It Is Not Odd, It Is God

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21

I have shared, recently, about some encounters with other Christians I have had here that were, well, impossible. They were "chance" encounters according to the ways of men - stochastic events - a product of the role of the cosmic dice. Or not. You see, God is capable of doing, whatever the Sovereign Creator God wants to do. 

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" - Matthew 19:26

From time to time, the Spirit will quicken the heart of someone connected to Pathfinder Mission to help in someway. Sometimes it is praying for us, perhaps volunteering, providing financial support, or some in-kind donation.  Recently, I received a call from a friend who had visited and worked with us here in Florida and saw the challenges we had in building the sheds. Particularly when I was the last man standing - so to speak. (no volunteers to help) I can do most everything on my own up to but not including moving assembled walls, assembling sheds and delivering them. But just because I don't have help does not mean that I should sit idly by until someone shows up. I do what I can until I can't do any more. Bondye Konnen - God knows what we need and He knew what the challenges would be when He sent us here.

Well, my friend saw that I could build the walls by myself but could not move the wall, once finished. He went back home and put his thinking cap on. He is a great problem solver. Then he called me to let me know he had a solution. He had modified an engine lift that would allow me to pick up the wall and move it off of the jig to the stack of finished walls. The problem was how to get it to me. He lives in North - north Georgia (repeated north as a point of emphasis). One of the guys that had come down with him was going to do some work in Orlando and had agreed to bring the device to Florida. We decided that we would meet half way between Orlando and Fort Myers to pick up the lift.

It so happens that we have another friend who lives near Orlando who is coming down this weekend for a few days to help. I asked the Georgia friend bringing the lift if it would be alright if my Florida friend picked it up in Orlando to save us both a trip. He agreed. I told him where my Florida friend lived and he exclaimed, "That is the town that I am in! That has to be God!". 

 I called my Georgia friend just to make sure that the plan was set. He mentioned again that God had done what no man could do. I told him that years ago we had an Alabama friend whose favorite saying was "That's not odd, it's God" in response to some happening that defied the laws of probability.  So we rejoiced together over the phone and gave God the praise and glory. They met last night and the lift will be here Sunday.

Along with the Apostle Paul, my prayer for you is this ....

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way" - Ephesians 1:18-23

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

Knowing And Resting In The Heart Of God

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways." - Psalm 119:11-15

To know the heart of God you must know the Word of God.  I often quote Psalm 119:11 in the light of how to combat temptation. Do you recall Jesus being tempted by Satan when the Spirit led Jesus to the desert? Jesus, the Son of God, could not be tempted, but Jesus the man, could be. Three temptations were recorded in Matthew chapter 4. We are told in Hebrews that Jesus was tempted in all ways, yet did not yield to the temptations.

"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." - Hebrews 4:15

John wrote that there are essentially 3 points in which we are tempted.

"For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world." - 1 John 2:16

Those are the three ways that Jesus was tempted in Matthew 4.  In each case Jesus rebuffed Satan with the Word of God. Satan even tried to use the Word - misapplied - to make the temptation attractive.  Jesus is the living Word (John chapter 1) as you know. The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It shows us the way we should go. 

Not only does the Word provide a counter to temptation, as if that were not enough, but it reveals the heart of God. His great love and intent for mankind. 

Someone I was talking to yesterday was sharing about her doubts about her faith. That perhaps she had wandered too far. That when she died she was going to hell. I asked her a few questions to determine if she was a Christian. (That is important by the way, because the lost cannot understand spiritual truth because they lack the Spirit of God who is necessary for that understanding)  Then I encouraged her with the Word of God. I reminded her that the Spirit of God was in her and nothing could separate her from the love of Christ. That struggling with our faith is not uncommon. I reminded her of the man who told Jesus that he believed but need help with his unbelief- his doubt.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" - Romans 8:35

That is the heart of God. That He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)

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

Are You Ready?

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." - James 1:27

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday. We have gifted a number of Hurricane Ian survivors with a storage shed to help them as they grapple with what to do with their personal possessions until they can get back into their homes and pursue a pre-Ian life. One thing that I had noticed was that I had yet to meet a person of The Way - a Christian. That all changed yesterday. We delivered a shed to a single woman. Now, she was not a widow but she was a middle-aged single woman trying to recover for the material and financial devastation wrought by the hurricane.

I didn't delve into her personal life, but the impression I was left with was that like so many other women her age, she was what I will call a cultural widow. Once married, but no longer. The only difference between her and a widow, whose husband has died, is the manner in which the man left the relationship. In one case death and in another forsaken and abandoned. ( I realize that this issue is much more complex) Which, in my opinion, is what divorce is. The impact on the woman is essentially the same.

During the friendly banter that goes on while the shed was placed in the yard, she mentioned "Iron sharpening Iron". That is a reference to Proverbs 27:17.

"As iron sharpens iron, so a man [or woman] sharpens the countenance of his friend." - Proverbs 27:17

So I finished the verse and her eyes brightened. She smiled and seemed to relax. I told her that it was important to have Christian friends that encourage each other in the Faith. She agreed and the conversation took on a different hue. I was encouraged as well as she.  It was at that point that she began to talk about Jesus. What was important was that the guy helping me, who is not a Christian, was listening all the while. 

"... sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense (or explanation or testimony) 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 "get in someone's face" with the Gospel. God will give you plenty of opportunities to speak into someone's life. To encourage them in the Faith. To tell others about Jesus. Notice that verse says "with meekness and fear".

"So he [an angel] answered and said to me [Zechariah]: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6

You are an ambassador and a bearer of God's Spirit to a world that desperately needs a Savior.  Be the light.

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

WYSIWYG

"Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:15-16

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life." - Philippians 2:15-16

What You See Is What You Get. That is what WYSIWYG (pronounced wiz -ee - wig) refers to. The term originated in the 1970's and, as far as I know, has mostly fallen out of use. Until now! :) It referred to a type of editing software (pre-dating Microsoft Office) that allowed users to see and edit content in a form that appeared as it would when displayed on an interface, webpage, slide presentation or printed document. 

In a similar way, when people see us - what we say and what we do, it "should be" WYSIWYG. Who we say we are as Christians is who we are in life. Our lives should be an exact reflection of the Word of God. Lives that point people to 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

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2

When we are born again, God begins to conform us - shaping us into the image of Jesus. How? Through life experiences, the Word of God and the Spirit at work in us.  People "should" be able to look at our lives, what we say and do, and then look at the Bible and say "Yep - they are Christians - followers of Jesus Christ". 

Be careful that you don't make excuses for the areas where you fall short. That you convince yourself that you can never be perfect so it is OK if there is some level of acceptability of some sins in your life. I mean nobody is perfect, right? The Spirit of God will convict you of your sin. at that very moment, you can either yield to the Spirit or you can resist or quench the influence of the Spirit in your life. 

For what I am sharing to matter is your choice. I can encourage you to consider your spiritual walk (who you actually are) and match it to your spiritual talk (who you tell people your are). But you must decide if you are content with where you are in your relationship with the Lord or if you want to press on and draw closer to God. I am not suggesting you dress in a robe and sandals and stand on a street corner with a sign that says "The End is Near! Repent or Burn" You can wear tennis shoes if you like! :) Just kidding!  Love God and Love Others. Start with that.

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

Pointing People To The Narrow Gate

"Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" - Isaiah 53:1-2

Salvation. It is super-natural. Not part of the natural world. It is God initiated and God consummated. People may hear our words and even see how we live our lives as "peculiar people", and yet not ever believe the message of the Gospel. You live and work around those "un-believers" every day. Here in Florida, I have become very aware of where I am in terms of a spiritual wasteland. By and large the people I meet and work with are not Christians. When their time comes, and it will, they will be going through the Wide Gate.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." - Matthew 7:13-14

I am an ambassador, like you. I am merely passing through this land, like you. Although some people I meet, knowing who I am, think that they should be careful not to use profanity around me or limit their coarse joking around me, I am not offended by it. They are merely expressing their hearts and reflecting their culture. [That is not to say that we should intentionally expose ourselves to the norms of the culture by watching television or movies that are ripe with sinful behavior. In addition, there are certain sins that were a part of our old life before Christ that we need to distance ourselves from less we be tempted ourselves. Like a recovering alcoholic choosing to sit in a bar because they like the people and the music and be determined not to drink. For most if not all it won't be long before the first sip.] It's not that I don't appreciate their restraint, when they exercise it. What I think, though, is that they should be more concerned with God, who they cannot see, than with me who they can see. 

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." - Matthew 10:28

But they are not - not until perhaps they meet Jesus on the road. Jesus was accused by the religious leaders of making friends with sinners. Like a fish in salt water, Jesus was surrounded by sin and sinners, yet like the fish, was not affected by His surroundings. The same is true for us. We are called to "Go" into a sinful world and be light in the midst of the darkness. We are not to embrace the darkness. Rather, we are to be a light house to warn others of the eternal danger. Not all will believe, only some.

This culture and time that we live in is certainly dark. The contrast between what men say is right and what God says is right have never been more obvious. What is practiced in the day was unthinkable just a few years ago. Now is not the time for Christians to withdraw from their culture. Instead we need to "Be the Light". Don't be so quick to be offended by coarse language. Understand its roots. Like Jesus, ignore the language and look to the heart. Those people are spiritually blind and headed for the wide gate. "Be the Light House". 

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 Did Not Promise Everything Will Work Out

 "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 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. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." - Romans 8:26-30

God did not promise everything will work out - in this lifetime - but it will work for your good. Verse 28 is almost like a Christian mantra for when things are not going well in our lives. But before we get to verse 28, let's look at the verses that precede it. First, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. What kind of weakness? Spiritual weakness. He won't intercede when you struggle with wanting to eat another piece of pie. No, He is focused on your spiritual maturity, building and maintaining your new life and relationship with the Father.

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

The Father sent the Spirit after He had sent the Son - to teach us "spiritual" truth and "bear witness of Jesus" (John 15:26) Remember when Jesus told Peter that Peter's knowing who Jesus was - the Christ - was revealed to him by the Father (I think through the Spirit).

Second - there are things that we need to pray that we don't have the capacity to pray most probably because we lack spiritual discernment and maturity, but the Spirit knows our hearts and prays for us. According to the will of God. (Not my will but thy will be done)

Third - Now verse 28. The Bible does not promise that all things will work out - that we will be vindicated, spared from hurt or harm in this mortal life - although we may be. God has an eternal view. While we are on this planet, we are to live for the glory of God and the good of others. Our health, wealth, and other aspects of our lives are further down the list - maybe some of them don't even make the list. Is that OK for you? Being healthy, having money, having good relationships with others - being happy and comfortable that is not why you and I were saved.  There is an eternal purpose to salvation that supersedes the course of human events. The trouble is that life as we know it is the only reality we know. Only as the Spirit teaches as - as we grow in understanding and faith will we gain the proper perspective in this life.  

"now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account." - Philippians 1:20-24

That was Paul explaining his view on life and death. To live is Christ and to die is gain! How do you feel about that? Do you love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? Or maybe sometimes - or maybe you struggle with the "all" part.

The last part of the verses from Romans 8 - all that would receive Jesus - He predestined us to be  conformed or shaped to be like Jesus - everything about Jesus - God knew us before we were formed in the womb. And so we are the Called - justified and glorified. It's not just about 8:28, but that is what many people cling to as their source of hope. Everything will not work out, but everything in God's economy will work for our good. Saved by the blood of the Lamb!

Listen, it is hard to keep spiritual perspective when you are in the middle of a struggle asking God to get you out of it. I may over-quote songs. And I may over quote the over quotes, but I can't help it - they just appear in my mind's eye.

EVEN IF - Mercy Me

They say sometimes you win some. Sometimes you lose some 
It's easy to sing, 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

Do you believe that? Can you say that? Can you pray that? Maybe it is one of those things that you need a little help from the Spirit with. My prayer for you along with Paul to the Ephesians is this -

"that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." - Ephesian 3:17-19

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

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

 

Our Preference For Calm Seas

"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

In the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Susan asked Mr. Beaver if Aslan (a type of Christ) was safe. Mr. Beaver replied, "Safe? Oh no, but He is good." In line with that, Martie shared a quote by Deitrick Bonhoeffer. 

"We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. God will be constantly crossing our paths and canceling our plans by sending us people with claims and petitions.” - Deitrick Bonhoeffer

In tandem with that thought is a quote from the sermon we heard this past Sunday. 

"Life is subject to change without notice."  - Pastor Russell Howard

So much uncertainty in this life. At least for us, but not for God.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

We know God is with us, but we don't live like it most often. We live like we are the captains of our own ships. Determining our own course and conditions. Most of us would prefer to be in a boat when the seas are calm. That is when it is easy to trust God. When no waves are rocking your boat. 

Some years ago, in between calls to serve, we owned a Proline 23 foot Cuddy Cabin that we fished in off of Destin, Florida. As much as we enjoyed that boat we had a rule that if the seas were greater than 2 - 3 feet we stayed on shore or in the bay. We wanted to be on the water, but on our terms. The fact is we had a hard time standing up when the waves were higher than that. And Martie had another rule, she had to be able to see the tops of the sky scrapers on the northern horizon. Even though she knew all we had to do was point the boat North to get back to land, it did not matter. Calm seas or not.

My point is that we are more concerned with the situations we find ourselves in and less about Who is in the boat with us. Recall that Jesus was asleep in the same boat with the disciples in the midst of that storm. Like the disciples, we are OK so long as we can control what is happening. Our focus is not necessarily on God during those times. Sure we can acknowledge that God is sovereign but then doubt that He is able to see us through the times when things our out of our control, when the seas get rough. A friend recently said, "If God will lead you to it, He can get you through it." Even if it goes sideways.  - Even if our boat sinks!

Sometimes we will say "no" to God - not because of what is happening, but because of what might happen. Fear and doubt can find its way into your heart even when you are safe at home snuggled in your bed. It's a faith problem. Jesus accused the disciples of having a small faith - faith that was based upon calm seas. 

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction [or evidence] of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

Things hoped for - Evidence of things not seen - Like the fact that God is with you even when the seas are raging around you. We have all been there. Perhaps you are there even now.

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

Rejecting The Reasonable For The Impossible

 A.W. Tozer “I claim the holy right to disappoint men in order to not disappoint God.”

A friend posted that quote from A.W. Tozer some time ago on Facebook.  It pricked my heart and resonated with my spirit, so I thought I would share it with you.  

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:14-15

Gods with a small "g" can be anything that we choose over God with a big "G". Sometimes - perhaps often times - we are faced with a choice ... men ways or God ways - do what God has made plain or yield to the advice of men - God's ways are not our ways - but we would like to change that. If what God asks you to do does not conform to conventional wisdom there are two possibilities - 1 - God is indeed at work or - 2 - It's not God at all. You need the wisdom of God to know the difference - Spiritual discernment. But nonetheless - when your heart tells you it is God - the opinions of men should not matter. Men will ask, "But what about .... ". God says "Go". He will say .. "sell everything ... pick up your cross .... love me with everything ... your whole heart .... If you love Me, obey Me." It's your choice who you obey. We choose God. That choice will always require faith and obedience. And it requires not listening to "men".

It would be a wonderful thing if the world was in sync with God, but we know that is not the case.  Trying to a balance between the two is what most of us try to do.  And it seems so reasonable when we do that.  The problem is, that one will always go wanting because of the other.  

“No one can serve two masters .. you will love one and hate the other”  - Matthew 6:24

If you turn to the world for answers when God has spoken and made His will clear, you will most often be tempted to disobey God to choose something that is more reasonable in the eyes of man.  Well-meaning Christians will speak to you about making other choices or at least delaying your obedience.  It is like the serpent in the Garden asking “Did God really say?”  [I am not calling my Christian friends serpents!]  Most often, their counsel is well intentioned.  Their arguments are logical even reasonable, except for one thing.  God said “Go”.  Jesus asked his disciples “Where is your faith?” “Why did you doubt?”  Instead of looking to Him, they were looking at the natural laws .. the impossibility of the situation … fear and doubt set in.  

In our life, speaking from personal experience, God gives and He takes away … It is not our lot to accumulate possessions, for long any way.  It is not a question of how much of the world and  personal relationships that you must lay down at Jesus feet.  The question is “Are you willing to lay down whatever is that is in the way of what God has called you to?”  Like Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me [Jesus] more than these?” (John 21:15)  Well …. Do You? When Peter said, "Lord, you know all things!" Jesus said to Peter - "Show Me". In other words, do what I told you to do.

Well Christian ....... He is waiting!

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 Jesus - Not The Easy Road

 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." - James 1:2-8

Let's call "wisdom" - spiritual understanding. We will all face struggles - trials. Both within, where others cannot see, and without where the whole world can see, if it bothers to look. Having spiritual understanding in the midst of those trials - Biblical perspective, if you will, is critical if you don't want to lose hope and struggle with your faith. 

The struggles that I face in this life test my faith which gives me patience. Patience, or in King James language - long suffering - is having a willingness to wait on and trust God in the midst of the test you are enduring. A significant truth is that it does not mean that waiting and trusting while enduring the test will end well from the world's perspective. It may mean suffering some sort of loss or coping with heartache as a result of the test. In fact the outcome of the trouble is not what happens after the test is over, but is part of the test. Romans 8:28 is not a promise that every trial you face in this life will end in the problem being rectified, you being vindicated, the illness not ending in death or more trouble, or that a relationship does not remain broken.

To quote the pastor again, "Building something [spiritual] in me is not easy [on me]." He described it as "leading me home on a difficult path."  And to quote a Country-western song (modified slightly) "I beg your pardon, [God] never promised you a rose garden!" At least not this side of heaven.

"Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation" - 2 Corinthians 1:6

OK - one more quote from Sunday. "We are not a reservoir, we are a river." In case the meaning is not obvious. The comfort, the wisdom, the patience that we enjoy not "in spite of" but "because of" the life events we endure is to be used by us to come alongside others facing their own struggles, in need of Godly comfort and is not to be stored up for our own benefit. The next time the Spirit prompts you to speak to or to visit with someone who is enduring a test - you don't have to just dump Scripture on their doorstep - along with a reminder of God's promises and Truth, what they need is "Jesus with skin on". In other words His ambassador. In other words, you. A lot more could be said, but I think I will stop with that. Well, maybe a quote from Jesus.

"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

Why We Do What We Do?

"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:14-19

I was listening to a sermon this past Sunday. It is the first of a series of sermons on 2 Corinthians. The first chapter verses 3 and 4 and two that we quote very often. They are about the God of all comfort and His expectation that all of us would bring that same comfort to others - but that is a discussion for another time.

I have told you before that when I listen to a sermon, I am listening for what I call "spiritual nuggets". Something that the preacher will say that the Spirit will use to speak to my heart.  Today I could have shouted "Eureka!" with everything that I heard. But today I want to address what the preacher said about Paul's reason for writing any of the letters to any of the churches.

He quoted Ephesians 3:14-19, the verses you just read, as Paul's motivation. And I thought - those are the same reasons that I write what I write. I made a note. When I got up to leave after the service, I turned around and there was a new found friend of mine standing right behind me. He was helping a blind woman out of the sanctuary and I assume to her transportation or bible class. We greeted one another and he said, "Thanks for the morning devotionals, I read them every day." And then he said, "I am praying for you."  Another friend wrote the same day that "your blogs ... bring on a thirst to continue seeking God's word". Three facts that I was not aware of that blessed and encouraged me when I heard and read them. 

My goal is not to impress others with my  writing should not be the reason why I do what I do. Or you either. So what should it be?

First, so that those we are communicating with would be "strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith". Second,  "that they, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge". And third, "that they may be filled with all the fullness of God"

God has prompted me to write because after gifting me to write. He wants to use me, even me, to encourage the Saints (that would be you and others who might read this) and spread the Gospel (that would be to the people around you).  What He wants and expects of me, He wants and expects of all of us are now called the children of God.

You may not be a writer or a preacher or whatever you think is out of your reach as a Christian - but God has a plan and purpose for you. We all have been given a common ministry of being ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador is a representative in a foreign land. That would be us!

"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 5:18-20

Paul was not only encouraging the Saints with his letters, but was spreading the Gospel as an ambassador. And so should we all be. Does the thought of that make you a bit nervous? It should because it is not something that you can do without the power of God. Nevertheless, our calling is clear.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 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

Losing Your B

"Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature be thus minded; and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God will reveal that also to you." - Philippians 3:13-15

Martie told me that she read on Facebook someone posted, "I used to be bold, but I lost my 'B'!" I learned a saying when I was in the Army. It went something like this .... "There are old pilots and there are bold pilots but there are no old-bold pilots." (Well very few) While I am at it - another one is "I would rather but down here wishing I was up there, than up there wishing I was down here!" The second one has nothing to do with this devotion :)

The thought of losing my "B" got me cranked up. I have observed that the organized church - Evangelical churches anyway,  have decided that with respect to activities in the church, including the worship service - where there are contemporary and tradition services, people's activities at the church should be grouped by age. The worship service is not a spectator sport. You did not assemble to be entertained but to be refreshed spiritually in a corporate setting.

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25

Most often, if you want to participate in a Bible class on Sunday morning - you are relegated to those classes that are populated with people "your age". That makes sense to someone trying to organize things - naturally, but to me, it makes no sense spiritually. It sends a strong message to those who may feel they have lost or are losing their "B". The message? "You have nothing to contribute to people younger than you are." Not on Sunday morning anyway. 

Does that seem too harsh? I don't think so. And if you have grown up in that setting - it may seem a normal progression.  It's like advancing the youth from one grade to the next higher grade at the end of the year. Of, you are 13, then that means you must be in the 8th grade. The criteria for studying the Bible together is age based and not directly spiritually based. What concerns me is the message that is sent to the over 55 crowd and the rest of the church for that matter. After 55 Christians are not really part of the main effort in the church. And so, the enticement is to pull back - be content with the season of life you are in. Keep any wisdom you might have gained to yourself and your fellow 55 plusers (made that word up).

Frankly, I don't think that is Biblical. My point is that until we see Jesus face to face - we are to continue to press forward - to fulfill our ministry - age is just a number.

"Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." - 2 Timothy 4:2-5

God's retirement plan is eternity in heaven - not doing things you used to do on the weekend on what used to be a workday. There is much more to be said and many reasons why people should group by age but that will have to keep.

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

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

Our New Life In Christ It Is A Struggle

"Take up the whole armor of God…praying always…" —Ephesians 6:13,18

“You must learn to wrestle against the things that hinder your communication with God, and wrestle in prayer for other people; but to wrestle with God in prayer is unscriptural. If you grab hold of God and wrestle with Him, as Jacob did, simply because He is working in a way that doesn’t meet with your approval, you force Him to put you out of joint (see Genesis 32:24-25). Don’t become a cripple by wrestling with the ways of God, but be someone who wrestles before God with the things of this world, because “we are more than conquerors through Him…” (Romans 8:37). Prayer is effective only when there is completeness— “take up the whole armor of God….” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest.

Do you brush your teeth in the morning?  Seem like an odd way to start a devotion?  My point is that brushing your teeth is a discipline.  So is getting up to go to work.  If you don’t do either one, there are negative consequences.  You value your teeth … and you value your source of income .. so you make yourself do those things.  After a while, they become more routine, but still …. every day you must choose to do them.  That is the same the spiritual aspects of our Christian lives. With prayer and obedience for example.  We must discipline ourselves to pray and choose to obey.  Our natural selves push back – or wrestle with our spiritual selves.  Your flesh might say – you are too busy to brush (pray) this morning … you can do that later … or I will just call in sick today … I don’t feel like going to work (doing the will of God) today.  

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:12

Something I have noticed as I grow older … it is the speed in which my body atrophies …. The rate at which I lose that which I once took for granted, my physical strength .. stamina … tone … is accelerating.  And it seems impossible to get back to where I once was.  If I slack off in any way, BOOM!  I wake up one morning and find I am sliding down the steep slope of atrophy.  

It’s the same with our spiritual life.  A life without spiritual discipline is a life of spiritual weakness.  The danger is .. you can become used to that condition and start to think that it is normal.  Well, it may be common, but it is far from “normal” if you are a Christian. I want to encourage you to get serious about your spiritual condition … God has called you to so much more than mediocrity in your faith walk.  I can encourage you but it is the Spirit who must convict your heart, when you need a wake up call.  

Like Jesus, we Christians have two natures.  Our spiritual nature should become dominant over our flesh or old nature.  Like Jesus, we should always seek to do the Father’s will.  Like Jesus, we should and must stand against temptation with the Word of God.  Like Jesus, we should be disciplined to talk to the Father and look to Him.  Like Jesus our life's goal should be to bring Glory to God , the Father, through obedience and devotion.  Like Jesus …. we should strive to fulfill the purpose the Father has given you.  And let you light shine before all men. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

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

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

Being Content With Your Place In The Body Of Christ

[Note: Lots of scripture to read in this post - let the Spirit speak to you as you read it]

By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain… —1 Corinthians 15:10

You must be careful to not compare yourself to other Christians and imagine that you can never be like them.  It’s true, you may never do what they do, but if you are born again .. you are exactly like them.  You are exactly like Paul … exactly like Billy Graham … but you may be a different part of the body.  

 “… the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. […] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it.” - 1 Corinthians 12:14-25

God has a purpose for each of us.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." -  Ephesians 2:10

 You might decide to be a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker in the natural, but you do not decide what part of the Body you will be in the supernatural.  God does that.  Exactly like Paul and Billy Graham.  Now that is not to say that you might not be envious of someone who deem as more significant in the Body.  But that is your flesh at work.  Or perhaps your insecurities at work or maybe your pride.  I have known men who demanded that they have a certain leadership position in a local church.  Not because they were called to it, but because they lusted after it.  They want to be significant in the eyes of men or perhaps to overcome some feeling of spiritual inferiority.  

Maybe you feel like God can’t use you because you have nothing to offer.  You do! You do!  What you have to offer is You … just offer you.  

Then trust that God will use you as He sees fit. It may be to fulfill a place that people won’t see or ever know about.  Is that OK with you?  If not, examine your heart.  If your desire is to glorify God .. the first step is to submit your life to Him and to His will.  A song you may be familiar with … “Yes Lord yes to Your will and to Your way.  Yes Lord yes.  I will trust you and obey.  When the Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I’ll agree and I will answer .. YES Lord YES!” 

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality  ." - Romans 12:1-13

God will provide the opportunity for you to fulfill your purpose. You don’t have to try to make those opportunities.  Just do what God puts in front of you.  If it seems bigger than you are .. for whatever reason .. it is most probably God.  There was a man, Brother Lawrence, who was known for his spirituality.  Lawrence was a brother - not a monk.  He was also a disabled veteran. His role was one of service. But one thing he did not want to do was work in the kitchen.  He decided that.  Any guesses where God put him?  Yep, for 15 years peeling potatoes.  During that time, he made a huge spiritual impact in many people’s lives.  He served faithfully where God put him, glorified God and blessed others in the process.  Are you ready to work in your kitchen - whatever and wherever that might be? are you willing to set side notoriety and the praise of men.  (Mark 9:35) [Jesus said] “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”  Hope this has put things in perspective for 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

God Does Not Grade On A Curve

"If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:8-10

Wouldn't it be great if God graded on a curve? Do you remember that from school? "Grading on a curve means that you (as a student) and your grade in an exam was relative to the grades of your classmates. While it’s not required for all teachers to practice curving on a grade, plenty of teachers in all types of formal education do this when they think it’s necessary to help more students pass. When a teacher grades on a curve, they adjust their class’ scores accordingly so that those who need the grade boost will get it and pass without these changes becoming unfair to those who scored high." (How Does Grading On A Curve Work?, ThroughEducation, December 29, 2019)

In a similar way, we might hope that God would lower the bar so we won't fail. But He won't. We very much want to rationalize our sin.  Make excuses for it - maybe ignore it. We make comparisons with other people to justify it. We focus on the good things we do and minimize those times when we fall short of the glory of God. We think, maybe God will feel sorry for us. I mean, compared to other people, really bad people, I am an upstanding citizens. Maybe God will give us a brake and let us pass - even though we don't have a passing score.

"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." 2 Corinthians 10:12

If we compare ourselves to others to establish ourselves as being righteous - then we are without understanding. In other words, we don't get it!

"What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands;  no one seeks for God." - Romans 3:9-11

Our righteousness comes by way of faith and Jesus' sacrifice. He received the judgement for our sin. Unmerited favor. That means there is nothing we can do to earn a "passing grade". It is a faith gift. Jesus took your failing grade as His own and you were passed and advanced to heaven. 

Be careful that you don't trivialize your sin. Or worse try to hide it. You may fool others - especially if your sins are in your heart and not acted upon. 

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults[d] his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. ...  You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." - Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28

It is impossible for us to pass the test apart from Jesus. Jesus took the test has passed the test for us - for all those who believe that Jesus is the Way and Truth and Life. 

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

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

All That Remains

 "So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years; and he died." - Genesis 5:5

Reading the internet news recently, I saw a clip about authorities finding the remains of a woman who had been missing for some time. All that was left of her were her remains - that which had not returned to dust. We recently listened to a series of sermons from the first 11 chapters of Genesis. In the early centuries of the history of mankind, people lived very long lives. This devotion is not so much about death, why we don't live as long but about life. What it is about is the fact like Adam and that woman, one day, our lives on this planet will end - all that will physically remain is that which does not return to the dust.  Unless Jesus returns first. 

"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" - Hebrews 9:27

Martie and I are at the point in our lives where people in our generation are passing, to include our siblings and friends. We all live like we will see another sunrise. But, the fact of the matter is, we may not. In the past two months we have been notified of a number of friends who have passed away. Their unexpected passing has given me pause to reflect on both their lives and mine. Each of them has left a spiritual legacy. A legacy that reaches far beyond the boundaries of their extended families. The truth of the matter is that for each, including me, few will remember our names in the years to come, perhaps beyond asking, "I wonder what ever happened to so and so" when our name comes to mind for some reason.

Don Moen wrote a song which seems appropriate called, "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"

The question I am posing here is this. "Not am I living in fear of my eventual death, but am I living as if there is an eternity in heaven waiting for me?" and more "Am I living in such a way that I am communicating that truth to a world that has no hope - they can expect only judgement and eternal separation from the God who created us?" Will I leave a spiritual legacy when not much of this body remains.

Almost every week, I learn that someone has been reading these posts and I didn't know it. Not that my knowing is important, we do not know where the seeds we cast will fall. I told a friend yesterday that posting these devotions is like shooting an arrow into the air. He had commented that he liked the devotion I had written the day before.  I was not aware or had forgotten that he was reading them. You may not know where what you say or do for the Kingdom will land, but it will land somewhere. Did you do your best to live for truth? Did you live your life for God's glory?

It is really not necessary for me to know where it lands for me to obey the prompting of the Spirit to do or say something. Obeying the prompting of the Spirit should not be conditional. Like I will only say or do something if I can see the result that I want. For example, "I will tell someone about Jesus at the prompting of the Spirit, or without it, if they will pray to receive Christ at that moment." As if their salvation is based upon me and not their own faith. As if sharing the plan of salvation is like some incantation. And if they don't respond the way I expect or hope then somehow I have failed. My true failure is when I resist the leading of the Spirit. It is God who brings the spiritual increase, not me.

"So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase." - 1 Corinthians 3:7

So what does this have to do with death and dying? Whatever generation you are part of will eventually pass. We all have been given a season of life to live on this planet. As Christians we also have been given a purpose and place in the Body of Christ. Your eternity in heaven is secured by your faith, but at the same time, each of us has been given opportunity to let our light shine in a world unaware that it is headed for hell. Because of recent events, I have been reminded of that and I am writing so that you might be as well. "Only what you've done for love's reward will stand the test of time"

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

That Is Not Odd - It Is God

"A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

Every now and again, the Lord will remind me that He is sovereign over all things. I answered a knock on the door of our RV yesterday. Two men wanted to speak with me. They had come to "scout out the land" to see where their disaster relief organization might have opportunity to serve here in Florida.  They represented an organization that was involved in rebuilding homes for people who could not rebuild because of lack of funds. Something that is at the heart of what we have been doing since 2005.

As we talked, - sizing each other up - spiritually - it became apparent to me that this meeting was God-ordained. All three of us had our roots in Hurricane Katrina. Bart was in Biloxi. Pete was in Bay Saint Louis, and we were in Waveland.  Bart had been in Haiti building a medical clinic on the plains west of Port au Prince up to 2005 when the political situation forced him to return to the States. The same town where I served with Thirst No More working on a medical clinic in 2011. Pete had been in Jeremie in 2012 and knew Dr. Katie Wolf who runs a clinic there. Katie had treated me for cellulitis in 2015 when we lived in Jeremie helping churches in Anse du Clerc. We all three had responded to Hurricane Harvey in Texas. We knew the same people involved in the Hurricane Ian response. They knew other people that we know. They built sheds in response to a disaster in Kentucky. I am supposed to have a video conference with a pastor in Port Charlotte next Tuesday. They asked, "Is it a Presbyterian church?" "Yes". Is that Pastor's name " Andrews"? Another "yes". They were meeting with the very same pastor the next day. 

We knew an optometrist in Alexander City, AL some years ago - well, many years ago now, who used the phrase, "That's not odd, it's God". Those are the words that were resonating in my heart as we spoke. The connections between us were impossible to orchestrate apart from God being in it. What I have mentioned are just the high points. I told myself that I should write them all down lest I forget, but I didn't. Later I wrote an email to Bart and shared reality or principle 4 from Experiencing God. God speaks by His Spirit through prayer, the Word, circumstances and other Christians. God was speaking loud and clear yesterday. Why else would those two men be standing outside our RV- men I had never met, yet had traveled the same roads of service. Oh, did I mention that Bart was also an aviator - Air Force - but yet another connection. Later he in an email he told me that his middle name is Charles and the area code on his phone is the same as ours - 228 - which is Mississippi.  

Since Bart was career military, I shared with him about our decision to leave the military when I did. I told him that had we not made that decision, I would not be talking to him in a tool trailer in a field next to a pond in Fort Myers, Florida. Leaving the military was perhaps the first spiritual marker on this journey that Martie and I have been on since 1992. 

There are some other revelations that came from that meeting, but I will share them another time. I guess my point is that we continue to be amazed by God as we follow after His leading - by now we should not be. But we are! We don't know how exactly God has ordered our steps, but we are looking forward to what is going to happen when we take the next step! It looks as though there is much path still to tread, Bondye se vle - God willing. How about 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

The World Is Not Falling Apart

"since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." - Romans 1:28-32

When you read Romans chapter 1, in particular starting at verse 18 to the end, you can see a picture of our country in your mind. Is all hope lost? Is there still a possibility that there can be a turning toward God in our time? recently a friend of ours quoted a pastor who said, "The world is not falling apart it is falling into place"

We may feel like things are falling apart but spiritually they are falling into place. We may feel like the world is out of control, but I can assure you that God is still in control. A phrase that I coined some years ago is "the darker the night, the brighter the light." When I was a younger man, I flew helicopters in the Army. One particular assignment was in El Paso, Texas. Our maneuver area was in the Tularosa Basin which is high desert, about 4000 ft above sea level. It stretched roughly from the outskirts of El Paso north to the boundary of White Sands National Park. When you flew over the desert at night at times there was no visible horizon - meaning you could not tell where the sky the ground met. It was dark! Nearly impossible to find your way around in a helicopter especially when  your unit was exercising light discipline to keep others from seeing where they were. But if I would radio and tell them I was inbound, they would have someone "break" a chem-stick. I could see that little light from afar off.

Why am I telling you this story? Because we are like that chem stick, little lights in a dark place. Lights that can show a seeker the way home.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Too many Christians are hiding their faith under a basket. Why? Perhaps they feel if they just go along they can get along. We were talking to a woman the other day about a shed. My friend asked her if she had a Bible, he had a New Testament to give her if not. Yes, she said it had been high on a shelf and saved from the rising water. So he asked if she thought one of her neighbors might need a bible. She gave him a look of indignation sending the message that she had no intent to talk to her neighbors about Jesus or the Bible. I wondered why the Bible was "high on a shelf". Sadly I think that perhaps it was not there because of Hurricane Ian.

"Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord God, That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to Sea, And from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, But shall not find it." - Amos 8:11-12

Who are "they"? I think those who thirst for the Word and spiritual truth, but they cannot find it. Is there a famine in this land? I think maybe so.

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

Tempted To Not Seek The Gory Of God But Your Own

"The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” - John 3:29-30

That was John The Baptist speaking of Jesus. John had been heralding Jesus - the Messiah coming to earth. His job was done and now Jesus ministry was to begin and His purpose for coming was to be fulfilled. This is the same John that Jesus spoke of.  

"This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’  Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.  For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come." - Matthew 11:10-14

There was no man who was greater than John the Baptist. In all of human history? Wow!! Now there is an opportunity to get somebody "puffed up"!  And yet, John said that he had to decrease in deference to Jesus. This is a great lesson and a caution. It is easy to take credit for our accomplishments in life, whether in the secular realm or spiritual. After all - it is you people see and you that has apparently accomplished whatever it is that was done. But is it and was it?

I had no part in who I am - except as a steward of what God has done in forming me. Everything that we might accomplish in this life is or should be for and to the glory of God. To give God credit, from the world's view, may seem like a nice touch, perhaps feigned humility, but that doesn't change people's impression that it was me and not God that did it. 

We have to be careful that we don't rob God of His glory. We must decrease in our hearts and the eyes of man so that He can increase in all things. Our lives are to be a testimony of God's grace and mercy to a lost world. Our lives should point people to Him and not back to us. Even in the simplest things in life.

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

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

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

God Knows

"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." - Psalm 139:16

How comfortable are you with God knowing from beginning to end? There is a difference, I think, between God knowing and God intervening. Some would say that we have no choice - our days were pre-ordained by God - He decided that some would be saved and some would not. My thinking, and you are free to disagree - is that God knowing and God directing are two different things altogether. Let's look at Jeremiah.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” - Jeremiah 1:5

God knew Jeremiah from beginning to end before Jeremiah was formed in his mother's womb. It is hard to imagine billions upon billions of people that God knows. My puny brain cannot take it in. So knowing what Jeremiah would become, God consecrated him and when the time came, activated his appoint as a prophet. God knew Jeremiah would do it. Does this make any sense? To some it is nonsense, but to me it is God-sense. Far beyond the sensibilities of mankind.

We are amazed and thankful when someone who is on their deathbed, prays to receive Jesus as Lord and savior before their passing. But God knows. Bondye konnen. He lets our lives play out - lives interwoven from our perspective with such complexity and uncertainty - but from God's perspective such simplicity and certainty. He knows what we will do and what He will do. 

It is not that He changes what He will do - it was always to be - we just could not see it, so we think He changed His mind - when in fact it was us who changed - and God knew it. Does this seem odd to you? It does to me, even as I type the words. Some are saved not because God ordained it, but because they chose Jesus. And God knew they would. Many reject Jesus, not because God ordained it but because they chose to reject Him and God knew they would.

Why do I share this? Because I think that from time to time, our appreciation of how awesome God is must be rekindled. I think we lose our reverence for Him as creator - all knowing, all powerful, sustainer, provider, Father, healer. We can rest in knowing that God knows - everything. Nothing surprises Him. Even though we have and will face times of uncertainty, God knows with certainty. We may not understand why He intervenes at times and does not other times - no matter how hard we pray. So why pray if He knows? He knows we will pray and He knows how He will respond or not. Remember.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 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 8:28-29

Wouldn't it be something if when you planted tomatoes that you would know which would bear fruit and which would not? They all receive the same water, the same fertilizer, the same care. If you knew, you would pull the non-producers out - but you don't so you won't. God allows both the sheep and the goats to live their lives - knowing that only the sheep will inherit the kingdom - He foreknew and therefore could predestine them to be conformed to the image of His Son by the faith they would express at some point in their lives.  

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 Timeline Not Mine

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." - 2 Peter 3:8

Do you ever wish that God would be more timely? I mean when you need Him to do something that you think needs to be done when it needs to be done? I can remember having a conversation with my mom some years ago. She asked, "Do you think that Don remembers me?" Don was my step-dad and spiritual father who had passed some years prior. Remembering 2 Peter 3:8 I went to work on an Excel spreadsheet. Starting with the fact that one day in heaven is equivalent to 365,000 days on earth (yes I am a literal interpreter of that passage), I calculated that one day in heaven is 8,760,000 hours or 525,600,000 minutes on earth. I am sure you are starting to get my point on the disparity on time between heaven and earth.  So I told my mom that Don had only been in Heaven for about 11 minutes and I doubt that he was thinking about anything but the glory of where he was. Although the Bible says there will be no marriage in heaven (Matthew 22:30) and that is why we say "until death do us part", but I was certain that Don had not forgotten her. (I would not be surprised that some of you will be checking my numbers. Let me know if you get a different answer)

Ok so my point. God operates on a different timeline than we do. We all have a notion or preference about how things should go with respect to time and our benefit. We want to see things happen the way we want them to happen and when we want them to happen. Are you familiar with "just in time inventory"? That is where supplies show up just when you need them reducing the need a lot of storage space. Well, we serve a "just in time" God. He shows up exactly when He is supposed to. Different from "just in time inventory" which arrives when we choose. A "just in time" God arrives when He thinks best to suit His purposes and it is always for our eternal good. We might not think so, but it is true!

"The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

Martie and I are on God's schedule. Oh, we don't like it some times. It requires us to have faith, to be patient and trusting. But sometimes we get a little antsy. I guess it is rooted in a concern that we somehow missed God when He showed up or worse, we are not where God wants us to be.  It is hard to tell the difference sometimes, but then we hear the still small voice. 

"And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a still, small voice." - 1 Kings 19:11-13

To hear that Voice we must be listening closely.  We must be looking to God and not ourselves. So like they would say in the CB radio days, "You got your ears on good buddy?" I hope so!

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