A Garden of Wisdom

Have you noticed life renewing itself all around us again? Spring is definitely in the air. I’ve noticed buds on trees; the grass is getting greener; I saw some green leaves beginning to grow on bushes; tulips and other flowers are breaking through the soil. If that weren’t enough I’ve noticed one more sign of life; weeds are growing again too.

I’m by no means a horticulturist (that is an expert on plants), but I know the difference between desirable plants and weeds. It seems that I keep pulling the same weeds every year. The same can be true in our lives. As Christians our desire should be to live a life that is like a beautiful flower garden pleasing to the Lord. Unfortunately many of us still struggle with weeds growing up where we want flowers.

• [13] Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. [14] Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. [15] It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. [16] Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.
  [17] Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced.
  James 3:13-17 (MsgB)

I have often described wisdom as knowing the right thing to do and doing it at the right time and in the right way. Wisdom is not simply just knowledge; wisdom is the proper application and use of what we know.

As a parent I’ve sometimes told my kids, “You should have known better.” The truth of the matter is I have sometimes found myself saying or doing things, but I should have known better. I wanted my life to be a flower garden, but I planted weeds instead.

James gives us some practical advice on how to pull the weeds and plant the flowers of godly wisdom in their place. Living a life pleasing to God begins and ends with our relationships. A godly life of wisdom cannot be lived in a vacuum of isolation, but is demonstrated through our interaction with others. Yes, that’s were weeds flourish too, but the wise gardener knows how to eliminate the weeds before they choke out the flowers.

Heads AND Tails

Toss a coin and what happens? It lands heads or tails right? Well almost always; you have a one in a million (or maybe even a billion) chance that the coin could land on its side. Neither heads nor tails lose; instead they both win.

• [18] But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. [19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
  James 2:18-19 (NIV)

Some might think that James and Paul contradict each other after all it is Paul who said we are saved by God’s grace through faith and not works, so no one can sing their own praises.* In reality faith and works are two sides of the same coin. You can’t have one without the other, and when God flips this coin it always lands on its side, faith and works together.

Good deeds or trying to obey the letter of the law cannot save anyone from an eternity in hell. God’s wrath will be poured out upon all who sin, especially those with self-righteous pride who mistakenly believe they can earn their salvation through what they do. Salvation is always initiated by faith which in turn produces good works*; genuine faith is always demonstrated by a changed life.

That’s why James says, “Faith without deeds is dead.” Who do you know that claims to be a Christian, to believe in God and in Jesus death on the cross, but they are still living for the devil? Such people claim to have faith, but there is not evidence to support it, no good works. Look again at what James said. Even demons have sound theology; they believe in God or know all about Jesus. Such ‘head knowledge’ makes demons tremble with fear, but what they know doesn’t change how they act or their hatred of God.

Genuine faith is not just a simple recognition of the facts about God and His plan for salvation; real faith goes beyond ‘head knowledge’ to ‘heart knowledge.’ Faith that truly believes transforms an individual from the inside out, and when our heart is changed, when we are made alive in Christ, good deeds are always the result.

So how is your ‘faith and deeds coin’? Has it landed with one face down, or is it standing on its side as God intended so everyone can see your faith and deeds working together?
*See Ephesians 2:8-10

The Blame Game

It’s a game that is as old as Adam and Eve: “The Blame Game.” Everyone knows how to play it; a game played by children and adults. The rules are easy. Don’t take responsibility for anything; point an excusing finger at someone else and say, “They did it.”

As Christians we still play the blame game. James addresses the blame game like this.

• When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.
  James 1:13 (NIV)

First, he makes it clear that all of us will encounter temptation; James said “When tempted,” not “If tempted.” Some of us are champions at the blame game; we’ve convinced others and ourselves that our reputation is coated with Teflon. Dirt won’t stick to us because we are above temptation and sin. Thus no one would dare accuse us of doing anything wrong (that is sinning), because we are so spiritually connected to Jesus.

Have we forgotten that even Jesus was tempted? And Jesus was tempted by Satan himself; I don’t think any of us have arrived to that level of spirituality that the devil needed to try to seduce us personally. Don’t let yourself get puffed up with spiritual pride that makes you immune to temptation, so no one (including yourself) would dare blame you of sin.

James points out another tactic of the blame game too. If you can’t make yourself invincible then shift the blame onto someone else. In this case James says many of us will blame God; “It’s not my fault; God is tempting me.”

When we play the blame game with God we’ve forgotten two important things. God really is above being tempted by evil; therefore, God does not tempt us to sin. If anyone is above reproach who we shouldn’t point our fingers at it is God.

Until we are ready to take responsibility for our sin, we will continue to try to push our guilt off on someone else. If we can’t blame God, then we will accuse our family, friends, a stranger or even an enemy. Some of us will even blame Satan saying, “The devil made me do it.” Lay the blame at someone else’s doorstep; it doesn’t matter who, just get the spotlight off me. That’s how the game is played.

God wants us to stop blaming and start confessing, to take responsibility for our sin. The blame game has no winners; the only winners are those who get out of the game by saying, “It was me; I sinned. Please forgive me.”

Anticipation

Today Greg starts his driver’s training classes. He’s all excited as this is the final step until he can finally take the driving test and get his license to drive. While he has anticipated the coming of this day, he has not just been idly waiting. Greg has been instructed by mom and dad on how to be a safe driver and has many miles of practice under our watchful eye. Driver’s ed will reinforce lessons he has already learned.

As believers we too are looking forward with anticipation. Like Greg we may sometimes wonder if it will ever get here. But while we wait we are not just to sit on our hands and do nothing. We must be ready for that day.

• [7] Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. [8] Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.
  James 5:7-8 (MsgB)

My dad grew up on a farm; he often told me about starting work before sunrise, going to school and then doing chores after school. The work was never done.

Farmers don’t just sit on the front porch with an ice tea and wait for the harvest. They are busy everyday preparing for the day when their crops are ripe and ready. If the farmer does not do the necessary work to prepare for the harvest then when the time comes the crops will rot in the fields.

As Christians we too have much to do as we wait patiently for the Lord’s return. Like the farmer we live by faith looking forward to a day of reward, but the prize is only given to those who do the work required to receive it. Perhaps you’re wondering what work we should do as we wait for that day.

1. We must do the work of an evangelist; to bring in God’s harvest so that others are saved.*
2. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling to live a holy life free from sin and pleasing to God.*
3. We must do the good works God put on our ‘to do list’ which He has equipped and empowered us to do.*

Let’s remember that our work for the Lord is never in vain.** What does God have for you to do today as you wait for His coming? Let’s get off our hands and do it.
* [1] 2 Timothy 4:5 [2] Philippians 2:12 [3] Ephesians 2:10
**1 Corinthians 15:58

Stuff-Mart and All Our Wants

Courtney isn’t afraid to ask for stuff. On a recent trip to the store she had a quarter burning a hole in her pocket. We weren’t ten feet into the store before she started asking if she could get this or that for her quarter. I think she could read the prices, but wanting a $5 to $10 treat for a quarter didn’t stop her from asking. After about fifteen minutes we came by the toys with a huge display of giant balls. “Could I get one of those for a quarter?” The price $2.50, but for Courtney it was just .25¢.

Let’s face it; a lot of us are still just like Courtney. We want stuff, and we want it now. Isn’t that why we have credit cards run up to the limit; we buy things we can’t afford just to satisfy our wants?

James didn’t have to deal with credit cards, but the selfish desires we have today are just like those people had at that time. James said the longing for more stuff was the cause of many of the quarrels and fights going on; people were scheming how to cheat and steal from each other (and James was talking to fellow Christians, so don’t tell me I’m meddling if you feel convicted about credit card debt or the stuff piled in your closets).

James provided these covetous and greedy believers with a simple solution. I think it will still work for us today too.

• [2] . . . You don't have the things you want, because you don't pray for them. [3] When you pray for things, you don't get them because you want them for the wrong reason—for your own pleasure.
  James 4:2-3 (GW)

If we think about what James is telling us we find three common problems with our prayers; three reasons why we don’t receive good things from God.

1. We don’t’ ask God. Another way to think about that is we don’t take time to talk with God on a daily basis. For some God is nothing more than a 911 operator called to help in an emergency.
2. We ask with wrong motives. The reason we want stuff isn’t pure; our hearts are selfish only thinking of ourselves.
3. We ask for the wrong stuff. Our desires are only for the things we want and not for things that our heavenly Father would want to give us. Think about it: if we spent more time in prayer then maybe His desires would become our desires.

Courtney got her ball because her desires were in line with mine; she got something she could share, and she has. Spend some time with your heavenly Father and let Him transform your heart to be aligned with His. Then you will find more of your prayers being answered.

The Start of the Day

The morning started like many others, but that didn’t last long. I went into the bathroom to take my shower; Greg was at the sink brushing his teeth. After waiting a couple minutes he was done and about to leave; that’s when I noticed the towel on the floor. “Stop putting towels on the floor; Mom just got a new rug for the floor,” I said. It was a simple request; he had been told before, but I always seem to find towels on the floor.

Instead of a cheerful, “Good morning,” my first words were angry. This set the stage for the rest of the morning. Greg had caught a contagious attitude from me. Pearl read a couple verses and we prayed, but there was still a noticeable tension between Greg and me.

Our drive to school was filled with the discussion of our need for teamwork in the morning; even the girls chimed in. If each of the older kids could help Courtney with her lunch and they all co-operated doing their part then we could have our prayer time and be ready to leave by 8:15 instead of rushing to school at 8:30.

Greg must have felt ganged up on; his attitude didn’t improve. I realized this all started with a towel on the bathroom floor and my first words to my son.

• We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
  James 3:2 (NIV)

Guilty; I’m not perfect in the things I say. It certainly shows today. How has your day started? Have you started on the right foot or with your foot in your mouth?

What we say is as important as how we say it. Saying the right thing requires the right timing and attitude, and sometimes saying the right thing means saying nothing at all.

Sometimes we just need to keep our thoughts to ourselves and not let our tongue get us into trouble; gossiping, bragging, sweet talking, complaining, lying, putting people down are just some example of things that may be better unsaid. Before you open your mouth ask yourself, “Is what I say true? Is it kind? Does it need to be said or should I keep it to myself?” If we wait before we speak, we are more likely to speak the truth in love.

You’ll be glad to know that before Greg went into school we had another talk that ended with a hug. Both of us said two important things: “I’m sorry” and “I love you.” It’s going to be a great day.

Favorites

This morning Mikey asked me, “Hey Dad, what is your favorite temperature?” I told him that I hadn’t ever really thought about it; he went on to explain how much he liked it in the 60’s and 70’s. Less than that is too cold, and higher temperatures are just too hot.

Last night at the dinner table the kids were talking about their favorite foods. Our menu was fish, baked sweet potato and fried squash. I was surprised to hear that the sweet potato was the favorite of many around the table; we don’t eat them often, but some of the kids said they could eat them everyday (it was even more popular than French fries). Sam really likes fish, catfish in particularly and could eat it all the time. No one picked squash as a favorite veggie.

I’ve heard a lot about favorites lately; favorite color, favorite March madness team, favorite time of day, favorite American idol. From time to time my kids will send me an email that asks for 50 or so of your favorite things. The list of favorites could go on and on. I guess one of our favorite things to do is choose favorites, to have an unconscious list of what we really like that surfaces in the choices we make (or is it a conscious list).

The unfortunate reality is that sometimes our list of favorites is not just about things. We have our list of favorite people too. James tells us plainly not to show favoritism or unfairly discriminate between people because of their appearance, position, status or wealth.

• [8] Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." [9] But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law.
  James 2:8-9 (NLT)

Every person you will ever meet, regardless of their skin color, the clothes they wear, the house they live in or car they drive or any other thing you can imagine that separates people, everyone is created in the image of God. We are to love people for who they are and not what they may or may not be able to do for us. We are to love people because God loves people.

I must confess I have been guilty of breaking God’s royal law. I’ve shunned people at times for no good reason other than my preference. I need the reminder that this is sin; I need God’s help to love people unconditionally and without strings attached. How about you? Is there someone you have withheld love from?

What a ride!

What would a roller-coaster ride be without the rise and fall of the track; the sudden turns, quick slowdowns and stops, even loops and twists? I guess without those things it would become nothing more than a train ride across a level plane; regardless of how fast, the ride it would get boring and tedious quickly.

Life can be a lot like a roller-coaster; lots of ups and downs, surprises around every turn. In one moment you can enjoy the thrill of the ride, and the next you are overcome by fear or sorrow wishing the ride would end. Sometimes it’s enough to make you sick! How should we handle the unexpected twists and turns of life?

• [2] Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. [3] You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.
  James 1:2-3 (MsgB)

I find it interesting that James does not say “if” trials and hardship come our way, but “when” they come. James knew that life would be filled with the unexpected, so he challenged us to view our difficulties with “pure joy,”* as a gift and not a burden. While James never had the chance to ride a roller-coaster, I’m sure he would have told us to enjoy the ride of life!

Why should we enjoy the ride? The roller-coaster of life forces our faith to grow. When the unexpected happens the “true colors” of our faith are revealed. No more pretending; trials show our faith for what it really is. Therefore “the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”* Through the sudden twists and turns of life our faith grows stronger—the colors get brighter. That’s why challenges are an opportunity for joy.

Last year I finally overcame my fear of the “X-flight.” It’s a roller-coaster that starts you out lying on your back. As you go up the first hill all you can see is blue sky. Suddenly the track turns you over as you race down the first hill. It’s as though you are falling to the ground with nothing to catch you. When the ride ended I unlatched the safety harness and walked away with a smile; I was still excited by the ride and ready for the next.

Learn to enjoy the ride of life. Don’t fear or regret the swift changes that come unexpectedly; God puts them on the ride so we can grow stronger. And when this ride is over we can smile as we walk through the gates of heaven anticipating what comes next.
* NIV

Incredible

One of my friends has told me of how antagonistic one of his coworkers is toward our Christian faith. While such resistance to the gospel does not compare to the persecution some believers have endured, it nonetheless has its roots in the same soil of sin and rebellion against God. As believers how should we respond to the various attacks against our faith?

• The incredible grace of our Master, Jesus Christ, be with all of you!
  2 Thessalonians 3:18 (MsgB)

These are Paul’s final words of encouragement to the believers in Thessalonica. God’s infinitely amazing grace has been given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace will give us strength to stand regardless of what we may face. In this short letter to the Thessalonians, Paul helps us to better understand how God’s grace can help those who suffer for their faith in Christ from simple harassment to violent persecution.

The first chapter of 2 Thessalonians is a reminder of what suffering can do for us. We are considered worthy of God’s calling as we endure various forms of persecution. The grace of God gives us strength to stand knowing that God is also just; the Lord will punish those who oppose us. Therefore, with a faith that endures and we continue to stand, Jesus is glorified through our lives, and amazingly we also receive honor in Him.

2 Thessalonians 2 lifts our eyes to see our ultimate victory at Christ’s second coming. Don’t be deceived by false reports; Jesus will come again in victory over the enemy, but before the Lord returns, it is going to go from bad to worse. We can stand firm unto the end by the grace of God through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit within us and the truth of God’s Word.

Paul ends his letter in chapter three encouraging believers to continue doing what is right even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We are reminded to be faithful in prayer, not simply for ourselves but for other Christians too. Yet we are not to be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good; Paul tells the Thessalonians to follow their example and work hard as to not be a burden upon others—if you don’t work, you don’t eat. We are to continue doing what we know is right and to likewise encourage other believers to do the same.

With this in mind we can be sure that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in everything we do and in every situation we face. Thank God for His amazing grace that is with us always.

"Go Easy on Me"

I watched as two brothers were play wrestling on the floor. The younger brother half the size and strength of the older would jump on top of his brother’s back. At times he would attack with fists swinging; at others he would get up and kick him in the back. When the older brother would defend himself, the younger would yell to his dad, “It’s not fair; tell him to go easy on me.”

I couldn’t help but think to myself, “If he goes much easier he is liable to get hurt himself.” Still as these brothers wrestled both were learning to use their strength. As the years go by, both will come to understand that they have an adversary that won’t even think about going easy on them. Who will they look to then for help?

• But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
  2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

One of Satan’s greatest lies is to convince us that he does not exist, that evil is just a force and not a person. Yet Satan is real. Together with his demonic forces the devil has one prime objective: “to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). The unseen reality of life is that we are engaged in a fierce struggle against spiritual forces. It is a war that last our entire lifetime.

What is our hope to overcome the enemy? Our prayer cannot be, “Lord, tell him to go easy on me.” However, within Paul’s words I see a prayer we can make. Putting it as simply as I know how we can cry out, “God help me!”

We can pray first that God will strengthen us to persevere through each trial and difficulty we face. If God does not strengthen us, then Satan could certainly crush us far worse than the older brother could have hurt his little brother wrestling. But that’s not all; we can also ask God to defend us against the enemy, to protect us from the attack of the enemy. Let’s be honest. It is impossible for us to win the war against Satan; only God can give us victory.

One final thought: we can also pray with thanksgiving because God is faithful! The Lord has won the victory over Satan in the past, and He will continue to take us from victory unto victory.

Whatever you are facing today, cry out to God for help. God will strengthen you, protect you and give you the victory. Just ask the Lord for help.

The End . . .

Most of us have probably seen caricatures of so called prophets of doom and destruction. In cartoons, TV and movie a man can be seen with a sandwich board hanging over his shoulders which often reads, “Repent, the end is near” or some other variation of the saying. Often this character is portrayed as a bearded man, often ignored, and sometimes even as a panhandler with a cup for donations.

Nearly 2,000 years have come and gone since the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Since our Lord’s ascension into heaven believers have been anticipating His second coming. With His coming will be the judgment of the living and the dead, the ultimate battle between good and evil—Armageddon, the wrath of God upon sin, a new heaven and a new earth; need I go on? With Christ’s return we are really are looking for the end of the world as we know it.

Now please don’t think I’m making light of these things, or that Christ’s coming is not my hope. I am looking forward to that day; as I wrote yesterday, “the Lord’s return will happen sooner than later.” I guess you could say that I really believe the end is near, that the final chapter of human history is being written before our eyes. Sooner not later Christ will come again. The righteous will be with Him forever in heaven; the unrighteous in eternal torment in hell.

Yet I’m not the first among believers to say that Christ’s coming is imminent or looming just over the horizon. Christians have believed this for centuries. I guess that’s why the caricature of the prophet is often ignored or seen as a panhandler. Isn’t that what people around us often think about the church?

Still others would claim that Christ has already come, that we are living now in the Day of the Lord. All that remains is for us to establish His kingdom (as though God need our help). Such misunderstanding and rumors have been around for a long time. Look what the Apostle Paul wrote:

• [1] And now, brothers and sisters, let us tell you about the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered together to meet him. [2] Please don't be so easily shaken and troubled by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Even if they claim to have had a vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us, don't believe them.
  2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NLT)

Don’t let yourself be lulled to sleep, or worse to be deceived by false prophets. When Jesus returns to gather us to be with Him we won’t miss it if we are looking for His coming. Stay alert because the end is . . .

In the News . . .

I’m not the news junkie I used to be (I think it helps keep me sane). I take in just enough to stay relatively current on the events. I’m sometimes amazed how little things change over the course of a week; news headlines remain much the same, so I’m not missing too much.

Most people would agree that the news shows the uncertainty of world, national and even local events. What makes the news often happens by surprise and the outcome is still unknown. For those prone to worry the nightly news has the ability to either keep you up at night, or cause an ulcer.

However, what I see and hear in the news from week to week tells me one thing that I can be sure of, and it keeps me from being anxious also. Jesus is coming again. The signs of the times all affirm that our Lord’s return will happen sooner than later. Before we know it we will all be with Jesus.

Paul also understood the days in which he lived. Just like today the immorality and violence prevalent within society pointed toward Christ’s return. Persecution against believers was increasing. Surely Jesus would come and rescue His people soon. With time racing toward an end this was his prayer.

• [11] With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. [12] We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NIV)

As we watch the final sands fall through the hourglass of time, we should make this our prayer also. We can do nothing to deserve being worthy of God’s grace; it is God who has chosen us to be like Jesus*. Each day we should be a little more like our Lord. In this way his desires become our desires so that God will empower and equip us for every good work. Why will God do this for us? Each day we live less for ourselves and more for Him; instead of wanting to be number 1 we live to acknowledge that God is number 1, to give Him glory in everything we do and say. (*See Romans 8:29)

I’m not there yet, but I want to keep pressing on to be more like Jesus, to live less for me and more for the Lord each day. Lord Jesus, until that final day comes, may our lives proclaim the good news that remains the same; Jesus has come to our rescue. Make us worthy so You are glorified in us.

What's it all about?

Communication breakdown, how often has it happened to you? You say or write one thing but it gets interpreted as something else. For instance if I say, “The board leaned to the right” you don’t even know what kind of board I’m talking about without any context, and once you’re know that, then you have to decipher what ‘leaning to the right’ means (and with either type of board some might think being to the right is a good thing while others would rather have the board straight or lean to the left). Thus different people will draw very different conclusions about a board leaning to the right.

When we think about what Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians people come up with a lot of different ideas about his purpose or theme. Many people only think in terms of the second coming; they see his first letter to encourage Thessalonian believers with the assurance of Christ’s return, and his second letter to correct false teaching concerning the second coming. While these themes are evident, I don’t think it was Paul’s primary purpose for writing the first time.

As you read through 1 Thessalonians what strikes above all else is Paul’s deep concern and love for believers in Thessalonica. Paul’s desire to visit this church again, to teach them how to live a life pleasing to the Lord, to encourage them to remain faithful even in the midst of persecution, these are the things that filled his heart. Paul feared that somehow these fellow Christians whom he had grown to love so much might have abandoned their faith in Christ; he rejoiced when he heard that they were continuing to live in obedience to the cross.

• [8] We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us . . . [3:5] For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. [6] But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.
  1 Thessalonians 2:8; 3:5-6 (NIV)

How might our churches today be different if that kind of love and concern was evident in our relationships with each other? Don’t miss understand me, I’m not saying we don’t love each other. But do we love each other enough to open up and share our lives with each other.

I think Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonians is a good example for us to learn from. When we learn to love each other like this then we will truly be a church without spot or wrinkle—the church Jesus wants to return for. (See Ephesians 5:27)

Clean Up for Dinner

I remember something like this happening to me. Every little boy (and probably even little girls too) have been called to come and wash up for dinner. Sitting at the table mother calls for an inspection and after she takes a closer look he is sent back to wash again. “This time use soap” or “Now go and actually get close to the water” mother says.

How often will kids say, “But I did wash!” Nevertheless off they go to the sink to scrub once again. More than once some poor little guys are sent back a third time before passing inspection.

It seems that moms are always concerned about the hands being clean. I could just imagine one little guy when sent to try again looking up at his mom and saying, “But look at my face; it’s clean!”

Isn’t that just like all of us? We want to compartmentalize our lives into little boxes, and we justify one box being a little messy because we have this or that one all neat and clean; everything there is in order. Yet just like a loving mother God does not overlook a clean face; it’s just that if the hands, feet or anything else is dirty then YOU are dirty.

• [23] May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. [24] The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!
  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (MsgB)

God calls us to be holy, to be free from sin. His desire is that we will live a righteous life. But like the little boy we may think we have cleaned up, but there is still dirt left behind. We deceive ourselves by thinking, “I’ve cleaned up the body,” but our thought life is still filthy. God wants us to be holy and whole. Impurity in one area of our lives spills over into all the others.

Fortunately God does not expect us to clean up our sin through our own efforts. God goes help us wash our hands. Jesus did for us what we can’t do for ourselves; you can count on it.

We will soon be called to sit at the table God has prepared in heaven. Let’s be ready when He calls. Keep your hands clean—soul and spirit too—not alone but with God’s help!

Ambition

Ambition, it’s what gives you a reason to get up in the morning and keeps you going through difficult times. Would people describe you as ambitious, or are you apathetic and negative, or worse a quitter?

For some people their ambition actually gets in the way of being a person others respect. These people may succeed in achieving their goals and making it to the top, but they have used people as their ladder to success. Their ambition is only self-centered and leaves behind a lot of hurt and disappointment for those who got in their way.

As Christians what should be our primary objective when it comes to work? What should be our motivation to get-up-and-go each day?

• [11] This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. [12] As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs.
  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT)

If we are going to be truly successful we need to apply this to how we approach our jobs and the people we work with. Follow these three simple rules.

1. Live a quiet life. Don’t be argumentative or defensive. Remember you are not always right. Speak kindly and listen to others without interrupting.
   
2. Mind your own business. This isn’t to say you ignore people and become a loner. Learn to focus on your job and don’t meddle or stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. Don’t listen to gossip, and you won’t spread it.
   
3. Work with your hands. Do your job. Put in an honest days work and do your very best.

What are the rewards of making this your ambition and following these guidelines? First, other people will respect you; even those who aren’t Christians will not have anything bad to say about you. In turn this will make your witness effective because you won’t become a stumbling block as a Christian with a bad attitude. Second, your needs will be met; you won’t have to beg others for help or feel like you’ve missed out.

So what will you make your ambition?

Splasher or Splashee?

I’m not sure which is more fun; riding the ride or catching the splash? At Geauga Lake it’s called “Shipwreck Falls.” This boat ride sends riders down a 50 foot waterfall drenching everyone onboard, but the splash is so big those watching on the platform get soaked too (and if an innocent by-stander gets too close they may get wet too). The reality though is that if no one is willing to ride the ride, then no one can enjoy catching the splash either. One depends on the other.

Paul was concerned about the Thessalonian believers. Were they continuing to grow in their love for God and one another? Were they continuing in Christ or had they given in to persecution and abandon their faith and returned to a life separated from God? At long last Timothy brought Paul the news that they had not forsaken God but were maturing in their faith. They too longed to see Paul again as their love for him had not diminished either.

As you might expect the news brought great joy to Paul and his companions. Even in the midst of persecution and hardship they were encouraged to continue in their ministry because of the steadfast faith of the Thessalonian believers. Their efforts were not in vain; God was nurturing the young church there.

I love Paul’s prayer that follows the good news. I can picture him overflowing with joy as he prays for the Thessalonians.

• [12] And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. [13] May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers.
  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (MsgB)

Paul prayed that God’s love would continue to be poured into their lives and that God would continue to strengthen them to live holy lives as together they awaited Jesus’ second coming. But that’s not all he prayed; Paul asked that God’s love would actually overflow to those around them.

Oh that our lives too would be so full of God’s incredible love and presence that it slashes on everyone we get close too. Perhaps we should start warning people that they are in the “splash zone.” But who is having more fun now, the splasher or the splashee?

Resistance

Recently I was invited to preach for chapel at Valley Forge. As the day approached I planned what I believed God would have me share with the students. The morning I was to make the 363 mile drive we had a blizzard with over a foot of snow on the ground. After much debate I decided it would be best to not make the trip. I was disappointed that this opportunity was lost for moment, and even more as the daddy of two VFCC students I was going to miss out on seeing my girls—bummer!

At the time I was reminded of how important it is that we commit our plans to the Lord. The bible tells us that we should not boast about the plans we make but should learnt to say, “If it is the Lord’s will I will do this or that” (see James 4:13-15). God is sovereign; He is Lord over all and is in control of even the events of our day to day lives.

Nevertheless the thought had not occurred to me until today that while God allowed the blizzard that kept me at home, it may have also been Satan hindering me from going at that time to preach. I’m not saying that the devil won in some cosmic battle to prevent me from delivering the message at VFCC, (God permitted it just as He allowed disaster to come upon Job), but just as we must keep God’s will in focus as we plan our lives, we must also remember that we have an enemy who wants to keep us from doing anything for God.

• For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan stopped us.
  1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NIV)

The devil is not a cartoon character dressed in red with a pointy tail and pitchfork. Satan is real. He is “the God of this age,” “the ruler of the kingdom of the air.” We are encouraged to remember that we don’t fight against other people, but “against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (See 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12)

We are not told what prevented Paul from going to minister to the Thessalonian church only that Satan hindered him. A snow storm kept me from a ministry opportunity.

What is it that has hindered you from doing something you believe God wanted you to do? Don’t let the devil convince you that it just wasn’t God’s will for you to do it. Perhaps Satan stopped you. Redouble your efforts and go in the strength of the Lord to do what He has called you to do.

Powerful Words

My sister told me she had a talk with her father-in-law Steve* that she never expected to have. For more than an hour they talked about God’s love and Jesus’ death as the only way we can receive forgiveness. She told him the only way to be accepted by God and gain entrance into heaven was through Jesus; no amount of good deeds, money given to the church, and not even being baptized in water will earn your way into heaven. It all comes down to what you do with Jesus.

About fourteen years ago Steve was in the hospital at the same time as our dad. On one of our visits I went up to Steve’s room to pray with him. He told her during their talk, “I lost a week-and-a-half of my life. I don’t remember anything that happened to me; the only thing I remember is your brother praying for me.”

Now to be honest with you I have a hard time remembering what happened yesterday, so I certainly don’t remember much of that short visit with Steve. But something that was said back then wasn’t just me and my thoughts. God connected with Steve through what was said and he hasn’t forgotten it.

Paul took the gospel of Jesus Christ to the city of Thessalonica. What Paul told them changed their lives.

• For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know that the way we lived among you was further proof of the truth of our message.
  1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NLT)

The power of the Holy Spirit confirms the words we speak to others with power; God makes the word come to life in their hearts so their eyes are opened to their need for salvation. The message we bring is not our own; it is the power of God unto salvation (see Romans 1:16).

Steve is proof of how God takes what we say and uses it to draw people to Jesus. God is at work in the circumstances of his life to give my sister the chance to reaffirm God’s love. God is making her words alive in Steve’s heart with power.

How about you? Are you willing to be a spokesman for Jesus? You don’t need to be eloquent or even know all the answers. Just begin to tell people about God’s love and let the Holy Spirit do the rest; God will make what you say burn in their hearts so they will never forget it.
* Steve is not his real name.

Cows and Sheep

I remember as a boy staying at my grandfather’s farm. Each afternoon we made the walk down to the pasture to bring the cows up to the barn for milking (sometimes they would be in the back pasture and it had to be nearly a mile walk or more). Once the first of the cows started the walk toward the barn the others quickly followed; left out of the gate, up the road and into the barn each cow made its way to its own stall to be milked and more importantly to the cow fed too. I was always amazed how they knew exactly where to go.

From what I understand sheep are different from cows. Once we got the cows started toward the barn they would just go and we followed them back (watch where you step). Sheep on the other hand must be led by the shepherd; you can’t herd sheep like you can cattle.

Through out the bible God’s people are often referred to as sheep. People resist being forced to do anything; instead of being ‘herded’ and pushed to do something, people respond better to being led. We like to follow.

• [6] "My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place. [7] Whoever found them devoured them; their enemies said, 'We are not guilty, for they sinned against the Lord, their true pasture, the Lord, the hope of their fathers.'
  Jeremiah 50:6-7 (NIV)

God’s people did not just wander way from what God had prepared for them. They were led astray by their shepherds. Kings, priests and false prophets took paths God had forbidden and many people just followed them.

As a pastor I take these verses very personally. What I say and how I live my life is not just a personal matter but affects those God has called me to lead. But it is not just the people who attend the church; my influence is even greater for my family. As a father the choices I make have a more immediate and dramatic effect on my kids.

How about you? You may not be a pastor, but who do you lead or have influence over? God will hold us accountable for how we lead. Let’s be a good example and not just leave others to wander aimlessly and lose their way home.

No Debate

From time to time I will tune into listen to Sean Hannity on the radio. Hannity’s hot button for the last couple of months is what he calls “The Stop Hillary Express.” I’m not surprised by his push to try to keep her from being elected to the White House. What is surprising to me is that Mrs. Clinton, along with nearly a dozen other politicians, has already announced their campaigns for the presidency in 2008. We are twenty-two months away from the ’08 Election Day, but already the candidates are battling it out, and the talking heads like Hannity are all responding to the presidential debate. I for one think it has all started at least twelve months too soon.

While America debates the uncertainty of who will assume the presidential leadership in 2008 over the next two years nothing will be certain until Election Day (and if the last two elections are any indication of things to come we may not be certain then either). My purpose is not to debate presidential politics—present or future. Rather I want to contrast the uncertainty of it all with what we can know with absolute certainty. Without doubt God is the King and Lord over all nations.

Jeremiah is given prophetic messages for the nations that surrounded Jerusalem. Israel was God’s chosen people, but God had a message for Jeremiah to deliver to these foreign nations as well. Why? God rules over these nations as well.

Jeremiahs message was similar for each of these nations. God was preparing to pour out His judgment and wrath upon them. Like Israel these nations would also face the consequences for their sin. Yet at the end of one of these prophetic messages the Lord says something interesting.

• [38] I will set my throne in Elam and destroy her king and officials," declares the Lord. [39] "Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come," declares the Lord.
  Jeremiah 49:38-39 (NIV)

God was going to bring about his judgment, but with the announcement of His wrath God also makes a promise of restoration. This is not just a hope for the nation of Elam to be restored to a place of prosperity. God promised that He would renew a relationship with all people of the earth. God could judge the nations and offer them the assurance of deliverance because He rules over them all.

Nothing has changed. God is still in control to execute judgment in His time. And the Lord has provided the only means of restoration for all the nations of the earth through His son Jesus.

God's Promise

God gave Jeremiah a difficult assignment prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem for years. Jeremiah stood before kings and told them of their downfall if they did not repent. Though he tried to remain silent Jeremiah had to speak the Word of the Lord because it was like a fire burning within him. (See Jeremiah 20:9)

The kings and many of the officials of Jerusalem despised Jeremiah having him arrested and put in prison. Some wanted him killed because of what he spoke against them. They must have been afraid to take his life by the sword, so they had him lower into a cistern to starve to death, but God rescued Jeremiah.

The time had come for God’s judgment to begin. The Babylonians laid siege against Jerusalem just as Jeremiah had prophesied. I can only begin to imagine how Jeremiah must have felt. It is one thing to speak of destruction; it’s another to see it come to pass just as the Lord had told you. Yet as Jerusalem was overtaken, the city burned, people killed and taken into exile, God again rescued Jeremiah.

• [11] Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard: [12] "Take him and look after him; don't harm him but do for him whatever he asks."
  Jeremiah 39:11-12 (NIV)

God kept the promise made to Jeremiah when the Lord called him years before. Before Jeremiah spoke of the destruction that was to come the Lord said, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:8 NIV). God not only saved Jeremiah’s life when threatened by his own people, but God cause the Babylonians to have favor upon Jeremiah giving him whatever he wanted.

We are living in days much like those of Jeremiah. For centuries Christians have been looking for the return of Jesus. The bible warns us of what will happen in the days preceding His coming which are happening even today. Are these the last days? It has never been later than it is today. And it will only get worse before He comes.

As we see events long prophesied begin to be fulfilled and evil raise its ugly head we may begin to fear, but don’t be afraid. God who rescued Jeremiah has promise to be with us too. God will do for us what He has promised.