Driven to My Knees

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"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple." Psalm 27:4 (KJV)

Abraham Lincoln said, “Many times I have been driven to my knees in prayer by the conscious knowledge that I had no where else to turn.”

For many of us it takes trouble to drive us to our knees. A crisis in our life, or some dread calamity beyond our power to avert. While prayer is certainly the appropriate course when faced with such things, I want to make a case for a more noble cause. Beginning tomorrow, I want to share three great facts about prayer that, once comprehended by us, will drive us to our knees without the aid of crisis and calamity.

By way of introduction to this short series of posts, let me acquaint you with a great promise from Scripture: "Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God." Psalm 92:13 (KJV).

Jesus said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer." Thus, if we are "planted in the house of the Lord" then we are rooted and grounded in a life of devotional faithfulness. This means that we will "flourish in the courts of our God." If House is where He lives, the Courts is where He works.

In other words, our commitment to a life of prayer opens the doors for us to enter into the fullness of God's work in the earth. Being made sensitive to His presence, to His Voice, and to His ways while we are in His House, makes us ready and available to see His Hand at work in our world -- bringing His kingdom all around us in the lives of our families, our friends -- and even our foes.

"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray." (Samuel Chadwick)

May we become men and women who are driven to our knees!
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Somebody's Prayin'

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"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then can condemn? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also praying for us!" (Romans 8:33-34, TNIV).

What a thought! Jesus Himself is even now at God's right hand in heaven praying for YOU. Therefore, no weapon formed against you can prosper. No one who rises up to condemn you can succeed. No accuser can stand -- for Jesus has got you covered!

One of my favorite songs by Ricky Skaggs is Somebody's Prayin' -- here are the lyrics. May today for you be filled with the overwhelming sense of the Lord's personal care for you life!

"Somebody's prayin, I can feel it. Somebody's prayin' for me. Mighty hands are guiding me to protect me from what I can't see. Lord I believe, Lord I believe that somebody's prayin', for me.

"Angels are watchin', I can feel it. Angels are watchin' over me. There's many miles ahead 'til I get home, still I'm safely kept before your throne, 'Cause Lord I believe, Lord I believe Your angels are watchin' over me.

"Well, I've walked through barren wilderness When my pillow was a stone, and I've been through the darkest caverns Where no light had ever shown. Still I went on 'cause there was someone Who was down on their knees. And Lord, I thank you for those people prayin' all this time for me.

"Somebody's prayin', I can feel it Somebody's prayin' for me. Mighty hands are guiding me to protect me from what I can't see. Lord I believe; Lord I believe -- Somebody's prayin' for me..."

Are you prayin' for somebody? It would mean more than you can imagine if you would let them know it.
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Moses Russell and the Ten Dollar Miracle (Part 3)

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"Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!" (Matthew 6:8, Living Bible).

We thanked Moses for his help and his kindness, and then headed over the hill for Kim, Colorado. It was Friday afternoon. We settled in at the pastor's home, and spent Saturday preparing for the Sunday service at the church.

Sunday came and the church filled with God-fearing men and women from all around the area. And there in the midst of the congregation was Moses Russell.

I preached a stirring sermon, which everybody seemed to appreciate. When I concluded, the pastor stood up and said, "James and Belinda are on their way to Texas. I'd like us to collects a love offering and help them on their way." The church responded enthusiastically, and blessed us with several hundred dollars -- which far exceeded our needs, or our expectations.

At that moment I somewhat understood what the Psalmist must've felt when he wrote, "You know what I long for, Lord; You hear my every sigh." (Psalm 38:9, Living Bible). Or better yet, let me leave you with the word of Jesus Himself....

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

"And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

"So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6:25-33, The Living Bible).

Thank you Moses.

Thank You Jesus!
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Moses Russell and the Ten Dollar Miracle (Part 2)

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"Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!" (Matthew 6:8, Living Bible).

Driving on the gravel road, yielding to cows that were free grazing and intermittently crossing the road , was a bizarre experience. Watching the gas gauge continually fall below empty only added to our mounting anxieties. And then it happened. Out in the middle of the vast eastern Colorado expanse -- we ran out of gas!

The only sign of life was a farm house about four miles way off in the distance. We had seen no other cars coming or going for almost an hour, so I concluded that I would have to walk for help. Just as I was about to head on on my cross-country trek, a plume of dust appeared on the road up ahead. So I waited.

A Ford pickup pulled up and stopped, and a Texas size rancher stepped out of the cab. He was a man of towering stature, snow white hair, sky blue eyes, a face like leather, and a smile that lit up forty acres. "My name is Moses," he said, "Moses Russell. Looks like you could use some help."

He had me at Moses.

"Yes sir," I answered, "we ran out of gas."

Moses reached into the back of his truck and pulled out a gas can, then emptied it into my tank. We were so bone dry that he had to prime the carburetor with a shot of gas just to get my car to start.

"Where you headed?" he asked.

"We're on our way to Kim, Colorado," I answered. "I've been invited to preach there this coming Sunday."

"You're closer than you realize," he said. "Kim is about a quarter mile just over that hill. You'll be there in less than five minutes."

Then Moses reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Opening it, he handed me a ten dollar bill. "The Lord wants you to have this," he said -- as I stood there dumbstruck. I thaked him the best I could, and he headed on his way. We did the same.

But there's more to this story.

(to be continued tomorrow....)
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Moses Russell and the Ten Dollar Miracle (Part 1)

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"Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!" (Matthew 6:8, Living Bible).

One of my earliest learning experiences in faith came in the strangest of ways. Belinda and I were struggling in Denver to launch a street ministry; it wasn't going well at all. After about a year, we decided to pull out and reboot the system. Packing up what little we possessed and putting it into the trunk of our worn out car was relatively easy.

Closing out our meager checking account would be a little more challenging.

Turns out our records and the bank record didn't match, due to an unseen charge the bank has assessed to our account. We were ten dollars short. That doesn't sound like much today, but in those tight times it was huge.

I complained at the bank -- it was pointless. I complained along the highway, with only Belinda hearing my frustrated rants. It, too, was pointless. Finally I hushed and simply simmered internally over the unfairness of it all. Again, pointless.

We were on our way from Denver back to Texas, but were going to pass through Kim, Colorado -- a ranching community in the southeast corner of the state. A friend pastored a church there and asked me to preach on our way through.

You can imagine my bewilderment when, after turning off the Interstate and driving on a state road for over an hour -- the pavement suddenly ended. No more road. Nothing in front of us but a gravel swath going through a pasture filled with cows. We couldn't turn back, because we were almost out of gas and wouldn't be able to make it. So onward we went. On and on and on, with the gas gauge dropping by the minute.

(to be continued tomorrow....)
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Sleeping Through a Revolution (Part 4)

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"Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." (Ephesians 5:14).

We’ve got to want this awakening. Our hearts must do more than dream of these matters, they must hunger to be awakened, empowered, and transformed. We must be possessed of such a compelling desire that no bed can afford us comfort, no distraction can provide us peace, and no fear can back us down from reaching the prize.

Let me conclude this short series of devotional thoughts with a direct challenge, found in the inspiring words of James Ephraim McGirt, a celebrated African-American poet (1874-1930) --

"Success is a light upon the farther shore,
That shines in dazzling splendor to the eye.
The waters leap, the surging billows roar,
And he who seeks the prize must leap and try.

A mighty host stand trembling on the brink;
With anxious eyes they yearn to reach the goal.
I see them leap, and, Ah! I see them sink –
As gazing on dread horror fills my soul.

Yet to despair I can but droop and die;
‘Tis better far to try the lashing deep.
I much prefer beneath the surge to lie
Than death to find me on this bank asleep."

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Rip Van Winkle slept through a revolution. Peter, James and John woke up and saw how glorious Jesus was. So……which will you do?

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Sleeping Through a Revolution (Part 3)

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"Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." (Ephesians 5:14).

Awakening is a theme often repeated in scripture. “Awake! Awake! Put on your strength, O Zion!” Isaiah cried. “Awake to righteousness, and do not sin,” Paul said to the Corinthians. He put it this way when he wrote to the church in Ephesus – “Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light!” (Ephesians 5:14, The Message).

A great example of this very thing is Lazarus, the friend of Jesus.

When the disciples heard the news that Lazarus had died, Jesus said, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up" (John 11:11). Arriving at the tomb, Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!" Lazarus came out of the crypt fully alive, but was still wrapped up like a mummy. Jesus said to those standing by, “Loose him, and let him go." (see John 11:43-44).

The story of Lazarus shows us three things Jesus does to awaken a sleeping Church, and rouse a slumbering giant.

First, He gives us the ability to hear His voice -- “Lazarus!” Just days before this miracle took place Jesus had said, “The hour is coming when those who are in the graves will hear the voice of the Son of God, and will live.” Lazarus heard His voice and came to life -- so can you and I.

Second, Jesus gives us the power to become what He has called us to be -- “Come forth!” When Jesus called Lazarus by name, that awakened him; when He told Lazarus to come forth from the tomb, that empowered him. The Lord never commands us do something that He does not empower us to do. What has He commanded you to do?

And third, Jesus gives us the help we need to be completely liberated from the effects and trappings of a failed life -- “Loose him, and let him go!” Jesus spoke these words to those standing by, and He does the same for us.

There are key people – close friends and valued associates whom the Lord has put in our lives to help us get out of our grave clothes and into a new wardrobe. If we will cooperate with the process, our lives will truly be transformed. If we are willing for it to happen. That’s the key.

(to be continued tomorrow....)
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Sleeping Through a Revolution (Part 2)

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"Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." (Ephesians 5:14).

Over a hundred years ago Charles Spurgeon wrote, “A slumbering church compels Satan to make it his chief business to rock the cradle, hush all noise, and drive away even a fly lest it light upon the sleeper’s face. His great dread is that this church might rouse itself from her dreamy repose.”

Indeed.

We would do well in these lazy days to take heed to the words of the apostle Paul. “Make sure,” he wrote, “that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God” (Romans 13:11, The Message).

Odd, don’t you think, that on the one hand we can be so busy about this and that – that we completely doze off and miss the very presence and work of God happening all around us? We can be like Jacob who, waking from his sleep, said, “Ah, surely the Lord was in this place and I knew it not!” (see Gen.28:16).

A few years ago I was in Lincoln, Nebraska, and caught sight of a most unusual spectacle. An ambitious truck driver had attempted to move a large, historic church building along highway 103 with his woefully undersized rig. He possibly could have made it, but somewhere along the route he fell asleep at the wheel and ran off the road. When the rig listed to the right, the church slid off the truck and ended up stuck in the mud in the ditch.

The sight of this massive historic church building stuck in the mud in a ditch is disturbingly prophetic. Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions as gawkers came out in droves to see the strange sight. I can’t help but wonder how many churches in America are in just such a predicament today?

Somebody fell asleep at the wheel – and the church is stuck in the mud. And the watching World, far from being impressed with our theatrics and swollen words, merely drives by at a snail’s pace taking in the view and cracking a few worn out jokes.

We desperately need an Awakening – especially among those who serve as the leaders in Faith. For if they are indeed “asleep at the wheel” we are not only poised for ridicule – but quite possibly disaster. If the blind can lead the blind into a ditch, where will we end up if we follow sleeping leaders?

(to be continued tomorrow....)
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Sleeping Through a Revolution (Part 1)

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"Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." (Ephesians 5:14).

Epic change is in the air while much of the Church has dozed off, oblivious to God . Perhaps we may be like Peter, James and John when the Lord invited them to a prayer meeting. The only problem is that it was on top of a mountain.

By the time Peter, James and John made the climb, they were so tired that they fell asleep while Jesus was praying. And as they were sleeping, two other invited guests arrived – Moses, and the Prophet Elijah. Jesus was delighted to see them, and they began talking together about the Kingdom of God and the coming Age of Glory.

At that moment, Jesus began to shine brighter than the noon day sun – so bright, in fact, that it woke Peter up. The Bible then tells us, “Peter and the other two disciples had been sound asleep. All at once they woke up and saw how glorious Jesus was” (Luke 9:32, Century English Version).

Hmmm. Don’t you think it’s time for that to happen again?

Do you remember reading the story of Rip Van Winkle when you were a kid? I do, but the funny thing is I can’t remember what was the point of the story. I mean, I know it’s about a guy who fell asleep for a really long time – but beyond that I couldn’t recall anything else. So I decided to read it again, and here’s what I discovered.

When Rip Van Winkle went to sleep, King George of England was the recognized monarch who ruled over the American colonies. Twenty years later when Rip woke up, George Washington was the President of the United States. Rip Van Winkle had slept through a Revolution!

Peter, James and John were essentially doing the same thing on top that sacred mountain of transfiguration. And, as the evidence seems to suggest, much of the church today is in the exact same condition – sleeping through a revolution.

(to be continued tomorrow....)
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The Journal of a Misspent Life

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Jesus answered, "The light will be with you for only a little longer. Walk in the light while you can. Then you won't be caught walking blindly in the dark." (John 12:35, CEV).

As followers of Jesus we are a people who live not only in the past, but also in the future. However, this only works if we can incorporate both into our lives now and live purposefully in the present -- by walking in the light while we can.

Yes, we look back to the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, and follow the story all the way to the Cross -- when mankind was ransomed by the Son of God, who rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. And we look to the future when our King will return and abolish all injustice, all wrongdoing of any kind, and every form of evil. Righteousness will reign and peace will cover the earth.

But, our grand view of the past and our glorious vision for the future must define us as we live purposefully in the present. We must walk in the light -- while we can.

Some live only and always in the past with a nostalgic affection for things as they were, but can never be again. Others wistfully long for that which is yet to come, so captivated with their preoccupation of the golden streets of glory they never actually even once walk the dusty streets of earth -- you know, the highways and the byways where so many are wandering without a Savior.

What this world needs now more than anything is a light that shines in the darkness -- someone whose faith, hope and love illuminate their sphere of influence. Someone who, because they look back and have an unshakable faith; and, because they look forward and have an unending hope; they now live purposely in the present with an unfailing love.

The simple and unalterable fact of the matter is that a thousand years from now in either direction is what it is -- what matters most is right now. What will you do in this present moment of historic opportunities? Will you walk in the light while you can?

The bookends which frame in the library of our lives are magnificently epic, beautiful beyond belief. Wouldn't it be a shame if the only thing we placed on the bookshelf of history between these two bookends was the journal of a misspent life?

Let us mark well the words of Jesus, "The light will be with you for only a little longer. Walk in the light while you can. Then you won't be caught walking blindly in the dark." (John 12:35, CEV).
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The Three Taverns

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"Some of the followers in Rome heard about us and came to meet us at the Market of Appius and at the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged." (Acts 28:15)

This is a delightful moment captured forever in the words of Luke, author of The Acts. What makes this moment so special was that it came after a long and arduous struggle against one thing after another. Here's a recap of what Paul and his fellow travelers had encountered.

First, a mob of religious fanatics rushed upon Paul intending to stone him to death in Jerusalem. Being both a Jew and a Roman citizen, Paul appealed to a Roman jailer who secured him in the local prison. From there he was sent first to Festus, who then passed him up the food chain to Agrippa; who then put him on a ship headed for Rome to appear before Caesar.

The ship, despite Paul's warnings to the Captain, got caught in a horrific storm at sea; a storm of such force that all hope of their being saved was lost. Breaking apart upon a reef, they were able to make it to land, where Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake, but miraculously survived.

Finally they reach the shores of Italy and head towards Rome -- the one City Paul had tried to visit so many times before, but was, in his words, "hindered by Satan" from doing so. And now he is on his way -- as a prisoner in chains.

That's when this scene unfolds. Believers in Rome had somehow heard that Paul was enroute, and traveled almost fifty miles out of the City to not only meet him on the way at a place called The Three Taverns, but to escort him into the City as if he were a visiting dignitary.

When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged. One translation says, "his spirits rose."

My friend, if the road you travel is beset with one blow after the other, and yet you are pressing on in faithfulness to the Lord -- take heart. The Three Taverns are yet ahead, and a band of brothers will greet you there, lifting your spirits and filling your heart with praise!
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The Maid of the Mist

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"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Act 1:8)

A few years ago our family spent a day at Niagara Falls. It was something we had wanted to do for a long time. While we had seen photos and film clips of the Falls, we were not at all prepared for the overwhelming magnitude of the actual site.

The highlight of our day came as we stood on deck aboard the Maid of the Mist, a small ship that sails right to the base of the horseshoe Falls.

We held on tightly to the rails as the vessel bounced around like a paper cup. The wind howled and the thunderous waters overflowed the crest of the Falls 170ft. above our heads. We were drenched -- soaked to the bone! It was thrilling and unforgettable.

After we disembarked from the ship the Lord spoke to me. “That’s what the Church is supposed to be like, “He said. “The Church is like a vessel, the Maid of the Mist, and people who board Her are to be carried into the overflowing presence of God. There they experience the exhilarating and drenching power of His Holy Spirit. No one ever disembarks the same as when they boarded!”

May it be so that Churches all across America become like the Maid of the Mist. May people be carried into the awesome presence of God, and soaked to the bone in the overflowing power of His Spirit and His Word!

All Aboard and Anchors Aweigh!
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We Need Fusion, Not Confusion

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"When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place." (Acts 2:1)

Pentecost, the day when Heaven came to earth, accomplished two things which have redefined our world. First, there was fusion; and then there was empowerment.

Back in the earliest days of civilized man’s heavenly aspirations, a knuckle head named Nimrod thought he would build a tower whose height reached into heaven itself. We know it as the Tower of Babel. We also know the legendary story of how God disrupted the building program by confusing the language of the people.

Once communication breaks down, relationships are over, and all cooperative projects fall unfinished. Babel – even today we use the word to describe a confusing sound of words or noises.

Confusion means to mix together things that do not belong together. In the case of Babylon, there was an arrogant man trying to become God’s equal – that is confusion.

Fusion, on the other hand, means to melt, so as to merge. This occurred on the day of Pentecost when a mighty, rushing wind rocked Jerusalem as tongues of fire rested upon the waiting disciples. God fused together a community of spiritually gifted men and women to love and serve one another in the beauty of holiness. We call this emerging community, which now is global, the Church.

There is a beauty in community that the world longs to experience. When one is a part of a growing circle of true friends, he or she will experience acceptance of who they really are, affirmation of what God has given them to do, and accountability that keeps them on the right path. But there’s more!

The Lord didn’t simply fuse us together with one another, He joined us inseparably to Himself as well! And in so doing unleashed the power of heaven into each one of our lives. Now, He wants to release that very power through our lives to a world still in need of a Savior’s redeeming love and grace.

In a day when confusion seems to be mounting a worldwide comeback, this could be our finest moment.
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You Shall Know the Truth

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

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

Ignorance and apathy produce a people who are uninformed and unconcerned. Sadly, there are many such people in today's society. And the Church seems to be trending on the same course. Our altar calls have netted many decisions, but produced few disciples.

The Lord calls us to be His disciples. He deals with ignorance by telling us the truth, and He deals with apathy by telling the truth over and over and over again. Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Discipleship is not only the doorway into Truth, but also into the Freedom that Truth provides, and the Personal Responsibility, which Freedom requires.

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

In a day when many are eagerly looking to the Goverment to do something -- the Lord is looking to US. We are the ones who can make the difference. We know the Truth, and therefore are a people of understanding. We have been set free, and therefore are a people of zeal. This is God’s answer to ignorance and apathy.

As followers of Jesus we must each take personal the words of our Lord, and conduct ourselves with wisdom and honor toward those around us. This will answer the ignorance and apathy of the world, and bring great glory to our Lord.
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The God Who Gives Himself Away

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“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found of you,” says the Lord." (Jeremiah 29:13,14, New American Standard).

Did you ever play hide‘n seek when you were a kid? Sure you did. Did you ever hide so good that nobody could find you? Perhaps. If so, let me ask you this -- after awhile, did you get tired of hiding? What did you do to get caught?

Did you clear your throat at the appropriate moment, or click your tongue, or fake a cough? Did you throw a rock, or make some other noise? It was your way of letting the seeker know where you were; you were in fact “giving yourself away.”

God does the same for us!

He is right now next to you, breathing upon you, putting His hand upon your shoulder. Oh I know you don’t feel it -- but, I’m tellin’ you, He’s there. Occasionally He even makes His presence known. Actually. Literally. Physically!

He "gives Himself away."

Just as a man in hiding would make his whereabouts known by stirring, so also God makes His presence known to us by stirring in our midst, by moving upon us with His Spirit. The fact is that no one could have ever found Him unless He gives Himself away! He lets Himself be found.

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found of you,” says the Lord.

Perhaps you may wonder if you can find God? I assure you that you can. The Bible makes clear that you were created by God and put on the earth -- at the right time and in the right place -- to provide you the best possible opportunity to seek after and to find the Lord. “He is not far from any one of us.”(see Acts 17:26,27).

God gives Himself away to those who seek Him. My dear friends, He is seeking you -- won’t you now give yourself away to Him?

“Here I am, Lord! Here I am!”
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Fickle and Unfocused?

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“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34).

Peterson translates it this way, “Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead.” Are you willing to let Jesus lead? Are you willing to do what He says? Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ but do not do the things which I say?”

Leadership is not a title, not a position, not a posture -- it is an activity. Leadership is both defined and demonstrated by the activity of leading. Leaders lead -- because they know the way and possess the courage and capabilities of carrying those who will follow them.

However, the followers must indeed follow.

Jesus concluded his discourse by saying, “If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I’m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you will be even a greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when He arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of holy angels.” (vs.38).

Fickle and unfocused friends. This is apt description of anyone who would in any way cause you to compromise your commitment to follow Jesus Christ. And, should you do so, then it will become an apt description of you! Yikes!!

Don’t be fickle and unfocused; follow the Leader! His name is Jesus Christ!
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The Lord is My Shepherd

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"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1).

Jesus is Lord and King, Conqueror, Savior, the Mighty God, Prince of Peace, the Christ, Emmanuel, Teacher, Prophet and Master. Of the many titles given to the Lord, Shepherd must undoubtedly be one of His favorite. It links Him in the most personal way to those He loves.

Say it out loud and let the truth settle deep in your heart: "The Lord is my Shepherd."

Isaiah prophesied, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11). Peter preached, “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (1 Pet 2:25).

David, himself a shepherd, penned the Twenty-third Psalm as a comprehensive tribute to the Lord. He encompasses in this short poem at least fifteen provisions that are made for us when we follow the Lord as our Shepherd.

1. Rest - He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
2. Peace - He leadeth me beside the still waters
3. Restoration - He restoreth my soul
4. Guidance - He leadeth me in paths of righteousness
5. Honor - for His name’s sake
6. Hope - I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
7. Courage - I will fear no evil
8. Companionship - Thou art with me
9. Comfort - Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me
10. Sustenance - Thou preparest a table before me
11. Vindication - in the presence of my enemies
12. Blessing - Thou anointest my head with oil
13. Fulness - My cup runneth over
14. Abundant Life- goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life
15. Eternal Security - I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

As you can see, there is nothing left out. No wonder David said, “I shall not want!” The Lord gives us everything we need when we follow Him as our Shepherd.

“And now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he who became the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting agreement between God and you, signed with his blood, produce in you through the power of Christ all that is pleasing to him. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20,21).
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The Lord is Our Judge, Our Lawgiver, and Our King

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"For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us." (Isaiah 33:22)

The human heart hungers for three things always -- Justice, Security, and Peace. Look to your own soul and you will know this to be true.

No one likes to be cheated, or threatened, or harmed in any way. We all want to know that our pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness is unmolested by scoundrels and thieves. We want to know that if there are those who interfere with our God-given rights to these things -- there is somebody who will intervene and bring us justice, security, and peace.

We are so dedicated to these ideas that we formed our Government into three branches to insure that we would see these things come to pass in real and practical ways. Our Judicial Branch serves to bring us justice. Our Legislative Branch serves to gives us laws. And our Executive Branch serves to insure that we live in peace.

Yet, we are never to place our faith in MAN, but in God.

The Prophet Isaiah is reminding us where our focus must always be fixed -- upon the Lord. For it is He who is our Judge, our Lawgiver, and our King. And it is He, and He alone, who will save us.

Therefore, our hope is not in the Government, nor in the elected officials who serve in the various branches of our Government. We pray for them, and trust that they will govern wisely, with humility and honor; but we are not naive. We know that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Our faith is in the Lord, who alone is incorruptible. "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." (Numbers 6:24-26).

The Lord bless and keep thee -- that's our Judge at work. The Lord make His face shine upon you -- that's our Lawgiver at work. The Lord lift up His countenance and give thee peace -- that's our King at work.

It is He, and He alone, who will save us.
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Alexander the Coppersmith

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"Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words." (2 Timothy 4:14-15, NKJV).

There are some people who are so set in their ways against Christ and His Kingdom, that they will do everything within their power to make life a living hell on earth for anyone who loves and serves the Lord. Alexander the Coppersmith was one such man.

It is very likely that Paul's preaching became the single greatest threat to Alexander's business ventures. Being a metal worker would mean, among other things, that he had a thriving business in the idol-making industry.

Naturally, as people heard the Gospel and turned from idols to serve the Living God -- Alex took a hit where it mattered most to him.

His love for money hardened his heart against a love for the Truth. He became a one-man wrecking crew, campaigning against Paul with seditious slander and wicked sabotage. We can only guess how many times Paul was set-back in some moment of opportunity because somebody believed Alexander's claims against Paul, rather than giving Paul a fair hearing.

This happens to servants of the Lord to this very day.

And for those who suffer the sting of false reports spread against their good names by people of wealth and power -- how reassuring it is to see the Bible set the record straight. "Alexander the Coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works."

This sorry man's name has passed down through several generations of Church history not only as a byword, but also as the moniker for all those who follow in his baseless ways.

"A good name is to be desired above great riches," the Bible tells us. But Alexander, by loving riches more than life itself, brought shame upon his name -- and upon his descendants to this day.
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The Ultimate Bailout

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"Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world." (2 Timothy 4:10).

One can only imagine how the conversation might have gone when Demas, an early disciple, asked Paul if he could be a part of the traveling ministry team that was shaking the Roman World with the Gospel.

And we only imagine how exhilarating it must've been for the young ambitious man when he witnessed firsthand the extraordinary things God was doing through the apostle's empowered ministry.

But it takes no imagine at all to grasp the final report on this man's life, written by Paul shortly before he was executed in Rome. Demas quit. When Paul needed him the most, and was counting on him to be there -- Demas effected the ultimate bail-out. He bolted and abandoned Paul to face the wrath of an Empire alone.

And why?

Paul tells us point blank -- "Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world." One translation says, "he went off chasing fads."

He was quick to show up when popularity and success accompanied Paul's travels. But that was short-lived. Once the fire of persecution lit, and the opposition intensified with scorching animosity -- Demas made a bee-line for the easy life in prosperous Thessalonica. His name could've gone down in history as one of the great champions of the early Church. Instead he is forever known as a coward and a quitter.

This stands as a timeless warning to each of us, for none is exempt from exposure to the innumerable options for an easier way than that of following Jesus. When the road narrows, and the grade steepens; when the path becomes more and more difficult, and less and less celebrated -- don't follow the example of Demas.

Keep the faith; fight the good fight; finish with honor. Your name will be celebrated in Heaven.
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Run for God's Resounding Applause!

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"This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting--God's applause!" (2 Timothy 4:7-8, The Message).

There comes a moment in every life when a corner is turned and the finish line comes into view. This was Paul's moment, and in his closing letter to his young friend Timothy he calls him out as a champion, and gets him ready for the run of his life. "Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble," he said to him, "there's no way getting around it." (ch.3:12).

He then encouraged him to remain steadfast in the teachings of the Bible, and to keep the Message alive with his life and works. "Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another," he said, "Showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (ch. 3:16-17).

He reminded Timothy that God would always be there backing him up, looking over his shoulder; thereby empowering him to stay focused and complete the work that God gave him to do.

Finally, Paul turns his gaze to the finish line and says, "This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting--God's applause!"

These times in which we live are filled with transition. There are many who have labored long and hard, faithful to the Lord, and are now headed for the finish line as they pass the baton off to you and me. Grab hold of it firmly, and run with fire to the finish.

Run for God's resounding applause!
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There Are Difficult Times Ahead

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"Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead." (2 Timothy 3:1, The Message).

Each year we experience the changing seasons -- Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Their order has never been altered, nor has the cycle of their turnings ever been interrupted. Year after year it is always the same. While their intensity may ebb or flow, their time remains set and unchanging.

In a remarkable similarity, History also has its own changing seasons. And our world in now entering into Winter, an epic era of crisis. In Nature, winter is a time when darkness extends its rule of the clock; days are shorter and nights are longer. Cold trumps warmth, pleasures recede and harsh realities advance; toughness is rewarded, while that which is frail and soft is all but doomed.

We have passed through winter before, and we will pass through this one as well. Spring will indeed come, but not for a long time. And it just might be the greatest Spring of them all. For this Winter we are now entering may indeed be our final one -- the End of Days.

Paul wrote, "As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people." (2Ti 3:1-5, Message).

Those words were written almost two thousand years ago, but they read today as if Paul had just observed our world during the pass three months.

May I encourage you to let the Lord Jesus LAYER you with His presence, enfold you within His kingdom, cover you with His hand, and keep you safe till the storm passes by.

Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead.
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Be Winsome, and You Just Might Win Some

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"You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth." (2 Timothy 2:25, The Message).

Tit for Tat -- that seems to be the standard operating procedure for today's divided world. We live in the midst of an embattled and embittered population, polarized by strongly held opinions and cauterized by spiteful arguments and endless shouting matches as each side tries to prove to the other why one is right and the other wrong.

Today's verse is inviting us to raise the bar in our own life and be done with pointless arguments and strife. By taking the high road in moral debates, and listening respectfully to what others truly think, feel and believe; and by keeping a cool head when expressing your own thoughts and ideas -- you just never know what God might do.

So refuse to get involved in inane discussions that always end up in fights. Instead, become a servant -- God's servant -- and steer clear from becoming argumentative.

Even though there are plenty of models for the argumentative style displayed on the various television networks, and even though this worldly spirit has found a place in many of today's pulpits, passing itself off in the guise of "apologetics" -- this is not what the Lord wants us to be: combative, beligierent, self-exalting know-it-alls.

Rather, He tells us that by being winsome, we just might win some.

"Be a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands." (2Ti 2:23-26).

Be winsome, and you just might win some.
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The Bird and the Cow Plop

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“When Jesus spoke to the crowd He did not say anything to them without using a parable.” (Matthew 13:34)

There was a bird that lived in Canada. One winter he announced to the other birds, “I’m not flying south for the winter. I’m staying right here!” All the other birds said he was crazy, but he answered, “You’re the ones that are crazy. You’ll get down south, turn around and fly right back up here again next year. What’s the point?!”

The other birds took to flight and left him behind.

Wondering what winter in Canada would be like, the lone bird was pleasantly surprised at the stretch of Indian Summer that lingered long into the fall. “Aha!” he said to himself, “I was right to stay. This is wonderful!”

But then, winter hit full force in the middle of December. Shuddering in the cold the silly bird finally realized, “I must hurry and leave before I freeze to death!”

He took to flight and made it as far as Montana. There, in mid-air, he froze up and tumbled to the ground; landing in a farmer’s barnyard. “Oh, what a stupid bird I am,” he moaned to himself. “I should’ve flown south with all the other birds, but now I am about to die.”

Just then a cow in the barnyard strolled past the fallen bird and without realizing it dropped a big cow-plop right on top of him! “Oh, this is just great,” mumbled the buried bird. “It’s not bad enough that I’m about to die; now I’m covered with cow manure!”

But then he noticed something he had not expected. The warmth of the plop actually began to thaw him out and restore him to life. “Why, what do you know about that?” said the bird. “This ain’t so bad after all!” Then he began chirping and singing under the pile of cow plop.

Meanwhile, the barnyard cat was passing by and heard the sound of singing coming from the pile. Curious as a cat can be, he pawed around in the pile and uncovered the thawed bird. Their eyes met, there was a silent moment of suspense, and then the cat ate the bird.

The moral of the story is four-fold. First, not everyone who dumps on you is your enemy. Second, not everyone who cleans it off is your friend. Third, when you get dumped on, it is best to keep your mouth shut. And fourth, fly south for the winter!

In other words, do that which God has created you to do; fulfill his purposes in your life. Obedience to what God has called you to do can keep you out from under the pile.

He that hath an ear, let him hear.
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The Boy and the Fire-flies

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"They have wandered away from the truth." (2 Timothy 2:18, The Message).

A few years ago I was rummaging through the books in an antique store and came upon a small volume entitled The Hyacinth: or Affection’s Gift, by Henry F. Anners. The book, published in 1845, is a collection of poems and short stories aimed at youth to provide moral inspiration and practical instruction. I was intrigued by the little book so I bought it and took it home. Perusing through its pages I came upon this wonderful poem entitled The Boy and the Fire-flies.

An inexperienced boy, one night through lonely paths returning,
Had taken to guide his steps aright, a lantern brightly burning.
And safe he traveled by its ray, until, before him glancing,
He saw, along the doubtful way, the sparkling fire-flies dancing.

Then he discarded with disdain his lantern calmly beaming,
To follow this resplendent train, in fitful radiance gleaming.
But, ere a second step he took, he found his folly humbled:
The flying lights his path forsook, and in a ditch he tumbled.

Then bitter anger he expressed against these guides beguiling;
Who thus the simple boy addressed: “Nay, cease this vain reviling!
The blame remains with you along; and half the ills men reckon,
proceed from leaving lights well known, to follow some false beacon.”
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The Word of Truth

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"...rightly handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, English Standard Version).

The Bible is called the Word of Truth. This has stood through the ages as an undeniable fact. It possesses the unique, unrivaled and solitary ability to speak to the hearts of people and the circumstances of life like no other book in the world.

Immanuel Kant said, "A single line in the Bible has consoled me more than all the books I have ever read." President Theodore Roosevelt said, "A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education." Charles Spurgeon wrote, "A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t."

It was the Bible that led William Wilberforce to crusade for the emancipation of slaves. It was the Bible that motivated William Booth to build an army to help the destitute and homeless. It was the Bible that consoled Sir Ernest Shackleton in his lonely and hazardous experience of exploring Antarctica. Christopher Columbus claimed that his voyage, which discovered America, was born while he was reading Isaiah.

Chuck Colson wrote, "The Bible—banned, burned, beloved. More widely read, more frequently attacked than any other book in history. Generations of intellectuals have attempted to discredit it; dictators of every age have outlawed it and executed those who read it. Yet soldiers carry it into battle believing it more powerful than their weapons. Fragments of it smuggled into solitary prison cells have transformed ruthless killers into gentle saints."

This little poem from William Cowper (1731-1800) sums it up better than most --

A glory gilds the sacred page,
Majestic like the sun;
It gives a light to every age,
It gives, but borrows none.

Other books were given for our information, the Bible was given for our transformation. The Bible is meant to be bread for our daily use, not just cake for special occasions. May you find yourself more and more compelled to get into the Word, so that the Word may get into you.

It is after all -- the Word of Truth.

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The Book of Presidents

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"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB).

On this day we vote into office our next President. Much has been said and done by both candidates in their campaigns for our support. One will win, and one will lose -- whether it's a blowout, or one of the tightest elections in history.

But the bigger question is, "Will WE win?"

Those who pursue the high office seem to be increasingly dismissive of the Highest Office of them all. This is a garve mistake. For no man can soundly govern a nation who is not himself being governed by God; to have authority, one must be under authority. The alternative is dictatorship.

Here is a brief view of how our previous Presidents have regarded the influence of God in their lives and administrations, particularly as that influence was wrought through their devotion to the Bible:

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." -- George Washington

"So great is my veneration for the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country and respectable members of society..." --John Quincy Adams

"That Book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests." -- Andrew Jackson

"I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to men. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this Book. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it." -- Abraham Lincoln

"Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet anchor of your liberties. Write its precepts in your hearts, and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book are we indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future." -- Ulysses S. Grant

"There are a good many problems before the American people today, and before me as President, but I expect to find the solution of those problems just in the proportion that I am faithful in the study of the Word of God. A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived himself of this, a knowledge of the Bible. When you have read the Bible, you will know that it is the Word of God, because you will have found it the key to your own heart, your own happiness, and your own duty." -- Woodrow Wilson

"We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a nation, without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic. Where we have been the truest and most consistent in obeying its precepts, we have attained the greatest measure of contentment and prosperity." --Franklin Roosevelt

"The whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life." -- Herbert Hoover

"The fundamental basis of this nation's laws was given to Moses on the Mount. The fundamental basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teachings we get from Exodus and Saint Matthew, from Isaiah and Saint Paul. I don't think we emphasize that enough these days. If we don't have a proper fundamental moral background, we will finally end up with a totalitarian government which does not believe in rights for anybody except the State!" --Harry Truman

"The Bible is endorsed by the ages. Our civilization is built upon its words. In no other book is there such a collection of inspired wisdom, reality, and hope." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Within the covers of the Bible are all the answers for all the problems men face. The Bible can touch hearts, order minds, and refresh souls." -- Ronald Reagan

May God revive our spirits and restore our Nation to a love for His Word, that we may walk in His ways.
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Tested by Trials, Trusted by God

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"Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, Amplified Bible).

There comes a time in every situation where light-weight pretenders just can't get the job done. They may talk a good game, but in the trenches when the pressure hits -- they fold like a house of cards. This was never more true than in Politics and Religion.

Both deal with the world of ideologies, and appeal to the hopes and dreams of those who listen. They also play upon the fears and anxieties of people as well. And so it is that in both arenas -- the political and the religious -- we encounter orators and magicians. Men and women who just know how to put the right spin on anything so as to gain their purpose.

But this is not the way of the Kingdom. God looks for those who have been proven by going through significant trials; men and women who are not out to make a fast buck, or jump on the fast track to fame and glory.

Earlier Paul told Timothy, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord. He has given me the strength for my work because he knew that he could trust me." (1Ti 1:12). Can the Lord trust you?

And listen to Paul's words to one of his favorite churches -- the Thessalonians: "God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval--only God approval. Since we've been put through that battery of tests, you're guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you." (1Th 2:3-5, The Message).

May God exalt in these days those whom HE trusts, because they have been tested by trial -- and passed. If God trusts them -- then so can we.
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The Unchained Word

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"It is the Gospel for which I have to suffer imprisonment -- as if I were a criminal. But there is no prison for the word of God." (2 Timothy 2:9, Moffatt NT).

There is great irony in the fact that when the powers of darkness orchestrated the imprisonment of Paul through the efforts of religious fanatics -- his imprisonment became the occasion for the unleashing of the Word of God. Had Paul NOT been locked up, there is good evidence to conclude that we would not have much of the New Testament as we know it today.

Though Paul was bound in chains when he wrote it, there are no prison bars strong enough to hold back God's Word from anyone anywhere.

In the front of an old Family Bible, I found these words -- "This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and it decisions are immutable.

"Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the Gates of Hell disclosed.

"Christ is its Grand Subject, our good its design, and the Glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

"Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgement, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents. This volume is the Word of GOD."

The Word of God cannot be chained -- and it will therefore break every chain that holds you back from fully, freely and faithfully following God.
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Soldiers, Athletes and Farmers

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"A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce." (2 Timothy 2:4-6, The Message).

Metaphors have a way of opening and expanding our understanding to a richer and fuller insight. Paul uses three separate metaphors at the same time to help young Timothy prepare himself for being faithful in what God had placed before him.

These metaphors speak volumes to us today. For, like Timothy, we too are called to be Soldiers, Athletes, and Farmers. A soldier fights the good fight of faith. An athlete runs the race and finishes strong. A farmer labors faithfully and patiently until the harvest comes in.

The Soldier is all about duty performed with diligence. Because of this he or she does not disengage from their post to pursue lesser things. They stand their ground, dressed in full armor, vigilant against any and all enemies.

The Athlete is all about performance executed with discipline. Because of this he or she competes according to the rules; no cheating, no cutting corners, no slacking off.

The Farmer is all about produce brought forth with determination. Because of this he or she labors tirelessly, tending to the ground and the crop, fending off anything that would interfere with growth, praying for rain, and finally bringing in the sheaves when harvest time comes.

The worst thing that could ever happen to a soldier is not death, but dishonor. The worst thing that could happen to an athlete is not defeat, but disqualification. The worst thing that could happen to a farmer is not draught, but desolation.

These three metaphors relate to your life in very specific ways.

The Soldier pertains to your calling to stand in the World. The Athlete pertains to your calling to a personal life of devotion and integrity, and the Farmer pertains to your calling to labor in the fields of the Lord as a servant to His purposes in the church and the world.

So, how are you doing?
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