Hungry for Hope

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We traveled to La Place, Louisiana this past weekend to help in the damage assessment of homes impacted by Hurricane Ida which made landfall in August of last year. We assessed 7 homes on Saturday. As we drove down the streets lined with houses, hundreds of houses representing hundreds of families, with blue tarps on the roofs and debris next to the road, I was reminded of Waveland, Mississippi. Driving across I-10, travelers would be unaware of the "silent struggle" the people, just a few miles away are living in. The media has forgotten them - having moved on to the next crisis and so has the country. 

When we met with each family, listened to their stories, saw the hunger in their eyes for things to return to normal - for things to get better - we were reminded why we committed our lives to serving others. At the end of each visit, we asked if we could pray with them and for them. In every case, their eyes brightened and they would say, "I never refuse prayer". So standing in their yard, driveway, or living room we prayed.

 "... pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16

As Christians, we are to be messengers of hope. We should point people to God. I spoke to one woman about Philippians 4:6-7. She was not good at remembering scripture references, so I started to share the verse and she finished everything after "Be anxious". With another woman, I told her that God had not forgotten her. She looked at me and said, "thank you" I needed to hear that. I shared the Haitian Creole song that the children in the orphanage sang - "God has not forgotten me, He knows my name." To another, a Vietnam veteran, I shared my military background - particularly about Vietnam. I changed from a stranger to a brother. When we prayed with him, he told me that he was a Christian and a deacon.

The main reason we met those families was not to record the damage to their homes, but to give them hope and remind them that God has not forgotten them. And so it is with the people you meet everyday.  You don't have to be a preacher, a teacher, a missionary to share a message of hope and to pray with and for people.  You just have to let the Spirit of God shine through you. We have never had anyone refuse prayer when offered. That doesn't mean it won't happen, but that will be seldom when you are responding to the prompting of the Spirit.  

"Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" - 1 Peter 3:15

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

What - Me Worried!?

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:4-7

I received a text from my niece yesterday say "The stuff happening overseas is frightening" We "chatted " for a few minutes until my thumbs got tired and then I told her I would send an email - let my other phalanges share the load! Shared some insights into the writings of Carl von Clausewitz from his book, "On War" - required reading at the Army Command and General Staff College. Also a little Russian history. But those are just facts - accurate facts, but facts all the same.  What she wanted was assurance that all will be well. 

What is happening in Eastern Europe is beyond our control - but we don't know how it will affect us.  I asked her what she thought would happen if there was no electricity on Chicago. She said, "I cannot imagine. It is so scary" I shared the verses in Philippians 4 with her.  Don't know if she read them. 

It may not be the threat of a war that you are worried about - paying your bills - catching COVID - there are plenty of opportunities to worry aren't there. Things that you cannot control - that you are victimized by. Like a drive-by shooting - you are on the sidewalk - there is no place to run or hide! All you can do is hug the sidewalk and hope for the best.

Let's focus on three words in verse 6 - "Be anxious for nothing" (well I guess that would be 4 words) That admonition does not leave much room for fear does it? Remember the disciples in the boat?

"And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We are perishing!' But He said to them, 'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." - Matthew 8:24-26

When Paul wrote that admonition to be anxious for nothing, it was a spiritual admonition. This is about having spiritual perspective - trusting God and not the world around you. (Proverbs 3:5-6) And when you do - the peace of God will rule your heart and defeat your fears. But that is a spiritual phenomenon not the result of positive thinking. The trouble is real - but how you see and respond to the trouble will determine the presence of peace. There is a song that I really like by Mercy Me, "Even If"

"I know You're able and I know You can save through the fire with Your mighty hand. But even if You don't My hope is You alone. I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt would all go away if You'd just say the word. But even if You don't my hope is You alone. You've been faithful, You've been good all of my days. Jesus, I will cling to You, come what may cause I know You're able. I know You can."

What fears are you struggling with today? Look to Jesus

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Simplifying Forgiveness - Who, What, When, Why and How

"By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." —Hebrews 10:14

“We trample the blood of the Son of God underfoot if we think we are forgiven because we are sorry for our sins. The only reason for the forgiveness of our sins by God, and the infinite depth of His promise to forget them, is the death of Jesus Christ. Our repentance is merely the result of our personal realization of the atonement by the Cross of Christ, which He has provided for us. “…Christ Jesus…became for us wisdom from God— and righteousness and sanctification and redemption…”  No matter who or what we are, God restores us to right standing with Himself only by means of the death of Jesus Christ. God is just in saving bad people only as He makes them good. Our Lord does not pretend we are all right when we are all wrong. The atonement by the Cross of Christ is the propitiation God uses to make unholy people holy." Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest 

Propitiation is a big word that refers to the Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant and to Jesus. Jesus was our propitiation [Romans 3:25, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 2:2, 4:10] – in that His death on the Cross satisfied God’s wrath for our sin. 

Why do we forgive?  Because we are forgiven.  How can we forgive? It’s a supernatural act, not an act of our natural will to be benevolent.  It is by the power that is within us and not something that we muster up within our own will.  We are eager to be forgiven but not so eager to forgive others. When do we forgive?  … as often as the repentant soul seeks forgiveness.  Peter asked Jesus about “repeat offenders” … 

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” - Matthew 18:21-22

Jesus followed that with the parable of the unmerciful or unforgiving servant.  A man who had been forgiven much but was unwilling to forgive others in the same way … even in the smallest matter.  Jesus has paid the price for our sin.  Once for all. Think about it.  Why would we think that the offense against us is somehow more significant that our offense against God?  How can your reject one who has been forgiven by God .. who do you think you are?  I’ll tell you.  It goes back to the Garden.  We want to be like God.  How dare someone sin against me.  In our humanness, we think that somehow we have power and the justification in withholding forgiveness.  When, actually … in not forgiving, we are sinning ourselves.  

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”  - James 4:17 

Then you must repent of your unforgiveness and seek forgiveness yourself! 

There is a process that every sinner follows to find forgiveness … we sin .. we are convicted by the Spirit … we repent  …. we confess … we seek forgiveness from the one who has been offended.  All sin is against God.  Most sin is toward others - but not necessarily. Some sin is against ourselves - just between us and God. So in all cases, as the offender, you must first go to God and then to the one you have offended.  Confession means … to agree with.  God knows all things, so it is not like the sinner is going to surprise Him. 

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." - 1 John 1:8-10

Like the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) - until someone seeks forgiveness there can be no restoration. The father did not stop loving the son who went his own way and squandered what he had. But when the son repented and returned to the father humbly seeking forgiveness - his father - who longed for his return - embraced his son and restored him. Just like our Father does to us.  Have you withheld forgiveness to a prodigal in your life?

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

The Law Of Grace And Mercy

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:43-45

Have you ever done something kind to another person and instead of them treating you back with kindness, they took advantage of you?  I think I heard a resounding yes to that. It happens to everyone at one time or another.  You were feeling pretty good about whatever it was you had done or were doing - perhaps at personal sacrifice or cost - but your actions were treated as if they had no value or were inadequate - unappreciated.  Are you familiar with the saying, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you"? And perhaps your hand is still smarting from the last bite. Yes, of course. 

Jesus was speaking to that when He told the told the disciples to expect people to be unkind. He used the phrase "You have heard it said". In other words "This is what the world says to do - but this is what I say to do" Ever heard of Sir Isaac Newton? Are you familiar with his "Physical" Laws of Motion? The Law of Gravity? Sure.  How about the third Law that says simply "for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction" These laws were put in place by the Creator God. They are what makes the things that work - work. 

Jesus was sharing another Law with the disciples - the Law of Grace and Mercy. When someone is unkind to you - respond with kindness. Love them, bless them, pray for them.  The world says apply the Third Law of motion.  If someone treats you badly - you should reciprocate in kind. Some of the "righteous" might withhold a negative outward action and just keep it to themselves. act out their response in their minds - but never verbalize how they "really" feel about it. Jesus had something to say about that as well.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ BUT I SAY TO YOU [emphasis added] that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. - You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  BUT I SAY TO YOU [emphasis added] that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. - You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ BUT I TELL YOU [emphasis added] not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. - Matthew 5:21-22, 28, 39-41

As Christians - we are bound by God's laws - first - and then man's laws or social conventions and practices. Laws that man has made, those things that are deemed acceptable to the world. (I am resisting going down that rabbit hole - another time perhaps.) Hard to do you say? Of course it is and that is why we needed a Redeemer! And why we need the Spirit of God who Jesus referred to as the Helper. 

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." - John 14:26

In a lighter vein, In 2005 Martie and I were in Waveland, Mississippi running a volunteer camp after Hurricane Katrina. The day was very cold and me not realizing that it gets cold on the Gulf Coast did not have a coat. I was standing in the parking lot with a group of men giving them instructions for the day. One of the men asked me if I had a coat, to which I replied -"no". He took his coat off and gave it to me saying "You can have mine." He looked a lot like Jesus at that moment. I thanked him and then added "with Charley Elgin wit" and a smile, "You know, the Bible says "If a man asks for your coat - give him your shirt also!" But the coat is where his charity ended.  I wear that coat still today and think of the testimony associated with it each time I put it on. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Your Actions Speak A Thousand Words

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night." - Psalm 121:1-4

Who has been a spiritual influence in your life?  Think about it. The Psalm I quoted was my grandmother's favorite Psalm. These verses were written in the back of her Bible. I may have shared that my parents were divorced when I was 2 years old.  I spent a lot of time with my grandparents when I was a "sprout". I can remember that it was in their house at the dinner table where I learned to pray before meals. With seven children in my family - meals were pretty much a free for all - with no regard for thanking the Source. I still remember the prayer she taught me.

"Come Lord Jesus be our guest - let this food to us be blest, by thy hand we shall be fed.  Thank you Lord for our daily bread. Amen." The roots of that prayer are attributed to Martin Luther. Not only did she teach me the words, but we prayed before every meal. And she had me pray at times. I call that discipling with a tender hand. In the Army a method for training was "show them - do it with them - watch them do it." I see that practiced in places other than the Army.

I can remember seeing a plaque on my grandparents wall of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. I thought it was curious. I knew Who it was but we never talked about it to my recollection. Often times being an effective witness is not so much by what you say but how you live. Not that you should not share the Gospel, but that you should demonstrate the effects of the Gospel by living by the Spirit and showing a sanctified life to a world that is struggling under the burden of sin.

I believe that my grandmother planted a spiritual seed - I could share how that influence manifested itself in my life well before I knelt next to the bed and prayed the Sinners Prayer next to and with my wife. 

"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'” - Matthew 28:18-20

That, as I am almost certain you know, is known as the Great Commission.  My grandmother was faithful to it - I want to encourage you to be as well. You don't have to be a preacher or an evangelist or a super-saint to fulfill that commission - all you have to do is teach the world by showing them Jesus in you. Pretty simple really.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

What Is On Your Mind?

"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.'" - Acts 5:1-4

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day about our tendency to rely on ourselves more than we rely on, trust in, God. The Bible is full of admonitions for us not to do that very thing, and yet we do - all the time. It is like that slice of you favorite pie on the counter. You, like me, have found that your metabolism has slowed and you must mind what you eat - sugar and carbs have become your nemeses.  And so you know that eating that pie is not what you should do, but there is something inside of you that is telling you that "just one piece of pie is not going to hurt this once". At the same time, you know from your past that it is not "just one" that has gotten you to where you are. So what do you do? Of course, You eat the pie and savor every bite. Wait a second! Doesn't it say in the Bible somewhere "eat, drink and be merry?" 

"A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil." - Ecclesiastes 2:24 

If only that was a complete thought. Stopping there - taking any verses out of context is a big problem - it has been the justification for many wrong actions of many Christians and quasi-religious people. Those people who have a form of godliness, but their hearts are far from Him. The are Christians in name only. Consider the next verse.

"This too, I [Solomon] see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" - Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

I have a feeling that Ananias and his wife had rationalized their actions. Satisfying their greed and self-dependence. But it seemed so reasonable. They rationalized that it was just one piece of pie! There is another way to spell "rationalize" - "Rational-Lies"  You tell yourself lies as a way of giving yourself permission to do what you know in your heart you should not do.

Paul talked about it in Romans 7 with respect to himself.

"For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin." - Romans 7:19-25

The good I know to do I don't do - it is what I know that I should not do - that is what I do! I eat the pie and regret it later. The body cries out of immediate gratification. The struggle between the Spirit and the flesh is what I am writing about. Like Ananias and his wife. Like Peter who questioned Ananias.

"And Peter answered Him [Jesus] and said, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' So He said, 'Come.' And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!' And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased” - Matthew 14:28-32

Peter started out well - his eyes (and heart) fixed on Jesus - but then something happened - doubt set in. His trust shifted from Jesus to himself and he began to sink. Peter's faith, at that point was small - weak. That would change -  the man who was speaking to Ananias was not the same man who was walking on the water. By the way, did you catch that last sentence?  "and when they got to the boat" Did Peter swim back? Did Jesus carry him back? I think not. I think that they walked back together - Peter got his focus and trust back.

Look -  we all struggle with trusting God from time to time. The tension between the the Spirit and flesh will not stop in us until we see Jesus face to face. But times when we "eat the pie" will become less and the times when we trust God and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus will be more. Unless we decide that we like pie more. I pray not!

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." - Colossians 3:1-4

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

The Practice Of Christian Profiling (Part 2)

(Part 2) 

"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." - Galatians 3:26-29

When we are born again and sealed with the same Spirit, we are given a “spiritual ethnicity” (Abraham’s spiritual seed) through faith that supersedes our "natural ethnicity". But, sadly, I find that my profession of my faith is most often not sufficient for acceptance by Christians of another hue. I am  white – not by choice – but by natural birth – at the same time I am an heir according to God’s promise to Abraham and therefore a brother to anyone who has been born again by faith in Jesus. That is a Biblical fact. I doubt that I could find any Christian anywhere who would disagree, in principle at least. When I would preach in a Haitian church for the first time I would start by saying "Mwen pa blan, mewn fre nou" Translated I am not white, I am your Brother. I knew it would be hard for the people sitting in the pews to embrace that idea - all they saw was a white guy and all that suggested about white people.

“Greet one another with a kiss of love (or Holy kiss).” – 1 Peter 5:14

Exchanging a kiss on the cheek when meeting people is something that many cultures practice – but generally not ours. I am not saying we should greet each other with a kiss, but want to point to the reason Paul and Peter encouraged the Saints to do it at all.  It is an acknowledgment of the other person being part of the family. So why are you or I not always embraced as family. Yup – because of profiling. When we meet any Christian all they see is the outside of the other person and that fact can be the trigger for profiling. Even if we are the same color, then that might not be good enough still and the profiling simply shifts to my accent or lack of it or where I live. 

I once had a fishing buddy who was from Georgia who told me, “Charley, you are the only Yankee I ever liked.” I think that was as close to a holy kiss I was ever going to get from that guy! There is profiling that takes place within races as well as between. I was talking to an Hispanic friend the other day and he mentioned someone, who is Hispanic, was from Cuba and how Cuban’s “are”. When I was with Promise Keepers, I would speak to men’s groups in small churches in Alabama and they would want to know where I was from – because I did not and still do not have a Southern accent. They couldn’t see my heart and didn’t wait to see it before passing judgement.  Yet, have you ever been bitten by a dog?  It makes you careful about reaching out to pet other dogs in the future. See my point?

It doesn’t matter which race is on which side of that discussion – it is common. But when it comes to the one person being in the majority – being part of their brotherhood of Believers can be a hard sell to those who are in the minority. Recently I met a pastor – of another race – as we got to know each other, I called him my Brother but he seemed always careful to not respond in kind. I could see the expression on his face. He called me "buddy". As if he was holding back because, although he did not question my salvation, he did question my familial relationship with him. I had the distinct impression and regret that he could not see past my epidermis and into my heart. That the word "Brother" was identified with his race and not with the Body of Christ. I would never be like him on the outside – that is until we are in heaven and then who knows and, more, I suspect no one will care.

As a person of the majority in this American culture, I admit that many of the churches with pews packed with Christians from the majority have done poorly in regard to unity in the Body. There is warranted skepticism by those in the minority because carnally minded Christians have justified their practice of profiling using ethnicity and culture and the corresponding sin by hiding behind the Cross.

The division caused by this sin weakens the testimony of the Church in a sin-sick world that desperately needs the light of the Gospel lived out in the lives of all Christians. Jesus, referring to an accusation that what He did was by the power of Satan (Luke 11:15), said “A house divided cannot stand.” That is a principle.  The body of Christ is divided. We have all been given the ministry of reconciliation but have failed by requiring other Christians to first embrace the natural man – the flesh and then the Spirit. Exactly backwards. This is a spiritual problem that must be resolved with a spiritual solution. Be careful how you treat other Christians – how you receive them – how you love them.

“A new commandment I [Jesus] give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35

That makes it pretty clear – really simple. Loving one another is the second greatest commandment and the Church has fallen flat on its face. Why? Because we have failed with the commandment upon which successful obedience to the Second depends – that is, to love God with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. The first commandment. Loving one another is a testimony to the world. 

Love for others springs from an undivided heart – profiling springs from a divided heart. And there it is my friends. You can reject it – I can’t help that – but my hope is that you will see the truth in my words and then, perhaps, see other Christians in a different light.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms” - Ephesians 1:17-20

Does that describe you? I want to encourage you to let your light Shine Bright my friend and give God the place and glory He is due. And embrace your family!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

The NotReadingTheBible-itis Pandemic - It's Spiritually Deadly

"…the Lord Jesus…has sent me that you may receive your sight…" —Acts 9:1

“When Paul received his sight, he also received spiritual insight into the Person of Jesus Christ. His entire life and preaching from that point on were totally consumed with nothing but Jesus Christ— “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Paul never again allowed anything to attract and hold the attention of his mind and soul except the face of Jesus Christ. We must learn to maintain a strong degree of character in our lives, even to the level that has been revealed in our vision of Jesus Christ. The lasting characteristic of a spiritual man is the ability to understand correctly the meaning of the Lord Jesus Christ in his life, and the ability to explain the purposes of God to others. The overruling passion of his life is Jesus Christ. Whenever you see this quality in a person, you get the feeling that he is truly a man after God’s own heart (see Acts 13:22). Never allow anything to divert you from your insight into Jesus Christ. It is the true test of whether you are spiritual or not. To be unspiritual means that other things have a growing fascination for you. Since mine eyes have looked on Jesus, I’ve lost sight of all beside, So enchained my spirit’s vision, Gazing on the Crucified.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

I was talking to a friend of ours some time ago about a related topic.  She told me how she longed to be in a Bible study.  I resisted the urge to say “Ok I will start one!”.  Just because you can does not mean you should.  (Leading a bible study should spring from the prompting of the Spirit and not simply your desire to help people.  Our challenge is to know the difference .. but that discussion will have to wait for another time.)  She also wanted to understand what the Nicene council did and why certain writings were excluded from the Bible as we know it.  After I thought about our conversation, and read Chamber’s devotion this morning, I concluded that although those things are nice to know, it is more important to know more about Jesus.  Our friend was not questioning His deity .. something the Nicene council addressed by the way … but she was concerned about things that really have no bearing on her spiritual growth.  Her questions are not unreasonable … but, in my opinion, are not practical.  

Our spiritual understanding is rooted in the presence of the "unquenched" – Spirit in our lives.  Most Christians, my opinion again, are Biblically illiterate.  They are not students of the scriptures .. but hearers mostly .. from the radio, TV  and Sunday morning on the big screens.  I am referring primarily to Christians in the U.S. of A.  Listen, “To whom much is given, much is required.” (Luke 12:48)  In other countries, many Christians will never hold a Bible in their hands.  But for us … we are Bible-poor … having more than one in our homes.  The problem is a Bible sitting on a shelf is of little value except to impress our friends. It must be read to have its intended affect.  My friend does not need to read about the Bible, she needs to read the Bible.  

A common malady that plagues many if not most Christians in the US.  NotReadingTheBible-itis.  In fact I believe it has reached pandemic proportions that preexisted COVID. To clarify, an epidemic is defined as “an outbreak of disease that spreads quickly and affects many individuals at the same time.” A pandemic is a type of epidemic (one with greater range and coverage), an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population. 

If you want to know more about Jesus, study your Bible.  If you want to grow in your faith, study your Bible.  If you want to know how to live, study your Bible. 

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man [or woman] of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Struggling With Our Supercilious Nature

"When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him." —Genesis 15:12

 “[A] saint’s duty is to be still and listen. The story of Abram and Hagar in Genesis 16 is an excellent example of listening to so-called good advice during a time of darkness, rather than waiting for God to send the light. Never try to help God fulfill His word. Abram went through thirteen years of silence, but in those years all of his self-sufficiency was destroyed. He grew past the point of relying on his own common sense. Those years of silence were a time of discipline, not a period of God’s displeasure. Do I trust at all in the flesh? Do I trust in books and prayers or other joys in my life? Or have I placed my confidence in God Himself, not in His blessings? As soon as God becomes real to us, people pale by comparison, becoming shadows of reality. Nothing that other saints do or say can ever upset the one who is built on God.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest 

For Christians, trusting in the Lord and not our own wisdom or plans (Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:9) is perhaps our biggest challenge.  We know what “the Lord saith”, but lack the faith to wait and trust.  We can’t see God’s hand moving so we worry and try to “help” God.  I can remember one of my granddaughters, when she was 3 or 4.  I would try to help her do something that was way beyond her ability and she would say “Let me – I can do it myself!”  Out of the mouths of babes.  That was Abraham and Sarah’s problem. Yes Sarah was complicit in Abraham’s sin.  Sarah laughed at the thought of her having a baby. (Genesis 18:12) They knew what the Lord had said but lacked faith.  Have you ever struggled with that problem?  When God says something .. you know that it is true .. but you have a hard time trusting in that truth.  It is endemic to our old nature.  

“ Jesus asked the boy’s father, 'How long has he been like this?' 'From childhood,' he answered. 'It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.' ‘If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.' Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. 'You deaf and mute spirit,' he said, 'I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.' The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, 'He’s dead.' But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.” - Mark 9:21-26 

Faith is the “substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not see”.  (Hebrews 11:1) It’s the “evidence of things not seen” part that that the father and all of us struggle with.  What is it in your life that you need faith for?  Faith is a result of nearness to God and corresponding trust in God.  (Romans 1:17) “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Strong faith is a result of exercising your faith, just like your muscles.  Faith requires trust.  Trust requires submission.  Submission requires humility.  You do not know better than God. (Proverbs 16:18) “Pride goes before destruction,  and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Haughty means – proud and disdainful; having a high opinion of one's self, with some contempt for others - perhaps even God; lofty and arrogant; supercilious. Supercilious means – behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others.  If you think you know better than the Creator God?  Then you have a haughty and supercilious attitude!  The proof is not in what you say but in what you do in response to Life. Just like the Pharisees. We all struggle with it.  It is the nature of our flesh .. in fact, it is at the root of Adam’s sin.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Almost Persuaded

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." - 2 Corinthians 8:9

"When we (finally) get where we are going is that where we thought we would be?" - Pastor Ed Young, Second Baptist Church Houston, TX

I was talking to someone the other day about a particular struggle they are having.  After a significant incident happened to them, they began talking about religion - but really about some off-the-wall topics, not about the issues of the heart. I have had many conversations like that with people over the years - lost people who know about my faith and life - who, I suppose, want to sound like they are really interested in spiritual things. I am certain that you have heard the saying, "the best defense is a good offense". They control the conversation avoiding the real point - Who do they say Jesus is and what are they going to do about it. Wanting to convince me that they are serious in an attempt to gain my trust.

So this person was looking for help to overcome their particular life struggles.  I offered solutions but with each one they had a counter as to why that would not work. They were bent on defining the "ideal" solution meaning that included things they did not want to change or accommodate.  Rejecting any aspect of the help that went against what they had decided was "right" and "true". Ultimately, I predict that they will never get the help he needs because he refuses to yield his version of truth and what is right to what IS right and what IS best to help him. Sad but common story. I learned a long time ago that when my desire for someone to better themselves exceeds that person's desire to better themselves, the difference between our desires is called frustration.  It takes spiritual change and I know that  I can't change anyone spiritually - only God can do that.

That interaction made me think of how many people are unwilling to surrender certain aspects of their lives because God wants total surrender. The don't want to relinquish control of their lives. Jesus gave up everything - even his life - so that we could have everything - eternal things.  Many people are willing to surrender some - but not all. From my own experience, I know that when I met Jesus along the way, I had to surrender everything and wanted to - even though I did not understand how I could be successful. The fact was, I could not do what I committed to by myself. It took the power of the Spirit in me and my willingness to submit to the Spirit that would allow me to be successful.

I was thinking about the song - "Almost Persuaded". Almost but lost.  It is hard to understand why someone who is starving would not accept food when it is offered - except that the sin nature is self-centered and rebellious toward God. For our old nature, it is our way or the highway. That was and is the attitude of my friend. And like I said - that won't change until they decide to yield to the conviction  the Holy Spirit brings. I cannot convince them of the rightness of spiritual truth - that will only happen the day they meet Jesus along the way and my prayer is that my friend will not choose to walk on the other side of the road into oblivion.  

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." - Romans 8:12-17

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Treating God As An Afterthought

"The Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends." —Job 42:10

“A pitiful, sickly, and self-centered kind of prayer and a determined effort and selfish desire to be right with God are never found in the New Testament. The fact that I am trying to be right with God is actually a sign that I am rebelling against the atonement by the Cross of Christ. I pray, “Lord, I will purify my heart if You will answer my prayer— I will walk rightly before You if You will help me.” But I cannot make myself right with God; I cannot make my life perfect. I can only be right with God if I accept the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ as an absolute gift. I must leave myself completely alone in His hands, and then I can begin to pour my life out in the priestly work of intercession.  As a saved soul, the real business of your life is intercessory prayer. Whatever circumstances God may place you in, always pray immediately that His atonement may be recognized and as fully understood in the lives of others as it has been in yours. Pray for your friends now, and pray for those with whom you come in contact now.” Oswald Chambers

Foxhole religion. If you were ever in the military in a war you know what that is.  It’s when you are afraid .. in mortal danger ..  and you make a promise to God. “God if you will spare me I promise to be good.”  We find ourselves in a jam and we are looking for a way out.  So we say a prayer of the flesh – devoid of any spiritual context – and what happens when you are spared?  The commitment you made to God when you prayed fades in your memory.  So often we treat prayer like a 911 call.  “I have an emergency and need to be rescued! Lord save me!” or perhaps “Lord restore what I have lost!”  Why? Because my trust and confidence was in that which was lost and not in the One to Whom I am praying. 

"And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!' And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'” - Matthew 14:29-31

Like Peter with Jesus on the water. Peter was in a place where he was fixed on Jesus and not his circumstances. But when he lost focus, he panicked and began to sink, calling out to Jesus to save him. 

 “You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” - James 4:2-3

The New Testament is replete with admonitions to distance yourself from the world and the things of the world .. to trust God .. to not worry .. but we do anyway.  What the Bible says to do .. you cannot do apart from Christ in you.  “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  God is not our first thought – He is our afterthought!   Sound harsh?  Listen – it is a problem that every Christian must contend with.  Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God – the Father – with all of your being.  That does not leave much room for anything else.  But – out of that love will flow everything else.  Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world. God is interested in our spiritual success and obedience not in our earthly affluence.  Too many have compromised their faith because of the things of this world.  Like the song of the sirens, you can be lured into the rocks of spiritual compromise, resulting in spiritual impotence.  Be careful my friend.  Wanting to not be like that will not make it so … that will happen when you commit your heart to God and pursue Him.  

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Recognizing A God-Incidence When You See One

"We know that all things work together for good to those who love God…" —Romans 8:28

“The circumstances of a saint’s life are ordained of God. In the life of a saint there is no such thing as chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you can’t understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you. […] All your circumstances are in the hand of God” - Oswald Chambers

There are no coincidences in the life of a Saint.  God is always at work, all around you, in you and through you.  The question is, “Can you see Him at work?” Are you aware that it is God? Even in the mundane – simple things .. God is at work.  (Romans 8:28) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  Very often we think of that verse in terms of bad things happening, and God making something good out of them.  Well … that would not be “all” things now would it? Only bad things.  Be on the alert Christian.  There is a reason you meet who you meet, for things to happen the way they happen.  God is weaving all of those life events into a beautiful tapestry, for His glory and our good.  

When I meet someone I think “Lord, why did I meet this person?”  or  "Wasn't that a coincidence." Not necessarily,  it well have been a God-Incidence. Co-Incidence means two or more things (incidents) happened, by chance, at the same time. A God-Incidence is when incidents converge at a point in time for God's purposes. And so should you when you meet someone.  The meeting is primarily not for your benefit, but for God’s purposes.  God is amazing, the original multi-tasker.  Having trouble seeing how God can use anything that happens to you?  If you are born again, you are now walking in a new reality … a spiritual reality.  You need to have spiritual perspective and understanding.  Spiritual understanding is not by magic but by maturity.  And so, like Paul, wanting all the Saints to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, I share this encouragement with you ….

“And so, from the day we heard, (I) have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” - Colossians 1:8-10

I can hardly wait to see what God is going to do next, how about you? 

"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power..." - Ephesians 1:17-19

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

When Sorrow Finds You

"what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 'Father, glorify Your name.'" —John 12:27-28

“As a saint of God, my attitude toward sorrow and difficulty should not be to ask that they be prevented, but to ask that God protect me so that I may remain what He created me to be, in spite of all my fires of sorrow.  Sorrow is one of the biggest facts in life, and there is no use in saying it should not be. Sin, sorrow, and suffering are, and it is not for us to say that God has made a mistake in allowing them. You can always recognize who has been through the fires of sorrow and received himself, and you know that you can go to him in your moment of trouble and find that he has plenty of time for you.  If you will receive yourself in the fires of sorrow, God will make you nourishment for other people.” - Oswald Chambers

My wife and I had a lengthy discussion about sorrow, how people respond to it, and what, if any, good can come from it.  For the most part, people focus on the here and now – their mortal lives and put everything that happens in that context.  Their natural life has primacy over any and all other considerations.  What happens to them, or doesn’t, shapes their attitude toward others and their confidence in themselves.

The thing is … that is the wrong view of life.  But those who are not “born again by the Spirit” they have no choice really.  I don't suppose you remember the song "Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin. Easy on the ears, but hard to live out. There is nothing or no One that those who are without saving hope can turn to for answers, for relief. They must trust in mere mortals for help.  Like a drowning person asking another drowning person to help them.  Today the world is gripped with fear over the pandemic. Believe it or not, the response from both sides is bitter, even hateful toward the other - that my friend is fear, worry. But, for those who have been “born again” there is another road to be taken. 

As Christians there are two aspects of how we respond sorrow in this life.  First – what you should do when it happens to you.  Second – what you should do when it happens to others. When it happens to you - The Apostle Paul wrote -

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoicing always – not being anxious – experiencing a peace that transcends human understanding – peace in the midst of turmoil – that has a supernatural root – born out faith and experienced by the power of the Spirit who rests in the heart of every Christian.  It is God’s intent that we, as Christians, would exercise these abilities – that the fruit of the Spirit – the result of living a life submitted to the Spirit of God – would be evidenced in us no matter what happens to us.  What is out of the reach for the natural man is fully within the grasp of the “super-natural” man.  The man or woman who is saved by the sacrifice of Jesus through faith and trusts in the Lord as a way of life – their new life.

So what do you do with all of that pain – hurt that life brings your way? Pastor Rick Warren said “God never wastes a hurt”

Paul also wrote – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 

Just as God provided strength to endure and overcome, He expects us, and has equipped us, to embrace the comfort we found in Him and then use it to encourage others.  Not to “fix” them, but to love them.  Experiencing personal hardship increases my compassion for others.  I don’t seek hardships and disappointments out .. but I know they will most surely find me.  But I don’t have to let the sorrows of life break me.  Not with God on my side. And neither do you my friend.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Living By Faith – It Is Going To Cost You

"For we live by faith, not by sight" - 2 Corinthians 5:7

Some time back I was working in a home damaged by Hurricane Harvey, when a man from the Gas Company came by to turn the gas on.  I was working by myself, as I have done on occasion, and he asked me where my help was.  I told him that I was working alone that day and that was a segue for me to talk about Pathfinder Mission and God’s call to serve others.  He was intrigued and asked more questions.  I sensed by his expression and language he used that he was a Believer.  Don’t know if you have experienced it, but the Spirit resonates between Believers.  The spiritual connection is obvious but is unspoken and super-natural. He commented on the good thing we are doing and left by saying “God bless you in your work.” 

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,  endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Ephesians 4:1-6

As Christians should not boast about the difficult situations that we find ourselves in, as if it is a badge of honor to be respected by men – but I also know that our lights reflecting Jesus will shine brightly as we walk through difficult situations by faith.  Not long after that conversation, I was sitting in our travel trailer, which had been parked in a church parking lot for two years, listening to the Blue Angels roar over me (about 600 ft) – They took off from the airport the church was close to over and over again as they prepared for an air show the next weekend.  My point?

Martie and I have lived like we do, like gypsies for Jesus, by choice.  It is necessary to do what we do, all the while knowing that we could choose to do something else .. to live somewhere else, anytime.  All we have to do is say "No"! to the Lord. But this is the thing – we love what we do and we are compelled by God’s call to serve others.  That means we must be willing to abandon what many consider to be lives vital to their wellbeing.  Paul wrote 

 “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death ...” - Philippians 3:8-11

That is true for every Christian.  What that looks like in each person’s life may be different.  Martie and I are not wearing animal skins and eating locusts and honey, but in the view of many Americans we are not far from it.  The point today is that I want to encourage you to make your faith the thing that shapes your life and your desires.  Who you meet - where and how you live - what you dedicate your life to. One of our life verses is  

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  - Psalm 37:4

That verse does not mean that God is some divine waiter – but when you make Him your first priority, He will change your heart and when He does that – what you want and think you need will also change. Sitting in a travel trailer might not be so bad, when  He is all you need.  

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” - Philippians 4:11-13

I am not trying to IMpress (sic) you with our spirituality. What I am trying to do is EXpress (sic) the reality of God's sufficiency in this life for His children. No matter what circumstance you find yourself in - we are to be a people who Live by faith. What does God require of all of us who have been bought by the blood of Jesus and saved by faith? Love, devotion and obedience.

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly [by faith] with your God." - Micah 6:8

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Our calling to Be, Do, Go

(Note: The Lord woke me up at 2:15 this morning to share this. Sound strange? Welcome to my life! I had already written my devotion for today - but when He stirs me from sleep, I must respond then. The other devotion will be for another day.)

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" - Matthew 28:19-20

That is known as the Great Commission.  Not just a charge to His Disciples then, but a charge and a challenge to all Christians now and until He returns.  Because we are (be-ers), we are to live by faith in obedience to the Word of God (do-ers) and as we go abut our lives - no matter where life might takes us or the Lord might lead us. (go-ers)

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” - Acts 1:8

It does not matter where we are - we are representatives of the Creator God. As we live our lives in this world, it is sometimes hard to remember what are our priorities are to be. That we have a dual citizenship. One in the natural world and the other in the supernatural.

"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." Philippians 3:18-21

Recently my mailbox as been inundated with political solicitations. Just yesterday I received a questionnaire asking me about my views on the current administration's agenda. It made me think -  about what agenda I should be most concerned about - man's or God's.  as Christians we are not purposed to be hermits - withdrawn from the world - but always, always, always representatives - ambassadors in the world. While I have opinions about worldly affairs, I also am intentional about having my devotion set on God. While I do not agree with the "apparent" moral consensus of the country in which I live - but I do live in that country. So what is my place in it?

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27

I often quote that verse when describing our priorities in the particular work God has called us to - but there are two parts to that verse. The first part has to do with do-ing and go-ing, but the second part (often overlooked) has to do with be-ing.  Often, we find it is easier to do and go than it is the be. But be-ing is a mandatory prerequisite if our do-ing and go-ing is to have any eternal result.  If we are not careful our witness and representation of Christ to the world can be muted by our alignment and devotion to natural things. We can fall into a hypocritical existence where we proclaim the Gospel, all the while, living like those who are lost and without hope - indistinguishable from the world Jesus came to save.

Mankind - irrespective of geography, nationality, political affiliation and ethnicity - has - is - and will struggle to find peace and well-being without God. Peace and well-being that is always just out of reach. So many depend upon ideology to find it when it is only found in theology. Jesus said:

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27

You have much to offer the world - specifically the part of the world that you occupy - that you pass through as you live life. Be careful that you do not become so consumed by the affairs of this world that you abandon your God-given purpose to Be, to Do, and to Go. The world desperately  needs to see Jesus in you.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Jesus Is In The Room

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Have you ever been in the same room with someone - but it was like you were miles apart? Almost as if you both were unaware of each others presence.  I am certain you have -  we all have at one time or the other.  Well, very often that is the way it is with us and the Lord. When you pray, do you have an image in mind of the Lord listening from heaven - far, far away from you and your circumstances? I have a print by Harry Anderson right above my computer screen.  It is of a man sitting at his desk with Jesus sitting in the chair beside him - Jesus is talking to the man. the man is listening intently. At the bottom of the print is a reference to Psalm 1

"Blessed is the man [or woman] who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful" - Psalm 1:1

I would add the next few verses - "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he  meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so" I love that Psalm - you might want to read it or read it again sometime. I love that picture too. My friend, Tom Kotouc, has one just like it - that is where I first saw it.  At any rate - my point is that the Lord is present. It is too easy to forget the we were inhabited by the Holy Spirit on he day we were born again. Just like the moment that a newborn takes its first breath - God "breathes" life into us - at the point He gives us eternal life. And we are never in a room alone again.

So what's the problem? Well ... the problem is that we can behave like we are ... 

"in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:18-19

Literally do not put the fire out. We can live as if we have not been sealed by the Spirit and when we need God, we can act as though we must get His attention out there in Heaven somewhere. A monk named Brother Lawrence writings about being in the presence of God were compiled in a book called "The Practice of the Presence of God."  In the Forward the book is called "Spiritual insights into the heart of God". Brother Lawrence said, "I am doing now what I will do for all eternity. I am blessing God, praising Him, adoring Him, and loving Him with all my heart."  The practice of His presence is being aware that Jesus is in the room - the same room you are in - your room - that God is near. 

Do you see yourself as being sensitive to the Spirit - to the presence of God? To be aware, if you want to be aware, may require some significant changes in you routine - in your priorities.  Jesus is not on call like the paramedics, like dialing a spiritual 911.  It will require a new way of thinking on your part.  

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

When God Brings Difficult People Into Your Life

“Bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”  - Galatians 6:2

“Has it ever dawned on you that you are responsible spiritually to God for other people? “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it…” (1 Corinthians 12:26). If you allow physical selfishness, mental carelessness, moral insensitivity, or spiritual weakness, everyone in contact with you will suffer. But you ask, “Who is sufficient to be able to live up to such a lofty standard?” “Our sufficiency is from God…” and God alone (2 Corinthians 3:5). “You shall be witnesses to Me…” (Acts 1:8). How many of us are willing to spend every bit of our nervous, mental, moral, and spiritual energy for Jesus Christ? Why has God left us on the earth? Is it simply to be saved and sanctified? No, it is to be at work in service to Him. Am I willing to be broken bread and poured-out wine for Him? Am I willing to be of no value to this age or this life except for one purpose and one alone— to be used to disciple men and women to the Lord Jesus Christ.” - Oswald Chambers

In our ministry, we interact with many people who are struggling with the aftermath of a natural disaster.  But, the loss of home and possessions is not the only burden that weighs down on their hearts, souls, and minds. Before the disaster, they had other life struggles which were compounded in their intensity by the disaster.  That being said, frankly sometimes the people we meet are difficult to be around. Ever met someone like that?  Sure you have.  As you are talking to them, you are thinking, “How can I distance myself from this person?” 

Let’s step out of that thought for a moment and consider why are we here.  God saved us and sent us.  Why did He send us? Because people who can’t help themselves need help and hope.  Can anything we accomplish anything that God sends us to do on our own? No.... Never..... So would He really bring us into contact with people who are difficult to be around? Of course.

Then where did the “How can I distance myself from this person?” thought come from?  Answer .. our flesh.  I recently talked with a woman .. single mom .. whose life is a mess .. her son is autistic, suffers with Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), and several other maladies.  Her life before the storm was very difficult. The local church rejected her because of her son's behavior.  And her personality was one that makes people uncomfortable being around her, that's without her son factored in.  Her house was a mess without the effects of the disaster - reflective, I suppose, of her tumultuous life.  As I listened to her, I was thinking of the verse that the Lord gave us … well actually all of us … but Martie and me specifically for this work … Bearing one another’s burdens and [thereby] fulfilling the law of Christ.

What is the law of Christ?  According to Dr. John McArthur, “When Paul suggests that burden-bearing “fulfill[s] the law of Christ,” Paul makes it clear that he has the whole moral law in view. Every act of compassion and self-sacrifice on behalf of others is a practical means of displaying the love of Christ and thereby fulfilling the moral demands of His law. But the Apostle clearly had in mind spiritual, emotional, and temperamental encumbrances — not physical circumstances only. The burdens we need to help carry for one another include guilt, worry, sorrow, anxiety, and all other similar loads. Do you want to fulfill the moral requirements of the Law? Love your neighbor. How do you love him? By bearing his burdens.” 

Serving others is not easy .. it requires sacrifice .. not worrying about yourself and your comfort.  But, that is where we will go if we are not careful.  We will not want to feel uncomfortable.  We will want to experience happy times with others .. but it’s in the valleys that they need to see Jesus in us.  The question is .. are you ready to serve.  I hope the answer is yes.  Just don’t forget that it’s “'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6) So the next time you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t ask “Lord, how do I get out of this.” But rather, “Lord what would You have me say or do? Lord be glorified through me.”

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Being Holy In An Unholy World

"…unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." —Matthew 5:20

“The characteristic of a disciple is not that he does good things, but that he is good in his motives, having been made good by the supernatural grace of God. … The purity that God demands is impossible unless I can be remade within, and that is exactly what Jesus has undertaken to do through His redemption… The great wonder of Jesus Christ’s salvation is that He changes our heredity. He does not change human nature— He changes its source, and thereby its motives as well.”  OSWALD CHAMBERS 

"Woe to me! I cried. I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." - Isaiah 6:5

When Isaiah was in the presence of the Lord, he was suddenly and painfully aware of his sinful nature. That awareness was inescapable.  His very nature was laid bare before God.  There was nothing He could do to make it right or to hide it.  It was necessary for God to intervene on Isaiah’s behalf. 

“Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” - Isaiah 6:6-7

In the same way God intervened on our behalf on the day of our rebirth through faith in Jesus. The question that came to my mind this morning is this. After so many days, months and years have passed since I was born again, am I still aware of my dependence upon the Father’s intervention in my life? Aware that I am a man of unclean lips and cannot stand in the presence of a holy God on my own merit.  That I, just like you, am called to be holy in an unholy world.  Or have I “adjusted” to my new life and really don’t see some of my sins as being significant. I fear for many Christians, as far as they are concerned, they are content with maintaining a good balance between their sinful and holy lives.  As if it is possible to find harmony between the their old and new natures. Their goal is to keep the influence of the two at an acceptable level.

So being mindful of my salvation and the new life I have been called to I say ""Woe to me! .... I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

But for Jesus!

 “Or do you not know (or remember) that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Don't Do Something So You Can Be Something - Do Something Because You Are Something

"If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." —John 13:17

“You have to get out past the harbor into the great depths of God, and begin to know things for yourself— begin to have spiritual discernment. When you know that you should do something and you do it, immediately you know more. […] The counterfeit of obedience is a state of mind in which you create your own opportunities to sacrifice yourself, and your zeal and enthusiasm are mistaken for discernment.”  - Oswald Chambers

"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…" - 1 Samuel 15:22

Knowing is not the same as doing. You can memorize scripture all you want or are able, but if you don’t obey the scripture, it is to no avail.  It has not accomplished its purpose.  James wrote “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only” (James 1:22) We conjure up all kinds of substitutes for obedience to the Word.  The primary reason is .. well … it’s us.  We do not want to give in or give up … lay down .. turn away … or submit … we prefer to be in control … to not be in control is terrifying to many .. it is really an issue of lacking trust and faith.  We don’t really trust God … our faith is not in Him but in ourselves. We have to protect ourselves … for many sad reasons … So what is the solution?  I have shared this before .. some time ago.  I can’t draw in this BLOG but if I could, I would show you the Navigator’s Wheel.  The Hub is Jesus – at the center.  There are 4 spokes..  The vertical spokes are meditation on the Word and Prayer.  The horizontal spokes are Witnessing and Fellowship with other Christians.  The rim of the wheel is the Christ Centered Life.  Each of the components of the wheel require us to do something.  Not do something so you can be something … be do something because you are something.  It starts with an intimate relationship with Jesus and goes from there.  Works as a result of faith … not faith as a result of works. The Christian life is supernatural and dependent upon the Spirit of God – faith in Jesus and a willing – submitted heart.   If you are struggling with this .. there is no better time than today to turn the corner.  Stop trying to change on the outside and let God change you from the inside.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Romans 12:1-2

 Don't do something so you can be something - instead - Do something because you are something!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone