Into the Unknown

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. (Psalm 37:3-5, ESV). Ron Hutchcraft tells a story about “mystery trips” with his children. He writes: “When our kids were growing up, we tried to take advantage of Sunday afternoons for some special family time. Like a ride to the country or to some other neat spot in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Since I like surprises, I would tell the kids we were going on a mystery trip. That was good enough for Lisa and Brad – but not Doug. No, he was the one who always had to have all the information before he decided how he felt about an idea. I’d say mystery trip, and Doug would respond with 43 questions – ‘Where are we going? How long will we be there? Where will we eat? What’s there to do? How long’s the drive?’ My answer was always the same. Two words. ‘Trust me.’” While I have never taken my children on such outings, I’ve certainly been on a few of those trips into the unknown. God has asked me to go on a lot of mystery trips with Him. Perhaps you’re on one now. The destination isn’t clear . . . the outcome isn’t clear . . . the risks are many . . .the path is unfamiliar . . . you have a lot of questions. In fact, maybe you’re hesitating to follow the Lord in the direction where He seems to be leading. There are too many unknowns. This is a good time to meditate in our reading this morning. The Lord wants to take you somewhere good. And it’s also true that He wants you to trust Him, not a goal. We’re always so focused on knowing His will. He wants us to focus on knowing and trusting Him. There’s an old Gospel song that says, “We cannot see what lies before, and so we cling to Him the more.” So your Heavenly Father is waiting to take you into the unknown, to some wonderful things He has planned for you. You’re hesitant to go. You’ve got all these questions and fears about where He might take you, and He’s just smiling and saying, “Trust Me.” He can be trusted. God’s track record in your life goes all the way back to His giving His one and only Son for you on the cross and to all He did to bring you to Him. He’s so wonderfully supplied so many needs. His mercies have been new every morning. You’ve always had your “daily bread.” Your past obedience’s have brought you into some special places. You know your Father loves you, that He knows so much more about what’s good for you than you do, that He thinks of everything. Why can’t you trust Him on this one? If your Heavenly Father is taking you on another mystery trip, just get in and let Him drive. “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him.” You don’t need to know where you’re going. You only need to know that He’s driving – and He can be trusted.

Firsts and Lasts

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.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. (Revelation 21:5-7, ESV). The last day of deer season came and went so quickly this past year. I was very fortunate to spend it with one of my dear friends here in Middle Tennessee. It was a wonderful day! The morning of my last hunt of the season dawned very cold with a bit of frost on the ground. As I walked to a barn where we would sit for a while and look over the hills. We had a few minutes to quietly reflect over the season. It was memorable for many reasons. We did harvest a deer for our wild game banquet, but that certainly was not the highlight of the season. Knowing I would face surgery in a few weeks, it was natural for me to think of it as “a last day.” That only brought to mind the many “firsts” I have experienced in my life. With “lasts” there are always “firsts.” It was easy to remember my first hunt on this property with Bucky. It was in this same spot. That was not my first hunt, however. That took place over fifty years ago with my Dad. It wasn’t a deer hunt. We loaded up to go rabbit hunting on a very cold morning. Dad believed that you couldn’t eat a wild rabbit until after the first frost, and he also believed that you don’t harvest any game animal that you don’t intend to eat. Little did I know how much of an impression that first hunt would make! It was a wonderful day. I didn’t take a shot, but I will never forget the sounds of the dogs baying on scent, or the sights of the frost on the brambles, or the smell of the leaves as they had begun to fall finishing their journey of life. What a day! All firsts make an impression on our lives. Some of them are good and some bad. I’ve had many good firsts through the years. However, as I reflected on the firsts, I also was reminded that there must be lasts too. Often there is sadness about last things. The last hunt of the season is always like that for me. Last things bring thoughts that this may have been the very last season. This year I know I have spent it well. I didn’t harvest the biggest deer. I didn’t set any records at all. But I spent it very well, time spent with friends and family enjoying God’s creation. Life is like that as well. I recall vividly that first moment when faith released the grace of God to work in my life. The freedom from guilt and shame that came with forgiveness was an unforgettable experience. It is a miracle that makes every other experience pale in comparison. While this miracle will never end, this first will also have a last. The battle between good and evil will be done. I will be ushered into eternity where there is no more sin and death, no more pain and suffering. There God will be my Father and I will be His child in a way never before experienced. Whenever that time comes I am confident that all has been done to insure that this last will be one of joy! This may seem awfully maudlin, however, it is a thought we all have from time to time. While I am not “ready” for that day, I am prepared! How about you?

God's Unfailing Love

My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. (Lamentations 3:20-25, ESV). For some it may be difficult to look back and be very hopeful about the future. The past year may have held some of the most difficult and trying days of your life. These experiences may be making it hard to see the unfailing love of God in your life. There are many examples that come to mind from Scripture that reaffirm the unfailing love of God, some stemming from defeat and others from victory. One concerns a woman, Mary of Bethany, who knew Jesus well and loved Him dearly. Once, when Jesus was visiting her home, she sat before Him and anointed His feet with very costly oil. The disciples looked down upon Mary for being so extravagant to waste such a precious resource on Jesus' feet, a resource that could be spent elsewhere. But Jesus defended Mary in front of everyone present. In fact, in Matthew's account of the same story, Jesus is recounted as saying, "She has done a good work for Me…wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her" (Matthew 26:10,13). Jesus took the disapproving opinions of others and turned them into praise, giving Mary a fresh start. There are others. Take David as an example. When the prophet came to him and accused him of his sin of murder and adultery, it would have been easy to deny or deflect it as is so often the case with leadership today. However, David knew the truth of his sin and confessed, asking God for forgiveness. He was given a new start. God answered his prayer and created in him a clean heart. So, whether you are in a season of defeat or triumph, go to Jesus, the giver of mercy and new beginnings. Praise Him for His forgiveness of all your shortcomings. Thank Him for His empowerment in all your victories. There is nothing to dread or fear in the future, for we serve the same gracious Jesus who gave hope to the worthless and praise to the criticized. Take possession of the expectancy that God will use everything in your past for His glory and your good. May the grace of our merciful God bathe you in His glory!

Little Foxes That Ruin the Vineyard

Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom. (Song of Solomon 2:15, ESV). Winter is winding down and spring is but a few weeks away. All around us we will soon seen the new beginnings of nature. As human beings, we delight in the prospect of a new beginning, a new chance, redemption, and a clean slate. Our very language is full of expressions of starting over. I wonder how many of us began the year with high hopes and long lists of resolutions, but will end the year with the disappointment of realizing that we have once again failed to keep our commitments? I would like to provide a simple suggestion that may help each of us to keep the commitments that we make. The suggestion is this: START SMALL, BUT START! Our reading this morning reminds us that it is the little foxes that spoil the vineyards. So often we are held captive to the urgent and miss the eternally important. I know that is true for me. My commitment is to focus on the little things that are vital to achieving my large goals. There are two dangers to avoid. Some people begin with resolutions that are too ambitious and unrealistic to be accomplished. Others have realistic expectations and appropriate goals; however, they simply never begin the process. For example, instead of resolving to conquer all known sin in our lives, why not address the one sin that has plagued you for years. Instead of committing to prayer generally, why not start a prayer list. Instead of committing to read more of the Scriptures this year, why not purchase "The Daily Bible" or "The One Year Bible" and read the specified portion each day. Start small, but start. Think of one thing each day that you can specifically thank God for. Tell one person each day this year that they are loved and important to both God and yourself. Commit to one act of kindness each day, whether anyone else is kind to you or not. The “little foxes that ruin the vineyard” – they are those failures that paralyze us and convince us to quit. Start small, but start, and keep going even in the face of failure. Review the principle one more time: Never let past failure or future fear rob you of present joy! Keep those little foxes out of your vineyard and watch how lush the fruit is as it grows unhindered.

The Puzzles of Jesus

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. (Matthew 13:10-13, ESV). Here’s a little riddle for you: Follow as I go from Adam unto death. Follow, for I am descending from life eternal. Cross me if you like. I don't get angry, I will not hold a grudge. If need be, I can feed you. If you like I'll give you drink. But where I end is a place of death. The answer is at the end of this writing. Don’t go there too soon though! I love a good puzzle! It is not often that I get the time to work on the crosswords in the local paper, but when I do, it is always enjoyable. There are times when I get stuck and can’t quite solve the clue. There are even a few times when I give up in frustration and leave the puzzle unfinished. Even then there is nothing lost. However, the “puzzles” Jesus used in His teachings carried with them messages that were essential to the understanding of grace. Our reading this morning answers the question why Jesus used such puzzles. The more I began to think about the parables (puzzles), the more I began to realize that the answers are not difficult to find. Just as with my crosswords, the answers are not difficult. There are many sources available to retrieve the answers. All I need to do is seek them! Jesus tells his disciples that all that is necessary is to listen. Spring is approaching quickly. It is a time of renewal and recommitment. I wonder if you have been listening. Perhaps some of the answers you seek to the puzzles of your life would become apparent if you would start listening more. You may need a little help with that exercise. Start with a search in the Scriptures. Then go to some of your trusted Christian friends and advisors and ask them for help. It may mean putting your pride behind you, but the answer will be well worth the sacrifice! Oh… as I promised, here’s the answer to the riddle I began with this morning: The Jordan River. Jordan means "descender." It flows from Galilee, which translates circle in Hebrew, or everlasting life, to the Dead Sea. The city of Adam is located on the Jordan River.

When God Winks

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7, ESV). Ruth Graham tells a story of how late one night Slim Cornett was being shown around a county airport in rural Mississippi by a member of his church who managed the facility. "This switch lights up the runway," the man said as he flipped it. "Then, let's say there is a plane in distress up there. I would throw this switch and turn on the search lights." As the night skies lit up, a small plane materialized out of the darkness and landed. Slim and his friend watched in amazement as Franklin Graham, son of the famous evangelist, stepped off the plane. The pilot had been flying Franklin back to school in Texas when the electrical system shut down, leaving them stranded in the Mississippi night without lights or radio or any means of guidance. From out of nowhere, the search beam had come on and guided them to the landing strip. As she continues the story, earlier that evening before they left home, Billy Graham had prayed for the Father to protect and guide his son and the pilot. Some might call that “lucky,” others would simply declare it a coincidence. Perhaps, however, as someone has said, “…a coincidence is God wishing to remain anonymous. If so, it isn't working, because, far from concealing Him, this kind of concurrence is a dead giveaway that God is on the premises.” Squire Bushnell, a veteran television executive, has written a book called "When God Winks," in which he claims these intersections of people and events are nudges from the Creator reminding us we are not alone in life's adventures. It's a fun book on an intriguing theme although Christians may disagree with some of Bushnell's conclusions. Two lovers discover their grandfathers were best friends half a century earlier. Does this guarantee the match is made in Heaven? Of course it doesn't. Still, I love the concept of God signaling to us His nearness by these tiny miracles. The story of Jesus' birth is lined with Heavenly coincidences. A Roman census moves Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem just in time to fulfill a 500-year-old prophecy that the Messiah would be born there. Shepherds found the stall where the Lord was born, and breathlessly announced that they had seen a skyful of angels proclaiming His birth. Foreigners chasing a star showed up bearing gifts, gold among them, just in time to finance the family's hasty flight to Egypt. God was moving Heaven and earth to get you and me into the Kingdom. The Gospel of Jesus Christ came together at a moment in time when the Greek language and Roman highways and disillusionment over the old religions flowed together to create an ideal situation for spreading this message. Coincidence? No, just a sovereign God on the job. That’s the kind of God we may absolutely trust. Do you?

God Is Good - Pt 6

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:20-22, ESV). There have been so many who have tried to reverse the flow of God’s promises. There are those who seek to make the path from us to Him. Usually we hear it said in terms of what we will need to do to capture the promises. If we pray enough, if we worship enough, if we minister enough… the list is seemingly endless; but, each item begins with us doing something to elicit the promise of God. The Apostle Paul simply states that the promises of God are not to be found in our actions. They have all found their “yes in Him.” They begin and end with Him. Now, there is the assurance we need for our present trouble. It may seem as if I am advocating doing nothing. Prayer, worship, ministry might be thought to mean little, if anything, to me. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is not about the “what” but the “who” in our relationship. We do not pray to get something from God as if he were some cosmic vending machine… put your prayers in and get your blessings out. We do not worship as if that awakens our God to our need. We do not minister so that we may measure up in the balance of judgment. We pray, worship, minister, and all of the other things we do simple because he has loved us and we cannot help but be drawn to do these things. My two grandchildren have been amazing while I recuperated from surgery. This is really the first real illness anyone in our family has had since they were born. Of course, just the word “cancer” becomes a frightening prospect for them. We were careful to explain that the type of cancer I had was very treatable and the likelihood of a full recovery was very good. However, to see them turn their attention to simple trust in what they were told was quite encouraging. Because Kyle and Brandy told them the truth they felt an assurance that I would be just fine. Was that because of anything they did? Was their assurance found in their faith in the doctors? Was there something they were doing to give them encouragement for the future? Of course not! Their relationship to their parents made it easy for them to believe. Their “yes” was enough. Can I tell you again… God has already said YES to your good! The long look is for eternal, unchangeable good! Whatever you are facing today, face it knowing God has already determined your good. Nothing can change that! Open your heart and soul to the grace of God that he is pouring into you through Christ.