Is Indifference on the Rise?

No doubt, some will roll their eyes if I suggest 2014 might be the year of Christ's return. But, Paul said those who love Jesus will long for His arrival (1 Tim 4:8). And John said the Spirit and the Bride cry, “Jesus come quickly” (Rev. 22:7). (Note: In the Jewish wedding custom, the bride didn't know when her bridegroom was coming, so she was perpetually prepared.)  Yet, in our day, it seems that passion for His return is on the wane, or worse, a matter of indifference. That said, since every generation thought Jesus would return in its lifetime, it is not surprising that such words  sound like fanatics “crying wolf”!

Still, His delay does not mitigate admonitions to be eagerly waiting and watching. In fact, Peter warned of those who would say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same” (2 Pet. 3:4). Do you know that indifference will be on the rise just before He returns (Matt. 24:12)? Hmmm, maybe He is returning soon!

Will there be a Change of Government this Year?

The angels announced Jesus’ birth with the declaration: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will” (Luke 2:14).  The prophetic words harken back to Isaiah: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Is 9:6).  Only part of Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled: the Child was born and the Son was given. We are still waiting for the Prince of Peace to establish His government on Earth.

2014 is an election year when many U.S. citizens are hoping for a change in government. Though no one can foresee that outcome, we can safely predict this: it will not bring peace on earth. That will only come when the Lord returns. And while citizens of Heaven wait for that day, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope” (Rom 15:13).

Coexist?

This “Coexist” bumper sticker really caught my attention the other day; it so perfectly depicts the belief that there are many ways to God, called pluralism. But as I considered the ambiguity of pluralism, I wonder if it is not a stepping stone to a secular society that despises religious reference or affiliation.

The Pew Research Center says one in five Americans is thoroughly secularized, with no religious affiliation at all. Last year when I wrote about the movie “Life of Pi,” I claimed that the essence of the film's philosophy was captured in the words of Pi’s father who challenged the pluralistic beliefs of his son, saying, “believing in everything is the same thing as not believing anything at all.”

Previously, I saw that pluralism is really polytheism. Now I’m seeing it is a precursor to a secular society, based on humanism. No wonder Jesus asked, “Will I find faith on the earth when I return?” (Luke 18:8)

Whose Birthday is It anyway!?

Have you ever thought it peculiar that we celebrate Jesus's birth by giving gifts to each other! Isn’t that the equivalent to a birthday party where each person brings a gift for another party-goer, but not for the person whose birthday it is? Historians do not agree on the origin of gift-giving. Many date the custom to the 4th century Bishop St. Nicholas who gave to the poor on Christmas day, perhaps mindful of Jesus’ words, “Whatever you did unto one of the least, you did unto me” (Matt. 25:40). 

In recent years, there has been a trend to give donations to the needy in another’s name. For example, a few years ago, I received a card that said, “$50 has been given in your name to a buy Bibles for pastors in China.” The next year it was chickens to Africans. While such gifts fit the spirit of Jesus' words, there is something more: one thing He desires with all of His heart—“your” heart. You may be thinking,  “I've already given Him that.” Yet, it is the quintessential gift that keeps on giving. And He never tires of receiving.

This Christmas, what will they See?

In just 8 days, all eyes will (for an instant) be on Jesus. But what will they see? A baby in a manger?

Will they see Jesus on the Mount teaching with authority? Or walking on the water, calming a storm, and healing the sick? Will they see Him in the Garden praying with loud crying and tears? Will they see Him impaled on a cross, abandoned and alone. Will they see Him standing at an empty tomb in His resurrected body? Will they see Him seated on high at God's right hand. Will they see Him as the Alpha and Omega, the I AM, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? 

In consideration of these rhetorical questions, there are two much more personal questions we must ask. First, what will we see? And second, when a world of people who are blind to, and ignorant of, the real Jesus look at us, what will they see? Will they see Jesus?

And that's No Exaggeration!

Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration to make a point or to create a strong effect. For example, I might say to my wife, “Your purse weighs a ton,” or to my friend, “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.”

“Hyperbole” derives from the Greek word translated “excess.” Paul used it more excessively than any other New Testament writer, speaking of Christ’s ‘exceeding’ greatness, or the ‘exceeding’ riches of grace, or His ‘exceeding’ power. He told the Corinthians that even though their suffering seemed ‘excessive,’ it was producing an ‘exceeding’ weight of glory (Eph. 1:9; 2:7; 2 Cor. 4:7;4:17).

Paul could not speak spiritual truth without sounding hyperbolic. How else could he emphasize the superlative worth of Christ. Listen to the excessive language of John: “[Even] if every one of the things Jesus did were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” (John 21:25). In other words, you just can't say enough about Jesus. And that's no exaggeration!

Chips to make you Thin

No, not a potato chip. Swiss scientists are developing a computer chip implant that will check for fat in the blood and release a hormone that satisfies hunger. It occurs to me many people with insatiable hunger would admit they need an appetite suppressant less than they need a better way of dealing with unmet emotional needs for which food becomes a comforting substitute. A computer chip can’t cure that.

God created us with an eating-motivator called appetite, without which we might not eat enough to stay alive. Likewise, He has given us spiritual appetites, without which we will die. “I made you hungry and then I gave you bread that wouldn’t satisfy you so that you would know me as the Bread of Life” (Deut. 8:16). Scientists may think their discovery is 'all that and a bag of chips.' But it is only the life-changing, deeply satisfying words “that come from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4) that will satiate that lonely ‘self’ searching the fridge late at night for fruitless fare!

Blinders

I recently read “If you can see where you are going, you are not walking by faith.” That definition fits me: I am presently waiting for the Lord to give me new direction. Having finished my cancer treatments, I am now officially in remission, though I will, however, be receiving quarterly CT scans and blood work that will alert me to cancer's return. That said, what is better than an unknown future to foster a life of faith?

Yesterday I told a friend that God has graced me with ‘blinders.’ The word just popped into my head. So I searched Google and asked ‘why do they put ‘blinders’ on a horse?’

I learned that the main reason for blinders is to help a horse stay focused on what is in front of him and oblivious to the rear. Blinders also encourage the horse to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as other horses, or boisterous crowds that might spook him. Little did I know how appropriate it was when I told my friend that God had graced me with blinders.

Personal Milestones

In yesterday's post, I wrote of historical milestones of 2 monumental men. The word “milestone” is a clever word picture. First used by the Romans to help travelers know how far they had come on their journey, today it means significant life-changing events that mark psychological and spiritual growth. “Milestones” are personal; and sometimes very private. Looking back on our milestones gives us perspective. Yet, while they reveal where we’ve been, they do not tell us where we are going. In fact, Solomon says God does not show us “the beginning from the end” (Ecc 3:11) of our journey.

We can take comfort from Abraham whose milestones—some of success and some of failure—were a testament to his patience. And though Abraham could look at his milestones and ‘see’ where he’d been, he could only ‘see’ by faith where he was going (Heb. 11:8). It is in the uncertainty of the next milestone that faith is forged. Paul understood this: “forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead... we walk by faith, not by sight” (Phil. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:7). And by faith we can say, ‘the best milestones are yet to come.’

Nelson Mandela: a Milestone in History

The passing of Nelson Mandela was the last milestone of a man who changed the course of a nation. Was it the influence of his early years of faith in Christ that propelled him to a lifelong strategy of nonviolence and forgiveness? A man of peace? Coincidentally, another who is called a man of peace, Billy Graham, is reportedly failing fast. No less a world-changer than Nelson, I wonder what tribute the world will afford a man whose legacy was preaching Christ to more people than anyone who ever lived. The life of each of these men is a milestone in history.

“Milestones” were used by the Romans to help marathon runners know how far they had come on the race. Inspiringly, Paul characterized our spiritual journey as that of a marathon runner, reminding us that a great cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1) ran their race before us, through many hard milestones, and finished well.

I am inspired by any one who can maintain a steady pace over the course of 95 years. Let us remember Paul’s words: “He who began a good work within you will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Phil. 1:6). And what a milestone that will be!

Remember Lot’s Wife

Solomon, the greatest thinker whoever lived said, “As a man thinks so he is” (Prov. 23:7). Paul told the Colossians to think more about things above—thoughts of eternal value—than earthly ones (3:2). He told the Philippians to think about better things (4:8-9). And he flat out warned the Corinthians to “capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Jesus often asked the question,“What do you think?”

If the first disciples had to be reminded not to be too occupied with earthly things, how much more do we! Earthly things can devour our mental energies and overwhelm our affections. And here’s a disturbing thought: what we think about reveals what we love. And John warns “if you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you” (1 John 2:15).

Lot’s wife loved the world. She couldn't stop thinking about the life she had left in Sodom; she couldn’t keep from looking back; and turned into a pillar of salt. In three power-packed words, Jesus warns, “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Considering her consequences, we have to ask “what was she thinking?” Whatever it was must have been pretty important to her! What do you think?

Alone No More

In the last post, when I wrote about the sweetness of being with family at Christmas, I realized that many people have such dysfunctional families, there is no “Home Sweet Home.” For them, Christmas can be one of the loneliest times of year. As I thought about this sad reality, I thought it oddly contradictory, because the message of Christmas is “Emmanuel—God with us.”

For the disconnected peoples of earth, this has to be the greatest Christmas message: Jesus came to indwell us, and we will never be alone again. And not only have the Father and Son made our hearts their home (John 14:23), we have been raised up with Christ and are presently seated in the heavenlies with them (Eph. 2:6). So, not only are we His dwelling place; His is ours. Think about that! We are living in the fellowship of the whole heavenly realm. When Jesus departed this earth, His last words were, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Alone no more.

Home for the Holidays

There's something warm and sweet about the thought of being at home with your loved ones on Christmas. The words “at home” connote comfort, rest, contentment, love, intimacy, and familiarity, all captured in the phrase: “Home Sweet Home.” And the phrase “at home” is even used endearingly of the death of our loved ones who are “at home” with the Lord.

But being “at home” with the Lord is not only the privilege of the departed; it can be a present reality for living saints! The more conscious we are that He dwells within us, the more we shall be “at home” with Him. If anyone loves me... My Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him (Jn 14:23).

Adam and Eve were more “at home” on earth with God than any of us will ever know. But then they sinned, and became homeless in a way we cannot possibly comprehend. Now Jesus has brought us home to our proper dwelling place (Eph. 3:17). Will you be “at home” for the Holidays?

Holiday Survival Kit

Black Friday is over. Cyber Monday is upon us. One article caught my eye, promising you could survive Christmas if you do all your shopping online. “Survive” connotes a dim view of the holidays. Though I do not always succeed in following it myself, I know a recipe for Holiday happiness?—a Mary Christmas.

Though this analogy may be old, it never gets tired. While Jesus' visit to the home of Mary and Martha was not Christmas, it was as special as any holiday. And while Martha focused like a scud missile on dinner preparations, Mary made a beeline for the best spot in the house, at Jesus’ feet. While Martha was stewing in the disappointed expectations of a perfect meal, Mary was consuming the abundance of fruit that fell from Jesus’ lips. Martha busied herself with ‘every’ thing while Mary quieted herself with ‘one’ thing.

As we begin preparations for this year's Christmas festivities, let us not allow disappointment with secondary things—family, food, presents—to steal our joy from that which is primary. Jesus came to earth “that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Don’t allow a “Martha” mentality to steal your “Mary Christmas.”

Living Thankfully with God's Presents

Tomorrow a fixed commercial ethic will be breached. Stores will be open early Thanksgiving Day morning to kick off the Christmas shopping frenzy! Whether you choose to participate or not, it's only a matter of time before you begin your pursuit of those perfect presents to give your loved ones.

 

And did you know that Giving is divine! The Bible declares that God gives good and perfect presents: everything we need for living a godly life (James 1:17; 2 Pet 1:3-4). Paul fills in the details: the gift of salvation, of eternal life, of grace, and of Jesus Himself. Moreover, Christ has given us gifts to serve and encourage one another.

And if that's not enough, Jesus considers us a gift. Yes, He will “present to Himself a glorious church,” and “present her faultless before God” (Jude 24). Consequently, God asks us to “present our bodies to God as a living and holy sacrifice,” and to “present ourselves approved to God” (Rom 12:1, 2 Tim 2:15). Considering this present-rich environment, is it any wonder the Psalmist happily declares, “In His Presence (or is it presents?) is fullness of joy!” (16:11) Live THANKFULLY!

Weather Warning: A Cold Front is Moving In

There is a cold front moving in to the North East, and Nor'easters are being warned to get read for a snowy Thanksgiving. Did you know that Jesus warned of a cold front in the last days: the love of many will grow cold (Matt. 24:12)? The last letter written to the churches in Revelation 3 is Laodicea, characterized as a lukewarm church.  Today, the number of passionate believers in Jesus is decreasing while lukewarm-ness accelerates to near apostasy.

Do you know that the Bible prophecies a strong delusion (2 Thess. 2:11), like a freezing wind, will numb out everyone (including lukewarm believers) in the last days. And then, when the Holy Spirit is removed from the earth, this freeze will move in and make everyone so cold they no longer feel the love of God. Is this why Jude says, Keep yourselves in the love of God (Jude 21), and Paul, Be on fire with the Spirit (Rom. 12:11)? When you see this cold front moving in, watch your heart. Don't be left out in the cold!

‘Selfie’—Word of the Year; “Braggie” not far Behind

A “selfie” is a self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a hand-held digital camera or camera phone held at arm's length, and then posted to one's social networks. Significantly, it is Oxford Dictionaries' “word of the year,” the word, they believe, that best reflects the mood of the times.

As a ‘what’s-happening-in-our-culture’ person, I took note of this otherwise innocuous event. The word selfie powerfully (and unashamedly) expresses our culture's obsession with self-promoting social media. And while “selfie” is the word of this year, a new popular term (and practice) is close behind—'braggie,' an image posted to social networks designed purely to show off or make friends jealous.

Being consumed with one's self-image is not new; but it has found a new avenue of expression. Are we not all latent selfies and braggies at heart? Social media is only unveiling the things hidden in the heart of mankind. If selfie reflects the mood of the times, maybe Oxford's choice is a cultural wake-up call.

The Bible is not just another Paperback

Evidently, it is.  A California pastor was outraged this week when he found the Bible filed under “Fiction” at a Costco store near his home. Just another paper back? Forty years ago, in the book, “As One without Authority,” author Fred Craddock asked the question, “Where have all the absolutes gone?” If then, how much more today!

When Jesus spoke to the crowds, they were astonished that He taught as “one who had authority” (Matt. 7:28-29). Biblical authority has been at issue since Paul warned of those who would reject sound doctrine (2 Tim 4:3). Two thousand years later, the spirit of the age is still trying to undermine the authority of the Word. 

I don’t presume to know what is happening in the church around the world today. But looking at the popular teaching of the largest churches in America, one would conclude that the masses want to hear more sermons on self-improvement and self-actualization than good exegesis and exposition. Perhaps the paper back Bibles found in the “Fiction” section at Costco really are a sign of the times!

Wars and Rumors of Wars: the Nations are in Distress

This week it was revealed that that the U.S. is considering an extended 10-year soldiers-on-the-ground commitment in Afghanistan, already the longest war in U.S. history. Is anyone surprised!? Wars are accepted as the new norm! According to a recent article by the “Peace Plan Union,” there have been 250 major wars since WWII, with over 50 million killed, millions injured, and millions more homeless. This century stands out as the bloodiest in history: 3 times more dead in the last 90 years than in the previous 500.

A major sign of the end times is an increase of wars. There are 38 going on right now, with regular rumors of more! And, given the unstoppability of nuclear proliferation, no wonder the nations are in distress!

It is hard not to see this as a sign of the times, but many Evangelicals have numbed out. Jesus said when you see the “distress of the nations,” it is time to “stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). I’m not suggesting you sell your condo in Florida just yet; but it seems to me there are things happening in the world today to which we need to pay closer attention.

Life is unfair and I don’t deserve this.

There have been a number of news stories recently about the over-treating of certain medical issues, i.e, too many unnecessary tests, too much medication, etc. Certain doctors are concerned over-treatment could be be doing more harm than good.

The double meaning of the phrase “over-treating” didn’t escape me. Is there such a thing as “over-treating” oneself? Clearly, and painfully, the answer is ‘yes.’ And doing more harm than good! Rooted in Satan’s temptation of Adam and Eve, each of us is inclined to grab a fruit from the wrong tree. This syndrome manifests itself in many ways, but the general temptation comes when we say, “life is unfair and I don’t deserve this.”

In light of this psychological phenomenon, it behooves each of us to examine ourselves for a self-revelation: how do we over-treat ourselves when life deprives us of something we think we deserve?

Obama-Care Promotes "Hooking Up"

Back in the 1960s (when I was a teen), the “Hippie Movement” and its consequent “sexual revolution,” along with forces like Hugh Heffner, began to change the way the Western world viewed sex.  In hindsight, we can see it was the seed of a moral decline that has come to full bloom in today’s “hookup culture.” 

It seems we must have reached the zenith of this cultural phenomenon when even the U.S. government promotes casual sex, aka, “hooking up,” as a norm. Last week this advertisement appeared on various social media venues.

Since it's difficult to read the small pint, I will tell you what it says. An excited young woman appears next to a picture board of Ryan Gosling who says, Got Insurance? Hey girl, you're excited about easy access to birth control, and I'm excited about getting to know you. She [the girl in the picture] got insurance. Now you can too. Thanks Obama-Care. 

God Takes No Pleasure in Your Legs

A few years ago, I wrote a post called “Can You Outrun the Chariots.” In this story (1 Kings 18), Elijah supernaturally outruns King Ahab’s chariots, escaping from Jezebel who was out to kill him for destroying her prophets of Baal.

Chariots represent the might of armies. Man’s legs represent the power of the individual. “God does not delight in the strength of the horse [chariots]; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man” (Ps. 147:10). In other words, it was neither slow chariots nor fast legs that accomplished God's purposes that day. It was the superhuman power of God working through a mere man.

This story illustrates the divine/human partnership where God operates through weak, humble humans. In these perilous times, with events beyond our control, we certainly cannot rely on our armies, and our legs will surely fail us. No, God wants us to relinquish control to Him who accomplishes all things, “Not by might, not by power, by My Spirit” (Zech. 4:6). Only Spirit-filled legs will hold up in the days ahead.

Pluralism or Polytheism?

The exclusive claims of Christ—“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6)—are being rejected by an alarming number of millennial evangelicals who favor pluralism—the belief that diverse religious belief systems can co-exist in society. But such multiplicity is only a short step to polytheism—the belief that ‘god’ is many rather than one.

Is it so far-fetched to suggest that the modern movement of young evangelicals toward pluralism mirrors that of the Hebrews' recurrent relapses into polytheism? God hated their idolatry: “For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods” (Ex. 20:5 NLT). The first 2 of the 10 Commandments (which are no longer tolerated in the public square) require absolute devotion to and worship of God alone.

Fifty years ago, no one would have imagined that a nation rooted in a Judeo Christian worldview could become polytheistic! We pride ourselves on having becomes a society of diverse beliefs.  But anyone who believes one god is as good as another is not a pluralist; he or she is a polytheist.

Who Gets to Define Reality?

Facebook, Twitter, news feeds, and mobile apps are all information sources that didn’t exist just a few years ago. And not only do they affect the way people get news and information, but more importantly, how they form opinions. With the swipe of a finger or click of a mouse, opinions are set, and values altered.

 
Without any universally accepted moral standards, determining what is ‘real’ in our amorphous culture is getting exponentially harder. For a biblically-ignorant, culturally-adaptive, and socially-sensitive population, it is getting almost impossible to find a place for Scripture’s strict morality and “one-way” exclusivity—Even in the church. How else can you explain why half of young evangelicals are now accepting the inevitability of abortion, the moral ambiguity of gay marriage, and a pluralistic world view?
 

Incongruously, the “information” age is disseminating a lot of “misinformation.” And at a time when the church should be exalting a biblical worldview, it is bowing down to the spirit of the age by bowing out of its role of defining reality. For the remnant of the church still holding fast, this may be its last chance to influence the reality-seeking ‘Millennial’ and ‘Z’ generations. 

Are We Seeing the Apostasy? Take Heed, lest You Fall!

Are we seeing the start of the great apostasy, the falling away (from faith) that Paul predicted would occur in the end times (2 Thess. 2:3)?  Just look around at the increasing rejection of Biblical standards and the consequent decline of morality. The disparity between what people consider right and wrong is a grand canyon. We may not yet know its full impact on the church. But we know it is increasing. Is this why Paul warned, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12)?

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for not “discerning the times” (Matt. 16:13). While only God knows when all these things will transpire, it behooves us to be watching over our hearts to assure we are not among the fallers. Nor should we be surprised to find that we are being slowly outnumbered by what-I-call “unbelieving” believers. Jesus warned that there would be a time when many “false messiahs and prophets will deceive, if possible, even the elect,” followed by the words: “Take heed” (Mark 13:21-22). Indeed, let us.

You can Almost See the End from Here

Polish Nobel Peace prize winner Lech Walesa addressed the Nobel Peace Prize committee last month, calling for a new “secular” Ten Commandments that would express universally-shared values for all religions of the world. It's not hard to see this as movement toward a One World Religion, one of the end-time prophecies.

Nor is it hard to see unrest in the Middle East exploding into a Mid-East war, if not a world war, and all the more because of Israel's imminent attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. What's more, because of the region’s oil wealth, it is easy to imagine the fulfillment of the Gog-Magog invasion (Russia and Iran).

With Israel back in the Holy Land for a generation, steeped in global conflict as prophesied for the end times, and with geo-political instability, along with the re-posturing of post-WWII allies, how long can it be before a leader (Anti-Christ) appears on the world stage, offering a plan for unity, peace, and hope? “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7).

Rest Stops

On Saturday, Altha and I drove down to a little town called San Juan Batista. People go to this otherwise unremarkable town to tour the California Mission built in 1797. It was a quiet peaceful time away from the fast-pace of the Bay Area where such restfulness can be hard to find.

After God created the world, the Bible says, He rested. But not because He was tired. Because He was finished (Heb. 4:10). Therein lies an important characteristic of God. He doesn’t stop and rest until His work is done. And God's work in us is not finished yet. Being human, however, we need to stop and rest along the way.

So like a wise father on a road trip with children in the back seat, crying out, “Are we there yet?” He gives us these much-needed “rest stops.” But as we mature, we learn that no  “rest stop” can satisfy us until, and unless, we have first come to know Jesus as our permanent resting place, no matter how long we have been on the road. “Let us be diligent to enter that rest” (Heb. 4:11).

Something Better

When someone suffers a loss of some kind, like a break-up or the loss of a job, it is rather cliché to say, “God has something better for you.”  Yet, when God says He has “something better” for us, it is no empty platitude. The writer of Hebrews tells of persecuted, tortured and martyred saints who died without ever knowing the full impact of their lives because He, the God “who is able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Eph. 3:20), had “something better” for them (11:40).

Of course the way we define “something better” is all important. For example, after a year of surgery, medical procedures, and invasive treatments, it’s not hard for me to imagine “something better.” A year ago, I was imagining I would be mentoring students at Phoenix Seminary. What could be better than that?  But the Lord showed me that mentoring students is something “I” can do. And that “something better” for me would be something “I” can not do. In God's economy, something better is anything that makes us more dependent on Him, and, ultimately, conforming us to the image of Christ. So then, is not He the “something better” our hearts are yearning for?

Has the Church been Halloweened?

It’s that time again: Halloween. One church announcement reads: “Mountains of candy. Crazy decorated trunks. Fire eaters, break dancers, jugglers. Come to Trunk-or-Treat this Thursday. Doors open at 5:30 pm.” And what else are we opening our doors to?

I know there are a ton of conservatives who will be throwing eggs at Christian halloweenies, convinced it is wrong to participate in a day whose origins are as pagan as witches, vampires, ghosts, and devils. Others will innocently claim we have moved far away from Halloween’s beginnings—just as we have from those of Christmas.

So let's put the question to the “redeeming values” test. Does Halloween have any redeeming value, that is, good qualities about something outweighing the bad things? Certainly Christmas has been redeemed from its pagan beginnings. But can the same be said for Hallows Eve, the night before “All Saints Day,” as it is called. Is this an unholy trick? Have we been halloweened!

160 Words can be Better than a Picture

This is my 1,000^th blog post. 1,000 ideas, yes, but 1,000 stimulating thoughts, or 1,000 inspirations?  You be the judge!  Some people think a “a picture is worth a thousand words.” But a blog post is more akin to the Chinese proverb, “1001 words is worth more than a picture” (only in my case, about 160).

I researched the number ‘1,000’ to find something splendidly symbolic about it. Wikipedia tells it tersely: 1,000 is the natural number that follows 999 and precedes 1001. Not so exciting. Then I read Peter’s words:  “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day; The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you” (2 Peter 3:8-9).

And therein lies the significance of ‘1,000’—the Patience of the Lord. Though you and I may fail 1,000 times, “He is a faithful God who shows it by keeping his covenant of unfailing love for 1,000 generations” (Deut. 7:9 edited). Not to worry; there are still lots of generations (and posts) yet to come!

Finishing with Joy

Many people are starting to think, with joy, about the Holidays. Conversely, for many it's been a hard year, and they are looking forward to its end, with hope for a better one ahead. While looking joyfully to what comes after hard times may be normal, remaining joyful while in them is the measure of true spiritual maturity.

At the end of a life of suffering for Christ, Paul declared, “I have finished the race, with joy, and kept the faith...” (1 Tim. 4:7; Acts 20:24 edited). Recently, I read that, after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Bill Bright of Campus Crusade wrote a book called, “The Journey Home, Finishing with Joy”—in which he gave testimony to the goodness of God despite pain and suffering he was about to endure in his final days.

You may not be a “St. Paul” or a “Bill Bright” attempting to finish well at the end of your life, but still, your hard times are bringing you to the end of your self (you won't be finished until they do). The question remains, will you be able to say “I kept the faith, finished the race, and counted it pure joy?” (Ja. 1:2)

‘Born-agains’ that say "Whatever!"

Young American believers, according to a Probe Ministries survey, are moving away from a biblically-centered worldview. Specifically, only one in three believe Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. His survey also reveals that “born-agains,” as he calls them, have decreased by 22% since 1976. And, only 1 in 5 report they are wholeheartedly practicing their faith. Pretty alarming!?

But what is most disturbing is the suggestion that the two-thirds who do not believe Jesus is the only way are really born again. In Acts 16, Paul says to be born again one must “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Perhaps some did at first, but allowed this “whatever-culture” to lead them away from the truth. If so, they are dangerously deceived, but (I believe) born again. However, the “born-agains” who never confessed Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life” are not. Rather, they under the spell of an ambivalent culture that says, “Whatever!”

When Troubles abound, our Hearts Long for Home

It seems like everyone Altha and I know is experiencing severe distress: physical, financial, relational. Is it possible these increased troubles are evidence the Lord is pruning, purging, and purifying His church for His eminent return (1 Peter 4:12-13; 1 Cor. 11:31-32; Heb. 12:5-11)?

After all, isn't it the purpose of the Holy Spirit to prepare the Bride for the return of her Bridegroom? So He can present her to Christ, without spot, wrinkle, or blemish (Eph. 5:27).

If, in the end times, the love of many will grow cold (Matt. 24:12), doesn't it make sense He will do everything necessary to increase the longing of our heart for “home” and for “Him” (Phil. 1:21-23)? Is it possible the severity of our trials means His Return is near? Do you find yourself more often than you used to, looking at each other at the end of one of those hard days, and saying, “Is He coming soon”(Rev. 22:7, 20)? 

Patient, Impatient, Un-patient

This week I finished my radiation treatments. Now, all that remains is 2 months of chemo infusions. All of 2013, I've been someone's “patient.” I have also been often “impatient.” When my cancer treatments end in December, will I be an “un-patient?”

You’ll probably tell me I think too much (the bane of a writer who loves words), but have you ever considered the correlation between these two words: “patient” (a person receiving medical treatment) and “patient” (tolerating delays without becoming irritable)? Both words derive from the same Greek word pathos: suffering. A good patient (sufferer) must be patient (suffer well).

I've realized this year that we are all God’s patients (pruning comes to mind), and that God has graciously given us the gift of “patience” so we'll be able to suffer even as Christ did (Gal. 5:22; 1 Pet 4:1). Of the things I've learned as a patient in 2013, two stand out: 1) God desires patient patients, and 2) because I am under the care of a patient God, I could never be an “un-patient.”

Driving with Androids

When Greyhound Lines had a slogan, “Leave the driving to us,” I took a bus to Denver. But it took 40 hours (I could have driven it in 18). But Good News! We'll soon have an alternative: “Leave the driving to Androids.”

By next year, you will be able to purchase a hands-free car. While technology is still limited, fully driverless automatons will be ready by 2020. But I won’t. Putting myself in the hands of an android would drive me crazy. That said, however, relying on robots is something we must do if we are to survive in a world driven by computer chips.

How much more then should we trust God in the driver's seat. We have to believe our life is in His hands if we can be content in this world. Well, where the rubber meets the road is when He takes that first unexpected turn, or brakes suddenly. Will we grab the wheel away? Remember how hard it was on Israel when God 'drove' them out of the Promised Land? (Jer. 32:37). Maybe hands-on humans won't be so enamored with driverless autos after all.

Self-Discovery Day

All over the Americas today, it is Columbus Day. Some countries call it Discovery Day, the latter making me think Columbus’ death-defying passage was also a journey of self-discovery. Every healthy human travels this road called finding oneself, also known as individuation, or coincidentally, passages.

If you are over 18, you are already consciously aware of the journey. But if you are over 40, you are also watching younger adults—the millennial generation—make these perilous, but necessary passages. And what makes this journey particularly hazardous for the Millennials is the fast-changing, constant redefining of cultural norms and values.

On this day, let us pray for our Millennials to discover sooner than later the paradox their older generation has already learned (hopefully), “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 10:39). No one can find oneself apart from God:  Happy Discovery Day!

You cannot Live with a Tumor

In 2003 when a CT scan found a tumor in Steve Jobs’ pancreas, doctors urged him to have an operation, but Steve chose alternative remedies. Nine months later, when the tumor had grown, he agreed to surgery, but by then, the cancer had spread to his liver. Though a liver transplant bought him a few years, ultimately his battle strategy failed.

You will recall that God's strategy for dealing with cancerous idolatry in Canaan was total annihilation.  Sadly, Israel compromised, choosing alternative remedies. Fast forward 4,000 years, and we now have two generations of Americans who have grown up without another world war. Our strategy has been diplomacy: peace at all costs. However, recent unofficial talks by our government with Iran seem to be demonstrating a national naiveté that we can make peace with an avowed enemy.

Canaan illustrates the necessity of a good battle strategy against the enemies of our soul—both within and without.  Coincidentally, we are living at a time in history when God's People are being asked to make peace with a sensually-driven culture. But it is a strategy as perilous as living with a tumor.

Shutdown: Good or Bad?

We’re now into the second week of a stand-off between Republicans and Democrats that has shut down the Federal government. In and of itself, a “shutdown” can be a good thing. Everyone needs to power down occasionally. Even my computer does. A shutdown should equal “stillness”—all activity coming to a quiet halt.  But not this one. Everyone in D.C. is running around in a senseless angst.

But think about it. Is all this “disquiet” a metaphor? No one ever powers down anymore. Are media rich, always-on, multi-tasking persons capable of stillness? And if you could escape the cacophony, can “stillness” be found? Yes—but not in a place. In a Person. “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and you will find rest (shutting off activity) for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29).

Of course it will help you to set a time and place: “Can two walk together unless they have an appointment?” (Amos 3:3) The Bible says in the early morning while it was still dark (Mark 1:35), Jesus shut off the world, and shut Himself in with God (Ps. 46:10). Likewise, let us shut down; power down; shut ourselves in with Him. Now that would be a good shutdown!

At His Feet

One of the sweetest stories in the Gospels has to be when Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha. While Martha had her ‘feet on the ground’—she was sensible and practical, Mary had her feet up, relatively speaking! While Martha fixated on festal foods, Mary yearned for finer fare at the feet of Jesus.

“Sitting at one’s feet” is a timeless idiom, meaning “pay worshipful attention to.” And while Mary was setting her mind on Jesus, a mortally-minded Martha was being held hostage to the familiar. This was Mary’s “break-out” moment—not to do great feats, but to love His.

“Falling at one’s feet” is another timeless idiom, with similar meaning. The Gospel writers record a number of times people fell at His feet and worshipped Him. I wonder how much more they would have done so, if they had known His feet would one day be nailed to a Cross for them. How different was their unrestrained expression from our Sunday morning church-goers sitting at the foot of a stage sipping coffee and eating doughnuts.

"Great Feets"

‘Herod the Great,’ King of Judea in Jesus’ lifetime, is known for his great feats. His name seems a metaphor for natural man, not only trying to be better, but Something-the-Great! Such is the appeal of Joel Osteen’s newest book, “Break Out,” an appeal to break free of all limitations—truly footloose—and dream big.

Was this not the appeal of Satan to Adam, and then to Jesus. If they could only think ‘bigger’ and ‘better’ of themselves, what great feat they would have. Of course, it caused Adam to ‘get off on the wrong foot,’ leaving a foul foot print on each of us. Fortunately, he couldn't fool Jesus who said, “the ruler of the world has nothing in Me,” i.e., he can't find a foothold (John 14:30).

Someone has said, “It is a long road to the end of ourselves.” And when we get there, we will not have sore feet, as some might imagine, but ‘happy feet.’ One step at a time, we will walk in the good works He prepared for us (Eph. 2:10; 3:20), or in the homophonic language of this post, we will have “Great Feets.”

Foot Washing

I find the practice of foot washing, practiced by some sincere believers today, puzzling, because it takes Jesus’ command to go and do likewise (John 13) so literally. Foot washing was not a symbolic act. People had dirty feet. And by relegating the task to lowly servants, it turned something very “personal” into something “impersonal.” But not that night!

That night, His earthly ministry was topped off by an act so personal it was almost embarrassing. Jesus had always embodied His principles: “I am the truth” (John 14:6). But that night He embodied love. No, it was not a principle that lived with them for 3 years. It was not a principle that washed their feet. It was not a principle that died on a Cross and rose from the dead. It was a Person; and it was very Personal.

I know some of you are going through almost unbearable trials. Though you've been sustained by biblical principles, the Personal Jesus seems elusive. Toward the last days, the love of many will grow cold (Matt. 24:12). Is this the result of hard times? Today, more than ever, we need to know Jesus Personally as the One who washes our weary feet with the water of His Word (Eph. 5:26).