Truth Matters

Treasure of Christ

2010-04-29T05:47:00.001-05:00

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” ^ESV Matthew 13:44

Any parent can attest to the fact that children have to learn the concept of cost and value. Especially in America perhaps, where a consumerism mentality thrives and is still promoted in advertising even in the midst of a deep recession, children, teens, and some adults, seem oblivious to the fact that something of value is exchanged in every transaction.

With children, examples are endless; ice cream cones at the park, toys at the store, candy in the checkout lane, electronic games, etc. Parents are forever making purchase (value-exchange) decisions for children. With teens, the decisions are sometimes very similar, but the value exchange part of the equation is much, much larger!

I’m convinced that it’s not until we begin to work and earn that we begin to have an internal sense of cost and value-exchange (an internal compass of sorts) that enables us to begin making wise purchase choices. Sadly, it never “clicks” with some folks and they enter adulthood in a state of blissful ignorance with the eyes of a child.

Far from being a spendthrift, it seems that Matthew is writing about an adult who has learned the concept of value-exchange even though this person is willing to exchange all that he owns for a single field. Of course it’s not just any field; it is a field containing great treasure in the purchaser’s eyes; a treasure that he saw even as others walked past and overlooked. I can’t help but imagine people casually walking past the same field everyday and seeing nothing of particular value in it.

Now, just for a moment, imagine people walking past our churches and seeing nothing of particular value; no reason to darken the doors. Imagine people ignoring Jesus and seeing nothing of value in a relationship with him. Imagine casually walking past the person of whom God the Father commanded “...Let all God’s angels worship him.” (Hebrews 1:6 ESV) It happens every day with alarming frequency. We worship the red carpet. We are attracted (some would say distracted) by the latest, glitziest bit of bling that Hollywood and media dangles before us, all the while ignoring the person that even angels are commanded to worship.

Permit me two observations while emphasizing that this passage is about the treasure; not the church per se. First, the church today (at least in America) appears to be doing a pretty good job of holding the status quo; of keeping its members content and entertained. But, secondly, she also appears to be doing a poor job of revealing her treasure, her head; Jesus Christ. That is to say that the church is failing in its calling to make disciples (followers of Jesus) of all nations.

Christ exchanged his life for your eternal life. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s moving in our midst to reveal the treasure of Jesus.

The Checkbook Chronicles

2010-04-25T10:05:00.000-05:00

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Money matters; and, according to Howard Dayton, “our checkbooks tell us more about our priorities than does anything else.” Your check register is a journal of sorts that records much more than your cash balance; it records (chronicles) your lifestyle and priorities.

In and of itself, it’s a harmless object, but its details can reveal where you’ve vacationed, your favorite restaurant, where you buy groceries, gas and medicine. It can tell where you buy clothes for the kids and how much your car payment is. For married couples it can be the fuel for many and angry fight. For all, the check register tells a story.

Every now and then you learn a phrase or principle that you commit to memory and carry for life. Once such phrase for me was, “It’s just money.” Far from being a careless comment about the importance of money, money is of course a vital means of trade for everyone, the phrase puts money in proper perspective. Money is vital as a tool but not a treasure. Let me explain.

To treasure something is to place a high, personal value on it. Off hand I’d say that most folks treasure their health and the health of their families more than their checkbooks. In our community, most folks might even agree that personal relationships are more important than their checkbooks. Both examples, though important, may be shortsighted. What about eternity?

We’ve been conditioned to live for today. Many folks live for today and also save for tomorrow (saving, by the way, is both prudent and biblical). A few folks are able to live today with a long-term perspective, but I’m afraid only a precious few live today with eternity in mind. If your Checkbook Chronicles were published as a book, what would it say about you? Would it indicate that your treasure and priorities are rooted in the here and now or would it show that you were living today with eternity in mind?

We must live today, but not “for” today, so don’t be taken captive by the here and now; it will be gone soon enough. True treasure is in heaven, so live each day with eternity in mind.

Limitations

2010-04-25T10:04:00.000-05:00

“Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.” ^ESVPsalm 72:18

What are you going to give up? That was the question Melisa (my wife) asked when I announced a grand new adventure that captured my attention. The question is both reasonable and common around my house. Oft times I find that my appetite for doing is greater than my capacity for doing. You’d have to look no further than my bookcase to see that my appetite for good books is greater than my ability to plow through them. But hey, it sure is fun trying! Anyway, it’s good to be reminded on occasion that there are limits to what one can do.

Paul Tripp has written a good book titled Broken-Down House: Living Productively In A World Gone Bad. (I highly recommend it by the way.) One chapter in the book summarizes limitations by pointing out that the human race is subject to three inescapable limitations. He says: “We are limited in wisdom, in power and in righteousness.” If you think about it, to argue to the contrary would be to argue that you are, in some sense, God; the only person with unlimited wisdom, power and righteousness.

As I thought about these limitations I was able to look back on the past week and see how each of these limitations was true in my own life. Had my words and actions in that meeting last week been charitable and wise? No, certainly not as charitable and wise and I would have liked. Did I have the power within me to change the opinion, thoughts or actions of others? No, I may have the power to influence others, but I don’t have the power to change them. And power to be righteous? I don’t even want to think about it.

Next week, I think I’ll purposefully remind myself each morning of these limitations in the hopes that the thought will allow me to live each day less dependent on myself and more dependent on God. Too, I hope that it will allow me to give God glory and credit for any and all “accomplishments” that I might otherwise be tempted to take credit for myself and thus feed my be pride.

In a prayer book called The Valley of Vision, a prayer titled God The All offers this food for thought: “I am well pleased with thy will, whatever it is, or should be in all respects, and if thou bidst me decide for myself in any affair, I would choose to refer all to thee, for thou art infinitely wise and cannot do amiss, as I am in danger of doing. I rejoice to think that all things are at thy disposal, and it delights me to leave them there.”

“....it delights me to leave [things in God’s hands].” Hmmm, what a concept. “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.”

Teach the people

2010-03-31T17:47:00.001-05:00

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ^ESVMatthew 28:19-20

It was a steamy, sticky, hot evening in the little wooden church in the jungle of northern Peru. Yet people filed in and listened from outside to teaching and preaching from the bible. As I sat in amazement at their attentiveness, I wondered, “Who will teach the children in this jungle village the gospel?” The answer of came quickly; the local Christian believers in their local churches would teach the children about Jesus.

The motionless city stirred to life when the morning call to prayer began echoing from the loud speakers at the local Mosque at 4:30 in the morning. India is a country of about 1.3 billion people. Christians are relatively few by any measure here while Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists thrive to varying degrees across India. Who will teach these masses here about biblical truth? The task will largely be accomplished through the few, dedicated local churches and Christian believers there.

My friend Luis and the people in his church in Santo Domingo ran into the streets as the ground shook beneath them completely unaware at the moment that the same earthquake had just devastated the country of Haiti on the other side of the island they share. As the devastation came into clear focus, the local church in Santo Domingo and other parts of the Dominican Republic began to mobilize to provide food, shelter, medical supplies and teaching about Jesus to this devastated region. They printed water bottles with scripture printed on them. They sent pastors and teachers into the devastated areas and they found ways to deliver their aid and the word through local churches in Haiti.

My friend and those local churches are still at work in Haiti today even as other relief agencies have begun to pull their resources. And when everyone else is gone, the local churches in Haiti will still be there—teaching and making disciples.

Do you see a pattern emerging here? Christ commanded us to go and make disciples (Christian believers) and to teach those disciples all that Christ had commanded. While I am not in the least diminishing the role of missionary endeavors, as a matter of fact they are a crucial part in the overall process, I see that teaching abut Christ is a necessary and often neglected charge for local congregations.

The church is the bride of Christ and until the bridegroom comes again it is her duty to make disciples and teach the world all that Christ has commanded. Is your church honoring its role as a teacher in your community? What might you do to make it more effective in making and teaching disciples?

Doom comes swiftly

2010-03-31T06:26:00.001-05:00

“Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.'” ^ESVDeuteronomy 32:35

“'Boom,' it busted off and I saw him clawing for the edge with a startled look on his face, and then he disappeared.” That’s how a fellow climber described the sudden accident that took the life of his climbing partner, Joe Bohling, to KGW news of Portland.

A group had climbed to the top of Mt. St. Helens and paused for a picturesque photo at the rim. Unbeknownst to them their friend was perched on a precarious snow cornice that would give way suddenly and take his life in an instant. A navy helicopter would recover his body the next day. In an instant triumph turned to tragedy; “doom comes swiftly.”

Jonathan Edwards, an 18^th century preacher considered by many to be the greatest theologian the United States has ever produced, is perhaps best known by his harshest sermon; “Sinners in the Hands of an angry God.” Speaking of sinful men, Edwards used the text above in the sermon to point out that there will come a time, often suddenly and without warning, “when their foot shall slip” and they will meet their doom and the wrath of an angry God.

Now, I realize that the notion of hell is not one that will endear me to our modern culture. But the bible seems to me to be quite clear on the matter. Hell is much more than some theoretical place where souls simply cease to exist. Hell is a place of never ending torment and yet we carry on in our daily lives as if hell did not exist at all. We carry on as if we should have all the time in the world to be reconciled to God; tomorrow perhaps. Yet each day we stand on a slippery slope. Each day we are perched on a precarious snow cornice that may give way, much to our surprise, at any moment.

Edwards also points out, oddly enough, that it is the very hand of God that sustains us each and every day. It is the very hand of God that keeps our feet from slipping immediately—today. It is the very hand of God that grants us another day in which to seek reconciliation with him through Christ, his son. If not for the great mercies, patience and love of God, we would never have an opportunity to repent and believe the good news of Christ! Yet Christians and sinners alike live as though there will always be a tomorrow.

A day will come when your foot will slip and death will overtake you. Will you slip into the wrath of God or be welcomed home?

It's Just Money

2010-03-23T00:04:00.000-05:00

“A PSALM OF DAVID. The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”^ESVPsalm 24:1-2

When it comes to money, and the things money will buy, perspective is everything. That’s why it is so vitally important to realize that money as we know it today has no intrinsic value at all; it’s just paper. What’s more, the things we exchange money for seldom bring contentment in and of themselves, but true wealth and contentment can be had without money.

I was reading a post on The Artist Farm website this past week and come across this thought in regards to wealth: “Rather than stressing about how you can get more money for money’s sake, focus instead on how you can provide more value to more people. All sorts of wealth will flow from this mindset.” Now that’s an interesting thought, living and working to serve others, but it’s not a new thought; Martin Luther maintained the same thing back in the 16^th century. But I digress.

The point I wish to make is that regardless of how hotly we pursue money or how successful we are at acquiring and growing it, it’s merely a means of exchange. More importantly, money and the things money can buy (everything) belongs to God. The earth is the Lord’s! Now that’s a revelation of old that we need to embrace anew.

It all belongs to God; everything. Can you say that about all your possessions? If you can’t, it may be time to examine whether your faith rests in the Creator or in the created. This Great Recession we find ourselves in should be an eye opener to the fragile nature of a currency-based faith.

Faith in the Creator allows one to remove the baggage and worries of ownership. As Larry Burkett put it, “When we acknowledge God’s ownership, every spending decision becomes a spiritual decision. No longer do we ask, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do with my money?’ The question is restated, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do with your money?’” Think about it.

The Apostle Paul maintained that he had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he found himself in at the moment. Paul was not a man of meager means, so it is safe to say that t he had learned to be content while ‘stewarding’ money. Yet his statement also indicates that he was content in the absence of money. As testimony to that fact, Acts 16:23-25 records an account of he and Silas praying and singing hymns while bound in leg irons in a foreign jail. Now that takes a contented spirit!

If money woes are troubling your spirit, if contentment escapes you, then let me challenge you to cease being an owner and start being a steward. It all belongs to God. Ask the Creator how you should manage His finances.

The Duty of All

2010-03-11T22:51:00.001-06:00

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,^{” ESV}Acts 17:30

(Adapted for print from a sermon recently delivered by Pastor Jonathan Sims of Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church located in Shelbyville, Tennessee.)

Last week in a small group study we talked about some basic things Christians believe and how those beliefs should drive our actions. Among other things, we talked about Christ sacrificing himself for our sins, his resurrection, and hell. Now, any discussion that includes candid talk about the gift of redemption and the torments of hell has to lead one to recognize the importance of outreach. With that in mind, I wanted to share the following sermon notes with you.

“Why must we urge all men everywhere to repent and believe the gospel? Because that’s what God commands! God the Son did this. John the Baptist did this.” The apostles did the same. The New Testament is built on the prophets and apostles with Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. If we want to biblical and faithful to scripture, we must do the same; urge all to repent and believe.

“Paul exposed the wrong and revealed the right on Mars Hill; that’s good preaching.” Paul urged all men to repent and believe the gospel (Acts 17:30-34) and from these verse, we can clearly see at least five reasons why we must urge all men to repent and believe the gospel:

1. Because all men are ignorant (Acts 17:30). People craft a god of their own imagination when they remain in ignorance. All people are like this. So, “What qualifies a man to hear the gospel? Is he breathing?”

2. Because God himself commands all men everywhere to repent. This is what the Spirit of God does through his preacher; “repent and believe the gospel.” God’s commands are not meant to be considered. God’s commandments are meant to be obeyed. It is the sinner’s responsibility to repent, repent, repent! It is appropriate to command people to repent.

3. Because all men will one day face the judgment of God (Acts 17:31). The standard of God’s judgment will be the righteousness of Christ. Yet we have all fallen short of that perfection. No man can attain the standard on his own. Assurances of these truths are contained in Christ’s resurrection (Acts 17:32). This nation needs faithful preachers to stand up and proclaim these truths.

4. Because, thanks be to God, some will repent and believe (Acts 17:32-34). To see someone cling to Jesus, to come to saving faith, makes the trials of ministry worthwhile.

5. Because this is our calling. God calls us to proclaim the gospel to all people. This is our life, our calling, our sacred duty. This ought to be our passion, to urge all men to repent and believe the gospel.

As I reflect on these notes and brother Jonathan’s sermon, I realize that this isn’t just a task for preachers. Outreach, evangelism, witnessing, making disciples, call it what you will, is a duty of all who believe. Tell someone about Christ today.

Many Afflictions

2010-03-03T23:26:00.000-06:00

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” ESV Psalm34:19

Don’t you find it difficult to pray “thy will be done” sometimes? I mean, don’t you sometimes want to pray for your own will to be done? Those were two thought provoking questions that came up in a small group bible study recently. And I think the answer is yes to both. It is difficult, especially when you find yourself overcome by some sort of affliction or hardship, to pray for anything other than relief. Yet while we should always yield to God’s will, it is not wrong to make your desires known to God in prayer.

One of the simplest definitions of prayer that I’ve seen comes from a book titled “Pray With Your Eyes Open” by Richard Platt. Dr. Platt describes prayer simply as a believer’s communication to God. Prayer is the means by which we “talk” to God. Pratt goes on to say that our prayers actually “project our faith” onto God. My observation has been that our faith shines brighter in prayer the deeper our afflictions. In the Puritan prayer “Valley of Vision” one line puts it this way, “The deeper the well, the brighter the stars.”

Christians are able to maintain their faith and project it through prayer during affliction because they know that this life is not the end. We don’t simply cease to exist when this life is over. Christians have what some have described as a “blessed hope;” a hope and faith in being united with Christ at his second coming. Peter describes the present reality of this hope this way: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1Peter 1:3) This reminds us that the Lord will ultimately deliver all his children from every affliction, though they be many, that they’ve faced on this earth.

As our discussion about prayer continued, someone reminded us of a time-tested method or system of prayer that makes it easier to yield our personal desires to God’s will. It’s called the ACTS method.

ACTS simply reminds us of four basic, orderly steps in prayer that glorify God and acknowledge him above and before our desires. The “A” stands for adoration. Hence, we should begin by praising God. The “C” stands for confession. It really is important (and biblical) to confess your sins before God and ask for his forgiveness. The “T” stands for thanksgiving. At this point, after confessing personal sins, how could you not be thankful that you worship a forgiving God? Finally, the “S” stands for supplication; this is the where you communicate your desires to God. If you follow this systematic way of praying you’ll find that your requests to God will be much more humble and your prayers will project your faith onto him.

Gospel Thoughts

2010-03-02T07:49:00.000-06:00

"Turn [look] to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”

^ESVIsaiah 45:22

(Adapted for print from notes taken during a message delivered recently by Barry King. Barry is pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Wood Green, London.)

The simplicity of the gospel is remarkable; “Look.” How simple. This word refers to Numbers 21and the story of the wandering nation in the wilderness. There, the people were commanded to “look” unto God. Now, through Isaiah, God commands again “look” to me for salvation. But Isaiah also prophetically points to John’s gospel where again we see the command to look unto God for salvation. This is the simplicity of the duty of all men to believe.

But there are some among us who would complicate the gospel by placing an overemphasis on either introspection or education. The command is to look, not to lament. Have I been under enough conviction? Am I lowly enough? Good questions perhaps, but the command is to look! Do I really know enough? Have I really fully understood the gospel? Is my grasp of theology comprehensive enough? Looking back on my salvation, I’m not sure I understood my sin correctly; perhaps I didn’t understand enough. Again, this confuses the simplicity of the command; look! Sometimes we create tension and imbalance in the hearts of people who hear us by confusing the simplicity of the command to simply look unto God.

The exclusivity of the gospel cannot be denied. “I am God and there is none else.” There is no other name but Christ by which men can be saved. We must confirm the exclusivity of this duty of all men to believe.

The gospel call is universal in that all the ends of the earth are to look unto God for salvation. The command and call is not just for Jews or Gentiles; it is for everyone. The God of the bible is not just the God of western religion. The gospel and command to believe is for the whole world!

With God, all things are possible. Many examples exist in scripture of commands that are impossible for men yet possible by the power of God and the command to look is no different. The man with a withered hand was commanded to stretch forth his hand; something a well man might do but not a man with a withered hand. But when Jesus commanded him, he extended his hand and it was well. What about “Lazarus come forth!” Dead men don’t walk from tombs, but Lazarus did what was impossible at Jesus’ bidding. And likewise even the worst sinner can be compelled to “look” through the power of the gospel call.

“If it is the duty of all to believe, [and it is of course,] it is our duty to preach the gospel to all men.” We must exercise and act on our responsibility to evangelize. Call it what you will; evangelizing, witnessing, etc.; you must share the gospel. We are to share the gospel intentionally. We should be praying for a lost world. “When is the last time you wept over your city?”

Alone with God

2010-02-20T23:25:00.000-06:00

“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.”^ESVMatthew 13:1

Hectic is perhaps the best adjective to describe the ministry of Jesus. Once he began to teach the religious folks tried to make him stumble, educated folks challenged him in open forums, and crowds pressed on him everywhere he went. Once, while he was teaching, his mother and brothers came looking for him but such a great crowd surrounded him they couldn’t even get near him and were forced to stand on the outside and call for him. It had to be hectic and stressful.

How do you suppose Jesus dealt with the hectic pace? What was his stress relief? Permit me to give a partial answer.

Behind on my reading, I sat down the other day to read through several passages of Matthew in one sitting. Incidentally, reading wide swatches of scripture at once sometimes gives you a clearer overall picture of what’s going on than reading snippets. Anyway, I picked up on a thought that I had not considered much before; Jesus enjoyed stepping away from the crowds and spending time alone with God (see Matthew 13:1, 14:13, 14:22).

Withdrawing to be alone—just him and God—seemed to be a refreshment for Jesus. Sometimes the respite was very short but refreshing all the same. Then the crowds, hard-headed disciples, family, and travel difficulties returned, but Jesus always began to teach to them again with great compassion. It was “back to the grind,” but with a refreshed spirit.

Nobody would dare argue that our lives are not hectic today. How do you deal with it? Do you withdraw for a short time to be alone with God? Do you pray? The Psalmist admonishes us to “delight yourself in the Lord...” (Ps 37:4). Is that how you refresh your spirit? All too often I think we seek our refreshment in more doing and going instead of in the Lord. Be honest, do you ever come home from vacation tired instead of refreshed?

Jesus withdrew often to be alone with God. Does the thought of being alone with God seem to be desirable to you or does it strike a fearful chord deep down inside? Being alone with God was refreshing to Jesus because he stood in a right relationship with him but time and again scripture speaks of unrighteous spirits trembling at the mere mention of his name.

Alone with God; Christians should rejoice in the thought. But, if this seems a bit unpleasant, ask God to place you in a right relationship with himself. The times are hectic; ask God to give you refreshment in him.

True Love

2010-02-10T20:26:00.001-06:00

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,” ESV Ephesians 5:25

The bible has a lot to say about love but the picture that it paints hardly resembles the love embraced by society today. As I think about it, the picture of love that our society paints is actually quite selfish. It is a love that flows from what we can get or enjoy in return. On the other hand, the picture of love painted in scripture is an unselfish, giving love.

Think with me for a moment about gift advertisements you’ve seen lately. It doesn’t much matter what product is being promoted—diamonds, automobiles, even pajamas—the message is the same; buy this special gift for your loved one and in return you’ll get a happy, smiling, content for the moment loved one that showers you with affection because of your thoughtful expenditure. While there is nothing wrong with any of the gifts I’ve mentioned or gift giving in general, we should be careful to examine our motives in gift giving to make sure they’re not self-serving.

Love, as expressed in the bible is never self-serving. On the contrary, biblical love always serves other people. For instance, the gospels recount Christ’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) Paul commended the Thessalonian church because their love for each other was increasing (2 Thessalonians 1:3) and the Gospel of John most certainly reveals the unselfish nature of biblical love: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) You see, the motive behind biblical love is serving; not self-serving. Biblical love is motivated out of what you can do for the other person, not what you can get in return.

So true love (biblical love) is perhaps best manifested not in occasional gifts, but in everyday service to loved ones. Getting up on a cold dreary morning for hard day of work can be an expression of love—serving family and others in your vocation. Getting up early to turn up the thermostat or stoke the fire can be a gift of love. Ironing an outfit before work or school can express your love. Simply listening to your spouse and children can be an expression of your love towards them. Even putting peanut butter on both sides of a sandwich so the jelly doesn’t soak through can be an act of love!

Sometimes it is the simplest things that best express biblical love. And simple, giving, serving, biblical love eventually develops into a love for which you would even sacrifice yourself for your loved ones just as Christ gave himself for the church. As a matter of fact, it’s a command, not a request.

This Valentine’s Day (even if you buy a gift for the holiday) why don’t you commit to expressing love to others year round in a serving, ongoing way without regard to what you’ll get in return just as Christ loved the church?

The Earth Groaned

2010-01-28T20:54:00.000-06:00

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ESV Matthew 6:21

The cataclysmic movement occurred over eight miles beneath the surface and sixteen miles outside the capital city, but it was a deep, guttural groan that struck fear in the hearts of all on the surface as it reeked havoc in Haiti. In less than one minute on January 12, 2010 the face of a nation changed forever; hundreds of thousands of souls passed into eternity and all earthly treasures lay in ruins.

My friend Luis lives 125 miles away from the epicenter in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The first word I received from him said simply, “The earth shook very hard here today.” I learned later that even that far away the earth shook so hard that people poured into the streets in fear. When I spoke to him two days later, as the devastation became more evident, his church (Iglesia Baustista de la Gracia) was already mobilizing a relief effort; $6,000 had been pledged, 25,000 bottles of water had been ordered and they had agreed to pay the travel expenses for 35 local doctors to travel to Haiti for a week. Before the weekend was over, they would need an additional $20,000 for initial food and supplies for a clinic.

Buying the supplies was easy but getting them to Haiti would prove both difficult and dangerous. How would they avoid being robbed and looted on the way? By the grace of God! The Dominican Republic military volunteered to escort them to the border where the United Nations provided an escort on to Port-au-Prince and all arrived safely.

Now, almost two weeks later as hope for rescuing survivors wanes, the need continues. In a very short time, international news coverage will dissipate as public interest drifts to another calamity or everyday problems at home—but the need will continue. And I’m confident that when public interest and fascination wanes even more, Luis’s church will still be laboring and ministering however God enables them in this ravaged region.

When asked in a US radio interview how he was holding up to the stress of coordinating relief Luis replied: “Well, I’m actually very excited and very joyful that I’m a part of this [relief effort]. I think that very few things can give a man more joy than to serve and to serve God and to serve other people. It’s great not to be thinking about your needs but other people’s needs and I think it’s actually good for my soul and my heart. So, I feel very good.”

“….where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

If you’d like to help with the relief effort but don’t know how, I’d invite you to contact Tharptown Baptist Church (256-332-0063) or visit online at www.tharptown.com for more information.

Who is my neighbor? Haitians?

2010-01-20T07:43:00.001-06:00

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" ^ESVLuke 10:29

Haiti is in ruins and the death toll could rise into the hundreds of thousands before order is restored for the living. International aid is flowing towards the country though, so it would be easy to look the other way. With a history of corrupt government and squandered resources, it would be easy to turn a deaf ear to their cries for help. We’ve become so calloused in recent years that it’s really pretty easy to close our eyes and pretend that the suffering and death is not mounting. But those folks are our neighbors; or are they? What is the biblical definition of a neighbor?

One time a lawyer stood up to test Jesus in a public forum by asking the question: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Surprisingly, the lawyer and Jesus agree on the answer. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) But the answer raises another question that I suspect is a nagging one for the lawyer: “…who is my neighbor?” For the lawyer, it was the question of the day. Perhaps he thought his neighbors were other lawyers; the Pharisees perhaps; other religious leaders maybe. Though we don’t have time to expound on it here, it is highly unlikely that the lawyer would consider a Samaritan as his neighbor.

But at this point, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. You know the story well. Three different people come upon a man who had fallen victim to foul play and left half dead on the roadway. The first two (both religious leaders) passed him by for reasons untold. The third was a Samaritan and a most unlikely candidate to lend assistance. But we know from Scripture that he did. He had compassion on the victim and went out of his way to lend a hand.

At the end of the parable, Jesus asks the lawyer a question: “Which of these three, do you think, proved [emphasis mine] to be a neighbor?” They agree that it is the person who showed mercy and Jesus commands the lawyer to go and do likewise.

Did you notice how Jesus phrased the question? The designation of neighbor doesn’t hinge on whether someone is physically located near me. Nor does it seem to matter what someone’s social status is. Ethnic background is thrown out the window as well. Jesus puts the emphasis on you, me and our actions. To whom can we prove to be a neighbor?

Today, Christians have an opportunity to prove themselves as neighbors by reaching out to Haitians during the aftermath of this earthquake. Will you be a neighbor?

If you’re looking for a way to be a neighbor to the suffering Haitians, feel free to drop me an email and I’ll direct you to some ways I’m aware of.

Resist the Devil

2010-01-15T07:28:00.000-06:00

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” ^ESVJames 4:7

Through a friend, a prisoner emailed me some time back to make this point: Demons are real and spiritual battles rage continuously. He made his point in a very vivid way and it has set me to thinking about how to resist the devil and his demonic army.

Often times when reading about war and military actions the word resistance comes up. And it usually carries the implication of conflict or the meeting of opposing forces. I looked the word resistance up online and found this definition: “the act of opposing.” Similarly, a quick search on the word resist yielded: “to oppose actively.” These definitions make an important point; to resist, or the act of resistance is not passive. Resistance is active.

So, to resist is to actively oppose or engage. Likewise, in the case of our verse today, to resist the devil would mean to actively engage and oppose him. Rather than being passive against evil and the power of the devil, James is telling us to actively oppose him and the result will be that “he will flee from you.”

I have a passing interest in Civil War history because troops from the North and the South spent a lot of time, and often fought, right here in our backyard. One day while I was reading from Shelby Foote’s Civil War about some troops stationed in Tuscumbia, I came across a rather brash quote from a young General that is meaningful to our discussion of active opposition. In a message to Jefferson Davis, John Bell Hood wrote this: “You may rely upon my striking the enemy whenever a suitable opportunity presents itself, and that I will spare no effort to make that opportunity.”

Now think about the parallels for a moment. Hood was engaged in a physical battle. Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle. Hood vowed to strike (actively oppose) his enemy. Christians are commanded to resist (actively oppose) our enemy; the devil. Hood vowed to strike whenever he could. Does James indicate that Christian resistance is part-time? Finally, note that General Hood vowed to “spare no effort to make that opportunity.” May I suggest that we are to do the same? Spare no opportunity to resist the devil.

Followers of Christ can anticipate, even expect the devil to be lurking around every corner. The bible says he is like a “roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8) Why then should we spare any effort to expose him? Why should we spare any effort to reveal the devil who is camouflaged, hidden in the shadows, ready to pounce at the first sign of weakness? The answer is obviously that we shouldn’t. We must spare no effort to fight and resist the devil. And what is our chief weapon? The sword of truth; God’s word—keep it at your side and in your heart.

Take Courage

2010-01-07T06:23:00.000-06:00

"Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus."^ESVMark 15:43

The prisoners were all dead. The Roman guard made sure of that by either breaking bones or spearing them in the side. The centurion in charge witnessed the death of Jesus himself. The Romans were very good at executions. The next step, though perhaps not immediately, would have been to take the bodies down from the place of crucifixion and throw them in a garbage heap just outside the city. That’s what it was like to die with the wicked during the time of Jesus.

Hundreds of years earlier the prophet Isaiah had predicted that Jesus would die in the same manner as wicked men but he also tells us that Jesus would be entombed like a rich man (see Isaiah 53:9). How would God bring this improbable scenario about? All but one disciple deserted Jesus when he was taken into custody, public sentiment was at an all time low, and the gospel accounts mention only a few loyal disciples watching the crucifixion from a distance; enter Joseph of Arimathea.

Joseph of Arimathea was a respected member of the Council; perhaps one of the same governing councils that had convicted Jesus the night before. Joseph was different though. Joseph was looking and waiting for the kingdom of God and based on his actions, it’s not difficult to conclude that he saw that kingdom in the person of Jesus.

The move was bold and courageous; even daring. It took courage to go against public sentiment. It took courage to go against his friends and peers on the Council. It took courage to meddle in the affairs of a Roman crucifixion. It took money, time and effort, but Joseph did and expended all these things and then stood alone before Pilate and asked the question: May I have the body of Jesus? Yes, it took courage, but Joseph could not bear to see Jesus the body of Jesus discarded in a trash heap. It took courage to be a disciple even in death but it was a courage born of love for Jesus.

The rest of the story is familiar. Joseph took the body, prepared it with Nicodemus’ help, and buried Jesus in a freshly hewn tomb that was secured with a heavy stone. The Council, with Pilate’s permission, even placed a guard out front. But the tomb, not even death itself, could hold Jesus and three days later he rose from the dead and left the tomb. Joseph’s faith and love was well founded!

Take courage this day. Live as a disciple of Jesus. At times it will mean standing against society. At times it will mean standing against friends. At times it will even mean standing against family. But take courage and stand this day for the risen Lord Jesus.

Genuine or Imitation Faith?

2010-01-02T13:51:00.001-06:00

“…King Rehoboam made in their place shields of bronze, and committed them to the hands of the officers of the guard, who kept the door of the king's house.²⁸ And as often as the king went into the house of the LORD, the guard carried them and brought them back to the guardroom.” ^ESV1 Kings 14:27-28

(This article, adapted from one originally published in 2006, was inspired in part by a book titled Shields of Brass or Shields of Gold by O.S. Hawkins.)

When Solomon was King of Israel, he commissioned 200 large shields and 300 smaller shields that were made of solid gold. To put that into perspective, we are talking about over 2,000 pounds of gold! Oh what they must have looked like lining the palace walls. I imagine them in an outdoor procession with the sunlight reflecting off of a hammered gold finish. Can you imagine the splendor of it all? The shields were stored inside the palace and when Solomon ventured out, the shields were sent out before him; a symbol of his status, wealth and the financial health of the kingdom.

Unfortunately, Solomon’s legacy did not extend far into the reign his son Rehoboam. Rehoboam lost the shields, and most other kingdom treasures, to an invading king from Egypt just five years into his reign. But Rehoboam replaced the shields with shields of bronze. Oh, they looked like gold. And when painstakingly polished, bronze shines like gold and like Solomon, Rehoboam sent the shields out ahead of him in a public display every time he went to the Lord’s house. But though they glittered, Rehoboam’s shields were nothing more than a cheap imitation of the real thing; a deceptive false front.

As I reflect on this Old Testament story, it brings to mind many questions in about professing Christians today and the state of the Christian church in America.

But let us make it personal. How genuine are you in your commitment to God? If you attend church, do you attend because it is the socially acceptable thing to do or do you attend so that you can come together with other believers and worship God? When you dress up and go to the Lord’s house, is your worship genuine?

A New Year is upon us; the old has passed away. As you make resolutions for 2010, examine yourself honestly before God. Ask yourself this question: Has my commitment to God been the real deal this past year or has it been a cheap imitation of the real thing? Your walk with God and the Christian church in America will benefit from your genuine faith and worship.

Resolve to have and show genuine faith in God in 2010 and let your worship flow from a heart that genuinely desires His glory. Happy New Year!

Angels Worhsip Him

2009-12-23T07:52:00.001-06:00

“And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”” ESV Hebrews 1:6

Why worship Jesus? Why make so much of a birthday celebration? Why does the Christian community come together in unity for this event that actually stretches over several weeks? Well, the easy answer is that Jesus is known to Christians as the Savior of the world. But Jesus is really much more than a Savior. Jesus’ should be worshipped, not necessarily for what He’s done, but for who He is.

The writer of Hebrews spends the better part of five chapters making much of Jesus and describing how much more honor our heavenly Father has placed on Him than anyone or anything else. So, while there are countless reasons why we should worship Jesus, let’s look at just a few of the things mentioned in Hebrews.

We should worship Jesus because the Son of God and God the Father are equals. The bible never speaks of Jesus as being some kind of lesser god that came into being just to take on human form or to be the perfect sacrifice. No, on the contrary, the bible speaks of Jesus as God. Isaiah prophesied the same saying he would be called “Immanuel” (which means God with us). Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the “exact imprint his [the Father’s] nature.”

We should worship Jesus because God the Father spoke to humanity through Jesus. God has communicated to us in many ways throughout history. He spoke to Moses in a burning bush. He communicated to Balaam by enabling a donkey to speak. He spoke to us through the prophets who were given visions, dreams and inspiration. But, says Hebrews, “in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son…”

We should worship Jesus because he was present at creation. Hebrews tells us that the world and everything in it was created through Jesus and that He upholds the universe today “by the word of His power.” The very next breath you take, the very existence of the universe, is dependent upon Jesus’ continued providence. Hebrews tells us that our heavenly Father has “left nothing outside His control.”

We should worship Jesus because one day creation as we know it will come to an end. Hebrews tells us that Jesus will “roll up” creation and it will be forever changed. The world as we know it will come to an end one day, but Jesus will never change. He will endure forever.

Finally, we should worship Jesus because He is our blessed hope for eternal life. Hebrews tells us that believers in Christ “share in Christ.” One day Christians will bask in the glorious presence of the triune God because their faith and hope was rightly placed in Jesus. One day we’ll stand with the angels and worship Him together.

Raging Seas

2009-12-16T07:51:00.000-06:00

“And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.” ^ESVLuke 8:24

Ever had the “holiday blues?” Unfortunately, millions of people will be depressed or at least ‘blue’ this Christmas even though they are celebrating in one of the most blessed countries in the world. Some will be sad at the thought of celebrating without a loved one who has passed away. Some will be disappointed that their traditions have changed over time. Some will not be able deal with the financial pressures to give, give, give.

For those who are blue, a quick Internet search will yield you all kinds of advice on how to cope during dark, depressed seasons. Here’s some of the coping advice I found online: use humor; be realistic; stay healthy; reach out; delegate; spend time alone; let go. Some of these make practical sense but some of them absolutely left me scratching my head; especially the “spend time alone.” I’ve never known anyone feeling blue that benefited a great deal from aloneness.

Strangely absent in the advice I found quickly and easily was any dependence on God. That strikes me as odd at the very least and is somewhat indicative of how self absorbed our society really is. We are so confident in ourselves that we seldom take time to look to God. It’s as if God is like a fire extinguisher mounted on the wall that we should use only in dire emergencies. Why do you suppose that is? Why would we not call out to God as a first line of defense when dark clouds approach?

In the black of night the disciples once found themselves in great physical danger. A sudden storm had descended on the lake they were crossing and overtaken them. The winds and waves buffeted their boat and it was quickly filling with water; surely they would sink. No doubt gripped with fear, they woke Jesus shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” But instead of perishing in a sinking boat, our text tells us that Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves and calm prevailed.

Now think about this. The same Jesus that calmed the seas that night with a simple verbal rebuke can calm your spirit today. The same Master who saved the disciples from physical danger that night can rescue your spirits from darkness today.

I was reading a Puritan sermon by John Flavel this past week and came across this quote that I think is fitting to share here. Speaking of Jesus, Flavel says: “He that saith to the raging sea, be still, and it obeys him; he can only pacify the disquieted spirit.”

If you find yourself feeling blue this Christmas season, call upon the Master that calms the raging seas.

Faces In The Windows

2009-12-01T07:49:00.000-06:00

(This article was originally published in the May-June 2009 edition of HeartCry Magazine. I reflect on the experience often with thanksgiving and a renewed zeal for missions.)

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked up and saw the faces in the windows. Never before had I witnessed such a desire to hear the preaching of God’s Word. The tiny frame church was full—maybe 80 people. At least fifty other people were standing outside listening to the loudspeaker. And faces crowded the open-air windows with the night sky as a backdrop.

Earlier in the day, not speaking any Spanish, I hadn’t understood the conversation behind me as we crossed the mountain in the back of a pickup truck. But a friend interpreted and whispered in my ear, “More Christians.”

Just before the first evening’s service, I could hear the whine of the engine as it began its descent into the jungle. Then the dim headlights began to flicker in the night. Were these people friend or foe? Locals perhaps? As they pulled into the compound I was dumbfounded. I turned to the young man next to me and asked him to count as I tried to take a picture under the night sky. Twenty more worshipers got out of the tiny truck. Overwhelmed, I walked to the edge of the compound and cried out, “Oh God, how can this be? How can it be that I am here among people of such faith?” I didn’t understand, but I entered the small church with a spirit of thanksgiving and praise.

It must have been 90 degrees inside the church. The daytime temperature had exceeded 100 degrees and the humidity was extreme. The smell of the earthen floor, the rough sawn boards on the walls, the hint of wood smoke from the cooking fires and the makeshift lighting created a distinctly un-American experience in the crowded church. Yet worship flowed freely and with great joy.

The room was silent except for the preaching and the whir of the gasoline generator; every eye and ear was tuned to the message from the pulpit. Mothers gently rocked their babies on the makeshift pews. When the little ones finally caved in utter exhaustion into a deep sleep their mothers lined them up on the cool earth outside the church (on the same cool earth where we would kill a tarantula the next evening) wrapped in alpaca blankets and under the watchful eye of a caretaker.

My heart was taken captivate by those little ones. Who would teach them about Christ? In this part of South America, children either get tough or die. I wondered what lay ahead for them? The thoughts haunt me still. And who would teach them about eternal things; the things of God? The answer was before me. Those mothers and fathers who, with great effort and much hardship had made the trip deep into the jungle to worship with us, would have to teach these children. Those people in their local church would have to teach them…those faces in the windows.

That’s why indigenous missions is so important. Pray that God would be glorified as HeartCry endeavors to support indigenous missions throughout the world.

Thanks to the LORD

2009-11-25T08:11:00.001-06:00

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” ESV Psalm 118:1

It seems that everyone readily admits that for well over a year we have been enduring tough economic times here in the U.S. and abroad. While some industries and families are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel others are still held fast by the recession’s grip and many people have endured (and are enduring still) great personal trials during this time. How difficult is it to cultivate a thankful heart during such times as these?

Paul admonished the Thessalonians to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) even though they were living in a community that had its share of problems. The Psalmist in our passage today on the other hand admonishes us to be thankful for the right reasons; because God is good and because his love endures. He also notes the recipient of our thanks; God. So, even in times like these, we too should give thanks to God.

I’m reminded of a Puritan prayer, The Valley of Vision, from a book bearing the same title and edited by Arthur Bennett. It goes like this:

Lord, High and holy, meek and lowly,

Thou has brought me to the valley of vision,

were I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;

hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox

that the way down is the way up,

that to be low is to be high,

that the broken heart is the healed heart,

that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

that to have nothing is to possess all,

that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

that to give is to receive,

that the valley is the place of vision.

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from the deepest wells,

and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;

Let me find thy light in my darkness,

thy life in my death,

thy joy in my sorrow,

thy grace in my sin,

thy riches in my poverty

thy glory in my valley.

Yes, these are difficult times; a valley you might say. Let’s actively search for God’s glory in this valley while remembering and being thankful that God is good and that his love will never leave us.

Deceptive Appearances

2009-11-18T08:10:00.000-06:00

“On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it.” ESV Mark 11:12-14

Jesus is God. That is a recurring theme in Mark. Over and over Mark gives testimony to Jesus’ deity and he does so once more in these verses. Who can speak commands to a tree and have them come to pass? Only God. But, one might counter that Jesus was a man because God would certainly have no need of food; and that too is affirmed in our verses. In referring to Jesus’ dual nature, some people use the term God-man because Jesus is fully God yet also was fully man for a season. Perhaps his Old Testament name, Immanuel (which means God with us), is the name most descriptive of his nature while on earth.

While Jesus’ dual nature is certainly true and affirmed in our passage, I’d ask you to focus your thoughts on the deceptive appearance of the fig tree for a moment. Figs, our passage tells us, were not yet in season, but from a distance this particular fig tree was deceiving because it gave the appearance of bearing fruit. It was in full leaf, which was a sign that it should likewise be loaded with fruit. So, Jesus made his way to the tree, no doubt anticipating selecting a few choice figs and satisfying his hunger. Profound disappointment replaced hopeful anticipation as Jesus searched the tree for fruit and the tree received his scorn.

Now consider this. If Jesus walked into our town, physically and mentally exhausted and hungry for the fellowship and worship to be found in the local church, what would he find? If Jesus spotted your church in the distance adorned with a steeple and Christian symbols and giving all outward appearances of being a church, would he be satisfied with what he found inside? Would he find a fellowship of true believers and a house of worship or a house of entertainment? Would there be any spiritual fruit to be found in the majestic, sentimental building?

In reference to our text and the broader passage J.C. Ryle gives this warning: “Let us remember these verses whenever we go to the house of God…Let us call to mind where we are…what we are doing…in whose presence we are engaged. Let us beware of giving God a mere formal service, while our hearts are full of the world. Let us leave our business and money at home, and not carry them to church….The Lord still lives, who cast out buyers and sellers from the temple…”

Could it happen at your church? Would Jesus feel deceived and disappointed if He came into your church building seeking fellowship and worship or would you receive His scorn? May it never be! Strive to be a biblical church in every way, worshipping the living God in spirit and truth each and every day.

The Rhythm of Life

2009-11-15T16:05:00.001-06:00

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” ESV Psalm 46:10

Having visited India just a few weeks ago, I am still fascinated with the contrast in cultures. As I gazed out the car window one day, with what I suppose was either a look of bewilderment or fascination, my traveling companion noted that the “rhythm of life” was different in India when compared to the United States.

The sheer mass of humanity in India (depending on your source something on the order of 1.1-1.3 billion people populate India) would lead one to believe that life is chaotic and frantic there, but that didn’t seem to be case. Ironically, things seemed to move in a very methodical, fluid and sometimes ancient fashion.

In the rural regions I visited I also noted the absence of leisurely distractions. It seemed to me that everyone was fully engaged, from early in the morning till late, late at night, in the simple activities of daily living; earning wages for the day and providing for the needs of their families. The concept of daily entertainment or retirement would seem strange to most of the people I met; yet their lifestyles yielded a rather peaceful rhythm of life.

In stark contrast, it seems that here in the United States we try to cram as much productivity into an 8 to 10 hour work day as possible so that we can entertain ourselves and our families each and every evening and look forward to retiring at a relatively young age from our labors. The result is a frantic rhythm of life.

Yet it seems that in both countries the rhythm of life leaves little time for the God of the bible. I specifically mention “God of the bible” because we most certainly have time to worship other things in both cultures.

The Psalmist warns against ignoring God. The first sentence of our verse “Be still and know that I am God” is well known and often quoted as an encouragement to slow down from the frantic rhythm of life and take a deep, relaxing breath. And while I would agree that it is refreshing to pause and enjoy with wonder the Creator of heaven and earth for a moment, this verse also carries a stark statement of fact that is a warning to us that God is more than a refreshing aside.

There will come a time, notes the Psalmist, when “I [God] will be exalted among the nations, I [God] will be exalted in all the earth.” You see, the “God of the bible” should be the very fabric of our daily lives. He is deserving of our worship and attention every moment and He should be the object of our obsession in the rhythm of life. He most certainly will be the lone object of our worship and adoration one day, and He most certainly should be today.

Answers here, there and everywhere

2009-11-09T23:46:00.000-06:00

“Ephraim is like a dove, silly and without sense, calling to Egypt, going to Assyria.” Hosea 7:11

Anyone who has ever been dove hunting knows that a dove is like a fighter jet in the sky. With their wings swept back into a distinct, aerodynamic point, they are quick, agile, and able to accelerate or turn on a dime. By comparison, their heavier cousin, the pigeon, lumbers along with its massive weight like a transport plane. All the while their lighter relatives, like sparrows, just sort of sputter from one place to the next.

In our generation the dove is many times presented as symbol of love or peace and some religious traditions hold it in high esteem as a symbol of their faith. But Hosea is speaking of the dove negatively in this context; calling its actions silly.

In the field, their distinctive form and speed make them easily recognizable by hunters. Their keen eyesight is the bane of many a hunter if he moves at the wrong time; move just a little too quick, or too soon in a dove hunt you’ll make your shot more challenging every time because the dove will go into “fighter jet” mode. At the first sign of movement it will accelerate and begin to pitch up and down and bank left and right in moves that would make an acrobat queasy; all in an effort to seek safety and security.

So why does Hosea speak of these characteristics negatively? In context, Hosea is writing about a nation that has abandoned God. Among other things, he likens them to an unfaithful spouse; a nation that has abandoned its first love and looked elsewhere for safety and security.

Forsaking God, they begin to look a bit silly, like a dove seeking safety over a hunter’s field, bouncing around and vacillating between decisions seeking safety and security at every turn. Our passage suggests that Ephraim had sought pacts with opposing nations in an effort to secure peace and safety.

How often, I wonder, do we look like Ephraim; silly like a dove? How often do we seek answers to life’s problems from those around us? How often do we seek safety and security at every turn while at the same time ignoring God? As a nation I’d venture to guess that we look a lot like Ephraim did in Hosea; like an unfaithful spouse; like a silly dove.

The peace that God grants surpasses all understanding. So, in our daily search for understanding, safety, and security, we don’t need to turn to seers that abound on every corner. No, we need only to turn (or return) to God. The Psalmist describes it this way: “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till the has mercy on us.” (Psalm 123:2)

Look expectantly to the Lord and you won’t be disappointed.

Walking With God

2009-10-31T18:03:00.000-05:00

“Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” ESV Genesis 5:24

For the past several days I’ve been dwelling on a sermon I heard just over two years ago. I even downloaded it from the internet and listened to it again this week. It was titled “Four Essentials of Finishing Well” and was presented by an elderly gentleman named Jerry Bridges who I’ve come to respect immensely.

Now well into his seventies, Mr. Bridges is a very unassuming and humble character. He walks with a slight stoop, but his gait is quick and his mind is sharp. His ministry is not pastoral, but what is termed “lay” ministry. He has toiled and persevered in that same ministry for over 50 years with an organization called The Navigators.

As the title indicates, Mr. Bridges’ speech pointed out four essentials to living a Christian life faithfully to the very end. Now think with me for a moment. Here’s a guy, highly revered in Christian circles, well into his seventies who has been in ministry at the same place for over 50 years. He’s working every day at an age when most have entered retirement and now he’s about to speak to me about what it takes to “finish well;” he had my attention.

The first essential to finishing well is to have daily, focused communion with God. Mr. Bridges alluded to the fact that there is indeed a difference between communing with God and simply skimming a section of His word. I wonder how often I’ve let the noise of the day crowd out time alone with God? Far more than I would care to admit I am sure.

The second essential to finishing well is to have a daily appropriation of the gospel. Mr. Bridges noted specifically that the gospel of Jesus Christ was not just for lost people; believers need the gospel too! He pointed to the life of the Apostle Paul for whom the gospel was not just a past event, but a present reality. Daily recognition of God’s loving gift of his Son as a substitute sacrifice for me should produce humility in my soul.

The third essential Mr. Bridges articulated was that we must make a daily commitment to God as a living sacrifice. He appropriately noted that if we look at each day as a day as God’s servant, the noise of the day is less tiresome.

His final point was that to finish well, we need a firm belief in God’s sovereignty. Living each day with the knowledge that God is all knowing, all powerful and perfect in every way keeps us from becoming bitter at the events that unfold in our lives.

Enoch walked with God. I have no doubt that Mr. Bridges strives daily to walk with God. It should be the desire of each of us to do the same so that when we come to rest it can be said of us: ________ walked with God.

Continual Praise

2009-10-21T21:12:00.000-05:00

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” ESV Psalm 34:1

It is so very easy to be thankful to God when things are going your way; when life is rocking along according to plans. But it can be terribly difficult to have thanksgiving in your heart when times are difficult or when the best plans go amiss or simply when our expectations are not met.

This past week I spent some time visiting with a missionary family in India. Anybody who’s been on a trip like that knows that it pays to be flexible. Ironically, anybody who knows me well knows that flexibility isn’t one of my strong points. But that’s beside the point. The point is that with international travel life is less stressful when you are flexible.

While I was gone I happened upon Psalm 34 and as I studied this first verse I began to wonder how less stressful life would be if I could live out this verse in every circumstance. How much less stress would each day hold if I offered continual praise to God? How much less stress would each day hold if I praised the Lord at all times?

It is a long, long way to India so I was truly thankful when the nice lady at Royal Dutch Airlines placed me in excellent seats for the two long portions of my flight over. But I confess that I did not have praise in my heart when I was asked to give up one of those seats so that a traveling couple would not be separated. Now I didn’t quibble over the request for even a moment, but I was not immediately thankful for the opportunity to accommodate a fellow traveler either.

On the return flight, my seats were even better and I was truly thankful to have an aisle seat the whole way home. But I was less thankful for the company of the person sitting in the window seat that was undoubtedly battling a common travel ailment; she must have gotten up once per hour. But in hindsight, I needed to stretch my tired legs about that often anyway.

At this point you might legitimately ask, “How trivial is an airplane flight in the big scheme of things?” I’d have to confess that it is very trivial in the big scheme of things. But remember, the smallest packages sometimes contain the nicest gifts and it is in the smallest details that our faith is polished and refined.

In the parable of the minas in Luke 19, the nobleman rewards faithful servants exponentially; cities in exchange for minas. In similar fashion, I think our lives speak loudest in the simplest things. Does your life and attitude betray a heart full of continual praise?

Lord, enable us to be faithful in the smallest details of life. Enable us to continually give praise to you in all situations so that your name might be glorified by our lifestyle.