A Linderella Story

No doubt some of you would be surprised if I didn't comment on the Jeremy Lin phenomenon. For those of you who don’t read newspapers or watch TV news, you might have missed this. But Jeremy Lin's is the story of an underdog basketball player who jumped out of obscurity to take the NBA by storm and become a record-smashing star of the New York Knicks.  And, he is a born again believer.

The fact that he credits God for his success is drawing comparisons to quarterback Tim Tebow who, as we all know, “wears his religion on his sleeve.” Now, Lin has taken the “wearing it on your sleeve” thing quite literally, sporting a wristband that reads "In Jesus Name I Play." 

What is the significance of this?  First, it looks to me like God has raised up these young men to be like Daniel's friends (the ones thrown in the fiery furnace): they are taking heat for declaring their faith in Jesus; and in so doing, challenging the rest of us to be more bold.  And second, by their message, they have transcended the game of wins and losses for the greater gain of winning the hearts of the lost (who are seeing two strong and powerful, yet sensitive, young men unashamed to tell you they love Jesus).

Do LITTLE churches have a Prayer?

When I saw this article "Is Walmart Killing Small Businesses?" it occurred to me that BIG churches are not  unlike BIG Box stores. Both are forcing the LITTLE guys out of business!  Half the churches in America are under 75 members.  But as the BIG Box church movement grows, LITTLE churches are disappearing (nearly 4000 close their doors each year), while the number of megachurches is doubling every 5 years.

Is Bigger Better?  One can argue the pros and cons, but BIG or LITTLE, the question is: are they just filling seats or growing people into Christ's fulness? Watchman Nee said 'church' is what happens in between Sundays, when members love and serve one another, stimulate one another, confess sins to one another, forgive and bear with one another, and build up one another.  Let's call  them the "one-another" ministries!

The closest Jesus ever came to defining the Church was in this statement, “where two or three are gathered in My name” (Matt. 18:20). If you think about it, the “one another” ministries are most effective when they happen between two or three at a time: in LITTLE groups. With so much pressure on pastors to make their LITTLE churches BIG, maybe the attention should be on how to make our BIG churches more LITTLE!

Close the door behind you

We used to take our kids to a water theme park in San Jose called “Raging Waters”—replete with towering slides and ‘white-water’ rapids. I strongly doubt it would have drawn many crowds if it had been a place of quiet reflection pools. 

In the 21st century, we are (metaphorically speaking) bombarded by a cacophony of crashing waterfalls and raging waters! And not just external, the noise is inside our heads. If we can’t hear ourselves think, how will we ever hear the voice of God? Have the words, “be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10) ever been more relevant?

Even a casual survey of God’s men and women in the Bible reveals that all were alone in quiet places when they heard God. And of course Jesus’ sought out “solitary places” (Mark 1:35) to be alone and quiet with His Father.

Perhaps knowing that his 21st century followers might not find that kind of solitude, Jesus said, “when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you [shut off your digital connectors], and pray to your Father in private” (Matt. 6:6). In today's parlance, “Let’s get out of this noisy place and go somewhere quiet where we can talk.”

She is Not the Antichrist

Yesterday, I spoke NOT of THE antichrist, but of the SPIRIT of antichrist in the world today. I am sure you can all think of examples of those who embody the spirit of antichrist.  But in my opinion, there is no one who does so more than Oprah Winfrey. Alarmingly, USA Today has called her a “spiritual leader for the new millennium, a moral voice of authority for the nation, one of the world's most influential spiritual leaders.”

In 2008, she began a radio program, “Oprah & Friends,” offering a year-long Course in Miracles, a spiritual journey that says: there are many paths to whatever-you-call God; all religions are equally false and equally true; God is in everything we see; each of us is the light of the world; and our salvation comes from us.  Hers is a religion of affirmation, toleration, and no absolutes (and of course, no cross).

Is Oprah an instrument of Satan to bring in a new religion that fits the new world order?  When Oprah visited Joel Osteen's church last year, he praised her: "We're honored to have you here; we celebrate you for what God is doing in your life." I'm sure he meant her humanitarian projects. Yes, she does great things. But these dare not be attributed to God ("for Satan disguises himself as an angel of light") because "every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ is God is the spirit of antichrist." (2 Cor 11:14; 1 Jn 4:3)

The spirit of antichrist is already here

"Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come... the spirit of the antichrist is already in the world" (1 John 2:18; 4:3).

We all know about the Holy Spirit’s work in the world to draw people to Jesus. And we are also aware of His work in our hearts—convicting, cleansing and perfecting us (John 16:8; 2 Cor. 7:1). The Holy Spirit is guiding us to God's truth, and preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord.

But there is another spirit at work in the world—the spirit of antichrist is preparing hearts for the antichrist's arrival. Though we know the antichrist will come in the last days, the spirit of antichrist is already here—working to set up things for his kingdom by lying to and deceiving people.  So when the antichrist makes his public appearance, millions will have already been prepared for him; he already has their hearts and minds. 

“False messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!” (Mar 13:21-23)

What Makes Life Better?

Fifty years ago the marketers of Coca Cola cashed in on the American ethos: the pursuit of better. Four years ago, Joel Osteen made a fortune with his book, “Become a Better You.” While studying the book of Hebrews, I was struck by how many times the author uses the word “better”—better country, better covenant, better hope. Had I missed something? Is there a doctrine of “better?”

As I dove into the study of “better,” I found that each reference had something to do with making our relationship with God better. None of the words “better” had to do with self-improvement—none of them was self-oriented. Then it struck me: that’s what Satan told Eve in the Garden—that he could give them something better than what they currently had. Satan was marketing self-improvement long before psychologist Carl Rogers invented 'person-centered' therapy!

Jeremiah said the heart is desperately sick and cannot be cured (17:9; 30:5). “Better” is simply not an option. You won’t be surprised that I love this quote by Professor Dr. Michael Horton: “He doesn’t come to improve us; he comes to kill us, in order to raise us to newness of life.” God doesn’t want to give you a better life—He wants to give you a brand new life. Why settle for "better" when you can have "best!"

Is the Glass Half-full or Half-empty?

According to a recent Super Bowl add, it’s half-time in America, a rather ambiguous appellation. Will America's 'game' be finished in another 200 years? 

 The answer to the question “do you see the glass half-full or half-empty?” purportedly reveals a person's optimism or pessimism. Neither is biblical. Using this metaphor, we'd have to say Jesus was a "glass full" Person. 

Do you know how some single persons will say they are looking for their “other half” or a how a married man (a smart one) will introduce his spouse as his “better half?” Those notions are only half right.  Each of us is whole and complete in Christ. When Jesus was on earth, He was fully human, but full of God's fullness. And now that He is “in us,” we have received His fullness (Col.2:9-10).

Sure, there is a process whereby our fullness is becoming more experiential. But knowing that you are full of Christ is half the battle. How unfortunate that too many of us spend only half our time, and even then only half-trying to experience Jesus' fullness. I think we haven't learned the half of what it means to be “filled up to all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:19)

“The Perfect Storm” edited from an article by prophetic scholar Jack Kelley

What we are seeing in the world is a perfect storm for regional war in the Middle East.

1) Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei wants to put an end to Israel and the U.S.( the Great Satan), thereby accelerating the return of Islam’s messiah to Earth.
2) Israel is deciding whether to attack Iran or not.
3) Syria’s President Assad has repeatedly said if the international community interferes with his government, he’ll start a regional war that will put all of the Middle East in flames.
4) Russia is sending weapons to Syria and has its own contingency of military forces in the area.
5) The U.S. has several aircraft carriers in, and is moving  100,000 ground troops to, the Persian Gulf.
6) Various political analysts (and Leon Panetta) are speculating that Iran could be at war with Europe, Israel, the US or some combination this Spring.

If this is God’s timing, the world will soon suffer through a brief but intense regional war in the Middle East. And after it ends, while they’re saying “Peace and Safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman… (1 Thess. 5:3). The sudden destruction to which Paul referred will signal the beginning of the end of the world as we know it.

Fasting or Feasting

“To eat or not to eat” is a major theme threaded throughout the Scriptures. For example, Adam lost his kingdom because of eating; Esau lost his birthright over a single meal; some of the Israelites forfeited Canaan after rejecting a meatless diet; and by refusing to eat, Jesus regained the kingdom.

Throughout His life, Jesus fasted.  And on one such occasion, the disciples brought him food, and were surprised when He said: “I have food to eat that you don’t know about,” explaining, “My food is to do the will of my father in heaven.” (John 4:34) At that moment, Jesus re-defined fasting.

Frankly, we think of fasting as a deprivation. But while Jesus was fasting, He was actually feasting on His Father's fare! Pleasing His Father, doing His work is what sustained and nourished Jesus. Centuries earlier, God said, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Deut 8:3). Paul said, The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).  Jesus said, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matt. 5:6). This certainly changes my view of fasting, or should I say "feasting!"

I can’t stop thinking about “nothing.”

We talk about giving “everything” to the Lord. But how often do we speak of giving Him “nothing.” Peter said to Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you.” If we look under the words, we’ll see that the net result of giving everything is having nothing. That's just what Jesus wanted from them!  The Son of God does His best work with nothing. He created the heavens and the earth from nothing.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrates the “nothing” principle. Early on, his mother came to Him with a request for help—their host has run out of wine; they have nothing.  Having nothing to work with, Jesus makes mature wine. There are many examples of this “nothingness”: the woman at the well has nothing, symbolically, but empty water pots; Jesus feeds 5,000 who have no food—nothing; Jesus gives sight to a man who was born blind, who could see nothing; and what about the rich young man who comes to Jesus and is told, “go away and come back when you have nothing.”

Even in writing this post, the Lord has shown me how much of my esteem is related to "doing" things . “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Gal. 6:3). Yikes! Jesus repeatedly said, “I do nothing on my own initiative” (John 5:19; 5:30; 8:28).  I think I'm getting it: we think God needs "something" from us to work with.  But God wants “nothing” from us.

What’s Holding You Up?

After writing yesterday’s post about ‘things,’ it occurred to me that if you let go of your things, if you had no thing, you would have “nothing.” It’s not easy letting go of our things, because we think the things we possess and the things we do are who we are. Without these things, we believe we are nothings!  That's what holds up our progress in faith.

We hold tightly the belief that our things are what holds us together.  So God holds up His Son as an example of one who wouldn't be held back, by things of the world.  It behooves us to consider what things are holding our attention, and may be holding us down.  We need to make an honest assessment of what prevents us from laying hold of the very truth that holds the key to life.  In the following verses, look at how Paul approached his holdings.

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. That means I examine every "thing" carefully, holding fast to that which is good (godliness) since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (Phil. 3:12; 1Thess. 5:21; 1 Tim 4:8). Paul would let nothing (no thing) hold him up.

When Things Don't Work Out

A.W. Tozer said: “Before God made man, He first prepared a world of useful and pleasant things for him. But in the deep heart of man was a shrine where none but God was worthy to come, until sin entered, and God was forced out of His shrine, as things were allowed to enter, and take over.”

“Thing” is such an odd word—meaning nothing and everything at once. Miriam Webster says a “thing” is property and belongings, but also ideas and activities. We all have things occupying us.  And more to the point, we are painfully aware of the things that force God out of the shrine of our hearts.

We live in a world where we measure our worth by how many things we have and how well we get things done. We value making things or collecting things, but are not shy about throwing things away. We like shiny things and tiny things. We despise useless things. We like to allow things to happen, try new things, shake things up, and set things straight. And we hate it when things fall apart.

When Jesus came to the home of Mary and Martha, He gave them a lesson on “things.” While Mary sat at the Lord's feet, listening to Him, Martha was distracted by her preparations. Telling Him about the “things” she had to do, Jesus said, "you are worried and bothered about too many “things,” when only one “thing” matters; and that's the “thing” Mary has chosen.  While Martha was busy doing her thing, Mary had set her mind on things above. Now that is some thing to think about.

The President and the Pill: Declaring War on the Church

Last week, the White House announced that the final rule on the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) mandates coverage of birth control even if the employer happens to be a religious institution that objects to it.  This will be a particular issue for the Roman Catholic Church which employs 1,000's in its 600 hospitals (Catholics and non-Catholics alike), and does not offer such coverage to any of  them.

Ironically, the Catholic Church was one of Obama’s strongest allies in his health care initiatives. But now they are angry.  The Obama administration has no plans to reverse its decision even though the Bishops have signaled their intention to defy the law rather than to violate their conscience.

What is the significance of this for us? Well, beyond the obvious First Amendment issue, it is an example of the secularization of America. Secularization neutralizes religious ideas and institutions until they have lost their social and moral significance, and have no influence on society. (Europe has been secularized.)  Scripture says the true Church will decline in influence at the last days, as apostasy increases.  Who can argue that the Church no longer has the influence it once did. The Obama ruling is a test of that influence; we should pay attention to how this plays out.  Something is going on here between the President and the Church that is more important than the pill.

Is He The Beast or The Lion?

Last August, Turkey’s Foreign Minister warned Syrian President Assad that if he didn't stop the slaughter of his people, NATO would intercede. Assad retorted: "Six hours after the first shot is fired against Syria, we will destroy Tel Aviv and set the entire Middle East on fire. God help you if anything befalls this regime."

Iran (Syria's ally) also has plans to "wipe Israel off the map." Last Sunday on "60 Minutes,” Leon Panetta, expressing concern about Iran’s nuclear program, said "we will take whatever steps are necessary to stop it."  And considering Russia's economic and military assistance to both countries, you can't help but see a 'time bomb' ready for detonation. Some political analysts say war is inevitable. And I agree.

Even the U.S. , which has been reluctant to get involved, is speaking out. This week Hillary Clinton, on route to NY to meet with the UN Security Council, said: "The status quo is unsustainable and the resulting instability could spill over throughout the region." (Tel Aviv is only 50 miles from Damascus.)

While I don't believe Assad is the antichrist, I find it fascinating that Assad’s family name used to be Wahash, which means "beast," until they changed it to Assad, which means "lion." Therefore, Assad was a “Beast," and is now a "Lion" (Rev. 13:5-6).  The Bible says in the last days the “king of the north" will attack Israel (Ez. 38:10-12); and the "beast" will take part in it (Rev. 19:19).  I think we better keep our eyes on Syria.

DON’T PUT ME ON HOLD!

Yesterday I had a long-winded conversation with a phone answering robot before hearing those dreaded words: "PLEASE HOLD.”  Lately, it seems many of them have been re-programmed with a courtesy chip that says, “The approximate waiting time for the next representative will be __ minutes.”  I really like that feature because it allows me to adjust my expectations.

To say I get disappointed when a service provider tells me he will arrive at my home in 30 minutes, but doesn't for 2 hours, is an understatement. If they would just tell me the truth, it would prevent so much frustration: the stronger the expectation, the greater the disappointment. As long as I am given realistic expectations, I can contentedly occupy myself until he arrives.

Isaiah tells us “God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him” (Is. 64:4). That means that while I am waiting, He is acting. That gives me a peace of mind, knowing He is working ‘behind the scenes,’ and will respond to me when He is finished doing whatever it is He needs to do before He speaks.  Being “on hold” with God is not frustrating if I know He is going to answer me in His time. Whenever I start to become impatient, I remind myself: “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed" (Rom. 10:11).

Are You Ready for the Rapture?

The passengers on the Costa Concordia were given a safety briefing within 24 hours of leaving port. But most did not attend. Lulled by two decades of accident-free cruising, the majority gave little thought to disaster preparedness.  It reminds me of how few airline passengers pay any attention to the flight attendants as they give safety instructions!  Or similarly, how many Americans are unprepared for disaster despite repeated FEMA warnings.

The parallel of course is the apathy by all too many Christians toward the return of the Lord. Perhaps 20 centuries of waiting has lulled them into apathy. "Where is the promise of His coming?" (2 Peter 3:4). Perhaps too many false alarms have turned them into skeptics.

As foolish as it is to be unprepared for a natural disaster, how much more for the Bride of Christ NOT to be eagerly anticipating, and ready for, the return of her Groom! (Matthew 25: the 10 virgins) No one knows when Christ will return, but when He does, John says there will be those who will "shrink away from Him in shame" (Jn. 2:28) for lack of readiness. Christ’s return is a reason for rejoicing, so I certainly do not mean to compare it to a disaster. But I am afraid it will be for those who are unprepared.

“Return to Me”

Today's post is not about a movie starring Minnie Driver or  a love song by Dean Martin...
“Return to Me” is a recurring theme in the Old Testament (Jer. 4:1; Joel 2:12; Zech 1:3). When a person's world is turned upside down, he either turns to God or turns away—more commonly the latter. Do you remember when, right after God turned the tables on the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea, the people turned on Moses angrily for turning them into victims of a waterless desert.  Then when God turned the desert rocks into springs of water, their hearts were turned around. You'd think it would have been a turning point for them, but that’s not exactly how it turned out.

Whenever trouble turned up, they were all too quick to turn and run. Centuries later, threatened by war with Assyria, they turned to Egypt. Did they really think God would turn a blind eye to their offense?  He graciously warned them that before things took a turn for the worse, they'd better turn back: “In returning to Me, you will be saved” (Is. 30:15).

Where do you turn when God turns up the heat?  Do you turn down God's opportunities for growth?  Well, as it turns out, you have a God who is too full of love to turn the page on you.  He is waiting for you to "return to Me with all your heart” (Is. 30:18; Joel 2:12). And when you do, He will turn your enemies on their head, and turn your trials inside out (Ro. 8:28; 37).

Stop Pointing the Finger

By now you’ve all heard about the infamous “finger wagging” encounter between President Obama and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. Regardless of why it happened, or “who started it,” it was arguably improper for Brewer to point her finger in the President’s face. 

“Pointing the finger” is an action of blaming, reprimanding, or warning, and worse, a gesture of contempt.  Who can forget how President Clinton used it to scold his accusers.  And recently,  during a Republican debate, Rick Perry pointed condescendingly at Ron Paul. 

Finger pointing is as old as Adam who pointed the finger at Eve who pointed the finger at the serpent.  It is natural to want to "wag your finger" to point out someone else's error, to justify yourself.  Or, to shift the blame when you feel threatened.  

"Finger pointing" is soundly condemned by God (Is. 58:9) because of what it is. But He promises if we stop pointing at others, and instead, ask Him to point out our faults, He will bring our relationships to the point of restoration. (Is 58:9-12).  Then, instead of pointing at people, we can point people to God, which is really the point of our salvation, isn't it!

When Faced with Death

We live in a world where it is more normal to be persecuted for your faith than not. We who live in the “free” world must never forget those who live in the face of death every day. Strangely, our nation is allied with countries where Christians are faced with death for following Christ—Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are each on the list of the top ten where Christians have almost no freedom to worship.
                                                                     
Perhaps you read about the brutal murders of Christians in Nigeria this month? One attack was at the Deeper Life Bible Church in the capital: 9 worshipers killed, 19 wounded. One witness said, “There was blood all over the church; it was a horrible sight.” 

Can you imagine living every day facing death?  But in fact, we do. Dying to 'self.'  Every time God shows us the things in our heart we love more than Him (Jn. 14:24).  Long before our friends in Nigeria were martyred for Christ, they had already made that decision to love Jesus more than their own lives, even when faced with death (Rev. 12:11).  Imagine this: Jesus looks into your eyes and says: "Do you love me more than ____?" (Jn 21:16).

The Empire Strikes Back

During the time of the early church, the Roman Empire ruled the world.  Most conservative scholars believe there will be a re-emergence of the ancient Roman Empire in Europe in the last days. (Daniel 9:26; Rev 17:9-10) This is why it is so important that we pay close attention to what is happening in Europe.  Bible scholars have studied the formation of the European Union from the 1990's until the present with great interest. 

As of this writing (things seem to change daily) Europe is said to be on the cliff of economic disaster.  This week, it is reported that Greece is unable to come to an agreement on the terms of a European bank loan.  And both Greece and Italy's citizens are protesting the austerity measures being forced on them.  It is not at all unlikely that Europe’s problems will be the catalyst for a major re-configuration of the European Union in 2012. The weaker economies—Greece, Italy, Ireland—may be cut off to avoid bringing down the stronger ones. How the E.U. handles this severe economic test will be a determinant in 21st century geopolitics. Keep your eyes on Europe for the possible return of the Empire.

The “First Time”

After Gingrich won the election in South Carolina, the media reported this is the “first time” since the modern primary system began that there have been 3 different winners in each of the first 3 contests.  Following a year of unprecedented events (weather and politics), "first times" are becoming normal.

“First times” have different connotations, i.e., the “first kiss,” the “first job,” the “first day of school.”  Each evokes its own “first” feelings. Most “first times” produce anxiety, a fear of the unfamiliar, i.e.,the “first time” you gave a public speech, or your "first time" driving on the freeway, or the “first time” you sky-dived. Generally we don’t like those feelings, and are quite glad to have them behind us.  The second time is so much easier!

It occurs to me that life is full of “first times” when you are young, and when you are older they are fewer, either by circumstance or choice. What I mean is as people get older they reduce the number of unfamiliar things—they cling to the familiar. But if we are “new” in Christ and things are continually being made “new” and we are walking in the “newness” of life, then it seems to me the “first times” never end—with one exception. The “first time” you die will be your “last.” And then there will be an eternity of “first times” (but without any fear!). "Behold, I make all things new" (Rev. 21:5).

There is no such thing as a “Sin Meter”

This last Sunday many churches commemorated “Sanctity of Life Month” by speaking out against abortion. Shockingly, since 1973, over 30% of U.S. women of child bearing age have had an abortion. Even more disturbing, the rate of abortions for self-identified Christians is nearly the same. So while this is a political and moral issue, it is also a very painful person issue for many women (and men).

I wonder how many women stayed home from church on Sanctity of Life Sunday, yet unable to shed feelings of shame & guilt.  Sadly, some sins carry a stigma—abortion being one. And though we all know there is no such thing as a “sin meter,” certain sins seem to be singled out as worse. Another example of this is homosexuality.  During the AIDS epidemic, some preachers publicly declared that AIDS was God’s judgment against homosexuals. While there is no doubt that certain sins have more severe consequences, the result of drawing attention to a particular sin is that we appear to be "sin discriminators."

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, rebuking "fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, covetous people, drunkards, revilers, and swindlers"  (1 Cor. 6:10.), later adding "quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior" (2 Cor. 12:20), he equalized all sinners.  And in a tone of hope and love, declared, “Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 6:11).

Chicken of the Sea

The phrase “Chicken of the Sea” took on new meaning when the media seized on the phrase to describe the cowardly captain of a cruise ship that crashed off the coast of Italy last  week.  Apparently ignoring the law of the sea that he must “go down with the ship," saving "women and children first," the supposedly spineless sailor slipped into a lifeboat and abandoned his vessel; thus earning his new moniker: "chicken of the sea!" 

Unfortunately, the sad scenario of a scared skipper brings to mind the question people are asking during this election year: “Where is the captain we can trust to lead us out of recession and into prosperity?  Where is the commander in chief who has the wisdom to protect us from rogue nations and terrorists?"  

Did you know the title "captain" is used twice to describe our LORD: “captain of our salvation” (Heb. 2:10) and “captain of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).  The word "captain" connotes strength and confidence, evoking feelings of comfort and security.  For example, an honorable Navy captain will engender trust from his sailors who are assured he cares enough to die with them, even for them.  We have such a Captain, One who anchors our souls (Heb. 6:19).  In the midst of a storm, He calms the seas and quiets the winds.  And we have a Captain we can believe when He promises “I will never leave or abandon you” (Heb. 13:5).

What is "MY" Cross?

I wonder how many followers of Jesus have never truly picked up their cross because they didn’t know what it was.  They have not understood that picking up your cross is DYING TO SELF.

DYING TO SELF is when you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely provoked, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight. But instead your heart is content, knowing your Father in Heaven understands you, just like Jesus  did. 

DYING TO SELF is when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself. But instead you take it all loving silence just like Jesus did.

DYING TO SELF is when you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance, any disruption, when you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any people, when you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can submit inwardly as well as outwardly, washing the feet of those who reject you,  just like Jesus did.  DYING TO SELF is your cross.

This is my cross to bear and I'm not happy about it!

“This is my cross to bear” is a statement you won't find in the Bible. It refers to a nagging, unrelenting, undesirable circumstance in your life.  Since the expression is often heard by even non-believers, I feel compelled to clarify the difference between this is my cross to bear and taking up my cross.

Having a “cross to bear” implies a burden we didn’t choose.  And the point that it is unbearable makes it unbiblical. Why? Jesus said the opposite: “Come unto me all you are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest; my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt. 11:28).”  Therefore, if Jesus' yoke feels burdensome, you are probably trying to carry it in your own strength, or you are carrying something God doesn't want you to carry.

How do you know if it is one, or both, of the above? You know something's wrong when you carry it in bitterness, anger, or resentment; when you complain to God and everyone around you so they know how much you’re suffering; when you expect, self-righteously, to be rewarded one day for your pain.

Taking up our cross means we do so of our own free will, without complaining, or expecting a reward. Rather, we take up our cross because Jesus did, and we "rejoice in our sufferings that we may know Him and be conformed to His death” (Col. 1:24; Phil. 3:10).  We must distinguish ourselves from those who consider hardships to be "unbearable" because we have learned to come to Jesus with our burdens (Mark 8:34; Heb. 12:3). [Tomorrow: "What is my cross?"]

What TIME is it?

What TIME is it? Seems like a simple enough question, but its answer depends on what “time zone” you live in.  Or on how you define TIME: the hour of the day, or the season of life, or the age we live in?

The Bible exhorts you to “make the most of your time” (Eph. 5:16), not to be confused with having the “time of your life.” It means to be mindful that "time is short" and there will be a "time of reckoning."

Did you know there is such a thing as an official “Doomsday Clock?”  It was created by a group of scientists in 1947 to warn of the perils of a nuclear arms race. The potential for a nuclear war determines the time on the Doomsday Clock.  As of January 2012, the Doomsday clock is set at 11:55 p.m.

It occurs to me the scientists have hit on a spiritual law. All men are living on “borrowed time.” “Time waits for no man.” “Time marches on.” When we’re young, we think we have “time on our side,” but when we get older we realize that “time flies,” and we can no longer “take our sweet time,” knowing it will soon be “time to call it a day.” "At one time," Jesus rebuked those who were not able to “discern the times.” (Matt. 16:3).  Would you agee that "it's high time" we all learned how to "tell time."

God is Not Mad at You

God says "let us make man in our image."  Man says, "let's make God into our image!"  How does he do that?  With his “fallen” imagination, he projects his ideas and feelings onto God, in effect, “humanizing” Him.  Through Isaiah, God says, “You thought I was just like you.” (50:21)

For example, we think God's anger is like ours. But while ours is a mixture of impatience, retaliation, and self-defense, God’s is righteous: it is anger against sin. God hates sin; hates the pain it causes; hates how it separates us from Him.  But He loves mankind (Jn 3:16). For that reason, "God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Ro. 5:8).

The story of the prodigal son illustrates this beautifully. While the son sat in a pig pen of sinful choices, imagining his father's anger, he projected punishment where there was only love and forgiveness. He could not imagine his father was waiting and longing for his return.  After times of disobedience, the Jews would distance themselves from God.  The prophets tried to tell them God was not mad at them: “God longs to be gracious to you; and He is waiting on high to show you mercy; the Lord of Hosts says, ‘Return to Me; I love you with an everlasting love.’" (Is. 30:18; Zech. 1:3; Jer. 31::3)

Iran’s Plan for Peace on Earth

Did you know that a driving belief by the Shiite Muslims is the coming of an Islamic messiah, called al Mahdi?  They believe the Mahdi's reappearance will be preceded by a 7-year confrontation with evil, ending with an era of universal peace (Sound familiar?).  Iranian President Ahmadinejad believes that Iran has been chosen to “pave the path for the glorious reappearance.”  In other words, Iran has no reluctance to starting a nuclear holocaust in the region.

Not surprisingly, then, after claiming for years that their nuclear program was only to produce energy, they recently announced their intention to test a nuclear warhead.  And since then, they are threatening to close the Straits of Hormuz, warning the US to keep its carriers out of the Persian Gulf. The US responded by ordering additional carriers to the Gulf and adding 15,000 troops in Kuwait. It’s widely feared that a military showdown between the US and Iran is imminent.

Mahmud Ahmadinejad is the most religiously zealous leader on the world scene today: “We don’t shy away from declaring that Islam is ready to rule the world.”  Zeal plus power is a terrible force. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way … so when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near (2 Thess. 2:7; Luke 21:28).

Living on Purpose

The other day I was talking to one of my former students, a bright young man full of ambition. But he confesses to wasting a lot of time—video games, TV, Facebook—none of which contribute anything to his life goals. I assured him his situation is not uncommon.  Our culture offers us so many empty things with which to occupy ourselves!  I call it "loitering."

Did you know that several years after Joshua and Israel had moved into Canaan, there were still seven Tribes who had not yet taken possession of their portions of the Land ? (Josh. 18)  So Joshua asked them, "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord has given you?" They were still living like wanderers. Here they stood, on the edge of God’s gift to them, loitering instead of occupying.

Jesus said “Occupy ‘til I come” (Lk. 19:13).  But like the seven Tribes many Christians have never taken full possession of God's plan and purpose. They may tell you they are waiting on God, but they are really just 'waiting around.'  Genuine waiting on God means occupying yourself with God's purposes (Col 3:2). That's hard to do when you are predisposed and preoccupied.  That's what the the seven loitering Tribes picture for us.  So, what did I tell my former student? I said, "Put up a sign in your heart  that says 'No Loitering,' and start Living on Purpose."

Underground Bunkers for End-of-World Survivors

By now you've all heard of the Mayan prediction that the world will end in December 2012.  However, not all 'Mayan' scholars agree with that interpretation; they say the Mayans believed in cycles of creation, and were simply predicting the beginning of a new cycle. "At the very least," one cynical sociologist commented, "the doomsday prediction is a chance for entrepreneurs to cash in."

Sure enough, the American firm 'Vivos' is selling peace of mind for the end-of-world worriers, building 20 underground “assurance of life” communities, each one capable of sustaining 4,000 people for a year.  Only after paying $50,000 and passing a pre-qualification that determines one's worthiness will he or she be able to live in one of these ground-breaking hotels.

Given the above, consider the words of the Psalmist, "Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, all the defenses in the world won't help."  Paul assures us that "when the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we will have an eternal house in heaven." (Ps. 127:1, 2 Cor. 5:1) And the good news: we have been "pre-qualified" as worthy for one of those 'move-in-ready' homes.