Matthew 28:16-20

“Accustomed to the veneer of noise, to the shibboleths of promotion, public relations, and market research, society is suspicious of those who value silence.”     John Lahr

As I was reading one day, I came across this story. I thought maybe you would like it. It is only a humorous story, yet it makes a serious point. Brother John was a timid man who dreaded speaking in public. He was terrified on the day it was his turn to give a devotional message. With his knees trembling, he faced his listeners and said, "Do you know what I'm going to say this morning?"

"No," answered the audience. He then said, "Neither do I," and he ran from the room. 

The next day he was told to try again. He said, "Do you know what I'm going to say?" This time they replied, "Yes." So he said, "Then you don't need me to tell you." Again, he fled. 

He tried a third morning, saying, "Do you know what I'm going to say?" Half his hearers shouted, "Yes!" and half shouted, "No!"  "Ah," said Brother John, "then let those who know tell those who do not know," and again he fled. 

At first, his hearers sat in silence. Then the words hit home: "Let those who know tell those who don't know."  It is the responsibility of those that know Christ to introduce others to our Savior. Paul stated in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know him…” It was Paul’s desire to know Jesus Christ in all the Christ is, but then Paul desired to introduce Him to every pauper and president. 

There is as much power in silence as there is in speaking up. The difference is the results that power causes. Our silence can cause thousands NOT to hear about Jesus and our voices can influence thousands for Him. Which would you rather be? 

For three years, Jesus' disciples absorbed His teaching and observed His mighty works. They had come to know Him as the way, the truth, and the life. He was God in the flesh, the One who is "eternal life" (1 John 1:2). In the years to come, He so impacted their life that they devoted their lives to telling others about Christ. How has He impacted you and yours? Today, let those who know tell those who don't.

II Timothy 1:1-7, 3:14-15

“If we work upon marble it will perish. If we work upon brass time will efface it. If we rear temples, they will crumble to dust. But if we work upon men's immortal minds, if we imbue them with high principles, with the just fear of God and love of their fellow men, we engrave on those tablets something which no time can efface, and which will brighten and brighten to all eternity.”

                       Daniel Webster

I read a conversation a while ago. It went something like this. "My great-grandfather owned this rifle," the man said proudly. In his hand was a mint-condition rifle from the days when the pioneers were moving across the American West. I admired its beautiful walnut stock and shiny brass fittings. He said, "It came down to my grandfather, who passed it on to my father, who gave it to me. It has been in the family more than 100 years. I'm going to give it to my son when he turns 25." 

Every parent wants to leave something for their children to hold onto long after they are gone. My grandmother was a very interesting woman. She could cook better than anyone I have ever known, and yet she could work in the garden all day as well. She could take care of my grandfather, their five children and then their sixteen grandchildren. I have two things of hers that I treasure. A picture and a porcelain train will forever be in my possession (at least until I can give it to my son). 

Heirlooms are important to us. However, the greatest thing she gave to me was not a thing. It is something that no one can put a price tag on. In fact, if these devotions have somehow blessed you, it is due in large part to her. She gave me Jesus. More than anyone else in my life, my grandma Cele displayed Jesus Christ to me. She was my nursery Sunday School teacher. She stayed on my Dad to make sure that I was raised in the family of God. She was always checking on me, making me kiss her on the cheek every time I saw her. She crossed her finish line on September 12, 1998 (Our 6th Anniversary). At her funeral, everyone present gave her a standing ovation. It is something I will never forget. 

I look at my sons today, and I know that what she gave me; I can now give to them. They are a sixth generation believers. I read this passage, and I think Paul wrote to the Timothy whose last name is Sanders. Just replace Lois’ name with Cele and Eunice with Kathy, and the scripture is talking directly to me.  Timothy's grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice trusted in Christ and taught Timothy to do the same. Mine did also. As you think about what you will pass on to your children and grandchildren, do not forget the example of your faith in Jesus. It's the most valuable "heirloom" of all.

John 14:1-31

“In the huge mass of evil as it rolls and swells, there is ever some good working toward deliverance and triumph.”

      Thomas Carlyle

You can see it in every book, newspaper, magazine and television. You can hear it in every conversation, interview, radio station and documentary. What is it? It is the ancient and contentious battle of good and evil. From Hollywood to Washington D.C., people are constantly discussing, oftentimes without realizing it, good and evil. 

However, in our day of shadows, relativism and compromise, what is evil? What is good? Evil predates human sin as goodness predates human existence. Both lived before the creation and fall of mankind. Before humanity could offer their definitions, good and evil simply were. “What is good” existed in submission to God. “What is evil” existed in rebellion to God. The first reflected God’s character. The later incurred God’s wrath.  

Today, very few people agree on what is absolutely evil and absolutely good. We live in a world of relativity, that is, the truth of good and evil depends entirely upon the circumstance in which one finds themselves. Yet, in a world of ever-expanding shades of gray, we can lose confidence in our ability to distinguish where light ends and darkness begins. 

God, however, still sees clearly. His faithful Spirit will navigate us through the troubled waters of culture. He promises to guide us into all Truth. When John wrote the fourteenth chapter of his gospel, he realized that trouble would constantly be in the world, and yet, God offered the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost to watch over us. In the place of decision, we must first look to God’s Word: what does scripture say about this decision specifically or in principle? It may be helpful to also ask ourselves a simple question: Can I picture God smiling over this choice? Can I experience God’s pleasure in this decision/attitude/ relationship/action?  

There is still such a thing as “black and white, right and wrong, good and evil”.  It is for this reason that we must, in the midst of our dark shadows of doubt, know the voice of God. 

He will whisper in the time of storm and you will know which path leads to good and which path leads to evil.  God’s peace will follow us in this shadowy world as we follow the faithful voice of God through His Word and His Spirit. The battle of good and evil will continue, but our Commander knows without hesitation the Way that leads to Life.

Matthew 26:36-46

“You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.”     John Bunyan

                 When I was a child, there was a certain excitement about 4 p.m. everyday. What was it? The mailman came. I looked earnestly to see if my Highlights magazine, or my Disney book club had shown up. I was thinking about that when I read this letter from someone very important.  It went something like this:

“Dearly Beloved, How are you? I just had to send you this letter to tell you how much I love you and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day, hoping you would walk and talk with me too. As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day, and a cool breeze to give you rest. Then I waited, but you never came. It hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend. I saw you fall asleep last night, and I longed to caress your face, and ruffle your hair, so, I shined a little moonlight upon your pillow and your face. Again, I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you. You woke up late this morning and rushed off for the day. My tears were in the rain. Today you looked so sad; so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand how you can hurt so much. My friends let me down too and hurt me many times.  I still love you very much. I try to tell you when you walk by the still waters. I whisper it in the green pastures where the leaves and trees breathe color into your view. I shout it to you in the echoes of the mountains, the roar of the rushing streams, and give the birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and spread sweet aromas into the air. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the widest mountain and higher that the sky. My love goes beyond your greatest want or need you could ever have. We will spend eternity together in heaven. I know, though, how hard it is on earth. I really know, because I was there too, and I want to help you. Just give me a call, night or day, and ask me -- talk to me. It is your decision ... I have chosen you, and because of this, I will wait.  I truly love you.

Your friend,

Jesus

Luke 10:40-42

“Men talk of killing time, while time quietly kills them.”

                                                                               Dion Boucicault

Look at your clock. Do notice something unique about the time? The second hand never stops (unless your battery is dead). Time. Where do we find the time to accomplish everything we need to accomplish, let alone what we want to accomplish? It never stops - the vicious cycle of doing things within time. Running errands, cleaning the house, picking up the kids, putting in extra time on your project at work, studying for another big test. You just keep going and going with no end in sight. 

It can even become a pattern in your spiritual life. Helping with prayer meeting, keeping the nursery, teaching Sunday school, visiting the sick, calling last week’s visitors. It goes on and on and on until you’re spending all this time working for the Lord but you’re not spending time on what He desires from you most: your fellowship.

The disciple described as the one Jesus loved, John, wanted to share the good news of Christ so others would come to know Him and fellowship with Him. He knew what the most needful thing in his life was, intimacy with Jesus. We need to remember that as well. Mary knew it was better to sit at the feet of Jesus, loving Him and sharing with Him, rather than preparing a five - course dinner like Martha. 

Oftentimes, we become so busy for God, that we become too busy for God.  God wants us to find a place of rest in Him. To know Him more intimately, we must spend time with Him. Out of this closer relationship, our love for Him grows and we desire to serve Him more. When Jesus becomes our sole focus, nothing can shake us. If we make fellowship with Him a priority, He will make Himself known to us like we have never known Him before.

It is at the time of my surrender to schedules and clocks that God usually throws something new into my spirit. The Bible gives us a picture of the heartbeat of God when it says, “He came to seek and save that which was lost.” People are never lost. If God sees the sparrow and knows the number of hairs upon the head, surely he knows where every individual happens to reside. What was lost in Eden was fellowship between God and man. We are cursed with time because of the sin in Eden, and from then until now God is seeking that time, or fellowship, that was lost.  Do you have time for the Master?  Is it time for you manually to unplug the clock or remove the batteries and let time stand still for a little while in the presence of true Love?

I Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 92:1-2

“Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy.”

                                                                    Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The death of a child. The abuse of a loved one. The report of cancer. The betrayal of a friend, the closest friend. A rebellious child. The searing pains of life that leave us marred and overflowing with depression. The phone call relaying the message that a loved one is not returning from war. What emotions well up? Anger. Resentment. Fury. Self-pity. Despair. Hopelessness. Thankfulness?                                                                                                                                                Many divine commands seem perfectly reasonable—for example, no adultery, no idols, and no murder. However, the Lord also gave some instructions that ostensibly make little sense. One of those commands is the seemingly impossible task of giving thanks in everything. 

The Scriptures clearly teach that giving thanks is meant to be a way of life, not just a seasonal event. The problem is that we often do not feel appreciative, particularly when facing painful circumstances or tests of our faith. In fact, expressing gratitude for bad news seems irrational. Our limited claim to rationality, however, cannot compete with God's greater knowledge of what is best for His children. Just like the natural parent realizes that the struggle a child has to learn their “ABC’s” will one day allow that child to read, God knows that sometimes the struggle and disappointments of life prepare us for future blessing. As a result, we live a successful Christian life only by choosing to thank Him for everything He sends or allows across our path.

What the Lord knows is that gratitude powerfully impacts the believer. Tribulation can leave us feeling isolated, but thanking God for His ongoing care or provision reminds us of His constant presence. Equipped with the knowledge that He is in control, we can submit our will to His. Though our circumstances remain the same, our attitude is divinely changed through trust. Paul wrote in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for the believer's good. That releases assurance that the Lord has a purpose for every event He orchestrates or permits. Thankfulness motivates us to seek His purpose. In God's perfect time, the divine plan is revealed, and we can tell Him with sincere hearts, "Lord, thank You!" 

Take the pain, abuse, detrimental doctor’s reports, betrayal and all of the other things that seem to destroy us, and wrap them up in thankfulness. When we are able to do this, all of heaven’s attention walks into our lives to begin a performance only worthy of the best Audience. Watch your life become the drama that pleases the Lord.

Romans 13:1-14

“I do not want to foresee the future. I am concerned with taking care of the present. God has given me no control over the moment following.”

Mohandas Gandhi

I saw an interesting scene the other day. I saw a father and a little boy about five or six years old walking a dog through the park. It was a large dog. The leash was pulled tight by the strength in the dog’s muscles. The father, walking behind the boy, let the leash go so that the boy alone was holding the dog. I watched as a bird flew across the path of the dog, and the dog became very excited. I noticed every muscle the dog possessed tighten and explode. Needless to say, the boy lost control as the dog began to drag this little boy around the park. It was not until the dad regained control of the leash that the dog once again came under obedience.  The little boy, with an angry tone asked, “Why did you let the dog do that to me?” The father responded gently, “You were so intent upon holding the dog, you failed to realize that the leash went from the dog to your hand, but then it went to my hand. The whole time you thought you were walking the dog, I actually was.” We, too often, are just like the little boy. The big dog, called life, seems to be in control. We think we have it on the leash and we are holding to tight to all of our schedules, goals, dreams and plans. It does not matter what comes up against us, we are in control because we are holding onto the leash. It amazes us, however, that when a little “bird” crosses our path, we lose total control. All of a sudden, life seems to be dragging us around the park of time, and we do not understand where God disappeared. Could it be that God never disappeared? Could it be that while we thought we had a hold of the leash in our life, really, it was Him that had control, and as long as we allowed him to hold the leash, everything else seemed to be in control? In the park that you are walking in who holds the leash on your life? Turn around and make sure that God is still in control.

Matthew 10:16, Philippians 4:8-9

“Laziness has become the chief characteristic of journalism, displacing incompetence.”

      Kingsley Amis

In one of the last scenes of the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz, the four companions stand in a dark room before the Great and All-Powerful Oz. Towering flames rose on either side of the face of Oz. The four shook in fear. Then, a small dog pulled back a curtain off to the side, revealing a man operating a control board. This meek man behind the curtain was the impostor who claimed to be the mighty Oz. Things were not as they had seemed to be. 

  If you watch, read or listen to the daily news, this world is quite depressing. The news is filled with nothing but one story after another of shootings, kidnappings and more. There is almost no good news at all. It is frustrating because I know all the news in this world is not bad. Pull back the curtain and see what God is doing in the midst of this world.  I know the bad, or more spectacular, news is what sells advertising time. It is all about the money and what sells. Reality seems to be a secondary concern. The disheartening wail of the world is in full voice. This world system will attempt to grind us all into powder and convince us that we are all too small and too insignificant to do anything about all the ills of the world. I know people who do not want to try because "it just won't help".  

Then, in contrast, I read an article by the Christian author Phillip Yancey. He wrote that he had received an anonymous email that claimed that a number of things had not changed or had gotten worse since 1980. His curiosity was piqued and he began to investigate if the claims made were true. He began to dig for the facts. To make a long story short, the claims were unfounded. So many are willing to take at face value what appears to be obviously true. I am not saying the world is perfect, or even well off. There are Christians who live in fear of their lives on a daily basis. More than 4,000 children die every day. There are people, however, who are motivated by a wide variety of reasons that are making a difference. Many of them are taking the gospel with them as they go.  Jesus instructed us to always be ready; that his return would be at a time we will not expect. The world rails against Christianity. It has always does so, and the world’s desire is to turn Christianity into a bowl of polluted views that would ultimately cause Christianity’s demise.  In that light, the world is still at war with Christ. As a counter point, while people go out and build homes for the poor, educate teens about social pitfalls, and raise the standard of living where they can, Jesus warned us that we would always have the poor. Just as that is no reason to stop trying to reach out to the world with hope and help, it also makes sense to defend our hearts and our minds against the lies and poisons of this world aimed at our very core. Be willing to doubt the doomsayers. Feed your heart and mind on good things.  All is not lost in the world.  Revival is taking place.  The church is being effective.  More than that, we know that, regardless of how the world ends up, a trumpet is going to sound and we will be caught up together in the air to be with the Lord.

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

  We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive to these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such Principles and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

      Thomas Jefferson

        Declaration of Independence of the United States of America

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?  Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, and another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war.  They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.  What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants; nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. However, they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing that the penalty would be death if they were captured.  Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.  Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.  Vandals or soldiers or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.  At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.  Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.  John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.  Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." (Author Unknown)

When you read that, what emotions, as Americans, well up?  In me, I am forever grateful for those men, women and children that sacrificed so that I could have what I have today.  Still today, men, women and children sacrifice in our military forces to protect and serve our great country.  At the same time, I remember June 16^th, 1980, at Camp Galilee on Grey Cloud Island in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, when I had a personal day of Independence.  The sacrifice that was paid came in the form of a betrayal by a friend, smiting upon the cheek, plucking of the beard, lashes upon the back, a crown of thorns upon the brow, nails in the hands and feet and forgiveness for all.  Surely, whom “the Son sets free is free indeed.”

Genesis 11:1-9

“The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”

Aesop

Imagination. It is a powerful thing. It makes hot-wheels fly down the corridors of our homes. It makes little plastic elephants fill the largest of living rooms. When my boys were young we would spend several hours playing on the floor, and everything that we played with came to life with our imagination.  

Have you ever imagined things for God? You know, when the clouds are thick, and the tempest is strong, do you ever imagine what it would be like to have Jesus physically step into your situation? I have to believe that everyone at one time or another must have imagined accomplishing some great feat in life, whether it is a personal business or a ministry. Have you ever imagined where you and your family would be in the future? What kind of house, job or car would you own?  

There is something unique in the passage of Genesis that gives you the secret to have your imagination come to life. Notice that God had to step on the scene because the people could do whatever they imagined to do. What is it that gave them the power to accomplish a task that was actually contrary to the things of God? They wanted to make a name for themselves, and they wanted to do it on their own. God saw that they would accomplish the task without any aid from Him, and so, He confounded the tongue and the people failed to finish because of the confusion of the tongues. It is interesting to note in this passage that it is because they all spoke the same language, desired the same thing, or in our modern day vernacular, they were all on the same page. 

  Is that where your family is? How about your church? Are you adding to the unity of your surroundings or are you just on a different page? Everything is available to you and your family as long as you dwell in unity. Unity is so powerful that even if it is used for evil, God cannot stop it. He must step in and cause confusion if it is evil. I wonder what would happen if we united together for good - what would God do then!!

  So, let me ask you, “Have you played with any elephants lately?”

Genesis 3:1-6

“Decide not rashly. The decision made

  Can never be recalled. The gods implore not,

    Plead not, solicit not; they only offer

      Choice and occasion, which once being passed

        Return no more. Dost thou accept the gift?”

       Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Forgive me friend, for the decision I made that fateful day. I was not thinking of you—my thoughts were only of myself.  I am Eve, mother of all the living. If I close my eyes, I can still remember the sweetness of walking with God in the cool of the day.  That was before my heart flirted with temptation; before I made my fatal error.  Adam and I knew that the serpent was crafty. I underestimated, however, the seductive power of his voice. I thought I could handle a conversation with him. How wrong I was. Conversations require cooperation. To cooperate you must grant authority to influence.  The serpent’s influence was deadly. The more I spoke with him, the more reasonable his words became. Then I started to doubt what I formerly knew as true. I began to wonder if God’s ways were in my best interest. I questioned if God really meant what He said about the tree. Suddenly the serpent’s words became an option: perhaps I could eat and not die.  I imagined how good the fruit would taste—though the garden was filled with delicacies. I considered how pretty the fruit was—though the garden was flooded with beauty. I thought of how wise I could become—though I walked with the Author of all wisdom.  Yes, the serpent was deceptive but I held the power of choice. I chose to hold a conversation with him. I chose to make his words an option. I chose to elevate my desires above God’s will. Ultimately, my choice altered human history.  All choices do.”  It is with this thought that we must be careful, not only to what we say, but also, to what we hear.  Everyone has probably been in a situation where it would have been more prudent to walk away than to stick around.  This is dangerous because it offers an opportunity for negative, draining and oftentimes, sinful thinking to enter your mind.  It is the reason that Paul admonished us in Romans 12:1-2 that our minds should be transformed.  He understood that the conversations that cause decisions not only affect the people within the conversation, but it affects anyone that comes in contact with the people within the conversation.  Where do you want your family to be 5 years from today?  Could it be that the conversations and decisions that are made this week will affect the destination?  Take some time today, and pray that God will give you the wisdom to walk away from conversations and decisions that could prove fatal.

Isaiah 64:6

“The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions which have been hidden by the answers.”

      James Baldwin

An artist went searching the streets of New York City for a model to pose for a portrait he wanted to call “The Prodigal”. One day as he was passing Central Park, he saw an impoverished beggar lying on a bench and thought: "He’s perfect! That man would represent the prodigal son beautifully in my painting." He asked the beggar if he would be willing to sit for his painting and he would gladly pay him for his time. Naturally, the beggar agreed.  On the day and time appointed, a man knocked on the door of the artist’s small Brooklyn studio. Excitedly, he answered his door only to find a clean-shaven young man dressed in a suit and tie standing before him. Disappointed, he said, “You must have the wrong door sir, the law office is down the hall”. “But you made an appointment with me,” the man replied, “No,” said the artist, “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you before. I made an appointment to meet with a beggar here at this hour.” “Well,” said the man, “I am the beggar.” “You?” said the artist, “You’re the beggar?” “Yes,” he replied. “After you left me last week, I found some money and thought I would get a new suit of clothes before you painted me.” “Oh,” replied the artist, “Well, you’re just not right for the job.”  The beggar wanted to show himself a masterpiece before the artist -- but the artist was not looking for that. He wanted to create the masterpiece himself!  God is not looking for people that have already been cleaned up and dressed up in the garments of their own choosing.  God sees beyond the outside and sees a beggar that He can mold and form into what He desires each to be.  When we come to God, we must not come with our own ideas of what we think God wants. We must come before him transparent, with no inhibitions, or worries, or pride. God has already seen our weaknesses and faults. We are not hiding anything from Him anyway.  God is looking for someone that is willing to be molded and shaped with the tools of the Master’s hand.  He is looking for someone that does not “have it all together” because those types of people are usually unwilling to be clay in the Potter’s hand.  The Master Artist has an appointment with us today. Lay aside the mask and the façade that we try do dwelling and just come before Him as you are right now.  Become the paint that sits on the Painters platte so He can take each aspect of our lives and begin to paint a masterpiece that all of heaven will admire.

Romans 14:17

“Great joy, especially after a sudden change of circumstances, is apt to be silent, and dwells rather in the heart than on the tongue.”

      Henry Fielding

I remember an old chorus from when I was a child.  It went something like this:  “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (repeated 4 times).  This simple children’s chorus explodes in the spirit of man when he truly understands that joy is available to all.  Joy is not something conjured up through our emotions, but joy is a by-product of the kingdom of heaven.  Joy is a fruit, not a feeling.  Its roots are in choice, not emotion.  Emotions come and go, but the principle of joy lasts forever.  If you only had joy when your emotions were high, and if joy is the source of your strength, your emotions would dictate how much strength that you possess.  Joy is a fruit, not a decoration.  It is to be shared, not observed.  Joy is meaningless if all you do is hold it inside of yourself.  In fact, joy will disappear from your soul if you try to horde it and not share it.  God designed joy to spread by person-to-person contact.  It is the reason that He told the disciples to go into the entire world preaching the gospel.  The kingdom of heaven (the fulfillment of the gospel) is righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Ghost.  Joy is a fruit, not a fancy.  It endures, and is not fleeting.  In the midst of the storm, while life’s boat is rocking in the swells of life’s ocean, joy can give you calm.  While soaring on the clouds of life’s highest dreams, joy is the wing that allows you to defy gravity.  Joy is a fruit; it is not a gift.  The price for joy is demanding; it is not free.  The cost was the sacrifice of a sinless man upon a tree that He created.  The cost was thorns, nails, scourging; but most of all, love.  For you and I today, it cost us everything.  The laying aside of all our dreams, goals and aspirations will usher in His dreams, goals and aspirations.  I ask you, “Which dreams would you rather possess?”  You see, joy is a fruit; it is the work of God’s Spirit.  It is not something that you can manufacture, but it is something that dwells in you by the infilling of the Holy Ghost.  True joy is a sweetener for our souls and a celebration of God in our lives.  How strong are you today?

 I Samuel 1:1-28

 I remember how we felt. The excitement and the anxiety were intense. The questions and the supposed answers just seemed to line up after years of emptiness. My wife and I wanted to have children desperately, but because of medical reasons were unable to do so. The phone rang one day, and an opportunity to adopt seemed very real. We bought baby boy items such as clothes and toys, all the things that expectant parents do when a new baby is on the way. We had been married for eight years and really wanted to have a child. Then the other call came. Instant devastation. Heart breaking, red-hot tears. Not understanding why God had allowed the boy we were to adopt to be still-born. There is something special about mothers. It does not matter what kind of mother she is; moms are just special people. So here is my tribute to mothers.

     For those we call moms: biological, adoptive, foster, and spiritual mothers, whether mothers by birth, by marriage or by choice, I say, “Thank you for making sacrifices that were never seen; for taking risks that were never recorded, for loving more than we deserved.” It is because of you we are here today, and I honor you.

     For those who long to be mothers: the path of obedience thus far has not led you into marriage or motherhood. For those who ache each Mother’s Day, taking a handkerchief to the cheek as you listen to the steady rhythm of a biological clock rounding past midnight again as you continue to believe that God is indeed good. I offer my honor to you.

     For those who risk hope month after month waiting for God to give you a child, riding the roller coaster of hope and disappointment, excitement and despair, faith and fact, I pour out my heart to you.

     For those who have held a child in your womb, or in your arms and later committed them to God’s eternal embrace, or for those who have walked through the valley of the shadow of death with our heavenly Father who also knows what it is like to bury a son, I give honor to your strength.

     For those who were faithful to nurture a child in your womb and then in love placed your baby in the arms of another, on behalf of all adoptive mothers and adopted children everywhere, thank you for your courage and thank you for your sacrifice.

     My story did not end in the pain of that loss. We received news about a year later that my wife was indeed pregnant, and five years later another boy!. Now, my sons and I, along with millions of other husbands and children, say thank you to the mothers that have changed our lives. Make sure that “Mom” knows you are thankful for her today.

     It was Washington Irving that said, “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.”

DANIEL 1:1-17

“What man in his right mind would conspire his own hurt? Men are beside themselves when they transgress against their convictions.”

      William Penn

It is often said, “Actions speak louder than words.”  Every believer is responsible for exerting a godly influence. Through our example and testimony, we are to lead people to a better understanding of Jesus Christ and the way to follow Him. From what we know of the prophet Daniel’s life, he was a man who used his influence wisely. His consistent godly actions impacted his friends as well as four kings and their kingdoms.  Daniel possessed a strong conviction that every word of Scripture was true. He consequently declined to eat food from the king’s table because Exodus 34:15 forbade consuming anything offered to idols (this was a common practice in Babylon). Daniel’s commitment to God outweighed any fear of reprisal for turning down royal provisions.  The Lord honored Daniel’s conviction by ensuring that he found favor among powerful men. He also gave Daniel and his friends wisdom and knowledge that would serve them well as royal officials—positions that guaranteed godly influence would spread throughout the kingdom.  It is interesting to note that we often think that the way to gain influence or “get ahead” is to attempt what allowed someone else to gain what we are looking for.  However, it is when we gain the proper perspective on our convictions that God is able to open doors of influence that we would not normally be able to open.  We are not likely to have opportunity to influence kings, but our example can have impact in a workplace or neighborhood, or even across generations. As was true of Daniel, a godly influence is rooted in the Bible. We must believe the book is God’s inerrant Word. If our convictions are not based on scriptural principles, the pattern of our life cannot be consistent, and we will chase after preferences instead of standing upon doctrine. Therefore, a commitment to stand on the bedrock of God’s Word is not negotiable.

Luke 15:11-32

“I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.”

Abraham Lincoln

Jesus’ parable in Luke 15 of the prodigal son tells the story of a grace-filled father, a wayward son, and a resentful brother. Consider the elder brother’s perspective on the departure and return of his younger brother.  Little brother had taken off with his prematurely obtained portion of their father’s estate. Elder brother is angered not by little brother’s return, but by his father’s response to that return. If the father had accepted little brother back on his stated terms of “I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men," elder brother might have thought, “fair enough.” To receive him back as a son—and as a son with honors and privileges—that was too much, it was painfully unfair. The eldest son was not seeing his little brother through the eyes of grace, but through the eyes of justice.  The eldest son’s perspective is  “comparison accounting”: spiritual and moral accounting that is precise and accurate and one-dimensional. It is an accounting that does not allow for another to pay for the price of justice.  It terms for you and I to understand, this philosophy dictates that we become clean before, and without, Calvary.  Comparison accounting records actions but not attitude, deeds but not heart. Debits and credits are made and paid through works alone.  According to the eldest son’s one-dimensional accounting system, it was entirely unjust for his father to show favor to little brother before he had at least “made good” his debt through restitution. Receiving him coolly as a slave would have been just (if not totally denying him). Embracing and giving gifts and celebrating the return of someone with an impossible debt seemed shockingly unjust, weak, and inconsistent. Comparison accounting has never, and will never, make the acquaintance of grace.  God’s accounting is not limited to one dimension: He records action and attitude, deed and heart, works and motivation. In Jesus’ parable, both sons were in the red in their father’s books. The eldest son displayed right actions, but his deeds were motivated by duty not by honor and love: “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders”. The younger son—in the midst of his wanderings—discovered the connection between rebellion and misery and stumbled upon a truth that the eldest could not comprehend: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son”. While you and I may be able at times to judge a situation or a brother or sister from the father’s perspective, how often does your grace outweigh your justice?  God operates on a system where His grace overpowers the penalty that should rightfully be paid. To the resentful eldest the father spoke tender truth and showed concern. To the broken youngest the father opened his arms and called for celebration.  Grace rises to greet sincere and sober estimations of our sinfulness.

Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9

“Paralyze resistance with persistence.”

      Woody Hayes

I just learned a lesson.  It is a powerful lesson and I didn’t read it out of a book, listen to it on a tape, or see it on a DVD.  I learned this lesson from my 2 ½ year old son.  Yes, this 35-year-old preacher that has been in the ministry for 17 years has been reminded of a great principle from a little boy that still has not learned to speak clear English.  It is the lesson of persistence.  He wanted me to help him find his hammer (that dreaded instrument that Papa gave him to pound on everything in the house).  Well, I, in my brilliance as a father, thought that if I distracted him with another toy I would not have remove myself from the lazy-boy to search for the hammer.  Oftentimes, that principle of distraction works, and he goes on to find another of the million or so toys he possesses to play with.  However, at this instance, he WANTS the hammer and will not leave me alone until I find it.  It seems like he can say, “Dad” a thousand times without taking a breath.  I think sometimes it is that way with my heavenly Father.  Sometimes I wonder if He is really hearing me when I pray.  I ask Him to do something or give me something, and it seems like nothing happens.  Didn’t we read in the scriptures above that if I ask, it shall be given?  Could it be that God is just trying to see how serious we really are about the request that we made?  I think sometimes He does what I did with my son (most likely for other reasons, however!!!).  He knows that if He waits for a time that we may find something else to satisfy our supposed need.  However, I believe that if He sees the persistent asking, seeking and knocking of our spirits, that He cannot help but to help us.  If we, as human fathers do for our children when they are persistent, how much does our heavenly Father do when He sees our persistence?  When was the last time you focused on something in prayer until you saw God move in that particular situation?  Maybe He’s just waiting to see how serious you are about receiving what He has for you?  Take some time right now for an inventory on things you may have forgotten you asked God for, and then begin to pursue Him persistently.  Oh, excuse me; I need to find that hammer…

Psalm 130:5

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”

      Sir John Lubbock, Lord Avebury

“…and Father please…

and remember to…

and I need…

and watch over…

and help us with…

…thank you for this quiet time, amen.”

“Child, I missed something.”

“Yes, Father, what did you miss?”

“Where was the ‘quiet’ in this ‘quiet time’?”

“Oh Father, I did it again. I forgot to pause, to rest, to wait, to listen.”

“Understandable Child, you do have a lot on your mind.”

“Father, You’re smirking!”

“Ah, but it’s a love-filled smirk! Remember to add quiet to your quiet time Child.

   Quietness creates a pause that re-aligns your values with My own.

   Quietness realigns your faith and refreshes your peace.

   Quietness frees you from the forceful currents of business and magnetizes your soul to eternity.

   But most of all, quietness gently ushers you closer to Me—which is exactly where I long for you to remain.”

It is at the very moment that I wrote this that my wife had just stated that she needed some quiet time at the end of a long day. Quiet time did not mean closing her up with our 2 and half-year-old son in a room and hoping he decided not to be active for a few minutes. Quiet time was when there were no interruptions, no loud noises and definitely no little boys running around your ankles. All too often when we enter our prayer time, we think of all kinds of things that we want to ask God, and things that demand our attention ravage our brains and we fail to stop and just let God talk. How much time have you spent listening to God? 

How about reading His Word or concentrating on his promises?  Take some time every day to see what God is trying to speak into your spirit and you will be amazed at what God has to say.