Serving With Joy In A Place Of Sorrow

"Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." —Luke 10:20

“Once you have the right relationship with God through salvation and sanctification, remember that whatever your circumstances may be, you have been placed in them by God. And God uses the reaction of your life to your circumstances to fulfill His purpose, as long as you continue to “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7). If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure who ever lived. For the saint, direction and guidance come from God Himself, not some measure of that saint’s usefulness. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”  - Psalm 37:24-25

As I reread the Chambers’ devotion this morning, I could not help but reflect upon my own walk with the Lord.  I have not been content, of late, with where the Lord has me serving.  I think pride has something to do with it.  God has used both me and my wife in some glorious ways over the years.  I have held positions of significant responsibility both in secular work and ministry.  So now I find myself in the “autumn” of life in a wholly different context, all the while my heart pounding to be back in those other places in those other times.  Chamber’s words remind me that I am the Lord’s to do with as He pleases.   My joy is in knowing that I am where He wants me to be, even though it might not be where my flesh would prefer to be.  The question is can I walk briskly in obedience with my eyes fixed on Jesus and an expectation that I am fulfilling God’s purpose in my generation? Or, will I dawdle, grumbling that I can be better used elsewhere, certainly doing the work but my attitude does not honor God and reveals that my heart is more devoted to what I want and less to what God has ordained?

I tell a story about serving in Waveland Mississippi after Katrina, that being in the center of God’s will is the best place to be, geography has nothing to do with it.  There are times when you lose focus on that truth.  You allow circumstances, and yes even misplaced pride of service, to cloud your spiritual vision.  Where does God have you today?  Are you serving God with your whole heart even though your flesh would prefer that you be elsewhere doing something of your own design?  Do we know better than God? (rhetorical!) In Revelation Jesus told the Church of Ephesus that they had “left their first love”.  Oh, they were still doing good things, but the reason why they were doing them had changed.  Be careful my friend, the slope is slippery, be careful lest you slip and fall.  Hold on to Jesus.

I am reminded of an "old timey" Gospel song - Jesus Hold My Hand.  “As I travel through this pilgrim land, There is a friend who walks with me. Leads me safely through the sinking sand, It is the Christ at Calvary. This would be my prayer, dear Lord, each day You help me do the best I can. For I need Thy light to guide me day and night, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand Jesus. Jesus hold my hand, For I need Thee every hour. Through this pilgrim land, Protect me by Thy power. Hear my feeble plea O Lord, look down on me. When I kneel in prayer I hope to meet You there.  Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.”

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 With Certainty In An Uncertain World

"…it has not yet been revealed what we shall be…" —1 John 3:2

 “Our natural inclination is to be so precise– trying always to forecast accurately what will happen next– that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We think that we must reach some predetermined goal, but that is not the nature of the spiritual life. The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty. Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life– gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. The spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Have you ever heard someone ask “What am I going to do now?”  Maybe it was you.  You find yourself in a predicament that you did not expect .. or maybe that you brought on yourself and don’t know what to do about it.  That can be very stressful.  We desperately want to be in control of our lives but are not.  So much uncertainty in life and so little control. Jesus said ....

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” - Matthew 6:25

He also said “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” - Matthew 16:25

If you lack spiritual perspective on this life and your faith is small, you will struggle.  What tomorrow brings may not be what you hoped for.  But of this you can be certain, the Father is already in tomorrow, waiting for you.  How you respond to uncertainty, and there will always be uncertainty, really gets down to how you are responding to God.  I remember when we knew that God was calling us to Haiti.  I told a friend of ours about our decision. He got a few inches from my face and said, "Are you crazy?" To which I replied, "It is not my idea, it's God's idea." We must respond to God most often when we don't have all of the facts. As Christians we all live a life of faith.

Those who have not been born again must carry the load of uncertainty on their own.  But Jesus said 

“Come to me all you that are weary and heaven laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30

My advice to you is to stop struggling with uncertainty ... rest in it ... you can't avoid it ... it is sure to come … and when it does coming knocking at the door of your heart, trust in the Lord the source of all certainty.

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

You Can't Do Until You Are And You Can't Be Except By Faith

"Preach the word!" —2 Timothy 4:2

“Even the natural heart of the unsaved will serve if called upon to do so, but it takes a heart broken by conviction of sin, baptized by the Holy Spirit, and crushed into submission to God’s purpose to make a person’s life a holy example of God’s message. The purpose of Pentecost was not to teach the disciples something, but to make them the incarnation of what they preached so that they would literally become God’s message in the flesh. “…you shall be witnesses to Me…” (Acts 1:8).” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest 

Our duty is to be a message of hope to the world.  That means that our lives must be remarkably different from that of those who are bound for hell.  Unfortunately for many Christians, that is not the case. For many who call Jesus, Lord, watching them and listening to them you can hardly distinguish them from the rest of the world. Would someone be surprised to know you are a Christian?  What does a Christian look like?  They look like Jesus.  Why do they look like Jesus?  Because they are yielded to the Spirit, their joy is walking by the Spirit, not because they are trying hard to manage their sin, and put on good appearances.  Being a message to the world is a result of a relationship not of personal effort.  What is it that you still cling to from your old nature that hides the light of Christ in you?  Can people tell you are different by the way you talk or do profane words roll off of your tongue easily.  Can people tell you are different by the way you treat others? Are you “patient, kind? Don’t envy, don’t boast, are not proud? You don’t dishonor others, you are not self-seeking, you are not easily angered, do you not keep a record of wrongs? Do you not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. Do you  always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere? (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

In other words do you live and love like Jesus?  Are you one with the Father?  Have you tried to be right, to live right, but found it too difficult? Your trying was actually your problem.  You can’t do until you are and then it’s not you it’s the Spirit of God in you.  Ephesians 2:8,9 says that we are saved by grace through faith and not of works.  (Galatians 3:11) “Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.””  Galatians 2:20 says that the live we now live we live by faith in the Son of God.  And as you do, your light begins to shine before men.  The way your life lifts Jesus up. (John 12:32) “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” Jesus was referring to the cross and salvation through His sacrifice and so should we.

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 Word Of God

"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

The Bible is important to read. I just looked around our little study and could see 14 Bibles. That doesn't include the ones on our phones - 16. And the many we have access through our computer. - About 50 translations through the Bible Gateway website. I suppose that makes us Bible poor. But they are of no value if they are not read. Paul makes it clear that scripture is God breathed (inspired) and has clear value for His children. I say His children because the Bible makes no sense to the "natural man" - people who are not born again by the Spirit through faith. 

"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." - 1 Corinthians 2:14

It is important to hear the Word. But what about those who cannot read or who do not have access to the written Word? I have come across many people like that in our travels. Typically salvation does not come by giving someone something to read - but by hearing the Gospel. 

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17

Pastor Marc Cloveus in Jacmel, Haiti has a passion for starting churches in the rural mountains in Haiti. He trains and then sends teams to mountain villages to share the Gospel. For those who are saved, he sends two men to establish a local church and to teach and preach to the new converts and others in the village.  A local church is intentional about doing the same thing - sharing the gospel, training the converts and sending them out to share the gospel.  

"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You." - Psalm 119:9-11

The Word is important to remember.  The Word is referred to as the Sword of the Spirit in Ephesians chapter 6. Whether we read it or hear it, we must "hide it in our hearts" - hold fast to it as we face the trials, tribulations and temptations of living in the a world that is headed for hell. Some preacher once said, "Sin keeps you from the Bible and the Bible keeps you from sin". But it is not like you can hold a book up in front of the Devil like you would hold a cross up in front of a vampire.  How do we hide the Word so that it will help us in times of spiritual trouble or opportunities to witness to someone?

"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

It is important to think about the Word. Not just on Sunday or during your quiet time. It can't be like taking a vitamin in the morning and then pressing on with your day. Of course you have a natural life to live - but that life is to be lived in the context of who you are in Christ and not simply who you are in your day to day existence. The latter must be lived out in the context of the former. Christian first.  Don't understand prosperity and success in the sense that the world does.  I can tell you about many people who have achieved prosperity and success in this life who are empty inside. 

The Word of God is essential to maintaining your spiritual health. I can always tell when someone embraces the Word - scripture is intertwined in their conversation and reflected in the way they live and relate to others. 

"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:21-22

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

This Is The Way, Walk In It

The following is from an email/letter that I sent after Martie and I had left our "known" way of life for a life of service in places devastated by natural disasters. We stayed in Mississippi until 2010. Martie found the email in one of the many binders we have. After I read it, it rekindled the same fire in my heart - that burned some 17 years ago.  My hope is that you will read it and then consider what they Lord would have you do. I am not suggesting you follow our steps - but to follow Jesus.

...

Supporting Katrina Disaster Relief 

12 September 2005

Friends 

The following is a synopsis of our journey in support of the victims from Katrina. God is moving through the hands and pocketbooks of His people. We praise His name and give glory and credit for everything that has been done so far and what will be done to Him and Him alone. There are so many personal stories that can be told. Everyone who joins us in ministry has their hearts broken for these people. We have been blessed to be a blessing. Like the story of the good Samaritan, some are too busy, so are not concerned, some say they must have deserved what happened, some don't want to be inconvenienced but there are some who say, it doesn't matter the personal cost, I will not pass by. For them, I thank God ..... Where He leads me, I will follow, I'll go with Him all the way. Charley

At a Gateway Baptist Church Elder' s meeting on Tuesday, August 30, we were unanimous in our desire to act on behalf of the Katrina victims on the Gulf Coast. We began the organization process to send a team into Mississippi that Friday. We were told that we could not go to the area without the proper credentials, so we contacted the Red Cross. That Thursday, the American Red Cross came to Gateway for the purpose of conducting volunteer training. The training lasted 90 minutes. We were told that we would be going to Pascagoula, MS to assist the Red Cross efforts there. 

I recommended that we organize as an advanced party consisting of 5 vehicles with the main body departing in the afternoon. The advanced party departed about 0700 Friday morning. As we passed though Evergreen, AL we received notice that the active-duty military had been called back by the Maxwell commanding general. We transferred the cargo from Rob Wheatley's truck. He and Mike Brake reluctantly returned to Montgomery. Just a few miles further down the road, Alan received a mission change from the Red Cross. We were to proceed to Ocean Springs, MS. 

Upon arrival at Ocean Springs, we bivouacked the trucks in a church parking lot. Alan and I went out to scout the area and coordinate with the Red Cross. We were told that they wanted us to establish and not just support a Red Cross shelter in a local Lutheran Church (Christus Victor) located on highway 90. Alan and I discussed who should manage the shelter, and I recommended my brother-in-law, Chuck Huston. Chuck has 20 years’ experience in the Navy and has run hospital procurement in a county hospital in Elmore County and at the VA hospital in Montgomery, AL. He is the "best" manager that I have known. We hadn't intended to stay long. Just a few days. We hadn't intended to lead anything, just to serve and help where we could. But apparently God had other plans for us. We returned to the advanced party to share our findings. Alan explained the mission we had and asked if anyone wanted to volunteer to be manager. Everyone looked at the ground - trying to avoid eye contact, I suppose. I spoke up and said Chuck should be the manager. Chuck nodded in agreement, and no one dissented. 

We moved out to the Lutheran Church. Upon arrival at 1200, we met Suzy Harvey. She is the church administrator and in charge of relief operations. After a brief conversation, we could see that she was done in. She had been running 20 hours a day since Katrina hit. We asked when the first displaced victims would start arriving and were told in 2 hours. 2 hours later, we had established a rudimentary shelter. 

The Lutheran church hosted four support organizations: the American Red Cross, the Lutheran Disaster Relief, a Local Samaritan ministry, and the Christus Victor local mission. It provided a shelter, medical clinic, soup kitchen, and food/supplies redistribution. None of which was in place except for about 40 -5 gal bottles of water and about 100 cans of vegetables and canned meat on Friday morning. By the next day, every aspect of the facility had exploded. The distribution facility grew exponentially. 

Everything the Red Cross had told us would not happen -did. And everything they told us would happen-didn't. We were disappointed and disillusioned to say the least. We asked about food and water support. Neither were available from the Red Cross. The national Guard had set up a water and MRE distribution site and the city hall was supplying support as well. We sent "scrounges" out to find supplies, which they did. As supply trucks began to arrive, we used some of the supplies to feed to victims staying at the shelter as well as those who came in for assistance. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ship, the Oregon II lost power in Pascagoula. They brought the ship stores which included "cheesecake". The people who ate at the shelter were thrilled. The word got out and soon another shelter was asking how we did it. Jehovah Jireh! (We did share) 

It became clear that volunteers were the key to success, particularly in the food distribution area. Many were only available for a few days at a time. Coordinating that flow is a challenge today. The locals can help but only to a limited extent. Most are trying to recover physically, emotionally, and mentally. Many of the volunteers are not prepared to deal with the devastation -not only the terrain -but the hearts of the people. It is overwhelming. The Gulf Coast is a war zone - the only thing lacking is "incoming". 

I organized the food distribution into three functions; 1. trucks and trailers going to areas where people were unable to leave to obtain food and water, 2. Three-day food boxes for families that came to the church for assistance (these boxes were built for different family sizes and tailored for those who had and did not have cooking capability), and 3. redistribution to other distribution sites.

1. Each morning teams would load pickups and utility trailers with food, equipment, medical supplies and water which they would take to people who were isolated. These people had no money, no transportation, food, water or medical supplies. Often times, one family would be sent out to find food. When they did they would take enough back for everyone or alert us so we could send a team in. One of the team leads is a man named Eric who is from Vermont. Eric has only one leg, uses a wheelchair to get around and does the work of 5 men.

2. When people would come to the shelter for food, we gave them a hot meal and food for three days. We asked only that they tell their neighbors about our facility in return.

3. On the first Sunday, Gino and Jimmy stopped by the local hospital to see if they could use some water they had left over from a trip. The hospital administrator told them that they had 350 employees that did not have food for their families. We asked them to come to our facility and we would supply the food directly to the hospital who then gave it to their employees. We had the same experience with 6 nursing homes and a fire station. 

Our goal was not to let the food and supplies sit on the floor but to push them as quickly as possible to the people who needed them. My guidance to the volunteers was to error on the side of giving too much and not to deny a request. 

9-11 showed the country that the Intelligence communities were stove piped, there was no cross flow of information, and they were slow to respond because of their bureaucracy. I believe that Katrina will show the same is true for the National Relief Organizations. To make the alliance/coalition work, we had to selectively ignore some of the "rules of engagement". Our facility was acknowledged as the best on the gulf coast and a model for others. The reason - we are meeting the needs of the people. We give God the glory ... and say Praise the Lord and pass the green beans!

Martie and I returned to Montgomery this past Friday. When we left, I asked the head nurse of the clinic what they needed. She said Tetanus serum and Neosporin. Martie and I went to SAMS and the local CVS to buy all of the Neosporin they had. ($1200.00 worth) I called my mom and asked her to try to raise part of the cost since we used money need for living expenses to buy the medicine. She called back this afternoon reporting she had already raised $1000.00 (PTL) We left again the next morning for the Lutheran church to deliver the medication. The nurse was thrilled. In the middle of our conversation a young man came in with a chain saw cut to the leg. The nurse treated him and used some of the Neosporin. The amazing thing, I was in the work crew assignment office when he walked in asking for the next assignment-his jeans were cut and bloody. I love the American warrior spirit. 

As I lay in bed Saturday night, I could not help but think about the men and women in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. I was so comfortable in my cool home. No noise. Plenty of food and water. My wife next to me, sleeping peacefully. I may be physically in Montgomery, but my heart is in Ocean Springs. I felt like Elijah in the cave. God asked him and me, "What are you doing here?" I am returning to Ocean Springs Tuesday. Martie will join me the week after. There many "worldly" issues that are up in the air for us. Raising support for one. But we know this, where God guides, He provides. We may not see how but He does. For that we praise Him and rest in His power and might. 

Charley 

1 Chronicles 28:20 " ... Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work  for the service of the house of the Lord is finished."

Resisting The Duplicitous Life

"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.'" - Matthew 16:37-17

That is the same Peter who would later deny that he was ever associated with Jesus. How could that be? At one moment speaking a timeless truth revealed to him by none other than the Creator of the Universe and the next - denying that same Christ - the Son of the Living God. Have you ever been guilty of duplicity? Duplicity means to be deceptive, by the way. Do you praise the Lord on Sunday and hide your faith from others so as not to be offensive or to be accepted and not thought to be a religious fanatic? Or worse - a right wing extremist because you believe the Bible to be the Truth from God? 

Have you ever felt the compulsion to share the Good News, but then you thought better of it. You would wait for a better time? When it comes to the prompting of the Spirit - there is not better time then that moment. Do you think it pretentious to believe that we know better than God? When the right time will be. Or perhaps it is fear.  Maybe the thought that you might fail or worse, offend someone. What if  the person you are prompted to speak to will not respond and be saved. Will that mean that you are a spiritual failure? Did you forget that it is the Spirit that draws the hearts of people to God? That it is not the messenger that people reject but the message. I was saved when the time was right. When I was ready to yield my heart in faith. My folks shared the Gospel with me, and I resisted it for 7 years.  They were 325 miles away when Martie and I knelt next to our bed and confessed the Jesus was Lord and God, the Father, raised Him from the dead. 

If someone merely agrees with you that the Christian life is a good way to live but there is no confession - profession of faith - then the resurrection was to no avail for them. They are still dead in their sins. So back to duplicity.  We are so like Peter. We are but jars of clay. Given to fear and doubt. Trusting in ourselves, more than we trust in God. Seeking acceptance of others over acceptance by the Father. But like Peter, God is faithful to restore us. 

Why share this with you? Because I believe that every Christian has struggled or is struggling with it. Perhaps the next time that you are faced with responding to the nudging of the Spirit of God you will remember that it is not about you. You cannot save anyone. That ...

"This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel [and us] : ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6

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

Washing My Hands

"When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, 'I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.'” - Matthew 27:24

I am washing my hands of it. It's not my problem. I don't have a dog in the hunt. What has that got to do with me? Am I my brother's keeper? There are more that don't come to mind right now. All reasons why I should not be concerned about others. 

I recall a regional Promise Keeper's leaders meeting in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1994. There were 30  maybe 40 men there. Men of different socio-economic backgrounds - different ethnicities.  The topic was unity in the Body of Christ. The leader of the meeting asked "How many of you men of color (a euphemism of not being the color white) have ever had prejudice shown to you by men of another race?" Nearly all - most likely all raised their hands. Then he asked, "How many of you others have shown prejudice toward men of another race." A few of the "white guys" raised their hands. To which the leader said, "There are a few honest men in the group." I mean we were all Christians and we knew what the right thing to do was - but Christians don't always do the right thing do we? So then the leader said "Those of you who did not raise your hands do you even care that hatred toward people because of the color of their sin even happens?"

Do you even care? Or have you distanced yourself from it? Washed your hands of it. You don't do it so it is not your concern.

“A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion." - Luke 10:30-33

The priest and the Levite knew the Law well - but they didn't apply it to all people. The guy in the ditch was like them - but it was not their problem. Presented  with an opportunity to "practice what they preached", to demonstrate the love of God, was right there, but they rationalized why they should just move on - walk on the other side of the road - wash their hands of any responsibility.

 “Then the righteous (the sheep) will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’" - Matthew 25:37-40

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

Making Comparisons

"Jesus said to him, 'Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.' This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, 'Follow Me.' Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, 'Lord, who is the one who betrays You?'  Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, 'But Lord, what about this man?' Jesus said to him, 'If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.'  John 21:17-22

Have you ever compared yourself to other Christians? Perhaps you looked down on some or perhaps you looked in awe at others thinking, "I could never be like them!" The fact of the matter is that each one of us called to God's purpose - gifted by His Spirit - and neither His purpose or our spiritual gifts were choices that we made. We cannot take credit for any of it. It's all God. None of us are less or more in the Body of Christ - we are like pieces of a puzzle that when put together make a beautiful picture. Each piece is unique and has its own unique place in the picture that God painted.

Our challenge is to rest in that and praise God for using us in that place. Like the parable of the talents.

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money." - Matthew 25:14-18

Some Christians lean into their purpose - always watching for the opportunities God provides for them to fulfill the purpose He has for them - exercising their spiritual gifts, no many how many or how great or small, that He has given them for His glory and the good of others. Then there are others who do nothing with what they have been given. Hiding them in their hearts - content with just being saved. 

Your purpose may not be glorious in the eyes of others, but it is magnificent in the eyes of the Father. You gifts may not be many and they may not significant in the eyes of men, but they are marvelous in the heart of the Father.  God has made a place for you in the picture He has painted. My encouragement to you is to fulfill your God-ordained destiny. Take your place in the Body of Christ. Use your spiritual gifts for the glory of God and the good of mankind. Let people see Jesus in you. Hear and heed Jesus' words when He says to you, like to Peter, "You follow Me!"

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

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

Choosing Jesus

"Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, 'Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?' For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. ... But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, 'Which of the two do you want me to release to you?' They said, 'Barabbas!' Pilate said to them, 'What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' They all said to him, 'Let Him be crucified!' - Matthew 27:17-18, 20-22

What a contrast - Jesus and Barabbas. I understand that the Cross was the only way for the salvation of mankind.  I get that - don't fully grasp it - or maybe like Peter - I would have preferred another way. Rather than the innocent taking the place of the guilty. The One who did not deserve punishment taking the place of the one who did.

Wait a minute, am I talking about Barabbas or me? Both actually. 

"For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23

I was thinking about the spiritual dynamic as these people were given a choice. We read about Jesus triumphant entry, but we don't really know if these were the same people who cried out "crucify Him" that stood along the roadside crying "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"  From the limited research I did on the word "Hosannah" the Hebrew means "Save Us Please!" 

So why the contrast?  It's pretty simple really. When faced with a choice - God or the world - most will not choose God. They will reject the opportunity for salvation - reject Jesus and choose sin - and its consequences. Although, as you know - most of us if not all - minimize the consequences in favor of doing what our flesh and natural reasoning tells us is OK. Most people don't want a Savior - that want relief from the consequences so they can continue to live and do in the manner that they deem right. 

There was never a more stark picture of a spiritual decision point than when the people were given the choice - Choose Jesus or Barabbas.  Choose the God of heaven or choose the god of this world. 

"But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age (world) has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Like Adam and Eve in the garden - they chose poorly. Finding salvation by faith in Jesus is not an emotional decision - although salvation is often accompanied by great emotion. It is not a logical decision - where I can somehow reason it out. No it is a spiritual event where I was once blind (blinded by the god of this world) but now I see.  All because of Jesus.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed." - Luke 4:18

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

Faith and Works Revisited

"So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?' He said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to him, 'Feed My lambs.' He said to him again a second time, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?' He said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to him, 'Tend My sheep.' He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?' Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, 'Do you love Me?' And he said to Him, 'Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.'  Jesus said to him, 'Feed My sheep.'" - John 21:15-17

Those verses, describing Jesus and Peter after Peter's denial and Jesus' resurrection, have a number of deep applications to the Christian life. Mine, yours, and every Christian that ever was and ever will be.  What I want to focus on is a simplified interchange between Jesus and Peter - or Simon - son of Jonah. Recall Jesus gave Peter his new name . 

"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah (son of 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 (the truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God) I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.'" - Matthew 16:17-18

Jesus did not speak to Peter using his new name, but his given - his natural name - Simon. Jesus was asking him if Peter did indeed love Jesus - more than his livelihood - more than his brothers - but did he love Jesus as the Christ - the Son of the living God. And if Peter did, then to love God is not passive. Loving God should compel us to action - demonstrating the love of God to a world that is far from God and desperate for love - whether they know it or not. The world's quest is like the song "Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places" 

Jesus' question to Peter is a timeless question to everyone who has declared Jesus to be who He says He is and to whom we have surrendered our very lives. Do you love Me? Then show Me! James addressed the same issue in James chapter 2. A Book of the Bible that Martin Luther struggled with - called it a "strawy epistle". In other words - hard to swallow given that his focus was on justification by faith and not works. He pushed back on the idea that it's works that make you right with God. The truth of the matter is that works are a manifestation that you are "right" with God. Saved by grace through faith not of works ..... (Ephesians 2:8,9)

"But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?" - James 2:19-20

Our faith should be naturally, or perhaps super-naturally, demonstrated by our love for God and for others. (two greatest commandments) Love is not an attitude or emotion only - but an action. and more than that - a sacrificial action. 

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

Putting others ahead of ourselves - just like Jesus. In light of our celebration of Jesus laying His life down for us and His resurrection, I will be writing more about this over the next few days. I want to encourage you to ....

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 Makes Good Friday - Good

"For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,  knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." - Romans 6:5-14

Many in the world pause on this Friday to remember that Jesus was crucified for you and me - but more for all of mankind.  I included the scripture from Romans chapter 6 as a reminder that it was because of this day and His sacrifice that by faith "our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin."

God sent Jesus for the very purpose to die on the Cross.  - "For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all" For our good, so that we also can "reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

We quote John 3:16 as if the words were magic, perhaps often not thinking about what it means that God sent His Son and what it means that we believe. 

"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 10:9-11

We must do more that memorize John 3:16 - we must believe it and live it its truth. That is what makes Good Friday - Good.  Jesus died for our good.  

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

Are You In The Pit Of Despair, That's The Place Where Faith Is Waiting

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.…" —Hebrews 11:1

As I watch so many people struggle in this life, in my family and those whom we serve on the mission field – my thoughts come to the issue of faith and living by it.  So much of our attitude about our life and the quality of that life, about contentment and a sense of satisfaction, is dependent upon what happens or does not happen to us and the people we care about. Our plans fail.  We suffer loss and are disappointed which leads to depression, and perhaps even desperation.  But that is where Faith is waiting.  The capital “F” is not a typo. The Faith I am talking about is the Faith that comes from Heaven not something that you muster up - stiff upper lip and all that. Faith is having confidence in the One who is Faithful.  Even when all of your senses tell you that certain  doom is looming just around the corner. That the situation you are in is hopeless.

To have faith and hope in the midst of a crisis makes no earthly sense. The pre-condition of faith is not that it makes sense. Having confidence, hope, and peace through faith in the midst of the trials of this life will always stand in defiance of “common sense” and human understanding.   The root of faith is found in a relationship with the Creator God through Jesus Christ.  That is as certain as the fact that gravity will keep you connected to this planet and you will not float off into space one day.  Once you are able to grasp that, to believe it, to embrace it, the result will be peace in the midst of any storm that might come your way.  That my friend is a promise of God. 

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

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

More Like You - Jesus

"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." -  1 Corinthians 2:2

There is a song - just heard it again today as a matter of fact - by the Maranatha Praise Band - "More like You Jesus" that reminded me of my primary goal in this life. 

"More like You Jesus, more like you -  Fill my heart with Your desire to make me more like You  

More like You Jesus, more like You - Touch my lips with holy fire and make me more like You

Lord You are my mercy - Lord You are my grace - And all my deepest sins have forever been erased

Draw me in Your presence - Lead me in Your ways - I long to bring You glory in righteousness and praise

More like You Jesus, more like you - Jesus make me more like You" - Scott Wesley Brown - Maranatha Music

Christian, that should be our heart's desire - to be more like Jesus. Sometimes the thought can seem so distant as I get caught up in the affairs of this world.  I know that all of us are on a spiritual journey in a natural world.  I know that the path is steep and rocky. I know that I cannot be like Him except by the power of God.

"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

It is God's intent that we should be in the "family image". Recognizable as being part of God's family.  When people see us - they should say "Oh - that is Jehovah's son or daughter.  They are the spittin' image of their oldest Brother."

Why wouldn't we want to be given that credit? What an honor that would be.  Mankind started out that way.

"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness'" - Genesis 1:26

Jesus looked so much like His "dad". It's a family resemblance.

" Philip said to Him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.'" - John 14:8-10

It has always been God's intent - it's by our rebirth that we are born into the Family and have the opportunity to be more like Jesus. Don't let the burning desire fade. Do not neglect the spiritual side of life. 

More like You -Jesus make me more like you!

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

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

Not What I've Done - What He Did

"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." - Romans 5:7-9

Do you remember the day that you yielded your life by faith to Jesus? Was it a passionate day for you? Did you suddenly have spiritual insight into your hopelessness? It was like one moment you did not understand and the next moment you did. The word for that is an "epiphany". "A moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of something that is very important to you" 

If you are indeed born again - then I know you did. It is the moment of faith-found when God puts His Spirit in us - opens our eyes to eternal truth. It is inexplicable - mysterious - marvelous - wonderful. Becoming a Christian is all of those things.

So Easter is nearly upon us. The Celebration of the culmination of the very reason God sent His Son. Does the idea of that stir your heart? Or has it become just another celebration that has become dull - no longer a shining reminder that "It is not what I have done - but what He did." I don't want to say that my heart has grown cold at the thought of Easter - but it nearly had - that is until the Spirit, once again, stirred in me.

Martie and I have dedicated our lives to serving others and forsaking the life that most Americans are chasing - financial security - stability - roots that grow deep in one place - a family at arms reach. But it is not what we have done, but what He did. We have done nothing in comparison to the work on the cross. 

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." - Philippians 2:5-7

It is what He did - that is what we celebrate - that is what we praise the Father for - that is what proclaim to the world.

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

My Sin Is Not That Bad

"I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" - Romans 7:21-24

When I listen to sermons - I listen to everything that is said - but I look for, listen for what I call "spiritual take-aways". Thoughts that I have in response to what is being said where the Spirit quickens my heart. One take-away yesterday was the thought - My sin is not that bad.

Have you ever had that thought? Your sin is not that bad.  Perhaps it is some "little" sin that nags at you - has for years - some thought or some behavior that you just can't seem to shake. It persists not because you like it - you have tried to not think it or do it - but just when you thought you had mastered it and it was not longer your master - there it was - again. It persists because you have resolved yourself to its presence and have decided that it cannot be quenched. Some might say of you, "Oh that is just the way he or she is." Showing you grace and mercy in spite of it.  Or perhaps it is a sin that is hidden from the eyes of man - but not from God.

How do you know it is sin? Because that "still small voice" in you brings it to your awareness in your innermost. Each time it happens, you feel frustrated and helpless. I do not think that at some point in our lives while on this planet the we will not sin. Only Jesus holds that place in the history of mankind. But I want to remind you that we do have an intercessor, even Jesus, who understands our struggle. 

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:15-16

That is not to suggest that it is ever OK that we sin. Although it is understandable, it is never excusable. Our friends or family may accept it or make some excuse for it, but my sin - your sin always grieves God. He sent His Son to die on the cross to save us from Sin's penalty. We should never think of some sin or sins as acceptable because we cannot master them. There are no sins that do not affect our spiritual health. 

"For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." - James 2:10

You may not like the thought of that - I know I don't. But embracing the truth of James 2:10 is to accept the fact that even our little - hidden sins matter. When they happen - and they will - we must take them to the Throne of Grace. Paul does not leave his questions unanswered in Romans 7.

"I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! ... There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." - Romans 7:25, 8:1-4

We couldn't save ourselves. Could not overcome the power and consequence of sin before our new birth and we can't overcome it now. But only by God's grace and mercy can we stand before God. Only because of Jesus can we be bold and not shrink in fear when we enter the "Throne Room". The lie that small sins don't matter comes from the pit of hell and the desire of our flesh to justify itself.

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin." Romans 6:1-7

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

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

  

When God Says "You Go" And You Say "Oh, No"

" He [Jesus]…said to them, 'Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem…'" —Luke 18:31

 “Jerusalem, in the life of our Lord, represents the place where He reached the culmination of His Father’s will. Jesus said, “I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:30). Seeking to do “the will of the Father” was the one dominating concern throughout our Lord’s life. And whatever He encountered along the way, whether joy or sorrow, success or failure, He was never deterred from that purpose. We are not taken into a conscious agreement with God’s purpose— we are taken into God’s purpose with no awareness of it at all. We have no idea what God’s goal may be; as we continue, His purpose becomes even more and more vague. God’s aim appears to have missed the mark, because we are too nearsighted to see the target at which He is aiming. At the beginning of the Christian life, we have our own ideas as to what God’s purpose is. We say, “God means for me to go over there,” and, “God has called me to do this special work. The work we do is of no account when compared with the compelling purpose of God. It is simply the scaffolding surrounding His work and His plan.”  - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Where is God leading you or where has He led you?  Wherever it might be, near or far, we can except that He would lead us to do some great or small thing to accomplish His purpose. The question is, "Can we accept that He would lead us to some mundane place?"  One of my challenges after returning from Haiti was being content in the place where God has led us afterward.  Oh, we were still involved in ministry in Haiti.  I continued to write these devotions. I was teaching Sunday School.  But being in Mississippi or Haiti was such a grand and glorious calling.  It was as if this square peg (me) was finally put into a square hole.  Perfect fit. And then the Lord brought us back into what I consider to be a spiritual valley.  What I realize now is that "valley" was no less important to God than me serving on the mountains had been.  My problem is that I was interpreting our spiritual circumstances with a natural understanding.  It was actually self-serving.  It was what I wanted where I imagined God could best use me and not what God has purposed for me that I had focused on.

 Assuming that you are not living in disobedience, meaning that God  has said, “Go” and you have said “No”, God will use you for His glory right where you are.  I was not at peace with "merely" living in Alabama.  There are hardships to be faced, but here in the U.S. they had taken a different form.  God does not want me to be content with my calling but to be a light in the darkness.  God wants all of us to shine right where we are.  Maybe you find that you have become content, self absorbed perhaps … perhaps you are starting to blend in (Romans 12:2) … your light is not quite so bright … you have begun to lose your saltiness.  (Matthew 5:13)  Like me, perhaps you need to be reminded that no matter where God has you, this world is not your home.  To quote Pastor Rick Warren, "It's not about you!" Your purpose and mission is not dependent upon geography or economics but on the sovereignty of God.  Fulfilling your purpose begins with a proper understanding of your new life, God’s authority in your life, and what it means to live by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)  

I recall someone asking me if I liked being in Mississippi in the midst of all of the devastation.  I thought for moment and answered, "There is nothing better than being in the center of God's will, geography has nothing to do with it. And so, I don't like being in Mississippi, I love being in Mississippi." We have been in Texas for nearly five years now doing what God has shaped us to do where He has sent us to do it. And we love being in Texas. 

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

Be Like Jesus It's More Than Trying To Be Good

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." —Matthew 16:24

 "Is Jesus Christ more and more dominating every interest of my life? If the central point, or the most powerful influence, of my life is the atonement of the Lord, then every aspect of my life will bear fruit for Him. Am I willing to give one minute out of every hour to concentrate on it? "If you abide in Me" Am I abiding? Am I taking the time to abide? What is the greatest source of power in my life? Is it my work, service, and sacrifice for others, or is it my striving to work for God? It is not on what we spend the greatest amount of time that molds us the most, but whatever exerts the most power over us." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Now and again, I include a quote from one of Oswald Chambers devotions in, "My Utmost for His Highest". He didn't compile the devotions as devotions himself, his wife did from his lectures, sermons and writings, some time after his death.  His spiritual insights have encouraged many people including me. I just thought some of you would like to know.

God’s intent is that we be conformed into the image of Jesus. 

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” - Romans 8:29

What exactly does that mean … the image of His Son?  We tend to limit the meaning to Jesus as He walked on terra firma … the earth.  But it goes way beyond that?  In fact it extends beyond this mortal plane into the heavenlies.  

“Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”  - Romans 8:34

Just as Jesus is interceding with the Father for all of the saints … we too should be interceding for others with the Father. 

“Pray for one another ….. The prayers of a righteous man (person) are powerful and effective” - James 5:16

We should be about intercession. Jesus, as our example as our high priest.  

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” - Hebrews 4:14-16

A priest makes intercession on behalf of others and if we are to be like Jesus, we should be willing, even eager, to stand before the Father on their behalf.  Know someone who needs it? Sure you do! Today would be a good day to start.

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

You Can't Save Anybody - But You Can Show and Tell Everybody

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… —Matthew 28:19

“Jesus Christ did not say, “Go and save souls” (the salvation of souls is the supernatural work of God), but He said, “Go…make disciples of all the nations….” Yet you cannot make disciples unless you are a disciple yourself. When the disciples returned from their first mission, they were filled with joy because even the demons were subject to them. But Jesus said, in effect, “Don’t rejoice in successful service— the great secret of joy is that you have the right relationship with Me” (see Luke 10:17-20).The one great challenge to us is— do I know my risen Lord? Do I know the power of His indwelling Spirit?” - Oswald Chamber, My Utmost For His Highest

Our new life is all about trusting God in all things for all things.  When Martie and I packed up and moved to Mississippi, Haiti and Texas, we knew in our knower that God has called us.  And when we know, we go.  When we arrived in Texas we did not find what we expected to find … Waveland in Texas.  Instead God had led us to a very different place.  Instead of being in the middle of destruction, we were on the fringe of it.  We really expected to be immersed when we arrived, but we were not.  So we thought perhaps we misread the map and we should be in another place .. maybe we heard God wrong.  Then we began to meet with the people who are struggling with the loss that came with Hurricane Harvey.  The stress.  The hopelessness.  Then we saw Waveland.  Not in the houses around us but in the faces and voices of the people.  

It is the people that we have been sent to help .. not their homes.  But one way we could help the people was by helping them with their homes.  When people approached Jesus because of their physical need, He always pointed them to their spiritual need .. the “true” source of their trouble.  It is so easy for us to shift our focus on the work and miss the main thing.  God wants to use all of us … Christians … to tell people about Jesus and salvation through Him.  About hope in the midst of despair.  About the faithfulness of God when your insurance company says they won’t give you what you need to restore your home.

But … “God will make a way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me He will be my guide Hold me closely to His side With love and strength For each new day He will make a way”  That is a song written by Don Moen.  That is the message that we have have had for the people in Mississippi, Haiti and Texas.  It’s proof is demonstrated, in part, through the help that they receive through us.  Whether it’s us rebuilding homes or you coming alongside someone struggling with life, we are called to be salt and light. People seeing Jesus in us.  We know that there is nothing that we can do that will have eternal value that is a result of the work of our hands.  But God can speak through all of us as we serve others.  In Matthew 25 is the story of the sheep and the goats.  The sheep are going to heaven .. the goats are not.  In the case of the sheep Jesus commended them for doing good things to Him and the goats were condemned for not.  Both the sheep and the goats asked the same question.  “Lord, When did we see you?”  He answered to the sheep “When you did it for others, you did it for Me.” And to the goats “When you did not do it for others, you did not do it for Me.”  If Jesus is Lord then you will reach out to people who are in need.  Not just to give them water that will satisfy for the moment, but to give them living water that will satisfy for eternity.

So to make the bottom line the last line.  Be careful that you don’t look at your circumstances and assume that God has not led you there because what you are facing is beyond you.  That is a perfect opportunity for God to show His power and lift up His Son through you. You can’t save anybody, but you can show and tell everybody. Go and show them Jesus not only by what you day, but what you do.

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

After The Glory Fades

"Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him." Exodus 34:29

“We all have moments when we feel better than ever before, and we say, “I feel fit for anything; if only I could always be like this!” We are not meant to be. […] we must bring our everyday life up to the standard revealed to us on the mountaintop when we were there. […] If, during a prayer meeting, God shows you something to do, don’t say, “I’ll do it”— just do it! […] We must learn to live in the ordinary “gray” day according to what we saw on the mountain.[…] Burn your bridges behind you, and stand committed to God by an act of your own will.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Some years ago, I was on staff with a ministry called Promise Keepers.  The focus on that ministry was calling Christian men to be faithful to God's calling as husbands, fathers, and Brothers. Promise Keepers held events in indoor and outdoor sports arenas - where tens of thousands of men would attend. It was glorious. The men would return from those "mountains" with their faces glowing, their hearts burning, and commitments to faithfulness rekindled. But so many times, when I spoke at churches, the wives would talk to me saying that their husbands returned from the conference as new men, but then after two weeks or so it was same-o, same-o.  The glory faded. So what happened? It was what I called the Promise Keeper pill.  Many men acted as if their attendance at a conference would be sufficient that they would be spiritually good until the next one. Uh - no!

We are sometimes confused by the emotion of an event versus the stirring of the Spirit in us. I have seen grown men, jump up from the sofa while they are watching some sports event on TV. Yelling at the screen as if somehow, the people could hear them. Emotion. Turn the channel and the emotion quickly subsides. Emotion can only take you so far. The "after-glow" only lasts for so long and is often confused with spiritual transformation or awakening.   

 “And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, 'Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?' Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, 'What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?'” - Matthew 8:23-27

That is what makes being on the mountain so great for so many … you sense the presence of God … that fear you felt in the storm is gone … it is a glorious time … but also like Peter on the mount of transfiguration .. at some point it is time to go back to the valley. Even though you want to stay on the mountain and worship, you were made for the valleys.  Your purpose is to walk in the valley … not to be a spark on the mountain top but to be a light in the dark valley … even in .. especially in … the storms of life.  God does not want to spare you from trouble .. He wants to use you in the midst of it.  It might mean that you will lose something … but even in that loss, God will not abandon you.  When Moses came off of the mountain, his face shone but eventually that glory faded.  The same for us.  You may experience times of great spiritual encouragement, but those times are like seasoning on food.  They enhance the flavor, but the seasoning is not what sustains and nourishes you.  As Christians we are sustained and nourished by faith through obedience, and all of that for and to the glory of God.

Where the men failed after the conferences was that they put their trust in the wrong thing. They were reminded of who they were in Christ and that they were not alone in their faith. The feeling of being in the presence of a spiritually powerful event faded and then they had to face the hard work of traveling in the valley. It is not because Promise Keepers failed in their message. It was because the men were looking for an easy solution and didn't hear the message.  Same for us - just like the man in the mirror.

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was." - James 1:22-24

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

Having A Godly Perspective

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ...  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:28,31

I am certain you are familiar with that verse. Trusting God is a lot like walking in a crowd of people with your small child in hand.  All they can see are legs, but you being taller can see farther above the crowd. You can see the place you are going to and the path that you must follow to get there.

That is a simple description of how it is with God and us, his children. We can't see anything but "legs".  What is right in front of us. It's not that we don't know where we are going, but all we can see is what is right in front of us - good or bad. That is where trust comes in.  Just like the child who clings to that hand and perhaps draws a little closer when they become fearful.

When the child gets in trouble is when they squirm loose of the parent's hand and dart off in an effort to follow their own path. (Ever been there?) 

Good and bad - it matters not - God is sovereign - He sees from creations beginning to the end. He knows who will grab his hand and who will not - but He leaves that to each one's choosing.  For us, Christians, our challenge, our duty, our privilege is to trust our Father. The ability to persevere in times of trouble is a gift, a quality of faith and a fruit of our spiritual nature. So back to the question.

"If God is for us, who can be against us?"

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

Life Is A Vapor

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.' But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." (James 4:13–17).

As I sit at my desk, I look up and see pictures of people that I care about - many who have passed from this life. Before those who had passed were form my parents generation and before. But now, it is my friends and siblings - my generation. It gives me pause for reflection on my life. It hardly seems possible that I would be 72 (almost). I see the world as I did my whole adult life - even though it is through transition lenses now. But looking back, James words strike home - Life IS like a vapor - a wisp of smoke - in terms of eternity not even as big as one of the periods after this sentence.  

My point - I must be careful that I live my life, the days I have remaining, in a way that counts - that honors God.

"For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:9–12) A prayer of Moses.

Teach us to number our days. To not have an attitude of "manana" - tomorrow. I know that I am not living or serving in the way that God has purposed for me - but not today. If not now - when? Like God said to the man who chose to build bigger barns rather than bless others through his own blessing - "You Fool!" I say all that to say this.

Be careful how you live your life Christian. Live a life that counts for God's glory and the good of others. You have been born again into the mission and purpose. Fulfill it while you still have breath in your body. The is a song that I have referenced before that I will share again - By Don Moen. "When It's All Been Said And Done"

"When it's all been said and done There is just one thing that matters Did I do my best to live for truth? Did I live my life for you?

When it's all been said and done All my treasures will mean nothing Only what I've done for love's reward Will stand the test of time

Lord, your mercy is so great That you look beyond our weakness And find purest gold in miry clay Turning sinners into saints. Hallelujah

And I will always sing your praise Here on earth and ever after For you've shown me heavens, my true home When it's all been said and done You're my life when life is gone..."

Let that be your life song.

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