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.

You can say that again!

As parents it seems that we often have to repeat ourselves (I don’t think it’s because our children have hearing problems; it’s just that they aren’t listening). Just this morning I said to Greg, “There’s a dollar waiting for you in your room.” He turned around and turned off his bedroom lights; he was suddenly reminded that I had told him that if he continued to leave his lights on I would charge him a dollar. Repetition helped him to do what I had asked and turn the lights off when he leaves his room (we’ll see what happens now tomorrow).

God instructed Jeremiah to write on a scroll the message given to him by the Lord. When the scroll was completed it was read in the temple before the officials and then read before Jehoiakim the king. Jehoiakim tore the scroll and threw it into the fire.

Now I’m sure that if God had wanted He could have caused the scroll not to be harmed by the fire, or the smoke could have risen and stained the walls with the writing on the scroll. Nothing is impossible for God. But God let the scroll be consumed by the flames. But this was not an end of the Word spoken by the Lord to Jeremiah.

• Then Jeremiah took another scroll and dictated again to his secretary Baruch. He wrote everything that had been on the scroll King Jehoiakim had burned in the fire. Only this time, he added much more!
  Jeremiah 36:32 (NLT)

Jeremiah not only had the message written again; the Word of the Lord was emphasized by saying the same thing in different ways. God’s Word could not be destroyed by the fire. God’s Word is eternal; it would remain regardless of any man’s response to it.

Some people today will still try to discredit God’s Word or say it is irreverent to our lives because it is full of errors and cannot be trusted. Still they cannot destroy the Word of God; it remains regardless of their attempts to silence it (see Psalm 119:89).

But what about us who believe in God’s Word? We may not burn it in a fire or try to discredit it, but when we ignore it or deliberately disobey what God says it’s just like we did. I’m glad God is willing to repeat Himself; that when I’m not listening the Holy Spirit will patiently tell me again and again.

God’s Word is to be heard and obeyed; are you listening?

Knowing Better

It has probably happened to all of us. If it hasn’t happened yet it will sooner or later. We find ourselves telling our kids what our parents have said to us, “You should have known better!” As a kid I could figure out how I was supposed to ‘just know;’ but as a parent I too have expected my kids to be able to ‘figure it out’ and know better.

The experiences of life are a wonderful teacher to help us all connect our experiences and learn from our mistakes. Over time we also learn to apply what we have been told in new and unique situations that keep us out of trouble. Still for others such ‘common sense’ is not so common.

A day is coming when regardless of our age or life experience, and in spite of of how much common sense we may or may not have we may be told, “You should have know better!” If we hear our heavenly Father should say these words to us we won’t have any excuses to hide behind.

• [33] "But this is the new covenant I will make . . . on that day," says the Lord. "I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. [34] And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their family, saying, 'You should know the Lord.' For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will already know me," says the Lord. "And I will forgive their wickedness and will never again remember their sins."
  Jeremiah 31:33-34 (NLT)

No one will even be able to say, “But that’s Old Testament and doesn’t apply to us.” No excuses are valid. Paul affirms that God has in fact written His law upon even the hearts of outsiders who were not brought up to know God (see Romans 2:14-15). When we stand before God to be judged for our sin we will all know that the way we lived broke God’s law through the things we said and did.

I’m glad God has promised to forgive our sins and never bring them up again. However, this does not mean God will just overlook our sin or ignore it; this is a promise for those who know God. Jesus has made the way for us to be forgiven; only through Him can our sins be wiped clean. Thank you Lord for making my sin clear to me, and showing me how to be forgiven by knowing You and Your Son Jesus.

Rubik's Cube

Have you ever tried to figure out the Rubik’s Cube? When you solve the puzzle it’s supposed have each side be all the same color. I’ve tried several times but I just can’t do it, and yet some Rubik’s masters will solve the puzzle in just seconds regardless of how mixed-up the cube is when it is handed to them. While there are those who can figure out the cube, none of us can master the puzzle of the human heart.

• [9] "The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. [10] But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be."
  Jeremiah 17:9-10 (MsgB)

We like to think that we are good people; after all there are lots of people out there who are worse than we are. We would never be as bad as Hitler, Hussein or anyone else who is truly evil right?

If you believe that lie then it just goes to prove how deceitful our hearts really are. If you were ask even the most evil of people, you would find out that they too believe they are good.

Just how mixed up are our hearts? Think about the words that preceded these given by the Lord to Jeremiah.

• [5] This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord [6]He will be like a bush in the wasteland . . . [7] But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”

Jeremiah 17:5-7 (NIV)

Now be honest how many of us would like to have the opportunity to have the kind of money Bill Gates has? Or what about the 750 million dollars or so that’s up for grabs in Nicole Smith’s estate? We may not agree with their lifestyle and disregard for God, but it certainly does not appear that their life is cursed. How can their lives be considered a wasteland with all the things they have? And yet we struggle from paycheck to paycheck; is that a blessing?

Let’s be honest with each other sin pays well—in this lifetime. To solve the puzzle of our hearts we must learn to begin to look beyond the material to the spiritual—past the temporal to the eternal. Lord help our hearts to not be deceived and see things as they really are.

Hide-n-Seek

“. . . Ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred; ready or not here I come!” Another game of hide-n-seek begins. As the older brother I always enjoyed hiding from my younger siblings; I knew all the best places to hide, and they couldn’t find me. I would tell you where I hid, but it is still a secret! Sometimes I would even try to hide right under their noses and get safely to home-base before they had even started looking.

While most of us have out-grown playing hide and seek, some of us, like those Jeremiah prophesied to, try to play hide-n-seek with God. The people of Judah thought they could hide their sin from God’s sight and be free from guilt.

• [23] "Am I only a God nearby," declares the Lord, "and not a God far away? [24] Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the Lord. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord.
  Jeremiah 23:23-24 (NIV)

We’ve all made the mistake of thinking there is a safe place where we are free to do what we want and no one will ever know. We might be sitting in front of our computer, in a hotel room on a business trip, at a bar where no one knows our name, across town, in our bedroom late at night; the places we think we can hide our sin are as numerous as the child’s game hide-n-seek.

We might be alone and far from home, but we cannot hide from God. The Lord is with us wherever we go. God sees everything we do; He hears every word we speak (yes, the Lord even knows our secret thoughts—can’t hide there either).

Are you trying to hide from God? Have you made the mistake of believing that you can justify your sin and get away with it?

When we played hide-n-seek we would call out, “Ollie-ollie-oxin-free” to let those we could not find come out of hiding and be safe.

God does the same. Not because he cannot find you, but because He knows exactly where you are and what you have done. God sends out a call of repentance that you might be forgiven and set free from the consequences of your sin. If you keep hiding you are in danger of His wrath. Come out into the open and stop hiding; only there will you find real freedom.

Power of Attorney

Power of attorney gives someone the legal right to make decisions and speak on behalf of someone else. You might give someone full power of attorney, or a limited power of attorney. For instance you may only give someone the right to make health decisions on your behalf, to manage your finances, or to purchase license plates for your vehicle. A power of attorney gives specific authority, but if you overstep the limits set forth you have broken the trust of the individual granting the power of attorney and could face legal consequences.

In a way God grants power of attorney to prophets who are given the authority to speak on God’s behalf. Such authority can be easily abused.

[14] Then the Lord told me, "These are the lies that the prophets are telling in my name: They claim that I sent them, commanded them, and spoke to them. They dreamed up the visions they tell you. Their predictions are worthless. They are the products of their own imagination.
[15] "I didn't send these prophets. Yet, they prophesy in my name that there will be no wars or famines in this land. So this is what I, the Lord, say about them: Wars and famines will bring an end to these prophets.
Jeremiah 14:14-15 (GW)

When someone says, “The Lord has said,” “Hear the word of the Lord,” or any other such statement they claim to speak for God. It can be easy to declare that you are speaking for God; however, a prophet should be careful not to ‘put words in God’s mouth.’ If God has not spoken and instructed you to speak, then you have no authority upon which to talk for God.

Many of the so-called prophets of Jeremiah’s day were just telling people what they wanted to hear; they claimed to speak for God but they spoke lies. Therefore God judged them by their own words; the famine and war they said would not happen came upon them.

God will speak words of blessing and encouragement, but if preachers today never confront sin and the consequences it brings, then do they really speak for God? We need to learn to evaluate a ‘Word from the Lord’ by the authority of scripture and not simply by how it makes us feel. Heed God’s word; test the spirits. God will confirm His word by doing what He said.

It's time to brag a little!

What do you brag about the most? You may not be one to sing your own praises, but lets be honest with each other; you’ve thought from time to time, “I could do better than that,” or “If only they had taken my advice.” While we may not blow our horn for others to hear we all certainly toot on it from time to time just for our own enjoyment.

We will all boast and brag from time to time, and this may surprise you, but God actually encourages us to be boastful.

[23] This is what the Lord says:

"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, [24] but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)

To boast is to speak proudly or even confidently about something. Most of the time, we admire human wisdom, power (strength) and riches. Yes, it is a problem to think to highly of ourselves, our accomplishments or our possessions, but it’s never wrong to brag a little about God.

Notice what God tells us to boast about. First we are to tell others that we know God. Amazing as it sound, it is nevertheless true; I AM A FRIEND OF GOD! That’s not something to be ashamed of, that’s something to shout outloud and let the whole world know. God Almighty has made Himself known to me and wants to make His love real in my life everyday. How do I know this? Look what else I am to boast about.

God tells me to make it known that He is “the Lord who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness.” And why does God do these things? Because He delights in doing these things! In other words, God enjoys expressing His unfailing love to me (and yes to you too).

God has been kind; He is merciful to me a sinner. God is just; He has made full payment for my sin through Jesus’ death on the cross. And God is righteous; He has given me His Holy Spirit to empower me to live in obedience to His Word everyday.

I’m told that when I get to be a grandparent I’ll have a wallet full of pictures to brag about my grandkids. It might be a good idea to put something in there now to remind me to start bragging on God because He has already done some things worth singing praises about.

"911-what is your emergency?"

I’ve only ever needed to call 911 a couple of times. My greatest emergency was when baby Gracie was sleeping and Chrysta and I ‘took a nap’ while Susie was at work. A small fire started on the kitchen stove filling the house with smoke. Fortunately Chrysta resisted the nap and we were still awake. I got the girls out of the house and called 911; I had the fire out before the firemen got there, but the smoke did the damage. I was glad 911 was there to answer my call for help.

Israel had rejected God; they had traded the glory of the living God for worthless idols made of wood and stone. People were living their lives to please themselves. Yet when disaster or trouble came they were quick to call on God for help just like we dial 911.

[27] They say to wood, 'You are my father,' and to stone, 'You gave me birth.' They have turned their backs to me and not their faces; yet when they are in trouble, they say, 'Come and save us!'
[28] Where then are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them come if they can save you when you are in trouble! For you have as many gods as you have towns, O Judah.
Jeremiah 2:27-28 (NIV)

How often are we just like the faithless people of Judah? We may not set up an idol and worship it as our god, but we have no time for God. We have turned our back on God; we busy ourselves with activity and forget about God. We’ve no time for church; we’re too busy to pray. We fall asleep reading the Bible but stay up late watching TV. Our lives are full of all kinds of activity and have crowded God out.

But then trouble comes. Fear grips our heart with the doctor’s report, the threat of a layoff, a natural disaster, or countless other unexpected difficulties and problems. Suddenly all the activity that was so important only moments ago vanish and all we can see is our emergency.

That’s when we remember God and we cry for help; we make a ‘911 prayer.’ What will we do when God responds to us as He did to Judah? Instead of responding as a loving father coming to our rescue, He rebukes us. Unlike the 911 operator God accepts calls all the time that are not an emergency. Shouldn’t we take time to connect with God everyday so we never need to fear that He would turn us away?

What's Missing?

If you are ever a defendant standing before a judge in a court of law one of the first things that they will do is to read the charges filed against you. Regardless of whether you are innocent or guilty, before you ever get to say anything in your defense you will hear what claims are being made against you to establish what laws may have been broken.

After Jesus was arrested the religious leaders held their own trial. Many false witnesses were called, but their testimony against Jesus contradicted one another. Late into the night the high priest stood before Jesus and charged Him under oath, “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God” (see Matthew 26:63). When Jesus said he was the high priest tore his robes and cried out “Blasphemy!” and found him worthy of the death sentence.

Early the next morning they took Jesus to the governor Pilate. After hearing the charges Pilate soon knew that it was out of jealousy that the religious leaders had brought Jesus to him. Pilate believed he had found a fair solution. According to tradition a prisoner was released each year during the Jewish Passover celebration; therefore Pilate would let the crowd choose between Jesus and Barabbas a convicted murderer. To Pilate’s surprise the crowd asked for Barabbas to be released.

"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
They all answered, "Crucify him!"
"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
Matthew 27:22-23 (NIV)

Did you notice what was missing here? Read this exchange again because something is not right in this court of law. No legal charges were made against Jesus. Pilate asked plainly what crime Jesus was guilty of that deserved death. No answer was given, only an angry crowd stirred up by the religious leaders asking for Jesus to be crucified. The transcript of Jesus’ trial before Pilate only confirms that Jesus was innocent.

"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."
1 Peter 2:22 (NIV)
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

Let the record show the innocent died for the guilty. The proof is found in what's missing.

Connect the Dots

We recently got Jacob a connect-the-dots coloring book to help him with learning his ABC’s and counting. He went through the entire book connecting the dots in a single day, fast learner I guess!

The events of Jesus life on the night of His betrayal are familiar to us all—maybe too familiar. Take a moment and connect some of the dots with me as it relates to Jesus and Peter.

• 1 – Jesus tell his disciples one of them will betray Him. they all said (including Peter), “Surely not I, Lord” (NIV).
  
• 2 – On the Mount of Olives Jesus told them that they would all abandon Him Peter spoke up and said, “Even if everyone else abandons you I never will” (GW).
  
• 3 – Jesus tells Peter that he would deny even knowing Him that very night. Peter responds, “Even if I have to die with you, I’ll never say I don’t know you” (GW).
  
• 4 – Jesus took Peter, James and John and told them that His soul was overwhelmed to the point of death. Jesus asked them to keep watch and pray with Him. I’m sure they all said they would (and especially Peter).
  
• 5 – “When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, ‘Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire’.”
  Matthew 26:40-41 (MsgB)
  
• 6 – Jesus returns to pray and again comes back to find them sleeping as before.
  
• 7 – Jesus was arrested, betrayed by Judas just like He had said. Peter follows at a distance and entered the courtyard. While there Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, even calling down curses upon himself, just like Jesus said he would.

Peter was confident that he would remain faithful to Jesus, but he did the very thing he said he would not do. Why? Did you connect the dots with me? Peter denied Jesus because of his lack of prayer. Jesus encouraged him to pray so that he wouldn’t wander into temptation. The hour of Peter’s temptation came that very night and he was unprepared to stand up against it.

How about us? We too deny Jesus when we give into temptation and willingly sin; we do the very thing we said we would not. How are we to overcome? Connect the dots; we need to pray. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Are you ready for the snow?

Yesterday evening we stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things: breakfast cereal, milk, eggs, grape juice, bread, bagels, sugar (granulated and powdered) cake mix, chips and ice cream. We got more than we had too; we just stopped to get what the kids would need for their school parties the next day. However, as we expected school is closed today because of the winter storm; it’s a snow day. That explains why we got a few of the other things; with eight of us we could run out of bread and milk quickly.

The bad weather also explains why the store was so unusually busy; lots of people were there not just filling their carts, but overflowing them with enough to last for days for fear the weather would keep them at home for a while. With the roads snow covered and the snow still falling they wanted to be prepared for the worst.

"So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return.
Matthew 25:13 (NLT)

With these words Jesus ends the first of three parables warning His disciples to be prepared for His second coming. Jesus will come suddenly and with less warning than a winter storm, or any other weather disaster for that matter. As Jesus said, “The Son of Man will come again just as lightning flashes from east to west” (Matthew 24:27 GW).

Of the ten virgins only five were ready when the bridegroom came. Only two of three servants were ready when their master returned. Yet in each case they had all been told to be ready, but unfortunately some were not and were therefore rejected by the one they had been expecting. This should cause us to do all we can to be ready for Christ’s coming so that we are not one who is left behind.

We have been warned to be ready for the Day of His coming. We won’t have time to say a prayer or repent of our sin when He comes. Now is the time to prepare; that Day will be too late.

At His coming He will separate the peoples of the earth like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep, those who were ready will be on His right, the goats who were unprepared to His left. Untold numbers will be divided that day. Those on the right will be accepted; those on the left will be sent away. Which side will you be on?

"later Later!"

Language is a funny thing. You can say one thing but it can mean something all together different to those who hear it. For instance my brother left the following message on my phone today, “Call me later. I mean later you can call me, but you don’t have to call me later.” Now was he asking me to call him at a later time, or did he wish for me to call him by the name ‘Later?’ Which ‘Later(s)’ should be capitalized in his message?

As Jesus and the disciples left the temple Jesus called attention to the magnificent buildings there and said, “I tell you the truth, don’t be impressed by all these things because it will be completely demolished and not one stone will be left standing on another.” Outside the city Jesus sat with his disciple on the Mount of Olives and the disciples came to Him with a question.

"Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"
Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

What were the disciples asking Jesus about? I believe they were asking Jesus ONE question. They wanted to be prepared for Jesus to establish His kingdom and put an end to the Roman occupation. Remember Jesus had entered Jerusalem in triumph hailed as a king, and the buildings adjacent to the temple included the Antonia Fortress which was the center of Roman power in Jerusalem. The disciples just wanted to be ready to be by Jesus’ side when He took the throne.

Jesus heard THREE questions. When will these things happen—the destruction of the city and end of Roman occupation? What are the signs of your coming—your second coming to establish your kingdom? And when will the world come to an end—when will you execute judgment upon the living and the dead? His answer focused on the later two questions, and he ignored the first question all together.

[4] Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
Matthew 24:3-5 (NIV)

Jesus repeats this warning to guard against being deceived two more times. He did not want his disciples (or us) to misunderstand him. Above all else we must not let anyone deceive us through anything they might say or do. Be on guard deception is all around us. His coming is near.

Practice What I Preach

When was the last time you heard someone say, “Do as I say and not as I do?” Such a statement could be made by people we call hypocrites. I must confess that I’m guilty of saying one thing and then doing the opposite. For instance as I teach Greg to drive I tell him to watch his speed, but then I drive over the speed limit. I justify this inconsistency by telling him that I can pay the fine if I get a ticket, but he can’t. Poor logic I know. I’ve also been guilty of telling the kids they can’t have ice cream during the day because it is for an evening snack, but you’ve guessed it; I’ve had ice cream in the middle of the afternoon.

With such a confession it could call into question other things I say. Am I guilty of being a hypocrite? My desire as a pastor is that what I say and how I live line up; I don’t want inconsistencies in my lifestyle to bring the message of God’s word into question. I want to practice what I preach.

[2] "The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God's Law. [3] You won't go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don't live it. They don't take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It's all spit-and-polish veneer.
Matthew 23:2-3 (MsgB)

What most people don’t realize is that Jesus did not oppose most of what the Pharisees taught. These religious leaders were the experts in God’s law and accurately taught what God required to live a righteous life. Instead Jesus more often pointed out that the Pharisees were hypocrites or as the NIV puts it “they do not practice what they preach.”

The problem with the Pharisees was threefold:

1. They elevated their man-made traditions and rules to the same level as God’s law.
2. They told people how they should live (both by God’s law and the Pharisaical law), but they didn’t always live that way.
3. Finally, the motives of the Pharisees were often wrong; they didn’t obey the law to please God but to make themselves look good in the eyes of other people.

Have we made the same mistakes? Do we live by our own set of rules; do we say one thing but do the other; do we have wrong motives for what we do? For me I want the answer to those questions to be a resounding “No!” I want to live by God’s rules consistently to please Him. Let’s be ‘people of the Book’ and live our lives to glorify Jesus our Lord.

Questions

The religious leaders were looking for a way to condemn Jesus, so they questioned Him repeatedly. With each question the crowds were amazed by the wisdom and authority with which Jesus answered.

One of the Pharisees who were experts in the Law came to Jesus with a question. “Teacher, in all the Law what is the most important commandment?

[37]Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)

Look again at the last part of what Jesus said; everything else in the Law and the prophets is based upon these. Loving God and loving your neighbor as the Law commands is the foundation of a life that is pleasing to God.

Jesus then seized the moment and questioned the Pharisees about who the father of the Christ was. The Pharisees answered David and Jesus follows up with this question:

[43] He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? . . . [45] If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?"
Matthew 22:43-45 (NIV)

This silenced the Pharisees and no one dared asked Jesus anything else. Why? I don’t think it was just the wisdom or logic Jesus used to show that David acknowledged that the Christ was superior to him. Rather I think the Pharisees were convicted by their own sin because while David was guilty of sin, these Pharisees knew that he had kept these two law better than they had. David learned to love God and his neighbor more than any of the Pharisees had. This is why the bible says David was a man after God’s own heart. (See Acts 13:22)

So how about us? Will we continue to try to justify our sin, or will we be convicted by the simplicity of the Law as Jesus summarized it? How can we be more loving today? Let’s make our prayer, “Lord, make me an individual who loves wholeheartedly both You and my fellowman.”

Stir Up the Crowd

Perhaps you have seen pictures of ticker-tape parades in New York City. These city wide celebrations have been held for everything from welcoming home war heroes to championship sports teams. I’m sure the Colts were welcomed back to Indianapolis with the same kind of festivity.

Jesus entered Jerusalem with large crowds shouting, waving palm branches and even laying their garments on the road before Him. Jesus was welcomed to Jerusalem as a victorious king; “Hosanna to King David’s Son!” If they could have had a ticker-tape parade they probably would have.

[10] When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"
[11] The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Matthew 21:10-11 (NIV)

As I read this it makes me wonder, if Jesus were to enter our town today would there be the same commotion and excitement about His arrival? Would the TV stations and other news organizations be there to report it? Or would Jesus’ coming be overlooked?

While we could debate the possibilities of my hypothetical question, one thing is certain. Jesus does come into our towns and homes everyday and no one notices. How? Stay with me.

After coming into Jerusalem Jesus entered the Temple area and turned over the tables and drove those buying and selling out saying, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”

God’s temple, His dwelling place today is not a man made building. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). Jesus is within us. That’s why Paul says we are “Christ’s ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20); we are the representative of Jesus to our towns and cities.

So why doesn’t the presence of Jesus stir up the crowd wherever we go? Perhaps like those in Jerusalem so long ago we too have turned God’s house into a thrift store selling second had stuff at retail prices.

Are we like them guilty of neglecting prayer? Let’s clean our spiritual houses and repair our altar of prayer; perhaps then we may stir up the crowd with the presence of Jesus overflowing from our lives.

Tunnel Vision

I admit it. I have tunnel vision. No I don’t have trouble with my eyesight; my peripheral vision is just fine. The tunnel vision I sometimes suffer from comes from being focused on getting my work done but not seeing the people around me. Over the years I’ve had to make a conscious effort to slow down and not worry about the task that needed done so I can take time to see what’s going on in the lives of other people.

Jesus didn’t suffer from tunnel vision. He and the disciples were leaving Jericho to go to Jerusalem. Jesus told the disciples that once there he would be betrayed into the hands of evil men, condemned to die on the cross and then on the third day rise again. If ever Jesus had the right to be focused on what He was going to do it was then. No distractions, just keep the work to be done in front of you.

As Jesus left Jericho two blind men began to call out for help and the crowd did their best to silence them. I must admit that if I were one of the disciples I probably would have told these guys that Jesus had more important things on His mind and didn’t have time to bother with them—tunnel vision.

Not Jesus, He looked beyond the important work of salvation (a work that only he could do) and saw these two men in need. Jesus called them to him and asked what they wanted. They said they wanted to see.

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 20:34 (NIV)

Jesus told his disciples that He did not come to be served but to serve others and give His life to rescue many from their sins (see verse 28). But Jesus lived it out for us all to see. He didn’t just go to Jerusalem to die on the cross so we can be forgiven; that was the work that was before Him. Instead Jesus took the time to notice two blind men in need.

Are you like me and sometimes miss the big picture because you are focused on what is right in front of you? Let’s learn from the example of Jesus to slow down and notice the people who surround us. With God’s help our hearts can be filled with compassion to meet their need no matter how big or small it may be, and in doing so God will help us get the work done we think is more important than people.

Up-side Down or Right-Side Up?

A young man came to Jesus wanting to know what he must do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus told him to keep the commandments. He told Jesus he had done that since the time he was a child, so Jesus went to the heart of the matter and told him to go and sell everything he had, give it to the poor and then come be one of Jesus disciples. The young man went away sad because he had great wealth. Jesus had exposed the young man’s heart; he believed that he had kept the commandments, but Jesus showed him that his wealth had taken God’s rightful place as first in his life.

This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first.
Matthew 19:30 (MsgB)

What will it take for us to see things God’s way? Someone has described what Jesus said like this: “God’s kingdom is a kingdom upside-down.” If only we could go stand on our heads and see things from God’s perspective in His inverted Kingdom. Truth be told when we see things as God does we discover that His Kingdom is really right-side-up and it is our priorities that are topsy-turvy.

Our world values wealth and power, yet these things will not gain you a position in God’s Kingdom. If anything what makes you somebody important in the eyes of the world may actually keep you out of God’s Kingdom. Thankfully what is impossible for man, God can do. God can change the upside-down priorities of the world that our hearts embrace and turn them right-side-up so we can see things God’s way.

Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith will go down in NFL history as the first two black coaches to take their teams to the super bowl. But what most people don’t know is that both of them are also Christian coaches who live out their faith in the locker rooms and practice fields. They resist using the profanities and anger to motivate players. Dungy said, “I really wanted to show people that you can win all kinds of ways. It's a good thing to see guys have success when it maybe goes against the grain, against the culture.” Soft-spoken, kindhearted men who made it to the top—God’s way.

If God can help them see things His way and live their lives right-side-up instead of up-side down, then don’t you think He can and will help you too? Why not ask the Lord to change your perspective today?

Additional Charges

Years ago when the phone rang you would have to answer it to find out who was calling. If it happened that you were upset with the person on the other end of the line then the only thing you could do was to hang up on them. Now for a small monthly fee you can have caller ID and know who’s calling before you even answer the phone. I understand that if you choose you can even have certain numbers permanently blocked from even ringing in to your phone—again for a small fee. It is my guess that phone companies are making millions of more dollars each year from people who don’t want to talk with certain other people.

Holding onto resentment is easy to do. When someone says or does something to hurt us or those we love our blood can begin to boil. Bitterness towards others can leave a bad taste in your mouth for years to come that no breath mint will cure.

The only way to get rid of the chip on your shoulder is to be willing to forgive those who have sinned against us. Unfortunately, that is the last thing many of us are willing to do. Bitterness and unforgiveness has affected the human heart for a long time; we have always been looking for a way to justify our right to hold a grudge.

Jesus taught his disciples that they must be willing to forgive and be reconciled to others. Jesus had obviously touched a nerve because Peter came and asked a question trying to get off the hook.

[21] At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, "Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?"

[22] Jesus replied, "Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:21-22 (MsgB)

Jesus point was not that we keep a tally of how often we forgive others until we reach the magic number of 490 times and then we could be justified in no longer forgiving them. Instead Jesus wanted us to understand that there should be no limit to the forgiveness we freely give to others.

Jesus went on to show us why we should forgive others (see Matthew 18:23-35). Unforgiveness always costs us something. If we are unwilling to forgive the price will be greater than what we may pay the phone company. Unforgiveness will cost us God’s forgiveness too. Is that a price you are willing to pay for your right to hold on to your resentment?

Taxes

The last few days someone has been out along the road waving to passing cars dressed as of all things the Statue of Liberty. The kids asked why someone would be doing that. I told them it was an advertising gimmick for the Liberty Tax Office; it is tax season again and they are out there drumming up business for themselves. I used to dread tax time fearful of how much I would have to pay out in income taxes, but now it is a constant reminder of God’s provision—a reason to give thanks!

Peter found himself confronted by some eager tax collectors wanting to know if Jesus paid the customary taxes. These were not taxes paid to the Roman government but the temple tax paid by all Jewish males for the upkeep of the Temple. Before Peter had a chance to tell Jesus about it, Jesus used what happened to show His disciples that He was God’s Son.

Jesus asked Peter, “Who do kings collect taxes from—from their sons or their subjects?” Peter rightly answered that it was from the citizens and not the children that a king levied taxes.

Jesus said, "Then the children get off free, right? But so we don't upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you'll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us."
Matthew 17:26, 27 (MsgB)

Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that as God’s Son he was exempt from the Temple tax. A king rules over all and claims ownership of his kingdom; that’s why a king levies taxes. Jesus as the Son of God had the ultimate authority over all of heaven and earth; everything belonged to Him.

Nevertheless Jesus didn’t want to upset the tax collectors needlessly, so He used this opportunity to prove His identity in a most unusual way. Jesus didn’t reach into his pocket to get the money for the tax. He sent Peter fishing! From the mouth of a fish Jesus paid his tax and Peter’s too.

Now you know why taxes are no big deal to me anymore. Jesus provided for Peter and the Lord will provide for you and me as well. Have faith in everything that we serve a loving King who has given us liberty through His Son and will provide us with all that we need because we too are now His children.

AFTER THOUGHT: The proof is in the phone call I just received as I finished writing this. Unexpectedly someone wants to buy an air purifier from me because they've been told by their sister who bought one two years ago from me how great they are. That will be $600 to pay taxes this year I wasn't even counting on!

American Idol

Another season of “American Idol” has started and my girls are hooked; they want to find out who will make it to the top. I think they also enjoy laughing at people who try to sing but can’t. The premise of “American Idol” is simple; people audition for a chance to make it to Hollywood where they compete to be named the next singing sensation, to stand out from among the crowd and be a super star—the next American Idol.

What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
Matthew 16:26 (MsgB)

You might think I’m going to down talk the “American Idol” craze after reading what Jesus told His disciples (people so anxious to be famous that they would do anything and what do they get for it all in the end that will really last?). Surprise, I’m not going down that road. Instead I want you to think with me about how “American Idol” and the dream to make it to Hollywood is what it will be like to stand before God on judgment day.

First, everyone performs individually. No one gets the benefit of a sound track or back ground singers; it’s just you and the judges who evaluate your performance—alone. Likewise we are all going to give an account for our lives to God and we won’t have the assistance of our mom and dad, our pastor or anyone else stand by our side us to help us make it into heaven. We are on our own.

Second, the judges evaluate the performance. I don’t know exactly what criteria they use on “American Idol” is, but one thing is obvious: you have to be able to carry a tune without holes in your bucket. When God judges your life He is looking for one thing—have you made Jesus your Savior and Lord. No matter how impressive your life may be, you can’t earn your way into heaven. Only a life surrendered to Christ will gain entrance into God’s kingdom.

Third, the judges’ decision is final, regardless of whether you agree with them or not. Folks may argue with Simon and the other judges, but that won’t change anything. God’s verdict is final too. And unlike American Idol there are no second chances; one life is all we are given and then judgment day.

So what will you give in exchange for your soul? You won’t impress the judge with good works. Nothing will help you bribe the judge and change His verdict. Jesus paid the price for you; He died to pay the penalty for your sin. Have you taken Him up on His offer? That’s the only ‘golden ticket’ to heaven God will honor.

Take Their Place (If You Dare)

I have often wondered how I would have responded to Jesus if I had been there at the time. If I had been brought up as a devout Jew would I have embraced Jesus as the Messiah or would he have offended me?

Let’s cut the Pharisees a little slack and imagine what it must have been like for them. These guys took their religion seriously; they did their best to try to honor God and teach others how they should live. Granted they were legalistic, but that’s all they knew.

One day they observed Jesus disciples breaking the law; the disciples were eating with ceremonial unclean hands. Because the disciples did not wash their hands according to the law they were unclean; this made them sinners and unacceptable to God in the minds of the Pharisees. Now how could Jesus be of God if He did not condemn the disciples for breaking the law; if Jesus were really a teacher showing the people the way to God, then He should point out such obvious hypocrisy. Jesus pointed out the hypocrites, but he was pointing at the Pharisees!

[7] Frauds! Isaiah's prophecy of you hit the bull's-eye: [8] These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn't in it. [9] They act like they're worshiping me, but they don't mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy."
Matthew 15:7-9 (MsgB)

The Pharisees were offended (and rightly so in their eyes). Jesus went on to explain their faulty thinking and expose their false teaching. It wasn’t what someone ate (or how they ate it) that would make someone unclean; instead it was what came out of their mouth—what they said and did that made them unclean. Could I have ‘stomached’ Jesus’ teaching if I had been one of those Pharisees?

Now let’s stop play acting. Do I really hear what Jesus is saying? Do his words apply to my life today? Am I guilty of saying what I think people want to hear so they are impressed with how spiritual I am? Do I pretend to live my life for God when people are watching but do my own thing whenever I get the chance? Do I just use Jesus to make me a ‘spiritual big shot’ in the eyes of others?

These are heart piercing questions. If they offend you then maybe you need to let Jesus examine your heart a little more closely. How else might we be offended, or will we repent instead?