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"Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant." (Luke 19:22).
Yesterday we began looking into the story Jesus told about a man who was given a gift, and told to use it in a good way that would bring honor to the one who gave him the gift. But the man failed miserably. He made five colossal mistakes. Today we will look at the second mistake he made. My purpose is to help insure that you and I do not follow his example and squander the gifts and the great opportunities the which the Lord has given us.
Colossal Mistake No.2 -- He Buried his Talent
"Master,” he said, “here is your gift, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief.” This man did not truly regard Christ as his Master, or else he would have laid himself out to honor the Lord with his gifts. He was a pretender. “Why call Me Lord, Lord,” Jesus said on another occasion, “but do not do the things that I say?”
There are those who feel the need of some sort of religious affiliation in order to pacify their disturbed consciences, yet have no real motivation for actually serving Christ with their lives. They content themselves to talk the language, but not actually live the life. Such men are false in their faith, and shallow in their affections; they profess to know Christ but deny Him by how they live.
The Bible speaks frankly about these kind of so-called Christians. Paul wrote, “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work” (Titus 1:16). Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
He then added these astounding words: "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'” (Matt.7:22,23).
The Lord gave this man every opportunity, but he chose to bury the talent. Are you doing the same with your life? Are you letting your opportunities slip by unheeded? Are you neglecting the gifts that God has entrusted to you?
Are you making a colossal mistake?
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Five Colossal Mistakes of a Wicked Man (#1)
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"Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant." (Luke 19:22).
There is a story Jesus told about a man who was given a gift, and told to use it in a good way that would bring honor to the one who gave him the gift. But the man failed miserably. When the Gift-giver returned to see how things had worked out, he found that the man had done nothing with the gift. To make matters worse, the man then blamed the Gift-giver; trying to excuse himself by accusing the Gift-giver of being a harsh and unfair man.
You can read the entire story for yourself in Luke 19:11-26.
Beginning today, and continuing for the next few days, I want to point out the five colossal mistakes this man made. My purpose is to help insure that you and I do not follow his example and squander the gifts and the great opportunities the which the Lord has given us.
Colossal Mistake No.1 -- The Man Believed a Lie
He offers his fear of the Lord as an excuse for his unfaithfulness. “I was afraid of you,” he said, “because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.” It is clear that this man did not know his Master, for his description could not be further from the truth.
How did he come to think such things? Quite obviously he listened to the lies that were being spread about the Lord. There is a enemy of Truth who goes about continually slandering Christ. He is antichrist in every sense of the word. His name is Satan. The devil loves nothing more than to wreck havoc in our world and then get us to blame God for it.
This man believed those lies, and in so doing sided with the devil and greatly dishonored his Lord. This pitiful man believed a lie, and thereby he became a liar!
Are you believing any lies about Jesus?
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"Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant." (Luke 19:22).
There is a story Jesus told about a man who was given a gift, and told to use it in a good way that would bring honor to the one who gave him the gift. But the man failed miserably. When the Gift-giver returned to see how things had worked out, he found that the man had done nothing with the gift. To make matters worse, the man then blamed the Gift-giver; trying to excuse himself by accusing the Gift-giver of being a harsh and unfair man.
You can read the entire story for yourself in Luke 19:11-26.
Beginning today, and continuing for the next few days, I want to point out the five colossal mistakes this man made. My purpose is to help insure that you and I do not follow his example and squander the gifts and the great opportunities the which the Lord has given us.
Colossal Mistake No.1 -- The Man Believed a Lie
He offers his fear of the Lord as an excuse for his unfaithfulness. “I was afraid of you,” he said, “because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.” It is clear that this man did not know his Master, for his description could not be further from the truth.
How did he come to think such things? Quite obviously he listened to the lies that were being spread about the Lord. There is a enemy of Truth who goes about continually slandering Christ. He is antichrist in every sense of the word. His name is Satan. The devil loves nothing more than to wreck havoc in our world and then get us to blame God for it.
This man believed those lies, and in so doing sided with the devil and greatly dishonored his Lord. This pitiful man believed a lie, and thereby he became a liar!
Are you believing any lies about Jesus?
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
When the Wicked Succeed
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“Fret not thyself because of evildoers.” (Psalm 37:1)
We’ve all been there in one way or another from time to time. Life for most of us usually moves along at a pace that’s marked with a routine and rhythm – until something happens that sets us back. A tragedy, a heartbreak, a defeat, a disappointment; failing health, financial loss, relational stress, or a thousand other things that fall like Niagara into our lives without any warning.
And the worst of all is when that which is wrong wins out over that which is right; when those who cheat are benefited, while those of play by the rules still lose.
We sigh, cry, cuss and fuss, groan or moan; shaking our heads at the problem, and sometimes our fists at God. But wait a minute! God is on our side. He is for us, not against us.
King David, a man after God’s own heart, put it in the clearest of terms. “Fret not thyself because of evildoers,” he wrote, “neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:1-5).
Trust. Do good. Delight. Commit. Relatively simple steps, with profoundly significant results. So when the wicked succeed, remember -- it is short-lived at most. As for you, Trust is the Lord and do good; delight yourself in Him, and commit your way into HIs care.
Things will turn out far better than you ever hoped!
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“Fret not thyself because of evildoers.” (Psalm 37:1)
We’ve all been there in one way or another from time to time. Life for most of us usually moves along at a pace that’s marked with a routine and rhythm – until something happens that sets us back. A tragedy, a heartbreak, a defeat, a disappointment; failing health, financial loss, relational stress, or a thousand other things that fall like Niagara into our lives without any warning.
And the worst of all is when that which is wrong wins out over that which is right; when those who cheat are benefited, while those of play by the rules still lose.
We sigh, cry, cuss and fuss, groan or moan; shaking our heads at the problem, and sometimes our fists at God. But wait a minute! God is on our side. He is for us, not against us.
King David, a man after God’s own heart, put it in the clearest of terms. “Fret not thyself because of evildoers,” he wrote, “neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:1-5).
Trust. Do good. Delight. Commit. Relatively simple steps, with profoundly significant results. So when the wicked succeed, remember -- it is short-lived at most. As for you, Trust is the Lord and do good; delight yourself in Him, and commit your way into HIs care.
Things will turn out far better than you ever hoped!
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Monday, July 28, 2008
The Pig and the Billboard
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"For God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it." (Job 33:14, NIV)
Years ago I was invited to conduct a training seminar in a neighboring city. I arrived at the pastor's house on the evening before the event was to begin and settled down for a good night's rest, but just before I fell asleep I saw a vision of a billboard alongside a highway. Standing in the grass beside the billboard was a little pink pig. I looked at the pig and asked the Lord, "What does that mean?" He did not answer me, so I began to think of all the verses in the Bible that mentioned pigs.
I thought maybe the Lord was trying to tell me that the people would be like the pigs that went back to wallow in the mud after they were cleansed; or that there would be demons in the meeting tomorrow, and that I was to cast them into pigs; or perhaps that I shouldn't even teach because it would be like casting my pearls before swine. I even thought maybe He was telling me not to look at any pretty girls who might be there because they could be like a gold ring in a pig's nose!
Obviously, I was being quite ridiculous in my efforts to solve this riddle. And despite my ardent efforts, I could not come up with anything that made sense out of this strange vision.
Finally I stopped and asked the Lord what He was trying to say to me. He said, "James, did you read the billboard?"
Ooops. I hadn't even thought about that. I couldn't recall the vision, so I was unable to say what had been on the billboard. I said, "Lord I'm sorry. I was so taken by the pig that I didn't even look at the billboard. What did it say?"
He showed me the vision again and I read the words that were written on the billboard: "Don't Be Distracted!"
I felt so foolish. The very thing that the Lord was trying to tell me not to do was exactly what I was doing! The Lord continued, "I am speaking to My people in billboards all of the time, but they are so distracted by the little pigs that they seldom ever notice what I am saying."
How about you....seen any pigs lately?
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"For God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it." (Job 33:14, NIV)
Years ago I was invited to conduct a training seminar in a neighboring city. I arrived at the pastor's house on the evening before the event was to begin and settled down for a good night's rest, but just before I fell asleep I saw a vision of a billboard alongside a highway. Standing in the grass beside the billboard was a little pink pig. I looked at the pig and asked the Lord, "What does that mean?" He did not answer me, so I began to think of all the verses in the Bible that mentioned pigs.
I thought maybe the Lord was trying to tell me that the people would be like the pigs that went back to wallow in the mud after they were cleansed; or that there would be demons in the meeting tomorrow, and that I was to cast them into pigs; or perhaps that I shouldn't even teach because it would be like casting my pearls before swine. I even thought maybe He was telling me not to look at any pretty girls who might be there because they could be like a gold ring in a pig's nose!
Obviously, I was being quite ridiculous in my efforts to solve this riddle. And despite my ardent efforts, I could not come up with anything that made sense out of this strange vision.
Finally I stopped and asked the Lord what He was trying to say to me. He said, "James, did you read the billboard?"
Ooops. I hadn't even thought about that. I couldn't recall the vision, so I was unable to say what had been on the billboard. I said, "Lord I'm sorry. I was so taken by the pig that I didn't even look at the billboard. What did it say?"
He showed me the vision again and I read the words that were written on the billboard: "Don't Be Distracted!"
I felt so foolish. The very thing that the Lord was trying to tell me not to do was exactly what I was doing! The Lord continued, "I am speaking to My people in billboards all of the time, but they are so distracted by the little pigs that they seldom ever notice what I am saying."
How about you....seen any pigs lately?
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Sunday, July 27, 2008
Lord of the Rings
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"It is too small a thing for you...." (Isaiah 49:6, NIV)
I have a championship ring. Actually, I have two. One is the Big Eight Conference Championship ring (now the Big 12), and the other is the 1991 National Championship ring. In the collegiate world of football it’s a big deal to win both. So you can imagine the excitement we all felt at Colorado when it happened.
And though I was the Chaplain, I was included when the rings were handed out. Its even got my name on it. Wow.
But there’s just one problem. It doesn’t fit. And I don’t understand why. I was measured before the rings were made, and was eager to put them on when they arrived. But, no, it was too small. Both of them!
I stood there in my room trying to figure out a way to make them fit me, but nothing I did would work. I put spit on my finger and was able to force the ring over my knuckle, but then my finger swelled up like a hot dog. I was barely able to get the ring off before it was too late.
Do you know what a drag it is to have two Championship rings that you can’t wear?
I remember muttering under my breath a half-hearted complaint to the Lord about this. “It’s too small,” I said. And then one of those moments that you never forget happened—the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “That’s right. It is too small. I have called you to something bigger than football games and championship rings.”
As a chaplain I watched a football team devote themselves with Spartan like dedication to a cause that ultimately, on the Grand Stage of life, is short-lived and soon forgotten by all but those who paid the price to win it. My question is this: if these guys would pay so dearly for that which means so little, what in the world is holding us back from giving it all for Christ! In the words of Paul, “They do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible” (1 Co.9:25).
Shouldn’t our dedication exceed theirs to the same degree that our prize excels theirs? Indeed, it should!
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"It is too small a thing for you...." (Isaiah 49:6, NIV)
I have a championship ring. Actually, I have two. One is the Big Eight Conference Championship ring (now the Big 12), and the other is the 1991 National Championship ring. In the collegiate world of football it’s a big deal to win both. So you can imagine the excitement we all felt at Colorado when it happened.
And though I was the Chaplain, I was included when the rings were handed out. Its even got my name on it. Wow.
But there’s just one problem. It doesn’t fit. And I don’t understand why. I was measured before the rings were made, and was eager to put them on when they arrived. But, no, it was too small. Both of them!
I stood there in my room trying to figure out a way to make them fit me, but nothing I did would work. I put spit on my finger and was able to force the ring over my knuckle, but then my finger swelled up like a hot dog. I was barely able to get the ring off before it was too late.
Do you know what a drag it is to have two Championship rings that you can’t wear?
I remember muttering under my breath a half-hearted complaint to the Lord about this. “It’s too small,” I said. And then one of those moments that you never forget happened—the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “That’s right. It is too small. I have called you to something bigger than football games and championship rings.”
As a chaplain I watched a football team devote themselves with Spartan like dedication to a cause that ultimately, on the Grand Stage of life, is short-lived and soon forgotten by all but those who paid the price to win it. My question is this: if these guys would pay so dearly for that which means so little, what in the world is holding us back from giving it all for Christ! In the words of Paul, “They do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible” (1 Co.9:25).
Shouldn’t our dedication exceed theirs to the same degree that our prize excels theirs? Indeed, it should!
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Saturday, July 26, 2008
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
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"...and make the most of every opportunity." (Colossians 4:5, New Living Translation)
A General and his chief aide, a handsome young Lieutenant, were traveling across the US on a civilian train. Sharing their compartment was a lovely young lady and her elderly grandmother.
At one point during the trip the train entered a long dark tunnel. Everyone was silent as the train sped through the darkness. Then two distinct sounds were heard The first was a long romantic kiss, and the second was a loud resounding slap.
When the train exited the tunnel into daylight, the four passengers each had a different idea about what had just occurred.
The young lady thought, “How nice of that handsome young Lieutenant to kiss me, but why would my grandmother slap him?”
The grandmother thought, “How dare that young man kiss my granddaughter; but how proud I am that she slapped him!”
The General thought, “That was a bold move the young Lieutenant made in kissing that lovely young lady, but why did she slap me?”
The Lieutenant thought, “My, oh, my! What a day! First, I kissed a lovely young lady, then I slapped my General -- and I got away with doing both!”
Now that's what I'd call "making the most of every opportunity!"
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"...and make the most of every opportunity." (Colossians 4:5, New Living Translation)
A General and his chief aide, a handsome young Lieutenant, were traveling across the US on a civilian train. Sharing their compartment was a lovely young lady and her elderly grandmother.
At one point during the trip the train entered a long dark tunnel. Everyone was silent as the train sped through the darkness. Then two distinct sounds were heard The first was a long romantic kiss, and the second was a loud resounding slap.
When the train exited the tunnel into daylight, the four passengers each had a different idea about what had just occurred.
The young lady thought, “How nice of that handsome young Lieutenant to kiss me, but why would my grandmother slap him?”
The grandmother thought, “How dare that young man kiss my granddaughter; but how proud I am that she slapped him!”
The General thought, “That was a bold move the young Lieutenant made in kissing that lovely young lady, but why did she slap me?”
The Lieutenant thought, “My, oh, my! What a day! First, I kissed a lovely young lady, then I slapped my General -- and I got away with doing both!”
Now that's what I'd call "making the most of every opportunity!"
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Friday, July 25, 2008
Wanted: Hazardous Men & Women (Part 3)
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“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
The noble spirit of true disciples does not seek the pampered, risk-free environment of a lifeless faith. No! It begs for challenge, and cries out for significance! You and I were created by God with an inner passion to live a life that makes a difference. But this will not happen until we “hand our lives over to Christ.”
Only in His hands will we find the eternal security that emboldens us in this world to dare to think the unthinkable, to dream the unimaginable, and to do the impossible. Like the songwriter said, we are those who “dream the impossible dream, fight the unbeatable foe, bear with unbearable sorrow, and run where the brave dare not go.”
We are those who will always seek “to right the unrightable wrong, and to fight for the right without question or pause; to be willing to pass into hell for a heavenly cause! And the world will be better for this, that one man scorned and covered in scars, still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star—and to dream the impossible dream!” (from the Broadway Musical, Man of La Mancha, lyrics by Joe Darion).
Whether it be the fictional Don Quixote, or actual people that we ourselves know—we are faced daily with the stories of those who strive with all their heart to achieve the spectacular in life, or in sports, or in business, or in education, or in exploration. These individuals have hazarded their lives for the sake of career, wealth, fame, fashion, or glory.
Isn’t it time that we hazarded our lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ?
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“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
The noble spirit of true disciples does not seek the pampered, risk-free environment of a lifeless faith. No! It begs for challenge, and cries out for significance! You and I were created by God with an inner passion to live a life that makes a difference. But this will not happen until we “hand our lives over to Christ.”
Only in His hands will we find the eternal security that emboldens us in this world to dare to think the unthinkable, to dream the unimaginable, and to do the impossible. Like the songwriter said, we are those who “dream the impossible dream, fight the unbeatable foe, bear with unbearable sorrow, and run where the brave dare not go.”
We are those who will always seek “to right the unrightable wrong, and to fight for the right without question or pause; to be willing to pass into hell for a heavenly cause! And the world will be better for this, that one man scorned and covered in scars, still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star—and to dream the impossible dream!” (from the Broadway Musical, Man of La Mancha, lyrics by Joe Darion).
Whether it be the fictional Don Quixote, or actual people that we ourselves know—we are faced daily with the stories of those who strive with all their heart to achieve the spectacular in life, or in sports, or in business, or in education, or in exploration. These individuals have hazarded their lives for the sake of career, wealth, fame, fashion, or glory.
Isn’t it time that we hazarded our lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ?
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wanted: Hazardous Men & Women (Part 2)
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“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
Paul and Barnabas hazarded their lives for the name and fame of Jesus. Contrary to what one may think this does not mean to be reckless or irresponsible.
While there is unquestionable risk involved in “handing over your life to Christ,” it is in fact the ultimate act of personal responsibility. Biblical endorsement comes from Jesus Himself. “Whoever loses his life for My sake will save it, but whoever insists on keeping his life will lose it” (Luke 9:24, Living Bible). If you hold on and try to keep it for yourself -- you lose it all. If you let go and place it in the hands of Jesus -- you gain everything. So, what are you going to do?
Paul said, "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:1-2, The Message).
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“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
Paul and Barnabas hazarded their lives for the name and fame of Jesus. Contrary to what one may think this does not mean to be reckless or irresponsible.
While there is unquestionable risk involved in “handing over your life to Christ,” it is in fact the ultimate act of personal responsibility. Biblical endorsement comes from Jesus Himself. “Whoever loses his life for My sake will save it, but whoever insists on keeping his life will lose it” (Luke 9:24, Living Bible). If you hold on and try to keep it for yourself -- you lose it all. If you let go and place it in the hands of Jesus -- you gain everything. So, what are you going to do?
Paul said, "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:1-2, The Message).
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wanted: Hazardous Men & Women (Part 1)
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“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
Perhaps one of the greatest compliments ever paid one Christian by another occurred almost 2,000 years ago during a strategic meeting of the first disciples.
The spread of Christianity had been explosive, with new churches springing up all throughout the Roman Empire. The challenge of balancing dynamic growth with uncompromising quality was very real—and continues to be so today. As the leaders in Jerusalem pondered how best to address this challenge, they chose two men to go forth with their blessings to represent Christ and His Gospel in the best possible way.
They chose Barnabas and Paul, men who, as the record shows, “hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26). O to God that such a thing could be said of us today!
They “hazarded their lives.” The Greek meaning is “to surrender, i.e. to yield up, entrust, cast, commit, deliver up, give over.” Inherent to the word is the idea of risk, especially in the face of danger. It means that another is now in control; another is now calling all the shots.
May I ask when was the last time you took a risk for Christ? Can others tell by how you live that your life has been “handed over” to Jesus? Wouldn't that be something you would want them to know. And more importantly for their sakes, isn't that something you would want to inspire them to do for themselves by your own example?
Hand it over. Your life, hand it over to Jesus and watch what He does with it.
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“Men who have hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:26).
Perhaps one of the greatest compliments ever paid one Christian by another occurred almost 2,000 years ago during a strategic meeting of the first disciples.
The spread of Christianity had been explosive, with new churches springing up all throughout the Roman Empire. The challenge of balancing dynamic growth with uncompromising quality was very real—and continues to be so today. As the leaders in Jerusalem pondered how best to address this challenge, they chose two men to go forth with their blessings to represent Christ and His Gospel in the best possible way.
They chose Barnabas and Paul, men who, as the record shows, “hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26). O to God that such a thing could be said of us today!
They “hazarded their lives.” The Greek meaning is “to surrender, i.e. to yield up, entrust, cast, commit, deliver up, give over.” Inherent to the word is the idea of risk, especially in the face of danger. It means that another is now in control; another is now calling all the shots.
May I ask when was the last time you took a risk for Christ? Can others tell by how you live that your life has been “handed over” to Jesus? Wouldn't that be something you would want them to know. And more importantly for their sakes, isn't that something you would want to inspire them to do for themselves by your own example?
Hand it over. Your life, hand it over to Jesus and watch what He does with it.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Take a Risk
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"Men who hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 15:26)
The status quo requires no risk. Nothing ventured; nothing gained. But excellence, by its very nature, requires that you break out of the pack and pull away from the common and ordinary, shaking off the mundane and mediocre. Hey, the only thing in the middle of the road is yellow stripes and dead armadillos!
It has be said many times, "If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” What this means, then, is if you want something that you’ve never had before, you must be willing to do something that you’ve never done before. And that is where RISK comes into the equation.
Noah built a boat in the middle of a desert —that was a risk. Abraham left his home and went out, not knowing where he was going – that was a risk. Moses forsook the security of Pharaoh’s palace, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God —that was a risk.
Daniel prayed to God though the king had decreed death to any who dared do so—that was a risk. David faced a giant in the open field of battle—that was a risk. John the Baptist confronted the sins of King Herod—that was a risk. Peter walked on water—that was a risk. Paul openly declared to Caesar himself that Jesus Christ is Lord—that was a risk.
These were men of whom the world was not worthy. These are the fathers of our Faith, and we are their sons and daughters. Now it is our turn. Now we have the opportunity and the abilities to not only follow in their steps, but to go beyond where they themselves were able to go. But it will require a definite dose of vision, passion, discipline and risk.
Are you willing to make that leap?
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"Men who hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 15:26)
The status quo requires no risk. Nothing ventured; nothing gained. But excellence, by its very nature, requires that you break out of the pack and pull away from the common and ordinary, shaking off the mundane and mediocre. Hey, the only thing in the middle of the road is yellow stripes and dead armadillos!
It has be said many times, "If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” What this means, then, is if you want something that you’ve never had before, you must be willing to do something that you’ve never done before. And that is where RISK comes into the equation.
Noah built a boat in the middle of a desert —that was a risk. Abraham left his home and went out, not knowing where he was going – that was a risk. Moses forsook the security of Pharaoh’s palace, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God —that was a risk.
Daniel prayed to God though the king had decreed death to any who dared do so—that was a risk. David faced a giant in the open field of battle—that was a risk. John the Baptist confronted the sins of King Herod—that was a risk. Peter walked on water—that was a risk. Paul openly declared to Caesar himself that Jesus Christ is Lord—that was a risk.
These were men of whom the world was not worthy. These are the fathers of our Faith, and we are their sons and daughters. Now it is our turn. Now we have the opportunity and the abilities to not only follow in their steps, but to go beyond where they themselves were able to go. But it will require a definite dose of vision, passion, discipline and risk.
Are you willing to make that leap?
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Monday, July 21, 2008
The Man Who Delivers the Goods
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“Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)
The boy Samuel prophesying at the Tabernacle of Shiloh. Young Samson fighting the lion at Timnath. The youthful David slaying the giant Goliath in the valley of the Philistines. Young Solomon ascending the throne of Israel. The boy Jesus confounding the lawyers in the Temple of Jerusalem.
Every boy dreams of that defining moment in his own life when he becomes a man—a man whose life counts; a man who makes a difference; a man who delivers the goods.
And while my examples here all speak to the male, this does not mean that the ladies are without these longings. Everyone of us have been created by God with a built in bias toward making a difference with our lives; doing something that really matters; delivering the goods when and where they are most needed.
And then to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
The American poet, Walt Mason, penned the following words; they are among my favorite, and I offer them now to you, for I'm sure they express one of your deepest desires --
"There is a man in this world who is never turned down,
Wherever he chances to stray.
He gets the glad hand in the populace town,
Or out where the farmers make hay.
He is greeted with pleasure on hot desert sands,
Or deep in the aisles of the woods.
Wherever he goes, there’s a welcoming hand –
He’s the man who delivers the goods!"
Walt Mason (1938)
.
“Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)
The boy Samuel prophesying at the Tabernacle of Shiloh. Young Samson fighting the lion at Timnath. The youthful David slaying the giant Goliath in the valley of the Philistines. Young Solomon ascending the throne of Israel. The boy Jesus confounding the lawyers in the Temple of Jerusalem.
Every boy dreams of that defining moment in his own life when he becomes a man—a man whose life counts; a man who makes a difference; a man who delivers the goods.
And while my examples here all speak to the male, this does not mean that the ladies are without these longings. Everyone of us have been created by God with a built in bias toward making a difference with our lives; doing something that really matters; delivering the goods when and where they are most needed.
And then to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
The American poet, Walt Mason, penned the following words; they are among my favorite, and I offer them now to you, for I'm sure they express one of your deepest desires --
"There is a man in this world who is never turned down,
Wherever he chances to stray.
He gets the glad hand in the populace town,
Or out where the farmers make hay.
He is greeted with pleasure on hot desert sands,
Or deep in the aisles of the woods.
Wherever he goes, there’s a welcoming hand –
He’s the man who delivers the goods!"
Walt Mason (1938)
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Sunday, July 20, 2008
Merchants of Hope
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"Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope." (1Peter 3:15).
We have been justified by faith, and have peace with God through Jesus Christ. We now stand in grace and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. But as Paul contended, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Co.15:19).
Christ has risen from the dead and thereby given us full assurance of our hope. Now our lives can be everything God intends while we are on this earth, and our future in heaven holds only the brightest of possibilities. Our hope is eternal!
John the Beloved put it this way, “ Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” He then added, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2,3).
Our hope of Christ’s return, and of eternal blessing in Heaven, should have a clear and comprehensive influence in our lives while we live on this earth. So much so that others find themselves compelled to ask us why we are so hopeful.
When was the last time someone asked you that?
We are merchants of hope in a world desperately in need of it. Let's honor Christ by yielding our lives to His Lordship, and then we will be ever ready to deliver the goods of hope to all with whom we come in contact day by day.
.
"Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope." (1Peter 3:15).
We have been justified by faith, and have peace with God through Jesus Christ. We now stand in grace and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. But as Paul contended, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Co.15:19).
Christ has risen from the dead and thereby given us full assurance of our hope. Now our lives can be everything God intends while we are on this earth, and our future in heaven holds only the brightest of possibilities. Our hope is eternal!
John the Beloved put it this way, “ Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” He then added, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2,3).
Our hope of Christ’s return, and of eternal blessing in Heaven, should have a clear and comprehensive influence in our lives while we live on this earth. So much so that others find themselves compelled to ask us why we are so hopeful.
When was the last time someone asked you that?
We are merchants of hope in a world desperately in need of it. Let's honor Christ by yielding our lives to His Lordship, and then we will be ever ready to deliver the goods of hope to all with whom we come in contact day by day.
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Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Unmistakable Sound of a Rooster
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But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." (Luke 22:60-61).
For the general populace there are seven birds that are readily recognizable by their song: 1) the goose that honks, 2) the duck that quacks, 3) the chicken that clucks, 4) the dove that coos, 5) the owl that hoots, 6) the crow that caws, and 7) the rooster that crows. Each of these are so distinct that the moment one hears them, right away we know what kind of bird it is.
Other birds are a bit more indiscernible to the untrained ear. The whistle of a robin may not be all that different from a bluejay, or a cardinal. The chirp of a sparrow and of a wren are very much alike indeed. And who knows what kind of bird that is we all hear in the Tarzan movies? You know, the one that squeals somewhere in the jungle during the night, and sends shivers down your spine.
Interesting, don't you think, that Jesus would choose a rooster to bring Simon Peter to his senses during that dark night of betrayal and denial? When we say someone is cocky, we are comparing them to the rooster. A person who "struts their stuff" is kin to the barnyard fowl. It seems that the rooster is forever associated with prideful boasting since the night Peter denied the Lord.
But, beyond this, the rooster also symbolizes two other things for us today.
First, he is the herald of a new dawn. When the rooster crows it means only one thing; a new day is at hand. So, while Peter would be stung by the sound that jolted his mind back to the words of the Lord, the sting also carried promise of a new day -- a fresh chance to walk with Him whose mercies are new every morning.
Second, the rooster was for Simon Peter a messenger with a personal word from God. No doubt many heard the rooster crow that morning, but nobody heard what Peter heard. For in the routine sounds of the ordinary he discovered the God who speaks through donkeys and roosters. And from that day forward, Peter would never be able to hear a rooster again without thinking of this one moment in his life.
A moment of devastating failure......and of great forgiveness. A moment of death and resurrection; certainly for Jesus -- but also for Peter.
How about you? Heard any Roosters lately?
.
But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." (Luke 22:60-61).
For the general populace there are seven birds that are readily recognizable by their song: 1) the goose that honks, 2) the duck that quacks, 3) the chicken that clucks, 4) the dove that coos, 5) the owl that hoots, 6) the crow that caws, and 7) the rooster that crows. Each of these are so distinct that the moment one hears them, right away we know what kind of bird it is.
Other birds are a bit more indiscernible to the untrained ear. The whistle of a robin may not be all that different from a bluejay, or a cardinal. The chirp of a sparrow and of a wren are very much alike indeed. And who knows what kind of bird that is we all hear in the Tarzan movies? You know, the one that squeals somewhere in the jungle during the night, and sends shivers down your spine.
Interesting, don't you think, that Jesus would choose a rooster to bring Simon Peter to his senses during that dark night of betrayal and denial? When we say someone is cocky, we are comparing them to the rooster. A person who "struts their stuff" is kin to the barnyard fowl. It seems that the rooster is forever associated with prideful boasting since the night Peter denied the Lord.
But, beyond this, the rooster also symbolizes two other things for us today.
First, he is the herald of a new dawn. When the rooster crows it means only one thing; a new day is at hand. So, while Peter would be stung by the sound that jolted his mind back to the words of the Lord, the sting also carried promise of a new day -- a fresh chance to walk with Him whose mercies are new every morning.
Second, the rooster was for Simon Peter a messenger with a personal word from God. No doubt many heard the rooster crow that morning, but nobody heard what Peter heard. For in the routine sounds of the ordinary he discovered the God who speaks through donkeys and roosters. And from that day forward, Peter would never be able to hear a rooster again without thinking of this one moment in his life.
A moment of devastating failure......and of great forgiveness. A moment of death and resurrection; certainly for Jesus -- but also for Peter.
How about you? Heard any Roosters lately?
.
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Day of Reckoning
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“Bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me." (Luke 19:27, NKJV).
There is a finality to unbelief. Those who reject Christ and refuse God’s only provision for salvation will most surely die in their sins. The Bible leaves nothing vague on this matter, for the stakes are high and eternal.
The writer of the Book of Hebrews presents the clearest case regarding this weighty issue: “Anyone who disobeys the Law of Moses is put to death without any mercy when judged guilty from the evidence of two or more witnesses. What, then, of those who despise the Son of God? who treat as a cheap thing the blood of God's covenant which purified them from sin? who insult the Spirit of grace? Just think how much worse is the punishment they will deserve! It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!” (Hebrews 10:28~31, Good News Bible).
Moreover, Jesus said, "Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder" (Matthew 21:44). Christ is the Rock. You and I must fall upon Him and be broken – redeemed from all self-righteousness and sinful independence. Otherwise, the Rock will fall on us and we will be crushed—separated forever from God, and from all things good and holy.
C.S. Lewis wrote, “In the end there will be two categories of people. Those who say to God, “Thy will be done,’ and thus enter Heaven; and those to whom God says, ‘Thy will be done,’ as they enter Hell.”
A Day of Reckoning is coming for believer and unbeliever alike. For those who reject Christ it will be a day of terror—and finality. For those who love the Lord, and served Him faithfully in life, it will be a day of reward and great joy.
What are you doing to be best prepared for that coming Day?
.
“Bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me." (Luke 19:27, NKJV).
There is a finality to unbelief. Those who reject Christ and refuse God’s only provision for salvation will most surely die in their sins. The Bible leaves nothing vague on this matter, for the stakes are high and eternal.
The writer of the Book of Hebrews presents the clearest case regarding this weighty issue: “Anyone who disobeys the Law of Moses is put to death without any mercy when judged guilty from the evidence of two or more witnesses. What, then, of those who despise the Son of God? who treat as a cheap thing the blood of God's covenant which purified them from sin? who insult the Spirit of grace? Just think how much worse is the punishment they will deserve! It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!” (Hebrews 10:28~31, Good News Bible).
Moreover, Jesus said, "Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder" (Matthew 21:44). Christ is the Rock. You and I must fall upon Him and be broken – redeemed from all self-righteousness and sinful independence. Otherwise, the Rock will fall on us and we will be crushed—separated forever from God, and from all things good and holy.
C.S. Lewis wrote, “In the end there will be two categories of people. Those who say to God, “Thy will be done,’ and thus enter Heaven; and those to whom God says, ‘Thy will be done,’ as they enter Hell.”
A Day of Reckoning is coming for believer and unbeliever alike. For those who reject Christ it will be a day of terror—and finality. For those who love the Lord, and served Him faithfully in life, it will be a day of reward and great joy.
What are you doing to be best prepared for that coming Day?
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Light In the Darkness
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“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Our faithfulness in dark moments of history may be the only light that some will ever see.
Peter exhorted us to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Do you know the Lord? If so, then you can make Him known to others!
Daniel said, “the people who do know their God shall be strong and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32). Dr. King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Men and women who take action in the face of passivity and perversion fill God’s heart with pleasure, and transform their world with power – the power of love. Will you be one of these gallant souls?
Paul the apostle was described by James, the Lord’s brother, as a man who “hazarded his life for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26). What an epitaph! Could the same be said of you? Wouldn’t you want it to be? The word hazarded literally means “to hand over.” Have you handed your life over to the Lord Jesus Christ?
Paul summed up his own life story in a single sentence when he stood before a king who held in his hand the power of life and death. “O Agrippa,” he affirmed, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision!” (Acts 26:19). Vision, passion, discipline and risk. It is what marks every true man and woman of God.
Light in the Darkness -- it is the desperate need of this hour.
.
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Our faithfulness in dark moments of history may be the only light that some will ever see.
Peter exhorted us to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Do you know the Lord? If so, then you can make Him known to others!
Daniel said, “the people who do know their God shall be strong and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32). Dr. King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Men and women who take action in the face of passivity and perversion fill God’s heart with pleasure, and transform their world with power – the power of love. Will you be one of these gallant souls?
Paul the apostle was described by James, the Lord’s brother, as a man who “hazarded his life for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26). What an epitaph! Could the same be said of you? Wouldn’t you want it to be? The word hazarded literally means “to hand over.” Have you handed your life over to the Lord Jesus Christ?
Paul summed up his own life story in a single sentence when he stood before a king who held in his hand the power of life and death. “O Agrippa,” he affirmed, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision!” (Acts 26:19). Vision, passion, discipline and risk. It is what marks every true man and woman of God.
Light in the Darkness -- it is the desperate need of this hour.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Name and Fame of Jesus
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“There is salvation in no other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
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.
Early on in His public ministry the name and fame of Jesus spread like a prairie fire on a windy day. People all throughout the region—rich and poor, king and commoner, Jew and Gentile—all heard of Him; for His fame was ever-increasing.
His death on the Cross did not have the effect the rulers of the day had hoped. He rose from the dead and His followers became invincible in their faith—so much in fact that in ever-widening circles the number of disciples increased vastly in Jerusalem; and many of the Jewish priests were themselves converted as well.
Paul the Apostle, a few years later wrote, "Finally, dear brothers, as I come to the end of this letter, I ask you to pray for us. Pray first that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and triumph wherever it goes, winning converts everywhere as it did when it came to you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1, Living Bible).
Jesus Christ! He is peerless in His exaltation, unrivaled in His Lordship, incomparable in His grace, invincible in His power, unassisted in His work as Redeemer, matchless in His mercy, adored in His glory and worshipped in the beauty of His holiness. In His birth is our significance. In His life is our example. In His death is our forgiveness. In His resurrection is our hope. In His Second Coming is our consummate glory!
Isaiah spoke for us all when he said, “Lord, Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts” (Isaiah 28:8, NIV).
Friends, we live in a fallen world where hostilities toward God run high and hot. For this reason we must become men and women of vision, passion, discipline and risk—laying ourselves out for the high honor of one Name alone…the name of Jesus.
.
“There is salvation in no other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
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.
Early on in His public ministry the name and fame of Jesus spread like a prairie fire on a windy day. People all throughout the region—rich and poor, king and commoner, Jew and Gentile—all heard of Him; for His fame was ever-increasing.
His death on the Cross did not have the effect the rulers of the day had hoped. He rose from the dead and His followers became invincible in their faith—so much in fact that in ever-widening circles the number of disciples increased vastly in Jerusalem; and many of the Jewish priests were themselves converted as well.
Paul the Apostle, a few years later wrote, "Finally, dear brothers, as I come to the end of this letter, I ask you to pray for us. Pray first that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and triumph wherever it goes, winning converts everywhere as it did when it came to you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1, Living Bible).
Jesus Christ! He is peerless in His exaltation, unrivaled in His Lordship, incomparable in His grace, invincible in His power, unassisted in His work as Redeemer, matchless in His mercy, adored in His glory and worshipped in the beauty of His holiness. In His birth is our significance. In His life is our example. In His death is our forgiveness. In His resurrection is our hope. In His Second Coming is our consummate glory!
Isaiah spoke for us all when he said, “Lord, Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts” (Isaiah 28:8, NIV).
Friends, we live in a fallen world where hostilities toward God run high and hot. For this reason we must become men and women of vision, passion, discipline and risk—laying ourselves out for the high honor of one Name alone…the name of Jesus.
.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
"Yeah, but Do You Know the Lord?"
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“But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord" (Jeremiah 9:23).
Among the many things that dominate our deepest dreams, there are three that stand out above the rest. They are Knowledge, Strength, and Wealth.
Think about how much of who you are in the eyes of others (and perhaps even yourself) is defined by your level of intelligence, your physical appearance and abilities, and your bank account. Indeed, the American Dream is about having as much education, physical prowess, and financial clout as we can possibly acquire.
The pursuit of these things often determines the life we end up living….or losing.
The Lord used Jeremiah the prophet to deliver a timeless truth for men of all ages. “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom, or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches,” Jeremiah wrote, “but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight" (Jeremiah 9:23,24).
You may be smart, and possess many degrees, and have keen insight into many different fields of knowledge—but, do you know the Lord?
You may be a physical specimen, strong and resilient, looking as though you’ve just come down from Olympus—but, do you know the Lord?
You may be loaded with money, with no end in sight of all the riches you are yet to acquire—but, do you know the Lord?
Ultimately your knowledge will prove limited, your body will wear down, and your money will belong to somebody else; so it would be the height of folly to place your trust in these things. But the people who know the Lord, we are told, "will be strong and do exploits!" (Daniel 11:32). So, do you know the Lord?
There are people who do not know the Lord, and refuse to acknowledge Him because of their pride and ignorance. There are some who imagine that they know Him, but live in fear of Him, created by lies that they have believed about Him. And then there are those who do know the Lord truly, and love Him dearly.
Which one are you?
.
“But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord" (Jeremiah 9:23).
Among the many things that dominate our deepest dreams, there are three that stand out above the rest. They are Knowledge, Strength, and Wealth.
Think about how much of who you are in the eyes of others (and perhaps even yourself) is defined by your level of intelligence, your physical appearance and abilities, and your bank account. Indeed, the American Dream is about having as much education, physical prowess, and financial clout as we can possibly acquire.
The pursuit of these things often determines the life we end up living….or losing.
The Lord used Jeremiah the prophet to deliver a timeless truth for men of all ages. “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom, or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches,” Jeremiah wrote, “but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight" (Jeremiah 9:23,24).
You may be smart, and possess many degrees, and have keen insight into many different fields of knowledge—but, do you know the Lord?
You may be a physical specimen, strong and resilient, looking as though you’ve just come down from Olympus—but, do you know the Lord?
You may be loaded with money, with no end in sight of all the riches you are yet to acquire—but, do you know the Lord?
Ultimately your knowledge will prove limited, your body will wear down, and your money will belong to somebody else; so it would be the height of folly to place your trust in these things. But the people who know the Lord, we are told, "will be strong and do exploits!" (Daniel 11:32). So, do you know the Lord?
There are people who do not know the Lord, and refuse to acknowledge Him because of their pride and ignorance. There are some who imagine that they know Him, but live in fear of Him, created by lies that they have believed about Him. And then there are those who do know the Lord truly, and love Him dearly.
Which one are you?
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Monday, July 14, 2008
The Great Confession of the Ages
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"And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:11).
“Jesus Christ is Lord!”
God alone knows exactly how many of our forefathers spoke these enduring words of truth at the price of their lives. History is replete with legendary accounts of humble, yet noble men and women who were burned at the stake, beheaded, thrown to wild beasts, and in other ways tortured for their devotion to Jesus Christ. Men and women of whom this world was not worthy.
What is this power that moves men and women to not count their own lives dear unto themselves that they may confess before an angry world their faith in Christ as Lord?
Rulers scoffed at such blind faith, and then raged in fury against such true allegiance for another. Unable to strike Christ Himself, they turned their swords against those who follow Him in love. But, as one has said, “He has walked by the graveside of earth’s fallen kings who opposed Him and yet He still reigneth.”
“Jesus Christ is Lord!”
This was the Church’s earliest confession, and it will be the rally cry of the faithful who hold firm to the end. It has been, and remains, the abiding test of authentic Christianity. So, how do you measure up? Is Jesus Christ Lord of your life?
.
"And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:11).
“Jesus Christ is Lord!”
God alone knows exactly how many of our forefathers spoke these enduring words of truth at the price of their lives. History is replete with legendary accounts of humble, yet noble men and women who were burned at the stake, beheaded, thrown to wild beasts, and in other ways tortured for their devotion to Jesus Christ. Men and women of whom this world was not worthy.
What is this power that moves men and women to not count their own lives dear unto themselves that they may confess before an angry world their faith in Christ as Lord?
Rulers scoffed at such blind faith, and then raged in fury against such true allegiance for another. Unable to strike Christ Himself, they turned their swords against those who follow Him in love. But, as one has said, “He has walked by the graveside of earth’s fallen kings who opposed Him and yet He still reigneth.”
“Jesus Christ is Lord!”
This was the Church’s earliest confession, and it will be the rally cry of the faithful who hold firm to the end. It has been, and remains, the abiding test of authentic Christianity. So, how do you measure up? Is Jesus Christ Lord of your life?
.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
When He that is Good Gets Blamed for the Bad
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"But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.'" (Luke 19:14)
In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus tells us about a Nobleman of impeccable character, grand generosity, expanding estate, and international renown. A man among men, who exemplifies in the finest sense of every word the enormous potential of vision, passion, discipline and risk. Yet, this man is hated by his citizens. Why?
This has always intrigued me, for there is no apparent reason for their insolence and revolt -- especially when we consider that this parable is about the Lord Jesus. What has He done that would justify anybody hating Him? Nothing.
But notice this, the text says that the citizens "sent a message after him." In other words, while he was away to receive his kingdom, the citizens sent someone to tell him not to bother coming back. Who would deliver such a message? Obviously, only one person would have the audacity to carry this message. It was the person who had stirred the citizens up in the first place!
It had to be someone who was known as having access to the Royal Courts; a prince of some sort or another, who had acted scandalously in the King's name, blaming the King for things that were being done against the people, and thus filling the people's hearts with venom against their Lord.
Enter the Prince of Darkness. Working behind the scenes, he is forever flooding men's hearts and minds with lies about God and causing them to want nothing to do with Him.
It is the devil’s chief design to have men blame God for things that happen in the course of life that don’t seem fair, or right, or good. A child is killed by a crazed predator, or dies of some dreadful disease—and God gets blamed. Someone’s life savings are lost in an economic collapse—and God gets blamed. Our favorite sports team loses the championship game—and God gets blamed. And on it goes from the awful to the absurd…covering all points in between.
Such is the case in this story of the Nobleman. He that is good gets blamed for the bad. But don't fall for the devil's lies -- for the Nobleman will return one day and set the record straight. Don't be with that gathering who stand in rebellion to His Lordship.
.
"But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.'" (Luke 19:14)
In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus tells us about a Nobleman of impeccable character, grand generosity, expanding estate, and international renown. A man among men, who exemplifies in the finest sense of every word the enormous potential of vision, passion, discipline and risk. Yet, this man is hated by his citizens. Why?
This has always intrigued me, for there is no apparent reason for their insolence and revolt -- especially when we consider that this parable is about the Lord Jesus. What has He done that would justify anybody hating Him? Nothing.
But notice this, the text says that the citizens "sent a message after him." In other words, while he was away to receive his kingdom, the citizens sent someone to tell him not to bother coming back. Who would deliver such a message? Obviously, only one person would have the audacity to carry this message. It was the person who had stirred the citizens up in the first place!
It had to be someone who was known as having access to the Royal Courts; a prince of some sort or another, who had acted scandalously in the King's name, blaming the King for things that were being done against the people, and thus filling the people's hearts with venom against their Lord.
Enter the Prince of Darkness. Working behind the scenes, he is forever flooding men's hearts and minds with lies about God and causing them to want nothing to do with Him.
It is the devil’s chief design to have men blame God for things that happen in the course of life that don’t seem fair, or right, or good. A child is killed by a crazed predator, or dies of some dreadful disease—and God gets blamed. Someone’s life savings are lost in an economic collapse—and God gets blamed. Our favorite sports team loses the championship game—and God gets blamed. And on it goes from the awful to the absurd…covering all points in between.
Such is the case in this story of the Nobleman. He that is good gets blamed for the bad. But don't fall for the devil's lies -- for the Nobleman will return one day and set the record straight. Don't be with that gathering who stand in rebellion to His Lordship.
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Saturday, July 12, 2008
A Time to Speak?
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"...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." (Ecclesiastes 3:7).
There was a logger in Oregon who was out of work because of the controversy surrounding an endangered species—the white spotted owl. The woods where the loggers had been working was now declared a natural reserve for this one bird. You can imagine the stir that was created when this logger, Billy, was arrested for shooting one of the owls.
The Press, ever ready to make a national story out of anything, demanded swift justice for this murderous beast of a man. The Judge, a childhood friend of Billy, was in a real bind. When Billy was brought before him he said, “Billy, I can’t believe you would be so stupid as to go and shoot one of them blasted birds. You know I’m gonna have to throw the book at you!”
“Yes, your Honor,” Billy respectfully replied, “But, first could I tell you why I shot it?”
The Judge agreed, and Billy told his tale. “Your Honor, I’ve been out of work for a few months now, and the only way I can feed my family is by hunting. I was in the woods looking for game – and the only thing I could find was that owl. I didn’t shoot it to break the Law; I just needed to feed my kids.”
With that the Judge shifted in his chair and said, “This may change things for you. I’m sure once the Press hears the rest of the story they will understand if we let you off with just a fine or something. But, before I call them in here,” the Judge continued, “I’m curious to know—just what does a white spotted owl taste like?”
“Oh,” Billy answered, sealing his fate, “it tastes like a blend between a California Condor and an American Bald Eagle.”
It's better to keep you mouth shut and have everybody think you're a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.Solomon wrote, "Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they're smart." (Proverbs 17:28).
In a day when opinions are buzzing about like a swarm of flies, sometimes saying nothing is the best thing to do!
.
"...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." (Ecclesiastes 3:7).
There was a logger in Oregon who was out of work because of the controversy surrounding an endangered species—the white spotted owl. The woods where the loggers had been working was now declared a natural reserve for this one bird. You can imagine the stir that was created when this logger, Billy, was arrested for shooting one of the owls.
The Press, ever ready to make a national story out of anything, demanded swift justice for this murderous beast of a man. The Judge, a childhood friend of Billy, was in a real bind. When Billy was brought before him he said, “Billy, I can’t believe you would be so stupid as to go and shoot one of them blasted birds. You know I’m gonna have to throw the book at you!”
“Yes, your Honor,” Billy respectfully replied, “But, first could I tell you why I shot it?”
The Judge agreed, and Billy told his tale. “Your Honor, I’ve been out of work for a few months now, and the only way I can feed my family is by hunting. I was in the woods looking for game – and the only thing I could find was that owl. I didn’t shoot it to break the Law; I just needed to feed my kids.”
With that the Judge shifted in his chair and said, “This may change things for you. I’m sure once the Press hears the rest of the story they will understand if we let you off with just a fine or something. But, before I call them in here,” the Judge continued, “I’m curious to know—just what does a white spotted owl taste like?”
“Oh,” Billy answered, sealing his fate, “it tastes like a blend between a California Condor and an American Bald Eagle.”
It's better to keep you mouth shut and have everybody think you're a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.Solomon wrote, "Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they're smart." (Proverbs 17:28).
In a day when opinions are buzzing about like a swarm of flies, sometimes saying nothing is the best thing to do!
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Friday, July 11, 2008
Concerning Matters of Politics and Presidents
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“Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:3).
We have a tendency to place our hope in those who are elected, and always end up being disappointed – because politics by its very nature requires compromises. And these compromises cut against our convictions. Ultimately, whoever is elected will always make decisions that prove difficult for the greater silent majority; seeing they are swayed mostly by those who are vocal and vindictive – which things we are not.
Our consolation comes in knowing this great truth – “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:33). The Message says, “Make your motions and cast your votes, but GOD has the final say.” And the Contemporary English Version puts it this way, “We make our own decisions, but the LORD alone determines what happens.”
Elsewhere the Bible says, “For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another.” (Psa 75:6-7). The bottom line is this – the vote is cast by man; but the decision is made by God.
The question then is simple – do we trust God, or not? Does He know what He is doing, or not? Is He good, or not? Does He have our best interests at heart, or not?
“But what if evil advances?” we ask with grave concern, “What if darkness prevails? What then?” There is a great old poem that answers it best:
“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.”
Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This covers a wide variety of anxieties, for He went on to say, “In the world you shall have trouble; but in Me you will have peace – for I have overcome the world.”
Our peace comes when we stay focused upon the Lord.
You may be assured that the Lord’s eye is upon you, and that His care for you is of the highest kind; and you may rest your troubled heart in His strong and loving hands. He will take care of you!
.
“Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:3).
We have a tendency to place our hope in those who are elected, and always end up being disappointed – because politics by its very nature requires compromises. And these compromises cut against our convictions. Ultimately, whoever is elected will always make decisions that prove difficult for the greater silent majority; seeing they are swayed mostly by those who are vocal and vindictive – which things we are not.
Our consolation comes in knowing this great truth – “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:33). The Message says, “Make your motions and cast your votes, but GOD has the final say.” And the Contemporary English Version puts it this way, “We make our own decisions, but the LORD alone determines what happens.”
Elsewhere the Bible says, “For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another.” (Psa 75:6-7). The bottom line is this – the vote is cast by man; but the decision is made by God.
The question then is simple – do we trust God, or not? Does He know what He is doing, or not? Is He good, or not? Does He have our best interests at heart, or not?
“But what if evil advances?” we ask with grave concern, “What if darkness prevails? What then?” There is a great old poem that answers it best:
“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.”
(James R. Lowell, 1865)
Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This covers a wide variety of anxieties, for He went on to say, “In the world you shall have trouble; but in Me you will have peace – for I have overcome the world.”
Our peace comes when we stay focused upon the Lord.
You may be assured that the Lord’s eye is upon you, and that His care for you is of the highest kind; and you may rest your troubled heart in His strong and loving hands. He will take care of you!
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
So We Be Fools and Maniacs?
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"....the prophet is considered a fool, the inspired man a maniac." (Hosea 9:7, NIV).
The Dreamer visioned Life as it might be,
and from his dream forthright a picture grew;
a painting all the people thronged to see,
and joked therein -- till came the Man Who Knew,
saying: "This is bad! Why do ye gape, ye fools!
He painteth not according to the schools."
The Dreamer probed Life's mystery of woe,
and in a book he sought to give the clue;
The people read, and saw that it was so,
and read again -- then came the Man Who Knew,
saying: "Ye witless ones! This book is vile;
it hath not got the rudiments of style."
Love smote the Dreamer's lips, and silver clear
he sang a song so sweet, so tender true,
that all the market-place was thrilled to hear,
and listened rapt -- till came the Man Who Knew,
saying: "His technique's wrong; he singeth ill,
waste not your time." The singer's voice was still.
And then the people roused as if from sleep,
crying, "What care we if it be not Art!
Hath he not charmed us, made us laugh and weep?
Come, let us crown him where he sits apart!"
Then, with his picture spurned, his book unread,
His song unsung, they found their dreamer -- dead.
"....the prophet is considered a fool, the inspired man a maniac." (Hosea 9:7, NIV).
The Dreamer visioned Life as it might be,
and from his dream forthright a picture grew;
a painting all the people thronged to see,
and joked therein -- till came the Man Who Knew,
saying: "This is bad! Why do ye gape, ye fools!
He painteth not according to the schools."
The Dreamer probed Life's mystery of woe,
and in a book he sought to give the clue;
The people read, and saw that it was so,
and read again -- then came the Man Who Knew,
saying: "Ye witless ones! This book is vile;
it hath not got the rudiments of style."
Love smote the Dreamer's lips, and silver clear
he sang a song so sweet, so tender true,
that all the market-place was thrilled to hear,
and listened rapt -- till came the Man Who Knew,
saying: "His technique's wrong; he singeth ill,
waste not your time." The singer's voice was still.
And then the people roused as if from sleep,
crying, "What care we if it be not Art!
Hath he not charmed us, made us laugh and weep?
Come, let us crown him where he sits apart!"
Then, with his picture spurned, his book unread,
His song unsung, they found their dreamer -- dead.
(The Man Who Knew, by Robert W. Service)
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Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Why Should He Love Me So?
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“Jesus, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1).
I shall never forget the emotion I felt when I first heard my dad sing in church one day the old hymn, “Why Should He Love Me So?” Coming from the heart of a man who so deeply felt his failure in life, and who had such overwhelming regrets as a father -- dad’s rapture in God’s love was both profoundly gratifying and enigmatically bewildering. “God loves me!” he would say, “but, why?!”
No hound dog ever sounded so mournful as did my dad when he tilted back his ancient head and belted out with deep-toned marine gusto, “Why Should He Love Me So.” It was nothing any producer would ever push to the media, but I know that when dad sang it, it went straight to the heart of God.
Dad’s in heaven now. He no doubt has joined the celestial choir of all who have banded together to proclaim their marvel of our Savior’s love. I also have no doubt that he likely steps forward from time to lead out in a favorite solo -- “Why Should He Love Me So.”
I can tell you that sometimes, when no one is looking, I’ll stand in the church, toss back my head and croon in fond memory of dad’s devotion to Christ -- “Why Should He Love Me So?” Though I am alone when I do this, at times it almost sounds like a duet.
Have you ever wondered, Why should He love you so? If one views God only as being immense, then it is not likely such a one would ever consider how much God loves them. Immensity makes God too big, too austere, too preoccupied with the universe to ever give any serious thought to someone who is so comparatively insignificant.
But, God is not immense -- He is infinite. There is a marvelous difference. F.W. Boreham wrote of “the essential difference between immensity and infinity. The former has limits,” he said, “while the latter has none.”
Because God is infinite -- He is unlimited! He can fill the universe with His presence, and yet give full regard to the humblest of people. Even so as to number the very hairs on our heads! But, why should He love me so?
The answer is -- He can do nothing else! Years ago Miles Stanford wrote, “God’s love functions according to the quality of its nature, not according to the quality of that toward which it is directed.”
So, why should He love me so? He is God -- that’s why.
.
“Jesus, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1).
I shall never forget the emotion I felt when I first heard my dad sing in church one day the old hymn, “Why Should He Love Me So?” Coming from the heart of a man who so deeply felt his failure in life, and who had such overwhelming regrets as a father -- dad’s rapture in God’s love was both profoundly gratifying and enigmatically bewildering. “God loves me!” he would say, “but, why?!”
No hound dog ever sounded so mournful as did my dad when he tilted back his ancient head and belted out with deep-toned marine gusto, “Why Should He Love Me So.” It was nothing any producer would ever push to the media, but I know that when dad sang it, it went straight to the heart of God.
Dad’s in heaven now. He no doubt has joined the celestial choir of all who have banded together to proclaim their marvel of our Savior’s love. I also have no doubt that he likely steps forward from time to lead out in a favorite solo -- “Why Should He Love Me So.”
I can tell you that sometimes, when no one is looking, I’ll stand in the church, toss back my head and croon in fond memory of dad’s devotion to Christ -- “Why Should He Love Me So?” Though I am alone when I do this, at times it almost sounds like a duet.
Have you ever wondered, Why should He love you so? If one views God only as being immense, then it is not likely such a one would ever consider how much God loves them. Immensity makes God too big, too austere, too preoccupied with the universe to ever give any serious thought to someone who is so comparatively insignificant.
But, God is not immense -- He is infinite. There is a marvelous difference. F.W. Boreham wrote of “the essential difference between immensity and infinity. The former has limits,” he said, “while the latter has none.”
Because God is infinite -- He is unlimited! He can fill the universe with His presence, and yet give full regard to the humblest of people. Even so as to number the very hairs on our heads! But, why should He love me so?
The answer is -- He can do nothing else! Years ago Miles Stanford wrote, “God’s love functions according to the quality of its nature, not according to the quality of that toward which it is directed.”
So, why should He love me so? He is God -- that’s why.
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Tuesday, July 08, 2008
When You Least Expect It
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"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty" (1Corinthians 1:27).
A man stands before an large audience of people from various walks of life. Some are rich, most are poor. Some are powerful, most are weak. Some are daring, most are fearful. Some have faith, some have doubts, many have questions, all have need.
Are we about to hear a speech? Not exactly.
The man holds an old book in his hand.
Oh, so he is going to read a story? Not exactly.
A hush falls over the crowd as all eyes fix upon this solitary man. He is of medium stature, with handsome features. A middle aged fellow with yet a gleam of mischief in his sky blue eyes. The white hair about his temple frames in his leathery face with venerable distinction. There is something about this man that seems to command an audience.
Is he running for public office? No, not exactly.
Is he selling something? No, not exactly.
What, then?
Let’s listen and find out.
Turning to a page in the book, the man readies himself for the task at hand. He looks over the crowd, sizing them up with the skill that comes from years of experience. Then he begins by reading aloud an excerpt from the old book.
He is not four words along until the crowd stirs into a polite riot ~ moaning, grumbling, and fidgeting with distress. The noise level rises quickly, for what they hear is so disturbing they cannot bear for the man to continue.
His voice.
His voice, if one can call it a voice, sounded not at all like that of a man. Nor even a woman, or a child. Neither did it sound like a angel, or a devil.
It sounded like a mouse. A mouse with a soar throat. A mouse that inhaled helium and tried to impersonate Alvin the Chipmunk. You know the sound that a balloon makes when you squeeze the opening tightly and slowly let the air out? You know the sound fingernails make when you slowly scrap them across a blackboard? You know the sound a mosquito make when it lands in your ear, gets stuck in the wax, and then tries furiously to free itself by buzzing about inside your head?
That’s how the guy sounded. Only worse.
It was quite an odd thing to see a man so poised in appearance, so commanding in persona, and yet so squeezed in speech. Looking upon this man one expected to hear James Earl Jones. What one got was Pee Wee Herman!
The poor fellow at the podium seemed oblivious to the effects he was having upon the tormented audience. The stalwart soul kept steadily at his speech, waving his hands about his head as though conducting an orchestra, and pointing skyward as if to suggest that heaven was attending these proceedings.
“This guy is nuts,” someone said from the back of the room. “Yeah,” replied another, “a total ding bat.” A murmur rose throughout the crowd, yet the man kept squeaking. The more he talked, the more excited he became. And the more excited he became, the higher his voice went. And the higher his voice went, the more agitated the crowd became.
Then a strange thing happened. The crowd of people, mentally dismantled and fully inclined toward all available exits, were stopped in their tracks. Oddly enough it wasn’t because of the man speaking; it was in spite of him.
A presence filled the room. Palpable, discernable, conspicuous. It was other-worldly, the kind of presence that makes your hair stand up on the back of your neck. But it was more than a ghost, much more. It was a holy Ghost. Everyone felt it, and no one dared do anything that might offend.
For reasons known only in heaven, GOD decided to show up that day. And in so doing proved yet once again that He uses the foolish to confound the wise.
.
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty" (1Corinthians 1:27).
A man stands before an large audience of people from various walks of life. Some are rich, most are poor. Some are powerful, most are weak. Some are daring, most are fearful. Some have faith, some have doubts, many have questions, all have need.
Are we about to hear a speech? Not exactly.
The man holds an old book in his hand.
Oh, so he is going to read a story? Not exactly.
A hush falls over the crowd as all eyes fix upon this solitary man. He is of medium stature, with handsome features. A middle aged fellow with yet a gleam of mischief in his sky blue eyes. The white hair about his temple frames in his leathery face with venerable distinction. There is something about this man that seems to command an audience.
Is he running for public office? No, not exactly.
Is he selling something? No, not exactly.
What, then?
Let’s listen and find out.
Turning to a page in the book, the man readies himself for the task at hand. He looks over the crowd, sizing them up with the skill that comes from years of experience. Then he begins by reading aloud an excerpt from the old book.
He is not four words along until the crowd stirs into a polite riot ~ moaning, grumbling, and fidgeting with distress. The noise level rises quickly, for what they hear is so disturbing they cannot bear for the man to continue.
His voice.
His voice, if one can call it a voice, sounded not at all like that of a man. Nor even a woman, or a child. Neither did it sound like a angel, or a devil.
It sounded like a mouse. A mouse with a soar throat. A mouse that inhaled helium and tried to impersonate Alvin the Chipmunk. You know the sound that a balloon makes when you squeeze the opening tightly and slowly let the air out? You know the sound fingernails make when you slowly scrap them across a blackboard? You know the sound a mosquito make when it lands in your ear, gets stuck in the wax, and then tries furiously to free itself by buzzing about inside your head?
That’s how the guy sounded. Only worse.
It was quite an odd thing to see a man so poised in appearance, so commanding in persona, and yet so squeezed in speech. Looking upon this man one expected to hear James Earl Jones. What one got was Pee Wee Herman!
The poor fellow at the podium seemed oblivious to the effects he was having upon the tormented audience. The stalwart soul kept steadily at his speech, waving his hands about his head as though conducting an orchestra, and pointing skyward as if to suggest that heaven was attending these proceedings.
“This guy is nuts,” someone said from the back of the room. “Yeah,” replied another, “a total ding bat.” A murmur rose throughout the crowd, yet the man kept squeaking. The more he talked, the more excited he became. And the more excited he became, the higher his voice went. And the higher his voice went, the more agitated the crowd became.
Then a strange thing happened. The crowd of people, mentally dismantled and fully inclined toward all available exits, were stopped in their tracks. Oddly enough it wasn’t because of the man speaking; it was in spite of him.
A presence filled the room. Palpable, discernable, conspicuous. It was other-worldly, the kind of presence that makes your hair stand up on the back of your neck. But it was more than a ghost, much more. It was a holy Ghost. Everyone felt it, and no one dared do anything that might offend.
For reasons known only in heaven, GOD decided to show up that day. And in so doing proved yet once again that He uses the foolish to confound the wise.
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Monday, July 07, 2008
From Selfishness to Servanthood
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"Give me.....make me." (Luke 15:12, and 19).
The Prodigal Son is on record as having said two things to his father. But these two statements are separated by years of deep sorrow and great loss. The first statement was that of a brash young man, who in his mind was ready to face the world on his own -- "Father, give me my share of the inheritance." The Father did so, and the willful boy ran headlong into disaster.
Oh, not at first. There were friends and parties, laughter and leisure aplenty -- until his money ran out. No money; no friends. Funny how its still the same today. The boy hit hard and in a defining moment of such darkness, the lights finally turned on. He came to his senses, and then rose up to return to his father.
Only this time there was a difference. His request now was, "Father, make me your servant." Of course, the Father would do no such thing, but the sentiment in the boy's heart was noble indeed. He had moved from selfishness to servanthood.
I think that our Heavenly Father might desire the same of us. How many of our prayers begin with "Father, Give me...." -- and how oft do we seek what we think is best for ourselves, only to end up in sorrow of one sort or another? Perhaps if we were to instead pray, "Father, Make me...." -- then our lives would be filled with the bounty of our God's richest blessings.
Along these lines, Simon Peter offers this time-proven advice -- "So, humble yourselves under God's strong hand, and in his own good time he will lift you up. You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern." (1Peter 5:6,7, Phillips NT).
Do this, and you will make your move from selfishness to servanthood; and God will treat you like a king.
.
Would you help spread the word? Click on the Envelope below to email this to your friends...
"Give me.....make me." (Luke 15:12, and 19).
The Prodigal Son is on record as having said two things to his father. But these two statements are separated by years of deep sorrow and great loss. The first statement was that of a brash young man, who in his mind was ready to face the world on his own -- "Father, give me my share of the inheritance." The Father did so, and the willful boy ran headlong into disaster.
Oh, not at first. There were friends and parties, laughter and leisure aplenty -- until his money ran out. No money; no friends. Funny how its still the same today. The boy hit hard and in a defining moment of such darkness, the lights finally turned on. He came to his senses, and then rose up to return to his father.
Only this time there was a difference. His request now was, "Father, make me your servant." Of course, the Father would do no such thing, but the sentiment in the boy's heart was noble indeed. He had moved from selfishness to servanthood.
I think that our Heavenly Father might desire the same of us. How many of our prayers begin with "Father, Give me...." -- and how oft do we seek what we think is best for ourselves, only to end up in sorrow of one sort or another? Perhaps if we were to instead pray, "Father, Make me...." -- then our lives would be filled with the bounty of our God's richest blessings.
Along these lines, Simon Peter offers this time-proven advice -- "So, humble yourselves under God's strong hand, and in his own good time he will lift you up. You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern." (1Peter 5:6,7, Phillips NT).
Do this, and you will make your move from selfishness to servanthood; and God will treat you like a king.
.
Would you help spread the word? Click on the Envelope below to email this to your friends...
Sunday, July 06, 2008
So Close, and Yet So Far Away
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"The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen." (Luke 15:28, The Message)
We know not exactly how long the Prodigal had been gone from his father's house, but it was not a brief period. At least a few years had passed. And during all this time the father never stopped watching and waiting, yearning for the return of his beloved son.
George Morrison writes, "And always beside him was his elder son, with his heart utterly hardened to the prodigal—father and son a million miles apart. He was at home, under the same roof, and in his father's presence every day; while his brother, the prodigal, was in an alien land. Yet the elder brother was farther away from the father than his ne'er-do-well brother." (Devotional Sermons).
And in the same manner that the father ran out to meet his returning son, so he goes out to the elder son and tries to talk him into the party. But the elder brother would have none of it. Rather his bitterness spewed out the brooding anger that long had been in his heart.
It is a frightful thing when we allow a religious spirit to rise above our relationship with God and one another. The elder brother was diligent and obedient -- but hard. He was a pattern of industry and duty, putting in long hours in the fields and making sure the father's estate was prosperous. But there was something dreadfully wrong under the surface.
Not only did he have no affection whatsoever for his younger brother, which is seen in his spiteful words to his father -- "when this son of yours comes home" -- but, more to the point, his heart was bitter toward his father. "For years I have worked for you like a slave and have always obeyed you. But you have never even given me a little goat, so that I could give a dinner for my friends!"
"When anyone breaks out like that, it is not so extemporaneous as it seems. It is the boiling over, in some heated moment, of what has long been simmering in the heart." (Morrison)
He was so close to the Father, and yet so far away.
.
"The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen." (Luke 15:28, The Message)
We know not exactly how long the Prodigal had been gone from his father's house, but it was not a brief period. At least a few years had passed. And during all this time the father never stopped watching and waiting, yearning for the return of his beloved son.
George Morrison writes, "And always beside him was his elder son, with his heart utterly hardened to the prodigal—father and son a million miles apart. He was at home, under the same roof, and in his father's presence every day; while his brother, the prodigal, was in an alien land. Yet the elder brother was farther away from the father than his ne'er-do-well brother." (Devotional Sermons).
And in the same manner that the father ran out to meet his returning son, so he goes out to the elder son and tries to talk him into the party. But the elder brother would have none of it. Rather his bitterness spewed out the brooding anger that long had been in his heart.
It is a frightful thing when we allow a religious spirit to rise above our relationship with God and one another. The elder brother was diligent and obedient -- but hard. He was a pattern of industry and duty, putting in long hours in the fields and making sure the father's estate was prosperous. But there was something dreadfully wrong under the surface.
Not only did he have no affection whatsoever for his younger brother, which is seen in his spiteful words to his father -- "when this son of yours comes home" -- but, more to the point, his heart was bitter toward his father. "For years I have worked for you like a slave and have always obeyed you. But you have never even given me a little goat, so that I could give a dinner for my friends!"
"When anyone breaks out like that, it is not so extemporaneous as it seems. It is the boiling over, in some heated moment, of what has long been simmering in the heart." (Morrison)
He was so close to the Father, and yet so far away.
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Saturday, July 05, 2008
Those Rotten Religious Rascals
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"But he spoke back to his father, 'Look, all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you given me? Not even a goat for me to have a feast with my friends!" (Luke 15:29, GNB)
In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the elder brother had serious personal issues! Not only against his younger brother who had been out running wild and blowing a fortune, but also against his father -- who welcomed the ragged boy back home with open arms.
What was his problem? Simply this -- he saw himself more as a slave, instead of a son. That's what religion will do to a soul. It will fill you with an ever-deepening sense of inadequacy, which in turn drives you to reach higher and higher in an effort to perform so as to finally become accepted. And, it enflames you with a raging jealousy against anybody who seems to get in without having to pay the price you have had to pay.
I've often wondered how the story would have turned out if the elder brother had met the prodigal returning home before the father had seen him. "You've got a lot of nerve showing your sorry face around here," I can hear him say. "You know you broke dad's heart, don't you? And thanks to you, my load of work has doubled! Why don't you just turn around and go back where you've been!"
Jesus asked a most pointed question -- "Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt?" (Luke 6:42, the Message). Yep, the Bible got it right when it said, "It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own." (Matthew 7:3, the Message).
O Lord, have mercy on us all -- and save us from becoming rotten religious rascals!
.
"But he spoke back to his father, 'Look, all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you given me? Not even a goat for me to have a feast with my friends!" (Luke 15:29, GNB)
In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the elder brother had serious personal issues! Not only against his younger brother who had been out running wild and blowing a fortune, but also against his father -- who welcomed the ragged boy back home with open arms.
What was his problem? Simply this -- he saw himself more as a slave, instead of a son. That's what religion will do to a soul. It will fill you with an ever-deepening sense of inadequacy, which in turn drives you to reach higher and higher in an effort to perform so as to finally become accepted. And, it enflames you with a raging jealousy against anybody who seems to get in without having to pay the price you have had to pay.
I've often wondered how the story would have turned out if the elder brother had met the prodigal returning home before the father had seen him. "You've got a lot of nerve showing your sorry face around here," I can hear him say. "You know you broke dad's heart, don't you? And thanks to you, my load of work has doubled! Why don't you just turn around and go back where you've been!"
And I also wonder if the reason the younger brother ran off was to get away, not from his father (who was clearly loving anf good), but rather to get away from his controling older brother.
Remember the scene in Walk the Line, the movie about Johnny Cash and June Carter, when June is in the store and a lady walks up and says, "Your momma and daddy are good Christian folks." And June says, "Why thank you; I'll tell 'em you said so." But the lady then says, "I'm surprised they even speak to you -- divorce is an abomination to God!" It crushes Junes spirit, and as she turns to walk away, the self-righteous lady briskly dusts off the shelves in the store with a look of smug satisfaction on her face; after all, she has done her religious duty.Jesus asked a most pointed question -- "Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt?" (Luke 6:42, the Message). Yep, the Bible got it right when it said, "It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own." (Matthew 7:3, the Message).
O Lord, have mercy on us all -- and save us from becoming rotten religious rascals!
.
Friday, July 04, 2008
This Amazing Freedom We Have Been Given!
.
"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." (Galatians 5:1, The Message).
Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Why then is it that so many who preach and teach the truth seem so bound up with religious shackles? Not only that, they seem equally intent on seeing to it that others are as bound up as they are. What's that all about? It's about control.
There is something dreadful lurking in the hearts of men and women, which almost compels them to dominate and subjugate others to their will and whims. Be it political or religious, academic or economic, cultural or personal -- there is an evil at work in the affairs of men that causes some to advance themselves by putting others down.....and keeping them that way.
This is not what Jesus came to do to us, nor did He teach us to do this to one another. In fact, in one of the most forthright statement in Scripture, Jesus says he "hates the deeds of the Nicolaitanes" (Rev.2:6). What does this mean? And who were these sorry people?
Their name comes from two Greek words; the first, nike, which means to conquer; and the second, laos, which means the people. Literally, it means to conquer the people. It means to dominate, intimidate, or manipulate; for the sake of holding control over them -- and Jesus hates it. The word means to detest; to regard as abhorrent.
My dear friends, be done once and for all with any group of any kind that tries to put a yoke of slavery on you; for Jesus has set us free! Take your stand in freedom -- even if you have to lay down your life to do it!
.
"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." (Galatians 5:1, The Message).
Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Why then is it that so many who preach and teach the truth seem so bound up with religious shackles? Not only that, they seem equally intent on seeing to it that others are as bound up as they are. What's that all about? It's about control.
There is something dreadful lurking in the hearts of men and women, which almost compels them to dominate and subjugate others to their will and whims. Be it political or religious, academic or economic, cultural or personal -- there is an evil at work in the affairs of men that causes some to advance themselves by putting others down.....and keeping them that way.
This is not what Jesus came to do to us, nor did He teach us to do this to one another. In fact, in one of the most forthright statement in Scripture, Jesus says he "hates the deeds of the Nicolaitanes" (Rev.2:6). What does this mean? And who were these sorry people?
Their name comes from two Greek words; the first, nike, which means to conquer; and the second, laos, which means the people. Literally, it means to conquer the people. It means to dominate, intimidate, or manipulate; for the sake of holding control over them -- and Jesus hates it. The word means to detest; to regard as abhorrent.
My dear friends, be done once and for all with any group of any kind that tries to put a yoke of slavery on you; for Jesus has set us free! Take your stand in freedom -- even if you have to lay down your life to do it!
.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Breaking Out of the Pack
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"Give yourself completely to these things, and everyone will see you are making great advances." (1 Timothy 4:15, paraphrase).
No one who saw it will ever forget it. June of 1973, thousands of fans crowded into the stands and sprawled across the infield lawn of Belmont Park for the third leg of the Triple Crown. They were there to see Secretariat, the fabled horse who had already won the Kentucky Derby in record time, and also the Preakness. Now he was running for the Triple Crown....and history.
The fans were not disappointed. The big red thoroughbred made his move in the middle of the backstretch and rounded the final turn with all the other horses fading into the background. He started like a locomotive, but he finished like a jet; setting a new track record, and beating the field by over thirty lengths. (The track announcer called it at 25 lengths, but later the official stats placed it higher). I still tear up when I think of it; it was one of the most remarkable displays of heart and power I've ever seen.
Click here and watch it for yourself -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS4f6wiQJh4
As followers of Jesus, we also have the opportunity to do something great with our lives; to break out of the pack and leave others speechless with how God's glory and grace were made known to us...and, more importantly, through us.
Paul shows us how to do it in his timeless words to young Timothy, his protege. "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young", he wrote, "but be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Focus on reading the Scriptures, encouraging others, and teaching God's word. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you. Give yourself completely to these things, and everyone will see you are making great advances." (1 Timothy 4:12-14, paraphrase).
Isn't it time that you broke out of the pack?
.
"Give yourself completely to these things, and everyone will see you are making great advances." (1 Timothy 4:15, paraphrase).
No one who saw it will ever forget it. June of 1973, thousands of fans crowded into the stands and sprawled across the infield lawn of Belmont Park for the third leg of the Triple Crown. They were there to see Secretariat, the fabled horse who had already won the Kentucky Derby in record time, and also the Preakness. Now he was running for the Triple Crown....and history.
The fans were not disappointed. The big red thoroughbred made his move in the middle of the backstretch and rounded the final turn with all the other horses fading into the background. He started like a locomotive, but he finished like a jet; setting a new track record, and beating the field by over thirty lengths. (The track announcer called it at 25 lengths, but later the official stats placed it higher). I still tear up when I think of it; it was one of the most remarkable displays of heart and power I've ever seen.
Click here and watch it for yourself -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS4f6wiQJh4
As followers of Jesus, we also have the opportunity to do something great with our lives; to break out of the pack and leave others speechless with how God's glory and grace were made known to us...and, more importantly, through us.
Paul shows us how to do it in his timeless words to young Timothy, his protege. "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young", he wrote, "but be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Focus on reading the Scriptures, encouraging others, and teaching God's word. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you. Give yourself completely to these things, and everyone will see you are making great advances." (1 Timothy 4:12-14, paraphrase).
Isn't it time that you broke out of the pack?
.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Outside the Camp
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"Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach." (Hebrews 13:13)
This world is a campy place, and people gravitate to the camp that suits them. This is true in may ways -- political, religious, economic, recreational, vocational, educational, or ideological. We find our niche and get our name, and learn the secret handshake. We also learn why we are superior to those in other camps.
But Jesus is outside the camp. He is a man with no labels. And the moment you link up with one group or another, and take unto yourself the labels and causes and agendas and issues of this or that group, then it is you cease following Jesus and begin following men. That will lead to pride, division, strife, and trouble.
Men love to build empires and fight enemies. But Jesus has called us to something better and higher. He has called us unto Himself.
We are in this world, but not of this world. Here we have no continuing city; for we seek a city whose builder and maker is God. Therefore, we are pilgrims passing through the many camps we come in contact with; exchanging greetings in the marketplace, dining in the restaurants, sunning on the beach, or playing in the fields -- but only for a while. For this is not our home; this is not our camp.
Jesus calls us onward, upward, and outward.
Onward insures that we will experience progress in our lives; upward insures we will reach our potential; and outward insures we will be misunderstood...and rejected. For the moment you leave the camp and go out to Jesus, the others campers will hold you in reproach -- just like they did to Him.
But while we may be reproached by the world, we are embraced by the Lord. Not such a bad trade off if you ask me!
See you outside the camp?
.
"Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach." (Hebrews 13:13)
This world is a campy place, and people gravitate to the camp that suits them. This is true in may ways -- political, religious, economic, recreational, vocational, educational, or ideological. We find our niche and get our name, and learn the secret handshake. We also learn why we are superior to those in other camps.
But Jesus is outside the camp. He is a man with no labels. And the moment you link up with one group or another, and take unto yourself the labels and causes and agendas and issues of this or that group, then it is you cease following Jesus and begin following men. That will lead to pride, division, strife, and trouble.
Men love to build empires and fight enemies. But Jesus has called us to something better and higher. He has called us unto Himself.
We are in this world, but not of this world. Here we have no continuing city; for we seek a city whose builder and maker is God. Therefore, we are pilgrims passing through the many camps we come in contact with; exchanging greetings in the marketplace, dining in the restaurants, sunning on the beach, or playing in the fields -- but only for a while. For this is not our home; this is not our camp.
Jesus calls us onward, upward, and outward.
Onward insures that we will experience progress in our lives; upward insures we will reach our potential; and outward insures we will be misunderstood...and rejected. For the moment you leave the camp and go out to Jesus, the others campers will hold you in reproach -- just like they did to Him.
But while we may be reproached by the world, we are embraced by the Lord. Not such a bad trade off if you ask me!
See you outside the camp?
.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
The King in the Cave
.
"David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam" (1 Samuel 22:1).
Old King Saul has lost his mind, and in a jealous rage unleashed a murderous attack against not only David, God's anointed king, but also his extended family. He even went so far as to execute those in the priesthood who were loyal to David. This historical moment serves as as chilling display of how both Religion and Politics are always dead set against those who are favored of God and destined for true greatness.
To the eyes of the mindless world the king was on the throne in Jerusalem, wearing the crown and royal robes, and serving the interests of the nation. But from God's point of view this was not the case. A fool sat upon the throne while the true King was forced into a cave until the madness passed.
And while David waited, trusting in the Lord to set things right, word spread throughout the beleaguered kingdom and a host of those who were distressed, in debt, and discontented slowly migrated to David until their numbers swelled -- making them a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
The Message says they were "losers and vagrants and misfits of all sorts." Yet once they joined with David, they were transformed and became mighty men of valor; men who did extraordinary exploits that are still talked about to this day.
That's what happens to us when we turn our back on the Political/Religious agendas of our world and go out to be with Jesus -- the King in the cave. He lifts us up and ennobles with His own greatness; and our lives become the stuff of legends.
Are you discontented, in debt, and distressed with the Religious and Political scene? There's a King in a Cave who is just waiting for you to arrive!
.
"David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam" (1 Samuel 22:1).
Old King Saul has lost his mind, and in a jealous rage unleashed a murderous attack against not only David, God's anointed king, but also his extended family. He even went so far as to execute those in the priesthood who were loyal to David. This historical moment serves as as chilling display of how both Religion and Politics are always dead set against those who are favored of God and destined for true greatness.
To the eyes of the mindless world the king was on the throne in Jerusalem, wearing the crown and royal robes, and serving the interests of the nation. But from God's point of view this was not the case. A fool sat upon the throne while the true King was forced into a cave until the madness passed.
And while David waited, trusting in the Lord to set things right, word spread throughout the beleaguered kingdom and a host of those who were distressed, in debt, and discontented slowly migrated to David until their numbers swelled -- making them a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
The Message says they were "losers and vagrants and misfits of all sorts." Yet once they joined with David, they were transformed and became mighty men of valor; men who did extraordinary exploits that are still talked about to this day.
That's what happens to us when we turn our back on the Political/Religious agendas of our world and go out to be with Jesus -- the King in the cave. He lifts us up and ennobles with His own greatness; and our lives become the stuff of legends.
Are you discontented, in debt, and distressed with the Religious and Political scene? There's a King in a Cave who is just waiting for you to arrive!
.
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