saving the life of a Jewish family during World War II. When the Dutch Underground asked Kabbes to hide the Jewish salesman, his wife and two young boys, He knew the enormity of the risk. Shortly before, the Nazis had forced six members of his village council to dig their own graves and then shot them, as an example to them that hiding Jews would result in severe judgment. Undaunted, Kabbes first hid the Jewish family in a straw-lined hole dug into the side of a hill, and later beneath a false floor in his chicken coop. Twice a day he brought them food prepared by his wife, and on cold nights they took further risks by bringing the family into their home’s one heated room. Our reading talks about such a man. Their lives were fruitful because of the grace and favor they received from their simply acts of faith and hope. The Kabbes are gone now, but like the tree in our reading, their lives were fruitful. The psalmist gives us the key to this faithfulness. It is having our delight in the law of the Lord. While some may take this to mean we must focus on obedience to the commandments, the real key is our trust and faith in the will and purpose of God. This begins and ends in our relationship with Christ.

The Friend of God

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. (James 2:18-23 ESV). What a great week we had moving our way through the days of Passion Week. Today I wanted to begin to meander a bit through the Scripture. In coming to our reading today, I found the following quote by A. W. Tozer: The image of God in man cannot extend to every part of man’s being, for God has attributes which He cannot impart to any of His creatures, however favored. God is uncreated, self-existent, infinite, sovereign, eternal; these attributes are His alone and by their very definition cannot be shared with another. But there are other attributes which He can impart to His creatures and in some measure share with His redeemed children. Intellect, self-consciousness, love, goodness, holiness, pity, faithfulness these and certain other attributes are the points where likeness between God and man may be achieved. It is here that the divine-human friendship is experienced! God, being perfect, has capacity for perfect friendship. Man, being imperfect, can never quite know perfection in anything, least of all in his relationship to the incomprehensible Godhead. The more perfect our friendship with God becomes the simpler will our lives be. Unquestionably the highest privilege granted to man on earth is to be admitted into the circle of the friends of God. Righteousness and being called the friend of God are synonymous. It is true, as Tozer suggests, that we are not meant to be identical to God; we are redeemed that we may become like him in these incredibly wonderful attributes that make for a life of peace and joy. Think of it. To develop our intellect, self-consciousness, love, goodness, holiness, mercy, and faithfulness to the extent that we reflect the image of God can only bring us to a point of great joy and peace. Imagine a world where every inhabitant found himself knowing who he is and respecting all others to the extent that every decision was governed by mutual affirmation and positive well being. Of course there would be no envy, strife, jealousy, or anger. All of that would be eclipsed by a nature driven to seek the good of another. That would be a world worth living in! And, that is the world God is creating again. Sin will have no place in that world. He will rule in the hearts of every man and they will reflect His purpose and will in all things. We will all be the “friends of God,” his children forever!

Resurrection Morning

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. (Luke 24:1-12 ESV). Before you go any further with today’s devotional go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uqj40-Ro-U and listen to Austin Stone as they do the wonderful old hymn, “Man of Sorrows.” It was originally written by Philip Bliss in 1875. Originally a Methodist, he became, about 1871, a choirman of the First Congregational Church, Chicago, and the Superintendent of its Sunday Schools. In 1874 he joined D. W. Whittle in evangelical work. To this cause he gave (although a poor man) the royalty of his Gospel Songs, which was worth some thirty thousand dollars. His death was sudden. It occurred in the railway disaster at Ashtabula, Ohio, Dec. 30, 1876. He had escaped from the car, but lost his life in trying to save his wife. The lyrics are inspired from Isaiah 53:3. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isaiah 53:3 ESV). From this empty, dank tomb the despised “Man of Sorrows” is announced as the Savior of the world! That is the good news of our Gospel. The grace of God worked on our behalf in the most incredible of events in history. God’s beloved Son, perfect and innocent, willingly gave himself that we might have eternal life. Today is a day of real celebration. It is a day long hoped for by the faithful of the millennia and now realized for all those who are called of God into his grace. Hallelujah! What a Savior! May the blessing of God rest on your spirit this day and each day because of this great hope!

The Day of Silence

What about Saturday of Holy Week? Many churches use the day before Easter as a day of activities. Often we have various celebrations, children’s activities, or family gatherings on Saturday. However, that’s not what the disciples were doing. They were in hiding. The religious leaders thought there was a high degree of probability they would be plotting some scheme to steal Jesus’ body and made preparations for the tomb to be sealed and guarded. Little did they know there was no chance of that for the disciples were terrified and grieving. There is some insight as to how the disciples felt as we hear the conversation Jesus later has with two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. (Luke 24:13-21 ESV). They had “hope” Jesus was the one to redeem Israel, but all of that was lost in the cross. They all must have forgotten the conversations Jesus had with them explaining all the things that were going to happen. He had told them of his death. Each time he also told them of his resurrection three days later. Somehow they missed that detail. That’s comforting to me. I often get so turned around by my own circumstances that I forget the whole promise of God to bring life from death. Even in the seeming silence of God, when the darkest hours of trial and challenge seem to overwhelm me, I take great comfort that even the first disciples who walked and talked with Jesus misunderstood God’s goodness in the midst of disappointment and failure. Saturday is a day for us to celebrate. It is a day that ought to remind us that God’s silence is not indicative of his absence. He is with us through every step of every path; and, he is working his good pleasure for our good. No tomb could hold the Savior. Death has no authority over Him or His disciples! Today, spend a little time looking up instead of down; focus on the new dawn of resurrection instead of the old past of your troubles. He has not let you down; He is only lifting you up!

The Darkest Day

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things. (Luke 23:44-49 ESV). It is somewhat of an oxymoron to call the Friday of Jesus’ crucifixion as “Good Friday.” There was nothing humane or good about the manner in which he was tortured and killed that day. Roman execution by crucifixion was one of the most inhumane methods of capital punishment known to man. Even today it makes other forms of capital punishment pale in comparison. As horrible as the beheadings are in the Middle East today, at least death comes relatively quickly compared to crucifixion. So, how can we possibly call that day “good.” Let’s begin with the good news of the gospel. In order for it to have meaning for us, we first have to understand the bad news of our condition as sinful people under condemnation. The good news of deliverance only makes sense once we see how we are enslaved. Another way of saying this is that it is important to understand and distinguish between law and gospel in Scripture. We need the law first to show us how hopeless our condition is; then the gospel of Jesus’ grace comes and brings us relief and salvation. In the same way, Good Friday is “good” because as terrible as that day was, it had to happen for us to receive the joy of resurrection. The wrath of God against sin had to be poured out on Jesus, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order for forgiveness and salvation to be poured out to the nations. Without that awful day of suffering, sorrow, and shed blood at the cross, God could not be both “just and the justifier” of those who trust in Jesus (cf. Romans 3:26). Paradoxically, the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in God’s gloriously good plan to redeem the world from bondage. The cross is where we see the convergence of great suffering and God’s forgiveness. The psalmist sings of a day when “righteousness and peace” will “kiss each other” (cf. Psalm 85:10). The cross of Jesus is where that occurred, where God’s demands, his righteousness, coincided with his mercy. We receive divine forgiveness, mercy, and peace because Jesus willingly took our divine punishment, the result of God’s righteousness against sin. Jesus endured the cross on Good Friday, knowing it led to his resurrection, our salvation, and the beginning of God’s reign of righteousness and peace. That makes it a Good Friday!

Maundy Thursday

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” (Matthew 26:20-29 ESV) It’s easy to wonder about what we should call Thursday of Holy Week. After all, there are several choices depending on the denomination you are most familiar with. Some will simply call the day “Thursday;” others will use “Holy Thursday;” and, some of the more liturgical denominations will use the name, “Maundy Thursday.” The word “Maundy” is interesting and perhaps more accurate when describing the events of the day in the life of Jesus and his disciples that last week before the resurrection. Etymologically, the consensus is that “Maundy” comes from the Latin word Mandatum (itself from the verb Mandare), which is translated “commandment.” It is a reference to the command Jesus gives in John 13, that we should “love one another.” I have chosen a reading for today that details the last Passover meal Jesus had with the disciples more than the commandment John records. I find it foundational to the whole series of events. Jesus does command us to love one another; however, as you can appreciate, there are some who are particularly difficult to like, much less love. In fact, I would say it is impossible to do without the help of the Holy Spirit. And, that help can only come when the redemptive sacrifice is applied to our lives. No wonder Jesus wants us to remember his death as often as we celebrate the memorial supper. It is an incredible reminder of much more than our being saved from hell and the punishment of our sin. It is Jesus doing everything necessary to allow the Spirit of God to fully inhabit our lives so that we can be what he desires in all of our relationships. If you have ever wondered how Judas could have betrayed Jesus, you only need understand that he was simply not a child of God. This led to his failure and ultimately to his destruction since the guilt and shame were too much for him to bear. He was not like Peter, who saw his failure and recognized the love of God in his redemptive work. He knew he could be forgiven and experienced the relational restoration of the Holy Spirit in that last conversation with Jesus at the shore. You can have that restoration too. Trust the work of Christ in your life!

The Contrast of Two Disciples

Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:6-16 ESV). I’m not sure there’s any great contrast between two disciples than that of this woman of faith and Judas Iscariot. While we do not know for sure who this woman was, we do know that she performed an act of great sacrifice toward Jesus. There is no doubt that regardless of who she was, the disciples were indignant that Jesus accepted such an extravagant expression, especially from a woman. Judas was so indignant that he went immediately to the religious leadership and bargained for his act of betrayal. Perhaps most interesting about this event is found in the symbolism behind it. In the ancient Near East, the act of anointing signified selection for some special role or task. Kings were often anointed with oil as part of their coronation ceremony, often by a prophet or priest. The Greek word Christos, Christ,” is a translation of the Hebrew word for Messiah, which means “the anointed one.” And so this anonymous woman finds herself in the untraditional position of priest and prophet. In the upside-down Kingdom of Jesus, it makes perfect sense. Those who would be first, shall be last; those who would be served, must serve; those who would rule, must be ruled. Jesus often used these contrasts. If you would live, you must first die; if you want to have victory, you must first surrender. I find it telling that so many people fail to understand that principle. We especially confuse quitting with surrendering. Jesus never asks us to quit. In fact, he encourages us to persevere, to keep going. The incredible truth is that by surrendering to the difficult path God often places us on, we are then enabled to keep going. Life can be incredibly cruel and challenging. The promise of God is to be with us through every experience of life. His strength will be infused into our lives allowing us to overcome every challenge. It is only when we quit going forward that we become mired in the pain of the present. Even when it looks as if there is no hope, the promise and example of Jesus is that nothing can snatch us away from our eternal reward. That’s the message of the resurrection. That’s the message behind the anointing of Jesus for burial. Don’t ever quit. Surrender to His will and way in your life. You will not be disappointed.

Two Very Different Sons

“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.” (Matthew 21:28-32 ESV). What an incredible day Tuesday was for Jesus! He begins the morning with the cursing of the fig tree, teaching in the Temple, and challenges from the religious leaders. As dusk approached, Jesus taught the parable of the talents. And in those final moments before His teaching ministry came to an end, He told His listeners, in essence, "You have one life.” That's it. Some of you have all kinds of gifts and abilities; some of you have less. But don't squander the one and only "life" God has given you. Do something noble and great with it. Jesus knew His physical life on earth was almost over, and He was leaving final words for us. His authority was questioned; and, his reply was a stinging rebuke of the Pharisees and scribes who tried to trap Him. One of the least taught parables is that of our reading today. The basic story is of a man with two sons who told them to go work in the vineyard. The first son refused, but later obeyed and went. The second son initially expressed obedience, but actually disobeyed and refused to work in the vineyard. The son who ultimately did the will of his father was the faithful son because he eventually obeyed. Jesus then likens the first son to tax collectors and prostitutes, the outcasts of Jewish society, because they believed John the Baptist and accepted “the way of righteousness” (v. 32), in spite of their initial disobedience to the Law. I suppose we all have those “sinners” that are difficult for us to understand or even tolerate. And, while no sin should ever be condoned, the people who have fallen into these destructive patterns of life should never be rejected as unworthy of the grace and forgiveness of God. It is to those who respond that Jesus came to snatch from death into life. There are no “privileged saints” within the family of God. Even the Apostle Paul had to learn this lesson over the course of his spiritual growth. He finally comes to realize that he is no more than the “chief of sinners.” The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:15-17 ESV). Today, let’s all look inward and thank God that regardless of how bad we were, Jesus saved us! Concentrate on that great work of grace rather than the failures of others. Emulate the first son.

Hotter than a Two Dollar Pistol

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there. (Matthew 21:12-17 ESV). I suppose it might be of some interest to begin today with the orign of the idiom, “hot as a two dollar pistol.” The idiom was used in the 1944 movie “Trocadero.” An interesting but little recognized bit of pop culture came about in this movie about a newspaper columnist in search of a good news story for his Sunday column. In the story, the club decides to move from the traditional big band sound to add a swing band, a genre of music that was hot back east but not nearly as well known on the west coast. Slipped into the dialogue, you’ll hear the comment about someone being as hot as a two-dollar pistol. But, the actual goes back further than that. From what I could find quickly in the 1897 Sears Roebuck catalogue, pistols sold for sixty-eight cents and up. Even in 1897, sixty-eight cents was not going to buy you a very well made gun. History relates that a good pistol cost the equivalent of nearly a month’s wages for a cowboy; in the 1870s, a cowboy generally earned $25 per month. Back in 1873, the Colt Peacemaker, also known as the gun that won the West, sold for $17. Obviously, a poorly made gun that kept burning paper in it would become hot at best (and blow up in your face at worst) with each shot fired. And a poorly made gun would be one the manufacturer intended to sell at a cut-rate price. A pistol that sold for $2 wasn’t much of a pistol at all. In fact, it was a bargain basement pistol that no self-respecting cowboy would be seen carrying. In the end, the expression was primarily used to mean hot as in temperament. When Jesus cleared the money changers from the Temple area, some would say he was as hot as a two dollar pistol; they would be wrong. This action was both calculated and justified. Jesus saw unscrupulous men using a necessary service as a mean of defrauding earnest people coming to worship. That happens all too often today in some of our churches. Leadership defraud people by wrong messages steeped in guilt, shame, or fear; they take advantage of the tender hearts prepared by the Holy Spirit for a message of grace through their personal rants designed to further their agenda rather than God’s design for forgiveness and restoration. I wonder if Jesus were to walk into our homes or churches if he would have any tables to overturn? We would all do well to use today to reexamine our motive and message to those around us. Lead people to the grace of God in Christ. They won’t go wrong there!

The Preacher, the Printer, and the Peddler - Pt 2

There are so many stories that are resurfacing now that I have moved back home. Yesterday I quoted one of those that was written in The Community News, by Mark Riley, in 1996. Today I have one more to pull from the archives I was recently given of these articles, this one written in 1994. Mark writes: Recently the Preacher stopped by to visit with the Printer who was busy with a job. “Let me cut,” said the preacher, referring to using the commercial cutter printers use. The printer consented thinking that as long as the preacher kept his fingers in the right place, there would be no harm in letting him help. So, he told the preacher he would let him cut the business cards he had just printed. “What do I set this thing on?” asked the preacher. “Two inches,” responded the printer. He checked the machine and gave his nod of approval. After a few cuts, the preacher had a look of dismay on his face. “Something’s wrong with this cutter. It’s chopping off the letters,” the preacher said. “That’s because you are cutting the top of the card instead of the bottom of the card,” the printer told him. “I don’t see what difference that makes. The top and the bottom both look the same to me,” the preacher replied. “You of all people, preacher, should know, 10% off the top is more than 10% off the bottom,” said the printer. And, yep, that really happened! As I read the old article, I began to think of how often we like to make our own rules as we go. After all, “What difference could it make?” We often reason that as long as we get to the same place, it shouldn’t matter. The trouble with that thinking is that often we simply don’t get to the same place. God has a specific plan and purpose for our lives. He has given us very clear instructions in the living of our lives. The Apostle Paul describes this in what we call “the Law of the Harvest”: 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 6:6-10 ESV). My paraphrase is: “You get what you get because you go where you go; if you don’t like what you’re getting, don’t go where you’re going.” What often seems of no consequence is gravely destructive as it roots in our hearts and lives. Do it according to God’s plan and you will never need to be concerned about the result. They will always lead to eternal life!

The Preacher, the Printer, and the Peddler - Pt 1

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV). You may remember that I mentioned receiving a number of old articles written in The Community News in the mid-90’s by Mark Riley. All of them dealt with a modern proverb surrounding the comings and goings of three characters: the Preacher (me), the Printer (Greg Lamb), and the Peddler (Rick Hobbs). Reading them I thought they would make interesting thoughts for our devotionals. As Mark Riley recalls the story: Out on a magnificent body of Texas water, somewhere between El Paso and Texarkana, the Preacher, the Printer, and the Peddler were trolling along, boat loaded with every type of fishing gadget that is sold on television’s Home Shopping Network and the ice chest may have even been stocked with “ready to cook” fish, just in case they needed them, the printer convinced them. As they were having very little success, it is said that the preacher was busy trying to talk the fish out of the water, the printer was reading the instructions on the package of new lures he had just bought, and the peddler, well, no one knows for sure what he was doing. After a while a boat could be seen on the horizon heading straight for them. On board was everyone’s favorite Texas Game Warden. It was license check time. The preacher and the printer produced theirs first, and although the officer looked suspiciously at the color of paper used to print the license, he told the two they were OK. The peddler was asked about his license and replied, “I have a license, but it’s in my truck. The Game Warden questioned the peddler thoroughly, asking where he got it, how much he paid for it, the expiration date, and every angle he could think of. Finally he was convinced and did not write him a citation. Mark Riley further commented asking his readers if they remembered the movie, The Sting? The whole plot was based on the difference between reality and what was perceived to be reality. Having been there I’m wondering, as was Mark, if the warden had ever seen that movie! I know you are asking if that really happened. Well, like all Texas tales, there may have been a bit of stretching of the truth. As the Preacher I am, after all, allowed some ministerial exaggeration in the telling of a tale; although it is mighty close to the real story. The incredible thing is that it illustrates how easy it is to believe everything but the truth. In our reading today Jesus is very careful to explicitly describe for the disciples the only way to heaven. There aren’t a myriad of ways; in fact, there is only one way. That way is Jesus himself. There are no exceptions; there are no deviations; there are no other ways. Twenty years ago, or two thousand years ago, Jesus is the way. What path are you traveling today? Trust in him. You will not be left disappointed.

Mi Familia

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3 ESV). Yesterday I used my “Irish” name to draw attention to the blessings of God as His child. Today I thought I give equal time to my Italian heritage. My paternal grandparents immigrated to this country from Cefula, Sicily. It is a beautiful seaside village in the Province of Palermo that is predominantly known as a tourist destination. It is also know for some of the finest dining in the area. From small family owned cafes to large restaurants, the food and pleasant atmosphere makes for a very familiar dining experience. It reminds me of how I was raised. The “familia” was everything. It was a central influence that carried a strong sense of commitment with it. I have heard it said, that you can always count on being an Italian’s friend for life because they don’t know any other way. Once someone is in our life, it’s hard to walk away. I was raised to be committed to someone, to be loyal, to understand that my name and my family’s name were represented by my actions. For me that translates to steadfastness in my walk with the Lord. I am His child, adopted into His family, and I represent Him in all I do. Certainly this is what the apostle alludes to in our reading today. Having just returned from a small family reunion I am reminded how easy it is to forget the length of time we were separated geographically and practically start right where we left off the last time we saw one another. That situation is created by the sense of family. I had not seen one of my cousins in more than twelve years, though we had talked by phone in that interim; yet, we were able to sit on the veranda and visit as if no time had passed at all. I wonder if that’s not a small glimpse of what heaven will be life when I first get there. I wonder if all of those whom I have known and loved so dearly will simply sit a while with me and talk as if we had not been separated at all. I wonder if they will just start catching me up on all the news from my absence. However it shall be, I do know that it will be my family. It will be all those who are my family by physical blood and those by the blood of Jesus! Now that will be some family!

Luck of the Irish

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6 ESV). I love today, even though I am Italian. My name comes from an Irish nun present at my birth and of course could be less Italian or more Irish! It does give me another holiday to celebrate. And I claim all the “Irish blessings.” For example, we have all heard at one time or another, the old adage: “The luck of the Irish!” It is a rather bold pronouncement widely known throughout the decades that brings to mind images of tiny green men, rainbows with pot’s of gold, and of course the lucky shamrock. If we are honest, most of us have to admit, that as kids we spent many a sunny afternoon ankle deep in clover patches in search of that very special four-leafed specimen. Since the odds are about 10,000 to one of finding it, it is an accomplishment; and, we knew full well that once we found it, we would forever have that magical “luck of the Irish.” I guess the real question is whether or not it’s true. Let me give you a bit of “Irish history.” St. Patrick, who by the way was a native Brit, at the very young age of sixteen was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders. One day, he found God in the rolling hills while herding sheep. He escaped, and later became a Bishop. A burning desire came over him to returned to Ireland and bring faith to the Pagans who still believed in the Druids. He received inspiration from God to use the three leaf clover to explain the trinity to the new converts, who were steeped in the ancient Druid’s religion of magic, believing in many God’s of nature. The four leafed clover however, symbolized God’s melting the Druid beliefs with the trinity of the Christian beliefs. Irish soldiers conscripted into the British army began wearing the shamrock on their uniform lapels because they had been blessed by St. Patrick and so believed that they were on God's side and therefore safely protected by Him. The meaning of the word “luck” is defined as: “Circumstances that lead to a favorable outcome.” But I like to call it by another name… God’s Blessings! This pseudo Irishman has seen the other side of the rainbow and found the real “Pot of Gold” and His name is Jesus Christ, the very Creator of the rainbows, the gold, the shamrocks and most of all, the Creator of the blessings of the glorious wealth of our heritage! “Luck” doesn’t come from my earthly heritage. I have the blessing and provision of God to depend on everyday of this life until He takes me to my heavenly home. Now that’s worth celebrating everyday!

Ears that Hear - Pt 3

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” (Matthew 13:18-23 ESV). This last look at Matthew 13 gives us eight parables that make up the heart of Jesus’ teaching. The most familiar is the parable of the Good Soil. The disciples’ question gave birth to an insight into the gift-nature of salvation, and the clearest interpretation of any parable. Tim Brown says, “According to Jesus sometimes the evil one throws dust in our eyes so that we never see the Word’s value. Other times the threat of persecution scares the Word out of us, while still other times our anxieties slip a noose around the necks of our souls and choke our Word-life to death. But sometimes we hear the Word and live it as we ought. This is the good soil.” While there are many interpretation concerning the “soils” I am more convinced that it is a commonly made mistake to assume that each soil is a different person. The soils are not individuals but rather inclinations within us all. We are all like each type of soil. When the world, the flesh, or the devil deludes us into thinking that the truth of the Scripture is not applicable in some way to our culture or our circumstance, the result is devastating. The truth is devalued and we are further kept in a state of captivity. When the fear of past failure or future uncertainty crowds out the truth of our present position in Christ, we simply cannot experience the abundance of life Jesus intended for us with his death, burial, and resurrection. It is only when we read the Scripture with a desire to allow it to renew our mind and transform our lives. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV). Real freedom comes from Christ. You can learn the fullness of that freedom through the Scripture. Go with a desire to be set free!

Earss that Hear - Pt 2

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: ‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Matthew 13:10-17 ESV). The disciples wanted to know what Jesus meant when he spoke. Their desire was great; however, they still had difficulty with understanding. So, the disciples of Jesus come to him and ask why he speaks so cryptically. His answer leaves them speechless. Borrowing from an Isaiah vision, Jesus said if he spoke more clearly, people would get it too easily: “The reason I speak to them in parables is that ‘seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand’” (v. 13). Jesus had a very important point to make with them. Our entire salvation, from the moment we first believed till the day we enter into heaven to inhabit our eternal home, is all gift. It is not a result of our seeking but of our having been sought. We are less like explorers trying to find and more like lost children waiting to be found. This truth directly affects our understanding the Scripture. When we recognize how dependent we are on the Holy Spirit to open the message of the Scripture to us, it changes the dynamic of our reading and study. We can then realize that we are responsible only for starting; he will help us to finish, and finish well. Jesus told his disciples that their eyes were more blessed than the prophets. They saw things that others could not see. When we think of it just this way we are left to say with the psalmist, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits.” John Calvin wrote in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, “Since rich store of every kind of good abounds found in him, let us drink our fill from this fountain, and from no other!” Amen, and amen! Go up to the well and draw deeply of that water Jesus provides. It is not kept from us. It is readily available. Just start drinking!

Ears that Hear - Pt 1

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:1-9 ESV). I often hear from people who wonder how they can read their Bible better. Though simplistic in the message of God’s revelation of His redemptive work in Christ, it can be a very complex book in many ways. For the next few days I hope to explore how you may be able to unlock more of the treasures of the Scripture. The practice of reading the Bible should be a slow and deeply attentive exercise. Those who read the Bible best, in our storied Christian past, called this lectio divina or spiritual reading. It was a careful “fourfold reading” of the Bible, with each reading paying attention to a different concern. The first reading was called lectio, a kind of gathering up all the treasures found in a passage of Scripture. The second reading was called meditatio, a focused meditation on a particular treasure discovered in the first reading. The third reading was called oratio, or praying the passage. The final reading was called contemplatio, and it called for a deep contemplation on the implications of the passage. The contemplative reading of the passage is the place where the serious application of Scripture to common practice takes place. Throughout Matthew 13, where our reading today comes from, we see an interesting contrast in the way people are drawn to Jesus at the beginning and repelled by him at the end. The parables Jesus uses help us understand some of this progression. He began to use parables more and more with the disciples. He certainly understood that truth is not acceptable to every person. There are those who have neither interest nor regard in the things of God. To those with a genuine hunger for God, the parable is both an effective and memorable vehicle for the conveyance of divine truths. The Lord’s parables contain great volumes of truth in very few words; and His parables, rich in imagery, are not easily forgotten. So, then, the parable is a blessing to those with willing ears. But to those with dull hearts and ears that are slow to hear, the parable is also an instrument of both judgment and mercy. So, the first step to reading the Bible better is simply to want to read it. I find that I always have time to do what I want. How much do you want to read the Bible, really?

Steps to Healing

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:32-40 ESV). While I was on my recent travels and being in several cities over a brief period of time, I found myself surfing through the channels available on the motel televisions. Flipping through the channels, I came across a religious program with a preacher declaring the benefits of faith. I stopped for a moment and heard him promoting his most recent book. He said, “If you follow these steps in my book, it will show you how to have faith to be healed.” First, let me say that I do believe God still works supernaturally to cure illness in his children. I also believe that God has worked in a direct way to empower scientists, medical personnel, and others in the field of medicine to bring healing. I am also quite sure that God sometimes chooses to let us continue in our illness or heal us by taking us home through death. So, as someone who has lived for twenty-four years with a hereditary, incurable blood disease, I find it off-putting that someone would “guarantee” that when I follow certain steps of faith that I would be cured. God is not a vending machine that we put something in and automatically get what we select from him. Our faith brings us closer in fellowship to Him, which in turn gives us the peace and strength to do whatever we are called upon to do in the circumstances of life. In our reading today, the writer mentioned a number of people who had faith in the face of terrible circumstances. Some were jeered at, flogged, jailed, stoned, sawed in two, and killed by the sword. These people were not chastised for their lack of faith. Instead, they were commended and included in scripture as an inspiration. I find that truth much more encouraging than any other thing as I face each challenge of life. My faith connects me with the One who does deliver me from every enemy of life. No challenge is an enemy any longer because Jesus has conquered them all through his work of grace and love. My faith in that work guarantees heaven for me. And, that IS the ultimate healing work!

Meant for Good

When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:15-21 ESV). Perhaps one of the most beloved stories of the Old Testament is the life of Joseph. At seventeen his brothers dumped him in a well. They planned to kill him. Instead they sold him to a band of nomads. He was sold again to an Egyptian ruler. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him. He was jailed and forgotten for years. Finally, he was appointed second in command in the Egyptian government. Years of suffering and countless disappointments shaped him from a cocky teenager into a mature man of faith. Joseph’s faith shone through when his brothers came groveling to him after the death of their father. His attitude shocked them because he held no bitterness toward them. Instead, Joseph saw their actions as part of God’s greater plan. He had the faith to rest in the promise of God. Joseph’s faith is the kind of faith that says, “I can endure anything that life throws my way because I am confident that God has a plan for me.” It doesn’t matter if we are dealing with a disability, suffering rejection, or living with constant disappointments. We can have faith that the Lord can weave any trial into his good plan. In Elmer Bendiner’s book, The Fall of Fortresses, he describes one bombing run over the German city of Kassel: Our B-17 was barraged by flak from Nazi antiaircraft guns. That was not unusual, but on this particular occasion our gas tanks were hit. Later, as I reflected on the miracle of a twenty-millimeter shell piercing the fuel tank without touching off an explosion, our pilot, Bohn Fawkes, told me it was not quite that simple. On the morning following the raid, Bohn had gone down to ask our crew chief for that shell as a souvenir of unbelievable luck. The crew chief told Bohn that not just one shell but eleven had been found in the gas tanks - eleven unexploded shells where only one was sufficient to blast us out of the sky. It was as if the sea had been parted for us. Even after thirty-five years, so awesome an event leaves me shaken, especially after I heard the rest of the story from Bohn. He was told that the shells had been sent to the armorers to be defused. The armorers told him that Intelligence had picked them up. They could not say why at the time, but Bohn eventually sought out the answer. Apparently when the armorers opened each of those shells, they found no explosive charge. They were clean as a whistle and just as harmless. Empty? Not all of them. One contained a carefully rolled piece of paper. On it was a scrawl in Czech. The Intelligence people scoured our base for a man who could read Czech. Eventually, they found one to decipher the note. It set us marveling. Translated, the note read: “This is all we can do for you now.” God was certainly in charge of that wonderful saving act! He can be trusted in every circumstance.

The Casket

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 116:15-19 ESV). There are many things that surprise me, but while I was visiting with family in Galveston, Texas, recently I was surprised at one of the “curios” hanging in the patio. My cousin’s home is located just blocks from the beach and is vulnerable to the storms that come inland from the gulf. Some years ago Hurricane Ike came ashore and flooded most of the island. They had over four feet of water in their home. Debris littered their yard and filled their pool in the backyard. While their home was not destroyed, there was a great deal of damage. As soon as he was allowed back on to the island after the storm, he went to assess the damage. Walking through their house he made his way to the back door and noticed a long plank of weathered wood blocking the door. He managed to open the door and move the wood. As he turned it over he noticed something very odd. It had three brass brackets fixed on the side and a long round handle run through each of the brackets. He recognized the piece of wood immediately as the side of an old wooden casket! You can imagine the shock for both he and his wife as they wondered where the rest of the casket might be, much less the contents. Fortunately they did not need to deal with anything other than that piece of the box. Yet, when we think of such an experience we do pause after reading the first verse of our text today: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. How can death be seen as precious in any imaginable way? As Jesus repeated this psalm with his bewildered twelve gathered around him in the Upper Room, he must have thought of his own death and resurrection. And why would his death be precious? The answer was rather simple in Jesus’ case. His death was precious because it meant life for us. But what about the rest of us? The answer is relatively simple for us as well. The believer’s death is merely the entrance into our eternal home. Perhaps the most striking reminder of my trip back to my hometown was touring the area and seeing the old home sites. Some were not even there any longer. They had long since been razed leaving nothing more than an empty lot; others had been left to fall into disrepair; and, still others sat in a sad condition within deteriorating neighborhoods. They simply are not eternal; they are all temporary. God knows that and is presently preparing those homes for his children. Knowing how perfect they will be, the Lord is able to say with absolute surety that our death is precious. None of what is left behind will be missed then. What an encouraging thought for me. I pray it encourages you as well!

Six Little Things

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” (John 8:31-38 ESV). Yesterday I mentioned the importance of remembering that it is the truth that sets us free. Our reading gives us that principle. Jesus makes this declaration to the disciples and their immediate response is to quote their heritage of Judaism. They were a bit indignant that Jesus would indicate they needed to be set free at all! I’m sure some of us at one time or another feel the same way. We tout our freedom and our rights with strong passion and convincing rhetoric. However, the truth is we are all enslaved to some part of the culture in which we live. Our fallen humanity cannot allow us to not be drawn into that trap much as a moth is drawn to the destruction of the flame. We find ourselves chasing after what we perceive to be “normal.” What I have found is that “normal” keeps changing according to latest version of whatever we seek. Not long ago I read the following story from Lou Lotz detailing a list he carried with him detailing his “six daily disciplines.” They were very interesting. I thought they were excellent suggestions to aid our search for freedom. Here they are: 1. Live Simply. Don’t be overindulgent. Don’t think you always have to have more. More doesn’t make you happy. More doesn’t bring you joy. Jesus said: “For what will it profit them to gain the whole world but forfeit their life?” (Matthew 16:26). 2. Love Generously. Be lavish with love. You’re not going to run out. The hate speech we have grown accustomed to, especially in this day of political rhetoric, goes beyond anything I have ever seen in my lifetime. I would hope we could choose leadership based on their willingness to tell the truth in love. That certainly ought to be how we conduct ourselves toward others. 3. Speak Truthfully. Your word should be simple and sufficient, true and transparent. “Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No,’” said Jesus (Matthew 5:37). 4. Give Faithfully. If you are not giving cheerfully you are cheating yourself and missing one of the great blessings of God. Be generous with your time, talent, and resources. 5. Pray Daily. What are you doing today that is more important than talking with God? Don’t try to find the time. Make the time. Your relationship to Him can only get better by spending time talking with him and listening to him through the exchange of prayer and Bible Study. 6. Leave everything else to God. God has bigger shoulders than you do, and he’s up all night anyhow. Let him worry about it. When I find myself unable to sleep, “running my lists,” the “off” switch can only be found in trusting God to finish what I cannot. Freedom is within your grasp. Jesus has purchased it with his very life. Turn to him today and really get free!

To Whom Shall We Go?

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:60-69 ESV). I have been very fortunate to have pastored one of the kindest churches I have ever known for the last five years. They were supportive, encouraging, and always very complimentary of my preaching. While that is an incredible gift to be given, I know there were perhaps some times that were average at best. In fact, Mary and I have an agreement that she will always be as honest as possible about my preaching. I usually ask, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how was it?” There have been those times when she has given me less than stellar numbers! I suppose I should be glad that there are also times when she has given me 8’s and 9’s rather than focus on the 3’s and 4’s! All of us want to hear a preacher who captivates our interest and teaches us some encouraging principle from the Scripture. All churches want an individual who is able to draw people into the church. Strangely that would eliminate Jesus. His preaching repulsed a lot more people than it ever attracted. Our reading today shows us a glimpse of the way many viewed the preaching of Jesus. “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” said the disciples. John says that Jesus’ words about eating his flesh and blood drove people away: “Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him.” Jesus didn’t coax people into the kingdom. His sermons, whether the subject was bread and wine, flesh and blood, money and power, always provoked people to murmur: “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” Little wonder Jesus’ most frequent benediction, at the end of his sermons, was: “Will you also go away?” Jesus is like a magnet. One pole attracts, the other repels. On the one hand: “This is a hard saying.” On the other hand: “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Churches want to attract people. But do we ever repel anyone? What does it say about a church if nobody ever walks away, murmuring, “This teaching is difficult”? I hope that we would be careful to balance our grace-giving with truth-telling. My experience is that will sometimes result in a “low score” for our preaching. However, I am encouraged that the truth, however, difficult, will set us free; and, freedom is really the goal. That is where we may find the abundance of life Jesus died to give us.

Encouraged by the Faithful - Pt 10

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14 ESV). There is much we can learn from the life of the Apostle Paul. Far from ordinary, Paul was given the opportunity to do extraordinary things for the kingdom of God. The story of Paul is a story of redemption in Jesus Christ and a testimony that no one is beyond the saving grace of the Lord. However, to gain the full measure of the man, we must examine his dark side and what he symbolized before becoming “the Apostle of Grace.” Paul’s early life was marked by religious zeal, brutal violence, and the relentless persecution of the early church. Fortunately, the later years of Paul’s life show a marked difference as he lived his life for Christ and the advancement of His kingdom. Paul was of Benjamite lineage and Hebrew ancestry. His parents were Pharisees, who sought to protect their children from “contamination” from the Gentiles. Anything Greek was despised in Saul’s household, yet he could speak Greek and passable Latin. His household spoke Aramaic, a derivative of Hebrew, which was the official language of Judea. Saul’s family were Roman citizens but viewed Jerusalem as a truly sacred and holy city. At age thirteen Saul was sent to Palestine to learn from a rabbi named Gamaliel, under whom Saul mastered Jewish history, the Psalms and the works of the prophets. His education would continue for five or six years as Saul learned such things as dissecting Scripture. It was during this time that he developed a question-and-answer style known in ancient times as “diatribe.” This method of articulation helped rabbis debate the finer points of Jewish law to either defend or prosecute those who broke the law. Saul went on to become a lawyer, and all signs pointed to his becoming a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court of 71 men who ruled over Jewish life and religion. Saul was zealous for his faith, and this faith did not allow for compromise. It is this zeal that led Saul down the path of religious extremism. The pivotal passage in Paul’s story is his meeting with Jesus Christ on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, a journey of about 150 miles. From this moment on, Saul’s life was turned upside down. Through prayer, Saul received the Holy Spirit, regained his sight and was baptized. Saul immediately went into the synagogues proclaiming Jesus and saying He is the Son of God. The Apostle Paul spent his life proclaiming the risen Christ Jesus throughout the Roman world, often at great personal peril. It is assumed that Paul died a martyr’s death in the mid-to-late 60s A.D. in Rome. Of all the things to learn from Paul, I believe most important is that God can use anyone who is willing to surrender completely to God. Paul was in prison when he wrote our reading today. Through his hardships and suffering, Paul knew the outcome of a life well lived for Christ. He had surrendered his life fully, trusting God for everything. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (cf. Philippians 1:21). I hope we can all make the same claim.

Encouraged by the Faithful - Pt 9

But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:25-27 ESV). There is so much that can be said about the Apostle John. He is the author of five New Testament books; he was part of Jesus’ “inner circle” and, along with Peter and James, John was given the privilege of witnessing Jesus’ conversation with Moses and Elijah on the mount of the transfiguration. His importance in the twelve grew as he matured, and after the crucifixion, he became a “pillar” in the Jerusalem church, ministered with Peter, and finally was exiled to the island of Patmos by the Romans, where he received from God the majestic visions that comprise the book of Revelation. There were some youthful expressions of misdirected passion, though John aged well. He began to understand the need for humility in those who desired to be great. John’s is the only gospel that records Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. By the time of the crucifixion, Jesus had enough confidence in the young man to turn the care of His mother over to him, a charge John took very seriously. John’s rash request for special honor in the kingdom had given way to a compassion and humility that would characterize his ministry in his later life. Although he remained courageous and bold, his ambition was balanced by the humility he learned at Jesus’ feet. This willingness to serve others and suffer for the sake of the gospel must have enabled him to bear his final imprisonment on Patmos where, according to reliable historical sources, he lived in a cave, cut off from those he loved, and was treated with cruelty and reproach. In the opening of the book of Revelation, which he received from the Holy Spirit during this time, he referred to himself as “your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus” (cf. Revelation 1:9). He had learned to look beyond his earthly sufferings to the heavenly glory that awaits all who patiently endure. John’s life serves to remind us of several lessons which we can apply to our own lives. First, zeal for the truth must always be balanced by a love for people. Without it, zeal can turn to harshness and judgmentalism. Conversely, abundant love that lacks the ability to discern truth from error can become gushing sentimentality. Second, confidence and boldness, untempered by compassion and grace, can quickly turn to pride and smugness. Confidence is a wonderful virtue, but without humility, it can become self-confidence, which can lead to boasting and an attitude of exclusiveness. When that happens, our witness of the grace of God is tainted, and others see in us exactly the kind of person they wish not to be. Like John, if we are to be effective witnesses for Christ, our demeanor should be one that reflects a passion for the truth, compassion for people, and a steadfast desire to serve and represent our Lord by reflecting His humility and grace. John is a special encouragement for me. I hope he will be for you as well!

Encouraged by the Faithful - Pt 8

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. (Matthew 16:13-20 ESV). Our reading today reveals an interesting event. Jesus had twelve disciples, but He renamed only one of them. It’s not like his name was difficult or unseemly. Remember that his original name was Simon. Jesus simply decided to rename him Peter. The event that precipitated this renaming was a confession that Simon made when Jesus asked the disciples who people thought he was, and, further, who they thought he was. Peter’s declaration was, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” It’s clear that Peter was the leader of the early Church. As with any organization, the Church cannot exist without leadership, and Jesus chose Peter to provide that leadership. In our study passage, Jesus gives Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16: 19). Jesus didn’t give them to any other disciple, so Jesus must have intended for Peter to lead once Jesus ascended back into heaven. That’s even clearer in the Gospel of John where Jesus directs Peter to feed His sheep (cf. John 21:15-17). However, Peter was not the “rock-solid” leader that some might have imagined. Peter denied Jesus three times. He repented and Jesus restored him.Peter would lead the Church with Christ as his model. He would be an imitator of Christ. Even Peter, with his name being what it is, acknowledges that Christ is the Rock: It’s interesting that Peter doesn’t remind people that his name is Rock and the Church is build on him. In fact, he says that all Christians are building blocks in the Body of Christ (the Church). Origen points out, “If you shall think that the whole church was built on Peter alone, what shall we say of John and each of the apostles? Shall we dare to say that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Peter alone?” All of the apostles had a role in the rock formation. To put it another way, Christ is the cornerstone and Peter is the rock upon which the cornerstone and the Church rests. Each church leader since then has been another layer building up the Body of Christ. The Church is the continuing presence of Jesus Christ in the world, and we are reminded that the Church is a people and not a building. We are, in fact, serving as the hands and feet of Christ, doing the work of the Church just as Peter did.

Encouraged by the Faithful - Pt 5

So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.” (Acts 13:16-23 ESV). David was a shepherd boy, mighty warrior, musician, poet, sinner, and saint. These words all describe King David, yet he will always be known best as “a man after God's own heart.” In our reading today, which is a sermon delivered by the Apostle Paul, we see a clear call for every Christian to seek that same description in their life. It is a daunting thought. Only David is distinguished from every other character in the Scripture with that title. He certainly was a man in whom God chose to confide, sharing both His secrets and times of intimate communion (cf. Psalm 25:14). However, I am prompted to simply ask what was it that God saw when He looked at David's heart. Perhaps if I understand that I can also aspire to that level of relationship with God. Let me suggest four things about David that encourage me toward this position.  First, David had a believing heart. David recognized his need for God; he admitted his dependence on God to provide for him and to watch over him, much as David did for the sheep under his care. David knew quietness of heart and the spiritual rest that comes from being right with God. Solitude afforded David both time and opportunity to worship, pray, and meditate on the Lord.  Second, David had a bold heart. He trusted God would deliver what He promised. He faced his Goliath, focusing not on the enormity of the enemy before him but on the promise and power of His God. Obstacles did not deter David.  Third, David had an inquiring heart. David actively sought God's will for his life. He brought every decision before the Lord in prayer, waiting for God's leading and direction before acting. David accepted God's “no” as graciously as he accepted His “yes.”  Fourth, David had a repentant heart. Even when he failed miserably and was confronted by Nathan, David humbled himself under God's mighty hand, and acknowledged his sin and his sorrow (cf. Psalm 51). Though David faced the consequences of his sin for many years to come, he humbly bowed his knee under God's sovereignty and continued in praise, worship, and devotion to his God. Those things were even more exemplified in the life of Jesus. Though he did not sin, he certainly understood the cost and sacrifice of being right with God. He paid that price in full for each of us. We can do no better than follow this example!

Encouraged by the Faithful - Pt 4

And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” (Exodus 3:9-12 ESV). Today we look at a man of faith who has so much to do with the making of the history of the Old Testament that the short space we have in this venue will not allow us to do more than focus microscopically on his life. Moses’ story is a hinge point in the story of redemption. By the time we get to our reading today Israel has been in slavery for nearly four centuries. Moses has fled to the wilderness and is tending sheep for his father-in-law, Jethro. He looks across the arid land and sees a bush that is engulfed in flames but is not burning. He approaches to examine such a sight and God speaks to him, Come, I will send you to Pharoah that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, our of Egypt. He questions God’s choice. God answers him with a simple answer of a promise to be with him. Moses ultimately goes to Pharoah with a staff and God’s name and demands that he let the people of God go free. In his refusal, nine plagues are visited on Egypt, with the last being a plague that took the life of the first born of every Egyptian household. God’s instruction to him was a consistent promise of being with him. God’s instruction to kill a lamb and mark the doors with the blood looks forward the greatest promise of all. It is the prophetic announcement of the death of Jesus for every child of God. God is with us. Throughout the Bible we see this same promise given to every child of God. Whatever challenge or difficulty you may be facing today, God will be with you in Christ. This is the Easter season. As you work your way to that great Christian celebration of life, please remember it is only realized through the work of grace through the Son of God. It is easy to confuse the things we do with the work of God in our lives. Moses didn’t do anything to deserve or earn the presence and protection of God. Nor can we do anything to deserve or earn that marvelous presence of God working in our life. He comes to us and lives within us through the Holy Spirit. There is nothing that can separate us from that presence. Moses, the man of faithfulness, was not a perfect man. We are not called to be perfect. Jesus has already done that on our behalf. Trust Him! You will never need any other to carry you safely to your home in heaven. Death no longer holds any power over us. We have been set free by the ultimate Moses – Jesus!

Encouraged by the Faithful - Pt 3

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. (Genesis 12:1-8 ESV). So much has happened in the time lapse between Noah and Abram. The earth has repopulated and the division of the races and difference of language has taken place with the destruction of the Tower of Babel. It might tempt us to wonder where the grace of God has gone during this time of history. However, it has been inexorably working in the midst of humanity to one of the great stories of the Old Testament. The call of Abram from the Ur of the Chaldees is an incredible reminded of the faithfulness of God to keep his children and provide for his people. Our reading today is but the beginning of the story. God comes to this man, who certainly had no prior knowledge of God and his will, and directs him to take all of his family to a land that would be shown to him. Remember that Abram was not some poor man barely able to eke out a meager existence. He had servants and herds and flocks before God called him to relocate to this unknown land. He was comfortable right where he was. He had no reason at all to leave except God spoke to him. Again we see the initiative of God to continue his purpose to save his people. There are two things I want us to note from our reading today. At each place Abram comes to God reminds him of the promise to give him that land. It is always a future hope that Abram is called on to trust. Second, with each affirmation of the promise Abram’s response is to build an altar to the Lord. He does this as a mean of worship. It is an expression of his trust in God to take him where he has promised. It recalls a similar promise Jesus made to his disciples just prior to his death (cf. John 14:1-6). I find this one of the most encouraging truths of the Scripture. I need not worry about the end of the journey; that is predetermined. My calling is to go to the next place that God directs me and trust him to take me to the next one when I’m ready. Build your altar wherever you are. It’s the right place to worship Him!