Made For War

We are made for war! I’m talking about spiritual warfare. Yet, the Bible assures: God’s Spirit will give us the strength we need to tear down strongholds, uproot lies, and have hearts and minds filled with eternal truth. God promises to set us free. So, don’t resist or fear the struggle. Embrace it! If you respond well it will bring out your best.

In eternity, when the backside of our life quilt is revealed, we’ll see the true value of the most entangled moments in our lives. They were obscured for a season from our understanding, yet designed to showcase the wisdom of a loving Creator who, before we breathed even one breath or fought a single battle, determined “…in all these things we are (called to be) more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37, NKJV)

Your Future Is Bright

One night, when I was struggling with pressures the enemy tried to tell me were insurmountable, the Lord flashed my memory with glimpses of the many times He’d saved me from near-death experiences: the out of control “360” on an icy highway; the galloping horse that barely skidded to a stop on a muddy field; when, on hallucinogenics, a friend grabbed my arm to keep me from jumping off a Rocky Mountain cliff into class 5 rapids I thought looked like marshmallows; the desperate time as a suicidal atheist I wandered into a desert to end my life. Over and over again He reminded me of His saving grace… His unfailing love… “His merciful kindness, which is so great toward us.” (Psalm 117:2) “Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.” (Lamentations 3:22, NKJV) I’m blessed…with a bright future! So are you!

Making Your Life Meaningful

Writer Tennessee Williams was once asked, “What’s the secret to happiness?” His misguided response was one word, “insensitivity.” In other words, don’t let anyone or anything affect you enough to rob you of your happiness. Hmm? Is becoming completely insensitive to the world around you really the key to happiness? I don’t think so!

I like what Jesus said about happiness far better. If happiness does exist, as the God who created genuine happiness, He’d certainly know how to find it.

In Acts 20:35, the Amplified Bible quotes Jesus saying “It is more blessed – makes one happier and more to be envied – to give than to receive.” Happiness is not getting all you can, it’s learning to give all God asks. God’s not trying to make your life livable, He wants to make it meaningful.

The Terrible Two’s

There’s a syndrome that some two year olds experience. It’s called, “You exist to bless me.” Perhaps that’s why it’s called the “terrible two’s.” As parents, we know that part of the process of successfully raising children is to transition them from being “natural-born takers” into being “supernatural givers.” There’s no learning process in “taking.” We’re all born “master-takers.” Yet, the only way we can fully experience the greatest fulfillment in life is to learn how to give.

Sadly, there are some adults who have attitudes that resemble the terrible two’s. Their life becomes a self-absorbed time warp—thinking God exists to bless them. Though God is a blessing to me, He doesn’t exist to bless me. Teaching us to give is not God’s way of raising money. It’s God’s way of raising children.

Values and Destiny

Your values will control your destiny. Your values are not just “what you believe,” they’re “how you live!” To determine what your values should be, you need to see them in light of eternity.

So where do we get our values? There are only two places: the world or the Word. The world or culture often focuses on what we can get. The Word become flesh, Jesus, came to serve and not be served. He came to give, and not primarily to receive.

This is why the Bible says so clearly, don’t imitate the culture’s morality, don’t “…be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

Heaven and Earth will eventually pass away, but God’s Word will last forever. (Matthew 24:35)

What Are You Living For?

What drives your life? What moves you? What are you living for? The apostle Paul knew exactly why he was alive, He said, “For to me, to live is Christ…” (Philippians 1:21, NKJV) What would you say? “For me to live is shopping, or Monday night football?” “For me to live is my children, or my career?”

We can see what we are living for, our treasure, in what we give our heart to.

Jesus said, “…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV) There’s no need to worry about whether you’ll be provided for, God promises to meet our needs if our focus is on Jesus and advancing His Kingdom, and not our own.

Know this for sure: only your Creator can perfectly guide and bless your life.

Jesus and Money

Is money important to you? Of course it is! Jesus knew, “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, NKJV) That’s why 15% of His recorded words, in some way, referred to money.

When wealthy Zacheus, the tax collector, said he would give half of his money to the poor, and pay back four times those he had cheated, Jesus didn’t say, “Hey, great Idea!” He said, “Today salvation has come to this house…” (Luke 19:9, NKJV)

Former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, Richard Halverson wrote, “Jesus Christ said more about money than about any other single thing because, when it comes to a man’s real nature, money is of first importance. Money is an exact index of a man’s true character.”

The truth is, unless Jesus is Lord over our money and possessions, He’s not really our Lord.

Making Your Life a “Get To”

God’s a total giver! Does He have to give? Absolutely not! He owns everything!

The Bible says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him.” (Psalm 24:1, NLT) God doesn’t want to make your life a “have to,” He delights in making it a glorious “get to.”

Every blessing we have is because of His grace. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17, NKJV)

God’s looking for people who are willing to distribute his products: His love, His joy, His peace, His forgiveness, His kindness. He’ll bless anyone who’s willing to stay unattached to the things He gives them. Many times, He wants us just to be intermediaries, to be “flowing rivers of blessing,” and not  “stagnant ponds of entitlement.”

God’s a Giver

What kind of person is God? He’s a giver! Not a grandstanding giver, but someone who’s willing to give in obscurity. It’s easy to take that for granted. God doesn’t have rays of light advertising: “This morning’s sunrise is brought to you by God,” or flowers stamped, “Made in Heaven.”

Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you…” (Luke 6:38, NKJV) God could have just said, “Give, and don’t ask Me why! Give, or else!” God motivates us to change with love and rewards. That’s why He said, “Give, and it will be given to you…” It’s the goodness of God that inspires us to change. (Romans 2:4)

Today, don’t make what God has asked you to do a reluctant “have to.” See your life from His perspective, and make it a glorious “get to.”

Eternal Faith

We have all been seduced by the worthless: we tend to seek what lasts for a moment; and ignore the priceless: that which God created to remain forever. John Wesley said it so well: “We should only value things by the price they shall gain in eternity.”

Everything we see with our natural eyes is temporary, lasting but a few moments compared to eternity; while all that is eternal is invisible, and accessed only by faith. Invisible faith gives us the victory to overcome the seductions in this world (1John 5:4). Genuine “…faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1, NET)

For only by faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection are we able to receive not just everlasting life, but access to the abundant life Jesus promised, right here on Earth.

Hope vs. Concern

Each of us is in a battle, every day. One of our chief struggles is between hope and concern. Is your heart filled with more hope, or concern? Would any of us want a doctor who was more concerned about our health than filled with hope? How about God? When He thinks of you, is He more concerned…or filled with hope? It’s an important question. It will shape your day and even your joy.

The Bible doesn’t say God is a God of concern, it says emphatically He’s a God of hope. I take comfort in that every day. Why? Because, it’s the truth!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NKJV)

Hide and Seek

Ever play “hide and seek” when you were a child. It was fun! But it’s not just for children. God wants to play “hide and seek” with you every day. The Bible says, “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” (Proverbs 25:2, ESV) and, “You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart…” (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Jesus added, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, NKJV) and even shared the same principle in a parable, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44, NKJV) God’s hiding today; go find Him!

When Are You the Most Still?

Do you really believe God will see you through every difficulty? King David did! On his deathbed, he said, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life from every distress.” (1Kings 1:29) WOW! Every distress! We know David certainly had plenty of them. So, how should you and I respond to our greatest difficulties? Psalm 46:10, gives us a hint. The Lord says, “Be still and know that I am God.” When are you the most still? When you’re dead! Try and irritate a dead man. He could care less! Slap him! He won’t even look at you. Why? He’s dead! Paul encouraged us, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Galatians 2:20) Die to your attachment to how your life should turn out, and be still and know God has your life in His hands.

Dying Daily

Would you like to live forever? How many of you want the resurrection life Jesus promised? Those of us, who know Him, certainly do! But, you can’t have resurrection life, until you’re dead! Paul the apostle said, “I die monthly—when the bills come in?” “I die yearly—during tax season?” No, he said, “I die daily!” How often do you die? As little as possible? How can you tell if you’re dead to your own will? Consider these answers: When you’re asleep in a boat in the middle of a storm. When someone slaps you on one cheek, and you turn the other one. When all hell is breaking lose outside, and you’re in total peace because you’re letting Heaven have its way inside. Resurrection Life! It’s what we all want. Die to self and receive it!

Your Biggest Breakthrough

All of us are hoping for a breakthrough. But, what’s the biggest breakthrough each of us really need? Paul the Apostle knew exactly what it was, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy…” (Acts 20:24a) If something moves you, distracts you, unsettles you, then you can’t finish your race with joy. If you count your life dear to yourself, if you’re more concerned about yourself than God or other people, then you can’t finish your race with joy. The biggest breakthrough you and I really need is called, “none of these things move me!” The Bible says we should “…be steadfast, immoveable!” (1Corinthians 15:58) God’s not trying to change your circumstances. He’s trying to change how you respond to them.

Learning to Walk

Walking is the art of balance. It’s learning to correct a continuous state of imbalance. “Walking,” like life, is a constant “mid-course correction.” It’s a continuous acknowledgement of “I was wrong, but I want to make it right.” Isn’t it funny, that after all of the times we’ve blown it in our lives, we still have trouble admitting when we’re wrong? If we would just realize admitting we’re wrong shouldn’t be deflating. It should be the most positive thing we can do. Walking is a continuous state of admitting, “I was heading in the wrong direction, but now I’m getting back on track.” No one begins by mastering the “art of walking.” Our first steps in life are always wobbly and unstable. But, as time goes by, our walk becomes steady. Eventually . . . we can even carry others.

Lost in the Woods

When my daughter Deborah was about six years old, we went for a walk in the Oregon woods. It wasn’t until it was getting dark that I realized I was lost. Sadly, it doesn’t take much for me to get lost. So I said, “Deborah, I think we’re lost!” She said, “I know how to get us back.” I looked at her for a very long time. She was 6 years old, 3 foot nothing! She could barely tie her shoes. So I said, “Are you absolutely sure, Deborah?” She said, “Yep!” And so, as it was getting really dark, she took me by the hand and led me out of those “dark, scary woods.” It was the beginning of a significant revelation: the next generation will be leading us before we know it, and it will be a good thing.

Healthy Habits

How does someone have a healthy walk with God? The Bible says, walk in the light! “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8, NKJV) It sounds simple, but how do you walk in the light? Our walk with God is founded on either good or bad habits. And these habits can only be formed by disciplines. Our desires will come and go, but our habits will stick. Why? Because our habits will affect our future! The balanced Christian life is the disciplined Christian life! God can’t change your life until He can change the habits of your life. “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) God has provided everything we need for each of us to walk in the Spirit.

Humility

Former prisoner of war under the Nazi’s, Corrie ten Boom, was once asked if it was difficult for her to remain humble. Her reply was simple, “When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, on the back of a donkey, and everyone was waving palm branches and throwing garments on the road, and singing praises. Do you think that for one moment the donkey thought any of that was for him?” Everything we have has been given to us. Therefore, we have no reason to glory in ourselves. When we are truly humble, we understand how undeserving we are of the many blessings we’ve been given. The Bible says, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) “The branch that bears the most fruit is bent the lowest to the ground.”

Values to Live By

Before I began to pastor fifteen years ago, my wife Suzie and I traveled for 18 years, speaking in hundreds of churches. What we saw changed our lives and shaped our future. The healthiest qualities, seen in the healthiest people and churches, became the best representations of Jesus Christ we’d ever seen. They became our church values, but I believe they are also great values for each of us to live by. Here they are: Be grateful for who God is, and what He’s done for you. That will fill your life with joy. Allow God’s Spirit and Word to make you whole, so that you can fulfill His destiny for you. Following Jesus is more about action than words. Be committed to love, give, serve, and honor those God brings your way.  And lastly, be accountable to others, so that you can finish well.

The Giving Line

What line are you living in: the receiving line, or the giving line? All of us have received many blessings from God. The Bible says, “…He gives to all life, and breath, and all things…” (Acts 17:25, KJV) If we see our lives from God’s perspective, at the end of the day, we’ll realize that none of us have been short-changed. All of us have been overpaid. Each of us has a blessed life! But, it takes faith to trust God—to take Him at His Word. When we stand before Him and see how pure His heart is, we’ll realize He wanted to bless us all along. Don’t spend your life in the receiving line, Jesus promised you’d be happier in the giving line.Having your hands up with gratitude is far more enjoyable than living with your hands out.

Honoring

Everyone’s important to God. We’re all created in His image and likeness—given precious deposits of His character, personality and gifting. Therefore, everyone should be important to us—and treated with respect. Since God believes in honoring, it should be one of our values as well. The Bible says, “Honor all people.” (1Peter 2:17, NKJV) This word “honor” literally means, “to prize, to revere, to value.” Often prejudice comes from lack of honor and respect. We devalue someone else for our own benefit. Honoring and respecting others would completely eliminate prejudice from the planet. But though we honor others, we should never take honor away from God. Likewise, we should never focus on receiving honor for ourselves. In that way, honor is like chewing gum. Enjoy it briefly, but don’t swallow it.

Character

At one point, not too long ago, the Biography Channel examined the lives of people who had genuine accomplishments, now they focus primarily on celebrities. Many people confuse fame with honor. Madonna is famous. Mother Theresa is honored. Newspaper editor Horace Greeley once wrote, “Fame is a vapor. Popularity is an accident and money takes wings. The only thing that endures is character. And the only thing worth honoring is character.” At one point in history, Nero was the Roman Emperor: the most famous man of his day. At the same time, Paul the Apostle was an obscure Jewish Christian leader who wrote a few letters. Virtually no one had heard of Paul, while everybody had heard of Nero. How ironic that, two thousand years later, we name our sons Paul, and our dogs Nero.

Habits That Will Change Your Life

Here are three habits that will change your life: First, come into God’s presence every day. The key to an effective prayer life is to “just show up.” And when you show up, stay there long enough to create a memory. Satan can’t steal a memory of God’s presence. Second, read the Word of God, the Bible, consistently. Ask God to open the eyes of your understanding so that what your head reads, impacts your heart. And number three. Plan your day. List seven things that you’re committed to do today. Why? Because structure creates growth! The Bible says, “…continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of…you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2Timothy 3:14-15, NKJV)

Things Eternal

You’ve probably experienced pleasures in life that satisfy… at least for a short time. You’ve eaten, drank, smoked, saw and touched. But, like me, I’m sure you’ve found that your natural senses have never truly fulfilled you. Only supernatural and eternal pleasures can do that.

Why should we give our hearts to someone or some thing that will last for a mere 70 years? It’s a drop of water in the ocean of time. Jesus advised us, as the song says, to build your hopes on things eternal. “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

True Success

If you’re like most people, you want to be successful. But what is true success? And what price are we willing to pay to get it? With the latest technological advances, we have no excuse for not being continually on call anywhere in the universe. We are tempted to do more, in less time, with less money and that guarantees one thing: we will wake up and go to bed exhausted.

Chuck Swindoll says, “The only trouble with success is that the formula for achieving it is the same as the formula for a nervous breakdown.”We have more choices than ever before, but less time to choose. Progress has been defined as “working hard to make things as good as they used to be.”So what should we pursue in our short lives. The Bible’s clear: “Get wisdom .And in all your getting, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7, NKJV)

Our Only Offensive Weapon

The fact that Jesus used Scripture to fight the devil’s temptations should provide a clear strategy for each of us every day. The Bible says, “…the sword of the Spirit…is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17, NKJV) The Bible is our only offensive weapon, assuring us that we have no hope of fighting temptation outside of trusting in God’s Word. The way to survive and even thrive on this planet is to feed on the Word of God. Jesus promised, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”(Matthew 24:35, NKJV)

Yes, there are many voices clamoring for our attention, but only God’s words will last forever. Be careful to not feed on and trust in words that last a mere 70 years, for eventually you will be greatly disappointed.

Rest

All of us are looking for something you would think wouldn’t be that hard to find. But it is! It’s called REST! The Bible says, “…there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world.” (Hebrews 4:9-10, NLT)

Rest! It comes from only one source—God. And He longs to give it to each of us. Rest is learning to silence your soul so completely; becoming so utterly still, so desperately quiet inside, that at last your eyes cease their obsession with self and are firmly fixed upon God. God wants to spend time and eternity with you…to teach you how to rest in Him. It’s why you were created. Rest in God!

Many Dangers

There are many dangers in this world, but some are so treacherous they’re called, evil…evil! What could be so diabolical that God would call it evil, and yet so common all of us are infected with it at some point in our lives? The Book of Hebrews says, “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12, ESV)

WOW! That’s scary! Why would God call unbelief evil? Because God is a God of faith—the opposite of unbelief. He warns us to be careful, because an unbelieving heart will lead us far away from the God who is life.

We have each been given a measure of eternal faith. It is most precious to God, and should be guarded at all cost.

Mix With Faith

There’s one thing we need to make sure we always mix with the Word of God. Without it, the Bible becomes just a bunch of empty words. Without it, our lives will never be transformed—we’ll never become who God created us to be.

The Bible says, “…the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” (Hebrews 4:2, NKJV) WOW! One thing was missing: faith!

Oh God, give me the faith to believe You when You speak. To trust that You say what You mean, and mean what You say. That I can stand upon Your Word and promises, no matter how difficult life becomes, because it’s the truth! Actually, it’s the only truth that will set me free.

Make a Memory

There was a young man who for years couldn’t breathe through one of his nostrils. Finally, he went to a doctor and found that a broken eraser had been stuck in his nose since he was a small child.

It’s shocking how things that take place in childhood can affect our whole lives if they are ignored. The same is true in our emotional being as well.

Prisons are filled with men who were abandoned or rejected by their fathers. One Christian counselor, who ministered to prisoners for 25 years, said he never met a prisoner who genuinely loved his dad.

The majority of children in America have less than 10 minutes of significant and meaningful conversation with their parents each week. If you remove the mother, you can measure this statistic in seconds.

Today, make a memory with your child!

“Disgust-Shame-Confession” Cycle

There’s a tragic sequence in life called the “Disgust-Shame-Confession Cycle.” Many Christians get disgusted because of their seeming lack of commitment. When they can’t take the shame anymore, they rededicate themselves to the Lord. They then confess their inconsistency as sin. It’s a frustrating cycle: Disgust—Shame—Confession.

It is absurd for me to believe that God could accept or approve of me more then He already does. He’s already at peak-approval…Not approving everything I do, but everything I am. He’s at peak-love, always loving me, and always will.

My fixating on my own imperfection distracts me from me focusing on His perfection. The key to being successful in God is not working harder; it’s learning to rest in His love, grace, and acceptance. God wants us to spend eternity with Him far more than we do.

Character That Lasts Forever

Everyone wants to be successful, but success must be defined in light of eternity. Only our Creator God can determine what true success is. God’s goal has always been to make us like Him. That’s why He created us in His image and likeness, and why He’s given us the fruit of His essence: “His character.” It is why everything He allows to come our way is designed to bring us closer to Him. Satan’s a counterfeit: he’s never created anything eternal. On the other hand, only God can produce character that lasts forever.

Speaking of the Old Testament patriarch Joseph, the Bible says, “Until the time came to fulfill His word, the LORD tested Joseph’s character.” (Psalm 105:19, NKJV) Thank God for His tests. They are designed to bring out the best in us, not the worst.

My Goal In Life

I have this one goal in life. It’s a grand goal, and may surprise you, because it sounds a little funny to say, but I believe it anyway. “I want to be so at rest, so completely at peace in my heart, that when people see me, they feel like they’re looking into the face of Jesus.”

There, I’ve said it! It’s a lofty goal I know. But, I really believe it’s not just achievable, but that it’s God’s will for my life. To represent Him so well, that everyone would want what I have: a deeply personal and magnificent relationship with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. As Paul wrote, “…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11, ESV)

Hypocrites

People say, “The church has too many hypocrites!” It’s true. The planet’s packed with hypocrites and some of them are in churches. A hypocrite is someone who’s not always honest; who says one thing and then does another.

Do you feel like you have ever fit this definition? I know I have! Yet, I am the only person, besides God, who really knows how big of a hypocrite I really am. And the ultimate judge of my hypocrisy is God Himself.

Paul the Apostle wrote, “He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” (1Corinthians 4:4b-5, NKJV) If you want to see a decrease in hypocrisy: change yourself.

Poisoned By Good Intentions

I want to live safe, don’t you? But life on this treacherous planet is precarious.

Recently, an elderly woman in our church died because a caregiver mistakenly thought the mushrooms she picked were edible, when in fact they were poison. Though this seasoned saint loved Jesus, and I’m confident she will spend eternity with Him, she was poisoned by good intentions.

Perhaps you’ve heard the expression, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” This statement primarily addresses the end result of sinful actions, but it does illustrate a worse case scenario for well-meaning decisions.

On the other hand, the Bible says, “…the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.”(Proverbs 4:18, NKJV) Don’t let your life be poisoned by the good intentions of deceived people. Look to Jesus and be saved!

The Cure For Regret

No one leaves the planet without wishing they could go back in time…go back to a moment of weakness, a poor decision, words that should not have been said and actions we wish we’d never done. We’re all stricken by the same affliction. It’s called regret. And only God can free us from its clutches. He alone sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins; even for every mistake we’ve ever made.

God’s Word promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9, ESV) Forever and ever living without regret. If we can believe it, we need to follow Paul the Apostle’s advice. He said, “…one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead…” (Philippians 3:13b, ESV)

Open Heart Surgery

All of us need a life and death operation. An open-heart surgery…giving entrance to our heart and spirit, to God Himself. Unless we are willing, He’ll never force us to love Him. But if we open our heart to Him, we can have an eternal love relationship with the God of the Universe.

So, what will you decide? Will you let God have your heart? Will you receive His promise? “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Jesus invites us. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20, NKJV)

Healing and Hope

We are each offered daily opportunities by God to be healed of wounds. Though the process will certainly be at times painful, it will be well worth the struggle. Yet, there are no shortcuts, only detours of denial. And unless we allow God to heal us we will remain stuck in cycles of grief, masking our pain.

Battling confusion, shame and anger, we will fight isolation and even depression.

Only God can break this discouraging cycle and bring about the resolution and healing we each so desperately need. If we allow Him, He will help us work through the pain, bringing us to a safe place of healing and hope.

As the prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14, ESV)

Managing Your Pain

All of us try and manage our pain. Sometimes with drugs or distractions; or by living in the future and not the present. This attempt at avoidance and denial will only further imbed the pain; causing us to look at life through a lens of hurt and hopelessness.

But Jesus came to give us life in super abundance. He promises, “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed…” (John 8:36, NIV) I remember a time when I didn’t want to live and could only imagine a future filled with unthinkable emotional pain.

Then came the Son of God! When I invited Jesus to be my Lord and Savior He broke the chains of despair. I began the lifelong process of allowing God to heal every part of me. Now, forty years later, I can say with certainty, what God promises, He delivers.

Honesty

Of all the lives you and I could ever live, the “honest” life would be the best.

Dr. Dan Allender writes, “Honesty is the commitment to see reality as it is, without conscious distortion, minimization, or spiritualization. Honesty begins by admitting we are deceived, and that we would rather construct a false world then face the bright, searing light of truth.”

WOW! It sounds like living an honest life will cost us a lot. Yes…it will! But it is the only doorway into a relationship with the God who has protected truth by laying down His own life. Jesus took an honest look at our need, our sin, and knew the only cure would be giving His life so that we might live.

That honest assessment not only brought Him from death to life, it will take us there as well.

Anger

Do you struggle with anger? Most anger is disguised. Is it possible that our frustrations and irritations are our way of releasing anger? The Bible doesn’t tell us not to be angry, it says, “be angry and do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26, ESV) There are many things that can and should make us angry: injustice…abuse …bigotry…bullying…evil. But, perhaps, what troubles us the most is when we replicate the anger we experienced growing up ourselves. It embarrasses and haunts us when we hurt those we love in the same way we have been hurt.

Paul the Apostle understood this dilemma and its solution, “…there is…power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to…sin… Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:21-25, NLT)

One-of-a-Kind

God made you special…. You are a one-of-a-kind original. When God made you…He broke the mold, committed as our Creator to never duplicate anyone or anything. As original as He is, so are we. Each of us are given a piece of His heart, personality, character, and gifting. Cloning even a snowflake would go against God’s very nature as a Creator.

God has placed an incomparable desire in each of us for what is fresh and genuine; to not relive yesterday, but to experience the fullness of His unpredictable life…each and every day. He’s chosen us to partner with Him in creating what has never been done, being what we have never been, and living the life we have never lived.

May you and I live each day fully conscious of how truly loved we are.

Guilt and Shame

Do you know the difference between guilt and shame? It’s vital you do. One leads to life and deliverance; the other to death and bondage. When we do something we know is wrong, it is normal for us to feel guilty…our God-given conscience has been activated. We’re convicted to change our behavior. This is good and beneficial.

Shame, on the other hand, doesn’t try to correct behavior, it assaults our very being, making us believe the essence of who we are is in some way flawed. We are condemned by the accuser; made to feel worthless…broken…defective.

The truth is “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14, NKJV) God is my advocate. Whenever and however He wants to change me, it is for my good. I will trust Him. But I will reject the lie that He is in some way ashamed of who I am.

Despairing of Life

If you are in despair and feel like giving up… DON’T! This moment and feeling will pass. Brighter days are ahead! Each of us are at times so discouraged we feel like throwing in the towel on life. We’re brought to the edge of hopelessness.

Paul the Apostle thought he and some early disciples might not survive the difficulties they were experiencing. He wrote, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.” (2Corinthians 1:8b, NIV)

Holocaust survivor, Corrie ten Boom, recounted how God met her saying, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” We will all come to the end of ourselves. But in that moment may we reach out for the loving hand of our Creator. He alone knows our struggle and longs to save us.

Mining For God

Are you sure of God’s heart for you? Fully persuaded that there’s nothing He wouldn’t do to come to your rescue? The Bible calls this kind of confidence in God: faith. It pleases God because when we are confident in Him, it shows we truly understand His heart. The Bible says, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen.” (Hebrews 11:1, NLT)

It’s been said that: you pan for gold when you’re not sure how much is there. But you mine for gold when you hit a vein. Don’t spend your life panning for what you are not sure even exists. Reach out to your Creator and receive His love. Ask Jesus to come in to your heart and fill your life with the eternal treasures He’s prepared because He loves you so very much.

The Ark of the Covenant

In the Old Testament the children of Israel carried a chest with them called the Ark of the Covenant, or the Ark of the Testimony. It contained three items that reminded them and even us today who God is and all He has done for us.

One, the Ten Commandment tablets given to Moses upon which God wrote laws showing us how to live safe and healthy lives.

Two, Aaron’s rod that God used to perform miracles when He delivered the Israelites from Pharaoh in ancient Egypt.

And three, a jar of manna, the food God rained down from heaven when the children of Israel were in the wilderness for 40 years.

All three of these objects assure us that God will provide for our every need, even when we struggle to find our way.

Let Your Good Deeds Shine

Has God rescued you? Are you grateful? I know I am! I will never forget how he released me from the depths of despair and set me on the path that leads to life.

So what should we do if we’ve been saved? The psalmist provides some great advice, “Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.” (Psalm 107:2, NLT) Every day people are sent our way who desperately need God.

Jesus said, “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:15-16, NLT)

True Freedom

Are you looking for freedom…freedom from sin, bondage, deception, and addictions? Freedom to be the person God created you to be? Jesus provides one of the great freedom promises in God’s Word. “…you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32, NKJV) WOW! What a guarantee! But you have to read the fine print to find out whom this sweeping assurance applies to. The sentence before it qualifies the recipient. “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” (John 8:31b, NKJV) The promise of unlimited freedom is only given to those who continue to abide and remain in the Word of God, not just anyone’s words. There’s no shortage of voices offering false freedom with empty words. Check the label. Only truth that agrees with the Holy Bible will set you free.

Extra-ordinary

Do you think of yourself as ordinary? You’re not! Ordinary has been defined as: “Not remarkable or special in any way, and therefore uninteresting and unimpressive.” Nothing could be further from the truth. On the other hand, extraordinary is defined as, “…deserving attention…because of being wonderful, excellent, and having a special purpose.” Now we’re talking! God’s Word says, “…I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14, NKJV) We are truly special because we are made “…in the image and likeness of God.” (Genesis 1:26, NKJV) When God created you He gave you an eternal spirit, capable of having His Holy Spirit fill your life with His presence. We’ve even been given the fruit of His Spirit…His “…love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV) What could be more wonderful and extraordinary than this?

The Greatest Test In Life

Once you’ve been hurt, it’s harder to trust. And since all of us have been hurt, it’s hard for any of us to trust anyone…even God. You can see lack of trust not just in 60 year olds, but sad to say, in 6 year olds as well. Perhaps the greatest test in life is our ability to trust after we’ve been hurt. That’s why the Bible says, “…be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NLT) While being hurt by others is inevitable, Jesus compels us to follow His example in forgiving, saying, he who has been forgiven little loves little; but he who has been forgiven much, loves much. (Luke 7:47) We realize the extent of God’s love when we receive and then offer others His complete forgiveness.

Laying Down Her Life

During the Vietnam War, a Vietnamese child volunteered to give blood so that other children could live. When she was led into a room and asked to lie down on a table to give blood she began to cry. An Army nurse came over and, through an interpreter, asked if she was hurt. The little girl said, “No,” but kept crying. Finally, the nurse asked the interpreter to find out why the girl was sobbing. After talking to her for a few minutes the interpreter told the American nurse that when the little girl was asked to give blood, she thought you meant: Was she willing to give all of her blood so someone else could live? The little girl was willing to lay down her life for total strangers. Is there any greater love than that?

Lover’s Quarrel

For forty-two years, every week, a man slipped a love letter under the door of his ex-girlfriend. He tried over and over again to mend the lovers’ quarrel that separated them for so long, but nothing worked. Her heart would not be moved. For forty-two years she burned each letter, refusing even to speak to him… Then the man finally got the courage to knock on her door and propose; she accepted. A bittersweet story to say the least, but with a great moral. Don’t waste your life holding on to old grudges, when new thoughts are a decision a way. Jesus challenged us all. “…if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15, NJV)

Bears and Skunks

Those who work with animals in the wild have said that the only creatures bears will allow to eat with them are skunks. Perhaps the reason is obvious. The cost of not living in peace with skunks is just too high! What a great principle, and one that all of us can learn from. There are many things in life that, if we give in to, will cost us far too much. The cost of unforgiveness, for example, would certainly qualify. How much senseless pain has been perpetuated because individuals were unwilling to forgive. From marriages…to families…to nations, unforgiveness costs more than we should ever want to pay. Perhaps the secret of learning to forgive is most clearly seen in the sinless life of Jesus. His willingness to die on the cross for our sins cost Him everything.

Justified

Would it surprise you if I told you that God the Father loves you as much as He loves Jesus? And not a bit less! That’s exactly what the Bible teaches. Jesus said, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” (John 15:9, NLT) WOW! If I’m as loved as Jesus, then God the Father is as pleased with me as He is with Jesus. Not with everything I do, but everything I am. That was always His plan: to have Jesus die for my sins so that I could be fully accepted by God. In Christ, we are completely justified…just as if we’ve never sinned. The Bible says, “In Him (in Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7, NKJV)

Law of Sowing and Reaping

I can only give what I’ve received. If I haven’t been forgiven, I can offer little forgiveness. If I don’t love myself, I won’t be able to unconditionally love others. If I don’t believe God gave His life for me, then I’ll have no desire to give my life to Him. It all relates to the Law of “Sowing and Reaping.” God sows His love in me, so I can love other people. We are all right now reaping what we have sown…unless we tap into a higher law! It’s called the law of grace. When Jesus died for my sins, He reaped what I had sown. The law of grace, receiving God’s undeserved favor, trumped the law of sowing and reaping. You and I don’t have to get what we deserve; thankfully, Jesus already took the punishment for us.

Riches

Would you like to be rich! It’s a great idea…as long as your riches last forever. Though you can’t take riches with you, you can send them on ahead. John Wesley said, “We should only value things by the price they shall gain in eternity.” Eternity’s the main-event! Earth’s a mere dress rehearsal! The Bible says, “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2-3, NLT) Jesus reminded us of this when He said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” (Matthew 13:44, NLT) The greatest joys in life are eternal. And God’s prepared them for each of us.

We Are God’s Pearls

God doesn’t make junk! Everything He’s created is remarkable, exceptional and one-of-a-kind. From snowflakes to sunflowers, elephants to ants, penguins to people, God’s creation is amazing. The devil tries to destroy the extraordinariness of our lives, just like he destroyed his own. But don’t give up the riches of Heaven for the counterfeit treasures of Earth. Jesus said, “…the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46, NKJV) I used to read this and think, “I need to give God my whole heart in order to get the pearl of great price…Jesus.” Now, I realize, God is the merchant and we are His pearls. He gave everything He had for us, even His life, so that we can spend eternity with Him.

Guaranteed Investment

Ever put your hope in an investment that didn’t pan out. It can be incredibly painful. We’d all love to get the inside scoop on a foolproof investment, one that’s guaranteed to provide for our future in a significant way? Well, God offers just such an opportunity. But with a caution! Don’t “…trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” (1Timothy 1:17b, NLT) The Archbishop of Canterbury, John Tillotson once elaborated the point, “He who provides for this life but takes no care for eternity is wise for a moment but a fool forever.” That pretty much sums it up. Why appear to be wise chasing riches on this temporary Earth, when you can walk in the wisdom of God that guarantees an incomparable return…forever.

The Greatest Pleasure of All

Did you know that God is a God of pleasure? He invented pleasure to bless Him, and even to bless us. The Bible says, “In God’s presence are pleasures forever more.” (Psalm 16:11) WOW! If anyone knows how to through a party, it’s gotta be God! But, on this fallen Earth, there are pleasures that fill, and pleasures that kill. Pleasure’s not the problem, until we make it a god. It’s when people become, “…lovers of pleasure (“fond of sensual pleasure”) rather than lovers of God…” (2Timothy 3:4) that we get into trouble. We live in a world that worship’s pleasure, and worshipping anyone or anything other than God will kill your spirit. Let God fill your life with His pleasure… After all, the greatest pleasure is knowing Him.

What God Considers Beautiful

In the gospels, a grateful woman broke a jar of very costly perfume, and anointed Jesus. (Mark 14:3) Judging from the response of His disciples, you would have thought she broke the jar over His head. Some of those present said indignantly, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” (Mark 14:4-5) How much do you make in a year? Can you imagine giving it away in one day? Her action was an incredibly sacrificial gesture. That’s why Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me… She did what she could.” (Mark 14:6,8) Her gracious action makes me ask the following question. What is Jesus asking me to do for Him, that He would consider beautiful?

The Fragrance of Jesus

Jesus was anointed with perfume by Mary of Bethany less than a week before He was crucified. She had poured an entire bottle, worth a year’s wages, on His head. It’s likely the fragrance of this perfume was still evident at the Last Supper. John smelled it when he laid his head on Christ’s chest. Judas smelled it when he betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Those who gambled for his garments, pressed a crown of thorns into His skull, and scourged Him with whips, could all likewise smell the fragrance of our sweet Savior… anointed for burial. Pilate smelled it as he passed judgment. Perhaps, even the thieves who hung on adjacent crosses smelled it as well. The fragrance of Jesus touches lives whether they realize it or not. Can you smell the fragrance of Jesus as He touches your life?

Giving Your Best

Have you ever been left speechless by someone’s generosity? It can make an unforgettable memory! I have a niece who went on a mission trip to Poland. After staying and ministering to a humble family there, as she was about to leave the country her hosts wanted to give her something to express their appreciation. What they did next was beyond her comprehension. They took the only picture they had in their modest home off the wall and gave it to her. It was their most prized possession. She was stunned…overwhelmed with emotion. Giving what you don’t need or want isn’t giving at all. It’s merely a garage sale. But, they had given her their best. It reminds us of Jesus, doesn’t it? He gave His best for us…His very life. It’s no wonder we feel best when we do the same.

God’s Life Goal

I’d like to believe the only reason someone doesn’t love God is because they don’t realize how worthy of our love He is. The Bible says, “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1John 4:19, NKJV) Once I realized how much God loved me, even liked me, me loving Him was a no-brainer. The God who created the Universe loves me! WOW! Nothing could top that! By receiving His love, I began to realize that His love wasn’t looking for limits. It was looking for outlets. God had sought me and found me and captured my heart. Now, I just want to share the love I’ve received from Him with those who have never experienced it. It’s become my life goal. For one very special reason: it was God’s life goal to first love me.

Living a Grateful Life

Compared to people around the world most Americans are rich. Tell someone from Cuba or Haiti you’re not rich. They don’t risk their lives to get here on rickety boats, across a treacherous ocean, because they’re into yachting!  A few years ago, a pastor friend helped some Russian Christians immigrate to the U.S. When he took them to a typical American supermarket, the family huddled in an aisle and said, with tears in their eyes, “Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think people could live like this.” Do you know what you have? Do you appreciate what you have? It’s been said, “you’ll never value what you’ll receive if you can’t appreciate what you already have.” When you and I live grateful lives, we’re seeing life as God intended.

Everything Worth Desiring

Though many American Christians are supernaturally, and even naturally “rich”, they have a “poverty mindset.” A person with a poverty mindset is afraid he won’t have enough if he gives. What does it make him do? It makes him close up. And as soon as the call comes to give, if we have a poverty mindset, our response will be, “I don’t have enough to give.” “I can’t afford it.” If God wants to make you a river of His blessing, why should you remain a stagnant pool of poverty? The “poverty mindset” has to be broken in us if we are going to ever do His will on Earth. Don’t look at your career or check book as your source, when the truth is God is the source for everything He’ll ever ask you to do.

Taking More Risks

Fifty people “95 and older” were asked, “If you had to live your life all over again, what would you do differently?” One of their primary responses was, “I’d take more risks.” Hmm? How revealing! But not surprising! If faith is one of the things that pleases God the most, is it any wonder that our stepping out in faith would please us as well? I was Jesus who said, “You’ll be happier giving!” (Acts 20:35) We are created in God’s image and likeness. We should therefore take more risks! Not foolish, impetuous risks, but embracing the Spirit-led opportunities God has written into His perfect script for us. The Bible says, “…we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

Needing Others

There’s one season of my life I rarely mention. I’m grateful it was a long time ago. I went through a period where I couldn’t take care of myself. I’d wake up in the middle of the night screaming. I was so incapable of meeting my most basic needs I had to rely on others to dress me, feed me, and even wash me. It lasted for well over a year. I was a baby! HA! How many of you went through the same thing? It’s the human condition. Whether we admit it or not, we all need other people. We all need to encourage and challenge one another, because none of us can make it on our own. The Bible says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a, NLT)

Don’t Give Up On People

Are their relationships in your life that need repair? I’ve found that most people have them. I once met a man who shared that he hadn’t seen his only son in twelve years. When I tried to comfort him, he shot back brashly, “It’s his loss, not mine!” Sad! He had invented an imaginary reality to soothe an unbearable sadness. I found it revealing that he knew exactly how long it had been since he had spoken to his son. I’m grateful that God can repair breaches, heal divisions, and reconcile relationships. The Bible calls Jesus the “repairer of the breach” (Isaiah 58:12). The Father sent Jesus to heal broken hearts (Luke 4:18), and He’s called each of us to be His “ministers of reconciliation.” (2Corinthians 5:18) I don’t want to stop loving people, because I know God will never stop loving me.

Facing Challenges

A mother was having a hard time getting her son to go to school. The son complained. “Nobody likes me at school. The teachers don’t like me. The kids don’t like me. The bus drivers hate me, and I don’t want to go.” His mother calmly insisted, “Honey, you’ve got to go to school! You’re healthy. You’ve still got a lot you need to learn, and there are many areas you can help others in. You’re a leader. And besides, you’re forty-nine years old, and you’re the principal.” It’s a funny story, but with a good point. All of us have to face things we don’t want to. But if we ask God to help us, we’ll be able to face any challenge that comes our way. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)

Real Friends

If you were in trouble, would there be anyone who could speak into your life? All of us need people who can. Though none of us want to be controlled, we should all see our need for accountability. Control is deciding what people can and can’t do. Accountability is giving an account of what a person has or has not already done. Control is more of a power issue. Accountability is an issue of integrity. Every one of us need people who can speak into our lives. To pray for us! To hold our feet to the fire! To provoke us to do the right things! Don’t surround yourself with only “Yes” people. We all need some “No!” folks as well. Many times we’ll see these are our real friends. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…” {Proverbs 27:6)

Individual Rights or Responsibility

Is anyone telling you the things you need to hear? It’s called accountability! In Russia, the best man in a wedding must sign the marriage register guaranteeing the union will last at least six months, or he’ll pay a fine. In boating, you are responsible for your own wake. Sadly, we live in a culture that focuses more on “individual rights” than “individual responsibility.” A young man was interviewed for a job as an usher in a movie theater. The manager asked him, “What would you do in case of a fire?” He replied, ”Aw, don’t worry about me. I’ll get out all right!” HA! The Goal in life is NOT to take care of your self. The Golden Rule isn’t: “He who has the gold rules!” It’s: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” (Luke 6:31, NLT)

Who’s Holding Your Rope?

There’s a true story about a boy who fell into a rushing river. A rope was brought, and the strongest swimmer in the village volunteered to rescue him. Tying one end of the rope around his waist, he threw the other end to the crowd and jumped into the river. When he grabbed the boy the crowded cheered. ”Pull in the rope!” he shouted over the swirling waters. The villagers looked around. ”Who’s holding the rope?” No one was holding the rope. In the excitement of watching the rescue the crowd had let the end of the rope slip into the water. Powerless to help, they watched both drown because no one had made it his business to hold the rope. Who’s holding the rope in your life, and whose life is in your hands?

Sharing Faults

Until I asked others to pray for me, I felt vulnerable . . . unsafe. I needed to be honest with those closest to me. I now believe the day I cease being willing to share my faults is the day my abundant Christian life is over. James, the brother of Jesus wrote, “Confess your sins (your faults) to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16) Being accountable to someone else is a matter of life and death. God knows we each have blind spots—things others see that we cannot. He knows we desperately need safe people to help us along the way. But if we refuse to let others in, one day we may fall down and be unable to get up.

What God Thinks About You

When you think about what God thinks of you, does it make you sad or glad? Your answer will define your whole life. Do you make God smile or frown? It’s not just possible to know the answer to this question, it is essential that we do. I’m convinced God makes a distinction between who I am to Him, and my sin. The sinful actions that distort my true identity do not and cannot separate me from His love. Frankly, there’s nothing I could ever do to make God love me more or less than He already does. Therefore, my feeling better about myself should never be based upon my performance. Yes, at times, I still sin! But, because Jesus died for my sins, my God-intended identity is not that of a sinner, but as a son.

Brothers Keepers

When a flock of crows invades a field of corn, the birds customarily station two sentries in a nearby tree to keep watch and warn the rest of any danger. Once, there were two people who succeeded in sneaking up on a flock of crows and scaring them before the sentries had given warning. The birds burst into flight, immediately attacking and killing the two sentries who had failed to warn the flock. Only then did they fly away. Each of us is responsible for others, and toothers. It is the life saving check and balance we each need. We are our brother’s keeper! So the following questions can rightly be asked, “Who is watching out for you?” and “Who has God placed in your life to watch over?”

God is Faithful

When people were asked what quality they would most desire in a spouse, and given the options of loving, affectionate, giving and faithful, more people chose faithful than all other options combined. Because faithfulness is the glue that keeps relationships together, it is likewise the first quality we want to see in others, and even God. The psalmist wrote, “Your faithfulness endures to all generations…” (Psalm 119:90, NKJV), and “Trust in the LORD…feed on His faithfulness.”(Psalm 37:3, NKJV) Faithfulness literally means firmness. It speaks of security, moral fidelity, stability, steadiness and truthfulness. As trust is the attitude we most need when relating to an invisible God, knowing He is faithful will keep us secure in Him no matter what struggles we are facing. Remain confident in God’s faithfulness every day.

Miracle in a Blizzard

One of the greatest miracles I ever experienced took place as a new Christian. I was driving across the northern U.S. in the middle of December with a young couple in a tiny, compact car. The wife was eight months pregnant. One night, we found ourselves in a blinding blizzard in a remote part of Wyoming. The cold and wind was so severe it stalled our car. Thinking we’d pulled off the highway sufficiently, the husband and I got out, leaving the expectant mom in the back seat. All of a sudden, with no driver, the car rolled forward, further off the road, about ten feet. Immediately, an 18-wheeler came barreling past us, missing the car by inches. We all knew God had saved our lives. Can you remember a time He did the same for you?

Faithfulness

Being a Christian is a marathon! Those who finish have one thing in common. They remained faithful! But, since we are all at times faithless, the one Person who can keep us faithful is the only One who truly is faithful…God Himself. The Bible says, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”(2 Timothy 2:13, NKJV) He cannot deny who He created us to be. Our unfaithfulness can’t dissolve God’s faithfulness. His faithfulness continually draws us back to Him. If we’ll let it, God’s faithfulness is designed to even transform us. It is one of the benefits of knowing Him. The fruit of God’s Spirit is faithfulness (Galatians 5:23). What does faithfulness to God look like? I believe it’s when we are committed to doing nothing without Him; then He can trust us to do His will.

Wrapping Kisses

A three-year old daughter used a whole roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight, and so her father got really upset with her. But the next morning, in spite of his reaction, she brought him the present she’d been wrapping. He was so embarrassed for overreacting. But his anger flared up again when he opened the box and found there was nothing inside. He scowled, ”Don’t you know that when you give someone a gift, there’s supposed to be something in it?” The little girl was crushed. With tears in her eyes she said, ”Oh Daddy, it’s not empty. I blew kisses into the box. All for you Daddy!” The father was so embarrassed. He put his arms around her and begged her forgiveness. He then kept the gold box by his bed for years.

Honoring Your Wife

When I had only been married for a few years a Christian leader challenged me for not listening to my wife. He said to her in my presence, “Your husband, because of his strength, doesn’t listen to you. But God’s going to dig in his ear, because He’s given you great wisdom.” It was a huge wake-up call! I’d been overpowering my wife with words our entire marriage. I didn’t realize that godly wives are given an intuitive sensitivity, and as husbands we need to draw from this reservoir of God-given wisdom. In Proverbs, when God speaks of wisdom, it is in a feminine context. He says, “She/wisdom calls aloud…” (Proverbs 1:20)Likewise, the Apostle Peter wrote: “Husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding.” (1Peter 3:7, NLT)

Speaking To Men

I once received a note from an anonymous man complaining about my Valentine’s weekend message. He wanted me to exhort the woman as strongly as I did the men. I didn’t follow his advice. It’s time for men to be men, and that means becoming the leaders of our families. It’s time for single men to become leaders of the women around them. Leading by example: that means laying down your life for your bride…your sister, just as Christ laid down His life for the Church. I’ve counseled enough men who refuse to lay down their lives for their brides. We live in a culture that encourages men to be predators and not protectors, to usewoman and not to honor them and treat them with respect. Men, lay down your lives for the beautiful women around you!

Marriage Is An Adventure

What every wife wished her husband knew: men are pursuers. Women are responders. Men are called to be the initiator. Women are made to respond. A wife wants to be pursued as valuable, as a priority. She has no interest in being part of a boring life! She longs for an adventure to share in, to be cherished and fought for. A wife feels devalued when no one’s fighting for her heart. But she wants to be more than noticed…she wants to be wanted. She doesn’t want to be the adventure. She wants to partner in an adventure, and not one that is past tense. Men, your wife wants you to lead spiritually. She gets frustrated when she has to lead you. Its time for you to be the priest of your home!

Listening For God

A man said to his friend, “Do you hear that cricket?” His friend responded, “Are you kidding, what cricket?” So he turned over a rock, and there it was. The man further explained, “All my life, I’ve been studying nature. And I’ve found you hear what you listen for!” Jesus said, “The one who belongs to God listens and responds to God’s words.” (John 8:47, NET) I believe God is speaking to each of us everyday, throughout our day. First, through His Word the Bible, but daily in our circumstances and challenges. At times, He will give us His thoughts with words of wisdom to answer questions and solve problems, and with words of knowledge, giving insights that only He could know. Jesus proclaimed, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27, NKJV)

A Love Relationship

All of us will go through heartache in our lives. For some of us, it’s a past experience. For others, it is a daily struggle—trying to get over our pain. Perhaps it’s a disappointment that won’t go away, an expectation that was crushed, or a loss that was devastating! Throughout history, God has demonstrated, on countless occasions, His desire for a relationship with each of us. He doesn’t want someone else to be a surrogate parent—not a pastor, a priest, a prophet, a judge, or a king. He has given each of us a loving, relational heart, and therefore refuses to farm out His love. Today, reach out to the One who loves you the most…the One who died forgiving you…who prays for you night and day…and who waits for you to want Him too.

Complete in Him Alone

What causes the dis-ease in our lives? What leaves us most unsettled? Fixation on self! Ours is the generation of a million options, each costing nothing. Effortless, temporary, shallow fulfillment at our fingertips! We can surf the illusion without breaking a sweat, making a commitment, or being loyal to anything but ourselves. It pre-conditions and hard-wires us for self-absorption; cherishing what appears to benefit “me” the most. The only hope for breaking this independent spirit and cycle of entitlement is embracing a pure dependence upon God alone. Since no one knows you better than God, only He can satisfy the inner longings He’s placed inside you. “…you are complete in Him,” and in Him alone. (Colossians 2:10, NKJV)

A Mother’s Prayers

My heart goes out to every mother who has a child far away from God. If that’s you, please don’t give up on them. I once read about a mother who prayed for her son to receive Jesus for 60 years. One week before she died, she received a long distance phone call saying that he’d given his heart to Jesus. My own mother prayed fervently for all of her children. I was especially lost. As a vehement atheist, I would laugh at her as she prayed over her food. But she had the last laugh. Though I was thousands of miles away, and she hadn’t seen me in nine months, I wandered into a little country church and received Jesus on Mother’s Day. Immediately, I knew it was because of her prayers. Never stop praying for your children!

God, the Promise Keeper

God is the original promise keeper. He is a God of covenant, who never makes a pledge He doesn’t keep, from now unto eternity. God is all about eternity! He makes promises! More importantly, He keeps promises! He always backs up His word, and doesn’t quit. He doesn’t give up on us. Ever! Today, God wants to make a covenant with you! A covenant based on who He is—love. God is love! Others may forsake us, but God never will! His love never fails! The Bible promises, “He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:9, NLT) God pledges to love us with an everlasting love. All we have to do is receive it.

Suzie, I Won’t Fail You

When I married my wife Suzie in November 1975, I made a commitment to be faithful to her. I even wrote and sang a song to her on our wedding day with the chorus, “Suzie, I won’t fail you! Come draw near!” Why did I write this? Because I had not been a faithful man before committing my life to Jesus in 1972. I was reassuring myself, and Suzie, that I intended to be true to her all the days of her life. Though I had little confidence in myself, I believed God would give me the strength I needed. Now, many years later I’ve found my failures don’t define me. Instead, by receiving God’s forgiving grace, “I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” (2Timothy 1:12, NLT)

God, Our Provider

Have you seen God provide for your needs? All of us have, though like me, we can often forget. This temporary amnesia can even cause us to entertain lies about God’s heart for us. Unless we are fully convinced that God will provide for our needs, we’ll make decisions for our lives out of fear, doubt, and unbelief! One of God’s names in the Bible is “Jehovah-Jireh”. It means “God—my provider”. The Bible says, “God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19, NIV) Since some of our needs are wants, of course we won’t get everything we want. But, as a loving, all-powerful Father, God promises to provide for each of our genuine needs. Wait for God’s provision! He won’t fail you!

Decision-making

Who is the author of your decisions? God? Or you? Frankly, I’ve learned to try and not make decisions. For years, whenever I had a strong preference, I’d get in trouble. So, I solved it. Now, I want my only preference to be God’s will. Consequently, I experience far less pressure. As soon as I begin to personalize my situation—my circumstances, I take charge and run ahead of God, rather than flow with His Spirit. It doesn’t make any difference if my preference is a “good thing” or a “bad thing,” unless God authors it, He won’t finish it. As a result; I’ve learned to spend my time focusing on obeying God, leaving my personal preferences aside. Trust God! He will guide your every step, if you’ll let Him.

Friends of God

The world is full of both cat lovers and dog lovers. Both are special creatures created by God to bless us. Cats and dogs lick, love and are equally loyal. They comfort us through the great catastrophes of life. But, I want us to consider for a moment that there is indeed a difference between a dog and a cat. Have you ever heard of a “Seeing-Eye Cat”, or seen a sign saying, “Guard Cat or Watch Cat on Duty”? A dog will defend you till the death, that’s why a dog alone is called “man’s best friend.” In the Bible, Abraham was called a “friend of God.” I don’t know anyone else who was given that honor, except, of course, you and I. (Matthew 11:19, John 15:14) If you’ve given your life to Jesus – then you should know God considers you His friend. (John 15:15)

Starting Slow Spiritually

Do you feel like you’ve had a slow start in your spiritual life? One of the greatest followers of God, Abraham did as well. Early in his life he disobeyed God, was a liar, and even deceived others. His life and future was a roll of the dice. But then the lights came on. God turned up the heat and forged his metal. He became a man of integrity, honor, and faith. The Bible says, “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8, NLT) You don’t have to know where you are going in order to follow God. All you have to do is rest in Him and trust that He knows.

Qualities of a Friend

Do you have close friends? All of us need healthy friendships. But the Bible says, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV) The only way to have a friend is to be a friend. So, what are the qualities of a true friend? A true friend will tell you the truth, whether you want to hear it or not. A true friend will help you when you’re in trouble. It’s been said, “In prosperity our friends know us. But, in adversity we know our friends.” Lastly, a true friend fulfills his commitments. God has fulfilled every commitment to us He has ever made. Though we all fail, and others fail us, how we respond to failure is perhaps the greatest test in life. “…though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Being a Parent

As parents, we’re responsible to teach our children to do the right thing, in spite of the consequences. One of our daughters had a friend in high school that would sneak off to have dangerous liaisons with strange guys. When we requested our daughter tell the girl’s parents, she got upset because she knew the girl would ostracize her at school. She did do the right thing, but paid a heavy price. Years later the rebellious girl wrote our daughter and said, “My life’s a mess, and you were the only true friend I ever had!” We compromise our children’s future, when we lack the love and backbone to do what’s right. Sure, we lost our daughter’s approval for a little while, but we gained her respect and eternal gratitude by teaching her how to love even when it hurts.

God Cares About Little Things

God cares about little things. It is He alone who holds every molecule in the Universe together. God cares about little things, and He asks us to do the same. Jesus said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? (Luke 16:10-12, NLT) The answer is: you shouldn’t. The success of each of our lives will come down to being like Jesus, and that will always involve how we respond to the seemingly insignificant circumstances and unimportant people in our lives.

Choosing Light Over Darkness

Is your life empty? The beginning of the Book of Genesis says that when God created the world, “The earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness. And the Spirit of God was hovering over its surface.” (Genesis 1:2, NLT) That reminds me of my own life before I surrendered to Jesus: formless, cloaked in darkness. But as in the creation account, God’s Spirit hovered over my empty life. “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3, NLT) Choosing light over darkness is always our choice, for without a choice there can be no true love. God wants a Bride who desires Him, not a shotgun wedding! When I was a suicidal atheist God was hovering over my life. Even now God wants to fill our emptiness, but it will always be our choice to choose light over darkness.

Value of Tough Times

Have you ever noticed, no matter how much you have, it seems like it’s not enough? Consider this? Which is worse: being overwhelmed because you have too much, or being underwhelmed because you have too little? Ever heard the expression, “spoiled rotten?” The truth is, the lean seasons in our lives are not an accident. They are divinely prepared by a loving God to produce the most growth and lasting fruit. Each of us needs to experience tough times in order to appreciate abundance when it comes. God’s not stingy, He’s just a good Dad who knows the future before it happens, and differentiates between what we want and what we really need. “…the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3-4, NIV)

The Only Light People See

What do people see in us? The Bible says, “…God made two great lights, the sun and the moon…” (Genesis 1:16a, NLT) Jesus, like the sun, is the greater light that doesn’t reflect…He imparts. On the other hand, we are the lesser light, the moon. We merely reflect the light of the sun. We have no light within us! Without God, we reflect and impart nothing of eternal value. Yet, Jesus encourages us, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14, NLT) If Jesus is our Lord, then we are called to be a light in a world lost in darkness. As moons, we can only reflect the light of the sun, Jesus. In a world full of darkness, we are even brighter than distant suns. We may be the only light people ever see.

My #1 Responsibility

In our hectic, stressed out world, most of us are probably deprived of one thing more than any other. It’s called rest. Yet, even God on the seventh day, having finished creating the heavens and the earth rested from all His work. God didn’t need to rest because He was tired. He didn’t have to rest to catch His breath. God rested in order to show us how we need to live as well. Good fathers are constantly modeling how to live for their children. I don’t have to wait until I’m tired before I rest. Part of our destiny is to learn how to rest in Jesus. I’ve come to believe that my #1 responsibility is to be so at rest that when people see me they feel like they’re looking into the face of Jesus.

Healthy Companions

The first time God mentions something “not good” in the Bible is when He says, “It is NOT good for the man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18, NLT) So, how does God solve this dilemma? The next verse tells us, “I will make a companion who will help him.” We all need a companion, whether a spouse or a friend, it’s not good for us to be alone! It may not surprise you to hear that the most violent, sociopathic men in history have all been loners. None of us were created to be alone. Whether by marriage or in social settings we’re not designed for isolation. Psalm 68 says that “God places the lonely, the solitary, in families.” (Psalm 68:6, NLT) The only way to fill the loneliness we all face is to have a personal relationship with God and healthy companions.

In the Sweet By and By

A dear friend across the country had someone we both loved struggling near death. As we shared about why God would allow those we cherish to suffer so, we considered this comforting thought. Because we love so deeply, and are so attached to loved ones staying with us, we need to be made willing to loosen our grip. Seeing them suffer makes us finally release them into the arms of Jesus and into eternity. The Bible says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15, NKJV) As the songwriter wrote, “There’s a land that is fairer than day, and by faith we can see it afar; for the Father waits over the way to prepare us a dwelling place there. In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.” (Sanford F. Bennett, 1868)

Never Give Up On Anyone

Memorial Day is about those who gave their life for our country. Tragically, over the past few years, more soldiers are taking their own lives at home then have died in combat. There seems to be an epidemic of post-traumatic stress disorder and other war-trauma conditions afflicting those who have seen too much of war. It’s no wonder the occupation Forbes Magazine calls the “most stressful job” in America is service in the military. One of my mottos in life is, “I never want to give up on anyone.” I have it because I’ve experienced others giving up on me. If you know of someone who’s been ravaged by the trauma of war, do all you can to help him or her. Pray for their families and remember what Proverbs says, “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)

Are You Spoiled?

There’s an epidemic that’s gripped America’s children over the past few decades. We used to call it being spoiled, but the term coined today is “entitlement.” Let’s see if you’re infected by it. Do you follow rules and cooperate with suggestions? Do you respond to “no,” “stop,” or other commands? Do you protest everything? Do you know the difference between your needs and wants? Do you insist on having your own way? Do you make unfair or excessive demands of others? Do you respect other people’s rights? Do you try to control people? Do you have a low tolerance for frustration? Do you frequently whine or throw emotional tantrums? Do you complain about being bored? If you’ve said “Yes” to many of these then I would challenge you to reevaluate your life, to humble yourself, and to ask God to change your heart.

Mellow

When I was a hippy, before becoming a follower of Jesus, I would pride myself on being laid back, using the common vernacular back then. I was “mellow.” When I finally made Jesus the Lord of my life I looked up the word “mellow” and found out quite humorously that it is defined as “the last stage before rotting.” HA! It was truer than I wanted to admit. In the Book of John, Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.” (John 14:27, NLT) No matter how “mellow” I thought I was, I lacked the eternal peace only God can give. True peace comes from one Person alone, God Himself: the “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Life Beyond Our Wildest Dreams

I recently went to see a movie that featured such blatantly evil coming attractions it made me want to cry. The world has a romantic fixation with evil. It is as Jesus said, “Light has come into the world, but people LOVED darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19, NIV) Why is there such a fascination with vampires, witches, warlocks, aliens, demons, skulls, the paranormal, the supernatural, other worlds, fantasy, and comic book super heroes? Why do we substitute illusion for true intimacy? It is because deep down we know we are capable of so much more. We long for life beyond our wildest dreams: true goodness, supernatural power, becoming all God created us to be and do, but only God can fulfill these longings, for He alone planted them in us!

Four Convictions of Centennials

A study was done that determined the four convictions people who live to 100 years old adhere to. I believe each have a spiritual counterpart. First: being optimistic and having a positive attitude. Paul the Apostle wrote, “…He who has begun a good work in you will complete it” (Philippians 1:6, NKJV) Secondly: continuing to be engaged with purpose, vision, and activity. “For where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18, NKJV) Thirdly: staying flexible and involved in physical activity. In God’s creation we can see that trees, which are healthy, have flexible branches. And lastly: learning to deal with loss. Paul again wrote, “…For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8, ESV) Isn’t it fascinating that people live longer who practice these biblical principles.

Asking God

George Washington Carver once asked God to tell him about the universe.  According to Carver, the Lord replied, “George, the universe is just too big for you to understand. Suppose you let Me take care of that.” Humbled by this response, Carver replied, “Lord, how about a peanut?” The Lord said, “Now, George, that’s something your own size. Go to work on it and I’ll help you.”  When George Washington Carver was done studying the peanut, he had discovered over 300 products. He believed it was all because he asked God’s advice. All of us need God’s wisdom, that’s why James wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all…” (James 1:5, ESV) and later he said, “you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (James 4:2, NLT)

Flawed…Needing a Savior

I am unable to present my life, or my fellow believer’s lives, as more whole than they really are. This would make me no better than the Pharisees of old. My only honest option is to acknowledge the obvious: I am a flawed man desperately in need of a gracious Savior to rescue me, and an all wise Lord to rule over my soul and spirit. In order for this to happen I must turn myself in daily, living a transparent life that embarrasses and costs me the most. I must do all I can to undo the false premise that as a leader I am in some way less of a sinner and more of a saint than those I serve. The ground is level at the Cross. I must kneel at the feet of Jesus, finding the forgiveness and strength to not cope out living a lie, saying words that cost me nothing. He gave His all, and so must I.

Seeking God’s Approval

God has planned many tests for each of us; each designed to draw us closer to Him. The Bible says that when Moses had come of age he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Why? Was he a fool? He could have been counted amongst Egypt’s rulers, given his own gold coffin, and maybe even had a pyramid named after him, but Moses refused to follow the decadence of the Egyptian culture. He knew, you can not be a true follower of God and simultaneously follow the world. Though Moses never made it to the Promised Land, the Book of Revelation says that in eternity they will sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. Paul said, “I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.” (Galatians 1:12, NLT)

Judging Your Secret Life

A famous football player provides each of us an excellent example of the level of integrity followers of Jesus should have, even in private. He said, “When I’m working out alone, I expect every bit as much from myself as I do when coaches or teammates or workout partners are watching. No shortcuts. No cheating. No manipulating. No rationalizing. I know that nobody’s watching. I know that no one would ever know… I want to know I have done everything I needed to do to prepare myself… I can allow no shortcuts, not even in private.” WOW! That sounds like a great goal for each of us. What I am in private, is what I am! The Bible says, “…the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.” (Romans 2:16, NLT)

Nothing is Hidden

One of the greatest incentives for not doing something you know is wrong is never losing sight of the absolute fact that you will be caught, there will be severe consequences, and you will always regret having done it. Moses thought no one was watching when the Bible says, “…he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” (Exodus 2:12, NKJV) Just because Moses saw no one, didn’t mean he hadn’t been seen. He then fled for his life and lived in a desert for 40 years. The Book of Hebrews says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13, NIV) Truly, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)

Usefully Useless

One of the most difficult realities all true followers of Jesus face is that we are often most useful to God when we feel most useless. When God said to Paul, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul then wisely responded, “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2Corinthians 12:9, NLT) Think of the Bible’s greatest comebacks. From God’s perspective aged Abraham and Sarah were prime candidates for having a baby. Exiled, disgraced, and broken Moses was the perfect choice to deliver the Israelites. Childless and desperate Hannah was perfectly suited to become the mother of the great prophet Samuel. The Kingdom of God is often counter-intuitive, most clearly seen in the God of the Universe becoming a man.

Obedience Brings Blessing

All of us will need to be healed at some point in our lives, whether in spirit, soul or body. One action in the Bible that always precedes healing is obedience. After the children of Israel were delivered from the Egyptians and miraculously passed through the Red Sea, the Lord gave them a promise, “I am the Lord who heals you.” The prerequisite for this magnificent statement is found in the previous verse. “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I brought on the Egyptians.” (Exodus 15:26, NKJV) Though we may not see it or understand it, obeying God always brings blessing, healing and deliverance.

Expecting the Unexpected

What does the healthy Christian life look like? It will always look…unfamiliar… unexpected. If you and I keep experiencing the same challenges and adventures in our Christian life it probably means we are going in a circle. God never eats leftovers, and He doesn’t watch reruns. Neither should we! Those who truly follow Him can expect the unexpected. In the Old Testament, the children of Israel had soon forgotten the miseries of Egypt. They would have exchanged the familiar slavery of their past for the uncertain freedom of their future. Isn’t that just like us? As in the case of Lot’s wife, we look back even though we know there’s nothing there. Paul’s advice is always so appropriate. He said, “…one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (Philippians 3:13, NIV)

Practical Atheists

Are you a practical atheist? Do you believe in God, but for all practical purposes, don’t really believe He will do anything supernatural in your life or the lives of others? Supernatural things like healing, deliverance, and even victory over temptation? Even still, God’s Word and promises are true! It is impossible for Him to lie. (Hebrews 6:18) And here are two scriptures WORTH believing: Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has…sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free…” (Luke 4:18, NIV) “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1Corintians 10:13, ESV)

So Much Pain

Are you overwhelmed with pain… overcome by discouragement…drowning in fear of the future…held captive by bondages and addictions? Our world is filled with so much pain. Only God knows how much! And He cares! Even at this moment, He wants to help us. We are not alone! The Bible says, “because Jesus lives forever…he is able…to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” (Hebrews 7:24-25, NLT) Jesus “…understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:15-16, NLT) Pray to Jesus! He will meet you at your point of greatest need.

True vs. False Peace

How can I tell when I am slipping backward spiritually? There are a few ways to know. When I am willing to live on yesterday’s manna, that is yesterday’s revelations from God, and not pursue a daily relationship with His Spirit and Word. When I keep looking to my flesh, my old carnal nature for comfort, rather than to the God of ALL comfort. And lastly, when I long for the temporary peace the world provides, more than the lasting peace that comes from God alone. The Bible says, “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2, ESV) Jesus assured, “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27, ESV) And Paul the Apostle wrote, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.” (2Thessalonians 3:16, ESV)

Resurrection Life

Do you long to know God? He certainly longs to know you! He wants to give you life beyond your wildest dreams. God’s dreams are better than ours because He chooses what’s best for us, out of all options. God offers us abundant life, but you’ll have to die to get it…that is, die to yourself and your own will. Specifically, you’ll have to die to what is most important to you in order to receive what is most important to Him. We know God is really our God and not someone or something else when we passionately pursue Him. He promises, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, NASB) Resurrection life, Jesus died to give it to you, and it’s yours for the asking!

A Warmed and Glowing Life

Moses was warmed in the presence of God. He even glowed! The burning bush warmed him! The burning mountain made him glow! The fire of God illuminates everyone who longs to see Him, and reveals transforming truth found only in His Word. The world can be a cold, dark place, with little warmth and even less light. Some dream of glowing for their 15-minutes of fame…others find warmth in false comforts. But eventually, without a relationship with our loving Creator, all warmth and glow fades. Today let God warm your heart! He alone offers those who follow Him a warmth and glow that lasts forever. The Bible says, “…those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3, ESV)

Receiving God’s Promise

Do you struggle with doubts and fears? All of us at times do! When the ten spies refused to enter the Promised Land because of the giants, they wandered for decades and died without receiving their inheritance. Joshua and Caleb overcame their fears, doubts and unbelief and received all God had promised. If we trust Jesus to help us overcome, we can conquer any obstacle. But, if we refuse to believe that God can free us from these bondages then we will wander in a spiritual wilderness. We are created to conquer the giants that keep us from becoming all God intended. We are called to receive our inheritance, to live in the land God promised. The Bible says, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36, NIV)

Waiting vs. Instant

Did you ever notice how waiting always takes longer than you’d like it to? I can’t believe how slow “fast food” is. What I really want is: “instant food,” “instant blessings,” “instant peace.” While you’re at it, can you throw in some “instant maturity” and “instant character.” Though surveys show most people would like “instant fame” and “instant wealth,” nothing eternal ever comes instantly. God’s never in a rush! Ever! There’s no such thing as “time-lapse maturity.” No shortcuts, only “detours.” The Bible says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25-26, ESV) When we wait on God, our hearts grow larger and we learn to fully lean on Him, for He alone has what we need.

#1 Regret of the Dying

A nurse spent several years caring for patients during the last 12 weeks of their lives. She found the most common regret of those who were dying was: “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” She recounted, “When people realize that their life is almost over…it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.” (Bronnie Ware’s Book: The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.) One of the most wonderful affects of realizing God loves us just the way we are, is that it then gives us the liberty to be just that. The Psalmist wrote, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14, ESV)

True Romance

We were made for romance! People roam far and wide to find it. Romance has been defined as “a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.” Wow! Excitement! Mystery! True love! Sounds like something everyone would want. That’s because everyone does want it. We were made to have an exciting, adventurous love relationship with our Creator. He wants to romance you! To sweep you off your feet! To take you to heavenly places, places He created with you in mind. Don’t chase after natural love that will always fade, pursue the Lover you were created for, Who says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV) “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1John 4:10, NIV)

Touching Jesus

What does to it take to be healed? Desperate faith! Only those who hunger and thirst after what God considers righteous are filled. One day, as Jesus was walking to meet a need, someone considered an outcast and unclean reached out and touched Him. The Bible recounts the story, “Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’” (Matthew 9:20-21, NIV) Jesus knows when we touch Him. He always knows what we are thinking. Her desperate faith in Jesus made her whole! Have you been bleeding over something that was lost, or wounded by a past hurt or offense? Reach out and touch Jesus. He longs to heal you!

Passion

Are you bored with your life? So many people are dissatisfied with their jobs and even their life. Our society is bored to death! A recent Gallup poll found that seven out of 10 workers have “checked out” at work or are “actively disengaged.” (Gallup, June 2013) Only 30 percent of workers “were engaged, or involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to their workplace.” They’ve lost their passion for life! Webster’s defines passion as an “intense driving or overmastering conviction; an ardent affection, and a strong devotion…” Life without passion is like a bird that can’t fly. We were made to fly! To soar to new heights with the God of the universe! To see what we’ve never seen! If we can see our lives from God’s perspective, we will never be bored!

Eternal Reunions

If you are hurting from the pain of abortion I completely understand how you feel.  I myself had two abortions before I met Jesus, and though I have two beautiful daughters, I have no sons. I am so grateful that I have been forgiven and have experienced much healing in this area. Years ago, God showed me these lost children were sons and even gave me names for them: Noah and Caleb. One day my wife and I were on a hike with two of our grandchildren. Since our walk was in the snowy off-season, no one was around. We were stunned to run into a couple with two boys whose names were, you guessed it, Noah and Caleb. It affirmed once again, that in eternity we will see the children we have lost on Earth.

Struggles Are Normal

Are you going through great struggles that never quite seem to let up? Does it mean you are out of the will of God? Absolutely not! It may mean quite the opposite. The Bible says, “…do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1Peter 4:12-13, ESV) God has divinely prepared intense challenges for each of our lives that will bring out the best in us, and not the worst, if we see them from His perspective, respond well, and allow Him to lead us through them. As the Psalmist wrote, “I have never seen the godly abandoned…” (Psalm 37:25, NLT)

God Sees, Hears, and Approves

When a girl dresses up and shows off her beauty, she’s saying, “Do you see me? Do you hear me? Do I have your approval?” When a boy plays a game, sport, or a musical instrument, they look for the same thing. We all want to know we are seen, heard and approved of. God has placed these desires in us. The Lord said to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV) The Psalmist likewise wrote, “You saw me before I was born… How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.” (Psalm 139: 16, 17) Even Jesus needed assurance “…a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:17, NIV) Today, if Jesus is your Lord: God sees you, hears you and approves of you.

Freedom and Truth

There’s no shortage of people talking about freedom and truth. But, may we never forget what freedom and truth really are, and where they come from. Freedom and truth come from God alone. Worldly seductions bring a temporary sense of freedom that always leads to bondage and depression. Man’s attempts to redefine and then repackage truth only results in deception and lies. Truth that transforms requires the compassionate courage to believe and do what God intended would set us free. Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32, NLT) Accept no earthly substitutes for truth and freedom. They are only real if they are Heaven sent!

The Cost of Love

Love will always cost us. Without sacrifice, there is no love. We will end up using others or being used. Love can never be unconscious. We must be fully awake to give of ourselves. Only then can those we love sense the genuineness of our care. When a relationship lacks conscious effort, a person feels taken for granted. Much of what people call love in our culture is really lust, costing little or nothing. The Message Bible says, “This is the kind of love we are talking about-not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.” (1John 4:10, The Message) God, who is love, paid the ultimate price by laying down His life for each of us.

How To Get Prayers Answered

All of us would like our prayers to be answered. But, if what we are doing keeps God from answering them, changing is our only hope. The Message Bible says, “…husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should, so your prayers will not be hindered.” (1Peter 3:7, The Message) Is it possible that one of the reasons our prayers are not answered is because we don’t listen to our wives. The word “honor” here means to value and esteem, to consider her precious. After God, my wife is #1 in my life. When I love and honor her, she is more willing to join in agreement to see our prayers answered.

What Albert Einstein Didn’t Know

Albert Einstein once wrote, “Every one of us appears here involuntarily and uninvited, for a short stay, without knowing why. To me it is enough to wonder at the secrets.” Hmm? It sounds intriguing, but really quite sad. Einstein, one of the most intelligent men of all time, admitted he was stumped: that he didn’t know the origin or meaning of life. It was enough for him to wonder at the secrets. If only he’d exercised the mustard seed of faith each of us are given, and believed God’s Word, he would have known the origin of the universe! The Bible says, “God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see… Everything has been created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16,17) Now, that’s not just intriguing…that’s the truth!

God Takes Pleasure in You

Do you believe that God takes pleasure in you? The Bible says, “…the Lord takes pleasure in His people…” (Psalm 149:4, NKJV) If you are a committed follower of Jesus Christ, then God takes pleasure in you. You could even personalize this scripture and say, “I know God takes pleasure in me!” If you believe that God has ever been pleased with you, then he still is. You say, “But I’ve done some really rotten things since then!” Let’s see: Did God know you were going to do those rotten things in the future when he was pleased with you in the past? Of course He did! How would your life change if you walked around everyday fully convinced that, at any given moment, God is taking pleasure in you rather than constantly critiquing or judging you? This I know, God takes pleasure in me.

Something Out Of Nothing

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, says that God created the Universe. What a simple truth, and yet not everyone believes it. I myself was an atheist for seven years before receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Jean-Paul Sartre, the well-known existentialist author, and adamant atheist believed the “loss of God” should not be mourned. Sartre stated the main problem with all philosophy is that “there is ‘something,’ instead of ‘nothing’.” Hmm? “Something instead of nothing!” That is a real problem, especially for atheists, existentialists, and evolutionists. You would think an objective person would realize if you have “something” it couldn’t come from “nothing.” The Bible affirms this logic when it says, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” (Hebrews 11:3, NIV)

Feeling Like a Loser

At certain points, each of us feels like a loser. Bible characters felt the same way. Adam had serious problems with his marriage and children. Noah preached for 120 years, but didn’t have one convert. Moses couldn’t speak well. Elijah battled depression, and melted under pressure. Jonah refused to obey God. Peter had a bad temper, even cursed and behaved like a loose cannon. Yet, each of them fulfilled the will of God, after majoring in failure. When Jesus said, “It is finished…” (John 19:30, NKJV) before dying on the cross, He was acknowledging that His mission was complete. Having lived a sinless life, He had become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. If you can believe this, and trust Jesus alone to save you, you’ll never have completely failed, because true success is found in Christ alone.

Finding Mr. Right

As a pastor, I’m asked all the time how to find the perfect person to marry? Truth is, you’ll probably never find him…or her. Marriage is not so much finding the right person, as it is being the right person. And that usually takes a lifetime of willingness to change yourself, more than trying to change your spouse. Frankly, it’s a lot easier to learn to accept someone else, than to change them. The Psalmist didn’t write, “Create in my spouse a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within her.” (Psalm 51:10, ESV) He prayed for his own heart to be transformed. It’s really the only strategy that works! Concentrate on changing yourself, and count it a miracle, and an extraordinary blessing if your spouse changes at all. “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” (Psalm 139:23, ESV)

Devalued, Depersonalized, and Discarded

Mark Twain wrote, “There is something fascinating about science. One gets such wholesale returns of conjectures out of such a trifling investment in facts.” Though quite funny, it also has a good measure of truth. If human beings evolved from nothing, without any eternal purpose, then there really is no point to life. Sadly, it turns a prince into a frog! On the other hand, if we are created in the image and likeness of God, then we have each been given eternal value from a loving, all-powerful Creator. The Bible says, “All things were made through him (through Jesus), and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3, ESV) Without valuing life as God intended, relationships become disposable, babies are aborted, sex is trivialized, and people are ultimately devalued, depersonalized, and eventually discarded.

Initiative

One of the qualities I look for in those I want to labor with is sometimes hard to find. It’s called initiative. Initiative has been defined as “The aptitude to introduce change; to act first. The ability to overcome static inertia and take the lead. Acting prior to the influence of group momentum by setting a course of behavior for others to follow.” WOW! What a concept! Introducing change! Acting first, prior to the group! Setting a course for others to follow! Those are tremendous leadership qualities. God’s looking for each of us to become that kind of person. Why? Because He’s that kind of person! We were created to be conformed to His image and likeness. The Bible says, “…we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37, NKJV) In what area does God want you to take initiative?

Jealousy

Are you struggling with jealousy? The root of jealousy is fear…the fear of being replaced, discarded, no longer needed or valued. Perhaps the most tragic part of being jealous is that we cease seeing our lives from God’s perspective. Others may replace us, but no one can take our place in the eyes of God. And in the end, that’s all that really matters. He has made each of us a one-of-a-kind original. When we get our eyes back on God we clearly see who we are created to be. As the psalmist wrote, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14a, ESV) Embracing God’s passionate love for you and focusing on who you are to Him, is the best cure for the dead end called: jealousy.

Broken Over Sin

Is your heart broken over things you have done? Are you troubled that you made such a tragic mistake? Though our heart should always be saddened by the sins we have committed, we should not be upset if our heart breaks over our sin. It is only in seeing the depth of our need for Jesus and His extravagant love and forgiveness that we can live a life running toward God and away from destructive behaviors that only lead to regret. A sure sign of deep repentance is always gratitude—a deeper understanding and appreciation of how serious our sin condition is, and how it cost the death of Jesus to rescue us. As He said, only He who is forgiven much, can truly love much. (Luke 7:47)

Recovering From Loss

Every one of us will experience setbacks and disappointments—even devastating losses. How we respond to these heartbreaking situations will determine whether we will lead victorious or defeated lives. Our ability to recover from loss will directly affect our peace of mind. Our speed in recovering from loss will even determine our level of joy. I have found in my own life it’s not only possible to respond faster to life’s devastations, it’s God’s will for my life. I can spend hours, days, months and even years wallowing in disappointments, or I can wade through them in a much shorter period of time. So, what should you do now? Don’t dwell on the time you’ve wasted. Commit to focusing on Jesus and the good He is doing right now.

Breaking the Cycle of Misuse

I want to break the cycle of misuse in my life…the misuse of my God-given time, talents, and treasures. I want to break old patterns and start new ones, to uproot bad seeds and sow good ones. I may try to ignore the law of sowing and reaping, but it won’t ignore me. It will keep growing until I address it! Like our national debt, ignoring it won’t make it go away. Though we all sense our propensity to lose and do what’s wrong, we are created to end up winners. That’s it: I’m a winner who’s learning to respond well to loss. The Bible encourages us, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57. ESV)

Seeds

All of us have inherited some good seed and some bad seed. Each seed planted in our lives has had a harvest, once again, either good or bad. In turn, we each sow our own seeds. Every conviction we have, or don’t have, is a seed. Every attitude we harbor in our heart is a seed. Every response to life’s circumstances is a seed. Every word we speak and action we take is a seed. Your response to what you are hearing right now is likewise a seed. This seedtime and harvest principle will last our entire lives, so be aware of the seeds you are planting, even today. The Bible says, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22, ESV)

Reaping a Good Harvest

Can you see the value of what God’s doing in your life? If you don’t like your harvest, change your seed. The Bible says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8, ESV) The Bible wouldn’t say, “don’t be deceived” if it was unlikely. No one says, “watch out for lightning bolts!” Because there’s an extremely low probability you’d be hit by one. But the deception of forgetting or ignoring the fact that we will reap what we sow is always common. All of us have naively thought we wouldn’t reap a certain harvest until reality finally got our complete attention.

Leaders

Want to know one thing the church and the culture are really in need of? Leaders! Faithful, godly, servant leaders! What’s the #1 reason there are so few? One word: fear! The fear of leading isn’t new. Everyone fights it. From feeble Lot, who lost his family’s respect and became incapable of leading them, to outspoken Peter, warming himself by the fires of the world, denying Jesus, and weeping bitterly. At times we have to hate what we have become in order to embrace what we are meant to be. It will take courage to be a rescuer in this age of rampant numbness! It will take even more courage to first reject numbness in myself. The Bible says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)

The Decline and Fall of Rome

We can learn a lot from tragic patterns in history, especially so that we don’t repeat them. In the book, “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,” Edward Gibbon describes five contributing factors to Rome’s demise. The rapid increase of divorce; higher taxes, and spending public monies for free bread and circuses for the populace; the mad craze for pleasure—with sports becoming increasingly more brutal; building a massive military when the real enemy was within—the decadence of the people. And lastly, the decay of religion—faith fading into mere form, losing touch with life and becoming incapable of warning and guiding the citizens of Rome. Certainly, we see these factors in our culture as well, and give us reason for fervent prayer and humble reflection.

Sowing In Obedience

Many years ago, my wife Suzie and I were confronted with a perplexing decision. A businessman had taken funds from his company’s pension fund in order to give us a $25,000 contribution. Though it was a debt we didn’t owe, we believed God wanted us to pay it back. Being financially strapped ourselves, we were only able to give the company $150 a month. We did this for 11 years, prayerfully sowing the much-needed funds as an act of obedience. With 2 1/2 years left, I shared the story for the first time during a weekend message. The next morning, we received a letter saying the company had been dissolved, and that we didn’t need to make any further payments. The letter had been in the mail as I spoke and was such a sweet example of how God always honors obedience.

Athanasius

Do you know the name of the courageous man who first selected the 27 books in the New Testament? The one who spent 17 years in exile fighting heresy within the Church. His name was Athanasius, a short, dark-skinned Egyptian bishop, exiled five times by four Roman emperors. In the end, however, his theological enemies were the ones banished, and his writings shaped the future of the church. Why did he select these 27 books? Because they each affirmed that Jesus Christ was both God and man. Salvation was the real issue: only someone fully human could atone for human sin; only someone fully divine could have the power to save us. The Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…and the Word became flesh.” (John 1:1,14, NKJV)

Jonathan Edwards

Is it possible to pursue holiness and scholarship at the same time…to expand both your heart and head? Jonathan Edwards did! He graduated with a master’s degree from Yale when he was just 19. At 17, he said holiness was revealed to him as a ravishing, divine beauty. His heart panted “to lie low before God, as in the dust; that I might be nothing, and that God might be all, that I might become as a little child.” Intellect and the pursuit of holiness characterized Edward’s entire life. Yet, Edwards insisted that true religion is rooted in receiving affection from God, and then offering our affection in return, not in reason. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8, NKJV)

Evil People

Why doesn’t God punish evil people, swiftly and justly? Why are they allowed to hurt and destroy. The question can best be answered when we consider an evil person we each personally know. Someone we’ve grown up with. We’ve seen, not just their actions, but know intimately their motives. Someone like…us! I am most familiar with an evil person called “me.” The Bible says, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NKJV) How many of you would like God to punish you quickly? Frankly, when it comes to me, I’m more a fan of mercy than judgment. As the Bible teaches, “God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…” (Ephesians 2:4-5, NKV)

The Goal of Sowing Seed

Here’s a great goal in life: get as much good seed into the ground as possible. Your seed will always determine your harvest, whether good or bad, and we all should expect a harvest! Would you consider a farmer presumptuous for expecting the land he’s sowed seed into to bear fruit? Similarly, wouldn’t it be absurd to expect a harvest from a piece of land you’ve sowed nothing into? All of us are sowing something and we are reaping something as well. I believe it’s fair to say, “You and I will reap exactly what we have sown.” Embrace the challenges that come your way, and your response to them as a seed. Seeing them as appointments or dis-appointments is always our choice. Take some time to reflect each day on the seeds you’re sowing.

Augustine

There’s power in a praying Mom! Though Augustine’s Mom was a zealous Christian, he chose partying over following her faith. Later, he became a star professor of secular philosophies. But his Mom continued to pray and plead to God for her wayward son. Eventually he acknowledged, “The evil in me was foul.” Reading the Bible, combined with the death of his mother, son, and a close friend brought him to a deeper place of surrender. He wrote, “Mankind is divided into two sorts: such as live according to man, and such as live according to God.” With the destruction of both the culture and church a genuine threat in his day, Augustine responded with such wisdom, his writings are considered some of the church’s most important documents after the Bible itself.

Victims Become Heroes

Do you feel like a victim? Be encouraged, God wants to make you a hero! Why? Because that’s what He did with His Son. He allowed Him at first to seem to be a victim, dying for the sins of the human race, so He could ultimately become a Hero, by conquering sin and death, and then rising victoriously from the grave. His heroic obedience to the Father rescued the entire human race. As Jesus refused to be a victim, so should we. But our transition from victim to victor can never be accomplished in our own strength. We only have the power needed to live a victorious life when we are plugged into the source of our eternal health. “…we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37, NKJV)

Being Creative

Do you ever have a desire to create something…something that uniquely expresses what’s inside of you? It’s been said, “Man is never truly himself except when he is actively creating something.” (Dorothy Sayers) Why is that? Because that’s the first quality of God, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth…” (Genesis 1:1, NKJV) We are each fashioned in God’s image and likeness, and our willingness to use our God-given gifts and talents to create, brings glory to Him— not us. But, in all your creating, never forget, “…neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:7, NLT) “God, thank You for the gifts You have given us. Let us use them as an expression of our love for You.”

An Unflattering Look At C. S. Lewis

Are you hard on yourself, especially with how you look? Many people are. The great author C.S. Lewis described himself in this way, “I’m tall, fat, rather bald, red-faced (and) double-chinned…” Not a very flattering assessment of himself. He was also known to wear clothes that desperately needed ironing, jackets that were ragged and spotted with food, and shoes that were scuffed and worn at the heels. But “Jack,” as C.S. Lewis’s friends knew him, was meticulous about the precise use of words, and for that the Oxford scholar is remembered as one of the greatest Christian writers of the twentieth century. Each of us can focus on what we’re not, our shortcomings, but God is looking at our long-term attributes, who He created us to be, and that always makes Him proud.

Rejoice in Your Weakness

Do you feel completely incapable of fulfilling what God has asked you to do. Wonderful! That is a healthy place to be: having no confidence in your own ability—realizing if you rely on your own efforts you cannot be who God has asked you to be, nor do what He’s asked you to do. Your only hope is in God! This is reality for every human being, though few know it and fewer still live it. When David was living in a cave, as an outcast, he had little choice but to fully trust in God. But when he became a successful king, he counted his army and relied on his own strength. (2 Samuel 24) Rejoice in your weakness, it is your only hope of true success. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV)

Standing On the Shoulders of Courage

Every virtue stands on the shoulders of courage. Without courage we will not allow the God of love to captivate our heart, the Prince of Peace to be our rest, and the joy of the Lord to be our strength. Without courage we will give up too soon, show up too late, and believe for too little. Bowing to fear is the least safe thing we can do. At times, being brave means being courageous five minutes longer than those around us. Though we will all fight weariness, we must hold fast to the call of God on our lives, and the promises of God we have each been given. Courage is best seen in a humble Man walking up a hill carrying a cross.

Palm Trees

Are you growing from the inside out? God created what is eternal in us, our soul and spirit, to do so. Studies of palm trees found that unlike other trees, they grow from the inside out. Perhaps that’s why the psalmist wrote, “The righteous flourish like the palm tree…” (Psalm 92:12, ESV) It’s true! Godly men and women grow from the inside. The Bible says, “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2Corinthians 4:16, ESV) What’s happening around us is never the main event. We should each focus on what God is doing in us. As The Message Bible says it, “These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.” (2Corinthians 4:17, The Message)

Heaven’s Great Joke

There’s a revealing conversation in “The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis. It takes place in Heaven where one of the characters says to a spirit being. “‘Everything I say or do is wrong, according to you.’ ‘But of course!’ said the Spirit, shining with love and mirth so that my eyes were dazzled. ‘That’s what we all find when we reach this country. We’ve all been wrong! That’s the great joke. There’s no need to go on pretending one was right! After that we begin living.’” What a profound statement! Heaven’s great joke is that there’s no need to go on pretending we are right. Sounds like we all need to quit pretending, admit when we are wrong, and then begin to really live. Being right is so overrated!

Blushing

There is an age-old question that perplexed even Charles Darwin. Do people blush in the dark? A recent study with heat-sensitive cameras determined they do. Researchers found that the faces of women studied, flushed with color after being embarrassed, even though no one was looking. They stated, “In the case of blushing, this trait might indeed be a measure for ‘modesty’.” Hmm? In an age where immodesty is increasingly esteemed, is it possible that God hardwired a woman to be appropriately embarrassed. Noah Webster defined it this way: “Modesty results from purity of mind. Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor.” The Bible says, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30, ESV)

God’s Will is the Express Train

Growing up in New York City my twin brother and I would always run to catch the Subway Express Train. Why? Because we knew it was, by far, the fastest way to get to where we wanted to go. Local trains stopped at every stop…way too slow. In the same way, I’ve found that God’s will is the best and fastest way to living a fulfilled life…the life I’d really want, if I knew all of the options. God will never ask you to do something He wouldn’t do, or be something He wouldn’t be. Whatever request He asks of us is not just for our good, it’s the best possible option for our lives. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…Seek His will in all you do, and He’ll show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT)

Following Jesus Alone?

Is it possible to follow Jesus by yourself? Possible? Yes! Healthy? No! It was John Wesley who said, “the Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.” In other words, there are no healthy isolated Christians. One of the greatest lies is that “your relationship with God is a private matter.” Christianity, from its beginning, has always been centered, not just on an intimate relationship with Jesus, but upon deep and lasting friendships amongst believers. We are members of one another—parts of the Christ’s body that need to remain connected in order to receive the true value of the relationship God intended. The Bible says, “…let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25, NLT)

Cedars of Lebanon

How we build is just as important as what we build. Are we using materials that will last forever, or those that will disappear? The Bible says, “…the godly will grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.” (Psalm 92:12, NLT) It was the cedars of Lebanon that Solomon used to build God’s temple. Not surprisingly, when excavator’s unearthed King Tut’s tomb in Egypt, they found that the furniture, made of Lebanese cedar, appeared as fresh as if it had been made last week. Though over 3,000 years old, it was built to last. This begs the question: what are we building with? The Bible says, “…on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.” (1Corinthians 3:13, NLT)

Your Inheritance Is In Your Bible

A woman died and left a will saying, “I give my nephew my Bible, and all it contains, plus my estate, after funeral expenses.” Her nephew was saddened when the funds from her estate barely covered her funeral. Over the next 30 years, he was always poor and didn’t open her Bible even once. When he finally did, after three decades, he found bank notes worth many thousands of dollars. His inheritance had been there all the time, but he didn’t care enough to discover it. Have you discovered the inheritance in your Bible? Don’t wait until the end of your life to find what you’ve been missing all along. As Job said, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:12b, NKJV) Heaven and Earth will pass away, but God’s Word will last forever. (Matthew 24:35)

What Lie Are You Believing?

Do you feel there is a block between you and God? Then let me ask you: What lie are you believing? David believed that Saul would eventually kill him. It was a lie! But believing it caused David to live in fear, and not faith. Are you living in fear? Then, what lie are you believing? At the end of his life, David finally acknowledged, “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:25, NLT) His experience had given him hope and dissolved the lie. I don’t have to experience everything Bible characters did in order to receive the benefit of their journey. I just have to believe that the same God who delivered them, who laid His life down for them, will deliver me.

Jesus Christ is God

C.S. Lewis wrote, “I have heard some people complain that if Jesus was God as well as man, then His sufferings and death lose all value in their eyes, ‘because it must have been so easy for Him’. If I am drowning in a rapid river, a man who still has one foot on the bank may give me a hand, which saves my life. Ought I to shout back (between my gasps) ‘No, it’s not fair! You have an advantage! You’re keeping one foot on the bank’! That advantage—call it ‘unfair’ if you like—is the only reason why he can be of any use to me. To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?” (Mere Christianity) Look to Jesus! He is our only hope of being saved.

Alternate Realities

Have you been hurt by people? All of us have! The truth is, sometimes WE’VE been hurt, and other times, whether intentional or not, WE’RE THE ONES HURTING OTHERS. Those who survive the planet without becoming emotionally jaded are the ones who really win the game of life. So, how do you do that? The Bible says, “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” (Hebrews 12:15, NLT) “…be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NLT) Whenever we are unable to process our hurts in a healthy way, they become festering wounds, contaminating not just OUR lives, but even those closest to us. Over time we create alternate realities, a new north. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” (Proverbs 4:23, NLT)

Feeling Sorry For People

Recently, I was waiting at a store for tires to be put on my car when an elderly couple, severely hunched over with walkers, came in. My first thought about them was pity. But when we sat and chatted, I found that Laverne and Betty Bartz, 84 & 83 years old, and married 64 years, were quite extraordinary. Three times a week for the last two years, since they’re pretty much housebound, they go to Starbucks and give a gospel tract with a $5 gift certificate to the person in the car behind them. They’ve had numerous testimonies of people crying, even police officers, who felt their act of kindness was a kiss from God. It’s funny how things turn out. Perhaps, we should never judge a book by its cover.

Whoever Has the Most Hope…Wins!

We all wonder why certain things happen…some good, and some bad. Is anyone behind the wheel of our lives…anyone guiding and watching over our souls? The truth is: there are no accidental sparrows or snowflakes; no coincidental moments or mountains to climb. All are carefully choreographed by the Great Dancer in the Sky, the glorious God who right now is contemplating every molecule in the Universe, but none more special than the ones that make up His sons and daughters. We each are given the daily opportunity to have as much hope as God does. “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 43:5, NLT) Never forget: hope is eternal!

Positives and Negatives

All of us would much rather that positive things happen to us than negative ones. Yet, we each need both the positive and the negative to become the people God created us to be. Though I enjoy pleasure more than pain, both motivate me. Though I am grateful to be going to Heaven, the possibility of Hell still compels me. Spoiling children can be just as damaging as being overbearing. If I am never willing to do the hard things, the painful things, even the most difficult things, I will not become the person God designed me to be. The Bible says, “If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.” (2 Timothy 2:12, NLT) Today, two roads are before you: the easy road and the hard road. Which will help you become the person you really want to be?

The Greatest Joy In Life

God is a moving target! Either we move with Him, or we’re left behind. Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Luke 11:23, NIV) The greatest joy in my life is flowing with God—moving with my Creator. Trusting Him so completely that I never question where He’s leading me or what He’s doing. I don’t want to trust an airplane pilot more than I trust God—to ever believe that I know what’s best for my life. I never have, and never will. The Bible says, “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” (Psalm 37:5, NLT) And as the psalmist wrote, “Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.” (Psalm 86:2, NLT)

God of the Second Chance

All of us want a 2^nd chance. Actually, we all need a 2^nd chance. And the best news is: God wants to give it to us. Another opportunity to learn how to live—to be “Born Again,” to stop making ourselves the center of the universe—because, we’re not. To stop insisting on getting OUR expectations fulfilled, when God has a much better plan. It will take faith to receive it and patience to wait for it. We’ll need to swat away the flies of disappointment and discouragement. But, in the end, we’ll look back and see God was always worth waiting for. Today, invite the “God of 2^nd Chance” to be the Lord of your life. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, NLT)

Expectations and Offences

Do you have an offense in your heart? Has someone hurt you, or have you been wounded by an expectation that just didn’t take place. It’s been said that an expectation is an offense waiting to happen. Think about that for a moment. What offense do you have? Now, trace it back to an unfulfilled expectation. Someone didn’t act the way you hoped, or some thing didn’t happen the way you expected. The Bible says, “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” (Psalm 62:5, NKJV) I’ve wasted too much time waiting for my will to be done, or for someone else to act the way I thought best. Now, I’m just waiting on God. He’s worth waiting for, and has never failed me.

Death Experiences

Have you ever had a “near-death experience?” I have. But now I’m having “death experiences” every day. They’re a lot better. I’m dying to myself, and becoming alive to God, dying to the world, and awakening to the Word. I’ve found: either I feed on the Word of God or the world feeds on me. So, how do you get to know God? Give up the idea that you know what should happen. Allow Him to run the show by dying to yourself. Paul the Apostle wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, ESV)

Abused and Abandoned?

Have you been abused or abandoned? How can someone become un-abused or un-abandoned? Would it surprise you if I told you that this was exactly God’s will for our lives? Though an emotional scar can remain after our wounds are healed, if we give God all of our pain, it will become a scar of remembrance, a sacred altar attesting to the greatness of God’s healing power. My pain is now worth it. Passivity will keep you from fulfilling your destiny, and a stubborn resistance to God touching your pain won’t allow Him to remove it from your life. But the way to your healing is through Jesus! The truth is “…he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!” (Isaiah 53:5, NLT)

Nameless, Faceless, People

All of us want to be noticed, approved of, and accepted. But what would you be willing to do to become famous? The great basketball coach John Wooden said, “Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” One of the great ironies of Earth is that God loves to use nameless people. What was the little boy’s name who gave Jesus the loaves and fishes? Who was the woman with the Alabaster Box, or the widow who gave God her last two mites? Nameless, faceless, selfless souls! Unknown on Earth, but renowned in Heaven! Only our God and Creator can give us the validation we crave. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, live righteously and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33, NLT)

Complaining Causes Brain Damage

Do you ever feel that people who complain a lot are driving you crazy? Well, they are! A study was done which determined that complaining actually damages the neurons in the brains of the people forced to listen. Author Trevor Blake writes, “…if you’re pinned in a corner for too long listening to someone being negative, you’re more likely to behave that way as well.” The Bible says that complainers are actually “…walking according to their own lusts.” (Jude 1:16, NKJV) Various translations refer to them as “grumblers, fault-finders” (NET), mal-contents (ESV), even “bellyachers” (The Message). Paul the Apostle had a great recommendation, “…you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” (Philippians 4:8, The Message)

Somewhere On Purpose

It’s been said that, “Everyone ends up somewhere. But, few people end up somewhere on purpose.” In order to fulfill our unique destiny, we must believe that we are created with a specific purpose. And here it is: Romans 8:29 says that we are created to be conformed to the image of God’s Son, Jesus. Our plan must first start with His plan for us. My primary purpose is to be like Jesus…to reflect Him. I’m living out my purpose, by embracing His purpose for me. No one else has my unique blend of background, personality, temperament, physical attributes, needs, identity, gifting, destiny, and calling. I am complete in Him alone. God broke the mold. Not in frustration, but with the satisfaction that who I am created to be brings pleasure to Him.

Insulting Our Creator

How do you insult the Creator of the Universe? Ask Him to do something He’s done before. The God who doesn’t eat leftovers or watch re-runs has never had 2^nd thoughts about you. His first thoughts were perfect. Therefore, everything He is, or does, concerning you, is original. We are His one-of-a-kind, limited editions, fashioned in the image and likeness of a generous God. When we embrace this sweet spot of our calling, then God can fill us with more of Himself. “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” (Psalm 139:17-18, NLT) Perhaps God is too busy thinking good thoughts about you to waste His time thinking bad ones.

We Are All Weak!

Did you ever notice God encourages us with Bible heroes who are as weak as we are? Moses felt disqualified because of his past failures. He said, “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11) Gideon retorted, “How can I save Israel? My clan’s the weakest, and I’m the least in my family.” (Judges 6:15, NIV) When God told Sarah she would have a baby in her old age, she laughed in unbelief. (Genesis 18:12) The prophet Jeremiah complained, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” (Jeremiah 1:6, NLT) God responded: Don’t be afraid! I will deliver you! I have put My words in your mouth.” (Jeremiah 1:8-9) Even Jesus struggled with the fact that, like David and Joseph, His brothers didn’t believe in His calling. (John 7:5) Yet, called He was, and so are you. Never forget, once given, God’s gifts and callings cannot be taken from you…by anyone. (Romans 11:29)

George Whitefield

Do we see the potential in those around us? George Whitefield was the principle evangelist God used to fire up the 1st Great Awakening in American History. During the mid-1700’s, 20% of the population of New England (50,000 people) were added to the churches. As a boy, George Whitefield was a bully, a liar, a thief, a gambler, and a blasphemer. As a teenager, Whitefield stood up in bars on bar stools and mocked the way preachers preached. Once, he even got drunk and, with his friends, broke up a church meeting. Yet, as a converted adult, Whitefield preached to 30,000 people at one time. Benjamin Franklin said he could be heard clearly one mile away. Do I see the potential in those around me? I will take another look!

How Billy Graham Got Saved

Have you ever heard of Mordecai Ham? He was an x-boxer who got radically saved, bought a tent, and began to hold evangelistic meetings across the South in the 1930’s. On one occasion, when he went into a city, the churches didn’t want him there, so he took his tent right outside the city limits. One night, a teenage boy came to a meeting and got saved. His name was Billy Graham. WOW! A little-known evangelist, who was rejected by fellow Christians, but didn’t give up, continued to preach the gospel and Billy Graham got saved. Sounds like we shouldn’t give up when we’re doing God’s will because we never know who’s on the other side of our obedience. “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land…” (Isaiah 1:19, ESV)

57 Cents To Reach Children

A little girl was turned away from a church because “it was too crowded.” The pastor heard about it, and found a place for her. Two years later, when she died in a poor apartment, they found a worn and crumpled purse with 57 cents and a note she had scribbled, “this is to help build the little church bigger, so more children can go to Sunday School.” For two years she had saved for this love offering. At her funeral, her pastor challenged the people to raise money for a larger building to reach more children. A landowner even offered a parcel of land worth many thousands of dollars for 57 cents. Checks came from everywhere. Today, the building still houses hundreds of Sunday School children each week, right next door to Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Every Life Serves a Purpose

A dog was born on Christmas Eve with just two hind legs. Even his mother didn’t want him. His first owner didn’t think that he could survive and thought of ‘putting him to sleep’. But then he met Jude Stringfellow. Though he couldn’t walk, Jude named him “Faith.” In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let him feel the movement. After six months, Faith learned to balance on his hind legs and to move forward by jumping in the snow. Soon, he could walk like a human being. No matter where he went, he attracted attention, appearing in newspapers and on TV shows. A book was even written entitled “With a Little Faith.” Perhaps you feel shortchanged as well: born with less than you desired. Don’t let that lie prevail. We have each been given all we need for a great and godly life. (2 Peter 1:3)

Communication in a Healthy Marriage

Four negative patterns of miscommunication are prime marriage destroyers. Criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling. Criticism says hurtful comments primarily focusing on the faults of a spouse; it’s where blame is placed on the person and not the problem. Contempt communicates worthlessness through disrespectful statements and actions, sending your spouse the message that they’re inferior and undeserving of respect. Contempt leads to Defensiveness, where we cease being able to receive from our spouse due to lack of trust. And lastly, Stonewalling is when spouses put up unwarranted protective walls. The Bible says, “Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her…” (Ephesians 5:25-26, The Message)

Healing Hurts

Is your heart hurting? God wants to heal it. A man came to Jesus and said, “Lord…if you are willing, you can heal me…Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’” (Luke 5:12-13, NLT) If you can believe it, Jesus is telling you the same thing. “I am willing to heal you.” Will you allow Him to heal your broken heart? Are you abandoned? He will surround you with His love! Are you neglected? He will fill your emptiness! Are you fearful? He will give you all the faith you need! Are you embittered? He will soothe you! Have you been abused? He will comfort you! Have you been spoiled? He will train you! Are you performance-driven? He accepts you as you are! Has your heart been wounded? He will make it as good as new!

C. S. Lewis on “Jesus As God the Son”

One of the most amazing truths in the Bible is that Jesus Christ is God. What would it be like for God to come to Earth to rescue us? The legendary author, C.S. Lewis, wrote: Jesus, “The Second Person in God, the Son, became human Himself: was born into the world as an actual man… (He is) The Eternal Being, who knows everything and who created the whole universe. (Jesus) became not only a man but (before that) a baby, and before that a fetus inside a woman’s body. If you want to get the hang of it, think how you would like to become a slug or a crab.” (Mere Christianity) Perhaps the only miracle that compares to God becoming a man is when men and women are born again they too become sons of God.

Training Children

We represent God to our children; therefore, how we respond to them will likely be interpreted as how God would respond to them. Do our children believe us when we speak, or do they expect us to repeat our words in order to be believed? In time, if we do not mean what we say, they might believe God doesn’t mean what He says. When our children were growing up we trained them to obey us the first time we spoke in a normal voice, without being upset. We did this because we wanted them to obey God the first time He spoke. Sure, in the beginning, it took extra effort. But in the end we had a much more enjoyable relationship with them because their souls were trained. This brought extraordinary peace to both their lives and ours, and still does.

Finding Fault

We live in a hyper critical world. It’s easy to find fault…to see what’s wrong in others and even in us. If there were one person who could easily find fault in everyone, it would be God. Yet, He gets far more pleasure covering our sins than fixating on them. The Bible says, because Jesus reconciled us to Himself by His death on the Cross, “As a result, he has brought you into his own presence… you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.” (Colossians 1:22, NLT) Wow! Without a single fault! That level of forgiveness is mind blowing. It’s also why later in the same book, Colossians, the Bible says, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13, NLT)

Self-Hatred

What is the most prevalent hatred on Earth? Would it surprise you if I said it was self-hatred? How many people wake up and go to bed disliking, belittling, and even hating themselves—wishing they were someone else, unable to get past a deep-seated regret, past sin, or personal flaw. If we focus more on what we’re not, than who we are in Christ, then we’ll always feel our lack more than His love for us. The Bible says the love of Jesus covers a multitude of sins. God even places them in the sea of forgetfulness, never to be remembered (Micah 7:18-19). Today, receive the complete forgiveness God is offering you. Accept that if a perfect God can love you, imperfections and all, then seeing your life from His perspective will make all the difference in how you see yourself.

Hell and Judgment

Our attempt to make God appear more kind by never mentioning Hell or judgment actually makes Him less loving. The depth of Christ’s love for us can only be seen in light of the extent of His suffering. The judgment He endured by becoming sin for us, dying an excruciating death, and then going to Hell in our place is the clearest demonstration of the depth of His love. If we didn’t deserve to receive the wrath that Jesus suffered on our behalf, then we have nothing to repent of, and no reason to receive Him as our Savior and Lord. I will always deserve to go to Hell, but by the grace and mercy of God I am not going. If there is no Hell, then Heaven is merely a pleasant option for nice people.

Disconnected Connections

There’s never been an age that provides contact with a wider assortment of people, while simultaneously fostering a shallower connection. We’re becoming masters of disconnected communication. I know about you, but I don’t really know you. Fragments of fractured information provide a shadow of our actual persona. Faster, briefer, more impressionistic social mediums are in vogue. One of them, Snapchat, is a photo messaging app that allows users to set a time limit for how long recipients can view their Snaps: from one to ten seconds, after which they are hidden and deleted; thus requiring even less responsibility for our words and actions. Jesus suggested a deeper, more lasting way to connect, “This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.” (John 15:11-15, The Message)

Walk By The Easy Button

A friend of mine wrote a wonderful post. He said, “I have found in life, that nearly 100% of the time, the difficult choice in a given situation is the most the godly one. It has proven to be the difference between living my life as a peacemaker vs. being a peacekeeper. Too often, “difficult and hard” are synonymous with “bad” in our society, when in reality the exact opposite is true. Hard choices are good for the soul, and ultimately build the character of Christ in us. I’m in process, as are the rest of us on this Earth, and in my frailty I don’t get it right every time. But, there is a principle I endeavor to live by: ‘walk by the easy button of life without giving it a second look!’”

Our Worst Moments

How many of us would like others to think of us in terms of our most selfish moments? Not me! How many would like God to think of us in terms of our most selfish moments? Definitely, not me! How many of us would say we have significantly changed since our most selfish moments? By the grace of God, absolutely! So, we shouldn’t think of others in terms of their worst moments. Where they once were may not at all be where they are today. We should all learn to forgive the selfishness of others, because that’s what Jesus did for us. The Message Bible says, “Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Dating

I love this quote by Jefferson Bethke. “Dating with no intent to marry is like going to the grocery store with no money. You either leave unhappy or take something that isn’t yours.” We live in a culture with all kinds of concepts about dating. I believe a single person should treat others the same way they would like someone else to treat their sister or brother. This is really an extension of the golden rule that Jesus proclaimed: “…as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:31, ESV) No one wants to be used. We all want to be treated with respect and valued for who we are, not for what we can do for someone else. This is a great principle to follow, not just when dating, but in all relationships.

Nibbling Around the Edges

Is there a secret to God transforming a life? I believe there is. God says, “…you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 19:13, NKJV) In my 41 years of following Jesus, the people I’ve witnessed getting truly free are those who recognize they needed God in a heavier dose than ever before. They didn’t nibble around the edges. Though it’s understandable, and even for a season reasonable, if that’s as far as a person goes (nibbling around the edges) they’ll never really get to know God, they’ll never really get healed, and they’ll never find the peace God promises and they long for. Only the fully abandoned—fully open the gifts God has for them. Jesus, today I am seeking You with all of my heart!

Hugging God

A young mother in our church family was stricken with cancer. She and her husband hunkered down to fight, and their relationship with God went to a new level. Completely out of character with their personalities, they began worshipping at the front of the room, beyond the chairs, practically on the stage. They worshipped with abandon, hands raised, side-by-side, all in. It was beyond exhilarating to watch. It was divine! They weren’t just reaching out to God; they had found God in the middle of their struggle. They weren’t pleading; they were embracing…hugging God with all their might. They’d come to realize they were made for worship, to worship. This continued after the criticalness of the hour had subsided, and even continued when the criticalness of the hour returned. They had come to a new level and they weren’t going back.

Change, God’s Way

Do you think of “change” as a dirty word, or do you regard it as a lifeline to God’s will and a marvelous future? The Bible calls God’s version of change: “repentance.” When thinking of repentance, many people believe it means “turning from sin,” but this is not the biblical definition of repentance. In God’s Word, “repent” means, “to change one’s mind,” and always results in a change of action. Paul the Apostle declared, “I preached that (people) should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” (Acts 26:20, NIV) So, when should we repent, that is, “change our minds?” How about every day? Every day is a perfect time to repent, to change our minds and actions, and when that happens, OUR best hopes are at last aligned with GOD’S best hopes for us.

Forgetting What Is Behind

Are you feeling defeated? At times, we all do! But, since we can’t change our past, can we really believe God will change our future? The sun sets every day with one primary message: “no matter how bad you felt you did today, the day is over. It’s not going to beat you up anymore. Tomorrow, you will have a fresh start.” Paul the Apostle wrote, “…one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14, ESV) God gets far more glory out of us succeeding, than failing. Even now He is making sure every thing that happens to us will work for our good if we love Him and are committed to His will being done, and not our own.

Safe Friends

It’s been said, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” The Bible says it this way, “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” (1Corinthians 15:53, ESV) One of the first things I ask a person who is struggling being a Christ follower is, “Are your friends helping you get closer to Jesus, or are they making it harder for you to follow Him?” If their answer is, “No, they are not!” my immediate recommendation is, “You need new friends.” A drowning person can’t rescue another drowning person, or as Jesus said, “…if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.” (Matthew 15:14, NLT) Every one of us have to decide, who are we following, and where are they taking us?

 Steadfast In Trials

My wife Suzie & I pastored a live-in community for four and a half years with dozens of individuals struggling with addictions to drugs and alcohol. Though we saw many set free, some could not cut loose their attachment to their drug of choice. In “The Great Divorce,” C. S. Lewis chronicles the battle many go through with addictions. He describes a busload of people from Hell who tour the outskirts of Heaven. Each person is urged to leave his sins behind. Sadly, they express denial and self-delusion about their addictions. Though miserable, they blame others and pity themselves, refusing to take responsibility for their behavior or see the root of their problems. The Bible encourages us, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life…” (James 1:12a, ESV)

Being Sincere Is Not Enough

Have you met people who’ve said, “It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you’re sincere? You can be a Christian, Hindu, or Buddhist and pray to the same God.” Though this statement sounds open minded, even a casual examination of what these religions teach will reveal they have little in common. Many years ago, I knelt on a beach in a remote part of a Hawaiian Island and prayed, “Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, I have studied your teaching and know that you are not the same person. Would you reveal yourself to me?” I was desperately sincere, and within a few months, I surrendered my life to Jesus and would never be the same. Being open minded is good, but opening your heart to Jesus will transform your life. The Bible says, “Whoever has the Son has life…” (1John 5:12, ESV)

Connected To The Body

I have found in my 42 years of being a Christ-follower that there’s only one way for a person to live a healthy, fruitful life: and that is to be connected in a vital and tangible way to the Body of Christ. Can any of us imagine a part of our body living long when it is disconnected? It would likewise be silly to think that a believer can become whole or fulfill his or her destiny if they are unwilling to connect with Christ’s Body, His Church. The Bible says, “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.” (1Corinthians 12:12, NLT) There is no perfect church, but I have found the local church is the perfect place for imperfect people.

 Going To Samaria

During the time of Jesus, Samaritans were considered half-breeds, and universally despised by both Jews and Romans. Being Jewish and from Galilee, Jesus had experienced racial prejudice firsthand. He understood the cruelty of discrimination. Consequently, when He was traveling from Judea back home to Galilee, Jesus made a conscious decision not to skirt the prejudice around Him, and face it head on. He deliberately went through Samaria. A direct route from Judea to Galilee was about 70 miles, or a two and a half day walk. But, due to prejudice, many Jews were willing to journey about twice the distance on a hotter and more uncomfortable road, rather than go through Samaria. Jesus cut through this narrow-minded bigotry and many Samaritans from a village named Sychar believed in Him. (John 4:39) What Samaria is God asking you to go to?

Prayers Healing Effects

Is there something we can do to increase our self-control and ability to resist temptation? According to a new study, prayer really helps people stay in control of their emotions and behavior. Researchers say that people who turn to prayer ‘as a coping response to the high demands in life’ are rewarded with increased strength and ability to resist temptation. The study found that praying helps people maintain self-control. Faith in a higher being has even been found to significantly improve treatment for people suffering with a psychiatric illness. Researchers found that patients with ‘no’ or only ‘slight’ belief in God were twice as likely NOT to respond to treatment than patients with higher levels of belief. The Bible says, “…pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV)

We Will Serve Whatever We Worship

We are made to worship and everyone is worshipping someone or some thing. So be careful what you worship. In the Old Testament, when people worshipped foreign god’s they eventually were in bondage to them and were taken away captive into the nations that promoted these demonic spirits. In the end, we will serve whatever we worship, whether it is the God of the Universe, the Lord Jesus Christ, or a god created by our imagination. God warns the people He rescued about following other gods, He says, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2-3, ESV) I have worshipped many things, but only One deserves my complete adoration.

Our Misery Becomes Our Ministry

Can God use our greatest pain to help others? It’s one of the great paradoxes in life, but the answer is “Yes, absolutely!” Our pain can become our greatest gain, if we see our lives from God’s perspective and respond as He hopes we will. In the Book of Acts, Paul the Apostle, after being stoned and left for dead in the city of Lystra was miraculously resurrected. (Acts 14) You would think that Lystra would be the last city he would ever return to. But, as God would have it, a short time later, after visiting other cities, he went back to Lystra, the very place he experienced so much misery, and strengthened the believers there. In life, we are called to make our misery our ministry. God’s strength always shows up best in our weakness.

Going Across San Francisco Bay

Two weeks after giving my life to Jesus, I found myself in a life and death situation. On a cold spring day, I was paddling out to a houseboat in Sausalito, California in a six-foot long dinghy, when I lost one of my paddles. Unable to stop or control the boat, I drifted ten miles, for over an hour, all the way across San Francisco Bay to Berkeley. No other boat came any where near me, and so if the boat had capsized, I would have certainly drowned. Having just read about Peter doubting Jesus and sinking in the water, I resolved to trust God to keep me safe. He did, and now forty years later, I’ve seen His miraculous, protective hand hundreds of times since. Have you trusted Jesus with your life? You’ll find, as I did, He will never fail you.

 No Bargaining With God

If, as the Bible says, “experience gives hope,” (Romans 5:4) have you lived long enough to learn from your experiences, and accept the fact that being obedient is infinitely better than being impulsive, safe is far more desirable than reckless, and careful always trumps careless. All of us are hoping to have a blessed life. But we can never get around the principle of reaping what we sow. There is no bargaining with God. The Bible declares this unbreakable law, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6: 7-8, ESV) Holy Spirit, help me to obey You that I may live!

Living the Impossible

If a person rescued you from certain death and even gave His life in the process, would you ever forget him? And if what you were rescued from was so utterly impossible, would it not make you want to do the impossible as well? That’s what happens when you truly see Jesus…you can’t forget Him and you want to be like Him. But that can never happen unless, like Jesus, you’re willing to live an impossible life. If you are, then let me ask and answer this important question: why would you ever attempt to do the impossible? For only one reason: you are absolutely certain that nothing less than the impossible would meet the need! It’s what provoked Jesus to live an impossible life, and it’s what provokes me. Jesus said, “…with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, ESV) What impossible life is Jesus asking you to live?

Separating Yourself From the World

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were captive slaves for 400 years in Egypt. This captivity is a type of the bondage of sin each of us experience when we are under the world’s value system. Coming out of Egypt, or leaving behind the world’s values, requires making a decision to separate ourselves from our past sin and bondage. Only then can God help us. As the plagues were consuming Egypt, the death angel was able to pass over the homes of the Israelites because of the blood that covered the doorposts of their homes. Likewise, only the blood of Jesus can protect us from the penalty of our sin. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)

Absolutely Persuaded

What would you do if you knew in the deepest part of your being that God was committed to helping you complete a particular endeavor? Not something that you invented or would ever initiate, but what you’re absolutely persuaded is on God’s heart. It may appear highly unlikely, or even impossible, but no matter, if an all-powerful God would fulfill this specific hope or dream, what would you believe for? The Bible says, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” (Hebrews 11:1,3, NLT) Today, stake your claim on God’s ability to fulfill His promises.

Tolerance

Tolerance is defined as, “the ability or willingness to tolerate something. In particular, the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.” If this is what it means to be tolerant, then NO, I don’t want to be tolerant. I will instead commit to be much, much more. I will look into the eyes of those I disagree with on moral and spiritual issues and tell them I love them, even when I know that their beliefs and lifestyles are detrimental to their good and contrary to God’s best. I will endeavor to not just put up with, but also to speak the truth in love to those who vehemently disagree with me, and I with them. This is how Jesus loves us. I must do no less to others.

Little Things

I’ve found it’s the little things in life that require my greatest attention: both the little good and the little not so good. A little laziness can be fed by little faith, which can lead to a little foolishness, which can initiate a little sin, which can bring on a whole lot of pain, which can destroy your life. On the other hand, a little extra commitment can expand your faith, which can lead to acts of obedience that can be catalysts for great victories, bringing about a whole lot of healing, which can transform your life. The Bible says, “Don’t despise the day of small things.” (Zechariah 4:10) And it was Jesus Himself who said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.” (Luke 16:10, NLT) What little thing is in front of you today that will lead to a BIG opportunity?

God’s Provision

When the Israelites left Egypt, they first had to pass through the waters of the Red Sea, which represent the waters of baptism each believer is asked to submit to as our first act of obedience in following Jesus. They had experienced the miracle of being delivered from the bondages of Egypt (the world’s value system), now they would see the miraculous provision of God in their journey through the wilderness: the miraculous supply of food in the form of manna, water flowing from rocks, a cloud guiding them by day, and a pillar of fire leading them at night. God provides this same provision for each of us. The Bible says, “…this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NLT)

God’s Inheritance For You

Do you know that God has a wonderful inheritance for you? It’s true! But you’ll have to possess by faith what is rightfully yours. The nation of Israel was unwilling to take charge of their Promised Land, and therefore wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Now it is our turn! Will we possess our inheritance: the land God has for us? Because the Israelites were not willing, many died having never received what God desired to give them. However, their children stepped up and did what their parents were unwilling to do. Are you willing to conquer the land your natural or spiritual parents were unwilling to? God is ready and wanting to help you! But it will take faith, which is the evidence of everything He desires to give us for our good.

Managing Your Finances

My wife can shop for hours and buy nothing, but I really respect her because I know she’s shopping for a deal. Here are some great suggestions for you to live in financial peace. God is a giver. Obey Him when He asks you to give. If you can’t live within the boundaries of a smaller income, you won’t be able to live within the boundaries of a larger one. If you can’t manage what you’ve got, you won’t be able to manage what you’ll get. How do you know if you have control of your credit cards? If you can’t pay the balance at the end of each month, you don’t have control. In terms of getting out of debt, set goals that are out of reach, but not out of sight. Beyond what you can easily do, but not beyond God’s provision.

Getting Alone With God

None of us should ever be alone long term. We all need people around us in healthy relationships, but don’t be surprised if you sense God wants to be alone with you. He has very personal and wonderful things He wants to share, and the only way for that to happen is One-on-one with your Creator, the One who loves you the most. It will be a powerful and life-changing experience. The Bible says that Jesus went into the wilderness, “…filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1), but He came out, “…in the power of the Spirit.” (Luke 4:14) Getting alone with God is that transforming! It may be for a few minutes, hours, or days, but my time with God is priceless. He will do what no One else can do, for He alone knows who He created me to be.

Touched By Jesus

Do you feel unworthy to be touched by Jesus? It’s true. You’re not worthy. None of us are. But He still wants to touch us. An untouchable man with leprosy came and knelt before Jesus begging to be healed. He said, ‘Jesus, if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,’ Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him saying, ‘I am willing. Be healed!’ “Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.” (Mark 1:42, NKJV) The reason we are happier giving than receiving is because God is as well. God gets great joy out of touching us, out of healing us, out of liberating us. Would you let Jesus touch you today, exactly where you are hurting the most? He is more than willing! It’s why He came to Earth.

Watching Your Son Die

A father and son, and the son’s friend, were sailing when a storm overtook them. Soon the boat capsized, and all three were swept into the ocean. Grabbing a rescue line, the father made the most excruciating decision of his life. Which boy would he throw the lifeline to? The father knew that his son was a Christian. He also knew his son’s friend was not. As the father yelled out, “I love you, Son,” he threw the lifeline to his son’s friend. By the time the father had pulled the friend in, his son had disappeared beneath the waves. The father knew his son was ready to meet Jesus, but his son’s friend was not. He had sacrificed his son, to save the friend. The rescued friend went on to receive Jesus. How great is the love of God that He too would send His Son to die for us?

I’m Not the Man I Once Was

The old method of drawing people into a relationship with Jesus was persuasion: Convince them that they need to be born again. But now, it really takes the more personal approach of identification. If someone can’t identify with me, they’ll never fully trust me. If they can’t see the struggle in me, then my life becomes less believable. Though none of us are perfect representations of Jesus, if we truly believe that Jesus died in our place then every day we can express our gratitude to Him amidst our struggle. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I may not be the man I want to be; I may not be the man I ought to be; I may not be the man I could be; I may not be the man I can be; but praise God, I’m not the man I once was.”

One Constituent

A State Assemblywoman met another legislator in an elevator after a vote. One of them said to the other, “I can’t believe I voted for that bill!” But they both knew why she had voted for it. It wasn’t because she believed it was the moral high ground. It was all about keeping her constituents “happy,” so she’d be re-elected. You and I have “one Constituent” we should want to keep “happy:” His name is Jesus! How much money would it take for us to change our vote? How much pressure to surrender our morals? “Jesus, keep my heart ever looking to please You alone. There are many voices in this world trying to distract me from being the person You created me to be. Let Yours be the one voice I hear and obey. For You alone have what I really need.”

Hugs and Hope

We all stare at unthinkable circumstances, wishing they would go away. One day they will! But, for now, we can find comfort in knowing God is with us in our struggles, interceding on our behalf…praying we will not despair. If it is not God’s will for us, and those we love, to fully understand why things happen on Earth, then may God give us the grace to help those facing the unimaginable with hugs and hope. When emotions are overwhelming, trite words only make matters worse. At those times, we can merely offer our reassuring presence. God will help us as we help others learn to lean on Him. The Message Bible says, “We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin.” (Hebrews 4:15, MSG)

 Meeting Paul Newman

We all need to laugh more. I know I do. Here’s a funny story. A woman was buying an ice cream cone in a Beverly Hills store. She was amazed when Paul Newman walked in and stood right behind her. Though she was rattled, she was determined to maintain her composure. She proceeded to pay for her ice cream cone and then confidently walked out. Once outside, though, she realized she didn’t have her cone. Not wanting to look foolish, she waited a few minutes before reentering the store. When she did not find her ice cream cone at the counter, she stood wondering where it was. Just then, she was tapped on the shoulder, and was startled to find it was Paul Newman. He politely told her “Miss, if you’re looking for your ice cream cone, you put it in your purse.”

Welcome to America!

The secret of making people feel valued is to honor them. A bi-lingual pastor has seen his church grow into many thousands by doing just that. Whenever he meets a Mexican-American he asks them, “Has anyone welcomed you to America since you’ve been here?” Invariably they will say, “No!” Then, with a big smile, and total sincerity, he says, “I’m so sorry that hasn’t happened yet. Let me be then the first to say to you, ‘Welcome to America! We’re glad you’re here!” The response to these heartfelt words is often shocking. Smiles come to faces, tears to eyes. They’ve finally been welcomed to their new home. They’ve been honored. The Message Bible says, “Treat the foreigner the same as a native. Love him like one of your own. Remember that you were once foreigners…” (Leviticus 19:34)

Praying in a Restaurant

I was once in a crowded restaurant on a Sunday after church with a pastor friend when the Lord prompted me to invite the entire restaurant to pray. I stood up with a big smile and said to the 50 people who could hear me, “Could I have your attention please?” The busy room went completely silent in about 10 seconds. I continued, “You know, we’re having such a wonderful time here with family and friends in this great restaurant, why don’t we just take a moment and thank God for this beautiful day.” I then bowed my head and offered a brief, uplifting prayer before sitting down. What happened next was even more surprising. Throughout the meal, people began to come over and thank me, even waitresses. It’s funny, how just obeying God at times is the best thing we can do.

 Volunteering vs. Obedience

What would you rather do, volunteer to do something, or do something because you’re told to? It’s no surprise that we’d all probably rather volunteer. Yet the Bible says, “to obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22, NKJV) God’s not looking for volunteers, He’s looking for people who are willing to be obedient out of love for Him. He doesn’t want us to be creative about His will. He wants us to do His will. He isn’t looking for scriptwriters. He needs script-doers! We don’t train our children to be volunteers. Our hope is that they’d learn to be obedient to us, and even more so to God. There are people waiting for us on the other side of our obedience, and only through obedience to Christ can we find our destiny and true identity.

 Under Authority

One day, my six-year-old grandson said, after I asked him to escort his little brother outside, “Grandpa, why do I have to always do what you say?” I chuckled at his honesty and sincerity and said, “I know Judah, it’s hard sometimes to have to obey, but that’s just the way life is.” At times, we all dislike being under someone else’s authority. Because we’re sinners, we all tend to want to rebel. The word “authority” comes from the root, “author or originator.” If Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, then we each need to learn to be under His authority. Even Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered. He didn’t get to call the shots. He was a man under authority. We only have authority if we are under authority. Whose authority are you under?

Greatest Challenges

Our greatest challenges will invariably lead to the most extraordinary opportunities. Resurrections follow crucifixions! Have you ever pierced a piece of wax paper? Isn’t it interesting that you encounter the most resistance right before breaking through? The point of greatest difficulty is usually right before discovery. If we give up too soon, we’ll miss the moment. The Bible says, “…let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, ESV) If we faint, we may reap nothing. If we persevere, then God has His way, and breakthrough eventually happens . Scripture challenges each of us to “…press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:14, NLT)

 Replenishing Your Hope

Ever notice how at different times, the things we need most are in short supply. Sometimes it’s water, other times it’s a certain type of food. We all run low on things that need to be replenished. Right now, a lot of us are a little short on hope. But because hope is eternal, we’re always going to need it. Would you like to know a sure-fire way to increase your hope? 1 Peter 1:13 says, “…rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (NKJV) In other words, I’m not putting my hope in what I can or can’t do. I’m placing my hope fully, completely, totally on what only Jesus can do in my life. It’s called grace! The more grace I receive, the more hope I’ll have.

 Washington Monument

When I was a barely a teenager my twin brother and I decided we were going to bypass the elevator and take the stairs to the top of the Washington Monument. As was typical, we made it a race. On and on we went until completely exhausted. Our biggest problem was we never knew how close we were to the top. There were 50 landings and 897 steps, but not one sign, no indication of the finish line. By the time we quit and walked all the way back down, we could have been one or two landings away. We’ll never know! What a lesson in life? I’m reminded of the words of the irrepressible Winston Churchill, who repeated over and over again in one of his final speeches, “Never give up! Never give up!”

Emotions in Movies

Every time you experience an emotion during a movie that touches your heart in a profound way, it somehow connects you to a quality found first in the heart of God. Whether we like it or not, in our purest moments, we have each been hardwired to love what God loves and hate what He hates. It is only when we continually allow God to have all of us that we remain in tune with our Creator. For, after all, we have been created in His image and likeness, carved out of His heart, and destined to reflect Him forever. The Bible says, “As all of us reflect the Lord’s glory with faces that are not covered with veils, we are being changed into his image with ever-increasing glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, GWT)

 Memories

Memories are a funny thing. When someone has hurt us, the edges can appear sharper than they really were, until we are healed. But when someone has helped us, inspired us, blessed us, all the edges in the end appear to be gone. The majesty of his or her life seems to have even greater prominence. Deep down we all know how hard life can be, how at times it can appear hopeless. So, when someone leaves a lasting impression of hope that is truly impressive, it is because they have become, as the Bible says, “…more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37, ESV) They have conquered attitudes, responses, and challenges in life that many of us have failed to. But in truth, they were only able to do this because of Jesus.

 Godly Examples

When I look back to before I surrendered my life to Jesus, I believe one of the principle reasons I became an atheist was because I was shown a misrepresentation of Christ. In stark contrast, it was the people who showed me the true Jesus, who modeled His life and heart so marvelously, they made me want to receive Him, and want to be like Him. They represented Jesus well. The true value of a godly example, someone who we know is flawed, but in so many ways appears flawless, is that they bring Heaven to Earth, they give us a glimpse into what is most important…eternity. Are you and I ready to stand before our Creator? Have you allowed Jesus to take His rightful place as Lord and God of your life? May God help us all to become the godly examples who represent Jesus well.