Faith is a Power

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Jesus said, "If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." (Matthew 17:20, NLT).

Faith is a power. It is the nitroglycerine of the Kingdom. Just a single drop, no bigger than a mustard seed, can move mountains. And why is this? Because faith moves God -- it is one thing He delights most to see active in our hearts. And when He finds faith at work, He is moved to do His great and extraordinary work in us and through us.

Yes, Faith is a power. It can move mountains, stop the mouths of lions, conquer kingdoms and raise the dead. But, sometimes its power wanes, in the same manner that the tides of the sea ebb and flow. Some days our faith is strong and unflappable; but on other days it needs strengthening.

Jesus prayed for Simon Peter that his faith fail not. Sometimes Faith fails; its steps become uncertain and halting. For this reason, Faith must always have a renewable source of energy; a never failing supply of invigorating strength to bolster it when it is close to tapping out.

That one unfailing source is LOVE.

Not even Hell itself in all its unleashed hatred can rock a man or woman who is rooted and grounded in the unfailing Love of God. Though Faith may fail, and Hope falter under the relentless blows of continued misfortune -- Love never fails.

Now abides Faith, Hope, and Love -- and the greatest of these is Love.

Tomorrow we'll take a look at Hope.
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The Three Great Virtues

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"Now abideth faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Virtue, by definition, is moral strength and beauty. It is not a passive quality admired by onlookers like a work of art in a museum. Rather, it is a dynamic grace displayed in a thousand noble acts on the highways and byways of daily life. Even the most ordinary among us can be extraordinarily virtuous.

Of all the great virtues that can be listed, and there are indeed many -- the three greatest are Faith, Hope, and Love. It is to these three things that all mankind aspires, for Life is at its best and brightest when these three combine together and lift us above and beyond the lures and limits of lesser things.

Without Faith, our lives began to diminish with the increase of gnawing doubts and mounting suspicions. We lose the innocence and sense of wonder that makes dreams come true. One must believe in order to be living. "My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay; while some may dwell where these abound, my prayer, my aim is higher ground!"

Without Hope, our lives are ravaged, and life itself becomes a foreboding haze of disappointments and disillusionments, penetrating our souls like a foul vapor of toxic poisoning -- making us sick, lethargic, indifferent, and cynical.

And without Love, life is reduced to solitary confinement in a prison called Fear; where isolation robs us of vitality and vigor; and where bitterness wrecks havoc with all of our relationships.

Pity the man or woman whose heart is closed to Faith, Hope and Love. Now abideth faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love -- and I'll tell you why. Faith is a power, and Hope is a promise. But Love is a Person. I'll pick up here tomorrow and explain this in more detail.
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VIRTUE -- A Cluster of Many Noble Things

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"His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue." (2 Peter 1:3).

VIRTUE, in a word, is the character of Jesus Christ. It is the power of moral excellence which produces character so great, and conduct so becoming -- that the world is never the same for having seen and experienced it.

We were called to Jesus by His glory and virtue -- not just to behold and adore it; but to share in it. To become ourselves an extension of it in our sphere of influence. "The works that I do, you shall do," Jesus said, "and even greater works than these shall you do, for I go to My Father."

Imagine the impact upon this planet when the one Jesus of Nazareth becomes increasingly multiplied over and over in the millions of His followers all around the world. Why, a wave of virtue would sweep this globe in such measure that the glory of the Lord would cover the earth as waters cover the sea.

VIRTUE is not one thing; it is a cluster of many noble things. It is humility in victory; no gloating or taunting in the defeat of an opponent. It is silence in suffering; no whimpering or whining to others over the unfairness of our trials. It is generosity in wealth; no hoarding of great riches in excess of reason, while others suffer great excess of want.

Virtue is kindness in power; no cruelty and indifference to those who look to you for leadership. It is decisiveness in crisis; no waffling, or shifting, nor shirking of responsibilities. It is courage in battle; no cowering in fear while others take the hit.

Virtue is grace in greatness. May you in all things at all times be known as a virtuous person.

Jesus said, "Be careful what you are hearing. The measure of thought and study you give to the truth you hear will be the measure of virtue and knowledge that comes back to you--and more besides will be given to you who hear." (Mark 4:24, Amplified Bible).
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Whatever Happened to Virtue?

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"For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see His face." (Psalm 11:7, Living Bible).

Whatever happened to VIRTUE?

It's a word we don't often hear much anymore. It didn't use to be that way. A glance down the Hallway of History is illuminated with many great quotes regarding virtuous living. Here are but a few choice examples:

"Even in decline, a virtuous man increases the beauty of his behavior. A burning stick, though turned to the ground, yet has its flame drawn upwards." (Saskya Pandita, Tibetan Monk, 1120).

"When a virtuous man is raised, it brings gladness to his friends, grief to his enemies, and glory to his posterity.” So said William Johnson, English Dramatist, 1572.

"No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous." (Samuel Johnson, English poet 1750). Benjamin Franklin picked up on this and said, "There never was a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous." (1780).

During the crisis of the Civil War, Frederick Douglas said, "The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous." (1865).

Somewhere along the way we shifted gears and covertly turned a cold shoulder to such notions. And now we are a Nation more given to Vice than to Virtue.

How did this happen? Somewhere back there several years ago, a group of so-and-so's decided to do a social experiment, which was founded upon the faulty notion that Life and all things in it is better without God.

Business is better without God. Politics are better without God. Education is better without God. Sex is better without God. Money is better without God. Society is better without God. The Arts are better without God.

Such thinking is nonsense -- and we now see the full fruit of these seeds in the dismal indifference which characterizes a society of non-virtuous people. Selfishness trumps self-sacrifice; personal interests take priority over the needs and concerns of others; petty arguments have replaced great debates -- and this little piggy said, "ME, ME, ME," all the way home.

But God is moving among us even still. He is summoning a people who hunger for that which is virtuous. Maybe you are one of them, and your heart is being drawn to the higher and nobler things of God. If that be so, then let me leave you today with Paul's timeless counsel, and we'll talk more about this tomorrow.

"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8).
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Right Was the Pathway Leading to This

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“So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.” (Luke 1:80).

It was said of John the Baptist that “the child grew and became strong in spirit” …while he was in the desert. And notice that his growth was primarily spiritual. No growth is complete that leaves out spiritual development.

I often heard Bill McCartney tell his football team, “The spiritual is to the physical as four is to one.” By this he meant that a man with his spirit set right by God had far more going for him that a man with nothing but muscles. Take a guy who is physically fit and infuse him with the Holy Spirit ~ you have a formidable package! That’s what John the Baptist was like.

Notice the scripture goes on to say of John, “He was in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.” Hmmm. I wonder if the Lord sometimes puts us in the desert in order to have us grow and become strong in spirit. It certainly would seem so, looking at John as an example.

A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor are godly men and women made without trials. Think about it. Haven’t the greatest strides in your spiritual journey always come during times of significant difficulty and hardship? “Many men and women owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties.” (C.H. Spurgeon).

John was in the desert until his showing forth unto Israel. Might not the same be true of you? This pattern certainly holds true for many of God’s champions. Paul was himself in the desert for three years, and then sidelined in Antioch for fourteen years before the Lord brought him forth into his apostolic ministry.

Joseph endured the hostilities of false accusation and unjust imprisonment long before God exalted him in all of Egypt. Moses tended sheep for forty years before leading the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage and into history. David was faithful in the unseen and uncelebrated duties of ordinary labor, and there secretly slew a lion and a bear, long before God brought him out publicly to slay Goliath, and lead a Nation.

It seems clear enough that God uses the dry and desperate times in the desert to effect a spiritual maturity in our lives. Perhaps this short poem says it best for all of us.....

Light after darkness, gain after loss;
Strength after weakness, crown after cross;
Sweet after bitter, hope after fears;
Home after wandering, praise after tears;

Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain;
Sight after mystery, peace after pain;
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast;
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last;

Near after distant, gleam after gloom;
Love after loneliness, life after tomb;
After long agony, rapture of bliss;
Right was the pathway, leading to this.
(by Francis Havergal).
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And the Whole East Coast?

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“From the rising of the sun to its going down The LORD's name is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:3).

A friend of mine, who is somewhat hearing impaired, was attending a church service as a new follower of Jesus. Much of the program was foreign to him, but he was giving it his best effort to keep up with the songs, the sermon, and the smells.

In fact, he was doing great until the preacher closed the service with a benediction prayer, which he ended by saying, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."

What my friend heard was, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the whole East Coast."

"What does the East Coast have to do with all of this?" he asked.

"Huh?" I replied, genuinely perplexed.

"The preacher just prayed in the name of "the whole East Coast," he explained to me, and then asked, "so, what does that mean?"

"No, no," I replied, "he said, 'the Holy Ghost."

Needless to say we both got a huge chuckle out of the moment. But then again, after thinking about it, I realized that the whole East Coast does in fact play a crucial part in what the Lord wants to do. The Bible says, "From the rising of the Sun to its going down, the Lord's name is to be praised."

That means it all starts on the whole East Coast.

So here's a thought.....if we could somehow get the whole East Coast to start praising the Lord, then maybe, just maybe, the rest of the Nation would join in and do the same.

What do you think?
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A Prayer from Billy Graham

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“You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD." (Leviticus 19:32).

If ever there was a gray headed, old man deserving our highest honor and greatest esteem -- it is Billy Graham. He is truly beloved throughout the entire world, and rightly so. Thus, Paul Harvey did us all a huge favor when he aired the following prayer by Billy Graham during one of his broadcasts.

The words are brief, yet deep and meaningful -- which is usually what happens when grey-haired men and women of faith talk to God.

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.

We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today ; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!”

Maybe you could help to spread this prayer by forwarding it to your friends. And maybe we all could pray it together. And maybe, just maybe -- God will hear our cry from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our Land.

Maybe.
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Sure of Ourselves....in God

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"We were sure of ourselves in God." (2 Th 2:2, The Message).

Most people assume that humility involves some form or other of groveling; that cowering demeanor that bows in an abject manner towards others. And so, when tasked with the charge to “humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord”, we tend toward a somewhat cowering posture – supposing this is what the Lord wants from us. Outrageous nonsense! The Lord wants us to come boldly to the throne of Grace; not as beggars -- but as sons and daughters.

There was nothing cowering about Jesus Christ at all. He did not snivel in the presence of Pilate’s Empire, nor cringe before the sneer of His accusers. He stood as a man of towering humility. And those hearty souls who followed Him in the early years were described by others as “men who turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). Nothing groveling about that. Nothing at all.

Humility is the God-given self-assurance that eliminates the need to prove to others the worth of who you are, and the rightness of what you do.

Jesus was thus a humble man, as were His apostles. "We were sure of ourselves in God," Paul said. And so are those who follow Jesus today. That is, those who are real as opposed to those who are merely being religious.

Somewhere around 360AD a new model of “christian” emerged; one that has altered the public image of Christ to this day. The Roman Emperor Julian, successor to Constantine, found this new form of humility repulsive, as the historian Ibsen tell us.

"Have you looked at these Christians closely?” Julian asked, “They are hollow-eyed, pale-cheeked, flat-breasted all; they brood their lives away, unspurred by ambition. The sun shines for them, but they do not see it: the earth offers them its fullness, but they desire it not; all their desire is to renounce and to suffer that they may come to die."

Jesus was not hollow-eyed, pale-cheeked, nor flat-breasted. Neither were Peter, James and John; nor Paul the Apostle. We should not be so either. Rather, being sure of ourselves in God, we may thereby be clothed in true humility and thus receive the fullness of God’s grace to turn our world upside down today – as did our fathers of old when it was their turn.
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Shake Well Before Using

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"God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message." (1Thessalonians 2:3, The Message).

Someone once said, "God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called." And the process of qualification can be quite exasperating, for it essentially involves the full execution of selfish desires, impure motives, hidden agendas, deceitful practices, vain ambitions, and, uh -- let's see -- oh yeah, greed, lust, and anger. And a whole bunch of other things, too. Did I mention whining?

Most people want God to use them in some way or another, but not many appreciate that His motto for every minister is, "shake well before using."

Now you may be thinking, "Thank God I'm not a minister!" But hold on there, junior. The fact of the matter is undeniably certain -- every man is a minister. Indeed, each and every member of the mysterious "Body of Christ" is called into ministry one way, or the other.

Paul spells it out in his Ephesian epistle: "for the equipping of the saints," he says, "for works of ministry"(ch.4:12). This means you. So while you may not be a preacher or a priest, you nevertheless are a minister; a life-agent in a dying world; a royal ambassador for Christ.

Think of it this way. Every member is a minister; every minister has a ministry; every ministry has a mission; and every mission matters! In other words, God has a specific purpose for you, and it makes a difference whether or not you respond. It not only matters to you; but it matters to all the rest of us as well.

This is why the Lord spares no expense in working us over, and wearing us out with a shake-shake here, and a shake-shake there. He wants each one of us to be thoroughly qualified, so that every one of us can be fully trusted with the Message -- everywhere we go, each and everyday.

Then it will be said of us, even as it was said of those first believers -- "And the disciples went everywhere preaching, the Master working right with them, validating the Message with indisputable evidence." (Mark 16:20, The Message)
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Steel in Your Convictions

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"We call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope..." (1 Th 1:3).

"To be, or not to be?" That was the question in Shakespeare's classic soliloquy, asked by brooding Hamlet as he contemplated suicide. But the nobler question for those of us who choose to live is, "What to be, or what not to be?" That's the real question.

Ours is a post modern world of faithless men, loveless women, and hopeless dupes galore. In a day when "anything goes" it would seem that everything has gone. But not really. For God is faithful, loving, and hopeful -- and now, even as in the day of Elijah, He has no less than seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal; those stalwart souls who -- like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego -- stand upright while everyone else bows before the golden idol.

And mark these men and women, for they not only stand up -- they stand out.

There is something about them that distinguishes them from the rest. They are doers of the word, and not talkers only. Paul commends those whose "work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope" sustain them in times when others are like feathers in the wind -- blown about by every whim and fancy.

"It is clear to us," he writes, "that God has put His hand on you for something special. For when the Message we preached came to you, it wasn't just words. Something happened to you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions." (1 Thess.1:5, Message).

They had backbones made of metal!

"What to be, or what not to be?" Is this a question that has crossed your mind? How about being a man or woman upon whom God has placed His hand for something special; a doer of the word, and not a hearer only? How about being someone who is known for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope?

How about being someone who can stand up and stand out with God-given steel in your convictions? Now that would be something worth being indeed!
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The Hazardous Christian

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"Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 15:26).

Marketers have called it the World’s Most Successful Ad. It was posted in The London Times in 1905 -- “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages. Bitter cold. Long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in event of success.” Signed E. Shackleton. He was looking for a crew to help him discover the South Pole.

The next morning, over five thousand men were waiting outside the Time’s office ready to go. Something in the ad touched something deep inside each man.

But there is an even more successful ad posted in the Acts of the Apostles, and over the centuries millions have responded to its higher call in an even deeper way.

Paul and Silas were commended as men who hazarded their lives. Contrary to what one may initially think, this does not mean to be reckless or irresponsible. The Greek word means “to give over to another.” In other words, they were men who had handed their lives over to Jesus Christ, so as to bring great honor to His name. And while the underlying thought might seem to be one of self-abandonment, the truth of the matter is that this is the ultimate act of personal responsibility.

Paul said, “My friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.” (Rom.12:1, Good News Bible).

The Amplified Bible says it is the "reasonable, rational, and intelligent" thing to do.

You and I were put on this earth to make Jesus famous. It is reasonable, rational, and intelligent for us to use our gifts and abilities to honor Him. But that’s not going to happen if we hold on to our own reputations as something to be cherished and mollycoddled, as they said in the old days. We must hazard our lives.

There is something deep inside every person that is stirred by the daring challenge to live a life of greatness for something other than oneself. Still, not all choose to do so; not every one hands their lives over.

Some settle for the pampered, risk-free environment of a lifeless faith and live out their days making no difference at all. But not you; surely not you. Start now and from this day onward, hazard your life for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Head 'Em Up and Move 'Em Out!

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“Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master.” (Genesis 24:56).

Abraham’s servant had met with success in his epic quest to find a wife for Isaac – the beautiful Rebecca. Eager to return to Abraham, the servant met with some resistance from Rebecca’s family; who wanted to hold on to her just a little longer. And thus these words: “Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master.”

There comes a time when one must move on; when one must be let go unto his master. Perhaps you are at just such a time and place now. It's time to head 'em up and move 'em out. Otherwise a bright morning can fade into an ambling afternoon; and, an ambling afternoon can issue into a long dark night. Now is the time for decisive action. Now is the time for you to make your move toward God’s higher purpose.

The mark of such a moment is expressed in this phrase -- "seeing the Lord has prospered me." The word means to "push forward." Sometimes the Lord makes staying in the place where we no longer belong very obvious.

The heart of a servant says, "How shall I loiter in these temporal delights and sentiments, when the Lord has pushed me forward to a greater destiny?" He or she girds themselves up with resolve: No more lingering or loitering about; no more dilly-dally with routine matters; no more procrastination in a time of prospering.

“I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world's delights. Things that are higher, things that are nobler – these have allured my sights!” (Palmer Hartsough, 1896)

Is the Lord pushing you forward today?
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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.”

Hey, Maynard...sometimes 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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Biker, Banker, Bum (Part 3)

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

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

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

It was then I sensed the Lord speak to my heart something to this effect, “James, you have blurred vision; you need another touch from Me in order to see clearly, without any prejudice.”

On that day at the intersection I learned a lesson I have never forgotten. I saw men as trees, walking. I had been duly exposed to just enough Bible trivia to become a man with rapid-fire religious opinions; a Bible “answer man” with little regard to how my views or opinions demeaned, depreciated, or damaged others.

I just knew my view of scripture was right, and anybody not seeing it my way had to be wrong. You know….Biker. Banker. Bum.

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

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

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

The truth be known -- that was not a Biker cranking his Harley to warp 3 alongside me at the light; no, he was a man whom God dearly loves -- a man for whom Jesus died.

And that was not a Banker triumphantly strolling out of First National to cruise off in his Caddy; no, he was a man whom God dearly loves -- a man for whom Jesus died.

And that was not a Bum stumbling into another day of hopeless begging; no, he was a man whom God dearly loves -- a man for whom Jesus died.

And, thankfully, I was not a bigot; a self-righteous know-it-all preacher dispensing judgment near and far; No. I, too, was a man whom God dearly loves -- a man for whom Jesus died.

That day I got some spit in my eye, you might say, and from that day forward began to see everyone clearly. And that has made all the difference.

Are you getting the point?

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

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

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

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

And, second, I am bemused by the oddity of Jesus spitting directly in the man’s eyes in order to heal him. I wonder why the Lord did that; and I wonder how the guy felt about that.

On another occasion Jesus had spit on the ground and made a mudpack, which He then placed on a blind man’s eyes. Upon washing the mud away, the man could see. But here Jesus spits directly into the man’s eyes! Could it be that Jesus, by not doing it the same way twice, is thereby showing us that God deals with each of us as unique individuals?

There are no pat answers to life’s complex challenges; no cookie-cutter solutions to humanity’s diverse need for God’s saving grace and healing mercy. One gets a mudpack; another gets spit in the eye! Either way, the miracle comes, and God gets all the glory.

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

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

The guy needed a second touch for the miracle to fully set in.

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

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

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

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

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

The light had not changed yet so I risked one more guarded glance toward the biker. In doing so my eyes caught sight of a ruffled old man staggering out of a thick hedge of shrubs bordering the city park. He had spent the night burrowed in the bushes, and I think the Harley woke him up.

He was days unshaven, weeks unshowered, and years unsure. Brushing the leaves out of his matted hair, and squinting so as to ease the flood of sunshine into his blood shot eyes -- the homeless man stumbled into yet another meaningless day with patented indifference. “And there is a bum if ever I saw one,” I casually thought to myself. “What a waste.”

Then it hit me. Biker, banker, bum. The unintended symmetry in my spur-of-the-moment opinions startled me. And as these words replayed in my mind, a quiet sense of conviction began to settle upon me. Somehow I could tell that the Lord was examining me in that moment, and that what had just happened was not exactly what I wanted Him to see.

For right then -- without any sense of forethought, discernment, or compassion -- I had labeled three people I didn’t even know; and had done so with a cavalier sense of self-certainty: “Biker, Banker, Bum.”

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

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“And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done all things well.’” (Mark 7:37).

Someone once said, “A discerning eye needs only a hint; and an understatement leaves the imagination free to build its own elaborations.” The first followers of Jesus had that discerning eye, and bit by bit they slowly realized they were in the presence of a truly extraordinary man. This led to some interesting understatements.

In his Gospel, Mark builds the case very deliberately. First he tells us, “Everyone was amazed at his teaching”(ch.1:22). A few chapters later he says, “they all marveled at His words”(ch.5:20). And then once again Mark adds that “many hearing Him were astonished, saying, 'Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!'”(ch.6:2).

Amazed, marveling, and astonished -- doesn't that pretty much describe how you feel about Jesus? Yeah, me too! Indeed, all who are followers of Jesus today can equally attest to our own increasing astonishment over His boundless ability to do all things well.

Like Mark of old, our testimony in today's world is, “He has done all things well!” Talk about an understatement that leaves our imagination free to build its own elaborations -- there you have it!

The best example of one such elaboration comes from the Wuest New Testament. The translator puts this spin on Mark's verse: “And they were completely flabbergasted, and that in a superabundant degree which itself was augmented by the addition of yet more astonishment, saying, He has done all things well!”

Now that is the ultimate understatement!
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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 and fame of Jesus.
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"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?
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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 that 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?
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The Company of the Unashamed

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus, and shall it ever be,
a mortal man ashamed of Thee?
Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise,
Whose glories shine through endless days?
Ashamed of Jesus! Sooner far
let evening blush to own a star!

He sheds the beams of light divine
o’er this benighted soul of mine.
Ashamed of Jesus! That dear Friend
on whom my hopes of heaven depend!
No! When I blush, be this my shame,
that I no more revere His name.

Ashamed of Jesus! Yes, I may,
When I’ve no guilt to wash away;
no tear to wipe, no good to crave,
no fears to quell, no soul to save.
Till then, nor is my boasting vain,
Till then I boast a Savior slain.

And, O, may this my glory be,
that Christ is not ashamed of me!
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The Unstoppable Life

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"And Jesus went about all Galilee -- preaching the gospel of the kingdom." (Matthew 4:23).

At the very moment when wicked Herod imprisoned faithful John, Jesus stepped forward and raised the torch of truth even higher. Herod should have left well enough alone!

Once Jesus settled in at Capernaum, establishing a base of operations, He then launched a campaign of conquest that can never be rivaled. For He did not seek lands or titles; His was not an egotistical desire for fame or wealth, or for power and honor. No; rather He came to conquer the heart of mankind; conquer and convert it back to its original passion -- a full, free, and fantastic friendship with God Almighty!

Centuries earlier the prophet Isaiah had looked forward by faith and spoke concerning the Lord Jesus, who was yet to come, saying, "Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end....from henceforth even forever." (Isaiah 9:7).

This great prophecy emboldens our belief that good will most certainly triumph over evil, despite the many things which seem to suggest the exact opposite in these violent days. Tune into any news channel and see how inundated we are with unbridled passion, unimaginable decadence, and unbelievable cruelty.

Nevertheless, when evil sits upon the throne and the streets of nations are filled with foolhardy acts of immorality and injustice -- we take heart in knowing there is a Kingdom which is greater than these fleeting empires. It is the Kingdom of our God, and of His Christ.

And -- for any heart that has received this King into its multiple compartments -- a promise is made that of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.

Government is what Christ brings to our discarded souls, and Peace is what results when He reigns in our lives.

Would you know this peace of which I speak? Then yield your heart to the government of Christ over your affections, appetites, ambitions, aspirations, and aggravations.

Yes, Old King Herod should have left John alone! For, as it stood, he was merely a voice in the desert preaching to those who came out to see him. But this Jesus fellow was now going all over the place -- bringing the Gospel into the very heart of the Nation.

Matthew tells us that Jesus "went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Kingdom of God, and healing all manner of diseases among the people" (Matthew 4:23). And get this -- what Christ did in those days, He is still doing in these days -- in an ever increasing circle of conquest. Furthermore, He has never stopped, and He never will!

This, then, is our heritage, as well as our mission. We are not merely subjects in this Kingdom; we are royal ambassadors, empowered by our King with the credentials that give us the clout necessary to cast down devils and call out the redeemed of the Lord.

This King, to whom we have sworn allegiance, told us to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). John was in the desert; Jesus went round about Galilee; and now we have been thrust forth into all the world -- the unstoppable Life has now been unleashed, and the world will never be as it was before!
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That Singular Sentence

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“The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us...” (John 1:14).

The Bible stands unequaled in all Literature. Yes, there are many volumes of sacred writings held in high esteem by many peoples; works of history, poetry, philosophy, spirituality, humanity, philanthropy and mystery.

They each have their place, and have undoubtedly contributed in some way or another to either the maintenance, or advancement of their respective cultures. But, still, none of them equal the Bible in its depth of inspiration, or its sweep of influence.

We readily recognize numerous references from Scripture that fill our daily lives with spiritual trivia. That lump in people’s throat is their Adam’s apple. A person enduring extreme adversity has the patience of Job. Someone who’s been around forever is as old as Methuselah.

The dove and the olive branch remain the global symbol of peace; the serpent, an image of evil. Jezebel is to this day the quintessential stereotype of a controlling woman, and Judas is the all-time bad guy.

We speak of walking on water to suggest the impossibility of some task, and soaring with wings as eagles to suggest attaining some great and noble goal. These are but a few of the many famous expressions that come from the Bible.

There is one text of Scripture, however, that towers above and beyond all others. It is without question the single, most known Bible verse in the entire world. And the expression it produces is always one of awe.

It is known by the youngest of children who are first learning to read, and it is pondered by the oldest of the aged who stand on the threshold of eternity. Of course, I’m referring to John 3:16 -- “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

It is that singular sentence that stands uniquely alone – needing no commentary, and soliciting only reverence.

Indeed, The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
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The Unhurried Savior

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"But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." (Luke 8:15).

If there is one lesson that stands out in life it is that good things take time to come to fruition. Nothing worthy ever happens quickly.

Years ago as a young, eager and aspiring preacher, I remember hearing an older sage of God say, "When God wants to make a squash, He takes six months. When He wants to make an Oak tree, He takes twenty years. Which do you want to be?"

I didn't appreciate it at the time, because I was in a hurry to greatness. I was like the Rabbit in Alice's Wonderland, "I've got places to go, things to do, people to see!" But, I've been around long enough now to have seen and experienced for myself the truth of his words. The Lord is not in a hurry!

I've seen young upstarts come and go, like fireworks on the Fourth of July. A big bang, a pretty splash, lots of ooohs and aaahs -- and then nothing. Nothing but the same dark sky that was there before they popped and fizzled away.

And then there are the others; those bright-light souls that are not really noticed by most people at all, simply because they are always there like the sun in the daytime or the moon and stars at night. Just there, doing what God ordained them to do -- shining.

I'll take steady over quick every time. I'll take shine over flash as well. God give me grace to bring forth fruit with patience. Prove that I'm built for the long haul!

Remember the children's song? "He's still workin' on me to make me what I oughta be. It took Him a week to make the sun and the stars; Venus, Mercury, Neptune and Mars. How lovin' and patient He must be! 'Cause He's still working on me!!"

Jesus is the unhurried Savior. He's working on a truly great masterpiece that will be displayed in glory. That masterpiece is YOU. For your part then, be an unhurried soul; keep an honest and good heart into which you may hear His word and treasure it; and then bring forth fruit with patience all the days of your life.
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Learn to Live with Ambiguity

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“And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him.” (Matthew 8:23).

“And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship.” (Mark 4:36).

“Now it came to pass on a certain day, that He went into a ship with his disciples: and He said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.” (Luke 8:22)

A friend recently told me of an experience he had with the Lord concerning the topsy-turvy, upside down economic turn that is redefining the lives of so many in our world today.

Scott, my friend, was reading in the Gospels the account of Jesus and the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee, when a horrific storm rose up and beat against their boat. Jesus was asleep in the boat, and the disciples concluded that He didn't care if they lived or died.

Sounds like us today, doesn't it?

Scott read all three Gospel accounts of the story (from Matthew, Mark, and Luke). While reading and reflecting upon the story, one thing in particular struck him with great perplexity. Let me explain.

While reading Matthew's account of the story, Scott was consoled in knowing that Jesus got into the boat first and then the disciples followed Him. This gave him hope for the financial storm he was facing. ‘After all,’ he reasoned, ‘If the Lord has led me into this, then surely the Lord will certainly see me through it. No worries.’

But then he read Mark's account, which says that the disciples “took Jesus” with them into the boat. ‘Oh, no,’ Scott thought to himself, ‘is this what I have done?’ Many times we make our plans and rush headlong into our decisions, asking the Lord to bless us -- even if it is not His will. Scott wondered if the financial storm effecting his personal holdings was something he brought upon himself, and it could've been avoided had he only listened to the Lord first.

Then Scott read the account from the Gospel of Luke, where we find that Jesus “went into a ship with his disciples: and He said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.”

Wait a minute! Matthew says Jesus got in the boat first, and the disciples followed Him. Mark says the disciples took Jesus into the boat with them. And Luke says they went into the boat together. Well, which was it?

Scott was pondering this question when he heard God speak to his heart – “Learn to live with ambiguity.”

Often the Lord is deliberately vague, speaking in riddles and parables, which leave us doubtful of ourselves. The beauty of this dilemma is that it prohibits any measure of self-confidence, and renders us totally dependent upon the Lord -- no matter what is happening in and around our lives.

Are you storm-tossed and facing loss? Are you bewildered with uncertainty at the turn of events that have reordered you otherwise well-ordered world? Is your faith being tested, and your doubts exposed? Does it feel to you like the Lord is sleeping in the boat, oblivious to your peril? Are you second-guessing yourself, and thinking maybe you deserve this because you didn't pray hard enough, go to church more often, tithe better.....etc.

Hold on there Junior. Yes, your boat is in the middle of a storm, but Jesus is in the middle of your boat!

Right now it doesn't matter if He initiated the process and brought you into it; or if the whole thing was your idea and your drug Him along for support. The fact remains -- HE IS WITH YOU NOW! And together you will make it to the other side.

That much is unambiguous! You’ll just have to learn to live with the rest.
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Being Led by the Spirit

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“For as many as are led by the Spirit, these are the sons (and daughters) of God.” (Romans 8:14).

The Message puts it this way, “God's Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!” And you will find as you follow Jesus along the Way of Truth, that your life will be filled with surprises at almost every turn.

Father William Wilson, a dear friend who has a storied journey with Jesus, wrote me about an experience he recently had in “being led by the Spirit.” Here, in his own words, is what happened.

I was returning home to Birmingham from a meeting of bishops in south Alabama, heading north on Hwy 231, when I casually looked over my left shoulder and was struck by the sight of rolls of razor wire at the top and bottom of a storm fence. Then I saw the sign at the entrance -- “Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women.”

My first thought was “I wouldn’t want my dog to live behind that fence.” Then I thought: The inmates behind that fence are not dogs. They are daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers. All of them are beloved children of God for whom Jesus died. These are your sisters, your daughters. Help them!

Now my mind said, “Keep on driving. You are going home. You are needed there. You can do good things for your family at home. Go home, where you belong.” My heart said: For God sake, have compassion on these women! Stop. Go inside and offer to volunteer to help the Chaplain serve these poor women in any way you can.

I trusted my heart and went inside. It was all strange and off-putting. They buzzed me through two doors made of bars, leaving me in a small dimly lit reception area where there was a cage housing an officer receptionist.

“What is your business?”

“I just want to offer volunteer service to the Chaplain.”

“Give me your car keys and drivers license and take a seat.”

I sat on a bench against the wall.

What I did not know was that the Chaplain, Rev. Alicia Smallwood-Brown, was at that moment having a conference with the Warden in his office.

Nor did I know that, a month earlier, a Hispanic inmate had asked her if she could provide a bible class in Spanish. At that time the Warden told Chaplain Alicia that ‘it is a good idea, but we do not have any budget to get a Spanish speaking minister. If you find a volunteer, go right ahead.’

The Chaplain had no idea how to find a Spanish speaking volunteer and put the wish on hold.

The phone in the Warden’s office rang, while I sat outside in total uncertainty about what was happening.

The Warden answered the phone call from the receptionist who told him a minister arrived who wanted to volunteer service to the Chaplain.

He hung up the phone and told Chaplain Alicia, who was sitting in front of him: “You have to go out to Reception. Your volunteer Spanish minister is here.” The Chaplain, confused, said: “What? I’ve been praying that God would send a Spanish speaking minister. But I haven’t had a chance to follow up on that yet.” To which the Warden replied: “He is here. Go out there and talk to him”.

A confused, dignified, black woman came out to Reception. I stood up to greet her and tell her that I just wanted to help in any way if I could. I was remotely thinking of a monthly visit.

Chaplain Smallwood-Brown welcomed me warmly. We were about to discuss what I might be able to do as a volunteer Assistant Chaplain. Chaplain Alicia broke the conversation line, with: “You do not happen to speak Spanish do you?” I replied, “Si, Senora, hablo bastante bien el Espanol”

Hearing this, the good Chaplain placed both hands on each side of her head and exclaimed: “I prayed for you to come here. Praise God!”

It is now five months later. I have become a prayer partner and older brother to Chaplain Smallwood-Brown. She has opened many doors of ministry for me to the inmates.

Every Tuesday, I drive two hours to the front ‘door-of-bars’ of the maximum security, Tutwiler Prison for Women. All I do there is tell the women that Jesus loves them, that He has a very special love for them, and that they have a glorious future in His plan for their lives….and that Jesus sent me here to love them.

Believe me, the Christian women I meet in Tutwiler are far better than I am. Their willingness to submit to the “justice system of men” shows me a patience and heroism that I can only pray to emulate.

“I was in prison and you visited Me.” Yes Lord, yes Lord!
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The Owner’s Manual

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“Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” (Psalms 119:11).

I have a fine car, a mighty fine car. It’s a 2007 Buick Lucerne CXS, with the Northstar V8 engine, and this bird will fly. Not that I’ve ever pushed it (he wrote smartly, in the event that an officer of the law happens to be reading).

It’s just good to know that the power is there if I ever needed it – like, say, I was being chased by criminals; well, I could punch this bad boy and get to a Police Station, where the proper authorities could then take it from there. See what I mean? That’s all I’m saying.

Anyway, this car – black paint with sparkling chrome treatment, including wheels; and black leather interior -- is a stunning sight to behold. In fact, when I drive through the Hood, they call me JOJO.

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that this car came with an owner’s manual. Of course I’ve never read it. Except in those moments when something needs my attention. For instance, I changed the oil the other day (because the onboard computer program told me I needed to do so).

But then, after the change, my program told me I still needed to change my oil. It evidently does not automatically reset itself to the fresh supply. I tried to figure out how to reset the button but could not do it. I looked inside the manual – it was all Greek to me.

So I pushed the OnStar button, and a friendly agent found the solution and guided me through the steps via the in-car phone call. I reset the meter, and cruised merrily down the highway, content in knowing that all things were once again right in my world.

Then it struck me that this is the way many of us approach life.

We have the Owner’s Manual (i.e., the Bible) but we seldom ever read it. In fact, we only open it when we are having trouble that we can’t figure out. But, for most of us, the words are foreign and bewildering. So, we call Pastor OnStar for a word of encouragement and assistance; and he helps us through yet another rough spot in our otherwise well-ordered lives.

Hmmmm.

Surely we can do better. After all, have we not been summoned to a more excellent way? Why not spend some time today in the Owner’s Manual, looking for that one thing that finds its way straight into your heart. Don’t worry about the parts you don’t yet understand, just go with what God shows you now.

You’ll be cruising along the High Way in no time at all!
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“You Can’t Get Outta Here!”

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“I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” (Philippians 4:13, Good News Bible).

One night the town drunk was rambling down the street and wandered off into the local cemetery. Unbeknownst to the inebriated fellow, the workers had earlier that day dug a fresh grave for services the next morning. The poor man stumbled and tumbled right into the grave.

He tried to get himself out, but he was to drunk to do so.

“That’s all right,” he mumbled to himself, as he hitched his coat about his neck. “They’ll find me here in the morning.”

Meanwhile, a boy was on his way home after being at a party. He promised his parents he would be home by 10pm. He was hurrying along the street when he realized that he was not going to make it in time. Seeing the cemetery next to the street, he knew that if he cut through the graveyard he would make up the time.

He drew a deep courageous breath and set off on a sprint through the haunting scene. He was running so fast he could not see exactly where he was stepping, and he, too, tumbled into the open grave. He tried to pull himself out, but the steep walls were just a bit too slippery.

Then he heard a voice speak from the dark corner of the grave, “You can’t get outta here!”

But -- he did!!!

Sometimes all it takes is the right motivation to help you do the thing everybody else thought you could never do! Even now you can trust the Lord, as Paul did so long ago. And today your testimony can be the same – “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me!”

Come on up outta that hole my friend; you were made for something better!
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The King in the Cave

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"David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam" (1 Samuel 22:1).

Old King Saul 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 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 legitimate 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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No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus

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“In everything we do we show that we are God's servants by patiently enduring troubles, hardships, and difficulties.” (2 Corinthians 6:4, Good News Bible).

Most men and women of faith seem impervious to life’s troubles. Their positive outlook on life and their upbeat temperament in all situations make it appear that all is well, all the time.

But there are tears oft unseen in the lonely moments; heartbreaks aplenty for those who walk the higher road. There are times when foes can do no greater harm, and friends cannot console. That’s when Jesus is at His best!

Perhaps you are facing some desperate moment in your life even now; feeling forsaken by all -- even God. Maybe the words to this old familiar hymn will prove as hopeful for you as they have for me in those dark corners of apparent hopelessness.

The song, No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus, was written by Charles F. Weigle after a long bout with depression and despair.

He had returned home from an evangelistic crusade to find a note left by his wife, stating she no longer loved him and wanted nothing to do with following Jesus. The initial blow of this drove Weigle to such despair, he contemplated suicide. But, as the words of his beloved song testify, the Lord Jesus stepped in and made all the difference in his darkest hour.

I know that He will do the same for you!

“I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true.
I would tell you how He changed my life completely;
He did something no other friend could do.

“No one ever cared for me like Jesus;
There's no other friend so kind as He.
No one else could take the sin And darkness from me;
O how much He cared for me.

“All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me;
All my heart was full of misery and woe,
Jesus placed His strong arms about me
And He led me in the way I ought to go.

“Ev'ry day He comes to me with new assurance;
More and more I understand His word of love.
But I'll never know just why He came to save me,
Till someday I see His blessed face above.”
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In A League of His Own

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“This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines. The One who comes from above is head and shoulders over other messengers from God. The earthborn is earthbound and speaks earth language; the heavenborn is in a league of his own.” (John 3:30-31, The Message).

He is the Unsurpassed Savior, the Unrivaled Redeemer, and the Unconquered King. His name is Jesus. And He has His heart set upon you.

He will save you from the ravages of sin; redeem you from the bondage of guilt, shame and fear; and rule your life with love and grace, filling your world with blessing and peace.

He has no competition.

A host of other “saviors” are battling it out between themselves, fighting each other for the prize -- your heart held tightly in their hands. But Jesus is not to be found in their barnyards, their back-alleys, their iron cages, or their stadium events.

No. He is in a league of His own.

The truth be told, He is not fighting to win anything. He has already fought, and won it all. On a Hill far away, there stood an old, rugged Cross – the emblem of suffering and shame. And I love that old Cross, where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Throughout history great battles have been fought on memorable hills. How fitting that the greatest battle of them all was waged of the most famous of all battle sites – a place called Golgotha (Skull Mountain); known to us today as Calvary.

There Jesus faced the mighty raging hordes of Hell, Sin, and Death -- and He soundly defeated them. He now sits on the High Throne of Heaven and extends the scepter of His Kingdom toward your heart. Yield to Him and be at peace. And the victory He has won over the Luciferic triad of Hell, Sin, and Death will become yours as you walk the course of this world.

Life, Righteousness, and Heaven will grace your days as you love and follow Him – who is in a League of His own.
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