What Were You Made For?

I heard that question posed this last Sunday. Good question. What did God have in mind when He made man? He has never changed His mind about His creative intent. I have included a number of verse references that answer that question, in part.  My hope is that you will pause and give thought to what, as a Christian, you were made for - a hint - it is for God's glory and the world's good. And let the Spirit answer the question in whole.

"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'” - Genesis 1:26

When He created us, He had a purpose in mind. He made everything in its kind. But man (and woman) He made to reflect God the Father, the Son and the Spirit. He gave us intellect - imagination - creative ability (in the context that we can only create from what He created - we cannot speak something from nothing into something) Although we do try to recreate - but then still the means is always from what He created.

"For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous." - Romans 5:19

He makes us righteous through Jesus obedience - His example. (John 15:13)

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." - Romans 8:2

He made us free from the law and sin and the penalty of death.

"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:13

He took those who were separated by their differences - culture, language, ethnic heritage, nationality, economic standing and made them one in the same - a reflection of the Trinity by His Spirit - adopted as children of God.

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." - 1 John 3:1

The world does not receive us because it did not receive Him.  He made us strangers in our own land.

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive." - 1 Corinthians 15:22

He made us spiritually alive - dead in Adam - revived by faith - bearers of eternal life.

"... to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." - Ephesians 1:6

He made us acceptable to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus. Able to enter into His presence without fear of condemnation and judgement.

"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins" - Ephesians 2:1

"And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses" - Colossians 2:13

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit" - 1 Peter 3:18

We were separated from God - spiritually lifeless before Him, but we who were dead were made alive

"With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude ( something that is similar to, but not equal to) of God." - James 3:9

Like in Genesis - when we are born again by the Spirit, God is making us into the image of His Son.

"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." - Romans 8:29

Are you walking and living in these truths? Or has Christian become nothing more than an adjective that describes one aspect of your life on this planet? Dr. Tony Evans once said that the word Christian is not an adjective which only modifies a noun. Christian is a noun. As a person born again by faith in Jesus you are a Christian - a child of God first and foremost. All other descriptions have become adjectives.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.  Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

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

A Foreigner By Faith

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 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 3:13-21

I am certain that what is happening in the Ukraine has not escaped your attention. A country divided by language, culture and national affiliation and now by an invading army. There are many Ukrainians, it seems, that feel closer to Russia than the Ukraine while most others feel closer to the Ukraine than to Russia.  It is hard to imagine the struggle those people are facing. It reminds me of Christians living in this world. I do not pretend to understand all that churns in the hearts of those people, but I do know full well the struggle that churns in my own heart.

As a Christian, I find myself in a struggle of mixed devotions. A man born with feet of clay, drawn to the culture, by nature, but with a heart given by faith to Jesus. From the moment that I was born again, I became part of the kingdom of God. Even though I live in this country, with all of its good, not so good, not so bad and bad, my citizenship is elsewhere. A foreigner by faith in the land that I love. 

"Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:16-20

As Christians, citizens of heaven - ambassadors for Christ - we are to be devoted to living lives apart from the culture that surrounds us. Committed to being salt and light among a people who like neither salt nor light. I find myself constantly resisting the temptation to join in with a culture that rejects the Truth of God and prefers darkness to light - preferring man's imaginations and not God's revealed will in creation. There are some of us that like the life and that affection has compromised our commitment to the One who saved us and called us to the light. We want both, but God says we must choose.

"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."

There will come a time when there will be but two groups, actually that has always been the case come to think of it,  - the sheep and the goats. One day, Jesus will sort them out. I do not presume to know the heart of man - only God does. I do know that some who call out the name of Jesus and it not be an expletive, do not really know Him as Lord. Then again, some do and still yield their hearts and minds to the world.

"Many will say to Me [Jesus] in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" - Matthew 7:22-23

What about you?  Where do your devotions and loyalties lie? It is a truth known but to you and God. Though we can have a glimpse of what is in the hearts of others, evidenced by the Spiritual fruit or lack of it. 

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 Try To Do Something For God Without God

"He who believes in Me…out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." —John 7:38

"A river reaches places which its source never knows. And Jesus said that, if we have received His fullness, “rivers of living water” will flow out of us, reaching in blessing even “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8) regardless of how small the visible effects of our lives may appear to be. We have nothing to do with the outflow— “This is the work of God, that you believe…” (John 6:29). God rarely allows a person to see how great a blessing he is to others. If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has developed and nourished in you mighty, rushing rivers of blessing for others." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

God will never call you to anything where there are not obstacles that are too high for you to overcome on your own.  Our purpose is to bring glory to God not to ourselves.  I was talking to a teller at the bank some time ago.  I was drawing out money from our savings account to take with us on our trip to Houston, TX where we believed God is calling us to help.  That was in 2017. We are in Houston still today. I told the teller that I wanted $20’s so they would be easier to change out and if someone needed money, I would prefer to give them a $20 and not a $100 dollar bill.  (Although if the Spirit prompted me to give them more, I would.)  In Haiti I always carried Haitian money in my shirt pocket for just such an encounter. Anyway, she thanked me for Martie and I going to Texas but I told her to give thanks to God for calling His people to go.  Martie and I faced a number of obstacles to our going.  God knew that.  He was not surprised.  We were trusting Him to overcome .. to make the way.  Where God guides, God provides.  

"And He [Jesus] said to me [Paul], “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Listen, there is a BIG difference between walking by faith knowing God has called you and going and doing based upon the emotion of the moment. I have known people who have done both. The weight of God's calling is too much for us to bear on our own. You cannot do anything for God without God.  If we had not sensed that God was calling us and would be with us, we would not have left the house.  And neither should you.  But, if it is God then don’t worry about the obstacles, but, instead, trust in God’s sovereignty and power.  Like Jesus said to the disciples in the boat after they roused Him form his sleep and He calmed the storm … “Where  is  your faith?”  Are you trembling at the sight of the obstacles before you?  Do you fear what might happen if you cross the “river” like He said to do in the face of the obstacles that loom large before you?  God never blesses you without first seeing your obedience to His revealed will for your life.  The river Jordan did not back up until they stepped into the water.  So come on in .. the water’s fine and God is faithful! (Bondye Fidel)

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

God's Comfort - A Bridge Over Troubled Water

"But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, 'To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables'" - Mark 4:10-11

Jesus had just spoken to the crowd about the parable of the seed. HE spoke spiritual truth and the disciples like the crowd did not understand the meaning. It is like the Word of God in the Bible. You read the words that are written - you understand, on the natural human level, but there is a deep spiritual meaning that only the Spirit of God can reveal in your heart - not your mind. The Bible must be read and can only be understood in the context of who your Father is, who Jesus is, who the Spirit is  and who you are because of your faith and relationship with all three.  The life we live on this planet can only, truly, be understood in the context of our new life in Christ. 

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." - Galatians 2:20

We are saved for eternity, but we continue to live out this life in a fallen - sin sick world. What we experience in this life, both good and bad, God uses to shape us into the image of His Son. We gladly accept the the fact that Jesus suffered and died for us, but we often have a problem with accepting pain and suffering in our own lives. Like God is supposed to prevent that from happening. 

"Though he slay me, I will hope in him, yet I will argue my ways to his face." - Job 13:15

The first half of that verse is quoted often .. the second half .. not so much.  There is nothing wrong with asking God for understanding .. but don't lose hope in your asking.  Don't doubt God .. even though what you are experiencing is difficult to endure.  

"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

I just had a conversation with a friend about this verse in the light of what he and his wife are experiencing. The fact is that God can use them to minister to ithers, and He will if they will allow it. Do you believe that? You may have trouble embracing that truth in the midst or aftermath of some trouble you have faced, but that does not make it any less true. If you seek God and put your hope in Him, you will find comfort. If you blame God and turn away in your heart, you will not. Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, said it this way, "God never wastes a hurt." James wrote that we should consider our trouble joy - not be happy it happened but be Joyful - a fruit of the Spirit - in spite of the trouble. Because of who God is and who we are in Christ.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:3-4

Writing this encouragement brought a song to my mind by Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge over troubled Waters. This is a song about the natural, but you can easily see the underlying spiritual application.

"When you're down and out. When you're on the street. When evening falls so hard I will comfort you. I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes. And pain is all around. Just like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down." 

That is what our God is like! And that my friend is the truth! Jesus is our bridge over the troubled waters of this life. 

"I [Jesus] have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

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

Walking By Faith Or Just Talking About Faith

"We walk by faith, not by sight."—2 Corinthians 5:7

“We are here, not as immature angels, but as men and women, to do the work of this world. And we are to do it with an infinitely greater power to withstand the struggle because we have been born from above.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Faith verses sight .. it is a challenge for every saint.  At the moment we are born again by  Faith and the Spirit we have the capacity to follow God and live our new life in Christ to and for the Father’s glory, but our earthly life so often gets in the way.  There is a saying “seeing is believing”  I think it might have originated with the disciple Thomas. (John 20:25)  We are more prone to respond to .. to trust in .. what we can see and touch and feel.  It’s natural … part of our old nature.  But now, we have a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17) Everything we do or say or think must be filtered through who we are in Christ.  We don’t always do so well with that … like it or not. 

Even though we have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20) the “old man” rises back up and wants to dominate our behavior.  Some might say it’s just too hard and yield to their old nature.  The fact is, it is impossible to live our new life successfully by trying harder.  We must live by faith … focused on the Father .. nourished by the Word of God, directed by the Holy Spirit, encouraged by the Saints.  

It is possible to “talk” by faith and not “walk” by faith.  People who do that don’t pray, don’t read the Word, don’t associate with Christians beyond the church walls … but they can sure talk about spiritual things .. about how good God is.  “They have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof.” (2 Timothy 3:5-7) 

When I was in undergraduate school, I was the ROTC Cadet Commander.  Many of the cadets were like me .. prior service .. and many like me had served in Vietnam.  There was one young man, a cadet, who often talked about his exploits in Vietnam.  The more he talked, the more we listened, and the more we listened the more I became suspicious that he was never in Vietnam, he just knew a lot about it.  Well eventually I had to call him to task on it.  

The truth was revealed, it was his brother who had been in Vietnam.  He was released from the ROTC program, in fact, he had to serve two years in the Army as a private .. part of his ROTC scholarship conditions.  He wanted to be like us but did not have the real experience that made it possible.  The point of my sharing that?  Just because someone can talk about the right things does not mean that they are what they say they are.  That ranges from people who are not Christians talking like they are, to Christians who are not living by faith who are talking like they are.  Both are struggling with life.  Knowing which are which is like trying to separate the wheat and the tares.  Very difficult.  So what to do.  

If you are spiritually mature you will have spiritual discernment.  If you have spiritual discernment you will be able to detect the genuine from the ungenuine.  You job is not to accuse or condemn but to love and encourage.  I often ask people if they are Christians before I speak to them.  I may suspect they are but want to make certain. If they say yes then I tell them why I asked.  I tell them that I can talk to Christians from a spiritual perspective that will not be understood by the natural man.  (1 Corinthians 2:14)  In the same way you need to understand who you are talking to. When you do, in both cases you can point them to Jesus.  Something to ponder.

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

Trusting God For The Wrong Reasons

 "Peter began to say to Him, 'See, we have left all and followed You.'" —Mark 10:28

“Our Lord replies to this statement of Peter by saying that this surrender is “for My sake and the gospel’s” (Mark 10:29). It was not for the purpose of what the disciples themselves would get out of it. Beware of surrender that is motivated by personal benefits that may result. Our motive for surrender should not be for any personal gain at all. We have become so self-centered that we go to God only for something from Him, and not for God Himself. It is like saying, 'No, Lord, I don’t want you; I want myself.'” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Have you really considered what following Jesus means in terms of your natural life and its affections?  I am certain you are familiar with the “Health and Wealth Gospel”  The idea that if you are spiritually right then God will give you worldly prosperity.  Friend, that is not Biblical.  Explain to the millions of poor Christians that their problem is that they are not spiritually right with God.  The prosperity gospel is a result of the affluent culture we live in.  

 “You cannot love God and money.  You will love one and hate the other.” - Matthew 6:24

The prosperity gospel subtly implies “That is not true”.  It says if you give God a dime, you will get a dollar. The danger is that we  interpret the scripture  in the context of the lust of our eyes, the lust of your flesh and the pride of life.  

“For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world.”  - 1 John 2:16

Are you willing to let God decide the context of your living?  Does that include a big house, nice car, plenty of money, secure retirement.  Are you more concerned about protecting your standard of living or the standards by which you live?  The first has to do with faith in the things of the world and the second with faith in God.  

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” - 1 John 2:15

Reject the temptation to use God as a means to worldly comfort and peace.  Instead be filled with the Spirit so that you can experience “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” in spite of the turmoil of the world that swirls around you.  

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not in your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths”  - Proverbs 3:5-6 

Do you believe it? You only truly believe the part of the Bible that you obey. "Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey"

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

Yielding Your Life To The Power And With The Presence Of God

"I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." —1 Corinthians 9:22

“A Christian worker has to learn how to be God’s man or woman of great worth and excellence in the midst of a multitude of meager and worthless things. Never protest by saying, “If only I were somewhere else!” All of God’s people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose He has given them. […] We are not workers for God by choice. Many people deliberately choose to be workers, but they have no purpose of God’s almighty grace or His mighty Word in them. Paul’s whole heart, mind, and soul were consumed with the great purpose of what Jesus Christ came to do, and he never lost sight of that one thing. […] It is not that you have gotten God, but that He has gotten you. God is at work bending, breaking, molding, and doing exactly as He chooses. […] We have to be in God’s hand so that He can place others on the Rock, Jesus Christ, just as He has placed us. […] once God has placed His call upon you, woe be to you if you “turn aside…to the right or the left…” (Deuteronomy 28:14). He will do with you what He never did before His call came to you, and He will do with you what He is not doing with other people. Let Him have His way.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

“Have Thine own way Lord, have Thine own way.  You are the Potter and I am the clay. Mold me and make me, after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.”  Oh how I love the old worship songs.  I often wonder what was going on in the life of the person that penned the lyrics.  Are you ready for God to do what He purposed to do in your life?  Paul wrote to the Corinthians -  

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." - 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

 He was speaking to how fragile we are on our own, but what is in the “jar” is able to meet whatever comes our way.  Whether it is our calling or our circumstance, we are able to stand because of the power and presence of God.  

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31  

Listen, we are all going to face trouble – challenges – trials – add any circumstance you like.  But our feet are planted firmly on the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ.  We have an eternal destiny. What we need to  maintain is our eternal perspective.   

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39 

Meditate on that this morning.  In light of your present circumstances, your past, or what might be looming in your future … you have Jehovah God on your side.  You are in the palm of His hand.  Be encouraged … don’t be downcast .. put your hope in God! Bondye Fidel (Haitian Creole) – God is Faithful!

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

Trusting God - Even When

"I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth." - Genesis 9:13

You may have heard the saying “Those who can’t do, teach.” Well, that may be true for some, but there are many teachers who are masters at their discipline and have chosen to teach others in that discipline, communicating their skills and knowledge they have gained  in “the real world” in the classroom.  In the same way, I could not write the words that I do, had I not experienced what I write about.  That is the nature of discipleship.  I can study books that tell me about flying, but unless I actually have flown, it’s all hypothetical. God has called Martie and me to a life that is unfettered from conventional wisdom.  In other words, we do things that don’t make sense to “reasonable-rational” men … that is if you want a secure retirement and to live the American dream.  Nothing wrong with those things .. that is unless they are the source of your saying “no” to God.  If that is the case, they are stumbling blocks and should be tossed aside.

The most important question for a Christian to answer is .. “Do I trust God?”  or “Do I trust something else .. like my 401K, more?”  Right now we are in Texas.  I left a good job in 2017 again … with no guarantee that I would have enough money to pay my bills in a month. We lost our health insurance … with no assurance that Medicare would be sufficient to meet our health needs.  We left our family .. again … with no assurance that we would ever enjoy the family dynamics that all families look forward to.  We lived  in a travel trailer that rocks as the wind whistles around it.  But wait .. there is more!  We came to Texas because God said “Go”.  When we arrived the people here were wondering where the volunteers are.  As if it’s the volunteers that will “save the day”.  They seemed to be waiting for us to get started … and some days .. we were waiting for the same thing … As I considered where I had led my wife - another disaster - another difficult place  … I heard the Lord ask me, “Do you trust Me?  There is a song by Mercy Me, “Even If”.  “They say sometimes you win some Sometimes you lose some. And right now, right now I'm losing bad. I've stood on this stage night after night (written these BLOGS day after day) Reminding the broken it'll be alright. But right now, oh right now I just can't. It's easy to sing (write) When there's nothing to bring me down. But what will I say When I'm held to the flame Like I am right now. 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.”

Abraham followed God and did not know where he was going.  He trusted God without seeing.  Life is like that.  We should not presume that we can get ahead of God. Martie and I are in the center of His will for us, of that we are confident.  We are doing what He called us to do.  Worldly consequences are not the measure of the “rightness” of the call.  If things don’t seem to be going the way you thought they would … will you still follow God and walk in obedience to what you “do” know? People asked Noah where the rain was.  God was holding it back. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we must be obedient to what we know today.  And when we were asked … will volunteers come … our answer was “Bondye Konnen” – God Knows.  Si Bondye vle – if God willing, they will come – or God will provide in some other way.  But even if they don’t, right now, we must rest in our knowledge of God’s faithfulness. I often use Proverbs 3:5-6 as an encouragement .. but wanted to share the wisdom that is wrapped around those verses … 

“…. do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you;  bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." - Proverbs 3:1-8

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

Jesus Is In Your Boat

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will [trust] in the name of the Lord our God." - Psalm 20:7

I was just talking to a friend of mine. It seems their "foolproof plan" had a few flaws. Now they are afraid that they are going to be in a tight spot - something they had not counted on.  I encouraged them to look up. Nothing is going to happen that will proof harmful to their health or reputation. Their pride or self confidence might be bruised, perhaps. But for some that is enough to cause desperation and a feeling of hopelessness. Fortunately - not so for my friend.

They understands that the circumstances as they are, might well prove to bring personal hardship. They understands that and would like to avoid it. It may be unavoidable. The results of life's choices are the natural course of the circumstances we finds ourselves in. Unless of course, God intervenes.

"A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." - Proverbs 16:

As Christians, we must remember that God orders our steps - that He sees beginning to end - that He is present no matter how angry the storm of life might be. And even if the Lord does not intervene - He is remains sovereign - our good being His perfect will.  The problem is that often what He knows to be our good and what we hope to be our good may not be in sync. That is when we can become fearful - anxious.

Some people say they are afraid of snakes - all snakes.  The fact is that not all snakes are dangerous.  Of the 3,500 snake species, there are about 600 venomous snake species in the world. So that means that 1 out of 6 snakes are poisonous. I know, some of you say "that is enough".  My point is that you should respect snakes - particularly poisonous ones, but not fear them. Maybe bulls with horns might have been a better example. Or maybe the sea. You need not fear the sea, but you must respect it. Remember this story?

"Now when He [Jesus] got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 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. So the men marveled, saying, 'Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'” - Matthew 8:23-27

Jesus asked them why they were fearful when Jesus was in the boat with them. Guess what? He is in the boat with you too! I am not going to tell you that bad things are not going to happen in your life - you already know that is not true. We all face trials in life - or put another way - opportunities to trust God in the middle of a storm.  Sometimes, like the disciples, I take my eyes off of Jesus and focus squarely on the problem facing me. Like my friend. Like the disciples. Like just about everybody I know. When we are depending upon ourselves - trusting in me and not He. That never goes well. Sometimes the outcome is bad - sometimes not. But bad or good - God is still trustworthy.

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 On The Eve Of Destruction

"Make your ambition to a lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, so you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need" -  1 Thessalonians 4:11 

"So far as it depends upon you, be at peace with all men." - Romans 12:18

Every day I see so much strife in people's lives - people living in the power of their flesh and in their silent - or not so silent struggle for self-preservation.  They live in constant fear, and rather than loving God and loving others, their love for themselves dominates them and everything they do or aspire to do.  If people don't meet their expectations or don't dance in time to their tune, they are considered to be the enemy.  They seek consolation and relief from their fears and insecurities by accommodating their flesh and what it desires.  Turning to things that promise peace and consolation, but, in the end, only bring pain and destruction.

Our culture seems to be imploding.  Consuming itself.  Looking for answers to the problems that dominate us, but unwilling to acknowledge the true source of those problems or the solution.  We criticize aberrant - wrong - hurtful behavior and encourage it at the same time.  We condemn men for making sexual advances to women and exploit women in the media and add sexual connotation even in television commercials about everyday products.  We wonder why there is a problem with violence in our country and the majority of the most popular television shows and movies are dominated with stark violence and death.  As I watch this going on I feel helpless to change it.  But that is because the source of the problem spiritual .. and most often misdiagnosed as a natural - relational problem. Imagine a doctor treating you for an upset stomach when you have stomach cancer.  And being a spiritual problem, it can only be solved with a spiritual solution.  My wanting my children's behavior, for example,  to be different will not make it so!  Only God can do that - He is in the "business" of changing hearts which, in turn, changes behavior.  Hearts can be changed, but only if people will submit to His call and yield their lives in faith to the Lord.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”  - 1 Corinthians 1:18

The solution is so simple, but the truth is, the majority of the world will reject the Truth. (Romans 1:25) “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator .. "  I am not making this up.  God has revealed the Truth to us through the Word of God, by His Spirit and through His Son and His sacrifice.  The world, our culture, rejects the idea that the problem has spiritual roots and a spiritual solution.  (1 Corinthians 2:14) “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”  What a dilemma.  What to do? The answer is simple.  Don’t expect the world to get better … it is running pell-mell into darkness … headed for destruction …

There was a song written in the mid-60’s, a protest song, but I think it was prophetic.  It was written by PF Sloan, during the Vietnam war, and sung by Barry McGuire who later became a Christian. It speaks to the calamity that rages in this world, but stops short of a solution.  Barry McGuire found the solution … you know the answer. My encouragement to you …. Be a light in this dark world … if people seem to be looking for answers .. point them to Jesus .. most will ignore you .. but that is between them and God.  Your obligation is to tell the world.  The Spirit will do the rest.

Eve of Destruction by PF Sloan. (Remember this was written in the mid 60's not yesterday!)

"The eastern world, it is explodin', Violence flarin', bullets loadin', You're old enough to kill but not for votin',

You don't believe in war, but what's that gun you're totin', And even the Jordan river has bodies floatin',

But you tell me over and over and over again my friend, Ah, you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction.

Don't you understand, what I'm trying to say? And can't you feel the fears I'm feeling today?

If the button is pushed, there's no running away,

There'll be no one to save with the world in a grave, Take a look around you, boy, it's bound to scare you, boy,

And you tell me over and over and over again my friend, Ah, you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction.

Hate your next door neighbor, but don't forget to say grace, And you tell me over and over and over and over again my friend,

You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction. No, no, you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction....."

Jesus is the answer ... always was and always will be!

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

Saying The Right Thing

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I have the habit of bringing scriptural context into a conversation with other Believers.  Sometimes it is appreciated, sometimes not.  I think the receptiveness of the shared scripture has to do with both the heart of the person sharing and the heart of the person to whom which the scripture is being shared.  

When you share scripture with someone it should be with compassion and the intent that it will fulfill its purpose as doctrine, perhaps reproof, or instruction in righteousness with the intent of equipping the hearer with spiritual perspective.

When someone shares scripture with you you should receive if - no matter what their intent - with acknowledgement of the authority of scripture in your life as a born-again child of God. 

"They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." - John 17:16-17

I recently wrote about truth. We should always remember when we hear the Word that the Word is Truth. That God gave us scripture for our benefit. It is intended as a balm and not a bitter pill. When we obey the "laws of the land" we generally don't think them as an infringement. As law-abiding citizens, we obey them - well except for posted speed limits as an exception that comes to mind. When reminded of those laws, we don't get irritated at the hearing.  Not so with the Word. The reason - I think - is because we have relegated scripture to the "spiritual" compartment in our lives and have not allowed it to be the standard for our lives. It does not have the place of supremacy, dictating what we do and how we relate to other people.

Let me give you an example. If I am having a conversation with someone and the Spirit brings a scripture to mind and I am prompted to share - I share it. I get mixed reactions. I sometimes have the impression, from the hearer's body language, that it has made them uncomfortable. My intent is to remind and encourage not to use the scripture as a tool of judgement.  My hope is that they will find the scripture I shared to be sweeter than honey.

"How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way." - Psalm 119:103-104

My point to you is this. Share the Word when you are prompted by the Spirit. Don't use it as a weapon or as a last, desperate measure to influence the other person. Scripture spoken without the Spirit are just words.  Spoken with the Spirit, the Word "does not return void". Jesus never balked at sharing scripture in his conversations with others. His intent was always spiritual revelation. As we are being conformed into His image by God the Father, neither should ours be. But a word of caution - If you are not willing to live it yourself - then you should not share it until you are. In that case, perhaps the Spirit has intended those words for you and you should keep them to yourself.

"And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?" - Matthew 7:3-4

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

Finding Satisfaction - No Earthly Solution

 "…All my springs are in you." —Psalm 87:7

“Our Lord never “patches up” our natural virtues, that is, our natural traits, qualities, or characteristics. He completely remakes a person on the inside— “…put on the new man…” (Ephesians 4:24). In other words, see that your natural human life is putting on all that is in keeping with the new life. The life God places within us develops its own new virtues, not the virtues of the seed of Adam, but of Jesus Christ. Once God has begun the process of sanctification in your life, watch and see how God causes your confidence in your own natural virtues and power to wither away. […] We want to cling to our natural virtues, while all the time God is trying to get us in contact with the life of Jesus Christ— a life that can never be described in terms of natural virtues. […]  …depending solely on what they have by virtue of heredity. God does not take our natural virtues and transform them[…] No natural love, no natural patience, no natural purity can ever come up to His demands. But as we bring every part of our natural bodily life into harmony with the new life God has placed within us, He will exhibit in us the virtues that were characteristic of the Lord Jesus.”

I was watching a documentary of sorts on PBS the other evening.  It was about people going back to the country of their ancestors.  They wanted to recapture the culture and the religious practices of that country.  To restore what was lost through the generations that lived in the United States.  In other words, wanting to cling to the “seed of Adam” as if somehow that would make them right with the world and satisfy a void in their life. Blaise Pascal, the French mathematician and philosopher wrote “There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus”  Along the same vein, C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” Finally, to quote a famous "poet of our time" - Mick Jagger - "I can't get no satisfaction!" 

"Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

If we are “in Christ” – redeemed – save – reborn by the Spirit – we are new, the old has passed away and all things are becoming new – we are living a new, sanctified life.  Sanctified – set apart – consecrated for a holy purpose.  The people in the documentary were/are struggling to satisfy the yearning that God has put in each of us. The natural man turns to natural things … possession .. cultural heritage … ethnicity ... national identity, but never finds satisfaction.  That is because only God can satisfy that desire through Jesus Christ. The other solutions seem reasonable … but then God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts … 

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” - 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

My encouragement to you is to keep this truth fresh in your mind.  To have a spiritual perspective on what is going on around you.  Knowing that your natural inclination is to try to find satisfaction in your life through the things of this world … but your true self - your supernatural life can only find satisfaction in Jesus.  And if it doesn’t, well – Houston we have a problem!  As we hopefully move away from the turmoil of the COVID pandemic and wars and rumors of wars, perhaps it is a good time to spiritually recalibrate your heart and mind.  To shake off the old and fully embrace the new.  It requires discipline and the pursuing the things of God through His Word, prayer and worship.  That is my hope for you in 2022.   But then again, that has always been my hope.

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

Understanding The World's Redefinition of Good

"Now behold, one came and said to Him [Jesus], 'Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?' So He said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.'" - Matthew 19:16-17

Living the Christian life in this culture is becoming increasingly difficult.  Let me say that not everything in this culture is evil, but there is evil in this country and in the world for that matter. It is becoming more and more important for Christians to understand and embrace what is “good”, as defined by the Creator and made clear in His Word.  Our culture, and the world, is offering an alternative truth – one that is contrary to God’s revealed truth.  The prophet Isaiah wrote 

 “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” - Isaiah 5:20

You see this is not a new problem.  The first stepping stone on the path that leads away from Truth is “People have the right to choose how they live.” God gave us a free will.  We were born with a sin nature.  That is our natural inclination.  The world’s alternative to the Holy Spirit are cultural norms, acceptance and laws.  Behavior of the people in a society is constrained by the pressures of those norms, what the culture says is acceptable and laws.  Man’s laws adapt to the moral course that a culture takes.  

The second stepping stone is “You do not have a right to say they are wrong.” Since the culture says the first stepping stone is on the right path, there is no “true north” anymore.  The ship can sail in any direction and it will be on the right course.  No one has the right to say that a person’s choices are wrong.  If they do, they will be condemned as intolerant, wrong, haters and evil.  Even if that person is trying to restore the course of the ship to its God-intended course.

That is where we find ourselves today.  Our culture calls good (by God’s declaration) – evil and evil – good.  Speak out and you are accused of judging.  You suddenly are a “bad” person.  In the face of persecution, The temptation is to say nothing – go along to get along.  Truth and what is good does not change or waiver in the face of cultural changes.  Listen – this world is no longer your home.  You feel like an alien in the very country you were born in because you are! 

“ .. our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the LORD Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”  - Philippians 3:20-21

When you see something that is bad – according to the Truth – that is declared to be good – to speak out is not to judge but to give testimony to the truth.  Don’t expect the culture to embrace you – on the contrary you most likely face rejection. Be careful about wanting to be embraced and accepted by those who are lost.  

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?”  - 2 Corinthians 6:14

Let me leave you with this …..

 “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 1:5-10 

Those who have (spiritual) ears, let them hear … those who have (spiritual) eyes, let them see

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

One Way

 "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6

Driving for 17 hours over two days, gives you time to think whilst you are dodging semis and impatient travelers. There is spiritual context all around us - but we have to be paying attention. In fact, my view is  that everything has spiritual context? My thoughts were focused on a recent conversation having to do with other, well intentioned religions.  Generally there are 6 (six) types of people when it comes to faith. 1)Those who don't want to have anything to do with any god - they are a god unto themselves and consider themselves as no different than their pet dog. 2)Those who believe that there is something beyond creation but don't acknowledge an intelligent creator.  3)Those that believe that there is a spiritual dimension but attribute the lordship of that dimension to carious lesser gods. 4)Those who acknowledge that there is a Creator God but deny that He has intervened by sending His Son to restore a lost relationship. 5)Those who acknowledge that a person existed, who was a great prophet, but was not the God-sent Son of God. 6) And those who acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God - first born among many to follow by faith.

(Heads up! - lots of scripture follows which I encourage you to read and not just scan. You may think, 'I know all of this stuff' Great! Then my hope is that you will use that knowledge as you live out your new life and keep it in mind as you watch a world struggling to find its way through the generations.)

Scripture makes it pretty clear that Jesus is the only way to the Father. Driving to Phoenix, at times, the mapping software offered alternate routes - routes that would help us avoid delays along the way. The route is pretty simple - get on I-10 in Houston and stay on it until you get off in Phoenix. There are detours you can take to avoid traffic jams - but with God there are no alternate routes. There is only one "road to heaven", one truth, one source of eternal life and access to Father God.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." - John 3:16-18

God did not send a prophet to redeem the world. No - a man, born from Adam's seed could not offer anything to God that was not tainted by sin. I remember my dad telling me to not smoke as he smoked a cigarette. What can sinful man offer to sinners? A drowning man trying to save another drowning man. So God had to send His Son. The truth is pretty clear - reject Christ and you reject heaven.

"When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, 'Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?' So they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.'" - Matthew 16:13-18

The fact that Jesus is who He says He is was revealed to Peter and is revealed to us by God, the Father through the Spirit. It is a Spiritual awakening of the heart. I don't know why only some will experience that epiphany of faith (the moment when you suddenly understand, or suddenly become conscious of who Jesus is and the you are a sinner in need of a Savior) It is a supernatural event.

"Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected (Jesus) has become the chief cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22)  This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes?" - Matthew 21:42

Peter's proclamation in Matthew 16 is when Jesus gave Simon Bar-Jonah (son of Jonah) a new name, Peter, which means "little rock or pebble" in deference to the truth of who Jesus is which is the Cornerstone of the Church - the Body of Christ. The way , the truth the life.

"For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, 'The man who does those things shall live by them.' But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, 'Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into heaven? ' (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, ' Who will descend into the abyss? ' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.'" - Romans 10:6-11

Confession and Belief.  Salvation - redemption - comes to the one who believes by faith - and that  comes from spiritual revelation. Many other religions are founded on the assumption that we must work to gain God's favor and perhaps a way to heaven when the opposite is true.  

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:4-10

There is nothing we can do to overcome the "sinful divide" between us and God. Faith in Jesus is the only way. Rejecting Jesus is to reject our only chance of redemption.

You will meet many who profess Jesus, but deny who He is.  When someone says they believe in Jesus, you must take them to the scripture - not an opinion of someone else. You must always ask "Who do you say that Jesus is?" That is the litmus test for true faith - not something other than Jesus - not Jesus plus something - just Jesus. But there are many who .... 

"having a form of godliness, but denying its power (that being Jesus as the Christ)" - 2 Timothy 3:5

We must continue to stand firm on our faith and be a witness to the Way, and Truth and Life. Oh how I wish that everyone would see and believe, like Thomas. But the truth is, not all will believe. There will be sheep and goats.  In fact - most won't. Does that trouble you like it does me? 

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." - Matthew 7:13-14

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

How You Can Lift Jesus Up

"Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…" —1 Corinthians 1:17

“Paul states here that his call of God is to preach the gospel. But remember what Paul means by “the gospel,” namely, the reality of redemption in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are inclined to make sanctification the goal of our preaching. Paul refers to personal experiences only by way of illustration, never as the end of the matter. We are not commissioned to preach salvation or sanctification— we are commissioned to lift up Jesus Christ (see John 12:32). […] Jesus Christ labored in redemption to redeem the whole world and to place it perfectly whole and restored before the throne of God. […] The one passion of Paul’s life was to proclaim the gospel of God. He welcomed heartbreak, disillusionment, and tribulation for only one reason— these things kept him unmovable in his devotion to the gospel of God.” - Oswald Chambers - My Utmost For His Highest

Have you ever thought of yourself as a preacher?  unless you are one, probably not.  In our present day economy, "preacher" has a connotation of someone devoted to the vocation of being a minister, standing behind a pulpit on Sunday morning.  While I was in Haiti … my moniker was “Pastor Charley”.  I did not pastor a church but the Haitians associated me with those who did.  Although I am ordained as a minister of the Gospel in Baptist circles, I never pastored a church and never will, most probably.  My point, I am called to ministry and so are you, each in our own way according to God’s shaping.  We are all called to “preach the Gospel” as we work out that calling.  

“But 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

You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit to lift Jesus up.  To tell people about what has happened in your life.  Telling people about your life before Jesus, how you met Jesus, and your life now that you follow Jesus.  But we can't just tell a story. People need to see the power of the God in our new life - the change that has taken place in us. 

My folks were saved while I was in Vietnam.  When I returned home, I returned to a changed family. I, along with my three older sisters, did not believe that the change was real.  We knew our mom. How she could become very angry - her swearing - her yelling - slammed doors. But all of that was gone. Not just around people she was trying to impress, but around us, who knew the "old" mom. The Spirit used her testimony, primarily, to do a work in our hearts (Martie and me). 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

If you are a Christian, that has happened to you as well.  Personally, I think we make lifting Jesus up more  difficult with “methods” when it should be as natural as talking about your family or why you do what you do for a living. I think we misspeak when we say that we "led someone to Christ". I think that it is the Spirit of God that does the leading and uses us to speak audibly and live the effects of the Gospel out visibly as part of that process. I am certain there are some people that you have known that you wanted to avoid when you saw them coming.  They “attacked” you with the Gospel.  Dr. John Maxwell said “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  It’s true.  Another thing that is true is that you cannot save anyone.  Salvation is a spiritual act - an act of faith in Jesus' redemptive work - a transaction, if you will, between an individual and God prompted by the Spirit. Our part is to lift Jesus up.  His part is to send His Spirit to do a work in the person’s heart.  Their part is to believe the truth and by faith in Jesus be saved … or not.  We are to “fulfill our part”.  Pretty simple, huh?

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 Darker The Night - The Brighter The Light

"Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!'" —John 20:28

" 'You shall be witnesses to Me…' (Acts 1:8). That means living with pure, uncompromising, and unrestrained devotion to the Lord Jesus, which will be satisfying to Him wherever He may send us. Beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for Him. It is easier to serve than to pour out our lives completely for Him. The goal of the call of God is His satisfaction, not simply that we should do something for Him. We are not sent to do battle for God, but to be used by God in His battles. Are we more devoted to service than we are to Jesus Christ Himself?” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

As I was walking down the hall after getting a cup of coffee – a daily routine and my morning motivation – I had the image of a little bird sitting on a wire calling out in the midst of a hurricane.  To what avail does that bird sing?  How can it possibly stand against the storm.  How could it possibly be heard above the wind and rain and thunder.  Well, no one could hear it but for God.  Singing in spite of the fearsome opposition .... through its obedience it was fulfilling its purpose .. a purpose for which it was created.  It may seem to you that the “cultural” storm that rages about us is too great for our song to be heard.  That perhaps the light that shines from us .. the song we sing .. is being drowned out by the force of the storm – you might be tempted to think that our song will have no affect.  Not so my friend.  

When the nation of Israel finally reached the river Jordan the first time,  (Numbers 13-14) 10 of the 12 spies saw the “storm” – Giants in the land and a great fear came over the people.  They refused to continue to follow the spiritual leadership of Moses.  They would not cross the river. And so they missed a blessing – their very purpose for leaving Egypt - the promise of God.  They did not fulfill God's purpose and plan because they trusted in themselves and wilted in the face of what waited for them on the other side of the river.  They chose not to trust God and missed what He had prepared for them on the other side of the same river.  And so the unbelieving generation died in the desert.  They missed God’s best.  True, they were no longer slaves, but  they missed God all the same.

The second time the nation approached the river … the same storm was raging .. and more .. the river was at flood stage … impossible for men .. but possible for God.  When they stepped into the water by faith … the river backed up and they occupied the land.  Fulfilling God’s plan.  I was sharing how Pathfinder became Pathfinder with some friends the other day.  Before Martie and I submitted to God’s leading to start this ministry, we talked with my mom about it.  We told her about what God was leading us to do.  About the problems.  Our hesitation.  We had not gone to Mississippi with the intention of staying there and certainly not starting a ministry.  She said “Charley, the river Jordan did not back up until they stepped out into the water.”  My response was “Got it Mom!”  Martie and I knew that we had to step out in and by faith.  Putting our trust in God.  She asked, “What are you going to call it?” We had not thought that far ahead .. we were still trying to get our socks and shoes off before we stepped in the water!  She said “What about Pathfinder?”  Pathfinder was the name of the youth ministry that my folks had started in Peoria, Illinois.  So we decided to go with it .. Pathfinder on Mission.  Pathfinder Mission.  A work of faith.

Each of us is called to step into the water.  These are dark times spiritually .. but I suspect they are not the darkest times that have ever been or ever will be .. just the darkest that we have seen.  When I flew helicopters in the Army, I sometimes flew at night in the desert.  It was very, very dark.  No visible horizon, meaning you could not see where the sky and earth met.  Hard to keep oriented.  But then someone would light up a chem-stick.  In all the darkness, I could see it from far off.  One light in the midst of the darkness.  Pointing me to my destination.  My encouragement to you … Be the light! The darker the night - the brighter the Light!

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:8-9

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 Do You Treasure - Your Life Will Reveal It

 "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward." - Psalm 19:7-11

Where the treasure of my mind is, my heart is not far behind. That was a quote from Pastor Ed Young, Houston Second Baptist Church last Sunday.  I find it curious that very often, I can hear a spiritual truth one day and be confronted with that truth in my own life's circumstances the next. Let me explain.

We are selling our house in Alabama - finally.  The market has shifted and our house that was not competitive with the market is.  We have been praying that the Lord would relieve us of this mortgage - our only debt. And then we had an offer with the possibility of many others.  We heard that it was possible that we might get offers for more than the asking price. Wow! I thought. But I did not want to be like the man that was on his rooftop in a flood asking the Lord to save him - so he passed up a boat and a helicopter waiting on God to show up. He drowned and in heaven he asked God why He had not saved him. God responded, "I sent a boat and a helicopter!"  I told a friend, I do not want to be that man. So we accepted the offer. Everything was looking good and then the inspection report came saying that the middle support piers had a problem that was affecting the house. We have done enough pier and beam work after hurricanes to know that it could be big trouble. 

We could see our equity being chiseled away. What we thought would feather our nest for our future could turn out to be an empty nest.  So what to do? We had asked God to help us, but we had some terms and conditions. Sure, He brought a buyer, but what if we lost the equity in our home?  Rather than rejoice in God for being an ever present help - we were tempted to worry about the financial return. That is until the Spirit reminded me that I am a Christian first. That I am bound to do what honors God and demonstrates the character of Jesus. That I am to trust God no matter how rough the seas might be.

I was reminded of Ananias and Saphira and how they caved when faced with giving up what they considered to be rightfully theirs. So the Lord has taught me a lesson in the past few days. It is one thing to recite verses from the Bible and quite another to walk them out. I am also reminded of Job after he had lost everything.

"And he [Job] said: 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.'” - Job 1:21

I cannot encourage you with spiritual truth if I am not willing to apply it to myself. We are all on a journey. The climb is steep and not without perils along the way. For us, we don't know what the days ahead hold. It could be that the deal falls through. But financial gain or loss is not really the point - trusting God no matter what is. 

"If God is with us [and He is], who can stand against us" - Romans 8:31

And then I think about the plight of the Ukrainian people. Over a million people have abandoned their homes to find a safe haven from the war. And I, in my warm house, am concerned about a house I don't even live in. And help them! It brings perspective. I often told my children that the worst thing they have experienced is the worst thing they know. But there is always something much worse that has and is happening to others. Lord give us eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to understand.

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

Praying With Confidence and Sincerity Not Profundity

OK, so first let me say that I am not trying to impress you with my command of the English language. I had to look the word, "profundity", up to make certain I was using the right word.  It means "deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought" Have you ever heard someone pray and think to yourself, "Their prayers sound so great, no way am I going to pray after them!" Or maybe someone prays in King James English as if that is the way God speaks - a heavenly tongue. The reality is that when we are standing before a Holy God we will all most like be speechless. at least I think I will be. So much of our flesh can get in the way of our prayers because of lack of confidence, fear or perhaps pride. 

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’  I [Jesus] tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 18:10-14

"God, be merciful to me a sinner" Pretty simple prayer - but notable according to Jesus. God sees the heart and hears the heart of the one praying. Don't worry what others may think of your praying. They are not the focus or should not be the focus of your heart.  Have you ever not prayed out loud for fear of being judged by the others in the room? The fact is that we are all imperfect prayers. I have good news! God has made a way to make up for our shortcomings in prayer - it is the Holy Spirit!

"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:26-27

The "Helper" - the Spirit of God by whom we are sealed has our backs! God knew that we would need help living this new life in an old world.  So that we need help with praying, not before men, but God-ward should not surprise you!  

Not only should we pray when we are alone - but we should pray when asked by others and pray when prompted by the Spirit. If someone asks you to pray, it is because they have a need of an advocate - they need help and that would be you.  For Heaven's sake please do not say - I will pray for you later - lest it slip your mind - instead pray then. I have never had anyone refuse, in fact, I often hear what might be a sigh of relief from the one who asked. 

" .. pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." - James 5:16

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 Difference Between Being A Christian Or A Christ Follower

"…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." —1 Corinthians 10:31

“We have a tendency to look for wonder in our experience, and we mistake heroic actions for real heroes. It’s one thing to go through a crisis grandly, yet quite another to go through every day glorifying God when there is no witness, no limelight, and no one paying even the remotest attention to us. If we are not looking for halos, we at least want something that will make people say, “What a wonderful man of prayer he is!” or, “What a great woman of devotion she is!” If you are properly devoted to the Lord Jesus, you have reached the lofty height where no one would ever notice you personally. All that is noticed is the power of God coming through you all the time. […] To be utterly unnoticeable requires God’s Spirit in us making us absolutely humanly His. The true test of a saint’s life is not successfulness but faithfulness on the human level of life. […] our purpose should be to display the glory of God in human life, to live a life “hidden with Christ in God” in our everyday human conditions (Colossians 3:3).” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Let’s say you have two bolts. With one bolt you fix a high performance car that wins a race.  With the other bolt you fix your lawn mower.  Which bolt has more significance and has best fulfilled its purpose?  The answer ...  Neither is better.  Both fulfilled their purpose as you decided.  In the same way, God has a purpose for every Christian – every Christ follower.  

Don’t you love that expression?  Being a Christian might be viewed as “merely” getting saved. As if that were not enough!  But being a “Christ follower” suggests that you are more than saved, you are a true disciple , you have laid down your worldly nets and are following Jesus, wherever He leads.  Fulfilling your God-given purpose is not meant to bring glory to you but to God. It doesn’t matter if God uses you on a sports car or a lawn mower.  What matters is that you are obedient to His call and direction.   People talk to me about what Martie and I do and have done for the Kingdom and other people.  If we are not careful, we might give in to the temptation to take credit for it. We do it for the glory of God.  Billy Graham did what he did for the same reason.  The faithful widow who is never seen by anyone, she does what she does for the same reason.  I often tell people that the only credit I can take is for saying “yes” to God.  Everything else is from God.  He formed me, He purposed me, He gifted me and He called me.  The same goes for you too.

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;  you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”  - Psalm 51: 16-17

Which is to say that it is not what you do for God, but what you allow God to do in and through you.  

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what the Lord requires of you but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”  -  Micah 6:8 

There is only one way you can do that and it’s by the power of God, not self-effort. 

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” - 1 Samuel 15:22

To be obedient to your purpose means that you must sacrifice your will for God’s will.  You must overcome your fear and doubt with faith.  You must love God more than you love yourself. It doesn’t matter where you are sent or what you are sent to do … being in the center of God’s will and walking obediently in it is the absolute best place you can be. Don't be be satisfied with being a "mere" Christian - you will fall short of God's eternal intent for you - Be a Christ Follower.

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [what God has purposed you to do], and follow Me.'" - Matthew 16:24

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 The Intentional Christian Life

"Death no longer has dominion over Him.…the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God…" —Romans 6:9-11

“Eternal life is not a gift from God; eternal life is THE (my emphasis) gift of God. The energy and the power which was so very evident in Jesus will be exhibited in us by an act of the absolute sovereign grace of God, once we have made that complete and effective decision about sin. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8)— not power as a gift from the Holy Spirit; the power is the Holy Spirit, not something that He gives us. The life that was in Jesus becomes ours because of His Cross, once we make the decision to be identified with Him. If it is difficult to get right with God, it is because we refuse to make this moral decision about sin. […] Even the weakest saint can experience the power of the deity of the Son of God, when he is willing to “let go.” […] Then Jesus will have complete and effective dominion in us, and people will take notice that we have been with Him.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”  - Acts 4:13

The difference in Peter and John was that they had the Spirit of God in them.  Peter had just been with Jesus when Peter denied Jesus.  But Peter was operating out of his flesh – his old nature when that happened.  But in Acts, they, both, were speaking with power, confidence, authority and wisdom that could not be explained except that these men had been with Jesus.  They reflected Jesus in their words and with the authority by which they spoke.  It is the same with us.  The power of our new life is totally, 100%, dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit in us.  Imagine that you are driving down the road and someone reached over and turns the ignition key to the off position.  The engine stops .. the power steering is gone .. the car is unresponsive – dead if you will.  Well, that is how it is when we attempt to live the Christian life on our terms … without the Holy Spirit. 

“Do not quench the Spirit” - 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Like turning the key to off, we can disregard the Holy Spirit … trust in ourselves … and fail.  Are you having trouble being the Christian you know you should be?  Most probably it is because you are not walking in the power of your new nature. 

“So I [Paul] say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” - Galatians 5:16-18

And how do you do that? By making your pursuit of God and your submission to the leading of the Spirit a daily priority. The Christian life is intentional - not accidental. 

And that, my friend, is the truth!

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

Walking In Agreement - The Power Of One

 "How can two walk together unless they be agreed" - Amos 3:3

Yesterday, I wrote about spiritual oneness between the husband and wife. How it is God-ordained and spiritually enabled. The key being that both the husband and the wife are submitted to the Spirit of God and devoted primarily and fully to God the Father, which in turn, is the foundation for their devotion to one another. Seems pretty straightforward wouldn't you say? But as one reader commented - "It is not easy."

What makes it not easy? In short it is our flesh - our natural selves.  We want what we want and if God tells us something different - we struggle.  We error when we start to think of our spiritual life as being an alternative - like my guitar -  which, at the moment is out of tune and gathering dust - but I tell myself that can pick it up anytime I choose - but I choose not to.  It's then same as when we set the Spirit and obedience aside because yielding to the Spirit will get in the way our life's pursuits and preferences. When God tells me that I must go and do something that is contrary to what I want - I balk and make excuses about why it is not such a good idea - maybe later, which means probably never.

Well that was yesterday and this is today.  The same principles that apply to Christian husbands and wives apply to all Christians who are spiritually related - sons and daughters of God. For things to be right between them - they must also be in spiritual agreement. The problem is that the flesh very often gets in the way of oneness between Christians. That is not God's intent.

“I [Jesus] do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." - John 17:20-23

Jesus prayed that Christians would be one just like Jesus and the Father were one. For us, that is made possible only by the Spirit of God.  Our oneness is a testimony to the world. Oneness that knows no natural bounds like race, nationality, skin color, natural culture traditions, economics, even Christian denomination. Those are all powerful influences on how the natural man relates to others preventing oneness or unity. Oneness is an impossibility for the natural man.  The best he can do is form an alliance - which is a relationship or collaboration forged by common interests - perhaps a common enemy. And when the common interest dissolves - so does the alliance.  (By the way, I believe that is why so many marriages fail) Not so with spiritual oneness - it is a holy alliance that has interests that are eternal - they never dissolve - that is so long as we remain submitted to the Spirit of God and devoted primarily to God the Father.

"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

And how did Jesus love us? He laid His life down for us.  Sacrificial - Agape - love.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." - John 15:13

It is possible for us to achieve Oneness only when we love God the most and others more than ourselves. Both - at the same time - and the result is oneness. That is what is missing in the Body of Christ.  Why our witness is so diluted in this dark hour. Letting the world see the power of One. When we are truly One, our light to the world, instead of being a candle in the window would be like  a lighthouse on a dark and stormy night.

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

Walking In Agreement

 "How can two walk together unless they be agreed" - Amos 3:3

I am going to write about this on two levels - today - Husband and Wife. Tomorrow - Christian to Christian.

During our 50 years of marriage we have been faced with many challenges - just like every other husband and wife that ever lived. Together! If you and your spouse are both Christians you should understand what it means to be one from God's perspective. 

"But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,  and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh." - Mark 10:6-8

There is not just a physical reality to this - but a spiritual one as well.  When a husband and wife are unevenly yoked - one is a Christian and one is not - it is impossible to become one as God intended. So to my point. As Christians we have the same Spirit in us which unites us spiritually.

Martie and I use Amos 3:3 as a guide to decision making, especially when it has to do with responding to God's call.  It is important that she and I be in agreement, even if it means that agreement requires we must sacrifice by being apart.  We agree that the decisions we must make has to do with God's calling.  We agree that we must obey. We also understand that saying "yes" to God's call may be difficult to live out.

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”  – Luke 1:26-27

That is not "hate" as we think of it today, but rather it is comparative. It means we are to love God first and others second, including our family. (Matt 22:37-39) So our love for family may look like hate when compared to our love for God.  Being in agreement with your spouse is critical.  The Spirit brings unity. If there is no agreement, then you don't do it - no matter how much one of you wants to. You wait. Don't think to highly of yourself and imagine that you are limiting God by waiting. Sorting out what is faith and what is feelings can be a challenge.  It requires prayer and conversation with each other, listening for God to speak, and then spiritual obedience. I have said many times about childish obedience the attitude is often, "you can make me do it but you can't make me like it" That is how we can respond to God. God looks at the heart so we deceive no one. Then we are like the second son that Jesus talked about.

“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? They said to Him, 'The first.'” - Matthew 21:28-31

Think about this.  If the husband and wife are one, then certainly the Spirit would not just speak to one half and not the other?  Following God will always require sacrifice in the natural sense. Our mission and ministry have most certainly required sacrifice  - being apart from our family for a season. Some people have marveled at our willingness to serve. Some have told us that it is too much and even suggesting that we are being irresponsible. But in our view, if God has called us to leave and serve  – then we are fulfilling our greatest responsibility. This is a truth that we have learned over the years. It should be a practice of every Christian marriage. God does not ask us to do the same things, but He does ask us to do those things in the same way, with the same heart.  Your married life is a testimony to this and future generations. 

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