"October Baby"

Am I writing a movie review?  Yes.  Yesterday, Altha and I saw a movie that is, unfortunately, showing in limited engagement.  Why?  It has a strong evangelical Christian worldview. October Baby is made in the genre of Facing the Giants, Fireproof and Courageous. It deals with weighty subjects—the value of life, the horror of abortion for everyone it touches, the difficulty of letting go, the need to receive and extend forgiveness—in a way that doesn’t make you leave the theater, feeling like you got hit over the head.

October Baby is a “coming of age” story, but more, a story of redemption, told through the eyes of 19-year old Hannah, who discovers not only that she was adopted, but that her birth was the outcome of a "failed" abortion. I recommend this film to you, not just to support the Christian film industry, or because you agree with the message, but because it's a good movie that will remind you of the impact of sin and the wonderful effects of God's forgiveness.

In January, on the day after “Sanctity of Life Sunday,” I was compelled to write that abortion is not just a political or social issue, but a painful personal issue for many women. You can tell someone about the freedom in Christ that comes from forgiveness, but sometimes it takes a story like this one, like October Baby, to convey such a message to the heart.  If any picture is worth a thousand words, this one is.

If you can’t say something nice…

Did your mother used to tell you “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”? I think our U.S. Senators, Congressmen, and politicians must not have been listening to their mothers.

As stirring as the emotions sometimes are when involved in the "rightness" of a political cause, those passions need to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. In Titus 3:2, Paul commands us "to malign no one," and refers to cursing, slandering, and treating with contempt. The Greek term rendered "malign" is the one from which we derive the English word blasphemy. If you watch CNN or Fox, or MSNBC; if you listen to Rush or Shawn, Mark Levine, Michael Savage or Michael Reagan, you will hear lots of maligning and scorning of politicians and other public figures. Believers are warned not to enter in to such things. Not only does it show contempt for God’s authority, but is inconsistent with our new nature in Christ.

We are already well into a season of grave electoral choices. And you may already have entered into some heated political discussions. And it’s difficult in the midst of the fray to maintain a spirit of holiness. But whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or somewhere in between, let us remember we are to “malign no one, to be un-contentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.”

"Good" Men Don’t Sin; They Make 'Mistakes'

Yesterday, NY Times columnist David Brooks wrote an article, “Modern view prevents us from seeing evil in others,” about the slaughter of 16 Afghan women & children by a seemingly normal Sgt. Robert Bales. Attempting to answer how such a good guy could commit such evil, Brooks explains: “In centuries past, most people would have been less shocked by the homicidal eruptions of formerly good men because they grew up in a world view that put sinfulness at the center of human personality.” But today, no one believes in man's depravity thanks to the“man-is-good” ideals of Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers, and Mr. Rogers!

Many times in this blog I've expressed my concern about how this “therapeutic, person-centered” philosophy has affected our interpretation of the Bible—giving us the ‘forgive-yourself,’ ‘love-yourself’ version, where sinful behaviors are attributed to past hurts (we are victims, not sinners), and where freedom is measured by improvements in self-esteem.

Over three centuries ago, King David wrote, “There was a time when I wouldn’t admit what a sinner I was. But it made me miserable and filled my days with frustration… My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I admitted all my sins [and when I did] He forgave me, and all my guilt was gone” (Ps 32:3-5). Two centuries ago, John wrote: “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9).

“I only have Eyes for You”

“Are the stars out tonight? I don't know if it's cloudy or bright 'cause I only have eyes for you” is the opening line of a popular song written in 1934, and since sung & recorded by thousands of performers. But I wonder if any of them were thinking of Jesus.

Yet that is exactly what the writer of Hebrews tells us to do: “fix your eyes on Jesus” (12:2). The word translated “fix your eyes” is a Greek compound made up of “away from” and “see,” meaning to look away from all distractions in order to fix one’s gaze on one object, i.e., having eyes for no one but Jesus.

“Fix your eyes” also implies continuity—continuity of heart, purpose, and direction. And from the word “continuity” we get our English word “continue.”  There are dozens of Scriptures that tell  us to continue in the faith, in love, in hope. Paul told Timothy to continue in the things he had been taught (2 Tim 3:14). The great sin of Israel is "they continued not" (Heb. 8:9).  They had wandering eyes!

The world is full of wonderful, interesting, fascinating things to look at.  Certainly God knows that (He made them!).  But He asks us stop staring at them, and start fixing our eyes on “things above” (Col. 3:2) so we will never lose sight of “Him who is unseen” (Heb. 11:27).

You Need to Get High

The other day, a friend was telling me of circumstances that were pulling him down.  Without skipping a beat, I said, “You need to get high.”

If you’ve never watched one of Lou Giglio’s Passion Conference messages, you should! Lou Giglio shows pictures of galaxies millions of light years away from us to show the unimaginable expanse of the universe, praising God in a staggering magnitude. The goal of his mind-blowing pictures is to explain that the One who holds the Universe in the palm of His Hand (Is. 40:12) is the Same Who holds you and me (Ps. 37:24). And there is nothing that escapes His attention (Prov. 24:12).

The writer of Hebrews tells us Jesus is our High Priest Who intercedes for us continually from the Throne on High to give us grace in our time of need (Heb 2:18; 4:16). From Jesus Who sits at the right hand of the Throne of God, there is an abundant supply of grace to lift us up from every “downer” circumstance in this life. “Though he stumbles, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand” (Ps. 37:24). This is why I told my friend, “You need to get high.”

The Demise of Crystal Cathedral

A decline in attendance and revenue loss over the last decade has led to the demise of the Crystal Cathedral Ministries in Garden Grove, along with its renowned glass cathedral—sold to the Catholic archdiocese for $58 million. At the same time, founder Robert Schuller and his wife resigned from the board amid a dispute over payments due him, just after his daughters had been fired last week: a sad ending to the Schulller dynasty.

          Robert Schuller is well known for his version of prosperity theology: “Possibility Thinking.” In his book, “Self-Esteem: The New Reformation,” Schuller replaced the message of salvation from sin with the message of rescue from low self-esteem, saying, “I realized that every sermon I preach should be designed, not to ‘teach’ or ‘convert’ people, but rather to encourage them, to give them a lift; thus, I have adopted the spirit, style, strategy, and substance of a ‘therapist’ in the pulpit.”

          I believe Schuller's therapeutic teaching was what Paul calls a “different gospel” (Gal. 1:6; 2 Cor. 11;4).  "Different gospels" come and go.  And while "Possibility Thinking" may go the way of the defunct Crystal Cathedral, the gospel of "believe-in-yourself" wont be going away anytime soon: “There will be terrible times in the last days; people will be lovers of self…” (2 Tim. 3:1-2). 

Jesus Revealed, while supplies last

Last week I received an email from Thomas Nelson Publishers with the above title. Of course they were referring to a book, but I wondered if the double entendre had missed their attention. Thank God the Bible assures us the grace of God through Jesus is abundant in supply (Phil. 4:19).

Because we are finite creatures occupying a finite world, with finite minds, we are barely able to comprehend the word “limitless.” Perhaps because most of us are so self-consciously aware of our own intellectual and moral weaknesses, we cannot appreciate infinite power. And not only that, we are constantly reminded by evironmentalists that we are living on an earth with dwindling resources. If we live by sight rather than faith, we won't see God's unlimited supply. And worse, we'll live within the scope of our limitations.

The Israelites limited the God of Israel (Ps. 78:40-43) when they were in a desert with limited resources.  They focused on their deprivation and forgot that God had just performed miracles and signs in Egypt. They provoked God by doubting His ability to provide (Heb. 3:16). But the same thing can happen to us if we forget that our heavenly Father’s power resides within us “to accomplish infinitely more than we could ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20). And we don’t have to worry about supplies running out.

The Arab Spring has Sprung a Leak

In an article entitled "Arabs Are Beginning to Miss the Dictatorships" Arab Muslim journalist Khaled Abu Toameh writes: "On the first anniversary of the Arab Spring, many Arabs are beginning to wonder whether they would soon start missing the corrupt dictators who ruled them for the past few decades.”

The Arab Spring was supposed to promote women's rights and political moderation. But, Khaled says, “judging from results in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, it is evident that the "Arab Spring" has failed to achieve any of these goals.”  (Seems to me, their "Spring" has sprung a leak.)

Khaled says the 3 nations where dictators were toppled are now in the hands of Muslim fundamentalists who used "Arab Spring" to gain power. Khaled says the White House was warned the Muslim Brotherhood would hijack the democratic movement and impose radical Islam on the people.

The people of the world are watching these events to see if democracy will take root, as though that will bring about peace.  The solution won't be found in any form of government.  Not  for the Arabs.  Not for the U.S.  We all await the final solution when Christ returns to rule the earth, when “the government will be upon His shoulder, and of the increase of peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

What in the World is Everyone Waiting For?

Did you know that most of the religions in the world are waiting for a messiah? Buddhists for the Fifth Buddha; New Agers for Maitrea; Muslims for the Mahdi; and of course, having rejected Jesus, the Jews are still waiting for Yahshua. Could it be that on some primal level all humanity knows the world is  evil, and is waiting to be rescued?

And it isn’t just religious people who are waiting to be rescued. Secular people have their own remedies for relief. They look for leaders who promise hope and change.  A fantasy?  Walt Disney made his millions on the “Prince Charming” genre—Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel. Who can know how the "Prince Charming" effect works on the collective American psyche. Perhaps this is why every politician tries to convince us he is the only one who can rescue us from peril and poverty.

But unlike the religions of this world, our Messiah has already come. He has already rescued us. And He promises to keep us safe until He comes again. “He will rescue us from every evil deed and bring us safely into his heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim 4:8). This is what we are waiting for.

Rest in Peace

He is our Sabbath Rest

Yesterday I wrote that the Sabbath is a state of rest, but there's more to it.  Specifically, the Jewish Sabbath looked toward a time of final rest.  Thus the writer of Hebrews explains by combining the words “sabbath” and “rest.” There remains a Sabbath Rest for the people of God, and a promise of entering His rest; therefore, let us be careful we don't fall short of it, by not making every effort to enter it (Heb. 4:1, 9,11 ed). In my experience, I've found that many people don't understand "Sabbath Rest," and are therefore unable to enter it!

The reason God rested is that His work was finished. The reason we are able to rest is that our ‘work’ to save ourselves is finished. Jesus finished it for us! We are free from self-effort. Quite simply, the Sabbath Rest means we are “dead to sin and alive to God” (Rom. 6:11). John says, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on, so that they may rest from their labors” (Rev. 14:13).

Think of this. Under the Old Covenant, the "day of rest" was on the last day of the week. Under the New Covenant, the first day of the week became the "day of rest,” illustrating a principle: you must enter His rest before you begin to do His work; and you must enter His rest in order to do His work!  But in all truth, every day lived  in the power of Jesus' life is a day of rest!  May you "Rest in Peace."

Closed on Sunday

Up to the time I was 8 years old, grocery stores were closed on Sunday, aka, the Sabbath.  If you lacked ingredients for Sunday supper, you were out of luck.  And since restaurants, theaters, and the Sears Roebuck were also closed, people stayed home and spent time with their families.

By the time I was in junior high, stores and restaurants were beginning to open on Sundays—at first, only in the afternoons (when church got out). But within a few years, they were open all day; and nowadays, no one thinks anything about shopping, going to movies or eating out on what-used-to-be-called the “Sabbath.” It has been normal for so long, no one remembers when it wasn’t. I’m sure you all think it’s harmless, right? But is it possible we’ve lost something in not keeping a day of rest?

One of the greatest problems of our age is unrest (not to be confused with tiredness).  When God rested on the seventh day, it was not because he was tired; He was enjoying His creation and Himself (Prov. 8:31).  Do we not also need a day to desist and rest, and enjoy our Creator? "If you keep from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day; if you call the Sabbath a delight, and if you honor it by not going your own way doing as you please, you will find your joy in the Lord” (Is. 58:13-14). It occurs to me the Sabbath is not a “day” of rest anymore; it is a state of rest.  Is anyone keeping Sabbath anymore?

War on Christians

The Global War on Christians in the Muslim World was the cover story for Newsweek in their February 6th edition. The article’s author says in the wake of the Arab Spring, “a wholly different kind of war is underway—an unrecognized battle costing thousands of lives. Christians are being killed in the Islamic world.  It is a rising genocide that ought to provoke global alarm.” 

Jesus predicted the persecution of the Church: "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you... If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you... "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of my name." (John 15:18-20; Matt. 24:9). Furthermore, increasing persecution is a sign of the end times (Mark 13.9-13). 

More Christians were martyred in the 20th century than in all previous centuries combined. All over the globe, Christians are being tortured and killed, in an attempt to eliminate Christianity. Has the persecution of the end times begun? “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim 3:12).

The Devil’s in the Details

As a result of Rick Santorum’s comment about Satan last week, I googled to see if Americans believe in Satan; I was surprised that most do!  I feel the subject warrants further comment.  Believing Satan exists doesn’t mean people believe he is a present, active, personal reality. [Of course when we speak of Satan, we mean his demons that are present in this world: Satan is not, after all, omnipresent.]  Then I wondered how many born-again believers really believe in spiritual beings who are strategically at work against them (2 Cor. 10:5; Eph. 6:11).

While Satan does have a certain amount of control in the world (1 John 5:19; 2 Cor. 4:4), as Spirit-filled believers we are told to resist him, with the assurance that he will flee (James 4:1; 1 Pe. 5:9). But if we do not, our sin gives Satan further access to us through our thoughts and feelings. For example, if we get angry, we “give the devil a foothold” (Eph 4:27), or if we are unforgiving, the devil can “take advantage of us” (2 Cor. 2:11).

Paul warns us not to be ignorant of these schemes (2 Cor.2:11). Though his strategy includes things of the world, i.e., media and entertainment, they also include personalized strategies, using our uncrucified flesh to sabotage us.  Peter says "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Pe. 5:8).  That said, no one can say the 'devil made me do it,' but that doesn't mean he's not in the details.

U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan

Warning: This is my political opinion.

Yesterday, two more American soldiers were killed in Afghanistan, not by Taliban, but by anti-American Afghan soldiers—the total is now six. This is the latest attack on U.S. forces after it was reported that American soldiers had burned copies of the Koran at a military base in Afghanistan. For Afghans who have always been suspicious of foreigners, and who have barely tolerated the Western invasion of their country, it was the last straw. And the ten-year U.S.-led strategy to earn Afghans’ trust has been severely jeopardized. One Afghan official was quoted as saying the Americans’ act is unforgivable.

Conversely, due to the attacks, not by the Taliban, but by US-trained Afghan troops, the trust of the U.S. soldiers has been severely affected as well. How can they work alongside men who may turn on them at any moment? If the Afghans can't trust the Americans, and Americans can’t trust the Afghans, the strategy won’t work. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)

As you know, I lived in Afghanistan for two years, and have written several times about the naiveté of U.S. foreign policy that tries to change a nation’s politics without addressing the need for cultural change—something that will never happen in Afghanistan. Don’t be surprised if the anti-American sentiment, and the spirit of lawlessness (2 Thess. 2:7), in Afghanistan increases in the weeks ahead.

Who Do You Trust?

As a teenager, I used to watch “Who Do You Trust,” a game show emceed by Johnny Carson and his co-host, Ed McMahon. Three couples made up of a man and a woman who didn’t know each other competed for a small cash prize. While the show was mostly driven by Johnny’s banter, there was a quiz portion where Johnny would tell the man the category of the upcoming question, and the man would decide whether to answer himself or trust the woman to. While the show was hilarious, we all know “trust” is no laughing matter!

Since last year's geopolitical shake-up, we are witnessing a collosal collapse of trust between nations that used to have coalitions. And not only that, there seems to be an epidemic of distrust in society, in general—distrustful of one another, partisans are paralyzing government; the millennials no longer trust in the fidelity of marriage; and hardly a week goes by you don’t read about someone in a position of authority abusing those under his care. And as if that’s not bad enough, the failed trust of priests and pastors is so common it has become fodder for late night talk show mockery. Who can you trust?

Against this backdrop, it's hard not to be cynical.  But is it not all the more apparent to us that only God is trustworthy? “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man; it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes... I know the Lord is always with me; I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me."  (Ps. 118:8-9: 16:8-9). Who do you trust?

Don’t Choke

“You are a stumbling block to me; you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's” (Matt. 16:23).  Those are questionably the most severe words Jesus ever spoke to one of the Disciples. It certainly makes me wonder if I take this warning against earthly interests seriously enough. The difficulty, of course, is that earthly interests don’t seem sinful. On another occasion, Jesus called them the “pleasures of life,” warning that they choke out the Word of God so it cannot bear fruit in your life (Luke 8:14).

In his book “A Hunger for God,” John Piper says the greatest obstacle to our hunger for God is “not a poison apple; it’s apple pie.” It’s true. We tend to dismiss the peril of pleasures. I think one of the main impediments to taking care of our heart may be the time we spend taking care of our body, house, yard, and car. But it is only when these simple pleasures of life replace our love, time, devotion, and appetite for God that they put us at risk of setting our mind on man's interests.  John Piper describes these pleasures of life as an “idolatry that is scarcely recognizable.” Harsh words!

Pease don’t think that I am suggesting we stop enjoying life and take vows of poverty. But I am going to be taking a close look at my pleasures to see if there might be any that are silently "choking" me to death!

Taking a Leap

I am reminded today (Leap Day) how the “earthlings” are trying to keep time from getting away from them. The expression “time flies” is apparently not just an idiom, but a scientific fact. Thus, every four years they attempt to slow it down. In a few weeks, there will be another attempt to tinker with time, as 'they' try to get more sunlight out of a day by turning the clock forward (daylight savings).

Messing with time is not entirely without reason. Who has not wished, when he is going through hard times, he could just speed it up. Or, conversely, when life is sweet, who has not wished he could just stop the clock, and stay there indefinitely. But of course ‘time’ is out of our control, and entirely under God’s. The One who created time uses it very deliberately to accomplish his purposes, e.g., "in the fullness of time, God sent His son" (Gal. 4:4).

By way of time, faith grows in us—by “faith and patience, we receive God’s promises” (Heb. 6:12, 15). I guess you could say that when we submit to God’s work in us, “time is on our side.” Of course that is not easy to believe. It requires faith to trust His timing when it looks like time is running out. Perhaps at those times (hopefully not once every four years), we will need to take a leap of faith.

How Are You Managing Your Wealth?

I read an article yesterday about about managing your wealth. “Wealth management” is the strategic process of investing your money to get a good return and obtain your life dreams. But before you can manage your wealth, you have to have it!  You have to wonder, do the people in Guatemala or Ghana worry how they will manage their wealth!?  In the U.S., we are the top 10% of income earners in the world. Using the Occupy movements’ class warfare paradigm (99% vs. 1%) we are the 10% vs. the 90%.

Moreover, we who are born-again believers are not only materially wealthy, we are spiritually wealthy in a nation that is spiritual impoverished.  (That guy at work who drives a Mercedes Benz and lives in a million-dollar house may be dying from spiritual malnutrition.)

When people get to my age, they start paying more attention to managing their material wealth. But Christians of every age should be thinking how to manage their spiritual wealth—“our rich and glorious inheritance” (Eph. 1:18). The best spiritual wealth management strategy promises to lay up treasures in heaven.  And what is your spiritual currency? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, compassion, grace—and the “good works that will glorify our Father in Heaven” (Matt. 5:16). And here’s the ultimate blessing: we will never run out of God’s riches because “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8).  Share the wealth!

Should Satan be a Campaign Issue?

I’m going to depart from my usual spiritually-focused message to political commentary for your weekend reading pleasure. If you don’t care to hear my opinion, hit that “delete” button—now!

In 2008, Rick Santorum warned, “Satan has his sights on the United States of America and has been attacking the great institutions of America, using those great vices of pride, vanity and sensuality as the root to attack all of the strong plants that have so deeply rooted in the American tradition.” Now, as he surges to lead the Republican pack of nominee-seekers, his words have come under attack.

Should he be talking about Satan?  Well, according to a 2007 Gallop poll, 70% of Americans agree that there is some kind of satanic reality. So the issue goes beyond belief in Satan: his words have elevated the culture war to spiritual warfare. Talking about the seduction of "pride, vanity, and sensuality" makes him sound more like a preacher than a politician.

The irony is that while most Christians have been concerned about Romney’s Mormon beliefs, Franklin Graham and other evangelical spokespersons have assured us it would be OK to vote for a Mormon because we are not voting for America’s “pastor” but for America’s “president.” But if Romney began injecting his religious beliefs into his speeches, you can be sure, he’d be out the door faster than you can say “LDS.” What Santorum is saying isn’t wrong. But it may be political suicide. “People who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them…” (1 Cor. 2:14)

1948

Jesus said we should learn a lesson from the fig tree: when its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.  And when that happens, you would know that His return is right at the door. Then Jesus made the mystifying statement: this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place (Mark 13:28-30).

Many scholars believe the fig tree represents Israel, and the restoration of Israel in 1948 was like the budding of a fig tree in the springtime.  During my generation (I was born in 1948), the Jews have been returning from all over the world to their homeland.  Is the gathering almost complete?  Did this mark the beginning of the last generation?

Maybe it will help if we look at what else was happening in 1948.  At the end of World War II, six European nations began a process of unification that led to the European Union, thought to be the reunited Roman Empire. The World Council of Churches was established, opening the door to worldwide pluralism. The World Trade Organization was conceived as an organization to regulate the global economy. And finally, the transistor chip was patented, signaling the official birth of world-wide connectivity, paving the way for a one-world currency. If 1948 was the year of the bud, maybe 2012 is the year of the bloom.

Get Your Ashes in a Flash!

After I had written my post yesterday about Ash Wednesday, I read the following story: Episcopalians are administering Ash Wednesday at train stations, bus stops and subways. “Five years ago,” reports the Rev. Teresa Danieley, “I had an epiphany of sorts. If people can grab breakfast on the go, why shouldn’t they be able to get their ashes in a flash?" Her idea grew into the “Ashes to Go” program—now bicyclists, drivers and bus passengers have a convenient way to be smudged by the sign of the cross. 

While I can't fault the Episcopalians for taking their ministry to the streets (after all, Jesus didn't confine Himself to the Temple), it seems strangely incongruent with Jesus' message to “COME! Pick up your cross.” Is it possible "Ashes to Go" trivializes the meaning of the Cross?  A.W. Tozer's words of 50 years ago are very relevant today.

“The new cross says ‘come and get.’ Whereas the old rugged Cross says, “Come and give.” Whereas the old Cross was meant by God to be the symbol of death and detachment from the old Adam life, this new substitute cross does not intend to slay the sinner but just redirect him. The new cross lets Adam live without interference [or interruption]. His life motivation is unchanged; he still lives for himself."  Smudging people with the sign of the cross on Main Street may be one more sign of the times.

It's not just any Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40-day discipline of Lent for many Christians (more common to Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans): a time of fasting, prayer, and self-examination before Resurrection Sunday. While the “holiday” is not to be found in the Bible (neither is Christmas or Easter), it seems to me the sentiment it carries is cross-centered: a time for Christians to identify with the sufferings of Christ.

Unfortunately, the day before Ash Wednesday is “Fat Tuesday,” the last day of Mardi Gras—an oddly pagan celebration devoted to overindulgence and revelry before the days of deprivation begin. For those who practice such licentiousness leading up to Lent, it is the greatest of hypocrisies. And perhaps for that reason, many of us who grew up non-Catholic never participated in Lent. But I think we may have “thrown out the baby with the bathwater” [forgive the expression].

The basic idea of Lent is rooted in the Lord's 40 days in the wilderness and temptation by Satan.  So Lent reminds us how Jesus was tempted in all ways like as we are, yet without sin (Heb 4:15). Now who can fault that! And what better time than these days leading up to Easter to examine ourselves to see if we are being faithful to His calling (2 Cor. 13:5; 2 Pe. 1:10).  It seems to me that Lent is not an event as much as it is a state of mind to be cultivated—on any Wednesday.

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.