Stress-Free Living?

Mayo Clinic just published a “Guide to Stress-Free Living.” Based on 10 years of research, they discovered that making a few simple changes can help you let go of stress, and find a sense of peace.

I couldn’t help but see a parallel. Based on a few thousand years of research, the Bible promises that one simple change can bring you peace. “God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him, because they trust in Him” (Is. 26:3). Note that Mayo Clinic only offers a “sense of peace.”  The Bible promises “perfect peace.”

With innumerable 21st century distractions, it is unrealistic to think we can live stress free. So how is it we can enjoy perfect peace? Listen how Jesus speaks to a distracted Martha: “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it [undivided attention to Jesus]” (Luke 10:41). What a timely, and timeless, reminder: “Fixing your eyes on Jesus” (Heb. 12:2) is the key to perfect peace.

Are things on Earth Heating Up?

For almost everyone in Altha’s and my circle, it seems the fiery trials are heating up. When Daniel’s 3 friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fire, Nebuchadnezzar turned up the furnace seven times. I know that is what it feels like to some of you. Situations in your finances, your families, relationships, and jobs seem too intense to endure.

Satan’s purpose: to get you to give up. God’s purpose: to produce greater faith. Faith must be tried 'under fire' (1 Pet. 1:5). But, you are not alone. Nebuchadnezzar said, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace? ‘Look!’ “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” (Daniel 3:24-25).

When things on earth start heating up, Jesus is not only present, He is praying that “your faith will not fail” (Lk. 22:32). “Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.” Don’t lose heart; He is coming soon (Heb. 10:37-38).

Biblical Illiteracy is on the Rise

Even though most Christians in the U.S. own a Bible, few treasure it. In a George Barna survey, only half of evangelical Christians could name one of the 4 Gospels, only a third knew who delivered the Sermon on the Mount, and most weren't able to identify Genesis as the opening book. If books, radio, TV, and Internet have made the Bible more accessible to us than any generation in history, why is biblical illiteracy on the rise? Is it because expository exegesis of the Bible has been replaced with topical, pragmatic ‘sermons.’

In the 16^th century, William Tyndale translated the Bible into English so it could be read by the common man. Thus considered a heretic by the Pope, he was burned at the stake. Fast forward 500 years. Unaware of the sacrifices made for them, 21st century Christians now take the Bible for granted.

Sharing a Bible

Tyndale would be glad to find that there are still people in this age who love the Bible, among them, the persecuted Christians around the world, many of whom can't even afford one of their own. So they memorize it!  And as they suffer for their faith, they recall Scriptures that promise hope, comfort, joy, and real life. They treasure the Word(s) of God beyond anything else. What will it take for American Christians to love the Bible again, to treasure God's Word(s) as our forefathers did (and as the Chinese do)?

The Paper Pope

With the advent of the printing press in the 17th century, the Bible was made available to ‘common’ men, not just clergy. The Roman Catholic Church opposed this as reckless, calling these translations a “paper pope,” meaning that Protestants had abandoned papal authority and replaced it with a “pope” on paper—the written Word.
 
Over the 2,000 years of church history, the authority of the written Word has repeatedly come under attack. Now again we are witnessing the decline of respect for the authority of Biblical teaching. I am not referring to liberal theologians, but to 21st century pastors who no longer teach the authority of God’s Word. They teach things like “Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day,” i.e., what people want to hear, not what they need to hear.

There is still a remnant that refuses to compromise the Biblical message. The infallible Word of God is the last word, the final authority; and they will submit to no other. It is time for a “new” protestant movement, a new generation of believers for whom the Holy Bible is indeed their “pope” on paper!

Worshiping Celebrity

This is the time of year when celebrity worship reaches its peak. If you haven’t the stomach for TV anymore, you’ve missed these worship services: Golden Globes, SAGs, and Grammys, with the highly exalted Oscars and Super Bowl Sunday worship services yet to come.

 

This adulation of celebrity stems from man’s longing for excellence. Created to worship, Adam was an enthusiastic spectator of God’s glory. But sin changed the object of veneration—from Creator to creature: “We will make a name for ourselves” (Ro. 1:25; Gen. 11:14). Mankind is a worshipper by nature. Enamored with youthfulness, strength, beauty, and intelligence, his thirst for excellence is unquenchable.

The sons of Adam search in vain for ‘something’ worthy to worship on this earth. Sadly, many believers are also easily deceived and captivated by these futile fetes. Please understand that I am not saying it is wrong to watch the Super Bowl or the Oscars. But in light of worldly adoration, it behooves us to watch our hearts so we won't unwittingly fall into the worship of celebrity. It's not worth it! 

Millennial Transparency

A recurring theme on this blog has been my concern for the next generation of Christians. But here's a hopeful bit of information. Millennials are being called the “Social Justice Generation” because of their concern for the poor and oppressed. But, as it turns out, not at the expense of spiritual needs. According to Barna research, evangelism by Millennials is on the rise. Faith-sharing of those under 30 increased in 2013, with 2/3's reporting they shared their faith with a non-believer within the past year (national average 50%). Why the difference?

Having grown up in the age of free-flowing information and sharing, Millennials value authenticity and transparency. Consequently, he or she will be more compelled to share his or her personal faith than the more private generations before them—Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers. If the Millennials keep this up, perhaps Jesus will find faith on the earth when He returns (Luke 18:8)!

“Career Christians”

I came across an interesting expression in one of Arthur Pink’s books—“Career Christian.” Imagine if someone were to ask you, “What is your occupation?” and you answered “I’m a full-time Christian.”

I don’t know about you, but what with setting my mind on things above, taking all thoughts captive, renewing my mind, putting off the old self and putting on the new, watching over my heart with all diligence, letting the peace of God rule my heart, walking in love, in unity, in light, and by faith, and don't forget walking worthy, speaking the truth in love, loving my brothers and sisters from the heart, loving my wife as Christ loves the Church, and making sure all I do, even eating and drinking, glorifies God, well… I’m fully occupied.

Is this what Jesus meant when he said “occupy until I return?”  Yes.  And, thankfully, He furnishes us with an infinite supply of grace to assure our progress and success until He does return (2 Cor. 9:8; 2 Peter 1:10).

Is there Persecution in the U.S.?

According to Open Doors ministry, Muslim countries are responsible for the majority of anti-Christian persecution in 2013. And among the top ten worst countries are U.S. 'allies' Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. The 2,123 martyrs in 2013 are twice those from 2012. While the numbers of imprisoned Christians is unknowable, it is estimated there are 70,000 Christians in prison camps in North Korea alone.

Concurrently, American Christians consider it persecution when prayers are no longer allowed in public schools, nor nativity scenes in the Public Square, when high school valedictorians cannot talk of Jesus, when army chaplains are restricted from praying in Jesus’ name. Persecution? It may be a precursor, but compared to what? When church burnings and beheadings are common in Nigeria, can an we legitimately use the word in America? 

When Jesus told the first disciples to “pick up your cross and follow me," they knew it was a death sentence. What would you do if you knew you might be attacked at church this week? Would you go anyway? This question confronts Christians in over 50 countries around the globe today. But not here. Not yet. 

Contingent Security

Last week President Obama said our national security and that of the world is dependent on successful negotiations with Iran (a nation that calls us the “Great Satan”  and has vowed to destroy Israel). The Joint Plan of Action will freeze Iran's enrichment of uranium and halt plutonium production—thus averting nuclear proliferation in the region. Yeah right.

Just the thought that international security is contingent upon Iran’s honesty and good intentions is frightening. David's words seem fitting: “the nations conspire and plot in vain”  (Ps. 2:1).

Knowing that the God of the universe is in control and sets the appointed times of events on earth is a great source of comfort and peace for us. “For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence” (Ps. 22:28; Jer. 7:17). Thank God, our security is not contingent on diplomatic resolution with Iran!

Uncertainty Ahead: What Anchors You?

Toward the end of 2012, I wrote a post about the uncertainties the lie the head in 2013. Those uncertainties included the global economy, instability in the Middle East, and high unemployment.  Little did I know what other uncertainties lie ahead for me—chief of which was a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer along with its attendant ensuing activities, each with its own degree of uncertainty!

Is life less uncertain today than it was 16 months ago? Perhaps for me, but not for the global economy, Middle East, or the unemployed. One thing is certain though: continued uncertainty (John 16:33). Consequently, earthlings look for concrete, material things to make them feel secure, while the believer is anchored by an immaterial, but rock-solid faith and confident expectation that God purposes to make all things good for those who love and trust Him (Rom. 8:28). "Faith is the confidence of a sure and steadfast hope which anchors our soul; faith is the certainty of things we cannot see" (Heb. 11:1; 6:19, edited).

Hearing Loss is on the Rise

I recently read an article about how to avoid hearing loss, and thought immediately of Jesus' words: “Those who have ears to hear, let them hear” (Matt. 11:15). He was not speaking to an audience of ‘earless’ people, nor who had suffered severe hearing losses. Jesus meant that their ears needed to be attuned to spiritual ‘sounds.’

In this world where we encounter a continuous cacophony of noise so loud “you can't hear yourself think,” our ears can suffer damage (hearing losses are on the rise especially among teens). Significantly, the article on avoiding hearing loss suggested “turning down the volume.” So it is in the spiritual realm: many believers are suffering hearing loss because they do not have a quiet time. If you daily give the ears of your spirit quiet and rest, they are more likely to hear what the Spirit says” (Rev. 3:22).

“Enter into your secret chamber and shut out the tumults of the world. In silence and in stillness a devout soul profits and learns the hidden things of the Scriptures.” Thomas a Kempis, 1450

Church for Atheists

Nearly 6 % of Americans are atheists or agnostics. But, they still want to go to church! A year ago, two British atheists were inspired to start a church “without the God bit.” Their so-called “Sunday Assembly,” provides like-minded unbelievers with a community and a message to “live better, help often, wonder more.” The budding movement is growing, now with 35 chapters around the world, many in the U.S.

Of course those of us who are ‘believers’ can see the contradiction of an Atheist Church. The meaning of “church” is the “called out ones,” referring collectively to Christians, the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23). Yet, you can hardly fault the atheists; over the years, the word “church” has come to mean a building.

Not unlike many Christians, however, the atheists have confused “going to church” with “The Church.” In 1957, the founder of the “home church” movement in England, Canon Southcott, said, “We don’t go to church; we are the church.” Not unlike the atheists, unfortunately, many Christians need to stop thinking of the Church as a building or a service. Nor as an organization, but a living organism.

Take off your pants? Why not?

On Sunday, thousands of subway riders across the world participated in No Pants Subway Ride Day, boarding subway cars at various stops, without pants. The founder of the event told USA Today that the day was created to celebrate silliness—to make people laugh and smile. When one participant was asked by the media why he was taking off his pants, he said, “Why not?”

The “why not” attitude is not new, but it is a reflection of any society that lacks “raison d'être” (reason for being). Without purpose, life is arbitrary, accidental, and random—not, as Thoreau described it, “living deliberately” or as Warren captured it in a “Purpose Driven Life.” Today’s “why not’s” include things as weighty as abortion or euthanasia, or as petty as taking off your pants in public. But there is an important question here. How will citizens of a secularized society decide what is right and wrong? Solomon said, “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild and cast off constraint [along with their pants]. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.” (Proverbs 29:18). That's why.

New Year—New You!

I am sure we are all wondering what changes lie ahead this year, hoping they are “good” (as defined by us). Change equals growth—physically, psychologically, and spiritually. Still, even though we know we this, we are quite change resistant, unless the changes are under our control, and happen to coincide with our own plans.

But, God’s predestined plan is clear: to renew our inner man day by day (1 Cor. 4:16); to conform us to the image of Jesus (Rom. 8:28); and bring about our transformation (Rom. 12:2). The words ‘renew,’ ‘transform,’ and ‘conform’ all denote “change.” In particular, the word ‘renew’ means to become newer (a word for which we have no English equivalent), God's way of producing Christ-likeness in us, one day at a time.

None of us knows what changes God has pre-planned for us in this new year. But this truth should sustain us: If any person is in Christ, He is “new” (2 Cor. 5:17), and yet, becoming “newer” every day. Walk in this “newness” (Rom. 6:4), and by the end of 2014, you will have become a new, i.e., “newer,” you.

How will you Spend your Time this Year?

Last year, I found a testimony on Youtube of a man about my age whose pancreatic cancer had returned after 3 years in remission. I signed up to follow his medical/personal updates on CaringBridge, curious to see how his imminent passing had changed his priorities. But, sadly, he only spoke of his leisure activities, hobbies, and travel—a stark reminder to me of how much people hold on to the things of earth, even as they approach their final days. The Spirit brought to my mind these words: “Number our days [realize the brevity of life]” (Ps. 90:12) so we can “make the most of our time [opportunities]” (Eph. 5:16).

In his book “Nearing Home,” Billy Graham wrote, “God doesn't want us to waste our latter years or spend them in superficial, meaningless pursuits. Instead, He wants us to use them in whatever ways we can to influence those who will come after us. God wants us to finish well.” That has certainly been my and Altha’s intent.  But you don’t have to be in your latter years, or facing death, to pursue God with all of your heart. Spending your time on spiritual pursuits has no age limit. Consider Isaiah’s metaphor: “Why do you spend money [time] for what is not bread [life], and your wages for what does not satisfy?” (55:2)

A Man with a Plan: Mission Impossible?

The world may be looking for a “man with a plan,” but it became more apparent this week that Secretary of State John Kerry is not that man. After Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his doubts about successful peace negotiations with the Palestinians, Kerry said, “We have always known that achieving peace is a long and complicated process. It’s a tough road, but it is not mission impossible.” This week, Kerry returned to Washington when talks broke down. Mission impossible?

Ever since Israel became a nation in 1948, world leaders have tried to be “a man with a plan” for Middle East peace. But until Christ returns, it will be mission impossible. In the meantime, Jesus offers “a plan” for peace: His peace—not world peace (Jn. 14:27; 16:33). Knowing believers would face hostility in this world, Paul said, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, which exceeds anything we can understand, peace that will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Col. 2:15; Phil. 4:7). Peace for us is not only possible; it is highly probable. How can I be so sure? Because Jesus is our peace (Eph. 2:14).

“We thought he would be the next messiah”

Recently interviewed  by Piers Morgan, Barbara Walters said, “We thought he [Barak Obama] was going to be—I shouldn't say this at Christmastime—but the next messiah.” She went on to say she still hopes he will at least be “messiah-like” in his next 3 years.

Given the plethora of murky international crises that await the world in 2014, there is sure to be great desire for “a man with a plan”—someone ‘messiah-like.’ Earthlings have always coveted ‘messiah-like’ qualities in their leaders. Napoleon Bonaparte, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, even Adolf Hitler and Mao Tse-tung were messiah-like—each one “a man with plan.” Even today, the world's religions—Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus—await their messiah to save the world.

Why is this important to us? Because before Christ returns, there will be a false messiah (the Antichrist). And before that, the rapture. Therefore, one of the signs to watch for is the rising of an international leader who will be ‘messiah-like’—“a man with a plan.”

Plow Monday

This is a heads-up to any one who doesn't know that a week from today is “Plow Monday,” the start of the English agricultural year. Of course, no good farmer needs to be told this. He knows the time to plow, or plant. Just imagine if he didn’t.

Not being much of a farmer, I thought 2013 was my season for planting. Altha and I had moved to a new home, new state, ready for ‘new’ things. But then, God began plowing. Familiar with Hosea’s words “It is time to break up your fallow [unplowed] ground” (Hosea 10:12), I figured I had some hard soil that needed breaking up before I could be fully productive! Little did I know how much!

But, God is the archetypal agronomist—who “instructs the farmer and teaches him the right way to plow” (Is 28:24). While I do not fully understand everything, I know He cares enough not to leave me fallow. When David was in turmoil, he said, “I have calmed (meaning to "level or make smooth") my soul” (Ps. 131:2). When the plowing starts, will you take calm in your Heavenly Father's horticultural wisdom?

Does Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson Speak for Us?

I waited a while before weighing in on the recent brouhaha over Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson’s crude remarks on homosexuality. Considered too offensive to be ignored, A&E network suspended him, only to relent a week later. The political conservatives called it a violation of Robertson’s free speech. Conservative Christians claimed it was persecution.

Having grown up in the wake of early fundamentalism, I learned, unfortunately, that being a Christian was more about “do’s” and “don’ts” than love and grace. In the last few decades, the church has tried to redefine itself away from those legalistic eccentricities. But when it comes to homosexuality, there seems to be a regressive emphasis on “don’t”—creating a perception that certain types of sinners are not acceptable.

Evangelicals face a unique challenge: stand against the winds of modernity, yet love all people as Jesus did. How can we foster an atmosphere where we can hold biblically intelligent, lovingly sensitive discussions, to help our siblings in Christ who self-identify as gay or lesbian. If we do not, they will think that Phil Robertson, a self-proclaimed redneck from Louisiana, speaks for the rest of us.

Expect Expansion

When I reached a certain age, my waistline started expanding. And even though I lost 25 pounds last year, there didn’t seem to be a corresponding decrease in my waistline!  I’m told that’s natural for men of my age!

Analogously, it is also natural for our spiritual ‘lines’ to expand. Jesus compared us to new wineskins that could stretch with maturation. A. W. Tozer said, “The widest thing in the universe is not space, but the potential capacity of the human spirit—unlimited expansion.” 

Some of you must be thinking you have too many hindrances to hope for such boundless progress. But as we begin this New Year, let's not look back at what-might-have-seemed an unlucky '13. Instead, let us “forget what lies behind and reach forward (expanding) to what lies ahead, throwing off everything that hinders us so we can run with endurance the race marked out for us” (Phil. 3:14; Heb. 12:1, edited). In '14, expect expansion.