Snow

Be still and know that I am God.  Psalm 46:10

Rejoice in the Lord, always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Phillipians 4:4,5

    I've heard people saying for weeks now that they wanted snow.  There is a beautiful snow falling as I am writing this.  It is gentle, with big flakes.  When I got up this morning, I sat with a cup of coffee by our front window and watched it for a bit.   Then the phrase, Be still and know that I am God, came to mind.  Everything seems to slow down when it snows.  I like that.

    The Hebrew word for stillness that is used often has a negative connotation.  It is a word for weakness. . . lowering the hands and giving up.  The point is that once we have spun our wheels to the point of exasperation, and we finally give up control to God, we can sit back and watch Him act.  Then we will see what God's goals are.  We will understand that our purposes are not, necessarily, His purposes.  We don't like waiting; but, the Bible is full of examples of times when God forced His people to wait before He acted.

     Then, I thought about children.  They want snow for a different reason.  They want to play.  Children and snow bring to mind the making of snowmen and snowball fights and sledding down hills.  Children are active in snow.  And they are joyful.  The Lord is Near.

     So, when we finally give up and wait, we can see God at work.  Then we can join Him in His work and that is when we rejoice in Him, and know that He is near.

     Just as the snow gently slows us down, so does God force us into times of waiting.  But, when His timing is right, He makes it clear that it is time for action and it is clear that He is near.

God's Surprise

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.  1 Corinthians 2:9  NIV


There is more than enough room in my Father's home.  If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  John 14:2  NLT



     When there are small children in the house, much of the joy of Christmas morning comes in seeing the happiness and surprise on the face of the children when they get something they were eagerly anticipating or they are surprised by a gift that they didn't even think of as an option.

        God has a great surprise in store for us.  Paul says that we have never seen anything like it.  We have never heard of anything like it.  We have never even imagined anything like it.  But God has prepared something great for those of us who love him.

        We try to imagine Heaven; but, there is no way to imagine it.  We can only accept that it is awesome.  God has everything good in store for you.  How exciting! God loves us in this life and we can't even imagine what he has planned for us in the next.

In Jesus' Name

"At that time you won't need to ask me for anything.  I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.  You haven't done this before.  Ask, using my name, and you will 

receive, and you will have abundant joy."                   John 16:23,24

     I have trouble asking for things.  The reason is that I have learned through the years that when I ask people for something, they often say  'no.'   My priorities just aren't their priorities.  I have also learned, though, that when my priorities are God's priorities, he always says 'yes.'  

     There was a popular song when I was growing up.  The first line of the song was, "Oh, Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedez Benz?"

I have had my share of Mercedez Benz prayers through the years.  God, in his wisdom, turns these down.  But, when I pray in Jesus name, not saying the words like a magical formula; but, rather, praying for those things that I know that Jesus wants, God says 'YES!'

     Here's a thought:  discuss with God what you are going to pray about before you pray.  Your prayers may become a little more thoughtful and you will grow closer to God as you learn to pray in Jesus name.

Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christmas

Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.   

 Mark 10:14-16  KJV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 NIV

     I get a nagging feeling of discomfort every year at this time.  It comes from the Santa Claus Christmas vs. the Jesus Christmas debate.  Does participating in the Santa Claus myth take away from remembering Jesus at Christmas?

     Most of the time, the question is academic -- that is, unless you have little ones in the house!  Then some decisions have to be made.  Do you tell your kids about Santa or not?  Are the gifts left under the tree from Santa or from the person who really gave them  -- you, Grandma, Uncle Fred?

     We never told our own kids about Santa.  Of course they heard about him from others and so, when they asked us if Santa was real, we told them that he was real in the same way that Big Bird is real.  They could draw their own conclusions.  Right or wrong, that's how we handled it.

     Then it occurred to me the other day that there is a parallel between Santa Claus Christmas and how we respond to God in our Christian walk.  Children anticipate Christmas with excitement and huge anticipation.  They believe that there is someone who will give them gifts freely -- just because his love for them is so great that giving them gifts is the thing he most wants to do.

      Giving us the gift of Jesus and eternal life with Him is the thing that God most wants to do.  His gift is free to anyone who will accept it  -- just as are the gifts from Santa.

     So, there are two parts to the parallel between Santa Claus and God, God's attitude and ours.  Are we like little children who eagerly anticipate the free gift that is given to us.  It is a gift that we can accept without guilt.  Who ever heard of a child turning down a gift at Christmas?  Santa certainly reflects God's love in his desire to give free gifts to us.

     I do not know the answer to the question of whether or not you should tell your child about Santa Claus. I do know that you should tell your child about Jesus and there is a metaphor that describes, very well, God's great love for us.

How to Live for Jesus

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.     John 14:23

     My home church has an "altar call" at the end of each service.  A song is sung by the congregation and anyone who wants to accept Jesus and be baptized can come forward at that time.  Baptism usually follows immediately.  At the end of a service I recently attended, a young couple, around 30 years old, went forward with their children.  The minister asked us all to sit down and as the couple faced us, here is what he said:

     "Most of you know these two.  They have been worshiping and serving with us for a few years now.  I asked them if I could speak frankly with you today and they gave me permission.  They love the Lord and they want to live their lives as Christ wants them to.  So today, before we have a baptism, we are going to have a wedding!"

     They then went onto the stage, the minister put on his jacket and the minister's wife brought the bride some roses.  Then, without any rehearsal, without any invitations being sent, without rings, without music, without listening to Here Comes the Bride, but with a church full of encouraging witnesses, they repeated vows to honor and love each other until death they do part and the new husband kissed his new bride.  The couple then prepared for baptism and were baptized into Jesus before their new brothers and sisters in Christ and their children who were watching from the front pew.  

     What a great example this couple set for us all!  We all say that we want to live for Jesus; but we set up our own terms.  This couple could have decided to get married when they had saved enough money for a big wedding, as so many young couples today are prone to do.  But they chose, instead, to show by example how to choose Christ over the world, over their own dreams and desires.  They were an example to their children and to the rest of us on how to submit to Jesus.  It was simple.  It is we who make living for Jesus complicated.  It is we who argue with God over his timing.  I hope to never forget the example of following Jesus that I learned from this couple who want to live as Jesus would have them live and have the courage to do it.

Liquid Gold

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:7 NLT)

Everybody goes through hard times and our lives are all woven together so that what effects one of us effects us all. It is possible that there are times when the sufferings we go through are allowed by God for a purpose that involves us. There are other times when our sufferings are the result of decisions made as a result of the free will that God has given to people. In either case, the strength of our faith is revealed by how faithful we remain while going through the troubled times.

In Jesus' day, gold was processed by being melted in fire. Any impurities in the gold would rise to the top and could be removed while the gold was in its liquid state. Then, only when it was pure gold, would the craftsman cool it down and create a work of art.

Peter tells us that we are more precious to God than works of art made from pure gold. You are priceless to our Father. Passing through the fires of hardship in this life prepare us for the life to come when Jesus is revealed to the whole world.

A Pointing Finger

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.    Romans 2:1  NIV

        Jesus never calls us to be a judge of other people.  That is a God sized job.  Jesus wants us to accept God's mercy and he wants us to let others know that God is merciful.  Pointing out the faults and sins of others is an activity that Satan loves.  The Bible refers to him as "The Adversary."  So the question is, are you a support for others or an adversary?  We can be the greatest help to others in their Christian growth by walking beside them down the path and helping them up when they stumble.  A benefit is that they will be there for us when we fall flat on our own faces.

Holiness

So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God.  Leviticus 20:7 NLT

     We all like to be part of a larger group.  We want to have respect among our family and friends.  We want to be able to relax with people who are like minded.  In Leviticus 20, God calls us to be "set apart."  What sets you apart?  

     When people think of you, what do they think of?  What are your passions?  How do you spend your time?  Are you easy to get along with or are you hard to get along with?  Is there a sin issue that you struggle with?  How do you accomplish your goals?  Do you have goals?

     When Moses wrote, "Set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God," he was talking to the Israelites as a group.  God wanted the Israelites to be distinctive because He is distinctive and He was pointing out that they were a reflection of Him.

     Groups, however, are made up of individuals, so we are back to the question, "What sets you apart?"  Are you holy?  What would that look like to people today?   What does your family look like?  Your church?  When people look at you, do they see God?  He wants you to be holy because people see Him through you.

Loving the Unlovable

But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8 NLT)

If there is anything I have learned through the years, it is that people who care about something are often the hardest to love. Anytime we are passionate about an issue, we tend to come on strong. Woe be unto the people who disagree with us.

It is easy to love those who agree with us all the time -- with those who share our point of view. God loves those who are hardest to love.

There are times when I am not very easy to love. I am so glad that God continues to love me through these times. Isn't it great that God gives us the opportunity to love those who don't deserve our love -- just as he loves us? We don't deserve it.

The Vine and the Branches

     I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches.  John 15:1-5  NIV

     Jesus uses the imagery of the vine and the branches to help us understand our position in relationship to God the Father and Jesus the Son.  Jesus is the grapevine.  The grapevine sprouts from the seed and gives life to the branches.  Jesus gives life to us.  We are the branches.  The branches sprout the flowers that produce grapes which have more seeds in them.  God, as the gardener, wants all the grapes he can get.  The grapes are valuable to him.  Our job, as branches, is to produces grapes.  Jesus gives us life so that we can produce more grapes for the father.  God will do whatever it takes in our lives to help us be more fruitful.  He will prune us back, so that we will produce more grapes.  He cares for us and watches over us.  This is a process that has one goal for each participant -- bearing more fruit.
        
        Do you bear fruit?  Do you receive what you need for life from Jesus?  

     

Remembering Miracles

"Search for the LORD and for his strength;   continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed,   his miracles, and the rulings he has given." Psalm 105:4–5  NLT      Being a Christian is not something that we can "do" and then forget about.  We often hear the question, "Are you saved?"; but salvation is not a contract.  It is a relationship.      When we first become Christians, it is easy to see the contrast between our lives as believers and our lives without Christ.  Later, when the excitement wears off, it becomes easy to take God for granted.      I always wondered how the Israelites, who walked through the sea on DRY GROUND, could ever forget how God delivered them?  When I pray for God's intervention in my own life, I am grateful for the answers to my prayers.  Then as time goes by, I start to wonder if those good events might have happened anyway.  Just like the Israelites, I am also in danger of forgetting that it is God who works miracles on our behalf.      The Psalmist urges us to continually seek God, to remember his miracles, to know his laws.  It is God who gives us strength.  Don't forget how God has intervened in your life.  The miracles God works for you may not be as notable as a million people crossing the sea on dry ground; but, they are miracles, and God has worked them just for you.

God's Mercy is for Everyone

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, Luke 5:27 NIV

You are forgiving and good, Oh Lord, abounding in love to all who call upon you. Psalm 86:5 NIV

There were few people who were more despised than tax collectors. Imagine living in a country that is invaded and conquered by a strong military force. Then your friend begins to work for those who conquered your nation. And he cheats his countrymen every chance he gets. He would not be popular, no matter when or where he lived. Levi was such a person. Yet Jesus called this man, Levi, to follow him. And Levi responded.

Many folks think that they are not good enough to follow Jesus. But the goal of Jesus was to call everyone. The goal of Jesus is to forgive. There is no job that excludes you from his call. There is no past that is too dark to exclude you. Jesus wants us all to follow him and he is eager to accept you.

Hurt Beyond Repair

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals -- one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  Luke 23:33-34 NIV

     How do you respond when someone hurts you?  If you are like me, forgiveness is a process.  It takes me a while to get over myself and decide the relationship is more important that the injustice I suffered.  Jesus forgave those who crucified him as they were doing it.  They did not ask for his forgiveness and they did not want it; but, Jesus gave it to them anyway.

     Forgiveness is more about the forgiver than the one being forgiven.  It is the nature of Jesus to forgive.  How is it in your nature to respond when you or someone you love is hurt beyond repair?

A God of Sympathy

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:15,16 NIV

     Are you ever hesitant to ask God to supply your needs?  The author of Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus is sympathetic.  He understands our faults and our weaknesses.  He knows how many of our problems we bring on ourselves and we can still approach God's throne with confidence.  Jesus died for us.  God is not going to be hard nosed when we bring our worries to him. He loves us and wants us to ask so that he can give to us freely.

God Protects and Delivers

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.  Psalm 34:7

Then the Lord opened the servants eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.  2 Kings 6:17  NIV

     Satan is always looking for ways to attack us.  He wants to draw us away from God.  But it is not just Elisha, the prophet, who is surrounded by angel warriors.  Psalm 34 lets us know that God cares for and delivers all of us who claim him as Lord.

        It is important to notice elsewhere in the passage, that the angels did not attack until Elisha asked the Lord to act.

        How are you being attacked?  Remember that God has you surrounded by defenders who are willing and able to deliver you.  Ask God to intervene.  He will deliver you.

The Opportune Moment

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

I treasure Jesus and all that he has done for me. I treasure what he has given me in this life and I'm looking forward to the life to come that is only possible because of his sacrifice. At the same time, I know that I am not an evangelist. Even though I do not have a gift for evangelism, I still have the privilege of telling others about Jesus, from time to time.

Peter tells us to be sure that we are respectful and gentle when we tell others about Jesus. My problem is that when I am excited about something, I can come on too strong. It is important that we are patient with those who are looking for Jesus. We have to let them take the time to make their own decision; otherwise (and I know this should be obvious), the decision is not their own -- and it has to be.

It is also important to remember that Peter is talking about our conversations with other people who ask us about him. When they ask, we know that the timing is right and the conversation will be more effective.

As a home mental health therapist, I once worked with a psychiatrist who gave me some really good advice. He said that when I see a problem that needs to be addressed in a client's life, to make sure and wait until the opportune moment to speak to the client about it. Otherwise, the client won't be receptive. I think this is also true when we are sharing Jesus with others. Wait until the opportune moment. God will let us know when the time is right.

Driving Directions

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.  Psalm 119:105  NLT

For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,  Proverbs 6:23  NIV 1984

     Where would we be without MapQuest or GoogleMaps or YahooMaps?  Sitting by the side of the road, trying to refold a huge and unruly piece of paper, is the most likely answer.  

     I went to a conference in Chicago earlier this week.  I had been once before and had some idea of where I was going.  But, I do not have a good sense of direction and it is hard when you are in downtown Chicago and all you can see are buildings to know that the Lake is east and that's the way you need to go.  

     Don't get me wrong.  I have driven Lake Shore Drive many times and the building I was headed for was on the corner of Lake Shore Drive and Chicago Avenue.  Not too hard to remember or find.  But because I doubt myself and the assigned parking garage was two blocks away, I went to one of the map websites to get directions for every step of my journey.

     The map took me into Chicago a slightly different way than I am used to going; but, I did not want to stray from my directions lest I become totally lost.  At one point, I was to merge from I90 onto I55 North.  The directions said to take the left fork.  But when I got to the place where I was to merge, I55 North was the RIGHT fork, not the left.  And there was no time to think.  I decided to go to the right and soon realized  I had gone the wrong way.  Whenever I'm traveling, I always allow for time to get lost, so, I still made it to my conference in plenty of time; but that was in spite of the map, not because of it.

     You know where this is going.  We are given a map in God's Word to follow for our lives.  If we stray from the map, we might find ourselves lost in darkness.  God's word helps us to see clearly the issues of life and helps us to make decisions that are pleasing to God.

     I was able to make my conference because I was already familiar with the city.  Become familiar with God's Word.  That way, when you inadvertently stray from the path, you will be able to rely on what you already know to guide you back to the light.     

     

"Extra, extra . . ."

Do not love the world or anything in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For everything in the world -- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does -- comes not from the Father but from the world.  The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.  1 John 2:15-17 NIV

     My hometown has a great newspaper.  It is nicknamed "Egypt's Greatest Daily."  When I was growing up, my parents always had a subscription and reading the newspaper was something my parents did every day.  It was a notable event to get your name or, better still, your picture in the paper.  Then everyone would know what a great job you did or how special you were.
        Jesus came to give us full lives.  But there is no place in it for boasting.  Everything good that we have, are and do comes from God.  When we compare ourselves to others, our focus is not on God; but, on ourselves.  Impressing others may last for a little while; but, doing God's will lasts forever.

Closeness to God

     But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.  Psalm 33: 18,19.  NIV

        God watches out for and takes care of those who put their hope in him.  When we are in trouble, God is aware and he makes provision for us to survive whatever calamity we are facing.  God does not resent taking care of us.  He watches out for us because he loves us.

        God's watchfulness is promised to those who fear him.  We cannot expect God to watch out for us if we ignore him and his commands.  We cannot walk away from God's unfailing love and expect him to come running after us.  You must be near to God, in times of trouble, for His love to reach you.  God wants to save all who draw close to him; but, you cannot run away from God and be close to him at the same time.

Crown of Thorns vs Crown of Life

Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which he has promised to those who love him.  James 1:2

     I usually think of temptation as something to resist.  James talks about it as something to endure.  Later in James, he tells us to, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James4:7.  The implication is that the devil takes the temptation with him when he flees.
     Perhaps temptation is like the old saying that tells us "Old habits die hard."  If the temptation is new, resisting it will make it flee.  But if we have struggled with it for years, it will not go away easily.  Remember that it is not a sin to be tempted.  Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.  It is only a sin to give in to temptation.
     One thing that Jesus endured was the cross.  It stayed with him until he died.  Jesus had no choice but to endure it or to choose his desire to come down from the cross.  He chose to endure.  Jesus endured a crown of thorns so that we can receive a crown of life.

Knowing God

Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir. Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? (Galatians 4:7-9 NLT)

There is a tension in the Christian life that seems to be never ending, at least for me. Paul points out in Galatians that it is not we who know God; it is, rather, that God knows us.  
The quest of the Christian is to learn more about God every day -- to get to know him better. The more we know about God, the more we are like him or can strive to be like him. That is why, as we grow in Christ, we gradually discard from our lives the trappings of life without Christ. 
That doesn't mean that we have nothing but a cross on the wall and the 700 Club on TV. But it means that we are increasingly uncomfortable with the things of the world.  
We constantly evaluate our lives from what we know of God's perspective. We learn that what is important is not what we want; but, rather what God wants. And life is complicated. First, we cut out the sin in our lives. Then there is room for doing God's will.  
Until we stop craving sin, we cannot begin to know God.

Mental Illness and God

He who comes to me, I will never drive away.  John 6:37b

     There can be different causes of mental illness.  Some forms of mental illness can be inherited.  Schizophrenia is an example of this.  Other forms of mental illness are a direct result of trauma or abuse.  Dissociative Identity Didorder (DID), what used to be called multiple personality, is a good example of a mental disorder caused by abuse.  Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a good example of a mental disorder caused by trauma.  Some traumas are horrible; but, they are not directed at us personally.  If my house burns down, I might be traumatized; but, unless arson was involved, it was nothing directed at me personally.  Abuse is personal.  Whatever type of abuse is involved, be it physical, sexual or emotional, it is directed at an individual.  When we are abused, we are rejected in an intimate way.  We often spend the rest of our lives recovering from the damage that was inflicted on us by abuse.

     Jesus reassures us that everyone who comes to him will be accepted.  No one is ever driven away.  This is reassuring to those of us who sometimes doubt ourselves.  God gives us the freedom to turn away from him; but, Jesus promises that he will never turn away from us.  

     When we are recovering from whatever problem life throws at us,  when we are dealing with rejection issues from our past, when we are reeling because we just got fired or our marriage failed or we lost our house or a loved one, we can tie ourselves to the rock that is Jesus.  He is the solid place, the firm foundation upon which we can attach ourselves so that he can make of us the strong, healthy, healed individuals that he wants us to grow into.

     Thank you, Jesus, that you will NEVER drive us away.

Do the meek really inherit the Earth?

"Blessed are the meek:  for they shall inherit the earth."  Matthew 5:5

     I just finished watching the season opener for Survivor.  Many have grown tired of the endless parade of liars, back stabbers and manipulators; but, I still enjoy watching the show.

     Sometimes you get a person who lasts a long time in the game by "staying under the radar."  Those people are followers.  They make few decisions, they take few chances and at all costs, they offend no one.

     Making "alliances" is important in Survivor.  'I won't vote you off the island if you don't vote me off the island.'  Most people have secretly made alliances with opposing groups.  They try to keep their bases covered.  Eventually, they have to betray someone.

     There is one person who stands out among the survivor winners.  His name is Ethan.  His goal, he let everyone know, was to win survivor without lying to anyone -- and he did.

     You don't get many "meek" personalities on Survivor.  "Outwit, Outplay, Outlast" is their mantra.

     Jesus said that the meek will inherit the earth.  Was he right?  Was he wrong?  What did he mean?  People haven't changed since Jesus walked the earth.  They had greedy and selfish people then.  They had liars.  Many a meek Christian was literally thrown to the lions or burned at the stake.  Do the meek really inherit the earth?

     Jesus certainly did.  He had the self-control and the love to let himself be crucified for you and me.  Then God "put all things under his feet."  Jesus showed us how to be meek with a purpose.  He submitted himself to the will of God.  God's will was his will.

     The one thing I notice about the above beatitude is that it is in future tense.  Jesus didn't say that meek people would make the most money, have the most fame or live in the nicest house.  The meek are going to inherit something in the future:  the earth.  And the earth is better than any of the former things because the earth is where God will make his home with people.

Power from God

He gives power to the faint; and to those who have no might, he increases strength.  Isaiah 40:29

     I have a clear memory from my time on chemotherapy.  I was sitting in a recliner in our living room, watching TV and wishing that I had the energy to pick up the remote control on the arm of the recliner to change the channel.

     Thinking back over a decade, I assume that if I had hated what I was watching, or that if something had been on another channel that I had been waiting to watch, I would have summoned the energy to move my arm.  But, neither the motivation nor the physical energy were there.

     We need both physical and mental strength to accomplish the tasks that we have before us.  God gives us both the energy and the determination to do those things that are necessary to accomplish our goals.

     I may fail to accomplish many goals that God has set before me; but, I hope it will never be said that it was because I didn't try.  If God has a task for you to do, God promises you the energy and determination to do it.

How to get Wisdom

For the Lord gives wisdom:  out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.  Proverbs 2:6

     Everybody wants to make good decisions.  Unfortunately, not everybody wants to be instructed in how good decisions are made.  The Bible is a book of God's wisdom.  Whether we are told, directly, what is wise or if we are reading stories about people who struggled with life's decisions before us, we learn how to live our lives wisely from scripture.

     What is wise may not always improve our circumstances.  Making wise choices will, however, improve our character.  Are you a person of integrity?  You can learn how to be that kind of person in the Bible.  Are you a person of kindness?  The Bible will teach you how to be kind.  Do you need wisdom?  God gives this freely to those who ask for it.  But, don't just ask.  Search it out in the Bible.

Relationship and Answered Prayer

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers.  1 Peter 3:12

     Who do you pay more attention to, those who talk to you or those who don't talk to you?  Peter tells us that God watches the righteous and he listens to their prayers.

      Many people complain that God never answers their prayers and the fact is that they give God little thought until they need Him.  God responds to those who have a relationship with Him.

      What is your relationship with God?  Do you talk to Him regularly?  Do you chat with Him about your life and about His goals?  Are you a righteous person?  Is there a sin issue in your life that interferes with your relationship with God?  Do you, at least, try to live a righteous life?

      The closer you are to God, the more likely He is to answer your prayers.

Will God Answer?

At the voice of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you.  Isaiah 30:19

        I remember being a new mother.  When my child was asleep in his crib, I was thankful for time where I could rest or get something done that was harder when he was awake.  But, when I heard his voice, I was there.  He didn't have to be crying.  I just wanted to be with him and, of course, I took care of any of his needs.

        We are God's children and he responds when he hears our voices.  He loves being with us and he wants to take care of our needs.  Don't  be hesitant about sharing your life with God.  Share your concerns with him and also share your joys.  He is a god who takes delight in us and when we call out to him.  He is right there, ready to gently meet our needs.

Help from the Lord

My help comes from the Lord, who has made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

        Where do you get help?  These days, if we need help getting information, we go to Google.  If we need medical help, we go to the doctor.  If we need help with our car, well, a mechanic is probably the best place to get help.  My mother has a lawn service mow her lawn once a week.  She can't do it herself and they are a great help.  Any time we go to an expert, we stand a good chance of getting good help.

        Psalm 121 reinforces to us that no matter where we get our help, ultimately, we get help from God.  He keeps us safe.  He looks out for our welfare.  Doctors can treat us;  but, only God can cure us.

        God created us to tend the Garden.  He wants us to take responsibility in our lives.  We are to make decisions about medical care, mechanical problems and our lawn service.  But, never forget who made the physical laws of the universe.  It is God who created us and the world we live in.  It is He who is our ultimate help when the doctor, the mechanic or even the lawn service don't know what to do.

     

The Last Day

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. . . .  All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.  For I have come down from Heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.  And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.  For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."  John 6:35-40  NIV

     We only get hungry if there is nothing to eat or if we choose to not eat what is available.  We only get thirsty if there is nothing to drink, or if we choose to not drink what is available.  Jesus makes it clear that he is always with us to draw on for nourishment.

        And the nourishment Jesus gives us is more than just comfort and inspiration.  We can find those in other places.  The goal of Jesus is to give us eternal life with God.  He says it twice:  "And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day."  He let us know what the will of God is concerning us.  Then he reassured us that he is capable of the task and it is his will as well:  "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

        This is an election year and I'm sure we will all be happy when the Presidential election is over.  With Jesus, we don't have a choice between candidates.  He is the only one who has died for us.  He is the only one who was raised from the dead.  Jesus tells us that just as he was raised up, He will raise us up.  He will NEVER drive us away.  He wants all of us.  He paid the price.  He has done it.

God is our Refuge

The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed.  A refuge in times of trouble.  Psalm 9:9

     Trouble comes in a lot of different ways.  What is trouble to some of us may not seem like trouble to others.  Trouble often involves a loss.  We can lose our home, our job, our marriage or a person we love.  Trouble means that a change that we don't want has happened or will happen.  To be "in trouble" means that something has gone wrong and there are going to be consequences.  Trouble threatens us.  It is something that we try to avoid.

     David tells us that God is a refuge in times of trouble.  A refuge is a place of safety.  A refuge is a place where our needs are met.  A refuge is a place to rest.  We can turn to God when we are faced with trouble.

     What trouble are you dealing with right now?  What are you frightened of?  Marriage problems, health issues, stress from work?  We have the privilege of turning to God who is bigger than any problem we  bring before him.  We cannot always see God at work; but, he is always there.  We are never alone when we are in trouble.  God is with us and we can find comfort and safety in Him.

No Rubber Ducks

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.  Romans 2:1  NIV

     Feeling in control of our lives is important to us; but, it is an illusion.  We try to make ourselves feel better by looking for fault in others when things go wrong.  When someone has an automobile accident, we want to know if they were wearing their seat belt or if they were drinking or speeding.  If someone gets lung cancer, we want to know if they smoked.

        I remember watching an episode of The Big Bang Theory.  Sheldon had to drive Penny to the hospital because she had fallen in the bathtub and dislocated her shoulder.  While filling out forms in the ER, he wrote in the blank asking the cause of the accident, "Failure to apply rubber ducks in bathtub."

        As Christians, we are in the business of saving drowning people.  When you see someone drowning, you don't stand on the pier or in a boat and lecture them on why they should have worn a life jacket.  You throw them a life jacket or a rope or whatever will get the job done to pull them out of the water.

        God does not want us to make ourselves feel like better people by finding fault with his other children.  He created us all and he wants us to help each other.

        It is ironic that the things we dislike most about other people are things that remind us of ourselves.  Yes, we are all sinners.  Jesus died for all of us.  Will you help him pull people into his lifeboat?  Or do you stand in the boat condemning those who are drowning because they aren't where you think they should be in life?  Don't forget Romans 2:1.  Jesus died for others as completely as he died for you.

Honoring God

Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.    Psalm 37:5

     There are some passages in the Bible that really make us stop and think.  Psalm 37:5 is one of those for me.  Common sense and life experience tell us that God won't give us everything we want.  It wouldn't be good for us.

      Doesn't this verse say that God will give me what I want if I am committed to Him?  Look again.  It is not  we who are committed; but, our way that must be committed.

     "So, what's the difference?" I hear you cry.  The difference is one of good verses evil.  Psalm 37 is intended to encourage righteous people to be steadfast in their righteousness.  Verse one tells us to "not be envious of those who do wrong."  Achieving desires appears to be easier for those who are not honest and do not honor God.

     What do you desire?  What steps are you taking to achieve that desire?  Are you pursuing your goal in a way that honors God?

• Does your job honor God?
• Do your relationships honor God?   
• Do your finances honor God?
• Do your hobbies honor God?

      God wants us all to be people of integrity.  In that way, we honor God.

Who do you trust?

"He knows the way that I take:  when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."  Job 23:10

     When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I wanted and needed comfort.  I knew I would find it in scripture; but, where in the Bible would I find it?  I decided to turn to the book of Job.  Job lost most of the things in life that we consider valuable.  He lost his children.  He lost his business.  He lost his house, his reputation, and yes, he even lost his health.

        Job's faith in God was strong; but, his faith in himself was stronger and that did not please God.  Job correctly claimed that he was not being punished by God for any sin he had committed; but, Job was arrogant.  He wanted God to justify Himself.  He wanted God to tell him the reasons that bad things were happening in his life.

       God never responded to Job's demands.  Instead, God made Job give an accounting of himself.  His point was that Job was not God.  Only God is God.  His job is to rule the universe.  Our job is to trust Him.

       Where do you place your trust when life goes spinning out of control?  There is only One who controls the universe.  Put your trust in Him.

       

Tomorrow

"Heaven and Earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away."  Luke 21:13

     It has been said that the only thing we can count on in life is change.  Good things happen to people:  we grow, we form relationships, we have children, we achieve, we can enjoy our own good fortune and that of those we love.  At the same time, bad things happen:  aging, accidents, sickness, financial problems, foreclosure, eviction, divorce -- the list is long.

     Jesus tells us that one thing we can count on are his own words.  He never spoke anything but the truth.  In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow.  Every day has enough trouble of its own."

     When you find that you cannot count on life, focus on what you can count on -- God's Word.  Are you worried about tomorrow?  Your worry won't change anything.  Concern yourself with today.  Ask God to take care of tomorrow.  He loves you more than you love yourself.

God of the Storm

In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:  in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me.  Psalm 27:5


     For many years now our church has had a booth at our county fair.  It is the first booth passed by people who enter the main gate.  It is a sucker pull.  Pick out a sucker, pull it out and see if there is a color on the bottom of the stick.  If there is, you get a glow bracelet.  If not, you win the sucker you pulled.  We enjoy doing it.  The days are hot and long; but, we meet hundreds of wonderful people out for a good time at the fair.

     Every year that we have done this, our booth has been blown down in a storm.  If the storm is during the daytime, workers take refuge in the booth and, hopefully, keep it from collapsing.  If it is at night, the booth is reassembled the next day.

     The booth is frail and gives very little protection.  God, on the other hand, is God of the storm.  Furthermore, life is made up of storms.  You are probably either entering a storm, in the midst of a storm or a storm is leaving you in its wake.  Where do you take refuge in the storms of life?  They are going to be there, either coming or going.  What is your defense against the storms of life?  Whether they are physical or spiritual, remember that God is the God of the storm.  He will shelter you and keep you close by his side.

God's Gifts To You

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11,12 NLT


Have you ever heard the saying that most Christians go home after church and have roasted Preacher for lunch? It is a sad fact that this is often true. People, whether they realize it or not, are evaluating how well they think the pastor is using the gifts that God has given him.


The New Living Translation of the Bible gives a slightly different read on a familiar passage of scripture. Here, Paul points out that these people, themselves, are gifts to the body of Christ. It is not that God gives these people gifts (although he certainly can), it is that the people are gifts to the believers. 


Do you think of your Pastor as a gift that God has given you? What about your Sunday School teachers, Music Ministers or your Host Home hosts? When we are given gifts, we are expected to say 'Thank you.' Do you thank God for these people whose responsibility is to build you up in Christ? Start thanking God for the workers who serve you. They are God's gift to you.

God's Plans for You

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)


"Where do you see yourself in five years?" It's a question we've all had to answer when sitting in a job interview. Are you where you planned to be five years ago? What about ten years ago or twenty? When I was a child, my goal was to be rich and famous when I grew up. I wanted to be a "movie star." What did you want to be? Are your plans God's plans? What do you think God wants you to be? He is probably more concerned with who you are. Are you the person that God wants you to be? Are your values God's values? Are your goals God's goals?


There is an old gospel song that went, "I want to be what You want me to be." Examine your goals and throw away the ones that aren't God's. You will have a better life.

Who is the Body?

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free —and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.  Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.      I Corinthians 12:12-14  NIV


     I grew up in a church where the people truly believed that those who practiced the teachings of our denomination were the only people going to Heaven.  That made sense to me because we were teaching the truth, right?


    As an adult who has more experience with scripture, that attitude frightens me, a little, because it reminds me of the Pharisees who thought they had the  express lane to Heaven and everyone else was out of luck.


    The fact is that just as individuals are given different gifts to exercise in the body of Christ, so are different churches.  One church focuses on God the Father, another on Jesus the Son and others on the Holy Spirit.  Some churches praise God with contemporary music, some with traditional hymns and some only sing Gaither tunes.


     We are all different parts of the body.  We all proclaim Jesus as Lord.  It is time we worked together as the body of Christ and ministered to those who are open to the way God will use us.  Never limit God.  He is the Father of us all.  


     

Need

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.    (Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV)


There are some people that I call chameleons. Like the small lizards whose skin changes color to match what they are sitting on, these folks change how they talk and act, even what they believe, depending on who they are with. They are People Pleasers to the max.


On the other end of this spectrum are the rigid people. These are the "my way or the highway" crowd. They are not open to new ideas because they assume their way has always been right and always will be. They are not teachable. They sincerely believe they don't need other people and don't care who knows it.


The author of Hebrews wants us to know that we need each other. Once we accept Jesus, we need to hold firm to his promises no matter what obstacles the devil throws in our way. We need to stand firm by standing together. I may not need to go to church; but, another believer might need what I have to offer that day. On the other hand, a day will come when I do need to be at church. On that day, I may need encouragement from you!


What we all need to remember is that Jesus keeps his promises. Anyone who tries to tell us different is someone that we don't need. What they need is Christ.

Safe in the Arms of God

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  Deuteronomy 33:27


     The life that God gave to each of us is wonderful.  It is not surprising that we worry when we think something is going to change.  Tragedies happen, jobs are lost, people get sick and, at some point, we all die.  How do we cope when disaster strikes?  Remember that God is our refuge.
     A refuge is a safe place.  A refuge is a place where we are protected from whoever and whatever is attacking us.  Our refuge is secured by the arms of God.
     Remember that God's arms are strong.  They are stronger than our enemy in whatever form he takes.  God is with us, he guides us and he protects us.
     God's arms are also everlasting.  We don't have to worry that he will take his protection away.  God cares for us.  We are forever safe in the arms of God.

When you don't know what to do. . .

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city.  When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying.  Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.  They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.  Acts 1:12-14  NIV

     Jesus had just been taken up into heaven.  They had been told by Jesus to go  back to Jerusalem and wait for a few days until God would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

     So, what do you do when things are happening that you don't understand?  What do you do when events are happening around you but you are just waiting for the next step?  The Apostles and those with them prayed.  They had come a long way from the day when they asked Jesus to teach them to pray.  They knew that staying in sync with God was vital.

     What do you do when you don't know what to do?  Jesus taught those close to him to pray.

Will God Get It Right?

He [Jesus] said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.  Acts 1:7-9 NIV


     The Apostles had been spending time with Jesus for forty days after his resurrection.  They thought they had lost him to death forever; but, now, they knew that something great was going on.  They wanted to know what was going to happen next.  Exciting things were happening and they wanted to be part of them.

     Jesus reassured them that they would have their parts to play; but, he was clear with them that they shouldn't worry about the future.  They shouldn't worry about times and dates and when God would act.  He wanted them to do what he had trained them to do -- be his witnesses.

     It is so easy to convince ourselves that our plans are God's plans.  Only God has an eternal perspective.  He wants us to trust Him and do our part.  He doesn't need our help.  We get to give him help.  He doesn't want us to worry about the future.  God will get it right.  There is nothing that Satan can throw in His way that will cause God's plan to fail.  Don't worry about the future.  Just remember this:  God has it under control.

Waiting on God

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command:  "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 1:4,5  NIV


     Throughout Scripture there are situations where God's Timing is important.  The Apostles were told to wait.  Moses waited for forty years after he left Egypt before God had him return to free his people.  When the Israelites marched around Jericho, they were to do it in complete silence for the first six days.  On the seventh day they were to march around the city seven times.  The seventh time around the city they were to shout.  Then the walls fell down.  Why not do that on the first day?  Why wait?

      Actors often have to wait in the wings of the theatre for the appropriate time for their entrance.  Everything that is happening onstage is preparation for their participation in the production.  If they come on too soon or too late, the play will be spoiled.  They have to wait until just the right time.  Then, they will be part of a group effort that works.

     Does God have you waiting on His Timing right now?  Are you good at waiting on the Lord?  Be sure of this, while we are waiting, God is doing.  He is preparing.  He will let you know when it is time for your part to be played.  God's plans are the best plans.  God's timing is the best timing.  Don't be impatient.  Wait on the Lord.

Do Your Research

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.  Acts 1:3  NIV


     There are a lot of fantastic stories on the internet.  These often come to us in our email from a shocked friend who tells us to send the story on to warn others about something horrendous that is going to happen if people are unaware.

     What frightens me most is not the stories themselves; but, that Christians send them on without checking them out.  I believe, strongly, that our credibility -- our very Christian witness -- is compromised when we fall for, and pass along these urban legends.  Whenever one comes to me, I check it out on a website devoted to finding out the truth about these stories.  Most of the time they are false.  Occasionally, I am surprised and a story turns out to be true.
   
     Jesus didn't expect his followers to believe that he had come back from the dead without giving them many convincing proofs that he was, indeed alive.  He spent time with them.  He ate with them.  He taught them.  His own mother was among the people who spent time with him.  (Acts 1:14)

     The man who wrote the book of Acts, Luke, was a doctor.  His goal was to write out an accurate history of the things that had happened during, and as a result of, the life of Jesus.  He did his research.

     Is there something about the Christian life that doesn't make sense to you?  Do your research.  Read the Bible.  Ask other Christians about your question. Ask God -- Pray.  There is no question too hard for God.  He is not threatened by your questions.  He gave many convincing proofs of his resurrection.  Jesus wants you to believe the true gospel.  Do your research.

Part of the Body

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.       
1 Corinthians 12:27  NIV


     I remember in grade school, having to learn the parts of a flower.  There were the petals, the stamen, the stem and other parts that I can't remember.  The bees landed on the flowers and the pollen stuck to their legs, when they went to another flower, they would fertilize it.  The roots, underneath the ground, would drink up the water that would allow the plant to grow.  Nutrients would come from the soil.  There was a lot involved in the development of a flower that I just wanted to look at and smell.

     Paul tells us that we are each a part of the body of Christ.  As with flowers, each part of a body has a function.  What is your function?  We may think that the petals on a flower are there just to be pretty; but, they are there to attract the bees.  They have a job to do.  They are part of the system.

     Can you think of anything that God created that doesn't have a purpose?  Researchers have found that even the lowly appendix helps our bodies to fight disease.  What is your purpose in the body of Christ?  What is God calling you to do?

Freedom from Possessions

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. (Acts 2:44-45 NLT)


There is a TV show that has become popular recently. The one I am talking about is called 'Hoarders.' Hoarding is a type of compulsive behavior which, in extreme cases, is a form of mental illness. Those of us whose houses are merely cluttered can watch an episode of Hoarders and feel better about ourselves. The reality is that most Americans have TOO MUCH STUFF.


There is no hard and fast rule as to when collecting becomes hoarding. The question to ask yourself is how hard is it for you to let go of your possessions? The first century Christians shared their possessions with those who needed them. Jesus taught us that if we have two of something, give the spare away.


And yet, their activities went beyond giving their possessions away. Sometimes folks need money. After all, you can't pay your heating bill with someone's spare coat. The early Christians also sold their spare possessions and gave the money to those who needed it.


If I know someone who needs money, and I have it, I might give them the money to cover their need. But how likely am I to put a rocking chair up on eBay and give them the money from that, or the extra car that has been sitting in the garage for a few years now?


Jesus wants us to be the master of our possessions and not the slave of them. People are more important than possessions. Who or what is important to you?

Freedom

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. (Galatians 5:1 NLT)


What does it mean to be free? It means that you have choices. It means that you are not being controlled by someone else. Our freedom in Christ means that we don't have to be controlled by Satan or by religious rules put into place by people who want to control you. You have a relationship with God. Rules become necessary when relationships fail. Are your relationships -- both with God and with people -- based on rules or on trust and faithfulness? Love God and love other people. Those are the rules that Jesus said are most important to follow.