Leave the Past Behind

We will be bidding a fond farewell to 2009—some only too glad to have it behind. There have been many defining moments this year: our first African American president, the first female Speaker of the House, and the appointment of the first Latina Supreme Court Justice. And a defining moment for heroism was the extraordinary emergency landing in the Hudson River by Captain "Sully" of US Airways Flight 1549. Unfortunately, these good events are nearly over- shadowed by as many hard-to-forget human failures, not the least of which was the moral fall of Tiger Woods—in the zenith of his life.

As we come to the end of this year, maybe you feel there is some personal defining moment from 2009 you would like to forget about. Well, I have good news for you; you can. At a time of tragic failure in Israel, the prophet Jeremiah says: “I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet, I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day” (Lamentations 3:21-23). The New Testament parallel is what Paul calls the newness of life (Ro. 6:4). Every day “old things are passed away” as yesterday's failures are forgiven and forgotton: they do not define us. Rather, we are continually being defined as a new creatures in Christ. Every “today” all things are made new (2 Cor. 5:17).

The story of the prodigal son reveals God's attitude to failure. When the prodigal returns home, expecting payback, his father brings out the best robe and throws a party. This is the message of hope: a chance to start over, a new beginning. God never gives up on anyone. I hope this is an encouragement to someone today. Our God is the God of new beginnings. Let this thought give you hope in the New Year.

Change You Can Believe In

The first decade of the 21st century has produced some incredible changes. Ten years ago there was no Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter. The internet highway was largely untraveled, and two start-up companies called Google and Yahoo seemed like jokes. Ten years ago, no one could have imagined the need for a law prohibiting texting while driving. And many more such technologies have changed our lives—for better or worse!

Many of the changes of the last decade have been driven by fear. The “world as we knew it” was forever changed by 9-11: unbelievable changes in airport security; the advent of two wars in pursuit of an invisible enemy. Some are calling it the “decade of fear”—fear of terrorism, global warming, swine flu, recession, losing your home or job. Consequently, new laws were implemented, forever altering our our life styles.

How ought a follower of Christ live in an ever-changing world? What can protect us from unexpected, anxiety-producing changes? The answer is clear: by fixing ourselves on an unchanging God. The change that should occupy our attention is the change that is going on inside of us, as the Holy Spirit is changing (transforming) us into the image of Jesus. We should live as those who have been crucified to this world (Galatians 6:14), its influence of minimal importance. After all, we are not of this world, are we? (John 8:23) And we live in this changing world with the hope that someday “we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed (1 Cor. 15:51-52).

Now that’s change you can believe in.

Am I Repeating Myself?

Last Wednesday was the first anniversary of this “Dying to Live” blog, and if you read my devotional postings daily, you know there are certain themes I repeat (hopefully, using various analogies and metaphors). This is not coincidental but deliberate—because repetition is fundamental to learning.

Neuroscientists explain that our brain carries signals from one nerve cell to another by way of synapses, making pathways in your brain. So when you learn something new, it really is like clearing a path through a dense jungle. The first time you go through the undergrowth, it can be rough. But as you travel along the new path repeatedly, it becomes a road, and eventually a well-travelled highway. So it is with your memory: the more you repeat certain thought patterns, the more likely you will be able to recall that information—it literally ‘grooves’ into your brain.

Paul employed the use of repetition in his letters. As did Peter, who vowed: I believe I should keep on reminding you of these things as long as I live (2 Peter 1:13).

My dear mother is getting hard of hearing and I often have to repeat myself before she hears me. But I love her and I don’t mind. And I have the same mindset toward you, my readers. As I begin a second year of this blog, I promise to keep on repeating the “Dying to Live” truths that will challenge us to enter more fully into His abundant life. Are you listening, or do I need to repeat myself?

Christmas is Not Only a Time ‘For Giving’ but ‘Forgiving’

As I listened to Dr. Laura the other day (yes, I admit listening to her, but in my defense, only if I happen to be in the car when she’s on!), I noted how many people call in this time of year because they don’t know how to deal with difficult relatives during the holidays. As I reflected on the callers’ dilemmas, I realized Christmas is more about forgiving than for giving.

On Christmas Day, good emotions prevail; and we are inclined to be forgiving and forbearing, temporarily overcome by a love that is greater than our negative feelings toward someone. But if only the spirit of Christmas moves us, we are not truly forgiving, but simply suspending our unforgiveness for a day: a benevolent warden offering a provisional pardon. But unless God’s Spirit of love overtakes us, resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness reclaim their foothold in our lives.

This “spirit of love” is expressed in these words of Paul:
“Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy [compassion], kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:12-14).

This Christmas be occupied with God’s gift of love through Jesus until it completely controls your thoughts and feelings toward all those whom God has placed in your life—not with the fleeting sentimental emotion of Christmas, but with the love of God, because love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Pet. 4:8).

Don't Forget to Exercise During the Holidays!

How many times in your life have you regretted not exercising more restraint or self-discipline? How many ‘slip-ups’ or ‘blow-ups’ do you wish you could erase from your past? If you’re like me, probably more than you want to think about. But thankfully, every day “in Christ” is new. And today is a good day to renew your work-out routine—exercising self-control.

The word “self-control” comes from the Greek “strength,” meaning to "master one’s passions and desires.” Self-control is NOT the same as willpower. A strong will (will power) is a natural trait—some are inclined to it, while others are prone to passivity. These two natural traits result in, respectively, self-sufficiency or self-deprecation—neither of which is any help in fighting the enemy of our souls.

Since “self-control” is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23), it is indeed part of your new nature. Perhaps in your frustration, you have prayed for more self-control. But you will never possess any more of it than you already have! Our problem is not the “having” but the “using”—a spiritual muscle needing exercise. Not unlike muscles that are strengthened by stress (until they ‘burn’), every time you exercise self-control, you will feel the burn. But with practice, you will be stronger. And unlike an athlete who practices self-control to win a temporary reward, your prize is eternal” (1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Tim. 4:8).

Just yesterday, Altha and I drove into San Francisco for a pre-Christmas celebration, and after dinner, as I was enjoying a large calorie-fused chocolate ‘sundae’, I said: “Guess what I’m writing about in my blog tomorrow?—self-control.” We laughed, but oh, how timely! I am hereby reminding myself—and maybe you too?—of our need at the beginning of this holiday season to remember to exercise...self-control, that is.

How Do You Measure Your Progress?

Whether economic recovery has begun depends on how you read the statistics. Real estate values are only down 20% versus 40% a year ago. GDP, while still declining, is not as bad as a year ago. Not surprisingly, the Labor Department is reporting success: only 11,000 jobs were lost in October versus 100,000 a year ago. Do you get the picture? Progress is relative—everything is less bad than it was a year ago!

As a counselor whose occupation for 25 years has been to help people “progress” in their spiritual growth, I’ve observed Christians tend to measure their progress not unlike this “less-bad” technique, saying something like: “I am not sinning as much as I was a year ago—I don’t get as angry (or anxious or depressed) as often as I used to.” While one might argue there is some validity to this measurement, it seems to me it’s akin to saying “I must be getting better: I don’t use drugs as much as I used to.” In other words, the standard is too relative. Is there not a more substantial way of measuring our progress?

There is an inherent danger in measuring our progress by where we used to be. Instead of paying attention to our history (Phil. 3:14), our focus should be the pursuit of excellence (1 Tim. 4), and pressing on to perfection (Heb. 6:1). To do otherwise is to sanction imperfection and mediocrity. Paul says, rather bluntly, it is foolish to compare ourselves with each other, and measure ourselves by ourselves (2 Cor. 10:12). If the standard is I-am-better-than-I-used-to-be, don't we risk falling short of “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13)? We will only be changed as we behold the excellence of Jesus' glory—not our progress! (2 Cor. 3:18) In the end, the only true measure of spiritual progress is whether we are like Jesus.

What's Happening to the Church?

According to an article in USA Today, 37% of all mega churches (not to be confused with ‘all’ churches) now have two or more locations: mega church is becoming multisite! Multisite churches are defined as “high-efficiency evangelism allowing thousands of worshipers to hear the same message from a lead pastor…by video at three, five, even a dozen or more locations.” A leading multisite church my son attends, Mars Hill Church in Seattle, already has 10 sites, and is planning to add 100 more video-linked sites in the next decade.

While I am a strong advocate of “getting out of the box,” I am cautiously watching this new movement to see how this approach will impact the REAL growth of the church—the depth and maturity of individual believers. After all, the Lord’s command was to “make disciples”—not churches. I can’t help but wonder how this phenomenon (which seems to reflect the impersonal nature of our internet, social networking culture) will impact the Christian culture of “fellowship.” Listen to this quote by Frank Viola, author of “Rethinking the Wineskin”: Unfortunately, those believers who are attracted to these large, flashy, organized WalMarts of the American religious world can hardly find a place in their hearts for a simple, unextravagant meeting centered around the person of Christ alone.

As I watch the American mega church-multisite movement, my heart aches for the small ‘parish’ pastors of flocks of fifty who are challenged with the notion that bigger is not only better, but expected. We must ask ourselves this question: Do our churches, either mega or mini, bear any resemblance to the simple, Spirit-dependent, Christ-centered, spiritually dynamic, mutually-ministering churches of the first century that turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6)? I guess time will tell.

Will You Embrace Your Difficulties?

If you are in the midst of a trial, whether it is personal, relational, or financial, your first thought is probably not to thank God. But God uses these “unwanted” circumstances to drive us to Himself: we become desperate for His presence. But when circumstances are good, we are at risk of becoming complacent. The peril of prosperity is spiritual ambivalence. Not that it is impossible to be penitent and prosperous at once—just difficult (Luke 18:25).

If you’re in the middle of some difficulties even as you read this, don’t be jealous of your brother who seems to have it all ‘together.’ Be thankful if you have less than him. You are really far better off—if only you could see how God is blessing you. Do you believe God is good and gives only good things to you? (James 1:17) Do you believe God knows what you need? (Matthew 6:8) Hold fast to the words of Job: “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10)

Listen to God’s warning to the Hebrews: “Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands... For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, that is the time to be careful” (Deuteronomy 8:11-14).

In God’s economy scarcity or prosperity are of equal value. That is the secret of contentment: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances… I know how to get along with humble means, and... how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret … of having abundance and suffering need. (Phil. 4:12). Paul embraced his difficulties and learned contentment. Will you!?

Aggressive Christianity

In his letters to Timothy (1 Tim: 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22), Paul entreats him to run from evil things and youthful lusts and pursue righteousness and a godly life. Since the word “pursue” can be translated “run,” the admonition could read “run away from sin and run to God.” These are words of action, even aggression.

Paul is saying "run away from temptation as fast as you can." But I am afraid too many Christians are not this aggressive against sinful temptations. Too many Christians are more cavalier—playing with temptation, they think, “How close can I get without actually sinning?” They do not realize, by asking the question, they have already sinned!

Imploring him to run to righteousness, Paul is not simply telling Timothy to think about these godly things or just long for these things. No, he tells him to get up and go after them aggressively. Paul’s admonition to Timothy is no less ours today. We must go after God with everything that is in us. We must pursue Him aggressively.

Time for some soul-searching here… do you make time to pray, read, study and meditate on His word? Are you so desperate to please Him that you will do whatever it takes even if it means spending less time watching TV, reading books or hanging out with friends? Are you too easily satisfied with your church's Sunday morning morsels? In other words, are you aggressive in your personal pursuit of God? Aggressive pursuit of God will bring a radical change to your life. And even more important than how it may change you, it will even change how God responds to you (Heb. 11:6). Now that's something worth running after!

Are You Being Stretched!?

When I am feeling particularly stretched, I have to remind myself that I am a ‘wineskin.’ Jesus said you cannot put ‘new wine’ into an old ‘wineskin’—because as the wine ferments, it expands, and will rupture an old wineskin. Do you feel sometimes like you’re being stretched so thin you may explode?

Our English word ‘stretch’ is used in many idioms; I think you may find these helpful to remember when you are feeling over-extended. Do you ever feel like you are on an empty stretch of the highway or like you are on the last stretch of a race? Or conversely, maybe your circumstances are constraining you, and you feel like you are being squeezed into an airplane seat; being unable to stretch out is stretching your patience.

Then the word “stretcher” is also enlightening. Stretcher bars are used to tighten a canvas so the artist can draw or paint on it. Are we not God’s workmanship? Or a stretcher can be used to expand a leather shoe to make it fit better. Isn’t it God’s work to make us ‘fit’ for His purposes? Or a stretcher is used to transport sick people to a place where they can get healthy (think about that!).

Maybe you think I’m stretching a bit with these metaphors? So let me end with Paul’s use of the word. During his prison stretch, he wrote to the Philippians: “one thing I do: I forget what lies behind and I reach forward to what lies ahead…” (Philip. 3:14). The literal meaning of the word “reach” is “stretch.” Paul says “I am stretching forward.” Would it be a stretch for us to read into Paul’s words that stretching is normal, even necessary if we are to get what God wants us to have? Next time you start to picture yourself on one of those medieval stretcher racks, remember: you are a wineskin.

Beware of the Spirit of Omnitheism

Yesterday USA Today reported the findings of a recent Pew survey that shows one in four Americans blend their Christian beliefs with New Age and Eastern ideas such as pantheism, reincarnation and yoga. There is a name for people who embrace all religions as having value and legitimacy: they are called “omnitheists.” Omnitheism stands in opposition to dogmatism, advocating there is no such thing as absolute truth.

This Pew survey would seem to indicate omnitheism is on the rise. And we should take note there is a corresponding escalating criticism of evangelical Christians for their lack of "religious tolerance.” The “I am the way/narrow-gate” message of salvation (Jn. 14:6; Mat. 7:13-14) stands in mounting contrast to the swelling movement of omnitheism. What is especially noteworthy is that nearly one-fourth of Americans who call themselves “Christian” now advocate the acceptance of all religions.

And what is more surprising are the people who are, however inadvertently, promoting it. A few years ago, President George Bush, an evangelical Christian said: “I believe all religions, whether they be Muslim, Christian, or any other religion, pray to the same God.” This year in his inaugural address, President Obama, more than any president before him, declared our Nation (formerly often referred to as a Christian nation) to be religiously pluralistic. Even one of America’s most well known evangelical preachers, Joel Osteen, affirmed “omnitheism,” however unintentionally, when he was asked by Larry King whether Hindus will go to heaven if they don’t believe in Jesus. Joel Osteen’s alarming response: “I don’t know about judging other people [Hindus and other religions]; I just know they love God.”

Paul warns that in the last days, many will be enticed by this spirit of omnitheism: “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe; they will follow lying spirits and teachings that come from demons” (1 Tim. 4:1).

Is Your Watch Set to God’s Time?

Even though God lives outside of ‘time,’ He uses ‘time’ to accomplish His purposes—“a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ec. 3:1). At a wedding feast in Cana, the host ran out of wine, and when Mary asked for His assistance, Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come” (John 2:4). How did Jesus know the time?

Have you ever asked God for something really important, then grown impatient waiting for it? [This is a rhetorical question!] Since God is always “on time,” the reason for your impatience is that your ‘watch’ is out of sync with God’s. Remember when Martha and Mary (John 11) sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick. Jesus delayed, and by their ‘watches’ he arrived too late: Lazarus was dead. Or remember when Jairus (Mark 5) asked Jesus to come to his house because his daughter was near death? On the way, Jesus stopped to minister to a woman who had been sick for 12 years. The delay caused Jesus to be too late: Jairus’ daughter died. They must have thought Jesus had rather ‘poor’ timing.

Jesus not only knew His heavenly Father's plans for His life, He knew the time for those plans. His internal clock was set to the Father’s time. In John 7:6 when his Disciples urged him to go up to Jerusalem, Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come." Because Jesus knew that His Father had a time-table, and because He knew nothing could interfere with it, He could be patient.

At just the right time, Jesus arrived at the home of Mary and Martha, and at the home of Jairus. But instead of healing Lazarus and Jairus’ daughter, He raised them from the dead! So, how will you respond when your plans have died because God has ‘failed’ to show up on time? Remember Martha and Mary. Remember Jairus. Look what He did for them. Is your watch set to God’s time? You will probably have to re-set it frequently…maybe even daily?!

You May be Left-Handed, but You Better Be Right-Footed!

When I was a teen-ager, I had to go to an orthodontist to get my teeth straightened. Of Greek origin, the word ‘ortho’ means “straight,” or “right.” There was something wrong with my teeth—the braces made them “right.” Orthopedic shoes are made for people who may have something wrong with their feet; the shoes make their feet “right.”

The old English word “upright” is the Greek word “orthopodeo” combining the words “straight” or “right” with the word “foot.” The Bible commands us to be upright, which means, quite literally, “right-footed.” While the word “upright” is used only once in the New Testament (Gal. 2:14), it is used many times in the Old. God commends Job as a perfect and upright man: he was rightly related to God. Significantly, after King David took a wrong moral turn in his life, he asked God to “renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10). Solomon uses the word for a person on a journey: “if you acknowledge the Lord in all your ways, the Lord will make your path straight [right] (Prov. 3:6). In other words, you won’t get lost—you will always be going the right way.

So, if you want to follow Jesus, you must be ‘right-footed.’ And if you are consistently right-footed, God will even turn your right foot into a “hinds” foot. (The hind is a female deer that is able to move easily across rocky terrain without losing its footing.) “He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places” (Ps. 18:33). Don’t you wish being upright was as easy as wearing orthopedic shoes!? You may be tired of tripping over your left feet, but God is more than able to keep you from stumbling (Jude 24 NLT) and lead you on the right path (Ps. 16:11).

Changing Lanes

Years ago Altha and I heard a sermon by Daniel Henderson at Los Gatos Christian Church neither of us has ever forgotten: “Stay in Your Lane.” Daniel meant that each of us should know our ‘calling’ from the Lord and stay there; using the analogy of cars on the freeway, we should stay in our lane. As long as we stay in our lane, we are promised to be fruitful. But when we move into someone else’s lane or into one that God didn’t call us to, we will find ourselves unfruitful and frustrated. Jesus knew His calling: “I do nothing without consulting the Father. I judge as I am told…” (Jn. 5:30 NLT); and “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (Jn. 17:4 NIV). Using our analogy, Jesus knew His lane and stayed in it.

But lately, I seem to be experiencing a lot of “lane changes.” When we were in Guatemala recently, we had planned an overnight trip to El Salvador. But on the morning of that day, our daughter became sick and we had to take her to the hospital. In a moment, the day’s agenda changed. Last Monday, I had planned to do some writing and to pay bills. But at 7 am my mother called and told me my father (who has cancer) was not able to get out of bed. And in a moment, my agenda changed. These are only a few of many "lane changes" I've experienced this last month.

Now of course as any good, experienced driver knows, when you are on the freeway, you must always be aware of what is happening in the lanes to your left and right: you never know when something ahead of you may force you to change lanes suddenly. Similarly, when God suddenly brings about circumstances that cause you to change lanes, you must be immediately ready and obedient. But thankfully, you don’t have to worry about crashing in the lane he sends you too—He has already cleared the way. Your job is to move quickly when he says “change lanes!”

Are You as Close to God as You Want to Be?

People use “spatial” terminology when they speak of getting closer to God. But in fact, there is nothing you can do to get closer to God than you already are. God has loved you infinitely and become one with you in Christ. He indwells you. You can’t get closer than that. Given that, what does he mean when James says “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you?”

Since James’ statement is not “spatial,” it must be “dynamic.” The phrase “draw near” helps us understand. It means communion and fellowship with God in prayer. How do we “draw near” to Him?

This is how theologian Arthur Pink describes it: “by meditating, thinking upon, and contemplating His complex person, His glorious titles, His compassionate intercession, His precious promises, His Living Word, He may have a constant place, the supreme place, in our thoughts and in our affections.” Then Pink said something that really caught my attention: “The apostle prayed [Eph. 3:17-19] for the saints to have a spiritual enjoyment of Him so that He would be present and precious to the soul.”

Is there someone special in your life whose company you enjoy? You just like being near them, right? Do you enjoy Jesus like that? Do you love just being with Him? This is the ‘nearness’ we all desire. In the Song of Solomon, the Shulammite woman who represents the Bride of Christ, says: “I must seek him whom my soul loves… when I found him whom my soul loves, I held on to him and would not let him go…” (3:2, 4). And through the prophet Jeremiah, God says “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (19:13). It’s up to you: you really can be as close to God as you want to be!

Did You Know the Tower of Babel has been Rebuilt in Dubai?!

One of the largest real estate ventures in human history came to a halt last month as Dubai, a desert metropolis in the United Arab Emirates, announced it was unable to make payments on nearly $60 billion in loans. The Palm Islands are being touted as the most exciting project on earth: man-made island communities created off the shores of Dubai with tons of sand fill. Notably, another major Dubai real estate project is the completion of the world’s tallest tower—the centerpiece of the desert city that will include 30,000 homes, 9 hotels, 3 parks, 19 residential towers, and a 12-acre artificial lake. With the threat of the global depression on the horizon, the tallest building in the world may be an empty shell, and what was intended to be a monument to the creative genius of mankind now appears to be another Titanic—a monument to man’s pride and failure.

In the Garden, God gave Adam the mandate to “to rule and subdue the earth” (Gen. 1:28). After the Fall, the desire to “rule and subdue” turned inward—man seeking to establish his own greatness. Early in man’s history, this desire to ‘rule and subdue’ was manifested in building the tower of Babel—“Let us make a name for ourselves,” they said (Genesis 11:4). But God “cancelled” their building project through the confusion of languages. And the unfinished tower stood as a monument to their sinful pride.

The Dubai project and the pursuit of prosperity is evidence that this same spirit of pride is active today. And when I think of the multi-million dollar church projects, e.g., Cathedral of Faith in southern California and Lakewood Church, housed in Houston's Compaq Center, I wonder how much of that spirit may be contaminating the church growth movement today. Maybe God is speaking through the failed Dubai project that we should be wary of the spirit called “let us make a name for ourselves,” and reminding us that He “is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).

Are You Guilty of Speaking Careless Words?

This week another (allegedly) abusive police action was caught ‘on tape’ (a now defunct expression)! With web-connected digital cameras and camcorders built into every cell phone, every action and word can be recorded and stored forever. It has never been more necessary to “think before you speak.” In the words of Jesus: “…every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the Day of Judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matt. 12:36-37).

How many careless words have I spoken in my lifetime: dozens, hundreds, thousands? Maybe I should just talk less. Who hasn’t said something they immediately regretted and wanted to take back? Are you guilty of shooting off an emotionally-laden email to someone, and then immediately wished you could recall it? Are the days of writing (yes, on paper!) a thoughtful letter gone forever?

Jesus words are sobering, aren’t they!? But because you and I are justified by the blood of Jesus, we will not face such condemnation (Romans 5:1, 9; 8:1, 30). Before you get too giddy, let me say you are not off the hook for your careless words.

The New Testament letters are full of admonitions to be careful how we speak. Though we may escape “condemnation,” we are admonished to bear Jesus’ image in our speech (1 Tim. 4:12), to “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15); be “slow to speak” (James 1:19); not to “speak evil against another” (James 4:11), and to speak “only what is helpful for building others up” (Eph. 4:29 NIV). And finally, careless words result in a loss of intimacy with Jesus, broken fellowship with the very people we are called to love, not to mention the loss of eternal rewards (1 Cor. 3:14-16). Be careful to think before you hit that “send” button.

"Where's the Beef?

"Where's the beef?" is a catch phrase which has come to mean "Where's the substance?" It came to public attention in a 1980s television commercial for the Wendy's chain of hamburger restaurants, featuring the elderly actress Clara Peller. After receiving a competitor's burger with a massive bun, the small patty prompts the gruff Peller to angrily exclaim "Where's the beef?" The humorous ad and Peller's memorable character soon gave the catch-phrase a life of its own, and was repeated ad nauseam in countless TV shows, films, magazines, and other media outlets.

Toward the end of His ministry, Jesus said “when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Lk. 18:8). Since Jesus will obviously find believers on the earth (people who have faith in Christ) when He comes, how are we to interpret this verse?

The writer of Hebrews says faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1 NKJ). When Jesus returns will He find people who have substantial faith? Faith becomes “substantial” when the things in the unseen realm become more real to us than the things we can see. And when Jesus returns, this is what He will be looking for: people who walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). Stop for a moment and consider the substance of your faith as evidenced by what you see? If that which is visible to you is more real than that which is not, where is the substance of your faith? In other words, where's the beef?

The History of Self

In the Garden, their “I’s” were opened.

After that, everyone did what was right in his own “I’s”.

When the Savior came to earth, men asked him ‘what must “I” do to be saved?’

Jesus said the “I” cannot save himself because “I” is bad; then He said, if your “I” makes you stumble, you should get rid of it. What he meant was your “I” must die.

Even after they were saved men would ask: “Why am “I” still doing what “I” don’t want to do?

Paul answered this way; there is a new “I” and an old “I.” The old “I” was crucified with Christ. It is no longer that “I” who lives. Christ lives in the new “I”.

Now “I” can do all things through Christ. And now you know why Paul prayed that our “I’s” would be opened so “I” can see how much Christ loves me.

Are You Just Showing Up?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, but you probably haven’t made any plans yet. Right? You won’t decide until the last minute where you want to go and with whom you’d like to eat—you’ll just show up. Right? Well, of course not! By now your plans are set—time and menu have been determined! You wouldn’t dream of just showing up at a friend or relative’s house.

Unfortunately, I think a lot of Christians approach God with a “just show up” attitude. Recently, I asked a man “where do you go to church?” meaning where are you being taught, where do you fellowship, engage other believers, use your gifts? He said “I go to [such and such] church, but I am not a member; I don’t belong to any small group; I just go there.” In other words, he just shows up! (By the way, he was not involved in any spiritual activities outside the church either.) I asked about his Bible study and prayer life and not surprisingly, he said it was irregular—in other words, he just shows up.

Of all the New Testament writers, James puts the greatest emphasis on faith in action. He exhorts believers: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (4:8). The Greek word “draw near” is an active verb, derived from the words “go, lead, bring.” I think James is saying we must be deliberate in our approach to God, i.e., “bringing ourselves” to God. Now, I’m quite sure God will be quite happy to see you whenever you show up, but how much better if we are actively bringing ourselves to God, deliberately engaging Him with a time, place, and a plan for Bible study, prayer, reflection, and confession. Think about that tomorrow when someone just shows up at your house for Turkey dinner, unannounced!

Are We Having an Energy Crisis?

Having travelled (and lived) in parts of the world that have no electricity, I find it somewhat strange when I read about the U.S. “energy crisis.” In the last decade we have become increasingly educated and warned of the limits of these ‘natural’ resources. Even so, we find it unimaginable we will ever be without them. But according to recent U. N. statistics, there are as many as 2 billion people on the planet who suffer from “energy poverty”—the lack of electricity, natural gas, or any modern fuels used for cooking or for heating homes.

As I read the above statistics, I couldn’t help thinking how many Christians live, spiritually, like impoverished peoples of developing countries. They live as though they were energy deprived, that is, unable to access God’s indwelling, resident power to live victoriously. But it should not be so.

God has given us all the ‘energy’ we need to live effective Christian lives—He energizes us with His own life “by God’s mighty power at work within us” (Eph. 3:20). The Greek word for “work” is the word “energeo,” which of course is where we get out English word energy! The writer of Hebrews uses this word when he says the Word of God is alive and active [full of energy] (4:12).

So why should any Christian ever have an energy crisis? There can be only one reason: he is still operating in his own. Whenever you feel like you have run out of the energy it takes to be obedient and please God, it is probably because you are accessing your own; God promises you will never run out of His. “For God is working [energizing] in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him” (Phil. 2:13).

What About Your Remains?

Last week, I attended the memorial service for my 90-year old aunt. As I reflected on the service and the things that were said on her behalf, I thought about Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward” (1 Cor.3:14 NASB). I find an interesting double-meaning in the word “remains.”

When someone is deceased, we speak of their remains, meaning the lifeless body. In the case of my aunt, she requested that her remains be cremated, meaning disposed of by fire. I find this ironic, given Paul's language in verse 13 where he says “there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the FIRE to see whether or not it keeps its value [i.e., whether it REMAINS].” My aunt's body and her works will go through a fire.

When we leave this world, the work we have done for the Kingdom of God will remain: we will be rewarded. Given the gravity of this, should you—regardless of your age—be more mindful of what you are building? And not only for eternal rewards, but that the ‘building’ you are doing will continue, or remain, ‘in time’ through those people in whom you have invested? As I looked around the church last week at my Aunt Ruby's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, I thought to myself, these are her legacy. But now the Lord has given me a fresh revelation of this: they are her eternal 'remains.'

Francis Frangipane said “The Lord inspects His house by walking through it and throwing matches!” Will your 'building' pass the test of His fire. Will it remain?

PRAY FOR JOSE

Did you know that November 8 was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church? Each year, more than half a million churches join together to pray for persecuted Christians. We need to be reminded to pray our brothers and sisters who are abused or imprisoned because of their faith.

And it isn’t just the persecuted ones who need our prayers. We must remember to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who live in sub-standard conditions: they have no running water, adequate food or housing. We need to pray for those who are suffering because they are poor, hungry or sick.

While in Guatemala, we met “evangelicals” (that’s what Guatemalan Christians call themselves) wherever we went. On the day we travelled 6 hours to visit the “Shadow of His Wings” orphanage, we hired a driver named Jose. On the long drive back, he told me he was an evangelical, having recently been born again. He gave me his brief testimony of drug abuse and theft. He said he had been in prison 3 times, but now he goes to Bible study 4 nights a week. I do not know what Jose’s home is like (I would like to have visited him there) but I do know that there are many Christians like him who have very little of the things we take for granted: clean drinking water, hot and cold running water, indoor plumbing, and enough income to buy food and provide adequate housing for one’s family.

Let us not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world. “Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit; stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere” (Ephesians 6:18).

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO WATCH THE YOUTUBE PRESENTATION OF “SHADOW OF HIS WINGS” ORPHANAGE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f1DTQHR8ws

How Are You Meeting the Biblical Mandate to Care for Orphans and Widows?

When we accepted our daughter’s invitation to visit her and her husband in Guatemala, we told her the one thing we wanted to do was to visit an orphanage. So our second ‘divine surprise' in Guatemala was finding "Shadow of His Wings," currently providing 5 homes for 64 orphaned girls.

The girls come from various backgrounds, but most have come out of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Several are daughters of prostitutes, with one of them being forced into her mother's profession at the age of six. Some girls have come to “Shadow of His Wings” badly beaten, one by her mother and the other by a stepfather. But all have suffered the lack of food, clothing, shelter, and love. And since most of the girls have received little or no education, “Shadow of His Wings” built Liberty Christian School (currently grade school and junior high). Not surprisingly, they have a need for trained teachers, psychologists, and counselors to help these girls be healed and learn who they are in Christ.

“Shadow of His Wings” long term goals include building homes for at least 150 girls and 100 boys, a high school, a multi-purpose building with a central kitchen, a medical clinic (which will also serve community members), administrative building, 2 small staff homes, and a building for the “Step Up” transition program for the girls who turn eighteen. Additionally, they are planning to have a home for babies with an adoption program. And long term to build a home for widows to be known as Grammy's House.

The Bible says: “pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles…” (James 1:27 NLT) Can you imagine any ministry more responsive to James’ words than “Shadow of His Wings”?

Now, may I ask you to read the following words of Jesus and let them ‘disturb’ you as they do me?
Then He will also say to those on His left, "Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.” Then they themselves also will answer, "Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ Then He will answer them, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me." (Matt. 25:41-45).

Faith That Doesn't Show Itself By Good Deeds Is No Faith At All

On our first full day of our stay in Guatemala, we visited Casa Jackson, a home for feeding malnourished children—our daughter and her husband volunteer there, feeding babies and changing diapers. But our “divine surprise’ was finding it was part of a larger ministry called Nuestros Ahijados (God’s Child). We visited their ‘campus’, called the Dream Center, located in the notorious San Felipe slums. Nuestros Ahijados feeds, cares for, and educates needy children, women, and families. And because most of the families they work with live in houses that are just pieces of wood with dirt floors and lamina sheets for roofs, Nuestros Ahijados has a program to build homes with solid walls and cement floors. They currently have a two-year waiting list to build these homes (which cost only $1500). We are excited to find such a great need that is within our means to do something about!

In September 2009, the Guatemalan government declared a state of emergency and requested international support to respond to a major food crisis. Drought in the country has wiped out the corn and bean crops of poor families. The government estimates more than 3 million people are at risk of serious food shortages. Doctors are reporting a growing number of life-threatening cases of severe malnutrition in children. The current phenomenon of starving children is unlike any seen in years. Analysts expect the current crisis to worsen because crop failures have pushed food prices out of reach for many poor families.

I am reminded of James’ words:
“Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well,” but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is dead and useless (James 2:15-17 NLT).

Divine Surprises

Altha and I returned from Guatemala on Friday, two days later than our “planned” arrival. Now I am putting the word “planned” in quotations for a reason. Before we left on our trip, we were strongly led to pray for the Lord’s will to be done—purposefully letting go of any expectations of how things should be.

From beginning to end of our Guatemalan adventure, each day was uniquely and divinely designed to accomplish God’s purposes. There were some circumstances that resulted in our “planned” events being cancelled. From a natural perspective, these might be seen as disappointments. But let me be very clear: in submitting to God’s plans there can be no disappointment. Why?

Your disappointments are directly related to your expectations. Therefore, when you have truly surrendered your personal plans and expectations to HIS, you will not be disappointed. Rather, you will view all circumstances through the eyes of faith, seeing what God sees, understand what He is doing.

As a counselor, I know all too well how Christians tend to see these divine interventions as “interruptions,” or worse, “interferences.” Can you see what a difference it will make when you approach each day expecting to be surprised by God’s plans for you—“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Believing that will make you much more content.

(In future postings, I will share with you some of the wonderful divine surprises that God provided during our 11 days in Guatemala.)

Off to Guatemala

Altha and I are leaving for Guatemala today, returning on November 11th. Our daughter Esther and her husband John have been traveling through Central America since September. In Costa Rica they volunteered in schools and churches, and then decided to spend a month in Guatemala to volunteer in a home for malnourished children. www.casajackson.com. They are also helping serve food in a homeless shelter. Not only are Altha and I looking forward to seeing where they are ministering, but we plan to visit a girls’ orphanage/school as well. You can find out about the orphanage at www.shadowofhiswingsorphanage.org

Esther and John’s volunteer work for the poor and needy reveals their heart of compassion. As you can imagine we are very proud of them. They are feeding babies, changing diapers and serving meals to the homeless. I am reminded of those in the Bible who served in places of obscurity where their faithfulness in the little things was proven before God gave them greater authority—David was a common shepherd before he was a king! Remember this when you think your place in God’s kingdom is insignificant!

NOTE:
I will not be posting a blog for the next 9 days. Please pray for our protection. Guatemala has the highest tourism crime rate in Latin America. Like the orphanage we will visit, however, we will be hidden safely under the shadow of His wings.

Can You Do Two Things at Once?

Unlike any other time in human history, people are multi-tasking. Hyper-automation makes it possible to do many things at once: you can simultaneously wash clothes, cook dinner, and water your lawn; and all of this as you drive to work talking on the phone. But there is something no one can do. No one can do two opposite things at once. For example, you cannot SIT and WALK at the same time.

Paul employs this self-evident ‘common sense’ approach to sanctification: he says you cannot walk by the Spirit and carry out the desire of the flesh (Gal. 5:16). It is impossible to walk by the Spirit and sin. It quite simple: either you are Spirit-led or flesh-driven—but you cannot be both at the same time.

What then is the secret to being able to “walk by the Spirit?” Oddly, the answer is “sitting.” While it is physically impossible to sit and walk at the same time, it is imperative in the spiritual realm. What does it mean to sit, i.e., Paul says we are “seated with Christ” (Eph 2:6)? ‘Sitting’ is a position of rest. When Christ finished his work He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb 12:2). It is your position of power and authority in Christ (the best seat in the house!) that empowers your walk. Paradoxically, then, we must remain seated while we are walking.

Think of a man who is handicapped and is confined to his wheel chair. Even though he is ‘sitting,’ he is also moving (walking). In fact, unless he remains seated in his chair, he cannot go anywhere (his chair empowers him). He both sits and walks at once. And so it is in the spiritual realm, unless you learn how to SIT and WALK at the same time, you really can't get anywhere.

What Kind of Friend Are You?

Not a week goes by that I don’t get a request to be someone’s Facebook friend. What’s surprising is that I don’t know who they are! I think social networking is redefining friendship. I do realize there are all ‘types’ of friendships: the “hi, how are you,” the “stay-in-touch,” “let’s do lunch,” “chat-after-church.” And then there the friends you share your heart with.

Toward the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus promoted the disciples from servants to friends, describing a friend as one who shares his thoughts and plans—the secrets of his heart (John 15:14-15). This is reminiscent of God’s relationship with Abraham: “shall I hide [my plans] from Abraham” (Genesis 18:17). Up to that point, Abraham’s relationship with God was that of a loyal servant. But on that day, Abraham was promoted—from servant to friend. Accordingly, as a friend, he feels free to question God about His plans—Abraham shares his concerns and in return wants to understand God’s heart. I think Abraham’s questions must have pleased God.

Jesus said to the disciples “if you are my friends, you will keep my commandments.” At first blush that sounds more like servanthood than friendship. But Jesus is saying something like this: “before you obeyed me as a servant does his master, but now I want you to obey me because you love me and want to please me.” They were promoted from ‘workers for’ to ‘partners with.’

By the way, the story of Mary and Martha sheds light on this subject. While Martha was serving Jesus in the kitchen, Mary was sitting with Jesus in the parlor. So what kind of friend are you? Do you spend more time in the kitchen or the parlor? Maybe this is your promotion day!

How Can They Be So Blind?

After seeing a TV interview with the Dalai Lama last week, I saw a news article about his newest book “The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World.” Reading the article, I realized how little I knew about him. He is much more influential than I imagined. His first book was translated into 50 languages, sold millions of copies, and sat on the NY Times best-seller list for two years. In 2007, President Bush lauded him as a great religious leader, awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. And recently Nancy Pelosi presented him the Lantos Human Rights Prize, bowing to and addressing him as “your holiness.”

It is not hard to understand the world’s attraction to the Dalai Lama’s message of peace in a troubled world. But, sadly, at the same time his brand of Buddhism is being acclaimed in high places, the gospel message of Jesus is being mocked and rejected. How can they be so BLIND? Can’t they SEE that Jesus’ offer of everlasting peace and eternal life far surpasses the Dalai’s tender of temporal happiness!?” The answer is: they are blind! “Satan…has BLINDED the minds of those who don't believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:4, NLT)

After Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened by sin, they and all who were born of them were blind. Jesus came to restore sight to the blind. And the same charge has now been given to us. As children of light we are to ...open the eyes of the blind… to let our light shine before men that they will see our good deeds and praise our Heavenly Father… He has appointed us to be the light of the world. (Eph. 5:8; Mat. 5:16, 14; Is. 42:6, abbreviated, paraphrased, NIV, NLT) Are we faithfully carrying out our charge to light up the world?

There's No Place for 'Settlers' in God's Kingdom

I was reading an aticle about Jewish settlements in Israel's West Bank; and I was suddenly struck by the double meaning of the word “settle”: 1) to establish and maintain a residence, or 2) to be satisfied with less. Then I recalled the American pioneers who traveled cross country to California, many of whom grew weary and “settled” communities along the way but fell short of their final destination. You could say these “settlers” “settled” for less. A further reflection on these words provides two relevant applications!

First, we are not to be settled in this world. Despite King David's progress in settling more of the Promised Land during his reign than any other time in Israel's history, David remained strangely ‘unsettled’: “I am a traveler passing through life, as my fathers were before me” (Ps. 39:12). Jesus depicted his disciples as “not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14). Paul spoke of “our citizenship in heaven” (Phil. 3:20) and warned of being “conformed” [settled in] to this world” (Ro. 12:2). Peter used the term “aliens and strangers” (1 Pet. 2:11) to describe believers.

Second, we should never settle for less than God’s best for us. Paul's commitment to excellence is expressed by these words: “I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus… [and] one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phi. 3:12-14).

Paul was neither a settler nor a settler! If you have become a little too settled on earth (in your job, your church, your circumstances), be careful that you are not settling for less than God's best.

Distracted FLYING is a Threat to Your Safety

Is this a funny coincidence!? A week ago today I posted a blog about the danger of distracted driving (Tuesday, October 20) and today in USA Today is a lead story on the Northwest Airline pilots who overflew their destination by 150 miles. The article is entitled “Distraction led pilots to fly too far.” Immediately, I thought of another spiritual application for the issue of distraction—missing our DESTINATION.

The word “destination” means not only the predetermined end of a journey, but also means the ultimate end or purpose for which something or someone is created or destined. Our “end purpose/destination” was predetermined—that we would be conformed to the image of Jesus! (Ro. 8:29). The ultimate consequence of distracted living—a divided mind, lack of focus, wrong mindset—is missing our destination—not a place—not heaven, but the life of Jesus. He is the ultimate reason, the purpose for being.

Distractions can keep us from spending time with Jesus, developing His friendship, learning to hear His voice—all of which are necessary if we are to reach our destination—our full life in Jesus. Without it, we end up with something else—mere human existence!

Finally, Paul warns that distraction—a lack of single-mindedness—may result in our disqualification in the race (1 Cor. 9:24-27), a reference to the loss of rewards: “Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward” (1 John 8). At the end of our race, we will reach our destination—we will be with Jesus; we will be like Jesus (1 John3:2). Don’t you want to arrive with a full reward because you lived a life of undivided attention to Him (1 Cor. 11:3)?

What if Every Christian Looked Like You?

Some years ago the Holy Spirit asked me “Greg, what would the Body of Christ look like if everyone’s Christian walk was like yours?” That sobering thought was the beginning of some major changes.

You’ve heard the expression “Do what I say, not what I do,” the confession of the “unbelieving believer.” For several years after Bible school, this was me—I knew the Bible, but didn’t ‘believe’ the Bible—I lived like an unbeliever. Astonishingly, for some Christians this is normal. Of course it is not—there should be no disparity between what you believe and what you do. This is what Paul means when he says: how can you who died to sin still live in it? (Rom. 6:2)… and if you have died with Christ, and your life has been hidden in Him (Col. 3:1-3), you should be able to say it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me (Gal. 2:20). You have become one with Jesus.

Jesus prayed for us to be “one,” even as He and the Father were “one.” Because of this “oneness” Jesus was able to say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. Doesn’t it follow then that if we are “one” with Jesus, we should be able to say ‘if you have seen me [insert your name here!], you have seen Jesus?’

Jesus’ whole life was an example for us to follow (John 13:15; 1 Peter 2:21). And with a humility that leaves us speechless, Paul boldly says: "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1). I know someone is reading this, thinking “someday I will be an example, but I am not there yet.” If you think you are not yet ready to be an example, listen to these words by Paul: “Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Wouldn't you like people to look at you and say “I see Jesus?”

Most People Don't Believe You Reap What You Sow

Some years ago, I counseled a young Christian man who was depressed because of an ongoing, unresolved conflict with his ‘live-in,’ non-Christian girlfriend. As I sat there listening to him, I wondered how he could be so ignorant of God’s moral standards. Either that, or he was terribly presumptuous to think there would no negative consequence for his immorality?

Many times in my counseling ministry, I encountered people who were suffering the consequences of their sin—sometimes because of ignorance. My job was to help them ‘connect the dots’ between their choices and the consequences, teach them Biblical principles, and encourage better choices. What I saw in my counseling office epitomized a larger problem of widespread ignorance and unbelief. And, unfortunately, some have interpreted grace in a way that fosters permissiveness.

I believe there is an explanation for this “consequential” carelessness. If a person does not see immediate negative consequences for his wrongdoing, he “imagines” he has gotten away with it (1 Pet. 3:4, 8-9). The fallacy in this logic, of course, is thinking that judgment delayed is judgment averted. Evidently, some of the Christians in Galatia had become ambivalent about consequences. So Paul warns: “Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow” (Gal. 6:7 NLT)

But the principle of “sowing and reaping” has its moral equivalency—good conduct (obedience) has its rewards, “for the present life and the life to come.” (1 Tim. 4:8) And just as vehemently as we are warned against sowing to the flesh (Gal. 6:8), we are urged to sow to the spirit, with this promise: “he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). If you really believe you reap what you sow, would you be sowing more? Would you change what you are sowing?

Will You Die for Me?

Altha is my greatest supporter and encourager. She wants me to be a man of faith, accomplishing all that God has created me to do (Eph.2:10). And I hope she sees me doing the same for her. We are conscious of encouraging one another to keep pressing on and reaching higher (Phil. 3:14). This is the essence of a covenant relationship: honoring each other (Rom. 12:10), and looking out for each other’s interests, even above our own (Phil. 2:3-4). (I am not saying I always do it perfectly, but it is my intention to do so!)

When Jonathan made a covenant with David (1 Sam. 18), he gave him his royal robe, signifying he was giving up his “princely” rights in order to make David King—he sought David’s honor above his own. Next, he gave David his weapons and belt, acknowledging his responsibility as covenant partner to protect and provide. He was supplying the resources David would need for success.

This story of Jonathan and David also pictures the covenant Jesus made with us—giving us His life, His strength, and His resources—that we might do the “good works He prepared for us” (Eph. 2:10). Not unlike Jonathan toward David, Jesus made covenant with those who have nothing to offer in return. Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Ruler of the earth, covers us with His own robe of righteousness to make us glorious.

And finally, the covenant meant Jonathan and David were willing to die for each other. Jesus died to make covenant with us. And this is the spirit of covenant: those who make it die to themselves for the sake of their covenant partner. Just as Jesus died to make us glorious, so we too, make Him glorious as we die to ourselves and reflect his glory even more. (2 Cor. 3:18)

Will you die for Him?

Distracted Driving is a Threat to Our Well-being!

Do you talk on your cell phone while driving? Do you text? An article in the newspaper, “Driving while distracted,”claims this is a growing danger as more drivers insist on using their cell phones and handheld devises. Last year, almost 6,000 people were killed and a half-million injured due to driver distraction.

Did you know there is a Biblical mandate against distraction? Paul says “be not anxious!” (Phil. 4:6). The word “anxious” is NOT exactly the same word we use today to describe the ‘clinically’-diagnosed problem of anxiety. The Greek word “anxious” is rooted in the word “divide,” meaning a divided or distracted mind. Jesus diagnoses Martha’s problem using this word: “Martha, Martha, you are worried…” (Luke 10:42). Martha was not having a panic attack: but she was terribly distracted by the details of dinner preparation.

Fortunately, Paul does not give the prohibition against “distraction” without offering the solution. The cure for distraction is FOCUS: “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right...pure and lovely and admirable...excellent and worthy of praise” (Phil. 4:9 NLT)…,“set your minds on things above” (Col. 3:2). Paul’s solution: “single-mindedness.” When Jesus spoke of Martha’s “distraction” He too pointed to single-mindedness: “you are distracted by many things but only one thing is necessary” (Luke 10:42). The “one thing” that mattered most that day was devotion to Jesus. Mary understood that.

And finally, Paul says Satan’s strategy in the Garden was to distract Eve from her single-minded devotion to God, followed by his warning: Satan will try to distract your minds from attention to Jesus (2 Co. 11:3). And his strategy remains unchanged. He will do everything to distract you in your quiet times of Bible reading and prayer. He will distract you with the things of this world—both good and bad. Be careful! These distractions can cause accident and injury. Distractions are a threat to your well-being!

To His Credit, David Letterman Didn’t Play the Blame Game!

Unlike many celebrities & politicians who are quick to deny, David Letterman admitted his indiscretions (after being ‘outed!) without excusing himself or blaming anyone!

Ever since Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent, men and women have been trying to avoid taking responsibility for their misbehavior. In fact, in today’s litigious-happy culture, we make heroes out of blame-shifters: life-long smokers dying with lung cancer are suing tobacco companies, and obese consumers of fast foods are suing McDonald’s and KFC.

Even in the evangelical church, “it’s-not-my-fault” prevails. A well-known pastor, who committed adultery and was removed from his church, has been on the Oprah show twice offering explanations for his behavior. Please Note: ‘I sinned BECAUSE’ is only a half-confession because it is a half-blame.

In contrast, Jim Bakker (of PTL) who was convicted of fraud and subsequently exonerated, wrote his book “I was Wrong” confessing his sins, incorrect teachings, and pride, all things no Court of Law—only God—had convicted him of! Though many believed the false accusations he was accused of (and then his wife divorced him and married his best friend!), Jim blamed no one. God told him he would not be released from prison until he forgave everyone who had wronged him. Jim’s five-year confinement was God’s incubation for Jim’s transformation! And when Jim was freed from the prison, he was free indeed!

I encourage you today to consider if there is any sin in your life for which you are still making excuses or “half-blaming” someone else, release them, release yourself, and be free! (Read Matthew 18:21-35)

You Need a Melchizedek in Your Life

I am convinced one of the most important ministries we have is encouraging one another—“Let us… stimulate one another to love and good deeds… and encouraging one another all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24-25). Our souls are stressed by living in this sense-oriented world; we get weary and discouraged (Gal. 6:9). We need to lift each other up!

When Abraham and his men were exhausted from battle, and most vulnerable, God sent someone to lift him up—Melchizedek, king of Salem. Though his place in history is brief, much has been said about Melchizedek as a type of Christ. He shows up right after Abraham has won a war against the kings of Canaan, with a well-deserved & much-needed meal for Abraham and his weary men. Then, after dinner, Melchizedek delivers a 2-verse sermon: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." (Gen.14:19-20)

Imagine that, you pastors and teachers, a two-point sermon that can be delivered in less than a minute! Point One: The Most High God owns the heavens and the earth. Point Two: the Most High God had defeated the enemy! The sermon was very relevant: Abraham would have been tempted to 1) covet the spoils of war, thus enriching him, and 2) lift himself up in the pride of his victory. In other words, at the moment of self-exaltation, God sends Melchizedek to lift Abraham’s eyes to the Most High God.

The best sermon is one that lifts you up to see God’s “higher” perspective, one that helps you to “set your mind on things above” (Col. 3:2), and turns your attention away from your ‘self’ to the Most High God. This is how we are to encourage one another—it is the Melchizedek ministry!

What is God Doing?

Who hasn’t gone through some trial that makes you wonder what in the world is going on? Neither the trial itself nor the timing of it makes any sense. When Israel crossed the Red Sea, God led them into a waterless desert, where they faced the real possibility of dying. “God, what are You doing?,” Israel asked, but only rhetorically—they were in fact just complaining. What they meant was “Why are you doing this to us? Are you trying to kill us?” (Ex. 17:7) They weren’t believing in God’s goodness.

In my years of counseling, many times I have posed this question to people who were encountering an unsettling trial. Most didn’t think beyond the global question. My job was to make it more personal. The majority ask “what is God doing?” as a form of complaint, as opposed to “What is God doing” with a desire to line up with His plan. When you are trying to get an answer to this question, it will be wise for you to begin with two principles: God is good, and God is always doing ‘good’ for you (Ro. 8:28).

When God abruptly changes your version of life, remember these two certainties. He may not furnish you the details, but you must trust that He is up to something good. After Israel’s trial through the desert was over, this was Moses’ explanation: “the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would really obey his commands” (Deut. 8:2).

What is God doing in your life? Every test gives you a chance to grow in your faith—and to prove whether you believe in His goodness, and will be obedient when things don’t make sense. Whatever God is doing, you can be sure it is always good for you. No one can even imagine the things God has prepared for those who love him (1 Cor. 2:9).

Contrary to Modern Psychology, Self-Hatred is Good

We say we want to crucify our flesh, but as soon as it starts to hurt, we pull back—the reason: we love ourselves.

Yet Jesus said "If anyone comes to me, and does not hate his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). In our psycho-friendly churches, we are taught to love ourselves. Our teachers say ‘go easy on yourself; after all, you are only human’. In 1981, a Christian book “Make Friends with Your Shadow” captured the essence of this philosophy: “how to accept and use positively the negative side of your personality.” Our ‘flesh’ was redefined as a “friend,” a 'wounded child' within us. Peter says you are to wage war against your flesh (1 Pet. 2:11) but how can you do so if you see it as your friend?

So how do we hate ourselves? As we grow in love with God, embracing His holiness, we progressively hate everything He hates, and that includes our self-centered flesh. You ask: does God hate? Yes. Solomon tell us the seven things God hates (Prov. 6:17-19). Then Moses tells us God hates idoloatry (Deut 12:31). God hates everything that hurts the things He loves. Humanly speaking, if you love someone, you hate whatever would harm that person. If you're a parent, you hate anything that would harm your children. If you're married, you hate anything that would hurt your spouse. So it should be with God: “You who love the Lord, hate evil" (Ps. 97:10).

When Jesus says hate your own life, He means your self-life (your self-reliance, self-sufficiency, self-love) because it opposes God-love, God-reliance, God-sufficiency. When you see how offensive and grievous your ‘own life’ is to God, you will hate it. The more you try to please God in your own strength and fail to do so, the more you will hate your ‘own life.’

Was Adam Really Naked?

Do you have one of those recurring dreams where you are out in public and suddenly realize you are naked? Such dreams are fairly common—they reveal subconscious shame.

In the Garden, Adam and Eve were naked without feeling shame. Only after the Fall were their eyes opened to their nakedness. In sinning, they lost God’s image, His glory, and without that, they had nothing—naked and ashamed of it. Thus, the first clothing ever worn was constructed of “fig leaves.” In our sophistry, we think them naïve—trying to hide their nakedness from God. But allow me to ask you this question: when you’re not feeling good about yourself, does it make you feel better to put on something new and flattering—the latest fashion? Or maybe it isn’t clothes; maybe you put on performance, entertainment, intelligence…all of which are intended to make you feel better on the inside by something external.

When Peter says a Godly woman is not defined by clothing but by the “unfading beauty of a gentle & quiet spirit” (1 Pet. 3:4), he provides a clue to our problem of shame: “clothes don’t make the man (or woman).” Mind you, Peter is not saying she shouldn't wear clothes, but her longing for beauty is misguided; it can only be satisfied when she is clothed in God’s glory. Listen to Isaiah: “I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels” (61:10).

Therefore, “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness & holiness” (Eph. 4:24)... “clothe yourself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…and the most important piece of clothing... love” (Col. 3:10-12), and you will “not be found naked” (2 Cor. 5:3). When God reveals to you the glory of your new nature, I’ll bet you won’t be having those naked dreams anymore.

Are You Being Sabotaged by Little Foxes?

To grow in faith, you must be tested. I’ve had a lifetime of tests—failing as many as I pass, I'm sure! Surprisingly, I have less difficulty managing the big tests in life than the little ones. After thinking long on this, I’ve figure out that when a big test of faith comes along, I am able to resign myself to the sovereignty of God. But the little tests (pop quizzes?) stumble me, revealing more about my ‘faith position’ than the big ones! It’s one thing to stand firm in your faith through a life-or-death crisis over which you have little control anyway; but it’s quite another thing to ‘remain’ in faith when some irksome driver is tailgating you on the freeway.

In Solomon’s Song, he refers to the “little foxes that spoil the vines” just as the vines begin to blossom (2:15). As the foxes attempt to eat the sweet blossoms that will become grapes, they not only limit fruitfulness, but spoil the vineyards by breaking and damaging the tender vines—not destroying them, but certainly stunting their growth. These little foxes hide and lurk about, doing their best to avoid detection—their best work at night, in the dark.

The little foxes are the little trials that do not destroy our faith, but certainly sabotage it—preventing increase, stealing our peace and joy, and causing discontent. Just as these little foxes need to be caught and driven out of the vineyard, so we need to be quick to “take every thought [every saboteur] captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Co. 10:5). These saboteurs will always show up just as you begin to make spiritual progress. Let us catch the little foxes that are spoiling our fruitfulness and fellowship with Jesus.

A Chaplain's Prayer for Our Nation

The following “Prayer for Our Nation” was written by Bob Russell in 1995, and drew world-wide attention in 1996 when Rev. Joe Wright delivered it at the opening session (as the invited guest chaplain) of the Kansas House of Representatives. It provoked a world-wide controversy, some calling it a 'prayer of intolerance.' Read it and judge for yourselves.

'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!'

“Face Time” Discipleship

[Today's post is part two of yesterday’s “In Your Face"]

In Jesus’ final moment with His followers, He commissioned them to “make disciples” (Mat. 28:19). And that is what the New Testament church did: “admonishing and teaching every man…to present every man complete in Christ” (Col. 1:28). Following Jesus’ “discipleship model,” the early believers knew making disciples had to be personal and relational—involving lots of “Face Time.”

When Jesus thought about His Body, the Church, do you think he envisioned large auditoriums where people would come for an hour each week, sitting in long rows of chairs facing a stage? To their detriment, large numbers of Christians have no spiritual connection other than “attending” a church service once a week. They have no connection to their pastor, no significant personal relationship with another—they are not getting any one's “Face Time.”

Jesus did envision small groups of people having “face time” with Him and with one another. He said, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst" (Matt. 18:20). We should not be surprised that Jesus spoke of small gatherings—even as few as two or three— since disciple-making is so individual.

Our mega-churches may be packing people into the pews, but unless they are also making disciples, they have fallen short of the Great Commission. And if you are not in a personal, vital “face time” relationship with a younger believer, neither are you. But it’s not too late to right this wrong. Ask the Lord to show you someone in your sphere who needs your “face time.”

In Your Face?

The term “In Your Face” suggests a rather aggressive way of interacting with someone—a nose-to-nose confrontation. A similar phrase, “In His Face,” was the title of a book by Bob Sorge (1994). Bob used the phrase to emphasize he was ‘aggressively’ pursuing God in the midst of his life-altering illness.

Another, perhaps gentler expression is “Face Time,” meaning face-to-face interaction between people—incorporating "real” time and closeness versus telephone, email, or instant messaging, and promoting intimacy through eye contact and touch.

God desires “Face time” with us (as we should with Him): “When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, O Lord, I shall seek” (Psalm 27:8). “Face Time” with God also requires closeness. “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). Significantly, the words “face” and “presence” are the SAME in Hebrew. In these two verses you can easily substitute the words “face” and “presence.”

Are you spending enough “face time” with Jesus? You cannot get it by attending a church service, or listening to a sermon, or doing ministry. These are all ‘good’ things that can keep you away from spending time alone in the presence of Jesus.

Apathy is Not On The Menu

I grew up watching some pretty tame family sitcoms (by today’s standards), like “Father Knows Best,” “Leave it to Beaver,” “Ozzie and Harriet!” So it was with special interest I noted USA Today's announcement of 2 new family friendly shows on ABC this Fall: “Cougar Town” and “Modern Family.”

Since “cougar” is vernacular for an older woman who “hunts” younger men, you can guess what that “family” show is about. Then there’s “Modern Family.” Think of all the hot-button ‘family-values’ issues of our day, and you will have a good idea what constitutes ABC’s version of a modern family.

I am convinced the decline of Judeo-Christian values over the last 50 years can be gauged by the moral content of TV programming. Biblically-defined family values have been turned upside-down. In 2 Peter we read that Lott, who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah, was oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men... his righteous soul tormented day after day with their lawless deeds (2:7-8). I am afraid instead of feeling tormented, the majority of today's evangelical Christians are just feeling indifferent. But apathy is not a choice on the menu for those called to be salt and light to the world, as reflected in Paul's exhortations: Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them...When the light shines on them, it becomes clear how evil these things are. And where your light shines, it will expose their evil deeds. (Eph. 5:11-13, abbreviated, NLT)

What are we to do (besides turning off the TV and going to bed)? As I see it, there are two extremes to avoid: becoming sensualized by the evil or becoming desensitized to it. It's the latter the Bible especially warns of as we approach the end times. The writer of Hebrews says we ought to stimulate and encourage one another all the more as we see the day drawing near, (Heb. 10:24-25, paraphrased) not unlike Paul's warning: Let us not sleep [be indifferent] as others do, but let us watch and be sober (1 Thess. 5:6).

"You Need to Lose that Weight!"

Kind of a rude thing to say to someone, don’t you think!? Well, that’s pretty much what I said to one of my friends last week. But it wasn’t “pounds” or “fat” I was encouraging him to lose. It was “weight” as used by the writer of Hebrews: “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1, NKJ)

The word “weight” is rooted in the word “bend,” meaning a burden that causes you to bend under its load. Notably, this charge to lose weight is followed by a challenge to “run the race set before you” [the emphasis is personal: each of us is running his/her own race!]. You definitely won’t run well if you’re weighed down. Distinguishing between a “weight” and “sin,” the Hebrews writer seems to imply that a weight is not something overtly sinful, but something that is holding you back. That said, it does become sinful when God tells you to “put it off” (Eph. 4:22). But you don't.

So what I was saying to my young friend was this: there is something in your life that is hindering your race, slowing you down, and could eventually disqualify you. Those are serious words, but I didn’t say them—Paul did!—when he urged us to run our race in such a way that we will win (1 Co. 9:24-27).

What about you? Is there some ‘weight’ you need to lose? What prevents you from losing it?

Also, see blog post: Are You a Loser? http://dyingtoliveabundantlife.blogspot.com/search?q=loser

Don't Leave Home Without It!

In yesterday’s blog post, I wrote that “abstinence” programs won’t work effectively without a good “entitlement” program. However, I don’t want to give the impression that I am diminishing abstinence as an essential factor for spiritual growth. There is reason for Peter’s compelling words: “I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11).
WE ARE AT WAR.

The root of the Greek word “abstain” is “distance.” Peter’s command could read: “keep away from and distance yourself from your enemies.” A key element in keeping your distance is establishing and maintaining good boundaries—to keep them out and keep you in. In war, the enemy’s strategy is to break down your boundaries and capture you. Peter is telling us we have to “abstain”, establish and maintain our boundaries because ‘fleshly lusts’ are waging war against us—a battle between flesh and spirit (Gal. 5:16).

The boundaries we maintain are both spiritual and physical. For example, a good physical boundary for a Christian businessman is never to travel alone with his secretary. Spiritual boundaries are defined for us throughout the commands of the New Testament writers (too many too mention!). But Paul captures the essence of good boundaries when he says: “Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). In other words, by the Word and Spirit we are kept “in bounds.”

How good are you at border patrol? Are you keeping a ‘safe’ distance from temptation? Are you keeping yourself “unstained by the world” (James 1:27)? What makes it difficult of course is that we are living in enemy territory. Every time you leave your prayer closet and go out into the world, you enter a war zone. Make sure you have your abstinence plan with you. Don’t leave home without it.

Is Your Abstinence Program Working for You?

“Abstinence” means a voluntary restraint from indulging a desire or appetite or pleasure. That said, these days when you hear “abstinence” you immediately think of controversial sex education programs. Opponents of Abstinence Programs say they don’t work. And in part, they are right.

Prohibitions, by themselves, do not work. When Peter and Paul urged abstinence—“abstain from fleshly lusts,” “from fornication,” “from... evil,” (1 Pet. 2:11; 1 Thess. 5:22; 4:3), it was always in the context of displacement. That is to say, you can’t tell someone to stop doing something ‘wrong’ without telling them to start doing something ‘right,’ parallel to Paul’s repeated admonition to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self.” And the “right” thing has to be so much better than the thing you are abstaining from that the abstaining is not only possible but preferable, and in fact, far superior.

But there is another reason prohibitions don’t work: something in our flesh called “entitlement.” We think we are entitled to indulge our selves—“lovers of pleasure” (2 Tim. 3:4). As a cross-carrying Christian, you know you are no longer entitled to indulge your selfish pleasure. But do you know that God has a new entitlement program for you!? You are entitled to all the benefits of your new birthright: “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Ro. 14:17). You are entitled His divine power [for] everything pertaining to life and godliness, to His magnificent promises, and to become a partaker of His divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:3-4). If you are struggling with your “abstinence program” (whatever it is you are trying to abstain from), is it because you have not replaced it with God's “entitlement program?”

Considering the importance of ‘displacement,’ look at Paul words: “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust [instead] follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Tim. 2:22 NLT).

Is Starbucks Promoting Isolation with Conversation-Killing Wi-Fi?

My son Joshua works at Starbucks in Seattle. My son-in-law John was a Starbucks barista too. Is there anybody reading this that doesn’t know somebody who works at Starbucks? Seems we are all affected (or infected) by Starbucks (for some of you it may be Peets or some other local coffee restaurant).

According to author Bryant Simon, Starbucks’ impact is not good, claiming in his book “Everything but the Coffee: Learning about America from Starbucks,” our lives have been shaped unconstructively. He refers in particular to what-he-calls “conversation-killing Wi-Fi” which has diminished meaningful conversation and spontaneous discussion—a sense of community is missing. Instead, he observes, the couches, plush chairs and tables are used for sterile business meetings or solo laptop users.

Now whether you agree with his assessment or not, you have to admit it has merit. As a student of psychology and sociology, I have my own perceptions of what-I-call the “cubicalization” of America—meaning, we all live and work in spaces, (whether at home or work you could call them “cubicles”) that afford a sense of privacy while however unintentionally fostering a culture of separation and isolation. People are lonely behind their walls.

As Christians we should be wary of this same spirit of separation. It is so easy to attend a large church and never really connect with anyone. In light of this, reflect on these words from Hebrews 10: 24-25:

Think of ways to encourage one another to...love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.