The History of Self

In the Garden, their “I’s” were opened.

After that, everyone did what was right in his own “I’s”.

When the Savior came to earth, men asked him ‘what must “I” do to be saved?’

Jesus said the “I” cannot save himself because “I” is bad; then He said, if your “I” makes you stumble, you should get rid of it. What he meant was your “I” must die.

Even after they were saved men would ask: “Why am “I” still doing what “I” don’t want to do?

Paul answered this way; there is a new “I” and an old “I.” The old “I” was crucified with Christ. It is no longer that “I” who lives. Christ lives in the new “I”.

Now “I” can do all things through Christ. And now you know why Paul prayed that our “I’s” would be opened so “I” can see how much Christ loves me.

Are You Just Showing Up?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, but you probably haven’t made any plans yet. Right? You won’t decide until the last minute where you want to go and with whom you’d like to eat—you’ll just show up. Right? Well, of course not! By now your plans are set—time and menu have been determined! You wouldn’t dream of just showing up at a friend or relative’s house.

Unfortunately, I think a lot of Christians approach God with a “just show up” attitude. Recently, I asked a man “where do you go to church?” meaning where are you being taught, where do you fellowship, engage other believers, use your gifts? He said “I go to [such and such] church, but I am not a member; I don’t belong to any small group; I just go there.” In other words, he just shows up! (By the way, he was not involved in any spiritual activities outside the church either.) I asked about his Bible study and prayer life and not surprisingly, he said it was irregular—in other words, he just shows up.

Of all the New Testament writers, James puts the greatest emphasis on faith in action. He exhorts believers: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (4:8). The Greek word “draw near” is an active verb, derived from the words “go, lead, bring.” I think James is saying we must be deliberate in our approach to God, i.e., “bringing ourselves” to God. Now, I’m quite sure God will be quite happy to see you whenever you show up, but how much better if we are actively bringing ourselves to God, deliberately engaging Him with a time, place, and a plan for Bible study, prayer, reflection, and confession. Think about that tomorrow when someone just shows up at your house for Turkey dinner, unannounced!

Are We Having an Energy Crisis?

Having travelled (and lived) in parts of the world that have no electricity, I find it somewhat strange when I read about the U.S. “energy crisis.” In the last decade we have become increasingly educated and warned of the limits of these ‘natural’ resources. Even so, we find it unimaginable we will ever be without them. But according to recent U. N. statistics, there are as many as 2 billion people on the planet who suffer from “energy poverty”—the lack of electricity, natural gas, or any modern fuels used for cooking or for heating homes.

As I read the above statistics, I couldn’t help thinking how many Christians live, spiritually, like impoverished peoples of developing countries. They live as though they were energy deprived, that is, unable to access God’s indwelling, resident power to live victoriously. But it should not be so.

God has given us all the ‘energy’ we need to live effective Christian lives—He energizes us with His own life “by God’s mighty power at work within us” (Eph. 3:20). The Greek word for “work” is the word “energeo,” which of course is where we get out English word energy! The writer of Hebrews uses this word when he says the Word of God is alive and active [full of energy] (4:12).

So why should any Christian ever have an energy crisis? There can be only one reason: he is still operating in his own. Whenever you feel like you have run out of the energy it takes to be obedient and please God, it is probably because you are accessing your own; God promises you will never run out of His. “For God is working [energizing] in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him” (Phil. 2:13).

What About Your Remains?

Last week, I attended the memorial service for my 90-year old aunt. As I reflected on the service and the things that were said on her behalf, I thought about Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward” (1 Cor.3:14 NASB). I find an interesting double-meaning in the word “remains.”

When someone is deceased, we speak of their remains, meaning the lifeless body. In the case of my aunt, she requested that her remains be cremated, meaning disposed of by fire. I find this ironic, given Paul's language in verse 13 where he says “there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the FIRE to see whether or not it keeps its value [i.e., whether it REMAINS].” My aunt's body and her works will go through a fire.

When we leave this world, the work we have done for the Kingdom of God will remain: we will be rewarded. Given the gravity of this, should you—regardless of your age—be more mindful of what you are building? And not only for eternal rewards, but that the ‘building’ you are doing will continue, or remain, ‘in time’ through those people in whom you have invested? As I looked around the church last week at my Aunt Ruby's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, I thought to myself, these are her legacy. But now the Lord has given me a fresh revelation of this: they are her eternal 'remains.'

Francis Frangipane said “The Lord inspects His house by walking through it and throwing matches!” Will your 'building' pass the test of His fire. Will it remain?

PRAY FOR JOSE

Did you know that November 8 was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church? Each year, more than half a million churches join together to pray for persecuted Christians. We need to be reminded to pray our brothers and sisters who are abused or imprisoned because of their faith.

And it isn’t just the persecuted ones who need our prayers. We must remember to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who live in sub-standard conditions: they have no running water, adequate food or housing. We need to pray for those who are suffering because they are poor, hungry or sick.

While in Guatemala, we met “evangelicals” (that’s what Guatemalan Christians call themselves) wherever we went. On the day we travelled 6 hours to visit the “Shadow of His Wings” orphanage, we hired a driver named Jose. On the long drive back, he told me he was an evangelical, having recently been born again. He gave me his brief testimony of drug abuse and theft. He said he had been in prison 3 times, but now he goes to Bible study 4 nights a week. I do not know what Jose’s home is like (I would like to have visited him there) but I do know that there are many Christians like him who have very little of the things we take for granted: clean drinking water, hot and cold running water, indoor plumbing, and enough income to buy food and provide adequate housing for one’s family.

Let us not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world. “Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit; stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere” (Ephesians 6:18).

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO WATCH THE YOUTUBE PRESENTATION OF “SHADOW OF HIS WINGS” ORPHANAGE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f1DTQHR8ws

How Are You Meeting the Biblical Mandate to Care for Orphans and Widows?

When we accepted our daughter’s invitation to visit her and her husband in Guatemala, we told her the one thing we wanted to do was to visit an orphanage. So our second ‘divine surprise' in Guatemala was finding "Shadow of His Wings," currently providing 5 homes for 64 orphaned girls.

The girls come from various backgrounds, but most have come out of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Several are daughters of prostitutes, with one of them being forced into her mother's profession at the age of six. Some girls have come to “Shadow of His Wings” badly beaten, one by her mother and the other by a stepfather. But all have suffered the lack of food, clothing, shelter, and love. And since most of the girls have received little or no education, “Shadow of His Wings” built Liberty Christian School (currently grade school and junior high). Not surprisingly, they have a need for trained teachers, psychologists, and counselors to help these girls be healed and learn who they are in Christ.

“Shadow of His Wings” long term goals include building homes for at least 150 girls and 100 boys, a high school, a multi-purpose building with a central kitchen, a medical clinic (which will also serve community members), administrative building, 2 small staff homes, and a building for the “Step Up” transition program for the girls who turn eighteen. Additionally, they are planning to have a home for babies with an adoption program. And long term to build a home for widows to be known as Grammy's House.

The Bible says: “pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles…” (James 1:27 NLT) Can you imagine any ministry more responsive to James’ words than “Shadow of His Wings”?

Now, may I ask you to read the following words of Jesus and let them ‘disturb’ you as they do me?
Then He will also say to those on His left, "Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.” Then they themselves also will answer, "Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ Then He will answer them, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me." (Matt. 25:41-45).

Faith That Doesn't Show Itself By Good Deeds Is No Faith At All

On our first full day of our stay in Guatemala, we visited Casa Jackson, a home for feeding malnourished children—our daughter and her husband volunteer there, feeding babies and changing diapers. But our “divine surprise’ was finding it was part of a larger ministry called Nuestros Ahijados (God’s Child). We visited their ‘campus’, called the Dream Center, located in the notorious San Felipe slums. Nuestros Ahijados feeds, cares for, and educates needy children, women, and families. And because most of the families they work with live in houses that are just pieces of wood with dirt floors and lamina sheets for roofs, Nuestros Ahijados has a program to build homes with solid walls and cement floors. They currently have a two-year waiting list to build these homes (which cost only $1500). We are excited to find such a great need that is within our means to do something about!

In September 2009, the Guatemalan government declared a state of emergency and requested international support to respond to a major food crisis. Drought in the country has wiped out the corn and bean crops of poor families. The government estimates more than 3 million people are at risk of serious food shortages. Doctors are reporting a growing number of life-threatening cases of severe malnutrition in children. The current phenomenon of starving children is unlike any seen in years. Analysts expect the current crisis to worsen because crop failures have pushed food prices out of reach for many poor families.

I am reminded of James’ words:
“Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well,” but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is dead and useless (James 2:15-17 NLT).

Divine Surprises

Altha and I returned from Guatemala on Friday, two days later than our “planned” arrival. Now I am putting the word “planned” in quotations for a reason. Before we left on our trip, we were strongly led to pray for the Lord’s will to be done—purposefully letting go of any expectations of how things should be.

From beginning to end of our Guatemalan adventure, each day was uniquely and divinely designed to accomplish God’s purposes. There were some circumstances that resulted in our “planned” events being cancelled. From a natural perspective, these might be seen as disappointments. But let me be very clear: in submitting to God’s plans there can be no disappointment. Why?

Your disappointments are directly related to your expectations. Therefore, when you have truly surrendered your personal plans and expectations to HIS, you will not be disappointed. Rather, you will view all circumstances through the eyes of faith, seeing what God sees, understand what He is doing.

As a counselor, I know all too well how Christians tend to see these divine interventions as “interruptions,” or worse, “interferences.” Can you see what a difference it will make when you approach each day expecting to be surprised by God’s plans for you—“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Believing that will make you much more content.

(In future postings, I will share with you some of the wonderful divine surprises that God provided during our 11 days in Guatemala.)

Off to Guatemala

Altha and I are leaving for Guatemala today, returning on November 11th. Our daughter Esther and her husband John have been traveling through Central America since September. In Costa Rica they volunteered in schools and churches, and then decided to spend a month in Guatemala to volunteer in a home for malnourished children. www.casajackson.com. They are also helping serve food in a homeless shelter. Not only are Altha and I looking forward to seeing where they are ministering, but we plan to visit a girls’ orphanage/school as well. You can find out about the orphanage at www.shadowofhiswingsorphanage.org

Esther and John’s volunteer work for the poor and needy reveals their heart of compassion. As you can imagine we are very proud of them. They are feeding babies, changing diapers and serving meals to the homeless. I am reminded of those in the Bible who served in places of obscurity where their faithfulness in the little things was proven before God gave them greater authority—David was a common shepherd before he was a king! Remember this when you think your place in God’s kingdom is insignificant!

NOTE:
I will not be posting a blog for the next 9 days. Please pray for our protection. Guatemala has the highest tourism crime rate in Latin America. Like the orphanage we will visit, however, we will be hidden safely under the shadow of His wings.

Can You Do Two Things at Once?

Unlike any other time in human history, people are multi-tasking. Hyper-automation makes it possible to do many things at once: you can simultaneously wash clothes, cook dinner, and water your lawn; and all of this as you drive to work talking on the phone. But there is something no one can do. No one can do two opposite things at once. For example, you cannot SIT and WALK at the same time.

Paul employs this self-evident ‘common sense’ approach to sanctification: he says you cannot walk by the Spirit and carry out the desire of the flesh (Gal. 5:16). It is impossible to walk by the Spirit and sin. It quite simple: either you are Spirit-led or flesh-driven—but you cannot be both at the same time.

What then is the secret to being able to “walk by the Spirit?” Oddly, the answer is “sitting.” While it is physically impossible to sit and walk at the same time, it is imperative in the spiritual realm. What does it mean to sit, i.e., Paul says we are “seated with Christ” (Eph 2:6)? ‘Sitting’ is a position of rest. When Christ finished his work He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb 12:2). It is your position of power and authority in Christ (the best seat in the house!) that empowers your walk. Paradoxically, then, we must remain seated while we are walking.

Think of a man who is handicapped and is confined to his wheel chair. Even though he is ‘sitting,’ he is also moving (walking). In fact, unless he remains seated in his chair, he cannot go anywhere (his chair empowers him). He both sits and walks at once. And so it is in the spiritual realm, unless you learn how to SIT and WALK at the same time, you really can't get anywhere.

What Kind of Friend Are You?

Not a week goes by that I don’t get a request to be someone’s Facebook friend. What’s surprising is that I don’t know who they are! I think social networking is redefining friendship. I do realize there are all ‘types’ of friendships: the “hi, how are you,” the “stay-in-touch,” “let’s do lunch,” “chat-after-church.” And then there the friends you share your heart with.

Toward the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus promoted the disciples from servants to friends, describing a friend as one who shares his thoughts and plans—the secrets of his heart (John 15:14-15). This is reminiscent of God’s relationship with Abraham: “shall I hide [my plans] from Abraham” (Genesis 18:17). Up to that point, Abraham’s relationship with God was that of a loyal servant. But on that day, Abraham was promoted—from servant to friend. Accordingly, as a friend, he feels free to question God about His plans—Abraham shares his concerns and in return wants to understand God’s heart. I think Abraham’s questions must have pleased God.

Jesus said to the disciples “if you are my friends, you will keep my commandments.” At first blush that sounds more like servanthood than friendship. But Jesus is saying something like this: “before you obeyed me as a servant does his master, but now I want you to obey me because you love me and want to please me.” They were promoted from ‘workers for’ to ‘partners with.’

By the way, the story of Mary and Martha sheds light on this subject. While Martha was serving Jesus in the kitchen, Mary was sitting with Jesus in the parlor. So what kind of friend are you? Do you spend more time in the kitchen or the parlor? Maybe this is your promotion day!

How Can They Be So Blind?

After seeing a TV interview with the Dalai Lama last week, I saw a news article about his newest book “The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World.” Reading the article, I realized how little I knew about him. He is much more influential than I imagined. His first book was translated into 50 languages, sold millions of copies, and sat on the NY Times best-seller list for two years. In 2007, President Bush lauded him as a great religious leader, awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. And recently Nancy Pelosi presented him the Lantos Human Rights Prize, bowing to and addressing him as “your holiness.”

It is not hard to understand the world’s attraction to the Dalai Lama’s message of peace in a troubled world. But, sadly, at the same time his brand of Buddhism is being acclaimed in high places, the gospel message of Jesus is being mocked and rejected. How can they be so BLIND? Can’t they SEE that Jesus’ offer of everlasting peace and eternal life far surpasses the Dalai’s tender of temporal happiness!?” The answer is: they are blind! “Satan…has BLINDED the minds of those who don't believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:4, NLT)

After Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened by sin, they and all who were born of them were blind. Jesus came to restore sight to the blind. And the same charge has now been given to us. As children of light we are to ...open the eyes of the blind… to let our light shine before men that they will see our good deeds and praise our Heavenly Father… He has appointed us to be the light of the world. (Eph. 5:8; Mat. 5:16, 14; Is. 42:6, abbreviated, paraphrased, NIV, NLT) Are we faithfully carrying out our charge to light up the world?

There's No Place for 'Settlers' in God's Kingdom

I was reading an aticle about Jewish settlements in Israel's West Bank; and I was suddenly struck by the double meaning of the word “settle”: 1) to establish and maintain a residence, or 2) to be satisfied with less. Then I recalled the American pioneers who traveled cross country to California, many of whom grew weary and “settled” communities along the way but fell short of their final destination. You could say these “settlers” “settled” for less. A further reflection on these words provides two relevant applications!

First, we are not to be settled in this world. Despite King David's progress in settling more of the Promised Land during his reign than any other time in Israel's history, David remained strangely ‘unsettled’: “I am a traveler passing through life, as my fathers were before me” (Ps. 39:12). Jesus depicted his disciples as “not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14). Paul spoke of “our citizenship in heaven” (Phil. 3:20) and warned of being “conformed” [settled in] to this world” (Ro. 12:2). Peter used the term “aliens and strangers” (1 Pet. 2:11) to describe believers.

Second, we should never settle for less than God’s best for us. Paul's commitment to excellence is expressed by these words: “I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus… [and] one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phi. 3:12-14).

Paul was neither a settler nor a settler! If you have become a little too settled on earth (in your job, your church, your circumstances), be careful that you are not settling for less than God's best.

Distracted FLYING is a Threat to Your Safety

Is this a funny coincidence!? A week ago today I posted a blog about the danger of distracted driving (Tuesday, October 20) and today in USA Today is a lead story on the Northwest Airline pilots who overflew their destination by 150 miles. The article is entitled “Distraction led pilots to fly too far.” Immediately, I thought of another spiritual application for the issue of distraction—missing our DESTINATION.

The word “destination” means not only the predetermined end of a journey, but also means the ultimate end or purpose for which something or someone is created or destined. Our “end purpose/destination” was predetermined—that we would be conformed to the image of Jesus! (Ro. 8:29). The ultimate consequence of distracted living—a divided mind, lack of focus, wrong mindset—is missing our destination—not a place—not heaven, but the life of Jesus. He is the ultimate reason, the purpose for being.

Distractions can keep us from spending time with Jesus, developing His friendship, learning to hear His voice—all of which are necessary if we are to reach our destination—our full life in Jesus. Without it, we end up with something else—mere human existence!

Finally, Paul warns that distraction—a lack of single-mindedness—may result in our disqualification in the race (1 Cor. 9:24-27), a reference to the loss of rewards: “Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward” (1 John 8). At the end of our race, we will reach our destination—we will be with Jesus; we will be like Jesus (1 John3:2). Don’t you want to arrive with a full reward because you lived a life of undivided attention to Him (1 Cor. 11:3)?

What if Every Christian Looked Like You?

Some years ago the Holy Spirit asked me “Greg, what would the Body of Christ look like if everyone’s Christian walk was like yours?” That sobering thought was the beginning of some major changes.

You’ve heard the expression “Do what I say, not what I do,” the confession of the “unbelieving believer.” For several years after Bible school, this was me—I knew the Bible, but didn’t ‘believe’ the Bible—I lived like an unbeliever. Astonishingly, for some Christians this is normal. Of course it is not—there should be no disparity between what you believe and what you do. This is what Paul means when he says: how can you who died to sin still live in it? (Rom. 6:2)… and if you have died with Christ, and your life has been hidden in Him (Col. 3:1-3), you should be able to say it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me (Gal. 2:20). You have become one with Jesus.

Jesus prayed for us to be “one,” even as He and the Father were “one.” Because of this “oneness” Jesus was able to say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. Doesn’t it follow then that if we are “one” with Jesus, we should be able to say ‘if you have seen me [insert your name here!], you have seen Jesus?’

Jesus’ whole life was an example for us to follow (John 13:15; 1 Peter 2:21). And with a humility that leaves us speechless, Paul boldly says: "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1). I know someone is reading this, thinking “someday I will be an example, but I am not there yet.” If you think you are not yet ready to be an example, listen to these words by Paul: “Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Wouldn't you like people to look at you and say “I see Jesus?”

Most People Don't Believe You Reap What You Sow

Some years ago, I counseled a young Christian man who was depressed because of an ongoing, unresolved conflict with his ‘live-in,’ non-Christian girlfriend. As I sat there listening to him, I wondered how he could be so ignorant of God’s moral standards. Either that, or he was terribly presumptuous to think there would no negative consequence for his immorality?

Many times in my counseling ministry, I encountered people who were suffering the consequences of their sin—sometimes because of ignorance. My job was to help them ‘connect the dots’ between their choices and the consequences, teach them Biblical principles, and encourage better choices. What I saw in my counseling office epitomized a larger problem of widespread ignorance and unbelief. And, unfortunately, some have interpreted grace in a way that fosters permissiveness.

I believe there is an explanation for this “consequential” carelessness. If a person does not see immediate negative consequences for his wrongdoing, he “imagines” he has gotten away with it (1 Pet. 3:4, 8-9). The fallacy in this logic, of course, is thinking that judgment delayed is judgment averted. Evidently, some of the Christians in Galatia had become ambivalent about consequences. So Paul warns: “Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow” (Gal. 6:7 NLT)

But the principle of “sowing and reaping” has its moral equivalency—good conduct (obedience) has its rewards, “for the present life and the life to come.” (1 Tim. 4:8) And just as vehemently as we are warned against sowing to the flesh (Gal. 6:8), we are urged to sow to the spirit, with this promise: “he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). If you really believe you reap what you sow, would you be sowing more? Would you change what you are sowing?

Will You Die for Me?

Altha is my greatest supporter and encourager. She wants me to be a man of faith, accomplishing all that God has created me to do (Eph.2:10). And I hope she sees me doing the same for her. We are conscious of encouraging one another to keep pressing on and reaching higher (Phil. 3:14). This is the essence of a covenant relationship: honoring each other (Rom. 12:10), and looking out for each other’s interests, even above our own (Phil. 2:3-4). (I am not saying I always do it perfectly, but it is my intention to do so!)

When Jonathan made a covenant with David (1 Sam. 18), he gave him his royal robe, signifying he was giving up his “princely” rights in order to make David King—he sought David’s honor above his own. Next, he gave David his weapons and belt, acknowledging his responsibility as covenant partner to protect and provide. He was supplying the resources David would need for success.

This story of Jonathan and David also pictures the covenant Jesus made with us—giving us His life, His strength, and His resources—that we might do the “good works He prepared for us” (Eph. 2:10). Not unlike Jonathan toward David, Jesus made covenant with those who have nothing to offer in return. Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Ruler of the earth, covers us with His own robe of righteousness to make us glorious.

And finally, the covenant meant Jonathan and David were willing to die for each other. Jesus died to make covenant with us. And this is the spirit of covenant: those who make it die to themselves for the sake of their covenant partner. Just as Jesus died to make us glorious, so we too, make Him glorious as we die to ourselves and reflect his glory even more. (2 Cor. 3:18)

Will you die for Him?

Distracted Driving is a Threat to Our Well-being!

Do you talk on your cell phone while driving? Do you text? An article in the newspaper, “Driving while distracted,”claims this is a growing danger as more drivers insist on using their cell phones and handheld devises. Last year, almost 6,000 people were killed and a half-million injured due to driver distraction.

Did you know there is a Biblical mandate against distraction? Paul says “be not anxious!” (Phil. 4:6). The word “anxious” is NOT exactly the same word we use today to describe the ‘clinically’-diagnosed problem of anxiety. The Greek word “anxious” is rooted in the word “divide,” meaning a divided or distracted mind. Jesus diagnoses Martha’s problem using this word: “Martha, Martha, you are worried…” (Luke 10:42). Martha was not having a panic attack: but she was terribly distracted by the details of dinner preparation.

Fortunately, Paul does not give the prohibition against “distraction” without offering the solution. The cure for distraction is FOCUS: “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right...pure and lovely and admirable...excellent and worthy of praise” (Phil. 4:9 NLT)…,“set your minds on things above” (Col. 3:2). Paul’s solution: “single-mindedness.” When Jesus spoke of Martha’s “distraction” He too pointed to single-mindedness: “you are distracted by many things but only one thing is necessary” (Luke 10:42). The “one thing” that mattered most that day was devotion to Jesus. Mary understood that.

And finally, Paul says Satan’s strategy in the Garden was to distract Eve from her single-minded devotion to God, followed by his warning: Satan will try to distract your minds from attention to Jesus (2 Co. 11:3). And his strategy remains unchanged. He will do everything to distract you in your quiet times of Bible reading and prayer. He will distract you with the things of this world—both good and bad. Be careful! These distractions can cause accident and injury. Distractions are a threat to your well-being!

To His Credit, David Letterman Didn’t Play the Blame Game!

Unlike many celebrities & politicians who are quick to deny, David Letterman admitted his indiscretions (after being ‘outed!) without excusing himself or blaming anyone!

Ever since Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent, men and women have been trying to avoid taking responsibility for their misbehavior. In fact, in today’s litigious-happy culture, we make heroes out of blame-shifters: life-long smokers dying with lung cancer are suing tobacco companies, and obese consumers of fast foods are suing McDonald’s and KFC.

Even in the evangelical church, “it’s-not-my-fault” prevails. A well-known pastor, who committed adultery and was removed from his church, has been on the Oprah show twice offering explanations for his behavior. Please Note: ‘I sinned BECAUSE’ is only a half-confession because it is a half-blame.

In contrast, Jim Bakker (of PTL) who was convicted of fraud and subsequently exonerated, wrote his book “I was Wrong” confessing his sins, incorrect teachings, and pride, all things no Court of Law—only God—had convicted him of! Though many believed the false accusations he was accused of (and then his wife divorced him and married his best friend!), Jim blamed no one. God told him he would not be released from prison until he forgave everyone who had wronged him. Jim’s five-year confinement was God’s incubation for Jim’s transformation! And when Jim was freed from the prison, he was free indeed!

I encourage you today to consider if there is any sin in your life for which you are still making excuses or “half-blaming” someone else, release them, release yourself, and be free! (Read Matthew 18:21-35)

You Need a Melchizedek in Your Life

I am convinced one of the most important ministries we have is encouraging one another—“Let us… stimulate one another to love and good deeds… and encouraging one another all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24-25). Our souls are stressed by living in this sense-oriented world; we get weary and discouraged (Gal. 6:9). We need to lift each other up!

When Abraham and his men were exhausted from battle, and most vulnerable, God sent someone to lift him up—Melchizedek, king of Salem. Though his place in history is brief, much has been said about Melchizedek as a type of Christ. He shows up right after Abraham has won a war against the kings of Canaan, with a well-deserved & much-needed meal for Abraham and his weary men. Then, after dinner, Melchizedek delivers a 2-verse sermon: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." (Gen.14:19-20)

Imagine that, you pastors and teachers, a two-point sermon that can be delivered in less than a minute! Point One: The Most High God owns the heavens and the earth. Point Two: the Most High God had defeated the enemy! The sermon was very relevant: Abraham would have been tempted to 1) covet the spoils of war, thus enriching him, and 2) lift himself up in the pride of his victory. In other words, at the moment of self-exaltation, God sends Melchizedek to lift Abraham’s eyes to the Most High God.

The best sermon is one that lifts you up to see God’s “higher” perspective, one that helps you to “set your mind on things above” (Col. 3:2), and turns your attention away from your ‘self’ to the Most High God. This is how we are to encourage one another—it is the Melchizedek ministry!

What is God Doing?

Who hasn’t gone through some trial that makes you wonder what in the world is going on? Neither the trial itself nor the timing of it makes any sense. When Israel crossed the Red Sea, God led them into a waterless desert, where they faced the real possibility of dying. “God, what are You doing?,” Israel asked, but only rhetorically—they were in fact just complaining. What they meant was “Why are you doing this to us? Are you trying to kill us?” (Ex. 17:7) They weren’t believing in God’s goodness.

In my years of counseling, many times I have posed this question to people who were encountering an unsettling trial. Most didn’t think beyond the global question. My job was to make it more personal. The majority ask “what is God doing?” as a form of complaint, as opposed to “What is God doing” with a desire to line up with His plan. When you are trying to get an answer to this question, it will be wise for you to begin with two principles: God is good, and God is always doing ‘good’ for you (Ro. 8:28).

When God abruptly changes your version of life, remember these two certainties. He may not furnish you the details, but you must trust that He is up to something good. After Israel’s trial through the desert was over, this was Moses’ explanation: “the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would really obey his commands” (Deut. 8:2).

What is God doing in your life? Every test gives you a chance to grow in your faith—and to prove whether you believe in His goodness, and will be obedient when things don’t make sense. Whatever God is doing, you can be sure it is always good for you. No one can even imagine the things God has prepared for those who love him (1 Cor. 2:9).

Contrary to Modern Psychology, Self-Hatred is Good

We say we want to crucify our flesh, but as soon as it starts to hurt, we pull back—the reason: we love ourselves.

Yet Jesus said "If anyone comes to me, and does not hate his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). In our psycho-friendly churches, we are taught to love ourselves. Our teachers say ‘go easy on yourself; after all, you are only human’. In 1981, a Christian book “Make Friends with Your Shadow” captured the essence of this philosophy: “how to accept and use positively the negative side of your personality.” Our ‘flesh’ was redefined as a “friend,” a 'wounded child' within us. Peter says you are to wage war against your flesh (1 Pet. 2:11) but how can you do so if you see it as your friend?

So how do we hate ourselves? As we grow in love with God, embracing His holiness, we progressively hate everything He hates, and that includes our self-centered flesh. You ask: does God hate? Yes. Solomon tell us the seven things God hates (Prov. 6:17-19). Then Moses tells us God hates idoloatry (Deut 12:31). God hates everything that hurts the things He loves. Humanly speaking, if you love someone, you hate whatever would harm that person. If you're a parent, you hate anything that would harm your children. If you're married, you hate anything that would hurt your spouse. So it should be with God: “You who love the Lord, hate evil" (Ps. 97:10).

When Jesus says hate your own life, He means your self-life (your self-reliance, self-sufficiency, self-love) because it opposes God-love, God-reliance, God-sufficiency. When you see how offensive and grievous your ‘own life’ is to God, you will hate it. The more you try to please God in your own strength and fail to do so, the more you will hate your ‘own life.’

Was Adam Really Naked?

Do you have one of those recurring dreams where you are out in public and suddenly realize you are naked? Such dreams are fairly common—they reveal subconscious shame.

In the Garden, Adam and Eve were naked without feeling shame. Only after the Fall were their eyes opened to their nakedness. In sinning, they lost God’s image, His glory, and without that, they had nothing—naked and ashamed of it. Thus, the first clothing ever worn was constructed of “fig leaves.” In our sophistry, we think them naïve—trying to hide their nakedness from God. But allow me to ask you this question: when you’re not feeling good about yourself, does it make you feel better to put on something new and flattering—the latest fashion? Or maybe it isn’t clothes; maybe you put on performance, entertainment, intelligence…all of which are intended to make you feel better on the inside by something external.

When Peter says a Godly woman is not defined by clothing but by the “unfading beauty of a gentle & quiet spirit” (1 Pet. 3:4), he provides a clue to our problem of shame: “clothes don’t make the man (or woman).” Mind you, Peter is not saying she shouldn't wear clothes, but her longing for beauty is misguided; it can only be satisfied when she is clothed in God’s glory. Listen to Isaiah: “I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels” (61:10).

Therefore, “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness & holiness” (Eph. 4:24)... “clothe yourself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…and the most important piece of clothing... love” (Col. 3:10-12), and you will “not be found naked” (2 Cor. 5:3). When God reveals to you the glory of your new nature, I’ll bet you won’t be having those naked dreams anymore.

Are You Being Sabotaged by Little Foxes?

To grow in faith, you must be tested. I’ve had a lifetime of tests—failing as many as I pass, I'm sure! Surprisingly, I have less difficulty managing the big tests in life than the little ones. After thinking long on this, I’ve figure out that when a big test of faith comes along, I am able to resign myself to the sovereignty of God. But the little tests (pop quizzes?) stumble me, revealing more about my ‘faith position’ than the big ones! It’s one thing to stand firm in your faith through a life-or-death crisis over which you have little control anyway; but it’s quite another thing to ‘remain’ in faith when some irksome driver is tailgating you on the freeway.

In Solomon’s Song, he refers to the “little foxes that spoil the vines” just as the vines begin to blossom (2:15). As the foxes attempt to eat the sweet blossoms that will become grapes, they not only limit fruitfulness, but spoil the vineyards by breaking and damaging the tender vines—not destroying them, but certainly stunting their growth. These little foxes hide and lurk about, doing their best to avoid detection—their best work at night, in the dark.

The little foxes are the little trials that do not destroy our faith, but certainly sabotage it—preventing increase, stealing our peace and joy, and causing discontent. Just as these little foxes need to be caught and driven out of the vineyard, so we need to be quick to “take every thought [every saboteur] captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Co. 10:5). These saboteurs will always show up just as you begin to make spiritual progress. Let us catch the little foxes that are spoiling our fruitfulness and fellowship with Jesus.

A Chaplain's Prayer for Our Nation

The following “Prayer for Our Nation” was written by Bob Russell in 1995, and drew world-wide attention in 1996 when Rev. Joe Wright delivered it at the opening session (as the invited guest chaplain) of the Kansas House of Representatives. It provoked a world-wide controversy, some calling it a 'prayer of intolerance.' Read it and judge for yourselves.

'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!'

“Face Time” Discipleship

[Today's post is part two of yesterday’s “In Your Face"]

In Jesus’ final moment with His followers, He commissioned them to “make disciples” (Mat. 28:19). And that is what the New Testament church did: “admonishing and teaching every man…to present every man complete in Christ” (Col. 1:28). Following Jesus’ “discipleship model,” the early believers knew making disciples had to be personal and relational—involving lots of “Face Time.”

When Jesus thought about His Body, the Church, do you think he envisioned large auditoriums where people would come for an hour each week, sitting in long rows of chairs facing a stage? To their detriment, large numbers of Christians have no spiritual connection other than “attending” a church service once a week. They have no connection to their pastor, no significant personal relationship with another—they are not getting any one's “Face Time.”

Jesus did envision small groups of people having “face time” with Him and with one another. He said, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst" (Matt. 18:20). We should not be surprised that Jesus spoke of small gatherings—even as few as two or three— since disciple-making is so individual.

Our mega-churches may be packing people into the pews, but unless they are also making disciples, they have fallen short of the Great Commission. And if you are not in a personal, vital “face time” relationship with a younger believer, neither are you. But it’s not too late to right this wrong. Ask the Lord to show you someone in your sphere who needs your “face time.”

In Your Face?

The term “In Your Face” suggests a rather aggressive way of interacting with someone—a nose-to-nose confrontation. A similar phrase, “In His Face,” was the title of a book by Bob Sorge (1994). Bob used the phrase to emphasize he was ‘aggressively’ pursuing God in the midst of his life-altering illness.

Another, perhaps gentler expression is “Face Time,” meaning face-to-face interaction between people—incorporating "real” time and closeness versus telephone, email, or instant messaging, and promoting intimacy through eye contact and touch.

God desires “Face time” with us (as we should with Him): “When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, O Lord, I shall seek” (Psalm 27:8). “Face Time” with God also requires closeness. “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). Significantly, the words “face” and “presence” are the SAME in Hebrew. In these two verses you can easily substitute the words “face” and “presence.”

Are you spending enough “face time” with Jesus? You cannot get it by attending a church service, or listening to a sermon, or doing ministry. These are all ‘good’ things that can keep you away from spending time alone in the presence of Jesus.

Apathy is Not On The Menu

I grew up watching some pretty tame family sitcoms (by today’s standards), like “Father Knows Best,” “Leave it to Beaver,” “Ozzie and Harriet!” So it was with special interest I noted USA Today's announcement of 2 new family friendly shows on ABC this Fall: “Cougar Town” and “Modern Family.”

Since “cougar” is vernacular for an older woman who “hunts” younger men, you can guess what that “family” show is about. Then there’s “Modern Family.” Think of all the hot-button ‘family-values’ issues of our day, and you will have a good idea what constitutes ABC’s version of a modern family.

I am convinced the decline of Judeo-Christian values over the last 50 years can be gauged by the moral content of TV programming. Biblically-defined family values have been turned upside-down. In 2 Peter we read that Lott, who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah, was oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men... his righteous soul tormented day after day with their lawless deeds (2:7-8). I am afraid instead of feeling tormented, the majority of today's evangelical Christians are just feeling indifferent. But apathy is not a choice on the menu for those called to be salt and light to the world, as reflected in Paul's exhortations: Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them...When the light shines on them, it becomes clear how evil these things are. And where your light shines, it will expose their evil deeds. (Eph. 5:11-13, abbreviated, NLT)

What are we to do (besides turning off the TV and going to bed)? As I see it, there are two extremes to avoid: becoming sensualized by the evil or becoming desensitized to it. It's the latter the Bible especially warns of as we approach the end times. The writer of Hebrews says we ought to stimulate and encourage one another all the more as we see the day drawing near, (Heb. 10:24-25, paraphrased) not unlike Paul's warning: Let us not sleep [be indifferent] as others do, but let us watch and be sober (1 Thess. 5:6).

"You Need to Lose that Weight!"

Kind of a rude thing to say to someone, don’t you think!? Well, that’s pretty much what I said to one of my friends last week. But it wasn’t “pounds” or “fat” I was encouraging him to lose. It was “weight” as used by the writer of Hebrews: “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1, NKJ)

The word “weight” is rooted in the word “bend,” meaning a burden that causes you to bend under its load. Notably, this charge to lose weight is followed by a challenge to “run the race set before you” [the emphasis is personal: each of us is running his/her own race!]. You definitely won’t run well if you’re weighed down. Distinguishing between a “weight” and “sin,” the Hebrews writer seems to imply that a weight is not something overtly sinful, but something that is holding you back. That said, it does become sinful when God tells you to “put it off” (Eph. 4:22). But you don't.

So what I was saying to my young friend was this: there is something in your life that is hindering your race, slowing you down, and could eventually disqualify you. Those are serious words, but I didn’t say them—Paul did!—when he urged us to run our race in such a way that we will win (1 Co. 9:24-27).

What about you? Is there some ‘weight’ you need to lose? What prevents you from losing it?

Also, see blog post: Are You a Loser? http://dyingtoliveabundantlife.blogspot.com/search?q=loser

Don't Leave Home Without It!

In yesterday’s blog post, I wrote that “abstinence” programs won’t work effectively without a good “entitlement” program. However, I don’t want to give the impression that I am diminishing abstinence as an essential factor for spiritual growth. There is reason for Peter’s compelling words: “I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11).
WE ARE AT WAR.

The root of the Greek word “abstain” is “distance.” Peter’s command could read: “keep away from and distance yourself from your enemies.” A key element in keeping your distance is establishing and maintaining good boundaries—to keep them out and keep you in. In war, the enemy’s strategy is to break down your boundaries and capture you. Peter is telling us we have to “abstain”, establish and maintain our boundaries because ‘fleshly lusts’ are waging war against us—a battle between flesh and spirit (Gal. 5:16).

The boundaries we maintain are both spiritual and physical. For example, a good physical boundary for a Christian businessman is never to travel alone with his secretary. Spiritual boundaries are defined for us throughout the commands of the New Testament writers (too many too mention!). But Paul captures the essence of good boundaries when he says: “Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). In other words, by the Word and Spirit we are kept “in bounds.”

How good are you at border patrol? Are you keeping a ‘safe’ distance from temptation? Are you keeping yourself “unstained by the world” (James 1:27)? What makes it difficult of course is that we are living in enemy territory. Every time you leave your prayer closet and go out into the world, you enter a war zone. Make sure you have your abstinence plan with you. Don’t leave home without it.