Sorry...Closing out June!

Read John 14:6

My uncle and I did not show each other much mercy when it came to pulling each other on the tube behind our speed boat at the cabin. For those that do not know what I am writing about, you attach an inner tube to a long rope and lay on top of the tube while someone drove the boat fast and in circles so that the person on the tube would fly over the waves that you created. My uncle and I did our best to see who could cause the other to fly the highest. It amazes me today that we never broke any bones considering how high, fast and hard we hit the water.
The key to making it on the tube was very simply; you had to hold on for dear life. You learned after awhile how to maneuver yourself around back there until you started bouncing out of control.
Who is driving your boat today? You see, when my wife got behind the boat, my uncle was so sweet and kind, and then the devil possessed him when I would get behind the boat and he would try to torture me.
In life, is the kind uncle or the not so kind uncle driving the boat? Life has a tendency to take you on the ride of terror. You must hold on for dear life, lest you crash into the waves below. Life is not always so kind. It tries to beat you down, batter your brains and destroy your dexterity. However, there is a kind driver, named Jesus, who said that He was the life that desires you to enjoy the ride, have fun, sense the excitement, but in the end, find rest.
The easiest way to get off the ride of terror was to just let go. Likewise, in life sometimes we need to just let go and let God. He is a kind driver, and wants to see us face to face and full of life.
My uncle and I are probably both too old to treat each other that way behind the boat...oh, who am I kidding; I’d still drive him that fast!

“The man who says his evening prayer is a captain posting his sentinels. He can sleep.”
- Charles Baudelaire

June 27

Read Psalm 13

It was September 13, 1992. My wife and I entered Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN for our honeymoon. Our old car could barely make it to the top of the mountain where our chalet was located. I remember on our way up that the fog or mist was so incredibly thick that is was often difficult to see very far. The mountain was beautiful, but the view at times was less than desired.
Yesterday, I was walking through a store and noticed a rack of postcards. On each was the best picture of the Twin Cities that you could imagine. Why anyone would not want to visit based on those cards is beyond me. Then I remembered some of the postcards that we looked at in our preparation for our honeymoon. Perfect pictures and perfect scenery is what the postcards indicated.
Our vacation and the postcards of the Twin Cities that I saw in the store caused me to question the way I portray my faith to people around me. Do I present a "postcard" view of my life with Jesus Christ? Do I give the false impression that my life is always sunny—that my view of God is always clear?
That's not what David did. In the passion-filled poetry of Psalm 13, he admitted that he couldn't see God and didn't understand what He was doing (v.1). But by the end of his prayer, he was certain that what he couldn't see was nevertheless there because he had seen it before in God's bountiful care (vv.5-6).
I do not know about you, but my life is more like the weather outside of the store where I saw those beautiful postcards; thunderstorms. I am like the person at the top of our “honeymoon” mountain. I’ve seen the mountain before, so I know it exists even when clouds are covering it.
When suffering or confusion obscures our view of God, we can be honest with others about our doubts. But we can also express our confidence that the Lord is still there by recalling times we've witnessed His grandeur and goodness. That's better than postcard Christianity. Jesus is the light of the world so when living under clouds of adversity, remember that the sun is still shining above them.

“It was a September afternoon, with a broad expanse of pure sky across which large clouds, like mountains of silver, moved in majestic slowness.”
- Francois Coppee

June 28

Read Luke 6:46-49

For the most part I believe that people have good intentions. After all, we were created in God’s image. However, since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, our actions usually speak something entirely different from our intentions.
I read in Readers’ Digest about Robert Ginnett, a researcher at the Center for Creative Leadership in Colorado Springs, who has found that the values we claim to have are not as closely linked to our actual behavior as we might like to believe.
One business executive, who said his 5-year-old daughter was the most important part of his life, realized that he usually went to work before she got up in the morning and often returned home after she was in bed at night. So to spend time with her, he took her to work with him one Saturday. After looking around his office, she asked, "Daddy, is this where you live?" He may have acknowledged that his daughter was important, but his behavior revealed what he truly valued.
In our relationship with Christ, He asks for our obedience, not a warm feeling or a statement of belief. He asked those following Him, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). Jesus illustrated His point with the parable of the wise and foolish builders (vv.47-49). The rock-solid foundation of the wise builder's house illustrates the result of our obedience to God. This honors Christ and enables us to withstand the storms of life.
The old saying, “Actions speak louder than words” is accurate. What we do, more than anything we say, reveals what we truly value the most. If that is the case, and I believe that most people think so, and then to show that you value eternity, make good use of your time today.

“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
- Stephen Covey

June 29

Read Philippians 1:3-6

I am not very good at jigsaw puzzles. I am more the word game kind of guy. It is difficult for me so see the different shapes and colors and then match them up together. I would rather just look at the box cover than to open it and try to recreate that picture.
Our lives are like jigsaw puzzles. From the moment we took our first breath we were creating pieces of the puzzle that is called our life. I cannot imagine what God must think as He is trying to put the shattered pieces of my life back together, but somehow He always seems to come through.
As I look over my life, I see so many places, eras and endeavors that seem so foolish. For those that know me well, I hate to lose. When I was a boy growing up there was four of us that hung out in the neighborhood. It was Doug, myself, Brian and Wayne. Wayne was the youngest and Doug was the oldest so they always formed one team and Brian and I were the other team. We played every sport imaginable, and it was always those teams. In football, we were even because Brian and I were slightly bigger. In hockey, we always won because the other three couldn’t really skate. In basketball we were even because Brian knew how to play. Baseball was our shortcoming. To this day, I don’t know why.
It was after one of the baseball beatings that Brian and I decided that we would practice and then try to beat them. We hit balls to the outfield so that we could catch and hit. It was after some practice that we became fairly even in this sport as well.
I said all of that to say this, “If Brian and I had not taken the time to pick up the pieces of our failures; we would never have raised our game to the level of Doug and Wayne’s.”
Our lives are like jigsaw puzzles and baseball games; the only way that we will be successful is to pick up and fit together all of our failures and mold them into success. Jesus came to reconcile, or put together the broken pieces of failure of our lives to form a beautiful masterpiece. Will you allow God to put in some time on your life to bless the broken pieces because if you do, very shortly you will see a tapestry of failures rolled up together in success?

“The problems of puzzles are very near the problems of life.”
- Erno Rubik

June 30

Read II Timothy 4:1-5

I received an interesting call the other day. It was from someone who claimed to be a “Torah Observant” Jew. This simply meant that the New Testament is not the holy writ of God. He believed that all of the Old Testament is what dictated salvation. Today, he is still looking for the Messiah.
The recently discovered manuscript The Gospel of Judas alleges that Jesus asked Judas to betray Him. Supposedly, Jesus hoped that His death would free Him from this world of matter to become a pure spirit again.
There is a big problem with this ancient text. Judas could not have written this manuscript that bears his name, since it was written long after the time of Jesus. But because The Gospel of Judas has been newly discovered, it provides a novelty for those who like to speculate.
Proposing a fake story to replace the New Testament account is not new. Paul wrote, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (II Tim. 4:3-4).
There’s a trend today to look for new theories to undermine the Bible. In I Thessalonians 5, Paul told us to “test all things; hold fast what is good” (v.21). Based on the questionable content and authorship of The Gospel of Judas, we know that it’s a fable. The real gospel (good news) lies with the apostles, who walked with Jesus and wrote down His life-saving message in the New Testament.
To trust God is to trust in His holy Word. Those that would attempt to distort the gospel and the New Testament are only solidifying it by proving what the apostles wrote in admonition was accurate. Paul wrote that no one was to add or take away from the Word of God and that heaven and earth would pass, but God’s Word will never pass away. I am glad that I know His Word and that I know Him. In these last days, remember to balance all of the “new” philosophies off the Word of God because it is when the Word becomes clouded in our lives that those philosophies can take a hold of us. Remember, His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths.

“Because the New Testament provides the primary historical source for information on the resurrection, many critics during the 19th century attacked the reliability of these biblical documents... By the end of the 19th century, however, archaeological discoveries had confirmed the accuracy of the New Testament manuscripts.”
- Josh McDowell

June 24 and 25

Read Exodus 31:1-11

A bricklayer whose brother was a famous violinist was talking with the head of the construction company where he worked. "It must be great to have a brother who is known around the world," said the executive. He quickly added, "Of course, we must accept the fact that talent isn't equally distributed—even in the same family."
"That's right," replied the bricklayer. "Why, my brother doesn't know the first thing about bricklaying. It's a good thing he can afford to pay others to build a house for him."
This story reminds us that we've each been given unique abilities by God. We have been taught a definition of the word “minister” that is incorrect. We picture one of a couple things at the church that is ministry, but being a doctor, lawyer, firemen, bricklayer, and any other career is just as much ministry as the preacher is a minister. If our motive is to glorify God and benefit others, we have no reason to be ashamed of what we do for a living. Exodus 31 tells us that God gave certain people special skills to work in gold, in silver, in cutting jewels, and in all kinds of workmanship to help build the tabernacle.
If you are a construction worker, a teacher, a trash hauler, a plumber, a doctor, a carpenter, a writer, a mechanic, a scientist, an assembly-line worker, a secretary, or any other kind of worker whose occupation contributes to the welfare of others, you have a God-honoring job. Do your job like souls depended on it because they do. The preacher will never have an effect on people if everyone didn’t touch and influence their coworkers and friends. In His sight it is an opportunity to serve Him in the place He has provided—just for you. Remember, you are one of a kind, and no one else can do the work God has for you.

“There are two kinds of talent, man-made talent and God-given talent. With man-made talent you have to work very hard. With God-given talent, you just touch it up once in a while.”
-Pearl Bailey

June 25

Read Galatians 5:15-26

I read a humorous story about a man who strolled out of a hardware store with a smile on his face and a brand-new chainsaw in his hands. He was told it could cut down five big oak trees in an hour. Twenty-four hours later, however, his smile was gone. Frustrated, he was back at the store complaining that the saw would never cut five trees in an hour. "It took me all day to cut down five trees," he said.
Puzzled, the store owner stepped outside with the saw, gave the cord a swift pull, and fired up the steel-toothed beast. Its deafening roar sent the customer stumbling to get away. "What's that noise?" he gasped. Just wait, you'll get it!
It's ridiculous for someone to try to cut down trees with a chainsaw without starting it up. But that's how foolish we are as Christians when we try to live for Christ in our own strength. We get frustrated and spiritually exhausted when we try to work things out on our own terms and according to our own schedule. We fail to draw on the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us (Romans 8:9-11).
True power only comes when we are plugged into the right outlet. We are in the right outlet when our worship and praise ushers His presence to where we are and that presence is turned to pure power when we rely on Him. The source of power is always stronger at the source, rather than several circuits.
Where is your life plugged in today? Have you taken the time to plug into His desires, or are you dwelling in your own agenda? When you place yourself in the flow of His dreams for you, there is nothing in this world that can stand up to the power that will envelop you.

“Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice.”
- Ayn Rand

Two for One

Read Colossians 1:9-14

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Lamps make oil-spots and candles need snuffing; it is only the light of heaven that shines pure and leaves no stain.”
Some people may not especially enjoy poetry. But often a few lines of verse will grip our imagination, as do the following by Francis Thompson: "The innocent moon that nothing does but shine, moves all the laboring surges of the world." Here are some interesting facts in regard to the moon. The moon is nearly 240,000 miles from Earth and is only 1/400th the size of the sun. With no light or heat of its own, it reflects the radiance of that greater heavenly body. It appears to be relatively insignificant. Yet, the moon quietly and almost imperceptibly moves the oceans of the world by its gravitational pull.
Does that sound like you? Do you often feel insignificant and unimportant? Most of us may not seem all that influential or well known. We do not have the giftedness, the wealth, or the position to make much of an impact on our society. Our names do not appear in Who’s Who of America, nor is it mentioned in the newspaper, nor are they mentioned on the radio. We may clench the thought that all we can do is practice our faith in the humdrum routines of everyday life. Perhaps, though, unnoticed by us, we are having an influence on the people around us by our Christ-like attitudes and actions.
I remember a time when we stopped to pick up some food following a church service. My wife went in to pay for the food and to pick it up while I sat in the car (I know, it should have been the other way around, but then this story would not be able to be written). A man that she had never met began asking her questions. The bottom line of the conversation was that this man saw a glowing from her. It was the glory of the Lord. I do not know where that man is today, but he probably has not forgotten a young wife that was dwelling in the reflection of the Son. Like the moon, my wife at that moment in time especially was radiating a glory that was not hers, but it was the glory of the Lord reflecting from her.
You never know whom you will influence by acting like the moon and reflecting Him. Let's not be concerned, then, about our seeming lack of influence. Instead, do what Jesus commanded: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Go, enter your prayer closet and shut the door and see if even the smallest light can make a difference in the darkest night.

“The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by.”
- Felix Adler



June 23

Read John 10:28-30
The pencil. A simple, and yet, powerful instrument. I like pencils. The pencil maker spoke to the pencil just before the pencil was to be released into the world. The maker said, “There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”
“First, you will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand. Second, you will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you will need it to become a better pencil. Third, you will be able to correct mistakes you will make. Fourth, the most important part of you will always be what is inside. Fifth, on every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.” The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.
Just like a pencil, in the hand of the right person, can do some amazing things, you too can do amazing things if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. A pencil can make beautiful drawings in the hand of an artist. A pencil can craft amazing stories in the hand of a writer. A pencil can solve the most complex algebraic equations in the hand of a mathematician. A pencil can sketch the most perfect blueprint in the hand of an architect. A pencil can write the most touching note in the hands of a loved one.
In the hand of the Master, anything is possible. Just like a pencil has to be sharpened to become better, you can be sharpened by going through various problems and trials, but it will indeed make you a stronger person. Just like a pencil has an eraser to be able to correct mistakes, you, through the grace of God, can correct mistakes and grow through them. The blood that is applied at repentance acts as the great eraser of your life. Just like a pencil’s most important part is the lead that is inside, it is what is on the inside of you that is important. The part of you that makes you who you are is what is on the inside. Just like a pencil’s purpose is to leave its mark, you are to leave your mark wherever you go. No matter what the situation, you must continue to serve God in everything. Then you too will be ready to go out into the world and make your mark for the cause of Christ.

“We are all pencils in the hand of God.”
- Mother Teresa

Sorry, Just Catching Up!!

Read Philippians 2

To all of you fathers and men desiring to be fathers and to our spiritual fathers, Happy Father’s Day! I find it very interesting to watch my sons grow up. He takes on more and more traits of his parents. His expressions have mirrored ours, and his vocabulary has taken on many of our words. Amazingly, he even understands most of them.
When I was a little boy, I wanted to be just like my Dad. I watched the way he dealt with people, the way he played sports, and especially the way he preached. Something inside of me began to form my idea of who I was by who my father was. When I was bullied my first response was, “You don’t know my dad, do you? He used to beat people up on the ice like it was nobody’s business so you may not want to mess with me!” Needless to say, that did not impress too many people.
When I grew a little older, I realized that, as good as my father was, I needed to find my own place in this world, and more importantly, in God’s Kingdom. I began to look at what God desired for my life, and began to question and search for the example of my heavenly Father. It took me to Philippians chapter two. When Jesus was born, He wasn’t born to royalty, although He deserved to be. When He was a young boy, He did not have servants waiting on Him, although all of heaven was at His beckoned call. When He was a young man, He built furniture with His adopted father, Joseph, with the wood that He created. When His ministry began, He chose some fishermen, tax collectors and zealots for His companions. These men were hardly the ones that most others would have chosen, but Jesus saw something different in them.
That brings us to Philippians 2 where we see the man with all of heaven and earth at His disposal become a servant to you and I so that we one day would be able to reign with Him. Notice that He did not pick-and-choose whom He would serve, He served all mankind. It is very easy to serve people that we deem worthy of servitude, but it is entirely Christ-like to serve all. When I realized that Jesus was calling me to serve, I began to focus my life choices to attempt to fulfill that call. The call to serve is not only to the preacher or the teacher, but it is a call for all that want to call Jesus their heavenly Father. If you want to be like Christ, you must begin to do the things that Christ did.
Are you willing to serve the neighbor that constantly has music blaring from his home? Would you serve that family that never cleans their yard? Would you be willing to serve your employee? Your spouse? Your children? Would you be willing to serve that friend that slapped you in the face, talked about you behind your back and betrayed you to others? If not, then you will never achieve the goal of being like your daddy. The good news is that this is our aim—to be like Him. Each family can make the decision this week to try harder, and not only try, but also in the mindset of the Spirit, become more like Christ.

“My childhood should have taught me lessons for my own fatherhood, but it didn't because parenting can only be learned by people who have no children.”
- Bill Cosby


Read Genesis 11:1-9

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. My son even has imaginary friends. He will spend several hours playing with friends and his animals, and everything that he plays with comes to life with imagination. He rides the horse at the grocery store like he is in the Kentucky Derby.
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 may be an oddball, but 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 surrounding or are you just on a different page? Everything is available to you and your family as long as you dwell in unity. What can you imagine together? What new heights can you attain together spiritually? Use your imagination and unity in Christ to bring some of those toy elephant goals and hot-wheel dreams to life.

“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Read I Peter 1

I have used a chiropractor several times in my life. The best part of that trip is the opportunity to lie down on the table that totally massages your muscles. You lie there about 5 minutes or so, and invariably I struggle to stay awake. Well, yesterday, I was put in a room on that table and the lights were turned low so as not to be in my eyes. This room was different from the normal room I am in because there were no windows. It became dark, and when they came back into the room and turned the lights on I was blinded by the brightness.
The brightness that day must have been incredible. It was so bright that the strongest sunglasses would not have prohibited the penetration of the light’s rays. It causes man to fall to his face and bury his eyes in the ground. When Moses saw the brightness of God’s glory, he could not physically bear the brightness thereof. The most exciting part is that Moses did not see all of His glory, but only the hind parts, or the leftover parts of His glory.
Peter lets man know that there is an inheritance that is free from corruption. It is the full aspect of the brightness of the glory of God. It goes beyond our very imagination and comprehension of things that are eternal. In this life, everything has an ending. From the time of day to the end of physical life, all things bear a conclusion. Our finite minds only comprehend things that end. However, we know of three things that never end, and often, it is impossible to grasp.
God, His Word and our inheritance are the only things that will never end. What a promise. Someday soon, everything that we know will be gone, and everything will be new. All hurt, sorrow, stress and heartache will end and be replaced by a joy that we really do not even understand yet. With all of our imperfection, it goes beyond reason that we should be able to dwell with a Holy God, but through the blood of Christ, we receive our inheritance; we are able to dwell with God.
However, we often look at this passage as referring to some future event, and that is correct, for it is the primary purpose of this writing. However, we have received the earnest of our inheritance when we were born of the water and the Spirit. Therefore, we have the opportunity to dwell in the spiritual realm with God Almighty. We can boldly enter His throne room, and we can lay our petitions at His feet. What needs or desires have you refrained from asking God for because you felt unworthy to receive it? What would you ask God if you would receive it without question? Well, our inheritance allows us to ask our heavenly Father anything, and whether He says, “Yes, no, maybe or we’ll see,” we know He has heard. All of Heaven is at your beckoned call because you are a part of His family.

“Every action in our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.”
- Edwin Hubbel Chapin

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

I know it is June right now. Again, I have not lost my mind. However, I am writing this in November, and the leaves are falling and the sun is setting earlier every day. I love the seasons.
Depending on where you are reading this, there are actually four distinct seasons. I grew up in the great state of Minnesota where people think that it is always cold. I beg to differ. Minnesota is one of the states that have a definite four seasons.
Growing up, I always knew that the first of March is when the snow would begin to melt and the trees would again get ready to blossom. The beginning of June is when it would begin to get warm enough to make the lake refreshing to swim in. The end of August signified that the water temperature, as well as the air temperature, was getting pretty cold, and fall would begin. November first is when you knew that winter was on its way and it would not be too long for the lake that you swam in a few months earlier would be ready to skate upon for the next few months.
Then, I lived in Missouri, and the season goes from unbearably hot to cold dampness, to ice storms, to temporary springtime air and back to hot summers. It can be hot or cold during any of those “seasons” in Missouri. Just now, the day of this writing, in November, it was 75 degrees. How can a lake ever be ready to skate on???
God created the seasons, and when He spoke, He often used natural principles to reveal spiritual reality. Just as there are four seasons in nature, there are seasons in our spiritual walk with Him. Spiritual Spring carries new blossoms and new fruit into our walk with God. This leads to the hot summers where you are “on fire” for God. Something happens and you “cool down” and then the dying of the spiritual winter.
The great Creator of the Universe designed this concept of seasons. He understands the season of our lives because He created our lives. Think of Jesus. When he was born in Bethlehem, everything was new. It was a new day in the history of mankind. Not everyone noticed, but nevertheless, it is true. Then Jesus started His ministry and everything began to “heat up”. Miracles were performed, lives were changed and disciples were formed. Then things began to “cool down”, and those that seemed to love Him began to call for His crucifixion. From the cooling of the followers, came the winter of the cross, and death followed shortly. Here is the exciting thing; winter only lasts for a short time. Christ’s winter only lasted three days, and the resurrection of the springtime happened. Then the disciples caught the summer of the spirit, and the cycle has continued to this day. What season of spiritual living are you in today?

“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.”
- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Read I Timothy 1:1-7, 3:14-15

Daniel Webster said, “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.”
I read a conversation a few days back. 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. I began thinking about this because just over the desk where I am writing this is a picture that has been given to me from my grandmother. 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. They are the picture that I referred to earlier, and a porcelain train that will forever be in my possession (at least until I can give it to my son). Heirlooms are important to us.
However, the greatest treasure she gave to me was not an object. 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, my sixth wedding anniversary. At her funeral, everyone present gave her a standing ovation. It is something I will never forget.
I look at my son today, and I know that what she gave me; I can now give to him. He is a sixth generation believer. 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.

“This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.”
- Patrick Henry

Recipe for an Anointing

Read Exodus 30:22-30

I do not like to cook. I am not very good at cooking (unless macaroni and cheese out of a box counts). However, I do like to eat. In fact, I LOVE to eat. I eat just about any kind of food with the exception of spicy food. I have found out in all of my years that food that is not cooked according to a certain recipe (unless it was mom’s) was not consistently good. Certainly, if you leave out the sugar, and the right amount at that, the sugar cookie does not taste quite right.
Well, there is a recipe for an anointing, and it is found in the oil that was used to anoint the things of the tabernacle in the Old Testament. If we are willing to “cook” our lives with this recipe we can be saturated with God’s anointing.
The first ingredient was Liquid Myrrh. Myrrh was used to prepare bodies for burial. In order to get its beautiful sweetness it had to be crushed. Myrrh speaks of death. There is no anointing without death. If we want to know God’s anointing, we have to die to ourselves. Die to the old person that we once were. Die to our own agenda - our own desires and dreams, anything not born of God. If we are going to depend on God, we have to die to our own abilities and resources. If we do not come to this place of dying to ourselves on our own, then God may have to bring "crushing" circumstances into our lives to bring us to the place where we will die. Do not despise the crushing that God allows into your life.
The second ingredient was Sweet Cinnamon. Cinnamon was used for flavor, and it gave off a very pleasant smell. Its fragrance was beautiful in the Tabernacle because it counteracted the stench of the animal sacrifices. Cinnamon speaks of sweetness. If you want God to pick you up and anoint you to use you, there has to be sweetness about your life.
The third ingredient was Sweet-smelling Cane (or calamus). The Calamus plant grows in miry soil. To get this plant to smell you had to beat it. The more you beat it the better the aroma. Again, God’s anointing is able to increase in your life the more you pass through the school of hard knocks, and God is able to fashion your character.
The fourth ingredient was Cassia. This spice grows only at elevations above 8000 feet. You have got to get up on the mountain to get it. If you desire God’s anointing you have have to reach up to the heights. Get on the mountain with God. There is no shortcut to the anointing - we have got to pray, seek God, study, love and work. Jesus lived in the anointing of the Spirit - and for that He maintained a close walk with the Father in prayer at all times.
Finally, all the ingredients were mixed with olive oil. Now look at the picture we have here. All these ingredients mingled together with a bottle of oil produced the anointing compound that was called “holy”. Watch now … the Lord will combine all the good and difficult things in your life with the oil of His Holy Spirit. A sweet anointing will form in you, and He will be able to use you in incredible ways. Are you ready for an anointing?

“The human body experiences a powerful gravitational pull in the direction of hope. That is why the patient's hopes are the physician's secret weapon. They are the hidden ingredients in any prescription.”
- Norman Cousins

Happy New Year's Day!!

Read Genesis 1:1-31

It is the only night of the year that I stayed up all night. Most of the church people were going to be at our house by noon and would not leave until very late. The kitchen would have the aroma of all kinds of food, and mom would be busy making sure everyone had enough to eat. New Year’s Day was that way at the Sanders’ home. Dad would have me outside the week before making sure the hockey rink was all ready for everybody. There was one particular man (who will go unmentioned here) that always seemed to show up several hours before everyone else (and before he was supposed to), but it was perfect for me because I could start the day right away.
I love January 1. It is probably the most exciting day of the year for me. The reason is because it is a New Year. New dreams. New ideas. New goals. New interests. There is something about the turning of a calendar that intrigues even the most stoic person. There just seems to be a breath of fresh air that enters the lungs and fills the soul with new hope for the New Year. We hold to this annual song of hope that things will not only be different than the previous year, but also better.
Genesis 1:1 states that “In the beginning God created…” and there is something that excites the spirit of man that before all circumstance and worldly entities, God had a hand in their creation. Although man has perverted the use of the things that God created, there was nothing until God did create. God created all that there is and so it is vital for everyone to realize that if God created everything, He can fix anything. If your life was filled with chaos last year, He can calm the New Year. If your life was filled with heartache last year, He is able to speak from creation and heal, from the smallest to the greatest of hurts. If your family seemed detached or dysfunctional last year, He is able to pull together the frayed pieces into a cohesive family unit. No matter what took place last year, God is standing at your door knocking, and if you allow Him, He will enter and make all things new.
Does this devotion seem to be out of place? I probably should have had this one for January 1, not June 15. I thought the same thing until I thought of Lamentations 3:22-23, “[It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness.” Did you catch that? Mercy and compassion are new everyday. Today is New Year’s Day. What is even more exciting is tomorrow is New Year’s Day. When I think about it, my favorite day of the year happens every morning. What happened yesterday is over and you have the opportunity for a brand new start today.
So the question becomes, “What will you do for God if you know you can try all over again tomorrow?” Bill Cosby said it this way, “In order to succeed, your desire for success must be greater than your fear of failure.” Give it a shot today because tomorrow is a brand new day.

“Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day.”
- Dalai Lama

Involved or Committed?

Read John 1:38-51

“The difference between "involvement" and "commitment" is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was "involved"--the pig was "committed".” This saying by an unknown source seems to understand very well what is required of you and me as Christians.
The silence could have had several sources: hesitation, fear, confusion or caution. “Will you marry me?” Bobby had asked and then his heart stopped as he searched her eyes for a clue.
Terri knew the answer but still paused. You see, for the rest of their lives, people would ask how he had proposed and what she had said…Terri wanted her line to be memorable, witty and unique. Since nothing clever came to mind, she opted for something committal: She said, “Yes.”
I remember my proposal. It was going to be powerful. I had everything planned. It was going to be perfect. Then my wife-to-be did not show up for work. A wrench was quickly thrown into all of my plans. She missed out. Instead, I took her to dinner, and tried to surprise her, and failed miserably. I ended up simply asking her in the front seat of the Jeep Cherokee we happened to be driving that night. THANK GOD, she said yes. I was certain of the answer, and yet, there was that anxiousness for her to say yes.
We often respond to God with the same silence. He issues to us a personal invitation, “Follow Me. I promise to give you My all. Will you simply give Me your life?” We feel His invitation echo in our souls. Still, we pause. Our silence can have several sources: hesitation, fear, confusion, and caution. Our pause often reflects a desire for more information, more answers or more time. “I am not ready yet. Or, later, but not now. Are You entirely trustworthy?” “I am afraid I could not live up to Your expectations. Will You take things away from me or send me where I do not want to go?” The truth is God has a better record of faithfulness, gentleness, care, and commitment than any human we have ever said, “Yes” to! Yet, we still pause.
I would like to think God had the same thoughts that I had when I proposed. I think when he called me, He knew what my answer would be, but that excitement to hear me say yes welled up in Him. Like a gentleman, God waits for our response, knowing that the sooner we say, “Yes” the sooner He can begin to bring us new life. Pausing may seem to buy us more time. In reality, pausing only delays healing and deepens pain. God’s invitation gently echoes in our souls. He invites us to follow, to forgive, to release, to risk and to believe. His pierced heart patiently longs to hear us say, “Yes.”

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”
- Mario Andretti

Will You Yield?

Read Romans 8:1-11

Have you ever been around a “control freak”? You know who I’m talking about. That person that has to have his/her hands in everything and nothing can be accomplished without it being their idea. The one that believes it is all in their power, intellect and good looks that they have arrived where they have landed. There was a lady named Sally (not her really name) that suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease. She was asked what lessons God was teaching her as she dealt with this difficult and debilitating disease. Her immediate response was, "Loss of control."
Sally had always been a highly organized, independent person whose corporate job involved long hours and frequent travel. Now she had to depend on others for everything from getting dressed to brushing her teeth. Unable to move her arms or legs, she had control over only what she thought and what she said. She knew that soon she would even lose her power of speech. "I used to stress over my job," she said, "and never really gave it to the Lord. Now, with almost all control gone, I can stress about my physical limitations or surrender it to Christ."
What would it take for God to teach some of us about losing control? Would it take what Sally dealt with, or are we more yielding to God than that? The question facing each of us is, "Will I retain control of my life or yield it to the Lord today?" To live only for what I want is to be controlled by the sinful nature. Paul said that this leads to death, "but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6). We need to be yielded to Him because He will not force His will upon you. He will use any means necessary to teach you and draw you to Him, but He will never force you to yield. There are people that just cannot let go of their life because they cannot or will not trust that He will take care of them. My question is, “Is it better to yield now or later?”
There will come a day in everyone’s life where they will yield their life. I pray today that you will yield yours today. Please do not wait until your life is taken from you to yield, but “crucify yourself” with Christ and just watch how wonderful your yielded life will become. To one degree or another, we will all lose control of our lives as we grow older. Yielding control to God is a choice we can make every day—starting today. True freedom comes not from choosing our way, but from yielding to God's way.

“Mine are the deep-seated fears established when we are children, and they never quite go away: the fear of being helpless, the fear of being trapped, the fear of being out of control.”
- Virginia C. Andrews

Why Worry When You Can Pray?

Read Ephesians 3:14-21

A missionary wrote a newsletter to thank his supporters for being "prayer warriors." Because of a typing error, though, he called them "prayer worriers." For some of us, that might be a good description.
In his book Growing Your Soul, Neil Wiseman writes, "Prayer must be more than a kind of restatement of fretting worries or a mulling over of problems. Our petitions must move beyond gloomy desperation, which deals mostly with calamity and despair."
I know there have been times in my life where all of my prayers just seem to cry out for help. There are times in each of our lives that we need God just to do something on our behalf, but if that becomes the sole reason for our prayers, we are missing out on what pray is really about.
When we can really learn how to pray for people instead of delivering us from people, we will see mighty moves of God. Instead of praying, “Lord, make a way where I am not so stressed about my boss”, to, “Lord, bless and encourage my boss, and help them to sense your love,” then God will have an avenue to really make a difference. When you think closely about it, wouldn’t you rather have your boss saved, than for you to be delivered from your job? The Lord's amazing answers will not only help others, but also help to cure your own anxiety!
There is an old song that said, “Why worry when you can pray, trust Jesus, He’ll lead the way, don’t be a doubting Thomas, trust fully in His promise, why worry, worry, when you can pray.” That song is still so fitting because we often forget that when we pray, He hears our heart's cry, and will meet our need. We tend to worry even when we pray. I do not mean to sound harsh, but when you worry, you are basically saying that God doesn’t care or is unable to care for you. Do you really believe that?
Paul was no "prayer worrier." He prayed for God's people that they might know the strength, love, and fullness of God, who is able to do far more than we can ask or even think (Ephesians 3:14-21). Such confidence made Paul a true "prayer warrior." Are your prayers like that? Fervent prayer dispels anxious care.

“I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about.”
- Henry Ford

With You

Read Psalm 139:7-18

I went on a computer program called Google Earth a while back, and it was amazing. I didn’t pay a dime, but I could travel through the sky and then focus in from space upon a certain address. I went and looked at my house from space, the church and a number of other places that I knew.
In today's world of inexpensive, high-tech spying devices, total privacy has become a rare and precious thing. A special agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation says, "Don't assume that you are alone, not ever." Cameras are used to monitor people in public places like banks and shopping malls. In addition, tiny wireless video cameras that sell for less than $100 are being used by ordinary people for less than honorable purposes.
In the name of safety, we have become so lax about our privacy. Anyone that has any talent with a computer is able to hack into even the most encrypted sites. We have grade school children so adept at finding information about others on the web. There is no such thing as privacy anymore. You can Google a name on the internet, and if they’ve applied for a job or something else, the web finds them.
It might seem odd, therefore, to hear someone like David celebrate a complete lack of privacy, until we realize that the One watching his every move was Almighty God. After stating that God knew each thought, word, and action before it happened, David said, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it" (Psalm 139:6).
No place was beyond the presence, guidance, and protection of God. The deepest darkness became flooded with light because God was there. From the womb to the tomb, every day of David's life was known to his Creator. And the number of times God thought about him could not be counted.
I am so glad that there is someone like the Master watching over us. While I do not like my lack of privacy here on earth, I am so thankful that there is no such thing as a private moment without the Lord. He is with us at all times. We are completely known and never alone in our relationship with God. What a comfort! Remember this, he is not alone who is alone with Jesus.

“We don't hire ministers or priests to teach and care for us. This forces us to teach and care for each other - and in my view, this is the core of Christian living as Christ taught it.”
- Clayton Christensen

Doing the Right Thing

Read Psalm 37:1-11

This story may be hard to believe due to the political cynicism of the day, but it is true. While James E. Rogan was a US Representative from a district in California, he was faced with a crucial decision. He had been elected by the slimmest of margins in an area that usually voted for the other party. An extremely important public issue with immense moral implications was being considered. If he followed his conscience, it would cost him re-election. If he followed political expediency, he could be certain of another term.
The congressman went with his convictions and voted for what he knew in his heart to be right. He was not re-elected. Afterward, he said, "It hurt to lose. But I'll never regret my vote . . . . It is easy for elected officials to succumb to the illusion that the greater good is served by their self-perpetuation in office. But something larger gets lost. . . . the ability to lead."
This story reminded me of a statement that I heard several years ago that said, “Faith will get you into as much trouble as it will get you out of.” This statement is true because sometimes what we believe stands in the face of the tide. You may get rejected, ridiculed and maybe even laughed at because of your faith. As followers of Christ, we are commanded to live by the principles of the Bible. At times, that will cost us popularity or perceived success. Truth may cost more than a lie; conviction more than convenience; honesty more than cheating. It may seem easier to lie, cheat and enjoy convenience, but it will all crumble anyway. If you stand for truth, convictions and honesty, you will enjoy great success.
For now, it looks as if the world is winning and Christians are losing. We need to remember that "those who wait on the Lord . . . shall inherit the earth". When we do what is right, we gain the Lord's approval. To lose is not always failure.

“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”
- Mark Twain

Worship In Your Own Way

Read Ezra 3:8-13

My wife has accused me of being 20 years older than what I am when it comes to music. You see, I love the older stuff. I enjoy listening to the quartets and big band types of music. Needless to say, that music is not typically found in my generation. I cannot understand the new wave of music that constantly repeats itself, or when I was a youth pastor, it was the music that you could never understand. What I needed to learn is that everyone from different generations worship God in their own unique way.
This reminds me of something that happened in the 6th century BC when Zerubbabel began rebuilding the temple after the Israelites returned from captivity. As soon as the foundation for the new temple was laid, the bible says, "all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord". But then, while the younger generation rejoiced, the older generation cried.
Why the two reactions? The young crowd had never seen the glorious temple of Solomon, so they were happy with what they saw being built. The older people realized this temple wouldn't be anything like the one they remembered, so their praise was mixed with sorrow.
It is imperative that we try our best to understand another person’s perspective. My background makes me worship different than you because your background is different from mine. We may never worship in the same manner, but the important thing is that we worship. I cannot live for God the way an elder lives for God because I have never been in a tent service. They sometimes haven’t “caught up” with my generation. It really doesn’t matter as long as we are walking in the precepts that the Lord has laid down, the manner in which we live that life will be different.
Remember, we may be of one heart for God, but we may react in several ways. Generations do that sometimes. Let's thank God with a heart of praise—even though we may express it differently.

“Because of human diversity - different tastes, ambitions, interests, backgrounds, experiences, etc. - differences of opinion will be inevitable.”
- Natan Sharansky

Tents and Shells

Read II Corinthians 5:1-10

I remember a dear saint of God when I was growing up by the name of Victoria Booker. In fact, several of you that are reading this may have known her, or at least have heard of her. She is one of my heroes of the faith. She goes beyond any average saint because for many years she was unable to even get out of bed. Her body was so racked with pain that she could only come to church when they would bring her hospital bed into the sanctuary. I was just a young boy when my dad would take me to “cheer her up”. What a stupid idea. What could you say to someone that would be so cheerful and smiling even in the midst of her pain? I remember a time when we stopped by to visit and my dad asked her, "How are you today?", and she blew my mind when she responded, "Just fine!"
As a young boy, I would think to myself that she was just crazy, if not totally insincere. I would ask myself, "How can you say you're fine when you're in so much pain?" Then it happened one day, she made a statement that went something like this, "How I feel has very little to do with how I am. You see, the part of me that hurts is just a shell, not the real me, and the real me is just fine!"
Sister Booker had a very clear understanding of what her body was even though it was so delicately wrapped in pain. She called it a shell, I believe. The apostle Paul called it a tent. And the "real me" that Sister Booker referred to, the apostle called the inward man (4:16).
Although Sister Bookers’ earthly tent was filled with pain and perishing, she realized that it was, after all, just a temporary housing for the inward man. One day she would exchange it for her permanent home awaiting her in heaven. That was her confidence. Today, she is with Him in glory, and after all the years of being bed-stricken, she is probably just running and leaping and dancing like no one else can.
How are you today? Is your tent drooping? Remember, if Christ is your Savior and Lord, a perfect body awaits you one day. But until then, no matter what's on the outside, on the inside we can say, "I'm just fine!" Our body is perishing, but our spirit can be flourishing.

“Nature is something outside our body, but the mind is within us.”
- Bhumibol Adulyadej

Square Watermelons???

Read Romans 12:1-5

There was a time; I do not know if they still do this, that farmers in Zentsuji, Japan, were preparing full-grown watermelons for shipment—only these are no ordinary melons, they're square! They were placed in tempered-glass cubes while they were still growing. Why would anyone want a square watermelon? They're much easier to store in a refrigerator!
It's amazing to think of how a naturally spherical watermelon can become square because of the shape of the container in which it's grown. By the pressure of the glass the watermelon automatically adapted to its surroundings. Within the confines of the glass box, the watermelon changed not only its shape, but also the way that it naturally developed.
Unfortunately, some of us, if not all of us, have at some time dwelled within the confines of a pressurized glass box called the world. The forces in the world have a way of exerting their influence on us and attempt to shape us. That's why in Romans 12:2 we are told not to be "conformed to this world," but to be "transformed by the renewing of [our] mind." The idea is rather simple: We are to allow the transforming Word of God to work within us and produce outward results, instead of permitting external pressures to shape us. Also, notice that its work is done in the mind. I am not a strong proponent of “positive thinking” as far as if you think it, it will happen, but I do believe that if our minds are rightly conformed to the Word of God, we will be able to have peace in whatever circumstance life carries.
There are too many people that have just adapted to the pressures of the world. In doing so, they have allowed the elements to change who they really are. I know of people that were dynamic leaders that wouldn’t be able to lead someone out of a shoe box because the world has so distorted who they should have been. I see people everyday that have gotten so used to living in the pressure of the world that they no longer fit the design of their Creator. We were created in HIS image, and some of us have allowed worldly pressures to distort that great creation into something that is odd and distorted.
I believe that God is calling us back to meditation on His Word daily, it will influence our thoughts and help us grow to be more like Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 3:18). Then we will act in a manner that pleases Him and we will become the persons that we were originally developed to become. Pressures of the world will continue to try to shape our character, but they will not succeed if God's Word is changing us from within. If we are being transformed by the Word, we won't be conformed to the world.

“The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself.”
- Rita Mae Brown

Shutting the Door...

Read Matthew 6:5-13

Several years ago, a man who was visiting the United States wanted to make a telephone call. He entered a phone booth but found it to be different from those in his own country. It was beginning to get dark, so he had difficulty finding the number in the directory. He saw a light in the ceiling but didn't know how to turn it on.
As the man tried again to find the number, a passerby noticed his plight and said, "Sir, if you want to turn the light on, you have to shut the door." To the visitor's amazement, when he closed the door, the booth was filled with light. He soon located the number and completed the call.
It is amazing how time seems to fly by without us being able to even catch our breath. I find that I arrive at work and the next thing I know it is time to go home, and then when I get home, it seems I blink for a moment and then am ready to return to work. In the midst of this life that is so busy, our schedules, errands, people, responsibilities and cares tend to darken our lives until we cannot seem to see where we are going.
We are like that man in the phone booth. We try and try to figure out where to go next, but it is just so hard to see because there doesn’t seem to be much light. However, in a similar way, when we draw aside to a quiet place to pray (Matthew 6:6); we have the opportunity to "shut the door" and block out our busy world. It is at that time, when we shut the door that the light of His Word can become that light unto our path. As we open our hearts to the Father, we receive the light of His wisdom. Our Lord often went to be alone with His heavenly Father for strength and guidance. Sometimes it was after a busy day of preaching and healing (Luke 5:12-16). At other times, it was before making a major decision (Luke 6:12-13).
We must remember that to "turn the light on," we must first "shut the door" by getting alone with God. Then, when we have shut the door, we can be confident that the Lord will light the path. One secret of effective prayer is prayer in secret.

“Prayer is commission. Out of the quietness with God, power is generated that turns the spiritual machinery of the world. When you pray, you begin to feel the sense of being sent, that the divine compulsion is upon you.”
- E. Stanley Jones

At The Cross

Read John 19:16-19, I Peter 5:4

I can only imagine what heaven will be like. I’ve never seen walls of jasper, gates of pearl or streets of purest gold. I do not know exactly what heaven will be like, but I do know that I want to be there. I can picture my loved ones and I also get a glimpse of Him, but I really do not comprehend exactly what it will be like.
Heaven is something that we like to talk about, but the only way that we will find heaven is to first locate the cross. The cross is the first place that you and I have the opportunity to receive access into heaven. Without finding the cross, we cannot hope for heaven. No one knows exactly where the cross of Christ was located. We have many guesses and ideas, but I believe that God has allowed it to be hidden in uncertainty so that we will not treat that place as an idol. His cross is wherever you are at the moment that you respond to Him.
The reason that the cross is so important is that it is the place of crucifixion. I Peter 2:24 allows us to see that the price of our sins hung on that tree. Christ was crucified to remove the death sentence that was hanging over our heads. Galatians 3:13 also lets us see that it was at the cross that Christ became the curse for us. He became the curse so that the promises to Abraham would be available to the Gentiles. The cross is a place of separation. Sin separated us from divine communion. The cross reversed this by ushering in a new divine communion that separated us from sin. The cross separated the sinner from his sin, and it also separated the repentant sinner from the unrepentant sinner. Have you ever looked at it that way, that the only difference between you and an unrepentant sinner is the cross?
Finally, it is at the cross that the cares of life can be laid to rest. Jesus invited all the weary to Him and He would give the rest. The cross, according to Hebrews 4:16, allows us access to His presence where that rest may be found. Peter encouraged us with these hopeful words in I Peter 5:7, “casting all your cares upon Him, for he careth for you.” It is at the cross that we gain the opportunity to cast cares at His feet knowing that they are falling into the nail pierced hands that care for us. Today, remember this, I have held many things in my hands and have dropped them all, but everything that I have placed in His hand, I still possess.

“God, to redeem us at the deepest portion of our nature - the urge to love and be loved - must reveal His nature in an incredible and impossible way. He must reveal it at a cross.”
- E. Stanley Jones

Accused of Being a Christian...

Read I Corinthians 6:9-11

The stage is set. You tremble in your seat. You have become the defendant in the most anticipated trial in history. Newspapers are there, TV Cameras are shining and the crowds are innumerable. Your lawyer leads you through the mass of onlookers, trying to shield you from the taunts. As you enter the courtroom, you feel the finality of it all.
After a short wait that feels like eternity, the bailiff, in an obnoxiously loud voice, says, “All rise, court is in session.”
One last glance at your family sitting behind you, and one more look at the lawyers before you hear the judge that holds your future in his hands ask, “Do you know what you are charged with today?”
Upon your acknowledgement, the judge reads for the record, “The defendant, ___________________, is hereby charged with being a Christian.”
The plaintiff begins his barrage of charges stating that there is no way that you are a Christian. He lists things like the time you lied to your parents about stealing the cookies. Then there was the time that you called your sister a bad name. How about the time that you stole that car? Wasn’t it you that gossiped about Sally to Jimmy? I do believe there is record here of your being full of hate, wrath and envy. You have been testified against that you were uncaring and oftentimes even violent.
The plaintiff takes a step back to gather his thoughts and take a drink of water before he unleashes again.
He begins again. You were found at the scene of a murder. This was not any ordinary murder. This was a murder of the reputation. You willfully destroyed someone’s reputation by the comments that you made. You were found guilty of adultery, drunkenness and drugs. You were found with the mire of relationships gone bad. As a matter of fact, I find nothing in your record that would illustrate any aspect that you are a Christian.
Now it is your attorney’s opportunity to respond to the charges against you. You feel the sweat dripping down your spine, and your palms have become clammy even though it is very warm in the room. As your lawyer rises, the question becomes, “Will he have enough evidence to prove that you are indeed, a Christian?”

“It would assuredly make a difference if Christians, in their approach one to another, realized that, in spite of appearances, they were in fact one.”
- Roland Allen

The Responsibility of Joy

Read Romans 8

Your alarm didn’t go off, or you didn’t hear it. The toaster burnt the toast. The dresser moved in the night so that you would stub your toe. Someone broke into your garage and only turned your car lights on so the battery was dead. You were late for work because of the traffic, or was it because you ran through the coffee shop? Sound familiar? We’ve all had days like these.
Some have had much worse. No pillow to lay there head to rest the night before. They awoke to a gnawing in their stomach with no hope because their cupboards are bare. The child curled up in the corner of the bedroom afraid to come out because of an abusive parent.
Most of us don't choose a difficult life--it chooses us. We can, however, choose our response to it. As someone once said, "Pain is inevitable but misery is optional." Yet, when difficulties arise, misery often seems to be the only option.
Author Lloyd Ogilvie tells of a Christian friend who was physically and emotionally depleted because of extreme pressures. A depressed mood engulfed him. When Ogilvie asked him how he was doing, he said grimly, "Well, joy's certainly no option!" Ogilvie replied, "You're right! Joy is no option. It's your responsibility."
Shocked, the friend retorted, "You talk about joy as if it were a duty." Ogilvie responded, "Right again!" He explained that we have a duty to God, ourselves, and others to overcome our moods and to battle through to joy.
In Romans 5, Paul gave these reasons for joy: We have peace with God through Christ, access into grace, and hope of future glory. We have assurance that tribulation produces perseverance, which in turn builds character and leads to hope. We have hope that doesn't disappoint, because God's love has been poured into our hearts.
He also wrote in Philippians 4:8 to think on the things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtue and praise. It is promised in that passage that if you will do this, the God of peace shall be with you (verse 9).
Remember, for the Christian, joy is a not a choice, it is a responsibility.

“The real end of prayer is not so much to get this or that single desire granted, as to put human life into full and joyful conformity with the will of God.”
- Charles Bent

Change

Read Luke 6:37-42

I have a problem that I have battled my entire life – my weight. Even when I played hockey, I was never the smallest guy around. I don’t know if it was in my genes, or because I didn’t exercise enough (I always have favored reading a book over manual labor!!). All I know is that it is a battle to change.
I read a quote from King Whitney, Jr. that said, “Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.”
It’s a full-time job trying to get people to change. What a perfect world it would be—if only other people would do what we want! There was a plaque that read, “Change the World—Begin With Yourself!” Not what most of us want to hear!
Jesus told a parable about the problem of not seeing our own faults. He said, “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye” (Luke 6:42).
Being able to see other people’s faults easily without ever noticing my own is not just an indication of hypocrisy. It can be a wake-up call that the problem in a struggling relationship may be me. Perhaps it’s my attitude that needs to change, or I’m the one who needs to apologize. Maybe I’m the person who needs a humble spirit.
It’s a lesson some of us have to learn over and over. We can’t change others, but with God’s help we can change our own behavior. And when our attitude changes, it may seem as if others have changed as well. The best thing about a change in us is that when God works a change in us He can change others through us.
Ready for a change?

“Change before you have to.”
- Jack Welch

Grant Us Wisdom, O, Lord

Read James 1:5

I love to read. In fact, I usually have about three different books going at one time. I also love cross-word puzzles because it helps me exercise my brain. I love obtaining knowledge. Games like Scrabble, Trivia Pursuit and other games that have to do with facts and knowledge are my forte. My uncle used to be amazed because I could rattle off all of the statistics of any Minnesota sports team. I could do that because I spent time absorbing knowledge about those statistics. One of my favorite pages in the paper is the sports statistics page.
I read this account of someone that walks the same road for knowledge as I do. Brewster Kahle has a vision for the Internet. He dreams of universal access to all human knowledge. As Digital Librarian and Director and co-founder of Internet Archive, Kahle believes we have only begun to tap the vast potential of the Internet to change and improve our world. “My interest,” he says, “is to build the great library. . . . It is now technically possible to live up to the dream of the Library of Alexandria.” He’s referring to a huge vault of writings in ancient Egypt that was said to house all of the world’s knowledge.
But knowledge is not the same as wisdom. I have known people that were brilliant in a classroom setting, but they couldn’t find their way out of a parking lot if their life depended on it. There was a guy in college that would literally sleep through almost all of his classes and still get straight A’s because he had no problem with absorbing and reciting knowledge. However, he did not have the common sense to throw the previous week’s pizza away, but rather, let it fester in his dorm room. There are many a times we went looking for that dead animal stench.
King Solomon was a man of vast knowledge. In his better moments, he used his God-given capacity to collect information and insight from every corner of life. In unguarded moments, however, he showed that all the knowledge in the world does not keep a person from missing the purpose of life. In spite of his knowledge, Solomon married many women, and when he was old he built altars to their gods. His foolishness eventually led to his downfall.
Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Don’t get caught in a web of knowledge without true wisdom that comes from the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). I would rather have the fear of the Lord that begins my road to wisdom than all the data that knowledge can carry. Yes, we need knowledge, but more than ever, we need wisdom to handle that knowledge properly. Remember James told us to ask God for wisdom, not knowledge, and when asked, the Lord will give liberally.

“In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.”
- Lord Chesterfield