The God Who Listens

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"I love God because He listened to me." (Psalm 116:1)

God knows everything and everybody; and everything about everybody. He knows even that which is yet unknown to anybody. There is no thought, idea, invention, place, person, plan, or purpose which He does not know all there is to know about. Imagine, then, the wonder of His genuine attentiveness -- "He listened to me."

Have you ever tried to say something important or personal to someone who wasn't listening? Oh, sure, they held eye contact, only occasionally glancing away at some passing distraction. And they nodded at appropriate moments, and even muttered a muted grunt while you were speaking. But, despite their feigned interest, the moment they get a chance to reply, they either fire back some trite response that has nothing whatsoever to do with what your were saying; or, they quickly excuse themselves with some pressing need that somehow suddenly came to their mind. Bye.

But God is not like this. He listens.

Obviously, it is not for what He may learn -- for He already knows. So why does He do it? Because it gives Him pleasure -- the pleasure of seeing, hearing and enjoying our learning process, and the passions that stir our hearts in life.

When you pray, therefore, do it with the awareness that He is the God who listens, and is delighted to do so. Your words matter; each one is carefully weighed by the Master of Words; each phrase is turned over and examined with artful care in His great heart. And He appreciates with Fatherly pride everything you think and say.

And, having listened to you, He will also speak. But here's the question -- do we then listen to Him?
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The Disregarded God

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"Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up" (Psalm 28:5).

The Bible asks, "What is man that Thou art mindful of him?" The psalmist who penned the question found it too astounding to grasp that so great a God would even notice, let alone regard so lowly a creature as man. Yet, even more astounding is this -- that so lowly a creature as man would be of such a highminded opinion of himself that he completely disregards so great a God as this!

The Hebrew verb for regard means "to discern, to perceive, to observe, to pay attention to, to be intelligent, to be discreet, to understand." It shows intentionality on the part of an individual who is looking for what God is doing, observing how He does it, and seeking to understand what this may teach us about Him.

For those who will cultivate this attitude in their lives, and explore their world with constant regard to the works of God, and the operations of His hands, a promise is made from heaven. They will be built up. This means God will construct their lives and keep them intact; strengthened to withstand storms, and blessed with bounty in life.

But the man who does not regard the works of the Lord will be destroyed. The Hebrew word here means "to pull down, to break through, to overthrow, to destroy." This is the exact strategy of Satan against the soul of every man. He seeks to pull down the defenses which God has erected around your life, and breakthrough into your inner world, where he then may overthrow you -- and destroy you. "The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy," Jesus said.

When any person disregards God, they thereby unwittingly prescribe their own destruction; for they open themselves up to the invasive and corrosive power of sin, and all the ensuing sorrow it can muster.

May I encourage you my friend to make sure that the Lord does not become the Disregarded God? You are far too worthy, and your life has so much to offer than for you to permit Satan to bring you to great ruin through the prideful act of disregarding the Lord.

Surely, you know this is true.
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The Highest Expression of Faith

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"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1Thessalonians 5:18).

Perhaps you may be thinking, "In everything gives thanks? Are you crazy!? Some things are just too awful; how can I give thanks for everything?" Wait just a minute before you blow your gasket -- he did not say give thanks FOR everything....but IN everything. There is a difference.

Shall we thank God in the good and happy times only, and then question Him, or worse yet -- curse Him -- when bad and awful times befall us? Of course not! The Bible says IN everything give thanks -- for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. In other words, God wants us to trust Him even when things look completely hopeless. Indeed, to tust Him so much that even then we give thanks.

Thanksgiving is the highest expression that exists, for it acknowledges the hand of God at work in everything -- even in the midst of things that are awful. Faith looks past the obvious and see the actual; it goes beyond what is seen, and sees Him who is invisible working all things after the counsel of His will. Our difficulty comes from the fact that we tend to judge things from our limited perspective. God wants to lift our vision to a higher and broader place, where we may see things as He sees them.

Once this happens -- everything changes. We no longer gripe and complain, but rather give thanks. Our hearts are unencumbered with the cares of this world, our minds are free from anxiety and stress, and our conversation is filled with life and healing.

The words of Frances R. Havergal (1879) sum it up best --

Light after darkness; gain after loss.
Strength after weakness; crown after cross.
Sweet after bitter; hope after fears.
Home after wandering; praise after tears.
Sheaves after sowing; sun after rain.
Sight after mystery; peace after pain.
Joy after sorrow; calm after blast.
Rest after weariness; sweet rest at last.
Near after distant; gleam after gloom.
Love after loneliness; life after tomb.
After long agony, rapture of bliss –
Right was the pathway leading to this!

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My Chosen Servant

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"Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry..."(Matthew 12:18-19).

Jesus shows us by His example what a chosen and anointed servant is like. First, He shall not strive. The word means, "to contend, to dispute; to argue with irritating persistence." This, Jesus never did; nor should we who seek to follow His way. He spoke the truth in love, and what He said stood on its own merits -- needing no argument to attest to its authenticity.

Second, He shall not cry. This doesn't mean He will not shed tears, for we have read that Jesus wept. Rather, the word means, "to make a clamor; to protest insistently and noisily." You know, it's that obnoxious and dominating style of pontificating that so often shows up in public debates. In fact, the distinction between striving and crying is the one is private, and the other public.

Striving is how one individual acts when speaking to another individual, particularly if the other disagrees with what is being said. Crying is how an individual acts when speaking to a crowd; using hype and emotion, and force of opinion, as a cover for his lack of truth and substance.

Thomas Carlyle said, "In any controversy, the moment we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth and have begun striving for ourselves."

As you scan the broad range of voices competing for your attention, take special note of those who do not strive, nor cry. Give them a listen, and if their speech and spirit bring honor to Jesus, then heed what they say -- follow where they lead. For you have come upon a chosen servant.

Finally, in the greater sense, pray that you may be such a person -- someone whom God would choose to use; in whom He is well-pleased, and upon who He would put His spirit. Someone so anchored in truth and covered with love that there is no need for striving and crying -- just serving for the greater good of all who cross your path.

Wouldn't that be something?
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Truth Works!

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"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:32).

Truth works. It always has, and it always will. It works everywhere, for everybody, every time. If it is not working, then it is because someone, for some reason is not being truthful.

I have dedicated my life to this single cause -- bringing the truth of God's unchanging Word in an ever-changing world, so as to make the greatest change possible. It's the change of a human heart, and the resulting change which that produces in a person's life, and in our world.

Truth works by bringing freedom into every situation where it is applied. Freedom is the evidence of truth working. But freedom does not stand alone. it must be accompanied by personal responsibility. You and I must take personal responsibility for how we live -- what we think, what we say, and how we conduct ourselves in both our private and public interactions with others.

If we abdicate our personal responsibility, and choose to live negligent lives, then we forfeit our freedom. For someone else will step in and impose upon our lives how they think we ought to live.

Bondage of any kind is the consequence of spurning the truth and embracing a lie. Such an embrace will shackle us with fetters stronger than iron, and leave us languishing in a captive state that is far beneath the purposes for which God created us.

So, love truth and enjoy freedom by being personally responsible for your choices. It will make all the difference in your life, and in your sphere of influence.

Truth works. Pass it on.
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When the Lights Go Out

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"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light" (Isaiah 9:2)

There are times in our travels of faith when the lights go out. Despite the unfailing glow of God's word in our hearts, all about us is nevertheless covered with a thick darkness that hides even His presence from our perceptions. He promised never to leave us, but what are we to do in such seasons of silence and apparent absence?

Isaiah asked, "Who among you fears the LORD and obeys His servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God." That's the answer -- we are to continue trusting, for He is faithful and will never fail us. Even though He may seem distant and detached, He is all the more nearer in those trying moments.

After encouraging us to stay the course, the prophet Isaiah then adds this sobering warning, "But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from Me: You will soon fall down in great torment." (Isaiah 50:10-11).

The temptation to light things up on our own is never greater than in those times when the Lord seems far away. It is then that we are most susceptible to try and make something happen on our own. This is what gives rise to much of the hype and hullabaloo that passes itself off as anointing and power in many religious circles today. But the end of that path is trouble in every way.

You may be in one of those dark seasons right now -- so take heart. The Lord is closer than you realize. Keep walking by faith and in due time you will again see a great light. And in that light you will discover the many treasures the Lord has brought forth for you while you were passing through the muttering tunnel.

Remember David's words? "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me."

Be comforted, my dear friend; their is light aplenty just up ahead!
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A Burning and Shining Light

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"He was a burning and a shining light" (John 5:35).

This lasting tribute was said of John the Baptist, by none other than Jesus Himself. Indeed, Jesus also said, "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matthew 11:11).

This means that each one of us may, like John, be a burning and shining light. But there is a price to be paid. Years ago I heard the great revival preacher, Leonard Ravenhill, say, "The cost of shining is burning." Many want the glow without the heat, but there can be no sparkle where there are not sparks; and there can be no sparks where the hammer of God's word does not strike the anvil of our souls.

The cost of shining is burning. The disciples said, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us along the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?" (Luke 24:32). In yet another place the Bible asks, "Does not My word burn like fire?" says the LORD. "Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29).

As we open ourselves to the igniting power of God's word, all within us that is wood, hay or stubble is consumed by its tireless flame. And then, whatever yet remains that is hardened and unresponsive deep in our hearts is busted loose by the mighty blow of God's hammer -- His living word unleashed in our yielded lives.

Will you let the truth of God's unchanging Word have its way in your life? In your thoughts, your hopes, and your aspirations? In your opinions, your attitudes, and your behavior? In your family, your friendships, and your associations?

If you say yes, you will become a burning and shining light; and you will be counted great in the Kingdom of God.

On the other hand, you can light your own fire and burn out in no time -- with nothing to show for the one life you have lived. Surely you can see the better choice is to yield your heart to Christ and let Him be honored by the light of your ignited life.

And He will say of you on that day, "This one was a burning and shining light."
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The Non-Dimensional Church

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And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. (Ephesians 3:18).

The News outlets were all abuzz with the historic visit of Pope Benedict XVI. Wall to wall coverage let us in on virtually everything he was doing, every moment of the day. As things came to a climax in New York City with the Pope visiting St. Patrick's, and a few other parish churches, Ground Zero, and then Yankee Stadium -- one guy on Fox news asked, "Is he going to visit any non-dimensional churches?" There was a brief pause, followed by an eruption of laughter; he had meant to say non-denominational.

But his mis-speak may carry far more insight than we might wish to admit. For it is indisputable that there are indeed some churches in our land today that are non-dimensional. Existing only for themselves, regarding themselves alone as being the true chosen of the Lord; openly criticising and condemning anyone who does not follow Christ after their manner, and who do not hold to the Bible after their interpretation.

But the Lord of Love is much larger than than sort of thinking. Paul prayed that each one of us would be able to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is the love of God.

So, how wide is it? Vast enough to include the whole world, which God so loved He gave His only begotten Son to redeem. And, how long? As long as eternity, without beginning or end. How deep? Is not the cross upon which our Savior died in agony, being made sin for us that we might be made righeous by Him, the deepest depth ever there was? And, how high? As high as unto heaven itself, where we are even now seated together with Him in His Father's royal presence!

The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen could ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell." (Frederick M. Lehman, 1948).

The Non-Dimensional Church, therefore, is any congregation that is void of the love of God. So wrapped up in themselves that they cannot accept the embrace of the Lord; so full of themselves that they expel the sweet Presence of the Holy Spirit, who would otherwise flood their hearts with the love of God. So focused upon themselves they cannot see how wide, how long, how deep, and how high is this thing called Love.

That's a church you shouldn't be going to.
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With Money on Their Minds

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"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13).

In the Old King James version, Jesus gives money a name -- Mammon. In so doing He personifies the god of Materialism, which works to steal our affections away from the One true God. Barnes in his commentary writes, "Mammon is a Syriac word, a name given to an idol worshipped as the god of riches."

Did you know that there is a competition for your heart and soul? It's a winner-take-all contest, and you are the one who will cast the deciding vote. The Lord Jesus calls you to walk with Him in faith, trusting in His word and experiencing His presence daily in many personal and powerful ways. Mammon, on the other hand, holds forth the promise of security through riches; power through wealth; influence through affluence. These two Contestants are incompatible. And both leave the mark of their work upon the lives of their worshippers.

Five things will be unmistakably true of you if you serve Mammon. You will live in constant anxiety over still unmet needs, no matter how much wealth you acquire. You will live in dreadful fear about your financial future, which will cause you to hoard what riches you do possess. You will live in constant doubt about the Lord's love and faithfulness, for your life will be disturbed with the piercing interference of Mammon's suspicious whispers. You will live outside the circle of the Lord's blessing, in disobedience to His word, and will miss the miracle of His hand at work in your finances -- multiplying the bounty of your estate as you increase in generosity. And, finally, your heart will become cynical and suspicious against anyone who says the kind of things I just wrote.

Such are they who spend their days with Money on their mind.

On the other hand, Jesus will fill your life with peace in His provisions, hope in the future, confidence in His love and faithfulness, blessings which abound in your obedience to His word, and a joyful outlook on life that sees the Hand of God at works in everything.

OK. It's time to cast your vote. Which God do you want to serve?
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The Sad Estate of the Selfish Man

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"I will build me bigger barns!" (Luke 12:18).

In the parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus shows us that one's life does not consist of the things he possesses, and He warns us against one of the most insidious evils in the human heart -- covetousness. "I have seen a grievous evil under the sun," wrote Solomon, "wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner." The Rich Fool was doing just that -- hoarding his riches, and harming himself. This is the sad estate of the selfish man.

The Rich Fool ascribes the increase of his substance to himself, and deems them to be his own acquisitions, the results of his own diligence and efforts. His bigger barns would serve not only to hold his larger harvest, but also stand as a towering boast to his neighbors of just how successful he had become. Or so he thought. For that night an angel visited him and said, "You fool! This night shall your soul be required of thee; and now what shall become of all these things you have stored up?"

Jesus then delivered the punch line, "So it is with those who lay up treasures for themselves -- and are not rich toward God." The point for us is that as God blesses our lives, and increases our estate, we should always seek to honor Him by being generous with that which He has entrusted to us. If we will do so, our blessing will abound. On the other hand, only shame awaits the selfish.

Sir Walter Scott, the prolific poet of the Highlands, summed it up best in this timeless lyric --

"High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish could claim;
Despite those titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch concentered all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renown,
And doubly dying shall go down
To the vile dust from whence he sprung,
Unwept, unhonor’d and unsung."

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One Way Jesus on a Two Way Street

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"Give, and it shall be given to you" (Luke 6:38).

It is one of the many remarkable features of following Jesus, that you cannot give without receiving back even more than you gave. The other side is also true -- you cannot receive without giving. It's a two-way street that we walk with the One Way Jesus.

Jesus is only going one way -- but it is in every direction. He is building a kingdom, and has invited each of us to become a part of what He is doing. We become a part by giving whatever He has entrusted to us.

You cannot teach without being taught, and you cannot be taught without teaching others. You cannot lead without being a follower; and you cannot follow without being led. If you will look for opportunities to bless someone else, you yourself will be blessed. Love, and you will be loved. Serve, and you will be served. Smile, and the world will smile with you. Sing, and folks will.....OK, they will probably ask you to keep that to yourself! At least for most of us, anyway.

So, instead of going through life as a taker, grabbing desperately at everything you can get your hands on, and then storing it up in secured bins of plenty -- open the flood gates of generosity and start being a giver. The truth be told, you cannot live until you give.

Give your heart to Christ and He will fill it with love. Give your mind to Christ, and He will fill it with truth. Give your dreams to Christ, and He will fill them with heavenly vision and power. Give your hands to Christ, and He will fill them with service; labor that is filled with laughter and significance. Give your time to Christ, and will be redeem it; making you timely in every word and deed.

If you will walk with One Way Jesus on this Two Way Street, everything in and about your life will abound with multiplied blessing. Solomon said, "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).

Take the Lord at His word and you will see that He is true -- "Give, and it shall be given unto you."
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The Outer-Edge-Of-Things

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"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1John 2:15).

A few years ago I came across a delightful little book called The Uncrowned King, written in 1910 by American author Harold Bell Wright. It's a story about a young man named Hadji, who travels across the Desert of Facts to the Temple of Truth, located on the Outer-Edge-Of-Things; where an angelic Guardian named Thyself tells him a remarkable story about the Uncrowned King. If you can find a copy, it is well worth snagging.

Upon Hadji's arrival at the Temple, the Guardian gently inquires, "Is there anything you would ask Thyself?"

"Yes," Hadji answers, "Tell me why the journey is so long, and the Temple of Truth is here on the Outer-Edge-Of-Things."

And Thyself answered clearly, "He who lives always within Things can never worship in Truth. Eyes blinded by the fog of Things cannot see Truth. Ears deafened by the din of Things cannot hear Truth. Brains bewildered by the whirl of Things cannot think Truth. Hearts deadened by the weight of Things cannot feel Truth. Throats choked by the dust of Things cannot speak Truth. Therefore, O Hadji, is the Temple of Truth here on the Outer-Edge-Of-Things."

After a brief pause, Thyself then asked, "Found you no bones in the desert?"

Hadji replied, "I saw the desert white with bones."

"And the hands of the dead?" asked Thyself.

"The hands of the dead held fast to their treasures," Hadji replied, "held fast to their Wealth of Traditions, to their Holy Prejudices, to the Sacred Opinions, Customs, Favors and Honors of Men."

Then the Guardian stepped aside and Hadji, with head bowed in reverence, crossed the threshold and passed through the high arched doorway into the sacred corridors of the Temple of Truth.

Interesting, don't you think, that the question God asked Moses in the desert at the Burning Bush was, "What's that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2). Are you holding on to any Thing that would keep you from worshipping in the Temple of Truth?
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The Clan of the Radiant Face

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"Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame" (Psalm 34:5).

God created us with faces that have the unique ability of reflecting to others the things that we cherish deepest in our hearts. Whatever holds your affections, and arouses your highest admiration; whatever it is that has captured your attention and become the focus of your desires -- it will be seen on your face.

Some people love money, and their faces are marred with greed and avarice. Others drool after sex, and walk about with faces reddened by lust. Other love only themselves and cast forth a countenance of arrogance and contempt for others. And on and on it goes, for our world is filled with many, many faces.

But then there is the Clan of the Radiant Face. These are those who love the Lord Jesus -- truly, deeply, and fully. Their faces shine with His favor and blessing. They give off light in every dark place, and are attractive to all things good and noble. The Lord beautifies the meek with salvation, and fills their face with life and gladness.

Yet, even for them, there are times when something else catches their eye and they drift away their gaze from Jesus to other things. Then their faces slowly dim, as a dullness clouds their once radiant countenance. Perhaps you may be is such a drifted state even now, and remember fonder days when the light of the Lord was shed upon your way. All you need do is turn back your face to Him -- He will take care of the rest.

Let your identity come from how much the Lord loves you, rather than fixing your attention on how much the Lord is using you, or blessing you. For even these things, when they catch our eye, will become clouds that shade our faces from His glory.

You know the old song -- "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

So, what are you looking at? It's written all over your face.
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Whose Builder and Maker is God

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"Abraham looked for that City, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10).

God designed the Church to function as a unified community of spiritually gifted, ethnically diverse, men and women loving and serving one another in humility, availability, and submission; thereby presenting to the world a compelling case for trusting Christ alone for salvation.

If we are faithful in following the teachings of the Bible, and are being filled with and led by the Holy Spirit (who authored the Bible), then this is the Church we will become. To the measure that we are not becoming this Church, then we are following the teachings and traditions of men, and are being filled with and led by the spirit of another instead of Christ.

Satan, who is called the Accuser of the Brethren, takes great delight is soliciting our unwitting participation in his campaign to divide and discredit the Church. The Greek word for accuser is kategoros, from which we get the English word category. It means to be against another in a criticizing way; to put another down by elevating oneself as a judge. The moment you find your heart categorizing other believers who differ from your traditions of faith, you are at risk of being complicit in Satan's destructive schemes against the City, whose builder and Maker is God.

While you may enjoy God's presence, and experience His power in the context of your local assembly, with its particular history and practices, never lose sight of the fact that you are nevertheless part of a vastly larger Kingdom -- in which diversity plays a major role. Rather than sitting in judgement over those who may do it different from you, or who emphasize things other that what you personally deem most important, rejoice in knowing that Christ is being preached far beyond your own borders and abilities.

It is His Church, not yours. He is the Head; not you. Take your place with humility, and give thanks to God that many others are also taking their place as the Lord directs.

Remember, the Church is both local and global. On a global scale it appeals to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness, and therefore is filled with such variety of people that there is no other organization on the earth that rivals it. Yet, on a local scale it may be more tempered to a particular people group than the broader audience of the world, and thus might seem somewhat narrow and exclusive.

Both are legitimate expressions of the Body of Christ and, as such, should be held in highest esteem. Neither holding the other in contempt, nor seeking to defame in any way those who call upon the name of the Lord.

Be a part of a local church, but also be a citizen in that City whose builder and maker is God. That is what the Lord is doing in today's world.

What are you doing?
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Friendship for a Lifetime

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“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20).

There is a clear connection between the quality of life we live, and the type of friends we choose. We have all heard the old idiom that goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Another way of putting this is eagles fly with eagles, and turkeys trot with turkeys.

While association in the animal kingdom may be set by its fur and feathers, man is afforded a higher option. In other words, you can choose the sort of people you want to associate with; the kind of people you want to be around. But realize this – those you spend your time with will shape your thoughts, your character, and your future. Choose wisely.

Solomon said, "Stop being gullible. Leave the company of foolish people, and live. Follow the way of knowledge; walk in the way of insight and understanding." (Proverbs 9:7, pastor's paraphrase). Paul echoes this in the New Testament. "Don't fool yourselves,” he writes, “Bad friends will destroy you. If you hang around and associate with evil people, your good character will become corrupted and your good morals depraved. Don't let anyone deceive you about this. Associating with bad people will ruin decent people. Wicked friends lead to evil ends" (1Corinthians 15:33, pastor's paraphrase).

In other words: Spend time with losers, and you will become a loser. Spend time with a godly man or woman, and you will become godly. So, who are you spending time with these days?

And, here’s an inescapable question -- If someone spent time with you, what kind of person would they become?
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"IF" by Rudyard Kipling

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"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. " (Proverbs 25:11)

Here is a real treasure; one of Kipling's best offers to the world of Literature; his insightful poem, simply entitled "IF" --

If you can keep your head when all about you
are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
but make allowance for their doubting, too;
If you can wait and not be tired of waiting;
or being lied about don't deal in lies;
or being hated don't give way to hating;
and yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise.

If you can dream, and not make dreams your master.
If you can think, and not make thoughts your aim.
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster,
and treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
or watch the things you gave your life to, broken;
and stoop to build them up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings,
and risk it on one turn of pitch and toss,
and lose, and start again at your beginning
and never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
to serve your turn long after they are gone,
and so hold on when there is nothing in you
except the will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
with sixty seconds' worth of distance run;
Yours is the earth and everything that's in it,
and (which is more) you'll be a man, My son!

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How Puny is the Ping

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"Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing, and can't be judged by unspiritual critics." (1Corinthians 2:15, The Message)

“James, I have a word from the Lord for you,” the caller said with resounding confidence, “and I’ve phoned to give it to you.”

As a pastor I had received calls like this from time to time and generally found them to be little more than well-intentioned expressions of the caller’s personal thoughts or feelings for me, couched in the language of spiritual revelation so as to add weight to it. I would always listen quietly and thank them when they finished.

Or, there were those few occasions when someone would call to blast me to kingdom come with a scathing rebuke, which they were commanded by the Lord God Almighty to speak, yea verily. I quickly learned how to screen those calls out.

But this call was different. It was from a close and trusted friend who has a track record of walking with the Lord, and hearing His voice; a man who rises early in the morning and spends great lengths of time in prayer; a man of significant influence, whom the Lord has used to touch many, many people with the Gospel. He had my undivided attention.

“OK,” I replied, “what is it?”

To this day I will never forget his answer, for it truly was a word from the Lord; a word which I needed to hear at that moment, for I was undergoing severe personal attack in the form of criticism and outright slander. I was being lied about, ridiculed for my beliefs, and spoken against by opponents who held me in contempt – you know, a typical week in the life of many pastors. So my phone-a-friend had my undivided attention.

“Ping,” he said; holding the sound out like a sustained musical note.

“Ping?” I answered, in a blunt, one syllable monotone reply.

“No,” he graciously answered, “Ping,” once again making the sustained sound, rather than simply saying the word. And then he did it again, “Ping.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked, and my friend replied, “That’s the sound of a twenty-two caliber bullet bouncing off the hull of a nuclear submarine. Ping.”

He paused for a moment and then said, “The Lord wants you to know that these attacks of criticism against you are nothing more than that – puny and ineffective cheap shots that cannot penetrate the hull of your ship. They can only annoy and distract. Stay the course and do what the Lord has directed you to do.”

That was a meaning moment for me. I was being tossed about in my soul with mounting frustrations – wanting to answer in self-defense and set the record straight, but being restrained from doing so by the grace of God. The storm has long passed and, like any storm, has left much debris in its wake. And with regularity someone will pick up a piece of the trash that was tossed about and take it as current news, and hammer me once again.

Funny, though, I seldom even hear the ping anymore…..
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A Collection of Disreputable Guests

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"Jesus and His disciples were at home having supper with a collection of disreputable guests. Unlikely as it seems, more than a few of them had become followers." (Mark 2:15, The Message)

The generosity of Jesus towards those who were outside the establishment was one of the major rubs against the religious institutions of His day. It is the same in our day as well. Pharisees throughout the ages protest the loudest, and act the most vengeful, when others gain access to God without having "paid their dues."

But Jesus did not establish any such protocol or pedigree as this. His word of invitation is always, "If any man thirsts, let him come unto Me and drink.” He also said, “all ye who labor and are heavy burdened, come unto Me and find rest."

And come they do -- by the millions. Unlikely as it seems.

Perhaps you are hearing the invitation even now. Maybe you have come upon this page by taking the wrong exit on the information highway, and you feel that following Jesus for you as a very unlikely thing. Many others have felt the same. But something inside urged them to trust Jesus, and now its your turn.

If you trust Him with all your heart and become His follower, as unlikely as it may seem to you -- you'll eat many a fine meal with Him, even though religious prudes protest your presence at the table.

Welcome to the family, and pass the potatoes, please.
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A Business Letter To Jesus Christ

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"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." ((Isaiah 55:8).


TO: Jesus Christ, Son of Joseph
Woodcrafters Carpenter Shop
Nazareth, Israel 35922

FROM: Jordon Management Consultants
Jerusalem, Israel 00666

RE: Staff Team Evaluation

Dear Mr. Christ,

Thanks for using our service; as you know, we bring a rich tradition of proven excellence in matters pertaining to the things of men. We have carefully studied the resumes of the twelve men you have picked for management positions in your new organization. All of them have now taken our battery of tests; and we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant.

It is the staff’s opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education, and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. The majority of your staff’s profiles were rather bland, and self explanatory – so we need not go over them with you – but only wonder why you would be interested in those who are so unimpressive. We feel it our duty to alert you to a few serious problem cases --

· James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus definitely have radical leanings, and they both registered a high score on the manic-depressive scale.

· Andrew has no qualities of leadership, and his homey habit of brown-bagging his lunch could be a turn-off to potential clients.

· We feel it our duty to tell you that Matthew has been denounced by the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau. Continued association with him could seriously jeopardize your own reputation.

· Thomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We actually had four people leave our firm after meeting with him.

· Simon Peter is emotionally unstable, highly opinionated, and given to fits of temper. In fact, during the interview he punched out three of our consultants.

· The two brothers, James and John, place personal interests above company loyalty, and show an inordinate dependence upon their mother. They also seem unusually fascinated with fire.

· One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. It is our recommendation that you keep as your controller and right-hand man Judas Iscariot.

We wish you every success in your new venture.

SIN-cerely,
Lucy Furr
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A Gathering of Dead Flies

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"Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor" (Eccl.10:1).

Several years ago in one of our many moves as a family, I pulled the sofa away from the wall where it had set for a number of months. Just behind the sofa was a large window facing out to the street. This accounts for what I found on the floor -- dozens of dead flies.

They had become trapped between the curtain and the window, trying vainly to fly out through the glass. Dying, they had fallen down between the wall and the curtain, behind our sofa. There were more flies on the floor than raisins in a two scoop box of Kellogg’s Raisin Bran. "Eew, gross!" I believe was the collective response of our four kids, followed by, "that's sooo disgusting!" Indeed. I couldn't have said it better myself. That’s probably what you’re thinking even right now!

Dead flies. As I stared at the pile, my mind recalled a peculiar passage of Scripture. Solomon, the wisest man in the world, knew about dead flies. Here’s what he wrote, "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor" (Eccl.10:1).

If Solomon were here today, he might say it like this -- Just a few dead flies in perfume makes the whole bottle stink. In the same way, just a little stupidity -- some small, short-lived folly -- can contradict the greatest wisdom, and reduce honor to shame.

At the risk of stretching things just a bit, I need to tell you that one of Satan’s names in Scripture is Beelzebub, which means “Lord of the Flies.” Could it be that dead flies may represent areas in our hearts and lives where the devil has had clandestine access?

Dead flies give perfume a bad smell, and foolishness gives anybody a bad name. But it is not pound for pound -- no, the measure is never so fair as that. It is an ounce of foolishness that outweighs a ton of wisdom. A minute of folly can undo a life of dignity.

King Saul's final cry, "I have played the fool!" -- pitiful in its tardiness -- illustrates the dread power of this buzzing little creature called Folly. An anointed man or woman of longstanding influence may at length gain a bad reputation through one isolated act of indiscretion and stupidity.

Check behind you couch, there might be something there you should clean out.
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Chosen and Marked by Love

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"You are My Son, chosen and marked by My love; pride of My life." (Mark 1:11, The Message).

It is one of the more familiar scenes from the life of Jesus. Standing in the Jordan River as cousin John prepared to perform of His baptism -- the time honored ritual that symbolized death, burial and resurrection. How interesting that Christ’s introduction to the public scene would began in just such a manner. And how appropriate.

Indeed, for everything about Him – his teachings, his miracles, his interaction with the leaders of His day – everything was aimed with unswerving accuracy at one thing -- the Cross. And how empowering it must have been for Him to hear at that very moment these tender words from His Father -- "You are My Son, chosen and marked by My love; pride of My life."

I firmly believe that everything Jesus said and did from this moment forward flowed out of this one thing – He was secure in His Father’s love for Him. He had no need to perform in order to be accepted and loved. No, He was already accepted and love – and that freed Him to fully carry out His mission.

Now here is the point of what I’m saying. We have no difficulty in hearing that God said such wonderful words to Jesus. Nor should we. Our difficulty comes when someone suggests that God may be saying the same words to us!

As hard as it may be for you to grasp this, or to believe this -- it is true. God loves you…..loves you just as He loves Jesus. He says to you, "You are my son, my daughter -- chosen and marked by my love -- pride of my life!"

Can you not see the evidence of this truth in your life? God has surely chosen you, that's why you feel and think the way you do. That's why you hunger for truth and long for something other than what this world can offer. You are chosen by God!

But there is more! You have also been marked by His love. There is something about you that causes others to take note when you are around. A look in your eye, a grace in your words, a power in your presence. But, none of this is originating from you, as though you possessed these things on your own. No, these are but the evidence of being "marked by God's love."

And, as surely as any father beams with joy and pride at the birth of a child, so the Lord does over you! It was a happy day of earth when you were born, but it was a happier day in heaven when you were born again!

It's true! God loves you as a Father loves his child. He has chosen and marked you by His love. You are the pride of His life.

I dare you to believe this for just one day.

I double dare you.

I double-dog dare you!
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The Company of the Unashamed

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Jesus said, “Whoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38).

We live in a culture that has all but quarantined faith; holding virtually any public display of love for God in contempt and ridicule. Nevertheless, as Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

Perhaps we need a spiritual boost, like young Timothy; something to encourage our boldness to stand up for Christ. “God has not given us the spirit of fear,” Paul wrote, “but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” (2 Timothy 1:7,8).

Our shameless response to Christ’s persuasive love makes Him proud to stand up for us as our God! The writer of Hebrews tells us, “He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Heb.2:11), and, “God is not ashamed to be called their God” (Heb.11:16). Since He is not ashamed to be associated with us, shouldn’t we be able to say the same in return?

Turning the pages in an old book, I came upon this wonderful poem by Joseph Grigg, entitled Ashamed of Jesus?

Jesus, and shall it ever be, a mortal man ashamed of Thee?
Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise, Whose glories shine through endless days?

Ashamed of Jesus! Sooner far let evening blush to own a star!
He sheds the beams of light divine O’er this benighted soul of mine.

Ashamed of Jesus! That dear Friend on whom my hopes of heaven depend!
No! When I blush, be this my shame, that I no more revere His name.

Ashamed of Jesus! Yes, I may, When I’ve no guilt to wash away;
no tear to wipe, no good to crave, no fears to quell, no soul to save.

Till then, nor is my boasting vain, Till then I boast a Savior slain.
And, O, may this my glory be, that Christ is not ashamed of me!
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A Lady Crying in the Streets

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Wisdom cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets" (Proverbs 1:20).

Once upon another time, not too long ago, yet different from the other once upon a time I told you about before, I was in a very large city not too far away. And there I saw a lady who was stunning in every way. She was beautiful, but not seductive; glamorous, but not vain; mysterious, but not deceptive. Her’s was a beauty born out of virtue, and blossomed by a life fully devoted to truth and filled with unconditional love. She was, to be sure, the epitome of a fair lady, the quintessential maiden of any king’s court. Yet, the strangest thing was this -- for all her beauty, there she was crying in the streets.

Now, I had become so captivated by her overall radiance, that at first I had not realized at all her great sorrow. I looked around to see why no one was responding to her tears – and that was when I became even more stunned. For every face I saw was etched with grotesque and distorted expression.

All the other women who filled the streets, each and every one, were total scabs. They looked like fairy tale witches cackling over their toxic brew. And the men were complete toads, belching and farting in an olympic effort to outdo one another, and desperately in need for the kiss of a fair maiden to restore them to their princely estates -- assuming they even had a princely estate in the first place. Yet, despite their pitiful plight, they continued carefree in their retarded condition, having no desire for change.

The city was populated by the ugliest and vilest people I have ever seen. But as long as the wine was flowing, and the music was playing, and the bodies were jiggling, and the pills were popping -- nobody wanted anything to change. They loved everything just the way it was.

Everything, that is, except the lady crying in the streets. She was a real nuisance. Her name was Wisdom. And none cared to hear what she had to say.
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The Very Rare and Most Beautiful Vase

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"Behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21).

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there lived a very poor man in a shabby house in a run-down neighborhood on the wrong side of the tracks in a economically depressed town, in a state overrun with poverty and need. Things weren't looking good.

One day as he was rummaging about the piles of items discarded from the local flea market, tossed aside because nobody wanted any of them, something caught his eye. It was a vase, and to his amazement, it was unbroken despite the obvious abuse it had suffered; unbroken, and unmarred. In fact, it was beautiful, even more so when contrasted by all the trashy surroundings.

He took it home and placed it upon the mantle in his dingy living room, and then sat and simply stared at it. Day after day he would spend hours gazing upon the very rare and most beautiful vase. One day, as he was intently focused upon the vase, he realized how cluttered his mantle was with other things, and how stained the wall was with the grime of poverty. So he cleared the junk off the mantle, and put a fresh coat of paint upon the wall. That simple decision caused the vase to stand out in even greater beauty, for now his entire wall took on the look of a beautiful painting, and he found such joy in gazing upon it all.

Then one day as he entered his living room he noticed how worn was the carpet, and how tattered were the furnishings. He pulled the carpet out and uncovered a beautiful hardwood floor; he cleaned and recovered the furnishings, transforming the look of the entire room. This is turn led him to slowly began renovating the rest of his home. Once finished, he delighted in the comfort of his beautiful abode.

But then he noticed that the yard was overgrown with weeds, and filled with junk; the fence was broken down and the outside of his home looked weathered and wasted. So he set upon making the needed repairs and cleaning up the yard. Soon, his home became the talk of the neighborhood, for it brought such a sense of hope to all those around him. Before long the other homeowners began making repairs upon their houses and yards, such that the entire neighborhood transformed and became the talk of the town.

Yet a little while longer and the town itself began to change; cleaning the trash off the streets, repairing broken windows and repainting faded homes; refurbishing businesses and rekindling dreams. At length, the town became the garden spot of the State. Tourists came from far and wide to see the beauty of the transformed town. Upon seeing it, they each went home inspired to make changes in their own homes.

Meanwhile, the man sat happily in his living room and looked upon that rare and most beautiful vase, blessed that his life had been transformed by beauty.

Jesus said that kingdom of God was within us; that the royal, ruling power of God was at work transforming our lives from the inside out. This is that very rare and most beautiful vase, and the power of its influence is truly extraordinary!
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The Royal, Ruling Power of God

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"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" ((Romans 14:17).

When jewelers want to show the exquisite beauty of a diamond, they always set it upon black velvet under bright lights. That way, the only thing that can capture and refract the light will be the jewel, making it appear in its fullest luster. I will attempt to do a similar thing right now as it pertains to the Kingdom of God. I want to illustrate it by way of contrast.

In The Mist, a movie based on the novel by Stephen King, a thick unnatural mist rapidly spreads across the small town of Bridgton the morning after a violent thunderstorm. With visibility reduced to near-zero, no one can see that the mist is concealing numerous species of bizarre, otherworldly creatures which viciously attack any human who ventures out into the open. In a weird plot twist the story goes suddenly religious when Mrs. Carmody announces that the only way to appease the darkness and stop the power of evil is by human sacrifice.

OK....so, that's the black velvet upon which I now contrast a most exquisite and resplendent crown jewel -- the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom is the exact opposite of the Mist, with one exception. Both are pervasive, and carry within themselves something that is otherworldly. In the case of the Mist, it was horror and death brought about by hideous creatures. In the case of the Kingdom, it is righteousness, peace, and joy -- brought about by the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

The Kingdom is the royal, ruling power of God present now in our world; pervading all things with its redeeming influence; healing and transforming lives, homes and communities. And everything goes according to God's plan, as long as man doesn't try and make it become a religious thing. That's when the monsters appear.

Paul writes, "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink," meaning that God never intended for us to sit in judgement against others over matters of eating and drinking, or going to church on Sunday, or a host of other things all designed to divide us from one another.

Jesus brought the royal, ruling power of God into our world to make things right, not religious. Righteousness means set right with God and man. The immediate result of righteousness is always peace, for we are no longer striving to control one another into doing something the way we suppose it should be done. And the result of peace, is always joy -- the happiness of healed relationships.

Turn away from the unholy Mist, and live your life in the pervasive presence of the Holy Spirit -- for He is the one who produces the work of the royal, ruling power of God in our lives.....and through our lives for others.
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The Holy Nation

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"Blessed in the Nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12).

There is a Nation in the earth whose geographical boundaries are not charted on any map or model globe; whose government is not recognized in any Congress or House of Parliament; whose flag flies not at the United Nations Building in New York; and whose King is not invited to any Summit Meetings with other Heads of State.

The citizens of this Nation are distinguished from the citizens of all other countries in that they are uniquely related to one another as brothers and sisters; it is a Tribal Nation.

It has the finest educational system in the earth, affording each of its citizens such opportunities of learning that even the most simple of its students excel in wisdom the chief scholars of others countries. Its military is second to none, by far surpassing all others in superiority of weaponry, of intelligence, of strategy, and in its vision of conquest. For it seeks not its own, but the peace, liberty and welfare of all other nations; and it so fights against their unseen enemies so as to secure it for them without charge! Its soldiers are the finest and most valiant of warriors, each one more than a conqueror; indeed, during battle, one puts a thousand of the enemy to flight.

This Nation has an economic structure unmatched by any. The combined resources total in the hundreds of billions of dollars. There is no need to balance the budget, for there is no National debt. There are no taxes imposed upon the people, for there is no need. Every one gives freely of his substance to help maintain the cost of government.

Its political structure is unique in all the history of governed nations. It has a King, who is dearly loved and personally known by every single citizen. He is just in all His rulings, loving in all His ways, and right in all His affairs. There are no votes taken, for there are no disagreements to settle; every man sees eye to eye, all stand firm in one spirit and one mind.

Socially, this Nation enjoys the peace known by no other country, yet coveted by all. It has no prisons, for there are no criminals; the only news is good news. Purity of conduct is a highly cherished virtue; honesty in all things, a top priority; love and compassion, a common concern; kindness and helpfulness, an open and constant exchange participated in by all.

This Nation is the wealthiest, healthiest, happiest, wisest, most peaceful, strongest, and securest Nation in all the history of the world, and it shall abide as such forevermore!

It is the Holy Nation; it is the Kingdom of God; it is Society as God planned it to be all along -- it is the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. And you are welcomed in its warm embrace.
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Carriers of the Keys

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"And I will give unto you the keys of the Kingdom..." (Matthew 16:19).

This is perhaps one of the more noted sayings of Jesus, and the very idea that we can actually open and close heaven's doors fills our imaginations with both wonder and inquiry. What does He mean by this?

Some would argue that since Jesus was speaking specifically to Peter, these words make him the first of many successive Popes who hold an authority to which no other human may lay claim. Not so. For the same words were spoken to all the disciples on other occasions. Jesus is saying that His followers, those who are a part of the Community of the Called Out (see previous blog), have been given the ability to grant access into the kingdom -- as well as close access to those who will not enter.

Furthermore, it is not Heaven's doors we are opening and closing. Rather, this is about helping others access the very real and royal presence of the Lord and His work here on the earth. This is a right now activity, not something in the sweet by and by.

Did it ever occur to you that you can actually be the means whereby the Lord extends His love, light, and life to others? You can be the one that makes it possible for someone else to actually experience a real and lasting touch from Jesus; a touch that heals, that forgives, that cleanses, and that transforms. Christ can make Himself known through your hands, through your words, and through your deeds.

You are a carrier of the Keys that opens the Kingdom. And you have been authorized by the King to give away to others what your have freely received yourself. Ah, but there's the rub. Have you indeed received it yourself?

Has the touch of Jesus healed you, cleansed you, forgiven you, and transformed you? If so, then in the words of the Psalmist, "let the redeemed of the Lord say so!" (Psalm 107:2) ). But If not, then what in the world is keeping you back? I open the door to you right now! Come on in and behold the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!

One final note. This is not a free-for-all, indiscriminate toss out of heaven's treasures like candy thrown from floats in a passing parade. No, Jesus set clear perimeters in His commissioning us a carriers of the Keys. "What you open on earth must already be opened in heaven," He said. In other words, we are to follow God's lead -- just as Jesus Himself did. "I only do those things I see My Father doing."

So, yes we have authority, symbolized by holding the Keys; but we also are charged with the responsibility to only do as the Lord directs. This means we must always be in relationship with Him, for that is the only way to handle each and every situation as Carriers of the Keys.

So, what are you waiting for? There's a whole lot of folks just waiting for you to pass their way.
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The Crumbling Gates of Hell

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"The gates of hell shall not prevail" (Matthew 16:18).

Most of us have seen various images of huge iron gates framed in flames and topped with evil-looking gargoyles -- the Gates of Hell as Hollywood imagines them to be. While it makes for good theater, it is poor theology.

First of all, there is no fence around Hell, so there can be no Gate. In fact, Jesus is not talking about a physical gate at all. Rather, He is talking about the counsels, judgements, plans, purposes, schemes, tricks, and wiles of the kingdom of darkness. That is the actual meaning of the term, gates of hell.

In ancient times the gates of the city were the place where public concourse and matters of court would be considered and decided upon. Also, it was customary for the elders of the city to sit in the gates, signifying that wisdom and understanding were available for all the people of the city. On some occasions, even kings would place their thrones in the Gates, signifying their rule over all who came in and out of the City.

Those listening to Jesus talk about the gates of hell would understand all this; after all, they didn't have movies in those days.

When Jesus said that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Community of the Called Out (that is, His Church), He means that none of the attacks which the devil unleashes from his seat of authority will in any manner gain supremacy over the people of God. Even if the full arsenal of Satan's dark empire was launched in a single, massive, all-out frontal assault against the Church, the cumulative effect would be like a fly smacking into the Rock of Gibraltar! Uh, the Rock wins.

Friend, no scheme the devil devises will succeed, no counsel he offers will prosper, no plan he comes up with will work. "Greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). And, "no weapon formed against you shall prosper" (Isa.54:17).

Of course, this doesn't mean that he won't try. In fact, it all but guarantees that the one thing the devil will do is attack the Church with relentless intensity. And why? Because the Church is the only thing on the planet that holds the unique distinction of being the Bride of Christ. And the devil so hates the Lord Jesus that he will try to trash whatever is dear to the Lord's heart. And that's us.

What else can you expect from a sulking bum sitting defeated in the crumbling gates of hell?
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The Community of the Called Out

"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the City, the watchman waketh but in vain." (Psalm 127:1)

Man is a communal creature by design; we are not built to be alone. While some rare souls seek solace in the caverns of monastic retreat, the overwhelming majority of us are forever compelled toward community. It is how God has wired us. The question, then, is what kind of community do we seek? Like Abraham of old, we "seek a city, whose builder and maker is God" (Heb.11:10). That is to say, we hunger for a godly community in every sense of the word. Law and order, peace and justice, truth and goodness, love and mercy, freedom and creativity. In one word -- godly.

Jesus made it clear that He came to start just such a community on the earth. "I will build My Church," He said, "and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The word He used is ekklesia, meaning "the community of the called out." This immediately makes us ask, "Called out of what?"

The old hymn gives the best answer -- "Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night; into Thy freedom, gladness, and light. Out of my sickness into Thy health, out of my want and into Thy wealth, out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus, I come to Thee. Out of my shameful failure and loss; into the glorious gain of Thy cross. Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm, out of life’s storms and into Thy calm, out of distress to jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to Thee. Out of unrest and arrogant pride; into Thy blessed will to abide. Out of myself to dwell in Thy love, out of despair into raptures above, upward for aye on wings like a dove, Jesus, I come to Thee. Out of the fear and dread of the tomb; into the joy and light of Thy home. Out of the depths of ruin untold, into the peace of Thy sheltering fold, ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee. (William T. Sleeper, 1896)

Yet another question rises, "What, then is it that we have been called into?" To be sure, it is a community like nothing this world has to offer. The Bible refers to it in such comprehensive terms as The House of the Lord, the City of our God, and the Kingdom of Heaven. It is both local and global, as well as eternal. It is not institutional; but relational. It is gathered in the name of the Lord, governed by the word of the Lord, guided by the Spirit of the Lord, guarded by the power of the Lord, and garnished with the glory of the Lord.

And there is only one way into this Community; it is through faith in the Lord Jesus, evidenced by love for His people, which springs out of obedience to His word.

Are you in?

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The Conflict of the Ages

"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you." (Matthew 12:28)

Jesus was a man, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil -- because God was with Him. He made it clear that He only did what He saw His Father doing. On one particular occasion it was casting a demon out of a wretch of a man.

Jesus healed him, giving him back his sight and hearing. The people who saw it were duly impressed, to say the least. "This has to be the Son of David!" they proclaimed. But the Pharisees, when they heard the report, were cynical. "It's nothing more than black magic," they said. "Some devil trick he's pulled from his sleeve."

Jesus confronted their slander with piercing wisdom -- "A judge who gives opposite verdicts on the same person cancels himself out; a family that's in a constant squabble disintegrates; so if Satan banishes Satan, is there any Satan left?" They couldn't answer Him -- but He wasn't finished: "If you're slinging mud at Me, calling Me a devil kicking out devils, doesn't the same mud stick to your own exorcists? " And then Jesus delivers the final blow against their ignorance -- "But if it's by God's power that I am sending the evil spirits packing, then God's kingdom is here for sure." (from the Message).

Jesus came with a specific purpose to render the devil of no effect, and to undo the works which the devil had wrought. He succeeded with overwhelming effectiveness. The Bible tells us "He exposed principalities as shattered, empty and defeated" (Colossians 2:15, Phillips NT). And, having done all this for our sake, He now has brought us into the victory of His great accomplishment; delivering us from the power of darkness, and translating us into the Kingdom of God.

Though it is finished, the full evidence of it will not be seen until the Day of the Lord -- when Christ returns. Until then, we are caught in the tension of two opposing kingdoms, experiencing the conflict of the ages.

Yet we are not victims, but victors. We are not helpless, but hopeful. We are not defenseless, but clothed in the armor of light. We are not powerless, but filled with the Holy Spirit. And we are not alone, but surrounded with a mighty host -- a band of brothers and sisters on earth, and armies of flaming angels in heaven above.

The Kingdom of God has come, and the devil is on the run!