Don’t Take It So Personally

A few years ago when Joel Osteen wrote his book “Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential” I was more than a little dismayed at his transparently “temporal” and “self-centered” approach to Christian living. I believe the title of Joel’s book gives evidence to a heretical teaching in 21st century “American” Christianity: defining the abundant life as personal happiness on earth. (And just how would that resonate with the Somali woman recently martyred for her faith in Christ?) http://dyingtoliveabundantlife.blogspot.com/2011/01/but-what-price-will-we-pay-to-follow.html

Given that America’s value of individuality and pursuit of happiness is enshrined in the constitution, I am not surprised that the phrase “personal savior” has assumed a place in our Christian terminology. But you will not find this phrase anywhere in Scripture. While I do believe our relationship with Jesus is very personal, it behooves us to examine what we mean by the word “personal.” One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions for “personal” is “something intended for private use or use by one person—something that belongs only to one person.” Like having a private chef!

If we are going to use the word "personal" in relation to our Lord, then let us be careful that we are not, as Paul described, “people [who]are not serving Christ our Lord; [but] serving their own personal interests” for at the end of life on earth, “each of us will have to give a personal account to God” (Ro. 16:18; 14:12 NLT).

Banqueting on the Battlefield

When I grew up, I didn’t learn how to deal with conflict. As a result, like many of the people I’ve counseled over the years, I hated conflict and tried to avoid it. Recently I was reading a commentary on Israel’s conquest of Canaan. The author said “Canaan is characterized by conflict.” Yet Moses had told them they would find rest in Canaan (Deut. 12:10). The “rest” Israel had was not a rest ‘from’ conflict; it was a rest ‘in’ conflict. I believe that's what you call a paradox—conflicting and resting at the same time.

In Psalm 23, David says God prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies—that is to say, while you are in the middle of your battle, you will find God and be comforted. It’s hard to reconcile the image of soldiers banqueting on the battlefield. They are fighting for their lives! Soldiers just want to be done with the battle and go back home. (Sound familiar?) But David paints a different picture. In the midst of warfare, David finds peace and rest in God, describing it as a banquet.

If you're in the middle of some intense warfare, look for God’s table. It’s right there on the battlefield. When everything is going well, we tend to take God's presence for granted. But when the battle is on, we seek and find His presence. You will find Him sitting at the Banquet table. And there’s a place set for you.

The “Shrinking” of the Church

Last week I read an article by Os Guinness about the “therapeutic revolution” in American. And he made reference to a book called “The Shrinking of America.” Guinness went on to say that the most egregious effect of psychology on the church has been the re-defining of sin.

There is something about our human nature that makes us want to excuse our sin. Sin sounds so old-fashioned—and so harsh. The word “mistake” or "lapse in judgment” is so much easier to swallow.

This also facilitates our being able to explain it away, e.g. the old familiar "everyone else was doing it;" or the fail-safe "I didn't think anyone would get hurt." But the worst kind of sin-excuse is the now-common "it wasn't my fault; I’m a victim.” All this is the result of therapy’s re-designation of sin. But here's the real danger: if there is no sin, then there is no need for salvation. If there are only mistakes, there is only a need to do better. Translated into therapeutic language: your problem is poor self-esteem. But the self-esteem construct denies original sin, saying “there are no bad people; just people who believe bad things about themselves.” Conclusion: we don’t need to be saved; we just need to recover.

Last year, we visited a church that 20 years ago had been a model of expository teaching. But as I perused the bulletin, I was stuck by the fact that where there used to be mid-week Bible Studies, there were now recovery groups and book clubs. Beware! Psychology’s effect on the church is to replace self-denial with self-improvement. Is this not what Paul calls “another gospel?” (Galatians 1:7)

Chaos in Cairo and Mayhem in Madison: Sleep with Your Shoes on!

As I write this today, anarchy stretches its arms across the globe. The citizen uprising in Tunisia last month sparked a fire of discontent in Egypt resulting in the collapse of Hosni Mubarak's government. And now the feared domino effect. But not only in the Middle East. An uprising in China yesterday was quickly put down by local police. And though tame by comparison, the protests in Madison, Wisconsin have surfaced a rebellious American spirit against perceived unfairness, inequity, and injustice—no less real than Egypt’s citizen revolt against tyranny.

Then, a news report came across TV that Christchurch, New Zealand had been hit by a 6.3 earthquake, destroying buildings, infrastructure, and yet unknown numbers of lives. What on earth is happening? I don’t know. But this I do know: even as the kingdoms of this world are being severely shaken (by the hand of men or God) we hold fast to the promise that God has given us a kingdom that is eternal and indestructible (Luke 12): a kingdom of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Ro. 14:7).

But whatever is happening shouldn't surprise us. Jesus spoke of internal anarchies: “a kingdom at war with itself will collapse; a home divided against itself is doomed” (Mar 3:24-25). And Jesus addressed the general deterioration of the world by warning that “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes” (Matt 24:7). And He also warned: “Be dressed for service and well prepared, as though you were waiting for your master to return” (Luke 12:35-36 NLT). In other words, sleep with your shoes on.

God Doesn’t Screen His Calls

One of my increasingly irritating pet peeves is this: In order to do my business with banks, government agencies or online stores, I must talk to robots. When I had post-op pain last week, I tried to call the advice nurse. I had to sit through several options and sub-options that didn’t address my problem. There was no “if you’re in pain from post-op surgery and would like to talk to a “living” nurse, please press ‘7’.” Instead the robot only allowed me to choose the ambiguous “press 4, for ‘other’.” It’s the same with all business now. I understand it’s just their way of screening calls.

So you’ll appreciate how pleased I was the other day when I called the Napa County Recorder’s office and a “live” person answered the phone. She then transferred me to another “live” person who answered all my questions and then (shock!) asked: “is anything else I can help you with?” It has been a long time since I called an agency where someone actually picked up the phone.

In all of this, I’ve been thinking “Aren’t you glad we don’t have to go through angels or intermediaries to speak with God?” What’s more, aren’t you glad that God doesn’t use something like “caller ID” to screen his calls? Amazingly, the God of the universe answers when you call. “I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God” (Psalm 17:6 NLT).

"FRESH!"

Remember when Michael Jackson sang "You know I'm bad. I'm bad,”—the word “bad” meaning “good.” Now “bad” has been displaced by “fresh.” The Urban dictionary defines “fresh” as something really good and eye-catching—example: "Those are some fresh shoes!" or "That's a fresh car!" or "Man, you're fresh!"

Now hang on. I’m about to make a sharp left turn…

In the early Methodist testimony meetings, John Wesley made it a rule that no one was to give a testimony that was more than one week old. It had to be “fresh.” And anyone who had no story to tell of the Lord's dealings with him during the previous seven days was considered a backslider. Would you and I have to sit silently in one of Wesley’s meetings because we had no “fresh” word?

During their journey in the Wilderness, the Israelites were fed by “fresh” manna every day. If they tried to save the “manna” for the next day, it would spoil. It was only “fresh” [good] for a day. Centuries later, Jesus said He was that bread which had come down from heaven! [By the way, He was born in Bethlehem which is translated “House of Bread!!”) And just like the manna from heaven had to be consumed daily, Jesus taught us to pray “give us this day our daily bread.” All of this begs the question: do we approach God’s Word everyday expecting something “fresh?”

Charlie Sheen tells Lindsay Lohan: “You have ‘Impulse Control’ Issues!”

I don’t know how many of you pay any attention to the celebrity gossip magazines at the grocery check-out stand (or worse, you happen to catch the latest news on TV’s “Entertainment Tonight”). But the latest bit of celeb absurdity is that “Two and a Half Men” star Charlie Sheen (notorious drug and sex addict and alcoholic) is advising Actress Lindsay Lohan (a fellow abuser) to work on her impulse control. (The pinnacle of the absurd: one addict chastising another.) You can tell Charlie has been in therapy by his use of the term impulse control.

Impulse control is the 21st century term for the more time-honored, universal word “self-control.” Mankind has been dealing with ‘impulse control/self-control’ issues from the time he stepped out of Eden. Confucianism taught that self-control would help produce the "superior" man. Hinduism taught that self-control would produce the "realized" man; Buddhism, the "detached" man; New Age, the "happy" man.

Therefore, it is most significant that one of the treasures of our salvation is the gift of self-control. The last of the nine fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5; love being the first: as though Paul were saying self-control is the end-result of love. When you begin with love, you end up with self-control. Someone has said "Love Christ and do what you like; for when you do, then you will like what He likes.” Paul says we should "try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord" (Eph. 5:10). Being in love with Him makes that a lot easier! One final thought: we do not gain Christ through self-control; we gain self-control through Christ.

Take Two Vicodin and Call Me in the Morning

I had surgery last Thursday for hernia repair. No one told me it was going to hurt this much! So for the last 4 days I’ve been finding some relief in vicodin. Every day I call the post-op surgery nurses to ask the simple question: is this [my pain] ‘normal’? Each day they assured me it is, with a polite: “you’ll feel better tomorrow”—the old “take two aspirin and call me in the morning.”

Throughout this ordeal, I’ve been looking for the inevitable spiritual analogy (you know me). As a counselor, I am used to having people tell me they are in pain. I realize I tell them the same thing the nurses have been telling me: your pain is normal. I do not, however, tell them to take two aspirin (or vicodin), nor do I promise they'll feel better tomorrow! I tell them to take in a heavy dose of Jesus.

You see, the problem is not the pain—that is normal. The problem is that in our “pain-aversive” culture, we self-medicate, and ignore the cause. Even as the pharmaceutical industry is flourishing with it promises of relief, we too, metaphorically speaking, have turned to our “drug” of choice.

In writing of the normalcy of pain, the writer of Hebrews shows us a loving Father who is training us to depend on Him alone. “No discipline [literally, child training] is enjoyable while it is happening—it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (12:11 NLT). Likewise, James says “whenever trouble [pain] comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow… and when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” (James 1:2-4 NLT).

Backseat Drivers

Greyhound Bus Company used to have a slogan "Go Greyhound—and leave the driving to us." Now of course their slogan meant that you could sit back and enjoy having someone else drive. I am quite sure their slogan was not an indirect way of asking you not to interfere with the drivers, as if to say “please leave us alone while we’re driving!”

But a lot of people approach God this way. Instead of being able to relax and enjoy His driving, they become very expert ‘back-seat’ drivers. I think the most annoying thing about a backseat driver is his/her assumption that you, the driver, don’t know what you are doing. How insulting! So why do we presume to tell God how to direct our lives? ‘But I would never do that,’ you say. Well, may I suggest that whenever you complain about one of God's “turns,” you are back-seat driving.

During a time when Israel refused to follow the Lord, the prophet Isaiah spoke for God: “I am patiently waiting for you to return (let me back in the diver's seat), and when you do, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, turn to the right or to the left” (Is. 30:18, 21 author’s translation). They were definitely going the wrong way on a one-way street, and God was trying to turn them around. But they paid no attention; and got into a terrible accident (they drove right into their enemy's camp and were slaughtered!). Maybe God’s word to us is not to unlike the Greyhound Bus Company slogan: “leave the driving to Me.”

“Tear Down this Wall!” Mr. Gorbachev

This week as the Nation celebrated former President Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday, these now-famous words came to my mind with fresh spiritual insight. “For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups [Jews and Gentiles] into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall” (Ephesians 2:14).

The barrier of the dividing wall is an allusion to the wall that separated the Court of the Gentiles from the Court of the Jews in the temple. But Paul goes on to apply a universal meaning to the “wall” analogy. By His death on the cross, Christ has broken down the wall that separated us from God. It is the “wall of shame” we all have tried, unsuccessfully, to climb on our own. It is the wall that holds us captive from the abundant life just on the other side—a wall of mis-beliefs and outright lies.

Later to the Corinthians, Paul refers again to the “wall” analogy when he challenges them to demolish this fortress made up of arguments and speculations that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and to take captive all these lying thoughts and make them obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:4-5)

The “wall” analogy is as old as Adam and Eve. When Satan succeeded in bringing into question the absolute “truth” of God (Did God say?), the wall was up, and the rest was easy. The challenge of believing God is no less real than it was then. So then, let us “Tear down that wall!”

To Die is Gain

Paul said it: “To die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). And he was speaking literally—not figuratively. Was he morbid? Our Christian Brother Zac Poonen asks: “Did he have an unhealthy fixation with death? Did Paul show a lack of respect for the life God had blessed him with?” And then Zac answers his own question: “Absolutely not! Paul lived life to the fullest. To him, life was a gift, and he had used it well to fight a good fight. He had overcome the fear of the “sting of death” and could now say, “It’s better to die and be with the Lord than to stay in the flesh.”

Why? Because Paul had already died to his attachments on earth. He possessed nothing here, and would receive his heavenly possessions there!

Do we love life on earth so much (all of our possession) that we are conflicted about leaving? Would losing these possessions make dying a great loss? One of the chapters in A.W. Tozer’s book “Pursuit of God” is titled: “The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing.” Just think about it. If you had no attachments on this earth, not only would you be ready to leave in a New York minute, you’d be eager. Having nothing here, you’d have everything to gain. Could that be what Paul meant when he said “to die is gain”?

Drinking from a Fire Hydrant

One of my professors wrote a note on the electronic blackboard this week, saying “By now you may think you are “drinking from a fire hydrant,” referring of course to the volume of reading assigned to us. The “drinking from a fire hydrant” word picture brought to mind my experience in India (so many years ago). Every day the police would uncap a fire hydrant (I never knew why) and immediately hundreds of men, women and children would come running to get a wet, cool break from the sticky 100 degree weather—both drinking and bathing. And, for the homeless, their only bath of the day.

I think our modern American churches foster this “drinking from a fire hydrant” way of thinking, herding the ‘sheep’ into auditoriums where all drink from the same stream. You may recall from an earlier post “Don’t Drink the Water”, January 28, I mentioned that sheep won’t drink from running, but only still water. I wonder if that analogy can be carried over here—that we “sheep” cannot retain much of the water we drink from the hydrant on a Sunday morning service!

I am certainly not condemning the practice of public teaching and worship, but as I sit in our Sunday morning congregational service, I can’t help but wonder how many of the sheep sitting around me on any given Sunday have spent time alone with God, sitting and sipping and taking in their fill of His Word? Or, how many ‘bathed’ from their private well before coming to church?

Exercise Your Heart!

Today my brain hurts from reading so many scholarly books and journal articles for my theology classes. Last week, I read an article about how exercising your brain keeps you young. If I keep this up, I may live forever.

I’ve always known that a seminary is a dangerous place for one's spiritual vitality. The intellectual study of the Bible can dull an otherwise devoted lover of the Living Word. I am convinced that the road to heaven is strewn with those who have fallen by the sword of intellectualism, having ended up spiritually bankrupt because they failed to “watch over their heart with all diligence” (Prov. 4:23).

To the Hebrew reader, the "heart" was considered the seat of the will and thought—but much more than just thoughts and intellect. The heart is the whole "inner-life"—our thought-life, desires, affections, values, motivations, and choices. Emphasizing this, Jesus said: “a good person produces good deeds from a good heart” (Luke 6:45). Therefore, it behooves us to make sure that studying and reflecting on the Word of God has not become just a mental work-out, but a heartfelt discipline of love.

Investing in the Future

I’ve not posted on this blog since last Monday. As you know from my previous postings, I have returned to school (Liberty University Online) to get my Masters in Theology. (I want to be able to teach at a Bible College.) For some of you this may beg the question why someone at retirement age would be going back to school to start a new career. My answer: Is it ever too late to invest in eternity?

Maybe you haven’t thought of it, but every day you are deciding how to invest your life. And whatever you invest in has the promise of a treasure in heaven that is waiting for you—like making deposits to your eternal "bank" account. Jesus said "Don't invest in things on earth where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Invest in things in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves” (Mat. 6:19-20, author’s translation!).

As you make important educational, career, and life choices, don’t forget you are making deposits into eternity. You have one life to live. It can only be invested once. “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? ... Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days” (Is. 55:2; Ecclesiastes 11:1). If you don’t hear from me as often these days, don’t worry—I’m probably at the "bank," making some deposits.

What is it Worth?

According to the January “Open Doors” newsletter, a Somali mother of four young children was killed by Muslim extremists when she confessed her conversion to Christ. In Alexandria, Egypt, 21 people were killed as they were leaving church when a bomb exploded on New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, our brother in Christ, Dr. Said Musa (see Nov. 30 post), awaits execution in Afghanistan for loving Jesus.

“Now great multitudes were going along with Him; and He turned to them and said, If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple…If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Luke 14:25-26; Mark 8:34).

As we read these words, do we think our every-day problems are the cross we must bear? Is that what Jesus' followers thought He meant? No. To them, the cross was no figure of speech. In Jesus’ time, to ‘take up your cross’ meant you were condemned to die the painful, degrading death, called crucifixion—a penalty reserved by the Romans for the worst criminals. Christ’s early followers knew their conversion could cost their lives. Certainly, Muslim converts know this. When they picked up their cross, they knew the price they might have to pay. Perhaps it is a good time to ask ourselves how much we have bought into the “easy-to-believe-just-say-a-prayer” evangelism that promises everything and costs nothing.

The Cure for NIMBY

Have you ever heard of a support group for “double-minded” people? Why not? Everyone struggles with this “Adam-inherited” infection of half-heartedness. You can see it politically with people who want better airport security but say “don’t touch ‘my’ junk,” or who favor reducing National debt, but not 'on the back' of their ‘entitlement’. But this is nothing new; it’s the old “Not in my backyard” attitude—for which there’s even an acronym: NIMBY. People who don’t want a half-way house or a nuclear power plant in their neighborhood, though they think it's a good idea—just not in their backyard—are NIMBY-ers.

But I think we could also personalize NIMBY as a description of double-mindedness: those who tell others what to do, but can’t seem to do it in their own backyard! And by the way, NIMBY-ers usually have a good-looking “front” yard. And there you have the problem: the difference between your front and back yard (what people see and what you know they don’t see!).

In psychology, we call this cognitive dissonance. And it’s what drives many anxious people into the therapist’s office. The Bible is replete with stories of those who suffered from the front-yard/back-yard infection, including Paul with his familiar "when I want to do good, I don't; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway." It all started in the Garden when Satan deceived Eve, infecting her with “double-mindedness” (2 Cor. 11:3). Fortunately, ‘Dr. Paul’ prescribes the cure: “Set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right…let heaven fill your thoughts” (Col. 3:1-2, NLT).

Getting Rid of that Post-Holiday Weight Gain is a "Piece of Cake"

Shortly after the New Year, a junk email showed up in my inbox that nearly shouted at me: “Too Much Holiday Food? Get Back In Shape With Beach Body Fitness Programs.” Ha! , I thought; I don’t think anyone wants to see this 62-year old body on the beach (nonetheless in a speedo)! Seriously, I’m having trouble this year losing my annual “holiday” weight gain. (The term “belly fat” has taken on new meaning!) Overindulgence in holiday treats and less time at the gym have apparently shrunk my Levi’s.

But it all comes down to self-control, which has everything to do with being able to stand against temptation. (By the way, ‘self-control’ is a gift from God that I should have already opened long before Christmas. And should have been using!)

Though there is some comfort in knowing Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, He never caved in to uncontrolled appetite—He never had to go on a diet. Why? He knew how to draw from that place of Holy-Spirit empowered self-control. So rather than setting a goal to lose 10 pounds, I should be aiming to walk in the same Spirit-empowered self-control as Jesus did. After all, how can I expect to pull down strongholds of Satan if don’t even have the strength to close the refrigerator door?

Don't Get Stuck in Haran!

I’ve been talking to friend who is suffering the consequences of a mistake she made. And another who is currently suffering the death of a loved one. Though it's true they are suffering for different reasons—still, both are grieving a loss. And if not careful, they will get stuck in their pain.

The story of Abraham’s father Terah gives us a picture of a man who could not move beyond his disappointment. Terah had three sons, Abram the oldest. The Genesis narrative says Abraham’s younger brother “Haran died in the presence of his father” (11:28). Then we read that after Terah left Ur with Abram’s family for Canaan, they traveled through a city with the same name as his deceased son, Haran. The story does not explain why, but “Terah went as far as Haran, and settled,” remaining there until he died (11:31).

Is the parallel play-on-words coincidental? Is the writer of the story using this event to reveal an important truth about our journey to Canaan? Was Haran unable to progress beyond his disappointment and pain—Haran’s death? While I don’t want to impose “hidden” meanings on the text, is it not true that wounded people tend to get stuck in their pain? And it is exactly at this point we will live or die (spiritually). Are you distressed by some loss in your life? Feeling stuck? Don’t let that feeling control you. Choose faith over feelings. Don’t stop short! Rise up! Continue on the journey to your Canaan.

The God of Second Chances!

On the editorial page of Friday’s USA Today, a U.S. Army chaplain, Major James Key, wrote a surprisingly insightful article about Ted Williams, the homeless man who gained celebrity by way of his viral video interview on YouTube. Since then it has been learned that Ted Williams not only served time in jail for theft, but moreover, ruined his marriage and career through drug & alcohol abuse. But as Major Key points out, people are rooting for Ted because they believe everyone deserves a ‘second chance.’

Key uses this incident to talk about the God of ‘second chances,' citing the account of John Mark, whom you may recall was the young man who accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but for reasons unknown dropped out and returned home. Sometime later, Barnabas wanted to give John Mark a second chance. But Paul did not. They disagreed so vehemently, they parted ways. But years later, we read in 2 Timothy how John Mark had became a useful & loyal companion to Paul when he was imprisoned in Rome. Obviously, Paul had given him a second chance.

John Mark or Jonah, Moses or Miriam, Peter or Paul, Ted Williams or Ted Bundy—it is an indisputable fact that human beings have an infinite capacity to mess things up. What a relief that we worship the God of second chances (and third, fourth, fifth…) “The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction; Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day” (Lam. 3:22-23).

It’s Never Too Late to Start Exercising in God’s Gymnasium

Most of you don’t know who Jack LaLanne is. He was my parents’ generation’s fitness guru, whose workout show was a TV staple for three decades, beginning in the 1950’s. Long before diet and exercise became the national obsession it is today, Jack LaLanne was telling his audiences to trim down, eat well and pump iron! Though he exercised every day of his life, even Jack couldn't last forever. He died yesterday of pneumonia. Jack was 96.

A statement most representative of his philosophy of life, Jack LaLanne said: “The only way you can hurt the body is not use it. Inactivity is the killer. And remember, it’s never too late.”

Reading how Jack LaLanne devoted his entire life to bodily discipline, I was immediately reminded of Paul’s words to young Timothy: “Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness; physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8, NLT). Paralleling Jack’s words, we might say: "The only way you can hurt your spirit is not to use it. Inactivity is the killer. And remember, it’s never too late to start exercising [in God’s gymnasium]."

Don't Drink the Water

Two million children a year die for lack of clean water. After a disaster, like a flood in Bangladesh or the earthquake in Haiti, it is common for people to get sick or die from water & sanitation-related diseases like diarrhea & cholera. But finding fresh, clean water has been a problem throughout history.

That significance should not be lost on us in Psalm 23 where David pictures a shepherd leading his sheep to “still waters.” He must do so because 1) sheep will not drink from a moving stream, and 2) if not moved daily, they will continue to drink long after the water has been contaminated by mud and parasites, and their own waste. And they will die.

Jesus promises to satisfy our need for clean water, from a well of living water springing up from inside of us (John 4:14). Where do we find this well? And how do we draw from it? Through our daily quiet time—a quiet and still place with the Lord where we are refreshed by 'drinking in' his Word.

Trying to live in a state of continual fellowship with God without a dedicated time and place to fellowship with Him will not work (Amos 3:3). How quenching it is to the Lord when we ignore our time with Him but drink from the world’s watering holes. But all the time, our Shepherd is trying to lead us to the clean, cleansing water of His Word (Jer. 31:9; John 15:3; Eph. 5:26.) How sad that there are Christians (like water-deprived ‘third-worlders’) who don’t realize they’re drinking fouled waters. The result is deadly.

Bigger is Better at Starbucks

The bigger-is-better concept is brewing at Starbucks, with the nation-wide rollout of its Trenta cup size—just shy of a quart. While nutritionists are fighting the supersizing of America’s eating patterns, restaurateurs are yet persuading consumers to opt for the bigger sizes for reasons of “economy” (the more you spend, the more you save)—a psychological trick that pays too well for merchants to end it. America’s nutritionists are fighting an uphill battle to influence healthier food choices.

It begs the question, how has this bigger-is-better concept affected our church choices? If a church is large and growing, it is assumed to be healthy. But what does this say to our assumptions about small ministries? Are they not healthy? Or, following the logic of my “food” analogy, are they actually healthier for us? Well of course the fact is both large and small churches can be biblically healthy.

Rather than ‘form,’ our emphasis should be on ‘function.’ Jesus said “when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself" (John 12:32). Isn't that the role of a healthy church? One that does not necessarily “draw” crowds, but one that “draws” people to Jesus? Similarly, Starbucks' ‘bigger-is-better’ approach may draw bigger crowds, but what about the health of their over-caffeinated customers?

Lift up your heads: Look Up!

I mentioned last week that I am ‘enjoying’ a season where lots of “things on earth” are vying for my attention. My oft-quoted commitment to “things above” is on trial.

When I was a kid, I used to capture bumblebees in a jar and then quickly put the lid on. But later I learned that a bee will not fly out the top of the jar. Rather, he persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom, seeking a way where none exists, until it is completely spent, and dies.

I admit I am too much like the bumblebee, struggling about with all my problems and frustrations, seeking some solution where none exists—when all I have to do is look up (Is. 40:26). Perhaps someone reading this today needs a reminder—just like I do. When we feel trapped, He provides a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). When Jesus spoke of the increasing anxieties his followers would experience in the latter days, He said “when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads” (Luke 21:28).

Fear is always your first reaction

Once again I am a student—officially. I am taking post-graduate classes in theology at Liberty University Online. It’s a little intimidating, if not overwhelming to learn how to use the online tools—learning how to use the virtual black board, how to post my assignments, etc. And when I don’t understand the instructions, my first reaction is fear. In fact, quite honestly, it’s more akin to “panic.” But I have to slow down and read the instructions again. I have to quiet myself to reduce the level of anxiety.

It reminds me that whenever we go through experiences—called trials—that are bewildering and disorienting, our first reaction is fear. At this point, our challenge is to quiet ourselves and go back (return) to God’s instructions—the Bible. It is there we find perspective: “In returning and rest, you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence is your strength” (Is. 30:15).

To correctly interpret your difficult circumstances, God's perspective is vital. Every crisis should grab our attention; what better time to hear God speak. One word He always gives in such situations, "Do not be afraid." Fear is the human reaction to problems. Hope is God's reaction. “After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram" (Gen. 15:1)

Customers or Contributors?

This weekend I helped my mother move to Sunnyvale, closer to us. Predictably, it involved ‘dealings’ with the phone, utility, and Internet bureaucracies (called “service providers”?). To deal with these behemoths nowadays, you have to traverse a maze of robotic relations. A simple change of address at the Post Office now must be done online. It turned out to be a daunting task! Does anyone else think that “face-to-face,” “tell-me-how-I-can-help-you” customer service has gone the way of the typewriter?

Of course that doesn’t keep us from wanting it! In fact, there has been an increasing value placed on customer satisfaction in the American church, with potential members looking for safe and fun childcare, convenient parking, and free coffee—not to mention expectations of family-friendly programs to occupy discretionary time. While customer service in the market place wanes, the American church waxes full of it! Are we attracting “worshippers” or loyal customers?’

When exactly did American evangelicalism convert to consumerism? The church-according-to-Paul was always intended to be a place to contribute (Ro. 12; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4), not to consume. In fact, Paul clearly excludes the latter by declaring ‘only as each person makes his own contribution to help the others grow will the church be healthy, growing, and full of love’ (Eph. 4:16). How do you distinguish between the two? Customers show up Sunday morning to be entertained. Contributors are there on Wednesday night to be better equipped to help others. Is it time for a little self-examination?

We live in a house with no fire escape!

Fire is associated with God more than any other natural element (water, wind, earth). For example, Moses hears the voice of God in a burning bush (Ex. 3). God guides the Israelites out of Egypt at night with a pillar of fire. Elijah calls down God’s fire to destroy the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). John the Baptist proclaims that Jesus will baptize with fire (Luke 3). A tongue of fire ignites the church at Pentecost (Acts 2). Faith must be tested by fire (2 Peter 1:7). When the Lord Jesus comes from heaven, His mighty angels will appear in flaming fire (1 Thess. 1:7). All in all, our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29) no one can escape.

Even as fire purifies everything it consumes, God’s fire purifies us, making us God’s “holy people” (1 Peter 2:9). God’s fiery Word consumes everything in us that is un-Christ-like. No one can ever hope to live holy unless the Word burns away the impurities of his life. Isaiah asks: “Who among us can live with the consuming fire? Who among us can live with continual burning?" His answer: "the righteous ones." (33:14) True believers want to be judged by God's fire. And one day everyone will be judged by God's fire. Let no one imagine he will escape. (Zephaniah 1:18; Heb. 12:25).

"But 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. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward" (1 Cor. 3:12-14).

As Luck would have it

I suppose many of you won’t know who Andrew Luck is. He is a young man (21) in his third year at Stanford University who emerged as one of the top football players in the nation, leading Stanford to a 12-1 record and a victory in last week’s Orange Bowl. Naturally, everyone expected Andrew Luck to move on to the National Football League where he was sure to gain instant celebrity, a multi-million dollar contract, and millions in commercial endorsements. Some might say Andrew is a lucky guy.

But joining the NFL would mean dropping out of school before obtaining his degree. And the serious Luck would have none of that. Not one to count on luck, Luck was staying in school. And given his intelligent choice, showing foresight, diligence, and good work ethic, I think it is obvious that luck has nothing to do with Andrew's success. This young man’s decision proves his character.

To use another sports metaphor, Andrew Luck has set the bar pretty high—refusing to give in to the you-can-have-it-all-now, immediate gratification value of his generation. And even more refreshing, refusing to be influenced or shaped by his culture. I don’t know if Luck is a Christian, but his decision has the mark of godliness. Speaking of athletes and soldiers in the same vein, Paul says they are those who keep their focus, not distracted by the lure of the culture (2 Tim. 2). And so should be our attitude when short-term happiness threatens our long-term focus—we should all be so ‘lucky.’

No Returns

One of my favorite passages in the Old Testament is found in Isaiah 30. I have long been comforted by the words in verse 15, in particular: “In returning and rest you shall be saved…” The word “return” is also translated “repent.” Repentance is simply returning. Returning to what? To the point of departure. Going back to the point where you left Him, left truth, left faith.

As I’ve studied this word “return,” I see it all over the Scriptures, most especially in the prophets—always exhorting a wayward, wandering people back to God. And God says “if you seek Him, you will find Him” (2 Chron. 15:2, 4, 15; Acts 17:27).

I am going through one of those days (weeks) when I am so distracted by earthly things, I feel very earthbound (and I hate it!). At these times, I am reminded by the comforting words that we find our “rest” when we return to him. And as many times a day as I must turn, He is always there waiting for me; always there to be found! Aren’t you glad we have a God who does not have a “No Return” policy?

"Don't Stop Believin"

"Don't Stop Believin,” a popular song by the rock band ‘Journey’ (1981), was described by Billboard Magazine as "an anthem for the young who wanted to feel free and unrestricted.” What a great analogy for Christian over-comers—those who refuse to live by the restrictions of the visible realm; choosing to believe in the God without limitations (Mark 10:27). God delights to see His people trust Him in the midst of gigantic problems that no man can solve. At such times, we prove we believe in an almighty God.

When the Israelites heard of the size of the giants of Canaan, they said to themselves, "These giants are too big to handle." God’s response was “Don’t’ be afraid; I will fight for you, just as I did in Egypt?" But they refused to trust God, and ended up in a desert of despair, wilderness wanderers, for the next 40 years.

The writer of Hebrews says they remained in the Wilderness because of unbelief. Certainly, at one point in time, they believed! When did they stop believing the God who had delivered them from Egypt? (When did we?) God is looking for men like Joshua and Caleb, who will believe and proclaim that there is nothing impossible for God. Canaan still waits for those who won't stop believin.

Living Vicariously

Whenever we go through hard times, a “Cinderella"/"rags-to-riches” story gives us hope that we, too, will persevere and overcome. The latest such story is of Ted Williams, a homeless man living in a tent in Columbus, Ohio, who became an online video celebrity when a reporter spotted him panhandling at an interstate ramp and interviewed him for a TV special. On YouTube, he drew 3 million hits: the attention-grabber, his extraordinarily rich baritone voice that is attracting radio and TV “announcer” offers from across America.

Whether it’s Michael Vick, Susan Boyle, the "American Idol," or Ted Williams, it’s the same thing: the thrill of seeing someone beat the odds and find happiness. If it is true that “most men lead lives of quiet desperation” (Thoreau), then it is no wonder they live vicariously: the cry of humanity for meaning and fulfillment. Living the life of another.

Jesus came to earth, became a man, to live and die for us. And in the deepest and truest meaning of the word, His life was lived vicariously: he was living our lives; he was identifying with sinful, desperate men (but without sinning). But here is the other side of vicarious living. Since we "died" and "rose" with Jesus, His life and fullness is ours (Col. 2:9-10). His present ministry from the throne continues as He lives in and through us. Our lives find their deepest meaning in knowing “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). No longer desperate—no longer looking for meaning in this world, we are living our “rags-to-riches” story. We are living vicariously—by the life of Christ.