THE EYES OF THE HEART

They say that love is blind. When it comes to romance that may or may not be true. Spiritually we begin our lives with the eyes of our heart darkened (see 2 Corinthians 4:4). The love of Christ opens our hearts to see with increasing clarity of vision.

• 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.
  Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

Paul’s prayer is that love will continue to grow, or could we say that the eyes of our heart will gain a greater power of sight. How does Paul pray that our love will see more and more clearly?

1. In Knowledge. Love sees what they eyes alone cannot see. Let’s make it our prayer that God will help us to know Him better that we might see His unfailing mercy for us, the sustaining power of His Spirit in us, and His unfailing promises for all who know God as Father.
   
2. In Depth of Insight. Oh that we might see the truth. Lord, please help us see clearly the gospel of Christ and your Word. Give me insight to see myself in the light of Your truth.
   
3. In Discernment. Love has vision to see the difference between what is right and wrong. The eyes of the heart see what is best with a passion to hold onto it while letting go of the inferior pleasures of this world.
   
4. In Relationships. The eyes of the heart are pure and blameless. No one finds fault or points an accusing finger because love sees the way to bring restoration and healing to broken relationships.
   
5. In Righteousness. The eyes of the heart see the way to follow in Christ’s footsteps. Love gives no place to sin because Jesus is seen always before the believer leading the way. Without love I stumble and fall blind to the entanglement of sin.

Love never fails. Love will continue to grow more and more with clarity of vision. In the eyes of the heart love isn’t blind. What do you think?

FEARLESS

During the Vietnam War it is estimated that 2 out of 10 soldiers did not fire their weapons. The reasons for their lack of engagement with the enemy varied. Some soldiers new to the battlefield did not pull the trigger because they were overwhelmed with fear. These same soldiers would later engage the enemy if they were not killed in the initial firefight.[1]

Courage to take a stand against the enemy is one thing every soldier needs. To overcome their personal fear may be the greatest challenge a soldier may face. This is just as true for each of us as believers. We are engaged in the ongoing struggle against Satan and the powers of darkness. Will we take our stand against the enemy or be overcome by fear?

• Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
  Ephesians 6:10 NIV

Paul’s encouragement to be strong in the Lord reminds me of what God said to Joshua. Three times the Lord told Joshua to be strong and courageous, and not be afraid. God had promised to be with Joshua and to go with him and the nation of Israel to inhabit the Promised Land. However, the only way the people could receive what God had promised was to stand up against their enemies and take possession of the land. But they didn’t have to do it alone. God would be mighty to help them—unless of course they were paralyzed by fear.

We too must overcome our fears and take our stand filled with faith. We are to be “strong in the Lord.” We are not to have self-confidence but God-confidence. God is mighty to save and His power has no limits. Through faith I have a God-confidence whereby “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 1:13 NLT). My ability to stand and overcome the enemy is not found within myself. My ability comes from the person of Christ and His limitless resources.

Being strong in the Lord I am to put on the full armor of God. With the weaponry God provides I lack nothing; I am fully equipped to stand firm against the enemy. Yet no matter how superior the armor of God may be against our adversary, the best armaments are useless if my heart fails me. If I lack courage and am overcome by fear then I am beaten even before the battle starts. Be strong in the Lord and no attack of the enemy will prevail against you! What do you think?
________________________
[1] Russell W. Glenn, http://www.historynet.com/wars_conflicts/vietnam_war/3038266.html

JUST LIKE DADDY

With five children you can only imagine how often we have heard someone say something like, “She has her mommy’s nose,” or “He looks just like his daddy.” The comparisons between parents and children abound. But such similarities don’t stop with appearance. Children are also copycats of their parent’s behavior and mannerisms.

• Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.
  Ephesians 5:1 NIV

“Watch what God does, and then you do it” (MsgB). Paul is not making a suggestion or merely stating his opinion. We can’t just take it or leave it. As Christians we are to imitate God. It is an imperative command that requires obedience.

If you and I are going to imitate God it requires action. We cannot just meditate upon God’s word nor can we simply ponder what it means live like Jesus. Regardless of how elementary our understanding of how God would act we are to act the same way. We are to mimic God; that is to say we are to resemble God in what we say and do.

How can we reproduce God in our day to day lives? I’ve never seen God, so how can I emulate the Lord in my life? Jesus is God with skin on. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to be like Jesus. Study God’s word and put what it says into practice. As James says, “Don’t merely listen to the word . . . do what it says” (James 1:22); in other words act on what you know to do. We can also follow the example of other believers who have learned to practice godliness in their lives. These are all ways we can begin to imitate God, but the key is to take action today to be as much like God as you can be.

Now I don’t know about you but imitating God sounds kind of intimidating to me. I mean what if I mess up and get it wrong? Fear not! I’ve got good news for you.

We are to imitate God “as dearly loved children.” God is our heavenly Father! We can follow in our Daddy God’s footsteps. God smiles when he sees His children act like Him. And when we fall He is right there to pick us up and brush us off to make a fresh start. Our heavenly Father forgives us and is right by our side to help us live just like Him.

Let’s live today with the hope someone will say, “You are just like your Daddy.” You know what I mean. What do you think?

CUTTING OFF FINGERS

Several years ago I was working with my brother siding a house. I was cutting a piece of trim to put over one of the windows when our work day came to a sudden end. Let’s just say that it was the closest I ever came to cutting off a finger.

• 15 . . . Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
  Ephesians 4:15-16 NIV

Paul likens us as believers to being members of the Body of Christ. Just like our fingers, toes and countless other body parts we are all connected to each other. But how does this connection work?

The nerve that unites us to Christ and one another is love. Through the love of Christ we are forgiven of our sins and accepted as members of His body. Without God’s love we would forever be separated from Him and each other.

The nerve of love further animates us as His body. Christ is the head the body. Jesus was compelled by love to go to the cross so that we might be reconciled to God. As members of His body His love should likewise be the motive of everything we do and say. His love directs us to reach out to the lost that they might be saved. And it is His love that knits us all together as members of His body.

I’m glad that I’m connected to Christ, but the connection does not stop there. Notice Paul says, “The whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love.” Love connects believers to each other. We need each other because we all play a part in the function of the Body. This is especially true within the local church. The nerve of love feels the pain when believers separate themselves from one another.

My finger has healed. All that remains is a small scar, a reminder of how painful and handicapped I would be if I try to cut it off again. Division in the church is even more painful, handicapping the body from effectively being who are called to be and doing what Christ has empowered us to. Scripture says, “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). I guess love works like the Band-Aid to heal our self-inflicted wounds too. Trust the heart; forgive the hands. What do you think?

THRIVING IN ADVERSITY

A botanist hired himself as an under gardener to a nobleman in a foreign country. His master received a beautiful plant as gift. Neither the nobleman nor his upper gardener was familiar with this plant. Believing it to be a tropical plant it was placed in the greenhouse, but soon the plant began to wither and die. The botanist happened to see this plant and immediately recognized it as an arctic plant. He immediately took it out of the greenhouse packing ice and snow around the pot and exposing the plant to the winter frost. Soon the plant was thriving again.

I’m sure that I too would have done a good job of killing that plant. I would have done my best to take care of it and protect it from the cold of winter. But I would not have thought to provide it with what was really needed either—the harsh conditions of adversity.

• . . . I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles.
  Ephesians 3:1 NIV

Paul was a prisoner. He knew what it was to be in chains and held captive by armed guards. But Paul was not a prisoner of Rome. He was a prisoner of Christ Jesus! Paul understood that through his captivity his faith was being strengthened and built up. Persecution did not weaken him. It made him stronger as a believer. Thus Paul saw himself as the prisoner of Jesus. He would not try to escape, nor would he complain or become embittered. Paul was strengthened through adversity.

I wonder if we as Christians we are a lot like that artic plant. We are safe and warm inside the greenhouse (the church that is), but what we really need is to be put out in the cold (to face the adversity of the world that is). We enjoy being in the church, free from conflict and persecution. But what is the condition of our faith? Is it beginning to wither and die? Does our faith need to face the cold cruelty of a world still lost in sin?

Paul was a prisoner with a passionate purpose. He was Christ’s prisoner for the sake of the Gentiles—those considered outsiders. It seems that not only was Paul’s faith strengthened through adversity, but others came to faith in Christ too. All this happened because Paul was Christ’s prisoner.
I like being comfortable, but is the prosperity of the church actually our undoing? Are you willing to let Jesus arrest you and become His prisoner regardless of the cost? What do you think?

GOD’S MASTERPIECE

A lifetime ago I took a required art appreciation course. I passed the class, but I’m not sure if I acquired an appreciation for art. Don’t misunderstand, I enjoy artwork. I just can’t tell the difference between the nock-off reproduction and the original masterpiece hanging on museum walls. While I see little or no differences, the art enthusiast will notice not only the obvious differences (like “Reproduction from China” stamped in the corner), to even the subtle differences of brush strokes and the various hues of color that are out of place.

I wonder if we have an appreciation for God’s masterpiece. All of us enjoy the painted colors of the sunset and the way God transforms the trees from greens to yellows, orange and red. These and other wonders of God’s creation are works of art that no painter can reproduce or even the best camera capture the fullness of what God created. But above all the marvelous beauty that fills creation one stands out far above all others.

• For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
  Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Our appreciation for the masterpiece which God has made in our lives should grow with each passing day. I’m not talking about thankfulness for what God has done. While our gratitude should continue to overflow, we should also develop an appreciation of God’s workmanship in our lives by which we can discern the subtle differences between God’s handiwork and human effort.

It’s not just paintings and other artwork that are being reproduced en mass. Many so-called Christians are trying to make themselves what only God can create. Can we tell the difference between good works marked with the finger of God and human effort? Can we see the subtle difference between the overflow of God’s love and a duty or obligation done simply to look good in the eyes of others?

The work God begins in our lives only He can complete. When we take the brush in our hands we ruin God’s masterpiece. Can we tell the difference, or have we accepted the cheep nock-off reproduction? What do you think?

SPIRITUAL “GIMMIES”

As a father I want to give my kids lots of good things. They may not get everything they want, but they have received everything they needed and then some. Nevertheless my ability to give is limited by what I have. Some things I would like to do for my kids are just beyond my reach. I’m glad that my heavenly Father does not share my limitations.

• Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
  Ephesians 1:3 NIV

What has God given to us? We have received spiritual blessings. God is not interested in just giving us temporal or material blessings but wants to give us the best. Just like me God wants His children to have everything they need.

Now let’s be honest. Many of us would prefer to have the material blessings. I confess, I too have been guilty of having a case of the “gimmies.” Just this morning I wished God would just give me enough money to pay off our house and the girls school bills. I mean what’s $120,000 or so to God right? It sure would make my life a whole lot easier.

God gives us what endures and does not change. The spiritual blessings we have received are far greater than any of the stuff of this world that God could give us. Actually spiritual blessings overflow into the natural. For instance, God has given me an inner peace that He will provide for all my needs and He has never left me empty handed. Unfortunately, it does not work the other way around. Material blessings can actually get in our way of receiving spiritual blessings from God.

In the Greek Paul says God blesses us with spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. In fact the word “realms” or “places” does not occur in the Greek. It seems that Paul wants to emphasize the reality of the spiritual blessings God has given us. In other words, God gives us spiritual blessings by way of heavenly things. I don’t have to look for spiritual blessings in heavenly places. God has given you and me spiritual blessings or heavenly things in the here and now!

That’s the overflow of God’s blessings. The Lord takes from the eternal and blessed us today with spiritual blessing that cannot be taken away. Gimmie more of that! What do you think?

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Sometimes it is good to revisit a familiar story. Take a moment and do that with me. As you read Jesus’ conversation with Peter take time to notice what Jesus asked. As you do, listen for the Lord to ask you the same question.

• 15 . . . Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
  "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
  Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
  16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
  He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
  Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
  17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
  Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
  Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
  John 21:15-17 NIV

Three times Jesus asked, “Do you love me?” Lot’s of sermons have been preached about Jesus questioning of Peter. Some point out that Jesus restored Peter in the same way Peter had denied the Lord. Thus regardless of how often we may fail God, Jesus is ready and able to forgive us and restore us to a place by His side. Others draw a contrast between Jesus question “Do you love me (agape)” and Peter’s response, “I love you (phileo).”

All of this is good to think about, but stop and come back to Jesus’ question. “DO YOU LOVE ME?” Jesus did not ask Peter if he loved sheep—literally other Christians. Jesus didn’t ask if Peter loved being in a place of ministry. Jesus didn’t ask if Peter wanted recognition, if he wanted to be needed, if he could teach or preach. Jesus didn’t ask any of these things. Jesus asked, “Do you love me?”

This gives us cause to stop and ask ourselves why we do the things we do. When our motive is simply because of our deep love for the Lord then we can put up with all kinds of problems and difficulties. Children who love their parents don’t mind watching their brothers and sisters. Does our heart overflow with love for God? That will change the motive for everything we do. What do you think?

OVERTAKEN

Not all of us are football fans, but I want you to think with me about something. What is the difference between a player getting tackled and a player making a run for the end zone to score a touchdown? Let’s face it there are eleven guys that want to crush the guy with the ball. They will too unless the ball carrier’s teammates prevent the defensive team from taking hold of him and throwing him to the ground.

Sin is kind of like that. Satan wants to catch us with temptation to sin in all kinds of ways. Our adversary’s desire is to overtake us and crush us spiritually. From time to time he succeeds and sacks us for a loss. What are we to do when we find ourselves overtaken by sin? We all may know the answer, but when we are in that situation we may find it hard to do the right thing.

I’ve never played organized football, but I’m told that sometimes when you get hit it really knocks you for a loop. Pastor George has told me that the last time he was hit he was knocked unconscious and woke up looking out the ear hole of his helmet. When you take such a hard hit you need help to get up. I think that better describes what it is like to be overcome by sin.

Just like the football player who has his ‘bell rung,’ sin makes you stupid, so that your head is spinning and you don’t know how to find your way back to God. Thankfully we are not in this alone. We are a part of a team, the family of God—the church, charged with the responsibility of helping each other.

• Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself,
  or you also may be tempted.
  Galatians 6:1NIV

The fact of the matter is that while I may know that I need to repent of my sin, if I have be caught by sin then I’ve been trapped and need the help of other believers to come to my rescue. Paul charges the Galatians with the responsibility of restoring fallen believers. This is not an easy process, for the on who has sinned or for those who go to help.

For the one who sins their restoration may be a painful process of repentance and healing. When a finger or a shoulder is dislocated it hurts to put it back into its socket. Likewise those who restore the fallen believer must be aware that the enemy wants to overtake them as well. If we aren’t careful we too can be hit hard by sin.

When it comes to overcoming sin we need to remember that we are a team. None of us can stand alone. What do you think?

DEAD BROWN LEAVES

Summer’s grip is weakening as autumn prepares to paint the horizon. The leaves will soon begin to fall from the trees, well at least most of them will. Some leaves just don’t want to let go. They may be hard and brown but they manage to remain on the tree through out the cold winds of winter. Yet the relentless grip of these leaves will not last forever. Spring is coming and with it comes the buds of new life from deep within the tree. The old dead leaves from last year are finally pushed off the tree as the new green leaves break forth and life renews itself again.

This may surprise you but I am sometimes like those leaves that don’t want to let go of the tree. You are most likely just like them too from time to time. How? Our old life of sin sometimes is relentless in its grip to hold onto our lives. Some of our bad habits, I mean sin, dies hard. Many of us have had areas of our lives that we wondered if we would ever gain victory and finally be free from the seemingly unbreakable grip of sin. If that’s you then I’ve got some good news for you!

• 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
  Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Maybe for you it has been your temper, or profane language that has not let go. Perhaps it’s pornography or an addiction that you just can’t break free from. No matter what it is you just wish it was gone and the fruit of the Spirit would be evident in your life. You wish that you could be more loving, patient, kind, or gentle. If only you had more joy, peace and self-control. Why is it that these things sometimes seem to be missing from our lives?

If you are in Christ, then Jesus has not only forgiven you of your sins, but He has caused His Spirit to live IN YOU. Now I want you to know that if the Spirit is alive in you then that life will be revealed from the inside out. In the same way the life of a tree is proved each year as the sap begins to flow, the buds form and new life busts forth in green leaves, so too the Spirit of God in you will transform your life.

The dead leaves of past habitual sin will finally let go because it will be pushed aside by the life of the Spirit. If you look closely you will find the buds of new life growing in your life today. These signs of life don’t just produce green leaves, but fruit that has the seed of life within it to share with others. Sin has been defeated by the life of the Spirit in you. What do you think?

MORE THAN GENETICS

Maybe you’ve heard this too. Two girls were talking. The first goes on about how she her brown hair, brown eyes, dark complexion and height from her mom. The other girl wonders how that is possible because she knows that her friend’s mom has blond hair, blue eyes, fair complexion and is short. The first girl then says, “I was adopted.” This public service announcement ends with a voice over saying, “Adoption gives your child more than you can give them yourself.”

Parents cannot give their children anything they don’t already have. I’m thankful for my mom and dad, but they have passed on more than genetics. They gave me their nature. They got it from their parents and I’ve passed it on to my kids. You have the same nature. As sons of Adam and daughters of Eve we have received a heart of sin and death. None of us are “good people” because we are wired for rebellion. It’s all our parents had to give us, but that all changes when you are adopted by God.

• Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
  Galatians 4:6 NIV

Our Father God gives us more than our parents ever could themselves. Have you ever stopped to think about what we have received because the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Adoption has been given to us?

With our adoption God causes us to be born again. That means I no longer just have the family resemblance of my mom and dad. Because I’ve been born again I have received the nature of God. He enables me to reflect His image and righteousness to the world. In fact God’s purpose is for all of His children to look like His Son Jesus (see Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). As a child of God, His Spirit enables me to be obedient to His word and free from sin (see 1 Peter 1:14).

But that’s not all. Because I’ve been adopted I have been given a new name and am the recipient of our Heavenly Father’s abounding love (see 1 John 3:1; Revelation 2:17). Furthermore, I have an inheritance far greater than anything this world could ever give (see Romans 8:17).

Still there is more. As a child of God I receive His provision and protection. The Father is with me to give comfort and when needed discipline. He has set me free from guilt and fear. I could go on and on about what our Heavenly Father has done. I’m glad I’m adopted. What do you think?

NO ESCAPE

There was no escape from “The Rock.” Throughout the 29 year operation of the federal prison on Alcatraz Island no prisoners were reported as ever successfully escaping. Thirty-four prisoners were involved in 14 attempts; seven were killed by guards, two drowned, five were unaccounted for (their bodies most likely carried out to sea), the rest were captured.

We have all been imprisoned in a penitentiary with an even better record than Alcatraz. For over 6,000 years no one has ever escaped—period. Everyone born into the human race except One has been locked up in the prison of sin with no way of escape. The law serves as our warden and guard. No one can break free from the long arm of the law.

None escape, but many have been set free. You too can be released from this prison, not by a pardon for good behavior, good works or anything else that you might do for yourself. You can have a complete pardon through faith in the One, Jesus Christ.

• Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed.
  Galatians 3:23 NLT

Deliverance from the prison of sin is not possible by having faith in yourself. Faith in a priest, pastor, rabbi, imam, or any other so called ‘holy man’ has no power to set you free. It’s not good enough to have faith in religion. Freedom comes only to those whose faith is in Jesus Christ.

When you put your faith in Jesus your freedom is complete. You are no longer a slave; now you are a Child of God. You were dead in sin, but through faith in Jesus you are now alive! You were blind but now you can see. You were naked and covered by the filth of the world, but now you are clothed in His righteousness. By faith in Christ you are no longer under the power of the law but are under grace.

Our freedom from the prison of sin through faith is not the result of a plea bargain. No secret deals were made to gain our release. Our freedom is the result of a promise. By God’s Word and by an act of His sovereign will we can be set free through faith in Christ. It is the free gift of God.

Freedom through faith, a lot better deal than trying to escape from the prison of sin. What do you think?

SHADE

It’s hot! The sun is shining. You are soaked with perspiration. If only you could find shade. You turn around and see a shadow on the ground. You move to get beneath it, but regardless of what you do, you are unable to position yourself under this shadow and find relief from the heat of the sun. Why? No one can find comfort in the shade of his own shadow.

Each of us can find it easy to take comfort in our self-righteousness. More than comfort we are easily given to pride. We see the evil that is so apparent in others around us. We have never been guilty of such grievous transgressions. We are a good person. We know what is right and wrong and would never be found in certain places. Yes we are righteous.

Have you notice how easy it is to take the next step? Because we are such a good person and do everything God requires of us, we deserve the blessing and favor of God. We’ve earned it. How could God ever withhold answered prayer from us?

We’re not the first to deal with such thoughts (or dare I say doctrines of devils). Paul had to confront self-righteousness and earning our salvation through what we do. What goes around comes around; maybe with a new label. For Paul and the churches of Galatia it was obedience to the law of circumcision. For us it might be any number of self-imposed restrictions to appear righteous.

• I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
  Galatians 2:21 NIV

Paul makes it clear. At no time can we set aside God’s grace. Even as the best of Christians I can do nothing to earn anything that God might give to me. I deserve a death sentence, but God chose to let Jesus die in my place. Nevertheless it is so easy for me to fall into a trap of self-righteousness. I become the ‘older brother’ who became angry at his father when the prodigal son returned home. I’ve been a good son (or daughter) and worked hard; I’ve done nothing to embarrass the family or cause the father pain. How easily I forget the father’s love for me and accuse him of neglecting me.

I for one am glad I don’t have to find shade under my own shadow. Jesus is the rock that is higher than I (see Psalm 61:2). In Him alone can I find shade and healing for my sin-sick heart. It is by grace that I am saved. What do you think?

TEACHER APPRECIATION

I grew up going to Sunday School. I remember the flannel board lessons learning about Jesus feeding the 5,000, walking on water, healing the sick and of course rising from the dead. I remember coloring pictures of the fiery furnace, Jonah in the whale and so many other Bible stories. We had sword drills and memory verse competitions. The foundation of my faith was laid as a child through people who loved the Lord and were willing to teach me and other kids from the Bible.

The Apostle Paul might say he grew up in the Jewish equivalence of Sunday School. He too was being taught the stories from the Old Testament and about the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was advancing in the Jewish traditions and was zealous for his faith in God as he knew him. All that changed for him on the road to Damascus.

• 11 Know this — I am most emphatic here, friends — this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. 12 I didn't receive it through the traditions, and I wasn't taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the Message directly from Jesus Christ.
  Galatians 1:11-12 MsgB

Paul wanted the believers throughout Galatia to know that the Gospel he preached was not the invention of any man. Nor was it something he had been taught by someone else. What Paul preached was good news he received directly from Jesus.

Paul was not opposed to those who teach others about Christ. His point was to emphasize the authenticity of the gospel because what he preached came from a firsthand experience with Jesus. Paul would later write to the Ephesians, one of the churches in the province of Galatia, to tell them that it was Jesus who gave pastors and teachers to the church to help believers grow in maturity of faith (see Ephesians 4:11-13).

Through the years I’ve come to know that just head knowledge is not enough to keep us “in the faith.” If we are going to have a vibrant living faith in Christ that will be able to endure the hardships of life we must have a personal revelation of Jesus. I won’t make it just knowing the lessons I’ve learned or hearing about other people’s experience. I need a personal encounter with the living Christ. I’m thankful for the teachers I’ve had in my life. They didn’t just teach religious stories. They pointed the way to Jesus who revealed Himself to me. What do you think?

TEST SEASON

Another school year is underway. Students are going to class, working on homework, and before long studying for tests. Just showing up and doing the required work is not enough. You have to pass the test. And before all is said and done students will also have to take their final exam. These tests are given to show a competency and retention of the subject, or put another way they want to see if students have learned anything or not.

I’ve notice that my kids don’t just study for a test. They will also test themselves prior to sitting in class to take their test. Their self-examination gives them confidence for the real test because if they get the answers right out of class they know they are ready to pass the test in class.

• Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?
  2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

Our Christian life is a lot like school. It’s not good enough to just show up at church or say and do the right things from day to day. We’ve got to pass the test of salvation, and the best way to prepare for our final exam is to test ourselves in advance.

Such self-examination is necessary. Paul commands the Corinthians to test themselves (and in turn us) because of how easily we can deceive ourselves. God does not ‘grade on a curve’ or compare us with each other. We will be judged by a higher standard. We must possess the righteousness of Christ and without it we fail the test.

Self-examination is not guessing about our spiritual condition. In the same way my kids test themselves before their teachers give them a test; we can test ourselves and know if we are in Christ or not. Paul wants us to have confidence.

The non-Christian cannot have such confidence. Satan has blinded their eyes; they are dead in their sin. But such is not the case for those who are in Christ. Our eyes have been opened so we can see; we can know that Christ is in us.

Paul tested himself. He knew that he had not reached perfection but he would daily, “press on toward the goal to win the prize.” When we test ourselves and fall short we aren’t supposed to give up either. Instead we continue to grow to maturity and “live up to what we have already attained” (see Philippians 3:14, 16). One day we will all stand before Christ for our final exam, until then we test ourselves. What do you think?

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

Let’s test your biblical knowledge. Where would you find the following statement in the Bible?

Actions speak louder than words.

Do you know? I’ll give you a few minutes to think about it before I tell you about this proverb (could that be a hint?).

The Church in Corinth was easily impressed by the claims of the “super-apostles” which exasperated Paul. He said that he too would make some foolish boasts. With his tongue in cheek, he goes on and on about his great accomplishments which in the end are meaningless. I’m struck by what Paul says about all of his boasting.

• If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message.
  2 Corinthians 12:6 NLT

Paul didn’t say it, but he might have thought it; “Actions speak louder than words.” Paul wants the Corinthians to notice two things about him. Pay attention to what I DO and SAY. Is the way Paul lives from day to day consistent with what he says? And when Paul talks, is it just about himself, or is what he says trustworthy because his words lead people to know Jesus?

Paul implies that his rivals spent more time talking about themselves than they did the gospel. What is more it seems that Paul wants the Corinthians to notice that the way these “super-apostles” were living did not line up with the truth. They claimed to be followers of Christ, but the way they lived said otherwise. Paul told the young Pastor Titus, whom Paul had sent to Corinth, “They say they know God, but their actions speak louder than their words” (Titus 1:16 MsgB).

Actions do speak louder than words, but the fact of the mater is that this proverb is not found any where in the Bible. A literal translation of Paul’s statement to Titus says, “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their deeds” (RSV). While not in the Bible this proverb is found in many languages through out history because it is true. We all recognize a hypocrite when we see one. Rather than bragging about our own accomplishments, let’s live a life that honors God and make sure what we say points the way to Jesus. Those are credentials no one can deny. What do you think?

THAT SPOT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY BACK

I need your help; someone please come to my rescue! As I sit here writing this morning I have an itch on my back. I mean let’s face it there is always that spot you can’t reach without help. Why is it that scratching our own back is so hard, but we have little trouble patting ourselves on the back?

To borrow another metaphor, it is so easy to blow our own horn. Each of our hearts is filled with just enough pride to cause us to want the spot light of life to shine on us. So we are quick to make known our virtues. We want others to see the good things we have done, to be recognized as a valuable member of the team—if not indispensable! While Paul does not seem ready to play second fiddle, he certainly was not going to glowingly brag about his achievements either.

• If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
  2 Corinthians 11:30 NIV

A group of “super-apostles” had made their way to the church at Corinth. They gained acceptance by the church by making known their great gifts. From all appearances these guys were everything the church needed and more. Yet Paul called them “false apostles” who “masquerade as servants of righteousness” (see 2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

It seems to me that should be reason enough to stop patting ourselves on the back. My desire to be noticed does not come from God, and if I continually give into self aggrandizement then I’m actually proving to be the opposite of what I claim to be. Instead of being a servant of God, I end up serving Satan.

The subtle difference is who gets the glory for what I do. Paul was willing to boast about his weaknesses in order that “Christ's power may rest on [him]” (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is through our weaknesses that Jesus strengthens us to be more than we can be apart from Him. And to be honest, even in areas where I am strong because God has gifted me, I must remember to depend upon the Lord. It’s not about me; it’s about Him.

Here’s another thought. Even when I can reach the itch on my back, it just feels better when someone else does it. I think the same can be said about patting ourselves on the back too. Besides what I really want is for Jesus to pat me on the back and say, “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Oh, won’t that feel good? What do you think?

SOLDIERS

Mike* is a soldier in the US Army. About 18 months ago he wanted to join, but I told him he wasn’t man enough to be a soldier. His motives were all wrong. Enlisting would break him into pieces. I think at the time he thought he could escape reality and prove himself. A few months later, he was again ready to enlist. This time with a clear head, he told me why serving in the military would be the right thing for him to do. I didn’t try to stop him, but went with him to the recruiter’s office. Today he is a soldier, and I am proud of the man he is. (*Mike is not his real name.)

I know some Christians who have no idea that they to are soldiers—soldiers, not of this world, but soldiers in God’s army. Many Christians have the mistaken idea that once saved they can enjoy the good life. God will always cause the sun to shine on them, so they can sit back and enjoy life until they get to heaven. Wake up! Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Christian who does not serve as a soldier in God’s army is unfaithful to Christ. Our enemy is real. The war rages on.

• 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
  2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV

Some may think being a soldier in God’s army is just a metaphor or figure of speech. Such are those who have enlisted (that is to accept Christ as Savior), but have not yet completed basic training (that is to make Him Lord). Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples, not converts. Converts are those rescued from the POW camps of sin and death. Disciples are those who become God’s soldiers.

The first enemy we must defeat is not Satan. Jesus has already defeated Satan at the cross. Christ’s victory is complete and Satan has been humiliated (see Colossians 2:15).

None of us are ready to confront Satan and his legion of demons until we have first conquered the enemy of SELF. The battle is fought not somewhere out there, but within our minds. The desires of our flesh are opposed to the things of God; we must put the yearnings for comfort and pleasure to death (see Galatians 5:16-19, 24). Fortunately God has equipped us with the weapons with “divine power” to win the battle against self. We are at war. What do you think?

MORE THAN ENOUGH

The combines were working their way through the fields of wheat. Each cutting a path some twenty feet wide, these massive machines only stopped long enough to pour the golden grain into semi-trucks waiting to take it to market. As I watched I couldn’t begin to imagine the great abundance I saw being harvested. I wasn’t trying to guess how many bushels of grain were in each of the fields, instead I wondered how many loaves of bread, cake mixes and doughnuts these fields represented. I’m sure there was enough to keep a baker busy all year and still have truckloads of wheat left over.

• Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.
  2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV

Paul’s imagery of seed and bread fascinates me. God has more than answered our prayer for daily bread. He has not only provided the bread we need today, but the Lord has also given us the seed to provide even more for tomorrow. The abundance of God’s storehouse is far greater than the fields of grain any farmer may harvest. God’s supply is never-ending!

With this in mind Paul is not afraid to ask the Corinthians to be prepared to share what they have to provide for the needs of others. Everything we have to give comes from God. But we truly cannot out give God! The Lord stands ready to increase our resources so we can give even more. The end result is a harvest of righteousness. In other words, the more we give the more we become like God who did not withhold anything from us but gave all He could give (see Romans 8:32).

God has been so good to us as a family. As we give of our tithes and offerings, the Lord has not only met our every need, but at times has also given us more than we can contain. Greg and Pearl were prepared to pay $35 each for tickets to a music festival, but God made it possible for them to go for free. Why they have learned to give their tithes. Susie and I have been blessed far greater than we could have imagined for our 25th anniversary, but it’s not just for us. God has made it possible for us to give one day’s wage to help feed the world, and we will still have some left over. I could go on and on.

Has God expanded your resources and given you more than enough? I’m sure he has if you have been willing to give. Don’t hold onto the stuff of this world to tightly. Sow it like seed and let God increase your harvest! What do you think?

(I would enjoy reading some of your personal stories of how God has poured out blessings beyond what you could contain. God is the God of more than enough!)

EXPECTAION

A new school year is now underway. Each of the kids is dealing with their expectations for the school year. Jacob, our kindergartner, broke down and cried this morning overwhelmed at the thought of learning to read. Somehow he thought he would have to do it all at once and was glad to discover he would just learn a little each day. Greg, our eleventh grader, is making the adjustment to being at home again for school. While he will enjoy some new freedoms, his expectations and mine weren’t the same. We butted heads a little this morning trying to settle on just how things were going to get done.

With a fresh start before you, perhaps your family is likewise dealing with a new set of expectations. New friends, better grades, favorite teachers, subjects to dread and others to enjoy, these and countless other thoughts fill our minds with the beginning of school. What will become of our expectations when September gives way to October and November? Will we be satisfied? Will we be disappointed? Will we be ready to throw in the towel or committed to working hard and seeing the year through to the end?

• And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.
  2 Corinthians 8:5 (NIV)

Paul was amazed by the Macedonian Christians. Out of their extreme poverty they gave to help meet the needs of others. Yet these folks exceeded his expectations because they first gave themselves to the Lord and then responded in giving according to God’s will for their lives.

Paul used the example of the Macedonian Christians to challenge the Corinthian believers. While the Corinthians had a greater abundance of wealth, Paul’s expectations were not very high. He was afraid they might be selfish and keep what they had for themselves.

My desire isn’t to talk about giving but expectations. What can make the difference between exceeding our expectations and being disappointed? I think it will all come down to who or what we give ourselves too. The Macedonians gave themselves to God and in turn were committed to doing His will for their lives. God’s expectations and desires for our lives are far greater than ours are. Why? Well for one thing His resourses are limitless. God looks beyond problems and sees possibilities of what can be. Let’s not make the mistake of limiting our expectations by what we can or can’t do. Let’s dream big and see what God will do in and through us as we first give ourselves to the Lord and His will. With God we can exceed every expectation and not be disappointed. What do you think?

DIFFERENT OUTCOMES

The power within a flame does not always have the same effect. A flame can be destructive and uncontrolled as when a forest fire blackens thousands of acres or when a fire devastates a home. Contained in a camp fire a flame can be a joy to watch as family and friends gather to talk. A flame can be used to prepare a meal. The fire within a furnace can warm a house on a cold winter day. Fire can soften metals or it can harden clay.

Sorrow is much like a flame. Our distress can be an emotion that is destructive filling our lives with bitterness and regret. However the sadness that comes into our lives need not be harmful. The value of sorrow depends upon how our spirits respond to it.

• Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
  2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV

Worldly sorrow brings death. When we are caught in our sin we may know that what we have done is wrong, but still be drawn to the pleasure of sin. Such sorrow eats away at our spirits with inner conflict and eventually hardens our heart to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

For some their hearts have turned as hard as rock and they only regret being discovered in their sin. When they are caught in the act they are only sorry that their character has been tarnished. As when King Saul wanted Samuel to offer sacrifices with him so he could still look good in the eyes of the people, some people just put up a front to try to preserve their reputation. Their spiritual pride separates them from God and their regret is soon forgotten covered by their own self importance. Such sorrow works death.

Godly sorrow brings life! Such sadness works repentance into our lives. We turn from our sin and find God’s mercy and grace. His forgiveness restores our fellowship with God and in turn godly sorrow renews our relationships with our fellow man.

Godly sorrow brings such a transformation to our lives that we never live to regret our sorrow. As repentance grows our sorrow diminishes. Though we grieve over our sin for a time, we enjoy the blessings of repentance more and more. All things have been made new. Such sorrow brings life.

Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow, each are the same emotion. But the end results are very different. What do you think?

PURITY POLLUTED

Lake Ontario empties into the Saint Lawrence River which flows crystal clear. However, near Montreal the Ottawa River flows into the Saint Lawrence. The Ottawa’s waters are muddy with silt. As these rivers come together you can see the flow of each river side by side—one clear the other dirty. Yet as the Saint Lawrence continues its flow to the Atlantic Ocean the flow of the waters combine as one dirty river.

• 14 Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? 15 Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? 16 Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives.
  2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (MsgB)

Paul shows the Corinthians the vast spiritual difference between those who have been saved and those who have not. This is not just a distinction like the proverbial line in the sand. Rather the separation between the two is like the chasm of the Grand Cannon. The differences between the two are irreconcilable. The delineation is between:

1. Righteousness and wickedness,
2. Light and dark,
3. Christ and Satan,
4. The belief of faith and the rejection of unbelief, and
5. God’s “Temple” and the “temple” of idols or demons.

Paul instructs us to not be “YOKED TOGETHER with unbelievers” (NIV), or to “become PARTNERS with those who reject God” (MsgB). We often think of this in terms of marriage. As a youth pastor I encouraged kids not to engage in “missionary dating” because all to often it was the values of the believer that were compromised and led into sin. Yet Paul is not just talking about marriage. As important as that may be, we are to avoid any union with the non-Christian.

Paul is not saying we should have no contact with the non-Christian. We are Christ’s ambassadors with a message of reconciliation; nevertheless we are in the world yet not of it (see 1 Corinthians 5:18-20; 1 Peter 1:1; 2:11; 1 John 2:16). Paul wants us to avoid putting ourselves in a position of compromise. The tighter our connection with a non-believer the more we will be tempted to give in to the world’s ways. It’s a lot like the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. When they come together the purity of one is polluted by the other. What do you think?

TWIST MY ARM

We have probably all done it at one time or another. Perhaps you just finished having dinner with family or friends when they bring out the dessert they prepared especially for you. You really shouldn’t eat any. You’re full from dinner, and you just started a diet. But your mouth is watering, so you say, “Twist my arm.” With the slightest twist (or no twist at all) you give in and have not one but two helpings all because your host forced you to do it. How compelling does someone need to be when the desire is already in our hearts? You’ve twisted your own arm.

What would it take to really force us to do something we didn’t want to do? More than that, is it possible that something could be so compelling as to change my desires so I do not act with regret and sorrow? If you invite my dad over for dinner and then offer him cherry pie, he will eat a piece just to be nice. My mom however knows better than to even make a cherry pie for him because he won’t eat it for her. It would take some real arm twisting for my dad to ever like cherry pie.

This may surprise you, but my arm has been twisted to the point that I have surrendered my will and am not distressed. My desires have changed yet I am not manipulated or coerced as some might think. Perhaps such a change has happened to you as well.

• For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
  2 Corinthians 5:14 (NIV)

I have been constrained by the love of Christ to live a new kind of life. Some people might think I’m crazy to do what I do, but I can’t help it my desires have been transformed by God’s love.

What is so compelling about the love of Christ? [1] It is a sacrificial love that gave all it could on my behalf; Christ died for me. [2] It is an eternal love that will never end. [3] It is an unconditional love that loves me even when I was unlovable. [4] It is a sovereign love that will accomplish its every desire for me by working all things together for my good. [5] It is a patient love that does not give up on me. [6] It is a free love that cannot be purchased but only received as a gift. [7] It is an enduring love; though His love may seem hidden, like the clouds hide the sun, God’s love remains faithful to me.

I’m feeling my arm twisted by God’s love, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. His love compels me. What do you think?

A HARD KNOCKS LIFE FOR US

Have you ever wished life was easy? Only through opposition is life possible. That you push against the restraints that seek to hold you back is proof that you are alive. Yielding to the difficulties that oppose you is a sign of weakness and death.

Think about a seed lying on the ground. The forces of nature work against the seed. If life is not within the seed then it will rot and become part of the soil. But if life is within the seed then it will push back against that which would otherwise destroy it and begin to grow. The mighty oak tree stands strong because it was strengthened by the winds that sought to topple it. The very nature of life is to overcome adversity being strengthened by that which resists it.

• 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
  2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NIV)

We grow in grace the same way a tree grows in space. We overcome that which stands against us. How does the believer grow in holiness, righteousness and self-control? The life of the Holy Spirit within us empowers us to resist temptation and sin.

Once we were dead in our sins and transgressions. No life was found in our soul, thus death was at work in us. We could not help but to be overcome by sin. We were alone in the world without hope. Our destruction was imminent because we had no life within us by which to overcome.

Yet now we are alive in Christ! That which once had the power to destroy us has no power over us. What once left us defeated now makes us stronger because the life of Christ is in us. When the soul is dead, our life only decays. But when the soul is alive that which once destroyed it, now develops and strengthens it. Growth and maturity comes only by overcoming that which wars against you.

The force of life is greater than that of death. Difficulty and hardship may abound around us. We may be opposed on every side, but nothing can crush us. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

So let’s stop asking God to make our lives easy. Death is at work in those who are comfortable. Instead let’s understand that the greater the problem we face the greater the life that is within us. Nothing can overcome us. What do you think?

PAPERS PLEASE

When Susie and I traveled to Russia in 1994 we were told how important it was that we not lose our passports and copy of our birth certificates. I remember imagining the secret police asking for our ‘papers’ when we made the 10 to 12 hour train ride from Minsk to Moscow (too many movies I’m sure). Here in the states we give little or no thought to having proof of our identity. In the new era of terrorism it will be interesting to see how much of our freedom we will be willing to surrender for a greater sense of public safety (been to the airport lately?).

Perhaps our greater fear is identity theft. If someone gets your social security number and birth date they can become you. All someone needs is your checking account or credit card number and they can make purchases using your name. I’ve even shred some of the junk mail from credit card companies to help prevent my identity from being stolen (an ounce of prevention).

False teachers had made their way into the church at Corinth. They brought letters of recommendation with them. It didn’t matter that the letters were forged. Just claiming to be connected to one of the apostles was enough to be heard. Paul had a different letter of recommendation.

• 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
  2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV)

Christ’s letter of recommendation was the testimony of changed lives. Paul says that the proof of being an apostle was the Corinthian believers. They were a letter written upon his heart by Jesus for anyone to read.

I can’t help but think about my ‘credentials.’ Like many pastors I have a certificate of ordination (in my case bearing the seal of the Assemblies of God). Yet that is just a piece of paper framed and hung in my office. My real ‘credentials’ or letter of recommendation are the people God has given me to pastor. Is there evidence of transformed lives sitting in church each Sunday or are people just in a spiritual rut?

I had breakfast this morning with one such ‘personalized letter.’ I’m thankful for those who have grown in their relationship with Christ through my ministry. Yet I can’t help wonder if there are some who would be a smudge on my credentials. What can I do to be more effective as their pastor to help bring change in their lives? Granted people must take personal responsibility for their spiritual growth and obedience to Christ. I won’t stand by their side at the judgment seat, but I will be judged by the Lord for what I did or did not do to initiate Christ likeness in their hearts and lives.

How about you? No, you may not be a pastor, but are you being an influence for spiritual maturity in the lives of others? As a parent are you teaching your children how to live a godly life? Are you an influence for righteousness at work or school? Each of us should have an authentic letter of recommendation signed by Jesus for everyone to read. What do you think?

SATAN’S SCHEMES

Football players take their sport seriously. Teams play only one game each week, but they spend all week preparing for that game. They study films of the opposing team trying to gain an advantage by discovering players’ tendencies. They develop a game plan and then practice all week simulating what the other team’s offence and defense might do in a game. A full week of work just for a chance to win the game, maybe we could learn something from their commitment to beating their opponent.

Sometimes we forget that we are engaged in a spiritual conflict. It is more than just a once a week struggle; our clash with our adversary continues daily with no time outs. (Now that’s a good reason to come to Jesus for rest, but that’s another pondering—see for example Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 11:28. Okay, back to Satan’s Schemes.) Paul was familiar with the enemy’s tactics, and encourages us to be careful not to give Satan any advantage against us.

Satan has a plan to destroy people. Our enemy wants to prevent the sinner from coming to Christ for salvation. He wants to keep the backslider from renewing their fellowship with God and other believers. Satan wants the church to be ineffective by driving a wedge between us. Paul reminds us that if we are going to defeat Satan then we must be quick to forgive one another.

• 10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven — if there was anything to forgive — I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
  2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV)

God’s love is demonstrated through our lives as we let go of bitterness. Instead of holding a grudge we are willing to forgive one another and restore our love for each other. Forgiveness is the key to outwitting Satan and beating him at his own game. Believers remain connected. Backsliders are restored. Sinners are drawn to Christ. Satan’s schemes are defeated when our love is proven with forgiveness.

Let’s not ignore the devil’s sly attempts to defeat us. Let’s practice loving with forgiveness. We will win more than a game. We’ll have victory over Satan. What do you think?

PROMISES

I called Jacob and Courtney to get ready to go yesterday. When they asked where we were going I said, “We’re going crazy.” I could have said that we were going to run an errand at Staples, but saying we were going crazy meant we were in for an adventure full of unexpected surprises. We hopped like kangaroos into the store and walked like ducks going out. On the way home we made an unexpected stop at Dairy Queen. The ordinary was fun and full of laughter even for Susie and me.

What changed our errand into an adventure? It was the words I spoke. I made no promises but I had committed myself to having fun with the kids; they knew it and I knew it. My words needed to be as good as gold (or ice cream) for the kids.

• For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why we utter the Amen through him, to the glory of God.
  2 Corinthians 1:20 (RSV)

A promise is the antithesis of a threat. While both are spoken, one brings blessing while the other a curse. How often do we think of our words as having such power? God’s word is a double-edged sword. For those who reject its decree the judgment of sin awaits them, but for those who embrace God’s word the blessing of His promises overflow in their lives.

These are not the promises of a man. They are the promises of God! The scriptures abound with the pledge of God’s blessing for His children. All of His promises are sound and stable. Each promise is established beyond all doubt in the mind of God and is therefore absolute and unchangeable. Through Jesus every promise of God is given a resounding “YES!” Jesus Christ has all the power and authority to accomplish all God’s promises. Not one will be left undone.

With such promises we too can shout, “Amen!” fully confident that God will do what He has said. His promises only increase His glory and greatness as all of His promises are fulfilled in the lives of His children. We can rest in the assurance of His faithful and powerful word. We give no place to fear or worry for if God said it then it will be done in our lives.

Are you in need of God’s promises today? Is your life a roller coaster of emotion? Don’t judge God by your circumstances but see your situation through the promises of God. He is faithful to all His promises. Amen! What do you think?

MARCHING ORDERS

I have never served in the military. Those whom I know that are all share one thing in common: discipline. Their bodies are disciplined to be not just physically fit, but strong and ready to endure any challenge. Their minds are disciplined to follow orders without question or hesitation. Their spirits (or emotions) are disciplined to know that they belong to a fraternity of soldiers who depend upon each other. Together the body, mind and spirit will persevere and not give up until the mission is complete.

• 13 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, 14 and love without stopping.
  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (MsgB)

These are our marching orders. No excuses allowed. Paul admonishes us to be disciplined like a soldier and obey orders.

1. Be Alert. The enemy seeks to destroy us, so don’t be careless in how you live. Be on guard against temptation so you don’t fall into the trap of sin.
   
2. Be Faithful. Guard your heart against the enemies of doubt and fear by continually exercising your faith. Only as we remain full of faith will we please God. Hold fast to an unwavering confidence in God.
   
3. Be “the man” of God. Literally Paul says be manly; in other words don’t be a sissy but be full of courage. Our strength is not found in ourselves but comes from God. Therefore let us be full of His Spirit and power to overcome our adversary. (Ladies this goes for you too.)
   
4. Be Strong. Never give up! “Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor of god so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV).
   
5. Be Full of Love. Do not think only of yourself. Instead let love overflow in everything you do. Keep your eyes attuned to fellow believers lest they stray off the narrow path of salvation and lovingly restore them. Love God and your fellowman with every word and deed.

I must confess that I sometimes fail to obey orders. Can you imagine the difference it would make in our families, our churches and our community if we just followed our marching orders? Let’s be disciplined! What do you think?

GENERAL COUNCIL REFLECTION

I don’t remember who said it but I have written in the front of my Bible as a constant reminder of God’s heart for the lost. “God loves some sinners so much that He won’t send them to some of our churches.” Is ours a church that God will trust with the spiritual care of sinners? Now the fact of the matter is that we are all sinners saved by grace. But why is our church not growing daily like the New Testament church?

Charles Crabtree, Assistant Superintendent of the Assemblies of God said tonight, “Satan has not grown in power. Jesus still has all power and authority to build His church.” Let’s face it Jesus died to save sinners and that includes the sinners of the post-modern generation today. His love can reach into the hearts of people around us and transform their lives. His power to save knows no limits.

Crabtree shared that from 1995 to 2005 the Assemblies of God reported nearly 5.3 million salvations, but we only added about 250,000 people to our churches. That means we kept only about 1 in 100 people who were saved! As he put it we are aborting spiritual babies at the altars of our churches because there is no on there to lovingly take them by the hand and disciple them to grow in their new faith. God forgive us.

• [1] Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. [2] By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
  1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (NIV)

Two things stand out to me in what the Apostle Paul said. First I can’t overlook the fact that Paul told the Corinthian church that it was possible for them to believe in vain. As individuals we do have a responsibility to hold onto the word that was preached to us by which we have been saved.

But there is something else. Paul reminded this church about the gospel he had preached to them. Paul didn’t want them to forget so he reminded them. Paul would go on to write this church another letter and even make a personal visit traveling hundreds of miles without our modern conveniences. Today many of us have a hard time walking across the street to talk to a neighbor about Christ (including me). Isn’t it time we stop expecting sinners to come to us and we went to them? What do you think?

STATIC AND DROPPED CALLS

Are you old enough to remember static on the radio or TV? Before electronic tuning, cable and satellite broadcasts we used to have to tune into a station’s frequency. The noise between stations together with the ‘snow’ on TV could best be described as chaos.

I wonder how some folks might describe some of our churches today. Are there times that we are guilty of just being like the static between stations? Is the message lost amidst the noise?

The Corinthian church had a static problem. Those who considered themselves prophets would all want to deliver their message from God simultaneously. Meanwhile there were those who wanted to deliver a message in tongues that would speak out regardless of whether anyone would interpret their Spirit inspired speech. It was a fight to be heard over the crowd when the church gathered together.

Paul didn’t reach over and turn ‘the radio’ off; instead he gave the church instructions how to fine tune the frequency so the message could be heard. Don’t let everyone prophesy at once but take turns and others judge what is said. Don’t just speak in tongues but pray to interpret or if no interpreter is present just remain silent. The ultimate goal was to edify or build up those who were part of the church through the gifts of the Spirit.

• [39] Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40] But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
  1 Corinthians 14:39-40 (NIV)

I’m unashamed to be a Pentecostal believer. I am thankful that we still serve a God who will supernaturally speak to His church through the gifts of the Spirit. Some churches (even in the Assemblies of God) have gone to the other extreme and turned the gifts off. In our modern world of communication its as though the satellite signal is blocked or a cell phone drops its call. All that is heard is the sound of silence.

I want to stay tuned into God. I’m not afraid of the static as God has shown us how to adjust our spiritual antenna to hear the voice of His Spirit. I’m more concerned that we don’t just block His signal and turn the Spirit off. God is not silent. He wants to speak through you and me. Be eager to prophesy. Get tuned into God. What do you think?

GET YOUR SISSORS AND JUST CUT IT OUT!

We are blessed with a lot of different English versions of the Bible which help us better understand it. Regardless of the version the Bible is a really big book that many people find hard to read. Reader’s Digest to the rescue (yes that’s right the magazine). They once published the “Reader’s Digest Bible.” Like their other condensed books it cut out the repetitious reading, long genealogies and other so called ‘non-essentials’ to make the Bible more reader friendly.

I’ve come up with a great idea for a new Bible version. I’m sure that in our modern culture of relativism a publisher could make a lot of money if they were to produce this Bible. I call it the “PPV” short for “Personal Preference Bible.” This version will come with a set of special ‘highlighters’ specifically designed to remove or rewrite those passages that you have a hard time accepting. With the “PPV” you could have a Bible that you believe and live by everyday 100%. Now wouldn’t that be great! (I best get my tongue out of my cheek before I bite it off.)

While we may laugh at such a far fetched idea, the fact of the matter is that many of us already have made our Bibles a “PPV” by ignoring those passages that challenge us. I once illustrated this by tearing a page out of the Bible. After all if we aren’t going to properly apply it to our lives then why leave it in there?

So what does this have to do with the spiritual gifts we talked about yesterday? Everything! Just like Paul said that all parts of the body were essential, so too we must keep the Bible in its context. I’m always amazed by those who want to dismiss the spiritual gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 but still want to keep Paul’s love chapter tucked right in the middle.

Paul’s discussion about love is an important part of the proper use of spiritual gifts. No matter what gift I may have or how important it may seem, if I don’t have love my gift is meaningless. Some go so far as to say that the gifts are not for today because we have received the perfection Paul describes in verse 10 through the Bible. I guess that’s one way to dismiss chapters 12 and 14. Yet Paul continues saying that he has grown up and stopped thinking like a child. He said that the time is coming when our incomplete knowledge will pass away. I thought perfection had come with the Bible? Am I missing something?

• But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love
  (1 Corinthians 13:13 MsgB).

Dare I even ask—“What do you think?” Careful, no “PPV’s” allowed.

GIFTS EVERYONE WANTS

With five kids we have had a lot of birthday parties over the years. One of the most ‘eye opening’ times at these annual events was present time. Inevitably it seemed that one gift would always stand out among the others as that year’s most wanted. When this gift was opened all the kids would all ‘oohh’ and ‘aahh’ over it. They would say things like, “I want one of those,” or “Can I see it?” And of course the giver of the gift would proudly announce “I got that.”

Paul had to talk with the Corinthians about spiritual gifts. He didn’t want them to be ignorant about them, or dare I say it, act like children. It seems everyone wanted what they thought were the most important gifts and they overlooked other gifts as trivial.

Now that my children are getting older I can safely admit that some of the birthday gifts they received were unnecessary. The life of these gifts was short lived and it wouldn’t take long for me to find it abandoned and neglected. Thus it would go the way of all things and end up somewhere in a landfill.

Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that when it came to spiritual gifts there was no such thing as an unnecessary gift. Every gift plays an important part in the body of Christ because without these seemingly unimportant gifts where would the body be? As Paul asked, “If the whole body were an eye where would the sense of hearing be?” No single part of the body can say to others, “I don’t need you.” Every part of the body serves a purpose and is “indispensable.” (See 1 Corinthians 12:17-22) After emphasizing the importance of every gift, I find it interesting that Paul ends this chapter the way he does.

• But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
  And now I will show you the most excellent way.
  1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)

Paul actually encourages the Corinthians to covet spiritual gifts! When it comes to your kids or mine coveting each other’s birthday presents such desire is not a good thing, but when it comes to spiritual gifts we are encouraged to yearn for more! Aahh but don’t overlook “the most excellent way.” What is that way? We’ll have to keep reading the next chapter, but for now lets just say that we’re not supposed to fight over spiritual gifts like children fight over toys. If we do the gifts become useless because we aren’t to desire the gift for ourselves but as a blessing for the entire body. What do you think?

“This is Unacceptable!”

Through the years Susie has been both mom and teacher for our kids. Homeschooling presents its own unique challenges. One of those is getting the kids not just to complete a lesson, but to do it with excellence. Like a lot of kids, ours have from time to time wanted to just do enough to get by. This however was unacceptable for teacher-mom. I can’t count the number of times she has told the kids something like, “It takes less time to do it right the first time than to have to do it again.”

What Susie was really teaching the kids was how to judge the quality of their work. It isn’t good enough to judge what we do as compared to what others do. We need to learn to evaluate our work based on whether we have done our personal best. This is a life lesson that affects every area of life and especially our relationship with God.

Paul had to teach the Corinthians the importance of judging themselves. It was important for these believers to learn to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as they examined their own lives to see if there was any sin that would separate them from God. One time that we can all slow down to judge ourselves is as we partake of communion together.

• [31] If we get this straight now, we won't have to be straightened out later on. [32] Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later.
  1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (MsgB)

As we join together with other believers to remember Jesus’ death whereby we are forgiven of our sins we can take the time to renew our relationship with God and with one another. Broken relationships within the church were a sign that their personal relationships with God needed attention too. How can we claim to have fellowship with God when we are angry at the person sitting across from us?

Making proper judgment of ourselves can be difficult. Thankfully we don’t have to do it alone. The Holy Spirit will help us to see where we have fallen short. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring those little promptings or thoughts that come to you during your times of introspection. Respond with repentance and obedience. If we are going to have a right relationship with God, then we not only must be cleansed from sin, but we also must be in right relationship with each other. Susie is right. It does take less time to do it right the first time. What do you think?

PIGS IN THE MUD

Now I don’t want to appear to be self righteous but I really am an all around good guy. I mean I’ve got a pretty good list of credentials that ought to qualify me as good. I tell the truth (really I do). I don’t smoke and I’m not an alcoholic or drug addict. I’m a good husband and father (my wife and kids even say the same thing). I’m not a shoplifter or thief. I’m not a murderer. I work hard. As a matter of fact I do have credentials as an ordained pastor! I suppose if I wanted to I could go on and on with the reason why I’m not a bad person.

If you are honest you probably think you’re a good person too. You too could come up with a long list. You don’t cheat on your taxes. You drive the speed limit. You never lose your temper. You read the Bible, pray and go to church on Sunday. You gave some money to the guy with the “Will work for food” sign. On and on I could go. You and I really are saints.

How often do we see ourselves through ‘rose colored glasses?’ All of our imperfections are glossed over and anything good we have ever done is magnified. The scales of justice would certainly be in our favor. Isn’t it time we took an honest look in the mirror?

• [6] Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did . . . [13] No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
  1 Corinthians 10:6, 13 (NIV)

I hate to burst our bubble but we are not good people. No one is (not even Billy Graham, the Pope, Mother Teresa or anyone else you might want to put on the ‘good people’ list). The people of Israel thought they had arrived too. God had come to their rescue and brought them out of the bondage of Egypt. They were his chosen people. Nevertheless they sinned.

God has come to our rescue too. Jesus has pulled us out of sin. But we need to be careful that we don’t fall back into it. The trouble with a pig is that you can give it a bath but it goes right back into the mud. Believe it or not we will do the very same thing without God’s help. Fortunately for us the Lord is always there to show us how to escape the lure of sin. I want to always be on the look out for God’s ‘EXIT’ sign. Only God can keep me out of sin. What do you think?

REACHING ‘GOOD PEOPLE’

I happened to be listening to Glenn Beck in the truck this morning. I only listen occasionally and can hardly be considered a fan. When I first heard Beck my ears perked up when he made referred to Jesus, reading the Bible and praying. I wondered, “Is this guy a Christian?” I soon learned that Beck is a Mormon. I’ve known some who have completely turned him off when they learned that, but I still listen from time to time when I’m driving somewhere during his show.

I wonder, how do you reach a religious guy like Glenn Beck with the truth about who Jesus is? I mean here’s a guy that was an alcoholic and had a drug addiction on top of that, who has found religion and cleaned up his life. He’ not the same guy he used to be (and he’s not ashamed to talk about it). Most people, liberal and conservative, would probably say that now he’s a ‘good person’ (a little crazy maybe too).

I will probably never have the opportunity to meet Mr. Beck but there are people just like him who are still just as lost. They too are ‘good people’ and may attribute the change in their lives to a religious experience. Yet if a person has not acknowledged Jesus Christ as savior and Lord then they are still lost and on their way to hell regardless of how good they might be. What can we do to help people like that?

• [19] Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: [20] religious, nonreligious, [21] meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, [22] the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life.
  1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (MsgB)

According to Paul the most effective way to bring people to Jesus is to enter their world as a servant. In other words Paul would encourage us to build relational bridges into people’s lives, live an authentic Christian life, and be there when they have a need.

Can I be honest with you? I need to do better at this as most of my relationships are confined to family and the church while my neighbors are strangers. How about you are you limited to only having friends within a ‘holy huddle’ of church folks? What can we do to be more like Paul and become “all things to all men” in order to save some? What do you think?

KNOW IT ALLS

‘Know-it-all’ has an answer for every question and an opinion on everything. And the word of ‘Know-it-all’ is final. He or she is always right and you can’t say anything to change it. If ‘Know-it-all’ says, “The moon is made of green cheese” just smile and nod your head. Sometimes it’s better to just not say anything. Besides ‘Know-it-all’ will either try to convince you that you are wrong or will give you yet another monolog of their superior knowledge.

Sometimes ‘Know-it-all’ gets saved and finds him or herself sitting in church beside you. What then are we to do when ‘Know-it-all’ speaks up? Or dare I even say it; what are you and I to do if we happen to be 'Mr. or Ms. Know-it-all’? Let’s see if we can’t learn something new.

• [1] Now let's talk about food that has been sacrificed to idols. You think that everyone should agree with your perfect knowledge. While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church. [2] Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much.
  1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NLT)

Paul had to deal with some know it alls in the church at Corinth. The issue focused meat sacrificed to idols. ‘Know-it-all’ knew that an idol was nothing in comparison to God and that the meat was just mean, so let’s just eat up and enjoy. “Besides,” says ‘Know-it-all,’ “We have freedom as Christians that keeps us from being bound by pagan worship.”

I find it interesting that Paul didn’t just tell the Corinthians that ‘Know-it-all’ really was right. If you read what Paul says he actually agrees with ‘Know-it-all.’ However, while we have freedom as Christians, Paul points out that we also have a responsibility to each other. What is most important is that we have a love for one another and live our lives in such a way that will strengthen and build others up in their faith in Christ.

Paul didn’t say that knowledge wasn’t important, and that’s not what I’m saying either. We need to study God’s word and know not only what we believe but also why we believe it. However, what makes our church strong is not superior knowledge but an unfailing love that puts others first. It is love that helps ‘Know-it-all’ to know when to speak and when to just be quiet and serve others. What do you think?