What is it Worth?

According to the January “Open Doors” newsletter, a Somali mother of four young children was killed by Muslim extremists when she confessed her conversion to Christ. In Alexandria, Egypt, 21 people were killed as they were leaving church when a bomb exploded on New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, our brother in Christ, Dr. Said Musa (see Nov. 30 post), awaits execution in Afghanistan for loving Jesus.

“Now great multitudes were going along with Him; and He turned to them and said, If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple…If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Luke 14:25-26; Mark 8:34).

As we read these words, do we think our every-day problems are the cross we must bear? Is that what Jesus' followers thought He meant? No. To them, the cross was no figure of speech. In Jesus’ time, to ‘take up your cross’ meant you were condemned to die the painful, degrading death, called crucifixion—a penalty reserved by the Romans for the worst criminals. Christ’s early followers knew their conversion could cost their lives. Certainly, Muslim converts know this. When they picked up their cross, they knew the price they might have to pay. Perhaps it is a good time to ask ourselves how much we have bought into the “easy-to-believe-just-say-a-prayer” evangelism that promises everything and costs nothing.

The Cure for NIMBY

Have you ever heard of a support group for “double-minded” people? Why not? Everyone struggles with this “Adam-inherited” infection of half-heartedness. You can see it politically with people who want better airport security but say “don’t touch ‘my’ junk,” or who favor reducing National debt, but not 'on the back' of their ‘entitlement’. But this is nothing new; it’s the old “Not in my backyard” attitude—for which there’s even an acronym: NIMBY. People who don’t want a half-way house or a nuclear power plant in their neighborhood, though they think it's a good idea—just not in their backyard—are NIMBY-ers.

But I think we could also personalize NIMBY as a description of double-mindedness: those who tell others what to do, but can’t seem to do it in their own backyard! And by the way, NIMBY-ers usually have a good-looking “front” yard. And there you have the problem: the difference between your front and back yard (what people see and what you know they don’t see!).

In psychology, we call this cognitive dissonance. And it’s what drives many anxious people into the therapist’s office. The Bible is replete with stories of those who suffered from the front-yard/back-yard infection, including Paul with his familiar "when I want to do good, I don't; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway." It all started in the Garden when Satan deceived Eve, infecting her with “double-mindedness” (2 Cor. 11:3). Fortunately, ‘Dr. Paul’ prescribes the cure: “Set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right…let heaven fill your thoughts” (Col. 3:1-2, NLT).

Getting Rid of that Post-Holiday Weight Gain is a "Piece of Cake"

Shortly after the New Year, a junk email showed up in my inbox that nearly shouted at me: “Too Much Holiday Food? Get Back In Shape With Beach Body Fitness Programs.” Ha! , I thought; I don’t think anyone wants to see this 62-year old body on the beach (nonetheless in a speedo)! Seriously, I’m having trouble this year losing my annual “holiday” weight gain. (The term “belly fat” has taken on new meaning!) Overindulgence in holiday treats and less time at the gym have apparently shrunk my Levi’s.

But it all comes down to self-control, which has everything to do with being able to stand against temptation. (By the way, ‘self-control’ is a gift from God that I should have already opened long before Christmas. And should have been using!)

Though there is some comfort in knowing Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, He never caved in to uncontrolled appetite—He never had to go on a diet. Why? He knew how to draw from that place of Holy-Spirit empowered self-control. So rather than setting a goal to lose 10 pounds, I should be aiming to walk in the same Spirit-empowered self-control as Jesus did. After all, how can I expect to pull down strongholds of Satan if don’t even have the strength to close the refrigerator door?

Don't Get Stuck in Haran!

I’ve been talking to friend who is suffering the consequences of a mistake she made. And another who is currently suffering the death of a loved one. Though it's true they are suffering for different reasons—still, both are grieving a loss. And if not careful, they will get stuck in their pain.

The story of Abraham’s father Terah gives us a picture of a man who could not move beyond his disappointment. Terah had three sons, Abram the oldest. The Genesis narrative says Abraham’s younger brother “Haran died in the presence of his father” (11:28). Then we read that after Terah left Ur with Abram’s family for Canaan, they traveled through a city with the same name as his deceased son, Haran. The story does not explain why, but “Terah went as far as Haran, and settled,” remaining there until he died (11:31).

Is the parallel play-on-words coincidental? Is the writer of the story using this event to reveal an important truth about our journey to Canaan? Was Haran unable to progress beyond his disappointment and pain—Haran’s death? While I don’t want to impose “hidden” meanings on the text, is it not true that wounded people tend to get stuck in their pain? And it is exactly at this point we will live or die (spiritually). Are you distressed by some loss in your life? Feeling stuck? Don’t let that feeling control you. Choose faith over feelings. Don’t stop short! Rise up! Continue on the journey to your Canaan.

The God of Second Chances!

On the editorial page of Friday’s USA Today, a U.S. Army chaplain, Major James Key, wrote a surprisingly insightful article about Ted Williams, the homeless man who gained celebrity by way of his viral video interview on YouTube. Since then it has been learned that Ted Williams not only served time in jail for theft, but moreover, ruined his marriage and career through drug & alcohol abuse. But as Major Key points out, people are rooting for Ted because they believe everyone deserves a ‘second chance.’

Key uses this incident to talk about the God of ‘second chances,' citing the account of John Mark, whom you may recall was the young man who accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but for reasons unknown dropped out and returned home. Sometime later, Barnabas wanted to give John Mark a second chance. But Paul did not. They disagreed so vehemently, they parted ways. But years later, we read in 2 Timothy how John Mark had became a useful & loyal companion to Paul when he was imprisoned in Rome. Obviously, Paul had given him a second chance.

John Mark or Jonah, Moses or Miriam, Peter or Paul, Ted Williams or Ted Bundy—it is an indisputable fact that human beings have an infinite capacity to mess things up. What a relief that we worship the God of second chances (and third, fourth, fifth…) “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” (Lam. 3:22-23).

It’s Never Too Late to Start Exercising in God’s Gymnasium

Most of you don’t know who Jack LaLanne is. He was my parents’ generation’s fitness guru, whose workout show was a TV staple for three decades, beginning in the 1950’s. Long before diet and exercise became the national obsession it is today, Jack LaLanne was telling his audiences to trim down, eat well and pump iron! Though he exercised every day of his life, even Jack couldn't last forever. He died yesterday of pneumonia. Jack was 96.

A statement most representative of his philosophy of life, Jack LaLanne said: “The only way you can hurt the body is not use it. Inactivity is the killer. And remember, it’s never too late.”

Reading how Jack LaLanne devoted his entire life to bodily discipline, I was immediately reminded of Paul’s words to young Timothy: “Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness; physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8, NLT). Paralleling Jack’s words, we might say: "The only way you can hurt your spirit is not to use it. Inactivity is the killer. And remember, it’s never too late to start exercising [in God’s gymnasium]."

Don't Drink the Water

Two million children a year die for lack of clean water. After a disaster, like a flood in Bangladesh or the earthquake in Haiti, it is common for people to get sick or die from water & sanitation-related diseases like diarrhea & cholera. But finding fresh, clean water has been a problem throughout history.

That significance should not be lost on us in Psalm 23 where David pictures a shepherd leading his sheep to “still waters.” He must do so because 1) sheep will not drink from a moving stream, and 2) if not moved daily, they will continue to drink long after the water has been contaminated by mud and parasites, and their own waste. And they will die.

Jesus promises to satisfy our need for clean water, from a well of living water springing up from inside of us (John 4:14). Where do we find this well? And how do we draw from it? Through our daily quiet time—a quiet and still place with the Lord where we are refreshed by 'drinking in' his Word.

Trying to live in a state of continual fellowship with God without a dedicated time and place to fellowship with Him will not work (Amos 3:3). How quenching it is to the Lord when we ignore our time with Him but drink from the world’s watering holes. But all the time, our Shepherd is trying to lead us to the clean, cleansing water of His Word (Jer. 31:9; John 15:3; Eph. 5:26.) How sad that there are Christians (like water-deprived ‘third-worlders’) who don’t realize they’re drinking fouled waters. The result is deadly.

Bigger is Better at Starbucks

The bigger-is-better concept is brewing at Starbucks, with the nation-wide rollout of its Trenta cup size—just shy of a quart. While nutritionists are fighting the supersizing of America’s eating patterns, restaurateurs are yet persuading consumers to opt for the bigger sizes for reasons of “economy” (the more you spend, the more you save)—a psychological trick that pays too well for merchants to end it. America’s nutritionists are fighting an uphill battle to influence healthier food choices.

It begs the question, how has this bigger-is-better concept affected our church choices? If a church is large and growing, it is assumed to be healthy. But what does this say to our assumptions about small ministries? Are they not healthy? Or, following the logic of my “food” analogy, are they actually healthier for us? Well of course the fact is both large and small churches can be biblically healthy.

Rather than ‘form,’ our emphasis should be on ‘function.’ Jesus said “when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself" (John 12:32). Isn't that the role of a healthy church? One that does not necessarily “draw” crowds, but one that “draws” people to Jesus? Similarly, Starbucks' ‘bigger-is-better’ approach may draw bigger crowds, but what about the health of their over-caffeinated customers?

Lift up your heads: Look Up!

I mentioned last week that I am ‘enjoying’ a season where lots of “things on earth” are vying for my attention. My oft-quoted commitment to “things above” is on trial.

When I was a kid, I used to capture bumblebees in a jar and then quickly put the lid on. But later I learned that a bee will not fly out the top of the jar. Rather, he persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom, seeking a way where none exists, until it is completely spent, and dies.

I admit I am too much like the bumblebee, struggling about with all my problems and frustrations, seeking some solution where none exists—when all I have to do is look up (Is. 40:26). Perhaps someone reading this today needs a reminder—just like I do. When we feel trapped, He provides a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). When Jesus spoke of the increasing anxieties his followers would experience in the latter days, He said “when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads” (Luke 21:28).

Fear is always your first reaction

Once again I am a student—officially. I am taking post-graduate classes in theology at Liberty University Online. It’s a little intimidating, if not overwhelming to learn how to use the online tools—learning how to use the virtual black board, how to post my assignments, etc. And when I don’t understand the instructions, my first reaction is fear. In fact, quite honestly, it’s more akin to “panic.” But I have to slow down and read the instructions again. I have to quiet myself to reduce the level of anxiety.

It reminds me that whenever we go through experiences—called trials—that are bewildering and disorienting, our first reaction is fear. At this point, our challenge is to quiet ourselves and go back (return) to God’s instructions—the Bible. It is there we find perspective: “In returning and rest, you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence is your strength” (Is. 30:15).

To correctly interpret your difficult circumstances, God's perspective is vital. Every crisis should grab our attention; what better time to hear God speak. One word He always gives in such situations, "Do not be afraid." Fear is the human reaction to problems. Hope is God's reaction. “After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram" (Gen. 15:1)

Customers or Contributors?

This weekend I helped my mother move to Sunnyvale, closer to us. Predictably, it involved ‘dealings’ with the phone, utility, and Internet bureaucracies (called “service providers”?). To deal with these behemoths nowadays, you have to traverse a maze of robotic relations. A simple change of address at the Post Office now must be done online. It turned out to be a daunting task! Does anyone else think that “face-to-face,” “tell-me-how-I-can-help-you” customer service has gone the way of the typewriter?

Of course that doesn’t keep us from wanting it! In fact, there has been an increasing value placed on customer satisfaction in the American church, with potential members looking for safe and fun childcare, convenient parking, and free coffee—not to mention expectations of family-friendly programs to occupy discretionary time. While customer service in the market place wanes, the American church waxes full of it! Are we attracting “worshippers” or loyal customers?’

When exactly did American evangelicalism convert to consumerism? The church-according-to-Paul was always intended to be a place to contribute (Ro. 12; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4), not to consume. In fact, Paul clearly excludes the latter by declaring ‘only as each person makes his own contribution to help the others grow will the church be healthy, growing, and full of love’ (Eph. 4:16). How do you distinguish between the two? Customers show up Sunday morning to be entertained. Contributors are there on Wednesday night to be better equipped to help others. Is it time for a little self-examination?

We live in a house with no fire escape!

Fire is associated with God more than any other natural element (water, wind, earth). For example, Moses hears the voice of God in a burning bush (Ex. 3). God guides the Israelites out of Egypt at night with a pillar of fire. Elijah calls down God’s fire to destroy the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). John the Baptist proclaims that Jesus will baptize with fire (Luke 3). A tongue of fire ignites the church at Pentecost (Acts 2). Faith must be tested by fire (2 Peter 1:7). When the Lord Jesus comes from heaven, His mighty angels will appear in flaming fire (1 Thess. 1:7). All in all, our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29) no one can escape.

Even as fire purifies everything it consumes, God’s fire purifies us, making us God’s “holy people” (1 Peter 2:9). God’s fiery Word consumes everything in us that is un-Christ-like. No one can ever hope to live holy unless the Word burns away the impurities of his life. Isaiah asks: “Who among us can live with the consuming fire? Who among us can live with continual burning?" His answer: "the righteous ones." (33:14) True believers want to be judged by God's fire. And one day everyone will be judged by God's fire. Let no one imagine he will escape. (Zephaniah 1:18; Heb. 12:25).

"But 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. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward" (1 Cor. 3:12-14).

As Luck would have it

I suppose many of you won’t know who Andrew Luck is. He is a young man (21) in his third year at Stanford University who emerged as one of the top football players in the nation, leading Stanford to a 12-1 record and a victory in last week’s Orange Bowl. Naturally, everyone expected Andrew Luck to move on to the National Football League where he was sure to gain instant celebrity, a multi-million dollar contract, and millions in commercial endorsements. Some might say Andrew is a lucky guy.

But joining the NFL would mean dropping out of school before obtaining his degree. And the serious Luck would have none of that. Not one to count on luck, Luck was staying in school. And given his intelligent choice, showing foresight, diligence, and good work ethic, I think it is obvious that luck has nothing to do with Andrew's success. This young man’s decision proves his character.

To use another sports metaphor, Andrew Luck has set the bar pretty high—refusing to give in to the you-can-have-it-all-now, immediate gratification value of his generation. And even more refreshing, refusing to be influenced or shaped by his culture. I don’t know if Luck is a Christian, but his decision has the mark of godliness. Speaking of athletes and soldiers in the same vein, Paul says they are those who keep their focus, not distracted by the lure of the culture (2 Tim. 2). And so should be our attitude when short-term happiness threatens our long-term focus—we should all be so ‘lucky.’

No Returns

One of my favorite passages in the Old Testament is found in Isaiah 30. I have long been comforted by the words in verse 15, in particular: “In returning and rest you shall be saved…” The word “return” is also translated “repent.” Repentance is simply returning. Returning to what? To the point of departure. Going back to the point where you left Him, left truth, left faith.

As I’ve studied this word “return,” I see it all over the Scriptures, most especially in the prophets—always exhorting a wayward, wandering people back to God. And God says “if you seek Him, you will find Him” (2 Chron. 15:2, 4, 15; Acts 17:27).

I am going through one of those days (weeks) when I am so distracted by earthly things, I feel very earthbound (and I hate it!). At these times, I am reminded by the comforting words that we find our “rest” when we return to him. And as many times a day as I must turn, He is always there waiting for me; always there to be found! Aren’t you glad we have a God who does not have a “No Return” policy?

"Don't Stop Believin"

"Don't Stop Believin,” a popular song by the rock band ‘Journey’ (1981), was described by Billboard Magazine as "an anthem for the young who wanted to feel free and unrestricted.” What a great analogy for Christian over-comers—those who refuse to live by the restrictions of the visible realm; choosing to believe in the God without limitations (Mark 10:27). God delights to see His people trust Him in the midst of gigantic problems that no man can solve. At such times, we prove we believe in an almighty God.

When the Israelites heard of the size of the giants of Canaan, they said to themselves, "These giants are too big to handle." God’s response was “Don’t’ be afraid; I will fight for you, just as I did in Egypt?" But they refused to trust God, and ended up in a desert of despair, wilderness wanderers, for the next 40 years.

The writer of Hebrews says they remained in the Wilderness because of unbelief. Certainly, at one point in time, they believed! When did they stop believing the God who had delivered them from Egypt? (When did we?) God is looking for men like Joshua and Caleb, who will believe and proclaim that there is nothing impossible for God. Canaan still waits for those who won't stop believin.

Living Vicariously

Whenever we go through hard times, a “Cinderella"/"rags-to-riches” story gives us hope that we, too, will persevere and overcome. The latest such story is of Ted Williams, a homeless man living in a tent in Columbus, Ohio, who became an online video celebrity when a reporter spotted him panhandling at an interstate ramp and interviewed him for a TV special. On YouTube, he drew 3 million hits: the attention-grabber, his extraordinarily rich baritone voice that is attracting radio and TV “announcer” offers from across America.

Whether it’s Michael Vick, Susan Boyle, the "American Idol," or Ted Williams, it’s the same thing: the thrill of seeing someone beat the odds and find happiness. If it is true that “most men lead lives of quiet desperation” (Thoreau), then it is no wonder they live vicariously: the cry of humanity for meaning and fulfillment. Living the life of another.

Jesus came to earth, became a man, to live and die for us. And in the deepest and truest meaning of the word, His life was lived vicariously: he was living our lives; he was identifying with sinful, desperate men (but without sinning). But here is the other side of vicarious living. Since we "died" and "rose" with Jesus, His life and fullness is ours (Col. 2:9-10). His present ministry from the throne continues as He lives in and through us. Our lives find their deepest meaning in knowing “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). No longer desperate—no longer looking for meaning in this world, we are living our “rags-to-riches” story. We are living vicariously—by the life of Christ.

Where on Earth is God?

I believe having my PhD in psychology allows me ‘license’ to make the following statement. Over the last 4 decades, psychology has gained significant influence in Christian preaching and programs. And speaking as a Bible teacher, I believe the attempt to integrate psychology and the Bible, i.e., interpreting doctrine through a psychological grid, is hazardous to sound doctrine. The psychologizing of Jesus’ message has led to a man-centered message: self-development over improving one’s relationship with God.

Any pastor knows that a seminar on the 'Holiness of God’ will draw smaller crowds than one called ‘How Christians can have a healthy sex life.’ (By the way, which would you rather attend?) In our hug yourself culture, the popularity of self-centered, ‘you can have it now’ messages should not surprise us. You don’t have to listen long to these psychologized messages before you ask: “Where on Earth Is God?"

We must all—including myself—pay close attention to our teaching (1 Tim 4:16) to question how the philosophy of psychology has affected our thought process, our biblical interpretation, our world view. Even in teaching the treasured truth of “abundant life,” I must be alert to doctrinal distortions. The precious truth of “Christ in me” can be inadvertently displaced with a focus on “who I am”—more about my son-ship than his Lordship. Is this why Paul said: “For I resolved to know nothing… except Jesus Christ and him crucified...for 'I' have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer 'I' who live but Christ lives in me” (1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 2:20)?

Did you hear the one about the 3,000 black birds that fell out of the sky?

I know it sounds like a joke. But it really happened—on New Year’s Eve in Arkansas. Not only is it creepy, it has apocalyptic overtones. Over 3,000 black birds fell to the earth—dead—and no one yet knows why. The news media reported that people were so shook up they stopped their celebrating, sobered up, and called the police. They said it sounded like bombs hitting the roof. I’m sure it was a wake-up call for someone.

Horrifying tornadoes blew through the mid-west on New Year’s Eve, obliterating houses, killing seven. One farmer was kept from certain death by hiding under his tractor. He said “I am not religious but I guess someone was watching out for me.” When I heard that, I prayed it would be his wake-up call.

“Wake up and smell the coffee” means to pay attention and do something about a situation. One of the most important words in the Bible is the word ‘hear.’ It means to “pay attention”—to “obey.” All the prophets continually chided the people of Israel and Judah for not paying attention to God. I don’t know if the weird weather or strange happenings are some apocalyptic sign. But I do know they ought to get our attention. Jesus said, “keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man… keep alert, for you do not know when the appointed time will come” (Luke 21:36; Mark 13:33). Does someone need to wake up and smell the coffee?

What will You and Michael Vick do with Your Fresh Start?

In this first blog post of the new year, I’d like to proclaim “it is a new day!” But you already knew that. Because every day in Christ is ‘new’ (Ro. 6:4); and every day begins with a fresh start (Lam. 3:23). One of the reason everyone loves a “rags to riches” story is that it offers a fresh start to the person who had a bad start.

A few years ago, Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, was given a fresh start. His is a story of a young man who went from “rags to riches,” then “riches to rags,” and now “rags to riches” again. (Are you still with me?) His is a story of redemption—of God’s grace and mercy. You see, Michael Vick was born again.

You are probably familiar with Michael’s remarkable story. In 2001, barely out of his teens, he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons. His performance on the field resulted in two season playoffs. His salary and endorsements made him one of the riches players in the NFL. But that all ended in 2007 when he was indicted and pled guilty to running an illegal interstate dog fighting operation. Michael served 21 months in prison, lost his position with the Falcons along with millions in endorsements—he was forced to file for bankruptcy. Disgraced, no one ever thought he would play national football again.

Then while in prison, Michael was born again. And upon release, he was drafted by the Eagles, and is back on the top again—arguably one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. The question of Michael’s real comeback—his conversion—is still in question. People are asksing 'was his a “jail house” conversion?' Or has he sincerely thrown off his past of gambling and drugs? Though Michael’s success on the gridiron is irrefutable, the question remains. What is Michael Vick doing for God's kingdom with his fresh start? Let me say it again: Today is a fresh start for all of us. What will you do with yours?