The Bridge of Sighs

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"At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh deep sighs --He hears; He rescues." (Psalm 55:17, The Message).

Have you ever sighed? Of course you have. It’s a dumb question. We each sigh all the time. The struggle has ended…..and so we sigh. The deal fell through…. and so we sigh. Our team won…. and so we sigh. Our team lost…. and so we sigh. The movie ended happily ever after…and so we sigh.

A sigh is part of the vocabulary of dreamers and lovers alike.

A sigh gathers up our deepest longings, our faintest hopes, and our most treasured dreams and carries them where words cannot go. Yes, we may feel a set back from the momentary loss of hope, or the superficial dash of a great expectation. And so we sigh. And in that sigh is an unspoken prayer; a faint blush of hope -- for tomorrow may bring it in after all.

A sigh lets go of the disappointment and breathes in a fresh faith for another run at the prize. A sigh vents out of our emotional store the tepid air of failure, and makes room for optimism’s mysterious power.

God has given us an invitation to walk through the door of faith into His presence and commune at the most intimate level – just beyond the bridge of sighs. The apostle put it this way, “with groanings too deep to be uttered.”

What if there was a way to speak words we’ve never learned, in a vocabulary known only to God? And what if a sigh were the means of transporting those words beyond the veil that separates earth from heaven? Who in their right mind would refuse to sigh?

The wicked; that’s who.

The wicked do not sigh. They huff and puff, and (dare I say it?) -- blow their house down. Or, at least they try. That’s it. They try, but they do not sigh. Hard hearts and shallow lungs are often found in the same place.

But for childlike souls the wide world over, this bridge of sighs provides safe passage above and beyond the limitations of land-locked trivialities, and carries us into the presence of the Lord where we are filled afresh with new mercies every day.

OK...so take a deep breath and slowly let it out. Sigh. Now didn't that just feel right? Keep it up and you just might cross that bridge into the Lord's presence!
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The Inescapable Question

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And Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:15-16).

When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” They answered, “Some say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah, or one of the prophets.” Unmentioned on this occasion were the many other epithets for Jesus circulating about Palestine -- blasphemer, madman, false-prophet, drunkard, glutton, and demon-possessed maniac!

One fact is undeniable: everybody talks about Jesus. Everybody has an opinion about who He is -- and the opinions are remarkably varied. In fact, the portraits of Jesus that have emerged throughout history make it difficult to believe that the same person is being described.

Authors have cast Jesus as a political revolutionary, a magician, a peasant unwittingly caught up in social revolution, a charismatic prophet foretelling the end of the world, a "marginal" Jew who challenged the teachings and practices of the religious leaders of his day, a spiritual master who overcame the humblest of origins to proclaim the gospel of love and forgiveness.

In a document published in 1984 by the Pontifical Biblical Commission, we are given no less than ten distinct methodologies for answering the Jesus question -- speculative, historical, anthropological, existential, social, Judaistic, religious, moral, personal, and denominational. In other words, each of these sources give us a different spin on who Jesus was…and is.

One person has said that assembling a portrait of Jesus is a bit like crafting a stain glass window. Each piece of glass contributes to the mosaic, but an individual piece can seem incongruous, even contradictory, compared with the piece beside it. And, many times, the glass of the "Jesus Mosaic" is highly reflective; revealing at least as much about the person assembling the picture as about Jesus.

The Jesus of the Middle Ages was a heavenly King who ruled benevolently over his subjects, much as earthly kings of that era saw themselves. The Puritan's Jesus was a fire-and-brimstone-wielding Judge who would have been quite comfortable in a long black frock and three-cornered hat. The Jesus of the late '60s was a long-haired dropout espousing Free Love, or a political revolutionary bent on overthrowing the Establishment.

More recent studies have portrayed Jesus as a disenfranchised figure struggling to find His way in a world in which the old rules no longer applied -- a compelling portrait in these days of nomadic searchers, running to and fro for a touch from God. Writer Tom McNichol said, “In the beginning God created man in His image, and ever since then, it seems, man has been trying to return the favor.” ("The Many Faces of Jesus" USA Weekend, 12\18\92, pg4).

We each must know Jesus for who He is and be transformed into His likeness, rather than molding His image after our way of thinking. The question of the ages remains for you and I to answer, “Who do you say that I am?” Your eternal destiny depends upon how you answer that one inescapable question.
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What If It Were Up to You

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“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32).

A pastor asked a churchgoer, "What are the two greatest problems in the Church today?" The man answered, "I don't know; and, I don't care!" The pastor responded, "Then you have both problems!!"

Ignorance and apathy produce a people who are uninformed and unconcerned. Sadly, there are many such people in the Church today. Our altar calls have netted many decisions, but produced few disciples.

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Discipleship is the doorway into Truth, Freedom and Personal Responsibility.

The Lord calls us to be His disciples. He deals with ignorance by telling us the truth, and He deals with apathy by telling the truth over and over and over again. John Wimber once said, "It not the truth that sets you free; its the truth you KNOW that sets you free!" Jesus said, “You shall know the Truth.” Let’s take it one step at a time:

You - that’s personal.....accept it.

Shall - that’s imperative....obey it.

Know - that’s cognitive.....understand it.

The - that’s definitive.....admit it.

Truth - that’s reality.....live it.

Truth, Freedom, and Responsibility always go together. Responsible living is the fruit of Freedom; and Freedom is the offspring of Truth. Jesus Christ has redeemed us and given us His Holy Spirit and knowledge of the Truth; so that from the inside out we would be a free and responsible people who are self-governed under God.

A Gallup Poll revealed that the majority of Americans are looking to the Government to remedy their loss of freedom, their loss of economic prosperity, and their failure at child-rearing. The cry of the masses to the imperial Halls of political Power is - "Do something about Education, Health Care, the Economy, the Environment, Drug Abuse, Gang Violence, Cigarettes, Sexual Harassment, Bigotry, Racism, Work Ethics, Abortion, Homosexuality....etc! We voted you into office so that you would DO SOMETHING!”

But, my friend -- YOU are the one who can make the difference. And I am, too.

We know the Truth, and we are therefore a people of understanding. We have been set free, and we are therefore a people of zeal. This is God’s answer to ignorance and apathy. As Christians we must each take personal the words of our Lord, and conduct ourselves with wisdom and honor toward those around us. This will answer the ignorance and apathy of the world, and bring great glory to our Lord.

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The Little Power People

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"If we let Him go on, pretty soon everyone will be believing in Him and the Romans will come and remove what little power and privilege we still have." (John 11:48, The Message)

I remember a song from long ago that said, "Oh, nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors." The truth is, everybody knows; and if they don’t, they soon will. Jesus said, "Nothing has been covered that will not be exposed. Whatever is secret will be made known" (Matthew 10:26).

The Pharisees held council with one another in their secret chambers, but the Holy Spirit takes us right into the heart of their deliberations. And what we see is pitiful.

Someone once said, "If you love sausage and Law, you should never watch either one being made." The conversation and conduct of these men, esteemed to be holy and just, is not just shameful -- it's cowardly and pathetic.They were not at all concerned with Jesus as a person, for all they saw in Him was a threat to their own welfare. Nor were they concerned about the people, for they deemed to be dupes; easily swayed by the latest fad. No, their sole concern was for themselves. "If we let Him go on," they admitted, "pretty soon everyone will be believing in Him...."

Let's look at that for a minute. Jesus has no competition; no rival; no equal. Let the message of Christ stand alongside any other message that is proclaimed and pretty soon everyone will be believing in Him. These other so-called gods and saviors are nothing but the mythical concoctions of darkened minds, set forth for the sole purpose of controlling people through fear and superstition.

However, people believing in Jesus was not the immediate concern of the Pharisees. No, they were much more bothered by the potential loss of their own power and privilege. What poverty is in their hearts!

What about you? What little power and privilege are you tightly holding? Let it go, and watch the Son of God work a wonder in and through your life! If you try to save yourself, you will have little power and privilege. But if you trust Christ to save you, then the power of the Holy Spirit is unleashed in your life; and the privilege of sonship, with all its inheritance, is yours forever!

Don't side with the Little Power People -- fall in love with Jesus! For ALL power in heaven and earth are His; and you are His, and His power is yours!
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When All is Said and Done

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"Some of them were persuaded by what he said, but others refused to believe a word of it." (Acts 28:24, The Message)

Paul was unquestionably one of the best and most effective preachers who ever lived. Yet, not everybody believed what he said. Someone once wrote, "When all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done." Having preached for many years I know this is true.

It is interesting to observe the dynamics at work in a gathering of people who are hearing the truth of God's Word proclaimed with persuasive power. First there is a curiosity that inclines them to listen, which they do for a brief moment. If there is not sufficient reason to continue listening presented in those first minutes -- the talk is over before it ever begins. A skilled preacher knows how to get to the heart of the matter without delay.

After people decide to listen, then there is the eerie silence of uninterrupted focus. At times it seems you could hear a pin drop. People's minds are quiet and their heart's are open. Truth is doing a deep work.

Then there is a shifting in the seats as people process what they are hearing; in some there is an internal debate, while in others there is a dawning awareness of truth. Ultimately, all preaching comes to the moment of decision. What are you going to do with what you have heard?

Like Paul, all of us have our moments when we are effective in doing what God has gifted us to do. And, we also have our moments when, no matter what we do, it doesn't seem to make any difference at all. It is interesting to note that, in Paul's case, some were persuaded, convinced, and believed the things that were spoken. But others, note how the Bible puts it, "refused to believe a word of it."

It wasn't that they could not believe; rather, they would not believe. Paul had indeed convinced even them, but their hearts refused to accept what they were hearing because they did not want to change. Jesus said, "The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil" (John 3:19).

And so it is that when all is said and done -- and this World is no more -- this simple verse of Scripture will serve as the judicial summary of all human history: "Some of them were persuaded by what he said, but others refused to believe a word of it."

Which side of the line will you be on in that day?
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Seeking Greatness?

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"Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest." (Luke 22:24)

The disciples of old were not at all unlike the disciples of today. There yet continues to be disputes among us over who is the greatest. Fallen souls that we are, something deep within us is forever aspiring to rise to greater and greater heights. Yet, the Lord loves us too much to leave us unguarded in this matter.

When Charles Spurgeon was eighteen years old and seeking God’s will for his life, he felt the need for theological training. Both his friends and his father advised him to attend college. So he made application to Regent’s Park College, and an interview was set between the head of the college and young Spurgeon at the Cambridge home of a publisher.

At the appointed time, Spurgeon arrived and a servant showed him into the parlor. There he sat for two hours until at last his patience could stand it no longer. He called for the servant and was horrified to discover that she had forgotten to announce his arrival, and had forgotten all about him!

Meanwhile the head of the college had sat waiting in an adjoining room until his patience, too, had been exhausted, and he had left Cambridge for London by train without the interview ever having taken place.

Spurgeon was deeply disturbed, and his first impulse was to run after the man, to chase him to London, to explain what had happened. But he took a long walk out in the country to calm down, and by-and-by a verse of Scripture came to his mind so forcibly that he almost seemed to hear it audibly -- “Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not!” (Jeremiah 45:5).

The Lord seemed to be telling him not to worry about the misunderstanding, not to make extraordinary efforts to clear it up, but to take it as the Lord’s will and serve the Lord humbly where he was. As a result, Spurgeon never did make it to college, but it didn’t matter. He became the most successful and influential minister in the history of Victorian England, and he later said that he “a thousand times thanked the Lord very heartily for the strange providence which forced his steps into another and far better path.”

Maybe instead of seeking to be great, we ought to seek to be good. Spurgeon once said in a sermon, “Many, through wishing to be great, fail to be good.”
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"Who's Your Caddy?"

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"Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' -- whether to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, New Living Translation).

Tommy Bolt, winner of the 1958 US Open, tells the story of an incident he had with a caddy during one of his tournaments. This was before professional golfers had their own caddies as they do today. Bolt arrived at the venue for the tournament and was approached by a youngster, "Mr. Bolt, you need a caddy, sir?"

The lad seemed unseasoned, so Bolt replied, "I'll let you know, kid." He then went to the caddy master and asked about the youngster. "He's a real good caddy," the man said, "knows the course, the greens, and the rules of the game. But he talks a lot."

So Bolt went back to the youngster and said, "You can caddy for me on one condition: Don't say a word."

The kid accepted and carried the bag for the Open champion. The first round went well, as did the second, and third. Bolt was in contention in the fourth round, when an errant tee shot landed in the woods. The ball was sitting down in the rough, with a risky shot to the green, which was guarded by water on the right.

Bolt asked the kid, "You think a five iron will do the trick?" The kid shook his head no, but never said a word. "What, you want me to hit a six iron?" Again, the kid shook his head no, but did not speak. Bolt grabbed a six iron a lashed the ball out of the rough and landed on the green, rolling to about three feet for a birdie. As they walked to the green, Bolt said, "Aren't you going to say something now, after seeing a shot like that?"

The kid then replied, "Mr. Bolt, that wasn't your ball."

Many of us go through life with a Caddy we never let speak. He is the Holy Spirit, and we would listen to Him, engaged in an ongoing conversation, He would save us many penalty strokes on the Links of Life.

Is that a five iron in your hand?
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Vote Humility into Office

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“When a land transgresses, it has many rulers. But when the ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue.” (Proverbs 28:2 The Amplified Bible)

These are the words of one of the wisest men who ever lived; a king who ruled a great and diverse people, and who is renowned to this day for his power, his fame, his wealth, and his wisdom. His name is Solomon.

In his words we find a truth that has been proven again and again in the history of great nations: When a country is rebellious and in chaos, it will have many rulers; one right after another, each with an opinion of what went wrong, and a plan on how to fix it.

One by one in endless procession, each will step to the podium with their boasts of setting things right. But none of them can deliver on their empty promises, for those who oppose them continually undermine them – and vice versa. Despite their good looks, savvy speeches, sparkling eyes, and wavy hair -- none can give any real assurance that things will take a turn for the better. If this situation draws out too long it will result in moral decay at the highest levels of leadership, and a deepening apathy will increase in an ever-widening circle of disinterested citizens growing more and more frustrated with the whole mess.

It is precisely at this point that one of two things happen historically. Either a spiritual revival happens, turning the nation back toward God; or the government topples and despotism sets in. History has seen this happen over and over. None are exempt.

It takes a real leader to straighten things out -- a man or woman of discernment, understanding, knowledge and wisdom. Let such a leader rise to lead in such a time as this, and that which is good and right will be prolonged. And the nation will long endure in both stability and prosperity, peace and good success.

But, is there such a leader in this ever darkening hour? And, if so, how may we tell who it is? There is an essential and distinguishing mark that separates the right leader from those whose ambition for power compels them to seek the throne. It is humility.

In times of chaos and confusion, when the air is filled with boastful claims and slanderous insults -- look for the man or woman who walks in humility. Why? Because God gives grace to the humble. And if we truly want God to shed His grace upon America, we must have a man or woman of humility standing on our behalf in this remarkable Representative government of ours -- at every level.

Humble Mayors in our cities. Humble Governors in our States. Humble Judges on our benches. Humble Congressmen and women in our Legislator. Humble Senators in the venerable Halls of Power.

And a humble President in the Oval Office.
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Biker, Banker, Bum (Part 3)

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“And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.” (Mark 8:25 NKJV)

OK, let’s pick back up on my episode at the intersection with the biker, banker, and bum.

Sitting there in my car waiting for the light to change, having just tagged three complete strangers with labels derived from my own prejudice, the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance the story I related to you yesterday from Mark’s gospel.

It was then I sensed the Lord speak to my heart something to this effect, “James, you have blurred vision; you need another touch from Me in order to see clearly, without any prejudice.” On that day at the intersection I learned a lesson I have never forgotten. I saw men as trees, walking.

I had been duly exposed to just enough Bible trivia to become a man with rapid-fire religious opinions; a Bible “answer man” with little regard to how my views or opinions demeaned, depreciated, or damaged others. I just knew my view of scripture was right, and anybody not seeing it my way had to be wrong.

You know….Biker. Banker. Bum.

I had become quite adept at affixing my labels upon the various people groups in my little world. I saw Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians; Lutherans, Pentecostals, and Fundamentalists. I saw Protestants and Catholics. And I saw heretics, pagans, perverts and queers. And if memory serves me here, cross-eyed mosquitoes and bow-legged ants were in there somewhere.

I saw the good, the bad, and the ugly. I saw bikers, bankers, and bums.

Indeed, I needed another touch from Jesus. I needed Him to stay with the healing process that His grace had already begun in my life, and bring me to a place where I could see things clearly; to see people through His eyes, and not my own.

The truth be known -- that was not a Biker cranking his Harley to warp 3 alongside me at the light; no, he was a man whom God dearly loves -- a man for whom Jesus died. And that was not a Banker triumphantly strolling out of First National to cruise off in his Caddy; no, he was a man whom God dearly loves -- a man for whom Jesus died. And that was not a Bum stumbling into another day of hopeless begging; no, he was a man whom God dearly loves -- a man for whom Jesus died.

And, thankfully, I was not a bigot; a self-righteous know-it-all preacher dispensing judgment near and far; No. I, too, was a man whom God dearly loves -- a man for whom Jesus died.
That day I got some spit in my eye, you might say, and from that day forward began to see everyone clearly. And that has made all the difference.

Are you getting the point?

Has the light changed yet?
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Biker, Banker, Bum (Part 2)

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“And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.” (Mark 8:25 NKJV)

One day as Jesus and His disciples approached the city of Bethsaida, a group of people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. The Bible says, “He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, ‘Do you see anything?’ He looked up and said, ‘I see people; they look like trees walking around.’ Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” (Mark 8:23~26, NIV)

This unusual story has always held a certain fascination for me. First, I am intrigued that Jesus took the man away from the emotionally charged atmosphere of the crowd who brought him to be healed. Jesus did the miracle away from the crowd. This is so unlike many of the faith healers in our day, who do so much for show….and money.

And, second, I am bemused by the oddity of Jesus spitting directly in the man’s eyes in order to heal him. I wonder why the Lord did that; and I wonder how the guy felt about that. On another occasion Jesus had spit on the ground and made a mudpack, which He then placed on a blind man’s eyes. Upon washing the mud away, the man could see. But here Jesus spits directly into the man’s eyes!

Could it be that Jesus, by not doing it the same way twice, is thereby showing us that God deals with each of us as unique individuals? There are no pat answers to life’s complex challenges; no cookie-cutter solutions to humanity’s diverse need for God’s saving grace and healing mercy. One gets a mudpack; another gets spit in the eye! Either way, the miracle comes, and God gets all the glory.

And then, finally, I’m stumped by the fact that the miracle didn’t take at first; I mean, it didn’t work. The man could indeed see, but his vision was as yet distorted. “I see men as trees, walking,” he said. Jesus had to touch him a second time in order for him to see everything clearly.

This is to me the most intriguing feature of this event. One would think that spit in the eye -- especially if put there by the Son of God Himself -- would certainly be potent enough to perform a miracle of healing. But the story tells us that while eyesight was restored, it was still somewhat foggy. The guy needed a second touch for the miracle to fully set in.

OK, so tomorow I'll pick back up at the intersection where I was waiting for the light to change, and wrap this episode all together.
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Biker, Banker, Bum (Part 1)

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“And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.” (Mark 8:25 NKJV)

A few years ago while sitting in my car waiting for the light to change on a midsummer’s morning in Boulder, Colorado, my attention was abruptly seized by the earth-shaking roar of an unmuffled Harley pulling alongside my car. I slowly turned to look at the rider hanging on his chopper like a baboon in a tree, and I easily sized him up in an instant.

Long blond greasy hair tied in a ponytail; sweaty, red bandana headband; Fu Manchu mustache; offensive tattoos etched on every square inch of his neck and arms; and an undeniable fury swirling about his head like wasps around an agitated nest. “Now there’s a biker,” I thought to myself. “Better give him a wide berth!”

Turning back to see if the light had changed I couldn’t help but notice a smartly dressed gentleman coming out of First National Bank, carrying an expensive leather attaché and walking briskly toward a brand new Cadillac. His was a bright look of capital conquest; king of all he surveyed. “Now there’s a banker,” I automatically concluded. “It sure would be nice to have a guy like that interested in my ministry.”

The light had not changed yet so I risked one more guarded glance toward the biker. In doing so my eyes caught sight of a ruffled old man staggering out of a thick hedge of shrubs bordering the city park. He had spent the night burrowed in the bushes, and I think the Harley woke him up.
He was days unshaven, weeks unshowered, and years unsure. Brushing the leaves out of his matted hair, and squinting so as to ease the flood of sunshine into his blood shot eyes -- the homeless man stumbled into yet another meaningless day with patented indifference. “And there is a bum if ever I saw one,” I casually thought to myself. “What a waste.”

Then it hit me. Biker, banker, bum.

The unintended symmetry in my spur-of-the-moment opinions startled me. And as these words replayed in my mind, a quiet sense of conviction began to settle upon me. Somehow I could tell that the Lord was examining me in that moment, and that what had just happened was not exactly what I wanted Him to see. For right then -- without any sense of forethought, discernment, or compassion -- I had labeled three people I didn’t even know; and had done so with a cavalier sense of self-certainty: “Biker, Banker, Bum.”

I tell you what -- let me step aside until tomorrow, and I'll tell you of an event in the life of Jesus that relates to this awkward moment. We’ll come back to my experience at the intersection a little later. It’s a long light anyway; we have time....
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The Unflappable Champion

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“He gathered up His courage and steeled Himself for the journey” (Luke 9:51, The Message).

There are some things that require little effort, and yield small results. Many people content themselves to spend their days in just such trivial pursuit. Will you settle for being one of them? F. W. Boreham wrote, “There is no intellectual stimulant so intoxicating as the formation of a noble purpose, the conception of a sudden resolve, the making of a great decision.”

There is talk these days of vision. But vision is much more than a good idea that stirs the soul to temporary endeavors. Vision is the ability to see it, the faith to believe it, the courage to do it, and the hope to endure until it happens. Take any of these components away and vision fails. Each is vital, and indispensable. Do you have vision for your life?

Jesus does.

He sees you as an overcomer; as one who has been forgiven, cleansed, and empowered to make a difference. He sees you as someone who is following in His steps; and He is the unflappable Champion. In the same manner that He "gathered up His courage and steeled Himself for the journey" -- He sees you doing the same.

Courage is the mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear or difficulty. The journey we have undertaken as followers of Christ demands all the courage we possess. It requires of us a steely, unwavering resolve to meet whatever seeks to delay us, defeat us, detour us, or deny us – to meet such things with a faith that says, “Nevertheless!”

God’s Spirit has given us an ingrained capacity to face the strain and stress of faithfulness with fortitude, patience, and joy. Thus did Jesus walk up Calvary’s mountain one dreadful morn, and there face unflinching the dark trinity of Satan, Sin, and Death. And there, on a hill far away, our Lord did win a resounding victory.

And, be sure of this one fact – He did it for you! That victory is now yours. Lay claim to it by faith, and you, like Jesus, can gather up your courage and steel yourself for the journey of a lifetime.
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The Triumphant Trudge

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"They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

There is action to this thing called Faith. It is not a stationary proposal; there is movement; a constant ebb and flow of ups and downs, ins and outs, advances and setbacks, break-throughs and break-ups. Certainly, there is never a dull moment, even when the lull of a laborious trek carries us through the unattended miles of unsung service.

An underground river is a river nonetheless. And though men will never admire its passage, nor fish its depths, nor tour its many channels, it still supplies untold life to many unnoticed outlets.

For many of us -- this is the normal Christian life. None on earth will fully know all the ways the Lord blessed and used us for His glory. But on that day, the unseen river will surely burst forth into a heavenly geyser -- showing forth the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord.

We are not weary in well-doing, nor do we faint when the trudge seems endless. Rather, we gird our loins, bestir our souls, and press onward, and ever upward; knowing that it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

Did I triumph in this trudge? Did I stand, or did I budge? Before the tempter did I fudge? Do my garments bear a smudge?Did I stumble? More than once. Did I bumble? Like a dunce. Did I fumble? Like a klutz. Was I humble? Perhaps, I was.

Did I give up? Not an inch. Was I faithful? In a pinch. Did I trust Him? Every day. Did I follow? Come what may. Am I worthy? Not at all. He alone will make that call. I just know that, for my part, I gave Him all, with all my heart. I soared like eagle at the start, and ran with zeal in every part.

Was I sinner? Was I saint? No. I simply walked, and did not faint.
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The Boy and the Fireflies

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"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)

Several years ago I found this wonderful poem in an old book while rummaging about in an antique store. It is a real treasure, and I am delighted to pass it along to you. My hope is that you will find it sufficient to insure that you keep your steps within the light of God's Word -- and follow the counsel of no other.

An inexperienced boy, one night

Through lonely paths returning,

Had taken to guide his steps aright,

A lantern brightly burning.
And safe he traveled by its ray,

Until, before him glancing,

He saw, along the doubtful way,

The sparkling fire-flies dancing.

Then he discarded with disdain

His lantern calmly beaming,

To follow this resplendent train,

In fitful radiance gleaming.
But, ere a second step he took,

He found his folly humbled:

The flying lights his path forsook,

And in a ditch he tumbled.

Then bitter anger he expressed

Against these guides beguiling;

Who thus the simple boy addressed:

"Nay, cease this vain reviling!
The blame remains with you alone;

And half the ills men reckon,

Proceed from leaving lights well known,

To follow some false beacon."

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The Power of a Thankful Heart

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"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7).

Something extraordinary happens to us when we purpose to always be thankful.

First, the power of a thankful heart keeps you from the destructive influence of bitterness, for it lifts you to a higher perspective and lets you see things from God's point of view. Yes, people will treat you badly and unjustly; but the Lord works all things for your good. Be thankful, and watch Him work.

Second, the power of a thankful heart prevents you from falling into pride; for thankfulness presupposes humility. A grateful man is a humble man; and a humble man receives the grace of God to face and overcome all things.

Third, the power of a thankful heart cultivates peace of mind and composure of character. When your life becomes rooted and built up in the truth of God's word, there is very little that can disturb your spirit.

Fourth, the power of a thankful heart increases your sense of purpose in God's work, for you know that He has plans for you; plans to bless you, to prosper you, to use you as a blessing for others, and to bring your life on earth to a happy end.

Fifth, the power of a thankful heart gives you a confident assurance for the future -- not only for the life you live on earth, but after you pass from this world into the next; you will enter His presence with thanksgiving, seeing you've practiced it your whole life.

Sixth, the power of a thankful heart permeates the atmosphere with positive energy. Your outlook of faith is empowering for others who may not be able to see things so clearly. Your glad disposition brightens their dark moments, like Paul and Silas singing praise to God in the Philippian jail.

And finally, the power of a thankful heart honors God, for it dares to look beyond the obvious to see the actual. Circumstances may be bleak, and things may be bad; the economy of your life may be teetering on collapse, and situations may seem all but hopeless -- but God is still in control. Your thankful heart demoralizes the powers of hell and glorifies your heavenly Father.

Abound in thanksgiving today and you'll see I'm right. All these things and more will be yours!
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"Lord, Remember Me!"

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"And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." (Luke 23:42).

"If there ever were dreams that were lofty and noble, these were my dreams from the start. And the hopes for life's best were the hopes that I harbored deep in my heart. But, my dreams turned to ashes; my castles all crumbled; my fortunes turned to loss. So I wrapped them all in the rags of my life, and laid them at His cross. Something beautiful; something good. All my confusion He understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but He made (and is yet making) something beautiful of my life."

These words were written by Bill & Gloria Gaither, but they express the sentiments of millions who have been touched by the healing power of Jesus through the ages.

They certainly could be the very words of the dying thief on the cross as he entered Paradise with the Savior. I know for sure they are my words as I reflect upon my journey with Jesus thus far. And they can be your words, too. As the old song says, "It is no secret what God can do; what He's done for others He will do for you."

The dying thief prayed, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom." And Jesus did so. But what exactly was the fellow asking Jesus to do? Did he merely want the Lord to think about him from time to time? No, not all all. The word remember literally means "to put back together."

When something is dismembered, it is torn apart and broken. Such was this thief's wasted life. He was asking Jesus to "put his life back together" -- believing that Jesus would be able to do so in the Kingdom. This was an ultimate act of faith, for the ruined man was dying at that moment. And Jesus assured him, "Today, you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Your life may be broken and ruined, fragmented and wasted -- but Jesus can put it back together! And He will do so if you but ask Him.

Yes, it will take some time, but it will all be worth it. And in the process you will walk with Him in Paradise; not just in the sweet by and by, but even here on earth; every day as you listen to His word, and follow His will.

Jesus remembers you.
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The Pilgrim's Prayer of Progress

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"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

God is doing a work in each of our lives, slowly and deliberately transforming us from being self-centered and self-serving, to becoming more and more like Jesus. It happens as we come out from our places of hiding and lift our faces to the Lord. His favor and power change us from glory to glory. It is a lifelong process that will carry us onward into eternity.

Years ago I came upon this remarkable poem, untitled and unattributed to any author, it stands alone upon a high summit of inspirational prayer. It is the heart cry and testimony of every pilgrim. Read it for yourself and see if its words find a place of deep resonance in your own heart.

O the shame and bitter sorrow that a time could
ever be when I let my Savior's mercy
plead in vain, and proudly answered,
“All of self and none of Thee.”

Yet He found me. I beheld Him dying on the
cursed tree. I heard Him pray, Forgive him Father.
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self and some of Thee.”

Day by day His tender mercy, healing,
helping, guiding me; sweet and strong, and O so patient,
brought me lower till I whispered,
“Less of self and more of Thee.”

Now, higher than the highest heavens, deeper
than the deepest sea. Lord, at last Thy love has conquered.
Grant me now my soul's desire:
“None of self and all of Thee!"

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Heaven Sent

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"A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from above." (John 3:27)

Have you ever paused and taken inventory of all that you actually have? If so, as you were considering it all, did the thought ever enter your mind that it was given to you from heaven?
Even now I invite you to reflect upon your estate, be it great or small, and count the full measure of it as a gift from God. Don't be like those who foolishly say, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced for me this wealth!" (see Deut.8:17).

Jesus said that a man, or woman -- that's you -- can receive nothing, except it be given them from above. Nothing? That just about covers everything, don't you think? We are told, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17).

God has uniquely gifted you, and specifically blessed you with abilities and opportunities that can help you live your life to the fullest and best in His purposes. But, you can also take these gifts and opportunities and squander them.

The Bible asks, "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" (1Corinthinas 4:7).

As long as we keep our perspective right regarding the gifts, talents, abilities, resources, and opportunities we possess -- realizing and acknowledging that each and every one of them have been given to us by God -- then humility will mark our character and grace will fill our lives. For God gives grace to the humble.

Do the world a favor -- take inventory of all that you have and, from this day forward, live with a grateful heart and a generous outlook; seeking to serve others with all the Lord has entrusted to you. And as you journey through life others will say that you were "heaven sent."
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Living a Legacy

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"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another--showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way." (2Timothy 3:16, The Message).

Any man or woman who anchor their lives in the faithfulness and power of God's Word, yielding themselves fully to the majesty of Christ's Lordship, will live a legacy.

"Don't you mean they will leave a legacy?"

Yeah, sure; that too. But before they can leave it -- they first get to live it! Such people are those who enjoy strong, healthy relationships empowered by the splendor of grace; they are people who have walked through the gateway to greatness by using their God-given abilities to serve others in truly noble ways.

Wouldn't you want to be known as such a person?

For a complete audio seminar on this subject, available in five free MP3 downloads, plus a complete PDF file of teaching notes, please click HERE.


Enjoy -- compliments of TruthWorks!
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Private Explanations

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"In His public ministry Jesus never taught without using parables; but afterward, when He was alone with His disciples, He explained everything to them privately." (Mark 4:34. New Living Translation)

In any field of endeavor, the surest and best way to attain the highest summit of excellence and achievement is to personally learn from the very best in that field.

To the artist, a prolonged visit with Michelangelo or Da Vinci, privately explaining the use of perspective, shape, color and shade to bring out the true wonder of a work of art would be priceless indeed. To the writer, a private session with the likes of Shakespeare would make all the difference in their world -- listening to him explain the art of turning a phrase to capture the heart of his readers. The musician would be well graced to sit in on a private session with Beethoven, Bach, or, if it suits your style, the Beatles. The take-away of such an encounter would be life-defining.

Anytime one gets an opportunity to sit at the feet of a Master, the smart choice will always be to seize the opportunity. And that is what has been provided for us is our relationship with Jesus. But take note of these key points, for they must not be overlooked if you would experience this unique privilege.

First, it happened when they were alone. Sometimes one must break away from the hustle and bustle of the never-to-be-interrupted-quest for more before they will ever be able to fully hear the Lord speak to them. Second, Jesus expounded all things to them. That's the word the Old King James uses, and it means "to loose further." It's like a package being unwrapped; with each passing moment it becomes more and more apparent, until we openly hold in our hands what had previously been hidden to us.

Finally, like the disciples, we must be teachable. We must be ready to learn more than we suppose we need, and to be taken to places we never knew to go.

The Master is calling you; take a break and get away for some private explanations.
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Once to Every Man and Nation

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"Choose you this day whom you will serve!" (Joshua 24:15).

Sooner or later a man must make up his mind what he will do with his life. This is equally true of a woman as well. The poorest among us are those souls who pass though life serving only themsleves -- loving things and using people. There is a much better alternative. We can choose to serve the Lord -- loving people and using things.

This choice is not only right, it is courageous; especially in a day when "doing the right thing" is not always celebrated. One of my favorite old hymns, Once to Every Man and Nation (wriiten in 1845 by James R. Lowell) says it best

"Once to every man and Nation comes the moment to decide
in the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side.
Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight.
And that choice goes by forever between that darknes and that light.

Then to side with Truth is noble, when we share Her wretched crust;
ere Her cause bring fame and fortune, and 'tis properous to be just.
Then it is the brave man chooses, while the coward stands aside
until the multitude make virtue of a Faith they had denied.

Though the cause of evil prosper, yet the truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong;
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own."

Joshua stood before his countrymen and called them to the great moment of Choice. "Choose you this day whom you will serve," he said -- and even now so says to us. The question, therefore, is will you serve yourself, or will you serve the Lord.

May Joshua's confession become your very own, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"
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The Line in the Sand

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Jesus said, "He that is not with Me, is against Me." (Matthew 12:30).

William B. Travis made his mark in history when he drew his sword and placed that line in the sand of the Alamo courtyard. Those who crossed the line walked out of anonymity into renown, each one becoming part of an ongoing legend.

Never underestimate the power of a defining moment; that moment when history draws a line in the sand.

Jesus drew a line in the sand when He said, "He that is not with Me, is against Me." He set it in cement when He added, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by Me."

As one preacher said, "Christ is not one of many ways to God, nor is he the best of several ways. He is the only way." Christ is the way unchanging; He is the truth infallible; He is the life everlasting. Jesus is the way that you might be saved. He is the truth that you might be sure. He is the life that you might be satisfied. Have you stepped across that line in the sand?

We are told in Scripture that Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient unto death on the cross. For this reason God highly exalted Him, and gave Him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

The Bible says, “There is salvation in no other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” There is only one name that opens heaven’s doors and God’s heart – the name of Jesus. There is only one name that breaks the power of sin and sets the captive free – the name of Jesus. There is only one name worthy of all praise, and deserving of your allegiance – the name of Jesus.

Far from being narrow and unfair – this is the most generous and fairest of all possible solutions. God did not leave us to ourselves to find a way back to Him – for who among us knows where God is that we could first find Him for ourselves and then chart the path for all others to follow?

God alone knows where He is. God alone knows where we are. And God alone knows what it takes for us to return to Him. The Bible says that God “longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth: That God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, himself man, is between them to bring them together, by giving his life for all mankind.”

Have you stepped across that line in the sand? Could I invite you to do so today? Do so and you will discover for yourself what so many others have found to be true -- Jesus saves.
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A More Excellent Way

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"And yet show I unto you a more excellent way." (1Corinthians 12:31)

Recently I attended one of those churches where seemingly anything goes . Actually, I was invited to preach a message there. It turned out to be one of the more difficult challenges I have faced in ministry.

The evening was disordered, and the service was disjointed. Starting late and going long, the worship music was a steady drone of thumps and shouts, peppered with occasional exhortations thundered forth by the spike-haired minstrel, ever bit of twenty years old; a good-hearted guy way out of his depth. In time I'm sure he will walk a more excellent way.

The congregants interacted with the musicians in a variety of responses. Some were individually dancing about the room, apparently oblivious to anybody else, twirling like the ballerinas you see in one of those wind up music boxes. Others were doing handstands and assorted gymnastic moves in sync with the songs. Some were giving what looked like karate kicks against the Gates of Hell, and then stabbing imaginary swords into the heart of their dark foes. A few were swooning near the stage, almost trance-like in rapturous bliss, while still others were bouncing about like pop-corn in a cooker when the songs picked up speed.

All in all it was a sight to behold.

And then, a full hour and a half later, the time came for me to preach. Yeah, right. In the words of Tony Soprano, "Forget about it."

The problem was that nothing had prepared the people to receive the Word of the Lord, nor did the boisterous and untempered burst of prolonged enthusiasm help me with any real sense of anointing for the message I was there to bring. Instead, it was all quite distracting, having no clear purpose other than providing several individuals a vast array of sensational experiences. There's got to be a more excellent way!

Paul the Apostle cautioned us long ago to be careful of irresponsible extremism in our worship. "If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues," he wrote, "and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?" (1Co 14:23). The word mad here means "to rage about with cravings; to rave as a maniac; appearing to be out of one's mind, or senses."

Anytime we go to an extreme in anything there will be problems. Those who are extreme in the "preaching of the word" all but quench the Spirit; while those who jettison the Scripture for the sake of the sensational, grieve the Spirit. And vice-versa. Those who are extreme in seeking signs and wonders, transgress into the forbidden and converse with demons disguisied as angels of light; while those who dismiss the supernatural altogether transgress by trusting only in human wisdom and ability. They are the builders who reject the Cornerstone.

There is a more excellent way. And we all would do well to press on until we find it.
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I Do Not Like Green Hair and Jam!

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"And I, I only, am left." (1 Kings 19:14).

Yesterday I introduced you to Dr. Suits (not his real name), a perturbed pastor struggling with an unconventional approach to worship; feeling somewhat like Elijah in the cave -- "All others have forsaken You, Lord, and I, I only, am left." I wrote the following poem to commemorate the stellar devotion of the ever-faithful Dr. Suits.

I went to church one day to pray.
My life to set in fine array.
And so I wore my Sunday best;
A pin stripe suit with matching vest.
My hair was neatly combed in place.
And there I stood in humble grace
A smile so bright upon my face –
“Our Father who art in Heaven…”

But just as I had said these words
An awful clatter then was heard
I looked about – it was absurd!
A rock band, with their hair like birds,
From the vestry then did lurch
And now were singing in the church!
And everybody seemed OK
To have it blasted in this way,
But, I remember fonder times
Of golden bells and wind swept chimes;
“Our Father who art in Heaven?”

When worshipping the great I Am
I do not like green hair and jam.
I want my music soft and sweet while
sitting quietly in my seat.
With flowing robes of regal flair
and angels flying in the air
and glorious banners everywhere --
but, please, no jam and bright green hair!

I want my church to be a treat
while sitting quietly in my seat.
Don’t ask me to tap my feet
I told you once, and I repeat,
I do not think green hair is neat!
Tidy worship for the King --
a proper tribute we should bring.
O not that ear, and not that ring,
and not that hair, and not that thing!

O for a thousand tongues to sing
But please not jam and hair bright green!
Does anyone know what I mean?
Am I alone the one who’s clean?
Do others recoil before the scene
of bongos, bells, and bushy green?
When worshipping the great I Am.
I do not like green hair and jam.
But, no one knows how right I am.

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The Perturbed Pastor

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"The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, New Living Translation)

Some time ago I was in a church that featured a worship leader with green hair, a diamond stud in his nose, colorful tattoos, and a garage sale wardrobe. He was a tall, lanky lad who couldn’t fit in any box – let alone the confines of traditional church hymns.

His music was edgy but full of grace, and his lyrics were years beyond his age. This kid had something, and it was delightful to witness it being displayed with such open honesty. However, the pastor of the church was of a different mind.

He was a good man raised in the Midwest, schooled on the King James Bible and weaned on the preaching of circuit riders from long ago. He was a soft man, still packing baby fat well into his fifties; a man of some experience in the world, but none that left any marks.

I could see that he was having a hard time with the green hair worship leader. As far as I could tell everyone else was worshipping the Lord, but Dr. Suits (not his real name) was stewing in the pew. I couldn’t tell which color was more vivid – the worship leader’s green hair, or the pastor’s red face.

I spoke that morning and afterwards went out to lunch with the pastor and his adoring wife. As we visited the subject came up – “What did you think about the worship this morning?” he asked me, fishing for some justification.

“I thought it was wonderful,” I answered, “and the people sure seemed to be drawn into the presence of the Lord during it.”

“Well, I’ve got to talk to that young man about his appearance,” Dr Suits bluntly said. “It’s just not right; not right at all!”

“But isn’t it about what’s in the heart?” I asked. “I was always told that the Lord looks on the heart, while man looks on the outward appearance.”

“Yes, but if I don’t talk to him now then the next thing you know the church will be filled with green hair and tattoos!”

“Well, let me ask you,” I said, “who do you want to fill your church?”

“People who wear suits and have haircuts,” he replied; “they are the ones with jobs who pay the bills.”

Our conversation tapered off after that comment and as I left I realized that this man’s mind was made up. As for the green hair worship leader – he was fired a few weeks later, and the last I heard doesn’t go to church anymore. As for the church, it is filled with suits, and the bills are paid. And a robed choir sings nostalgic hymns that make the pastor cry.

I wrote a poem to mark that moment, and, upon some reflection have decided to share it with you -- tomorrow.
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God's Hall of Fame

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"...of whom the world was not worthy." (Hebrews 11:38)

The world celebrates its illustrious figures by bestowing praise and honor upon them. The Oscars, the Emmy's, the Kennedy Center Honors are but a few examples. Every Industry has it means of noting and promoting those who are esteemed within the circle of it ideology. Scientists honor other scientists, politicians honor other politicians, athletes honor other athletes, and so on.

But there is a batch of uncelebrated men and women in the grand hallway of history; those of whom the world was not worthy. They are men and women of faith so extraordinary that, denying themselves worldly gain, they give their lives in unsung service for the genuine enrichment of others -- all to the honor of God alone.

These men and women are renown in God's Hall of Fame.

There is a poem that has been in circulation for some years, which is appropriately by an unknown author (as you will appreciate once you read it). This poem has been quoted by many famous people -- Coach John Wooden, Mickey Mantle, actor James Caviezel, just to name a few -- who, despite their worldly fame, realize that ultimately what really matters is not what man says about you, but rather what God says about you.

I pray that you will find in this poem the deepest longing of your own heart as well.

Your name may not appear down here in this world’s Hall of Fame,
in fact you may be so unknown that no one knows your name.
This hall of fame is only good, as long as time shall be,
but keep in mind “God’s Hall of Fame” is for Eternity.

To have your name inscribed up there, is greater, yes, by far,
than all the halls of fame down here, and every man made star.
The crowds on earth, they soon forget, the heroes of the past,
they cheer like mad until you fall. And that’s how long you last.

But God, He never does forget, and in His "Hall of Fame”
by just believing in his Son, inscribed you’ll find your name.

I tell you friend, I wouldn’t trade my name --however small,
that’s written there, beyond the stars, in that celestial hall --
for every famous name on earth, or glory that they share.
I'd rather be an unknown here, and have my name up there.

Do something today that is heroic in God's eyes!
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So Say the Experts

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"They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence." (1Timothy 1:7, The Message)

The experts don't always get it right. Sometimes their learning impedes their looking -- that is, they cannot see past what they have been taught, because their opinions are set accordingly.

Job ran into this with his friends who came to comfort him, but only ending up condemning him for his unwillingness to submit to their opinions about what they thought caused his woes. "I'm sure you speak for all the experts," he said, "and when you die there'll be no one left to tell us how to live"(Job 12:2, The Message).

Jesus said, "Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God" (Matthew 23:9, The Message). That's exactly what Job was doing, and we should do the same today. And we have plenty of opportunities to do so, for there is never a shortage in our world of people ready to express their religious opinions.

There will always be people who are quick to tell you that you are wrong, and to criticize your every word and move. Their expertise in matters of doctrine and duty somehow compel them to correct you even when they have no real right to do so. They neither know you, nor love you; and therefore transgress when they openly criticize you. The irony is that none are so blind to the error of this abhorant behavior than those who are most guilty of it.

The experts don't always get it right. After all, it was the builders who rejected the Cornerstone; it was the Authorities in Law and Prophecy who were the very ones that completely missed the Messiah! And today, sometimes those who know most about the Bible seem to know least about what it means to actually live according to its teachings. The celebrated preacher of Westminster Chapel, G. Campbell Morgan, said, “It is possible to be biblically correct, doctrinally pure, theologically sound, morally impeccable, and spiritually useless!”

Oh may such a thing never be true of you, nor me!
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When Miracles Come from Mud Balls

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"One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" (John 9:25)

It’s one of those strange moments in Scripture – Jesus makes a pair of mud balls and places them over the empty eye sockets of a man who was born blind, telling him to go wash his face at the pool. The man does so and – bam! – he can see!

It is at this point that the story gets really bizarre. The religious leaders become so agitated by this man’s excitement and his confession of faith in Jesus, that they ultimately toss him out of the Temple!

How ironic -- a blind man sees, and sighted men are blinded by their self-righteousness. William Yeats said, “All empty souls tend to extreme opinion.” Such were the religious leaders in Jesus’ day – empty, and extreme. And such are those who prefer religion over relationship with Christ in our own day.

Matthew Henry, the great Bible Commentator, wrote, “There is none so blind as those who will not see.” It is uncanny how quickly religious minded people fall into the snare of their own opinions. An extraordinary miracle took place right before their very eyes, but they couldn’t see it because their minds were already made up about something completely different. They were dead set against Jesus – and therefore nothing He did could possibly be legitimate. Rather than acknowledge the miracle, they excommunicated the man.

When miracles come from mud balls we each may be faced with similar challenges – especially if our opinions are so set that we cannot see what the Lord is doing in spite of us.

Henry Ward Beecher described a highly opinionated religious opponent thus -- “He is the human owl, vigilant in darkness and blind to light, mousing for vermin and never seeing noble game.” Don’t let religious opinions blind you to the miracles that come from mud balls. Otherwise, you just may be the one who ends up sitting in the dark.
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The Untrodden Way

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"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (Hebrews 11:13, KJV)

What unseen difficulties line the long, dark mile of the untrodden way? And, oh, how our heart hesitates to venture on into the uncertainty of the unproven. The problem with pilgrims is that the tendency to settle increases with the need for some sense of security.

After a stout trek across a barren stretch we arrive at a place of repose along the way; a place replete with so much of heaven's firstfruits, that we feel perhaps we should make this spot our abiding place. But we seek a City, whose builder and maker is God, and this in not that City. We must press on.

"In short there's simply not a more convienient spot for happy-ever-aftering than here, in dear Old Camelot." So goes the musical, but that's really all it is -- a song in a play. And while it touches the sentimental chords of our earthbound frames, our spirits seek a higher heaven.

Our forefathers in the faith saw it from afar, and so pressed onward till the very day they died -- not yet having possessed it. How then can we who follow in their train, now pitch our tent and take our ease? And what, if the Lord should tarry, would become of those who followed our loitering example?

Beloved, we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth. Our home is yet somewhere else.
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Holy Smokes!

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"Happy is the man that condemneth not himself in that which he alloweth." (Romans 14:22)

There may be a few raised eyebrows among our more impassioned brethren when I tell you that each Wednesday morning, from 8:30 to 10:00am, I gather with a small group of Christian men for hearty Bible study and a fine cigar. We call our group Holy Smokes. I can tell you that over the past couple of years we have witnessed the Lord do many wonderful things in our gatherings.

Now, before one is too quick to pronounce their disapproval, perhaps a fair reading of G. K. Chesterson's thoughts would be helpful.

"It is true that tobacco," he writes, "though not an intoxicant, is in some sense a drug: but so is tea. It is true that tobacco, taken out of season and reason, spoils your appetite: but so do sweets. It is true that it is a luxury, a mere keen and passing titillation or pungency: but so are peppers and salt and mustard and a hundred other blameless gifts. It is true that it ends in smoke: but so do all the worldly powers and pleasures. It is true that it falls into ashes: but so do we. There is nothing immoral about smoking a cigar. To regard smoking as immoral shows not merely a lack of clear thinking but a lack of clear standards. Lumping the wrong things together as evils blurs the real lines between right and wrong and leads to chaos. It also leads to legal and practical confusion." (The Power of the Expert, June 22, 1914).

In the fourteenth chapter of Romans, which I encourage you to read for yourself, the apostle Paul presents a compelling case for keeping a clear conscience in matters of faith and conduct; showing how easy it is for us to condemn one another for things which are in fact indifferent -- things like eating meat, or not; drinking wine, or not; worshipping on one day, rather than another, and so on.

Paul concludes with this wise and liberating counsel, "If your conscience is clear in the matters of choice that you decide, then be at peace as you do what you have decided to do; but don't impose your opinions upon others. And always act in love toward another, especially if they are of a different mind about these things."

While there are certainly clear guidelines in Scripture about some things -- such as adultery, stealing, lying, killing; to name but a few -- there yet are many things left in somewhat of a gray zone. It is a matter of personal conscience acting with faith toward God, and love toward others, that we are to make our choices regarding such things.

For this band of brothers, a puff on a fine cigar as we turn the pages of scripture is time well spent. Holy Smokes!
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Enriched By Memory

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"You shall remember all the way the Lord thy God has led thee." (Deuteronomy 8:2)

Our lives come, from time to time, to crossroads of defining importance; those critical intersections along the way, which face us with choices for new directions in our thinking, and in our living. At such moments we need briefly pause, for we have not passed this way before.

Ere we move onward we must first reflect back upon where we have been; remembering all the way that the Lord our God has led us. For in His leading are the lessons that will hold true all the days of our lives. As we think upon what He has taught us, shown us, done for us and with us -- our lives become enriched by memory, and mindful of a love that never fails.

With this, we then step across the boundary into another season, filled with faith and courage. And we are also renewed in spirit and adventure, discovering afresh that the way in is also the way on. As He has led us, so He will still lead us. As He has loved us, so He will still love us. And as He has been faithful, so faithful shall He ever be.

Such is the happy lot of those whose lives are enriched by the memory of God's handiwork throughout their days. Why not pause right now and recall to mind the many undeniable moments throughout your life when the Lord blessed you, loved you, healed you, helped you, saved you, used you -- and the list goes on, and on, and on, and on, and on....
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