What We Have

Acts 3:1-8 (NKJV)
 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;  who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.  And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us."  So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.  Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."  And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God.  

I have a friend who once said, "Most Christians live their lives like practical atheists."  At first glance it seemed to be a shocking statement.  My immediate response was to form an argument to disprove his point. The longer I considered the statement, the greater the conviction that what he articulated was true...sad, but true.  What does it mean to live like a practical atheist?  It simply means that we live as if God is disconnected from the reality of our everyday life.  As if God is disinterested in the mundane goings-on of our daily routine.

I sometimes wish that life was as mundane as I suppose it to be, but then, just as I'm about to rest in that peaceful place of boredom, a crisis of sorts comes out of seeming nowhere and lands in the middle of my security.  Suddenly, I'm faced with a situation that requires the intervention of God.  I can no longer act like a practical atheist...there are no solutions found in a place of disbelief and separation from the Creator of all. In those lucid moments, where mundane caves in to the reality created by crisis, I shed the skins of the practical atheist and embrace the truth of "what I have" in Christ Jesus.

Peter and John where challenged by a beggar who had been lame from birth.  The beggar asked for what one would expect a beggar to ask.  The beggar asked for a temporary solace--a mundane solution for the symptoms of a greater problem.  What was the most the beggar could hope for?  Enough silver and gold to feed himself for the day?  Enough silver and gold to feed himself for a month or a year?  What if the beggar could play the lottery and win enough wealth to feed and house himself and his family for life?  Could it get any better than that?  Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."   

That was certainly unexpected...  The supernatural workings of God are always unexpected to the practical atheist.  The beggar was healed, and he walked around testing his new legs, leaping and praising God. Mundane was just destroyed by the power of God!  Believers in Christ may not always have silver and gold, but the Word of God declares: "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."  If we can lay aside our disbelief for a moment, there is a spiritual mantel that declares that "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  The impossible becomes possible.  As Believers in Christ, that is what we have...it is our spiritual birthright!

Prayer: "Dear Father, I live at a level of faith that is unbecoming for one who claims to believe.  I am reminded that those who believe will lay hands on the sick and the sick will recover.  That signs and wonders will be a fruit that follows them as they declare Your good news.  I have too often settled for less than what You have to give and want to give to me.  May I lay aside my doubts and fears, pick up the spiritual mantel that You have prepared for me, and walk in the fullness of Your power and the potential that You make possible.  All for Your glory, O Lord!  Amen"   

Just Could Be…

2 Peter 3:9-14 (NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.

We were sure that the trumpet was about to sound and that Jesus was climbing on a white horse and preparing to descend. There was chaos in the Middle East—an explosion of “End-Times” prophecy in the Church—songs, such as Larry Norman’s “I Wish We’d All Been Ready” gaining popularity…surely the Lord was about to come back! I had some church friends who were lamenting the fact that with Christ’s eminent return they would not get to experience marriage or have a family. The “Mr. Naughty” part of my personality suggested that the soon return of Christ was not the only obstacle standing in the way of their future bliss. “OK.” Let me state the obvious…Jesus did not return—most of us got married, had children and are looking at retirement.

That said, just could be that we are living in the Last Days. No bold predictions here. No great prophetic insight. No clear word from the Lord. Not trying to scare people straight. Not even trying to anticipate what is to come. Still, there is this nagging feeling that we are facing difficult times ahead, where Christians will be out of step with the New World Order constructed of political correctness and humanist ideals. I am not of a survivalist mindset, but when they begin to hand out the equivalent of “yellow stars” to those who claim Christ…I might head for the hills.

The Lord has clearly stated why He is waiting to return. He is waiting until that moment when the Gospel has reached every tongue, tribe and nation; and that the maximum amount of people will have been “saved.” It is going to happen…and just could be that it will happen soon. In the meantime, I have a job to complete and a race to run.  I want to have oil in my lamp—my hand to the plow—my eyes on Jesus—becoming less, while He becomes more—loving God, neighbors, family, brothers and sisters in Christ, enemies… Doing my part to hasten His return.

Prayer: “Dear Father, how I long for your return. Through experience I have come to know the truth, that this world is not my home. It is a beautiful place, but is it marred by an oppressive darkness. Until the day that You return, or until I have breathed my last breath, give me the strength to live for You and to build Your Kingdom of light. I sincerely pray, ‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ Amen!”

Words

James 3:1-2 (NKJV)
My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Recently, I have run into quite a large number of God’s sheep who have been on a long sojourn looking for a “new” church. When I build up enough relationship to ask them the difficult question of what motivated them to look for a new place to worship God I generally hear stories of how they were somehow disenfranchised and disillusioned by their previous church experience. Very often the finger is pointed at a pastor. “Yikes!!” As a pastor myself, the first thought in my head is I wonder how many people have been driven away through the years, because of my poor behavior or lack of wisdom. You must understand, I have been the pastor where people left looking for greener pastures. What role did I play in their decision?

James tells us that being a teacher or a spiritual leader in the Church is not a position to be taken lightly! As a teacher/pastor I should expect a stricter judgment…from God. Double “Yikes!!!” I need to ask myself some serious questions: “Am I really called by God to be a spiritual leader?” “What is my responsibility to the people God places under my care?” “Should I have pursued another career?”

Very often the offense that blows someone out the back door deals with things spoken. My mouth has the potential to be a real source of offense and emotional pain. Sometimes I’m just being defensive and reacting to a criticism or unkind word—but, flinging back unkind words is simply fighting fire with fire. If the goal is to burn down the work of God this is a brilliant strategy; however, if building the Kingdom of God is of great worth, time to tame the tongue!

As I honestly look into the mirror I can honestly tell you that this pastor is flawed. Knowing that I shall receive a stricter judgment I pray that I will respond to God’s flock with a much larger dose of mercy and a double load of grace. After-all, all things being equal, God has not given me what I deserve…Bless His Holy Name!

Prayer: Dear Father—I humble myself before You with the knowledge that I have not represented You well. I am the servant who has been forgiven much and so, I should also forgive. May I see people as You see them. May I have a measure of Your compassion and be filled with empathy and a desire to bring healing. Put a guard on my mouth and may the words of my mouth be pleasing unto You. Amen!

Scattered

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. James 1:1 (NKJV)
Let me state the obvious: James is a letter that was written by a "guy" named James (perhaps the half-brother of Jesus) to the twelve tribes of Israel.  So...how does an ancient letter written to a group of people scattered throughout the world relate to us?  (Good Question!)  "No," we are not the twelve tribes of Israel scattered abroad; however, as a Believer in Christ, we have a lot in common with a people of faith who are surrounded by a culture that is not necessarily of a common religious persuasion.  I don't have a personal problem with living for Christ in a diverse secular/pagan/agnostic culture, because, I am building my life on the Rock...but, I have noticed a trend of a growing hostility towards Christianity.

Have you ever asked yourself this question: "Why do Jewish people seem to be the target of hate--both historically and in our present time?"  The answer is fairly simple, if not complete.  I believe that the Jews were hated by the nations where they were scattered for one basic reason.  They were not easily absorbed into the local cultures.  They maintained their own religious beliefs; they maintained their own language; they maintained their own identity as a people group; they discouraged intermarriage with people outside their persuasion...you get the idea!  As much as our current culture pretends to embrace the idea of diversity, it is a selective diversity at best.  Any people group that does not march to the beat of the current fashionable ideas are putting themselves in the crossfire of possible persecution.

How can we remain true to what we believe in a sea of growing hostilities?  The Apostle Paul gave some great advice that we should consider: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:12-15)  The key phrase: "You must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of!"  As Believers who are scattered abroad throughout a hostile world--we must maintain our identity as Followers of Christ.  The price may include persecution, even a martyr's death, but continue in the faith, run the race and win the prize.  It will be worth the sacrifice!

Prayer: "Dear Father, I am not alone in my faith.  I am surrounded by others who refuse to bow before the popular opinions of those speak out against the Church.  Please center my thinking on the thoughts that come from above and not be persuaded by the vanity of popular culture.  I confess that the wisdom of man is foolishness compared to Your wisdom.  Please fill my life with the virtue of courage that I might speak up.  Cause me to continue to stand for the things that are virtuous and against those things that are not.  May Your Kingdom come and rule in my life.  Amen!"

Uninhibited

Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, "How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!" So David said to Michal, "It was before the Lord, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor." 2 Sam 6:20-22 (NKJV)

Are you inhibited by what other people might think? I am sad to admit that in my case it might be true... (Talk about finding it hard to be transparent) IT IS TRUE! Herein is the problem; it is difficult, if not impossible, to be an effective leader if you are always worried about what people might think. A spiritual leader is not called to be a politician, trying to make decisions based on how it effects one's popularity. A spiritual leader is called to be obedient and to lead as God instructs them.

When the Ark of the Covenant was being returned to King David's hometown, he, in a moment of great passion, threw his inhibitions aside and danced before the Ark. It was quite a spectacle as David cast off his clothes and danced with reckless abandon. As the parade came to an end, David was met by the disapproval of his wife, Michal. Her words dripped with sarcasm: "How glorious was the king of Israel today..." LESSON NUMBER ONE: If you step out in uninhibited faith--you will face criticism from some.

David responded to his wife's critique: "I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight." LESSON NUMBER TWO: When you step out and lead, realize that it may only be the first step of doing more of the same. You may be even more undignified--and mortify your critics. However, there are two benefits that overshadow all else: The fruit of humility is given a great opportunity to grow in our lives. Secondly, God is glorified through our acts of obedience and passion. We need to continually weigh the question: Are we trying to please man or God?

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, You know my heart and so You are already aware of my need to be liked and accepted by others. It seems to be a driving force in my life; and yet, I want to see Your Church experience revival. Please bring a new courage to my heart, so that I find the where-with-all to step out of my comfort zone and lead by example. May my passion for You break through the inhibitions that tie me down and hold me back. I want to be a useful vessel and walk in obedience. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Amen"

Safe

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. Psalms 91:1-6 (NKJV)

I was raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho--which was recently ranked as the 18th coldest city in the United States. Dad turned the thermostat down at night, which made scrunching down under the covers a glorious event. In the mornings, Dad would turn up the furnace and warm air would blast up through the vents. Behind the stereo system in the living room was such a vent on the floor. I would sneak up to that secret spot every morning and cover the vent with a blanket and bask in the ensuing heat wave. I would have liked to have stayed there forever. Safe...warm...satisfied...peaceful...happy...

Then real life occurred. I found out that the world is not safe, warm, satisfied, peaceful or happy! I don't think that it takes a genius I.Q. to look at the happenings of our little planet and to accurately conclude that something went wrong. Too much violence--too much conflict--too much greed--too much laziness--too much exploitation--too much foolishness--too much self-destructive behavior--too much abuse--too much tragedy. It's OK...it really is, because, as a Believer, this world is not our home. So, what do I do in the meantime?

I need to go and dwell in the "secret place" where God is. I need to abide under His shadow surrounded by the warmth of His presence. Please understand, I'm not dwelling in this secret place to "run away" from my responsibilities or to deny the reality of the world's true nature. "No," I go to this place of refuge to be strengthened and to be filled with courage, so that when I do out into the darkness I will be absolutely unafraid. That in the midst of all that is crazy and wrong in our world--inside of me--in a secret place--God and I continue to have fellowship; and I face the world...safe...warm...satisfied...peaceful, and happy!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, it is good to know You--it is good to be one of Your children--it is good to hear Your voice and feel Your touch. No wonder Your Word declares: 'Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.' You are the difference between victory and defeat. The difference between being lost and belonging. The difference between joy and sorrow. The difference between purpose and confusion. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Amen"    

Secret Place

"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." Matt 6:5-8 (NKJV)

In the movie, "The Hollow Man," (A movie that I would highly NOT recommend) Kevin Bacon makes a blood chilling statement as a man who happens to be invisible: "It's amazing what you can do... when you don't have to look at yourself in the mirror any more." No doubt, it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to fully understand ourselves. We seem to have a fuzzy notion of who we are and are sometimes compelled by internal forces that we do not comprehend.

Not only do we have secrets, in many respects we are a mystery to most of the people who know us. That brings us to God--who is in middle of our secret places. He understands us--fully comprehends what makes us tick--knows what we have need of before we ask or possibly know to ask... He is the mirror that reveals the real essence of who we are. How can we become self-actualized and begin to understand the complexity that is us? Well, you have to meet in the secret place with God.

Jesus suggests that we find a place where we can be sequestered alone with God. A place where we can shut the door, turn off the cell phone and spend some uninterrupted time alone with our Creator. What happens in that quiet time alone with God is between you and God; however, you will find that God is indeed a transforming power that is unmatched by any other in the known universe. Indeed, the time spent alone with God is time well spent!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I need you to continue to remind me of my great need to meet You in the secret place. The place of communion, where I am grafted into a place of Your provision and forever changed by Your mighty provision. Lord, come into my heart--unlock all the hidden places and bring the cleansing of Your blood to bear. Thank you for being there for me and for caring even in those times when I seem a hopeless case. Your love makes the difference! Amen"

All In

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works." Matt 16:24-27 (NKJV)

I have a friend who did not grow up attending a church, but had a measure of faith in his heart that caused him to believe in God. He did not have a relationship with God, but he believed that God existed. He started attending meetings at a church and became a Believer. He recently told me the following: "When I started attending church I was clueless--I didn't realize that this was an all or nothing proposition--I didn't realize the magnitude of the changes that God would make in my life. I'm all in!"

Can I even say that, "I'm all in?" Or do I have closets in my heart that I've locked away from God. O--I already know that God can see inside those closets--He knows exactly what is going on in my life. Is it possible that I am still grasping to maintain control of some areas in my life where I do not want to change--places in my heart where God has not been given permission to clean me up? How long will I hold out against the Holy Spirit and not realize the full measure of His blessing?

What does a surrendered life look like? You surrender to God--deny yourself, pick up your cross and walk in complete obedience. What are the possibilities? Ask yourself this question: "Do I have a better plan for my life than the plan that God has for me?" That has got to be a rhetorical question, because the answer is obvious. My plans cannot measure up to the destiny that God has in mind for me. Time to surrender--time to go "all in."

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I have too much in common with the prodigal son. I want to have my cake and eat it too. The areas in my life where I fight for control are the exact areas where I need to surrender to Your love--Your wisdom--and Your plans for my life. I want to be an ardent follower holding nothing in reserve. I want to serve Your purposes and build Your Kingdom. Lord, help me...help me to surrender...help me to transform into a son who finds his meaning in Your purposes. Amen"

Treasure

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt 6:19-21 (NKJV)

The "No Fear" clothing line used to have a T-Shirt that read: "He who dies with the most toys is still dead." There it is--the truth--all unpackaged and laid bare. Solomon took a hard look at this truth--weighed in the sum total of the way he spent his time on earth and concluded that everything in life was "vanity." Once again--Solomon was wrong. If there is no life beyond the grave--if our lives have no impact on the people around us--if there is no Kingdom to build--and if our real treasure is left behind when we die...then Solomon would have been right in his assessment of life.

However, there is life beyond the grave. The witness and example of our lives can have a great positive and lasting effect on the lives that surround us. The life of a Believer is filled with purpose as we build His Kingdom. The treasure that we have found in our relationship with God is only enhanced as we leave this world behind. The Christian life is not vanity, it is a life full potential, promise and eternal value!

It all boils down to this--how are you spending your life? Are you pursuing an eternal treasure or are you living for the sensual purpose of satisfying the cravings of the flesh. What are the sensual purposes of the flesh? To be seen and known--like a celebrity. To obtain material wealth for the sake of having it. To have the power to be in control of my life and the lives of others. To get whatever I want--when I want it--regardless of the consequences. O--trust me, life can be Solomon's nightmare of vanity; but, it can be so much more. We can pursue God, just as He has pursed us. We can lay up treasures in heaven. And ultimately, we can give ourselves to a cause that is worth dying for--and better yet--worth living for!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, Your is the Kingdom, the power and the glory! My treasure is found in the realm of Your heavenly Kingdom and not in the things that shout out to my flesh. May I concern myself with business of Your cause and not get sidetracked by the foolish cravings of my flesh. I pray that You would crucify those desires and that I would indeed lay up treasures in heaven. May my heart be secured by the treasure that I have found in my first love. Amen"

Confusion

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-18 (NKJV)

In his book entitled, "People of the Lie," author, M. Scott Peck talked about the difficulties that are caused by an individual who is playing by a different set of ethical rules.. This person seems to thrive on controversy, loves a good fight, and is continually sowing seeds of trouble through gossip and slander. The reaction of a normal person is confusion. "What is going on? What did I do wrong? How did I get in this situation? I just don't understand?"

We have probably all been there. The object of an unwanted adversarial relationship. On the receiving end of an unwarranted rejection. In a situation that causes amazing emotional pain. All of it unexpected--landing where we are vulnerable--creating another opportunity to grow in humility, patience and forgiveness. How can we guard ourselves from these "people of the lie?"

Start with this understanding: You will not be able to avoid these situations as long as you are living on planet earth. Jesus suffered as the object of Satan's wrath. He was accused of sin that He never committed. He was betrayed by a close friend and deserted by the rest in His hour of need. The lesson to be learned? LIFE IS NOT FAIR! So, where does that leave us? At times, confused--but, all the more dependent upon the Lord. It also gives us an opportunity to be "people of peace." We do not fight fire with fire. We do not fight against flesh and blood, and our weapons are not carnal. We meet the challenge of confusion with all that is Godly and good.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, cause me to be Your instrument and a warrior of Your peace. May I not give in to the urge to fight back in the midst of hurt or confusion. Instead, keeping my eyes on You--may I express Your good character and the fruit of Your Spirit. Remind me of the real enemy when I start to struggle with flesh and blood. May I be as harmless as a dove and in Your wisdom--smarter than the enemy. Amen"

Longing

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness. Psalms 107:8-9 (NKJV)

Years ago I was working on a musical track for an album. It was late at night--everyone else in the house was asleep--and I was putting on the finishing touches. It was a song called, "There's a Longing in My Soul." The lyrics to the chorus go like this:

There's a longing, in my soul--there's a longing, in my soul,
And there's nothing in this world that can touch my soul,
Like the Spirit of the Lord.

There's a hunger, in my soul--there's a hunger, in my soul,
And there's nothing in this world that can fill my soul,
Like the Spirit of the Lord.

The song ends with a repetitious vamp that states over and over, "The Spirit of the Lord is touching me, the Spirit of the Lord is touching me..." The track was finally completed and I sang with it. When I came to the vamp, the Spirit of the Lord literally descended on me and the personal prayer and worship service was on! If any of the family members had stumbled upon my "studio time" in the prayer closet--they would have known that God was at work in my soul.

I was moved to tears--my hands were lifted towards heaven--and only the angels were witnesses to the personal touch of God on my soul. I found out that night--and well as many other times in my life--that God is able to satisfy the longing of my soul like nothing else found on this plane of existence. I have also found that James was right. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, thank you for not hiding away from me. Even in my times of failure, I feel You nearby. Even as Adam and Eve hid away, because of their shame, You called out to them. You are gracious, kind, merciful and continually demonstrate amazing patience with Your sons and daughters. I love You Lord--and there is nothing in this world that can touch my soul, like the Spirit of the Lord! Amen"

Strength

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Eph 3:14-21 (NKJV)

The chorus started with the following declaration, "My strength is in You Lord..." It is a good thing that my strength is in the Lord, because it certainly is not found in and of myself. I recently strained my back--and I continue to strain said back every-time I pick up my two year old grandson--who weighs in at just over 30 pounds. In other words--in spite of my work-out regiment--I'm just not that strong. I guess that the same measure could be applied to all areas of my life. (Self-Discipline--not strong. Emotional Stability--not that tested. Spiritual Tenacity--timidity. Intellectual Prowess--weak. General Health--compromised) "OK, I'll admit the truth...on my own merit, I'm not very strong!"

"But--wait a minute--my strength is in the Lord!" Humans are weak by nature. Almost every Bible hero was hampered by character flaws and personal failures, and yet, they are heroes by any definition. The difference maker was always God. Empowered by God, Moses stretched his rod over the Red Sea and the waters parted. Empowered by God, Joshua led the Children of Israel to shout and the wall of Jericho fell down. Empowered by God, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water. Empowered by God, David slew the giant Goliath.

This was the type of strength that Paul was referring to when he prayed that we would, "Be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man!" God can and will bring His strength into you, if you let Him in. The cry of Jesus to the churches listed in the early chapters of John's Revelation was and is to open the door and let Him in. Jesus is knocking at the door of the heart--the inner man--waiting to come in. The very moment we let Him in, is the very same moment that our inner man is strengthened and our possibilities are exponentially greater.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, Your Word tells me,'That in my weakness, You are made strong.' I accept that premise. I used to foolishly believe that I could make great things happen in my own strength, but have found only the ability to make great messes. Lord, please hear me--I need You! I cannot make it without You...I cannot do anything of value without You...all my hopes and dreams are empty without You. You are my Rock, my Shield, my Fortress...my Strength. Amen"

A Starting Point

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)

When it comes to our involvement in Evangelism, where do we begin? I believe that the Apostle Peter gives us some great insight and wisdom in answer to this question. In a compound sentence Peter gives us three important ideas that should be helpful. The first idea deals with the nature of our relationship with God. The second idea deals with our preparation in being able to articulate our faith. And lastly, the third idea speaks about the attitude we should have when engaging in evangelistic activities. Let's take a closer look at these ideas.

"Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts." What does this mean? It means that you are creating a sanctuary in your heart for God. This is a protected place where faith in God is unwavering--a place where your relationship with God is deep, ongoing and active--a place where God has the final say in your life--a place that is set aside for the purposes of God. Effective evangelism flows from a heart that is unshakable in its faith and where that faith is continually demonstrated in the actions of living.

"Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you." You do not need to attend a Seminary before you engage in evangelism, but let me be honest, the more Bible knowledge you have--the more time that you spend contemplating the answers to the kind of questions that non-believers are likely to ask--the more you understand "why you believe what you believe"--the more effort you make to understand your own faith; the more prepared you will be when it comes time to articulate your faith. Be encouraged with this thought: The Holy Spirit will be with you as you share your faith. He will guide your words and inspire you as you engage in evangelistic activity.

Talk about your faith with an attitude of "meekness and fear." A more contemporary way of expressing this idea would be: Engage in evangelism with a "humble attitude"--not as a prideful person with all the answers. Jesus, who was God in the flesh, engaged people with a humility that allowed Him to speak into their lives. We also need to engage in evangelism "carefully." Always remember that an eternal soul is in the balance and the words and attitudes that you express count! Are you ready? Get ready and see what God can do!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I pray that you would send people my direction who would ask me about my faith in You. I want to see lives changed and transformed by Your power and I know that there are thousands of people surrounding me that are ready to receive You into their lives. Lord, I will, with Your help, carefully tell them about You and about the difference You have made in my life. I look forward to the challenge of telling more people about my incredible Lord! Amen"

God in Us

"If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever--the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." John 14:15-20 (NKJV)

The Gospel of Matthew, quoting the Prophet Isaiah, refers to Jesus as Immanuel. "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Matt 1:23 (NKJV) As He walked with His disciples on this earth--taught with amazing authority from the Father--did miracles that no-one else dreamed of attempting, including raising people from the dead...Jesus was"God with us!" What a comfort it must have been to be walking down the dusty roads of Israel in the literal footsteps of the Creator.

As Jesus approached His own death, He made it clear to His disciples that they would not be orphans when He was gone. Jesus assured them that another Helper would be sent to them from the Father. That another, of the same essence as Jesus Himself, would be sent to abide with them forever. Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit. Historically, this prophetic word from Jesus was fulfilled a short time after His death, when the followers of Christ were gathered in an Upper Room in Jerusalem, and on the Day of Pentecost, God, the Holy Spirit landed.

Where did the Holy Spirit land? He landed in the midst of those gathered praying--He landed in their hearts--He landed "in them." Jesus was "God with us." The Holy Spirit is "God in us!" Wow!!! What are the possibilities for a person who has God literally living in them? The bigger question is this: "How do we access the power of the Holy Spirit that is living in us?" I think that there are three attitudes that need to exist in us that open the gates of God's power. We must "Believe." We must be "Humble." We must "Obey." God living in us is not a fictional idea--it is a fact and God's power is released through faith, not unbelief. We need to stop trying to boss God around--we must humble ourselves and acknowledge that He is in control. When God speaks to us--we need to listen to His voice and obey. Belief, humility and obedience allow "God in us" to use our lives and will lead us into the center of our God-designed destiny.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I know that You desire to use my life, and in fact, have already prepared work for me to accomplish. Too often, it is my human nature that seems to be getting in the way. I cry for Your will to be done, only to run the other direction. Forgive me for my pride--for my unbelief and for my disobedience. Thank you for Your love and patience with this, at times, wayward son--and help me to become all that You want me to be! Blessed be the name of the Lord! Amen"

Appearance of Evil

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thess 5:14-22 (NKJV)

Near the end of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul used a shot-gun approach by giving the Church several random short commandments. I want to focus on the last burst which states: "Abstain from every form of evil." This happens to be one of those verses that lost some of its spiritual impact, because of the translation. A more literal translation carries the following thought: "Avoid the very appearance of evil." What does this mean? That Believers should make an effort to refrain from any activity that would call into question their commitment to Christ.

Just this week Polish tennis star Agnieszka Radwanska was dropped as spokesperson by a Catholic group in her home country. Agnieszka is the fourth ranked women's tennis player in the world and had been appearing in a commercial for the Youth Crusade, which runs a campaign with the slogan “I’m not ashamed of Jesus.” Why was she dropped? She still claims to be a Believer, but she also appeared in ESPN's "Body Issue" sans clothing. While the nude picture is not explicit a spokesperson for the Catholic Youth Crusade explained their decision: "Personally I am very sorry that someone declaring herself to be on the side of Jesus has at the same time played up to the mentality of those who treat people as just a thing to be looked at."

Let me translate: While not evil--this has the appearance of evil. In a world fascinated by the the exploitation of women and the plague of internet pornography, Believers are not well-served by having a 24 year old tennis star posing naked while telling people, "I'm not ashamed of Jesus." I do not know if Agnieszka understands what is at stake, or if she regrets her decision to pose for ESPN--but, all around the world, young girls looked to her as a role model, at the very least, her testimony is now tarnished.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, firstly, I pray that Agnieszka would understand why she was dropped as a spokesperson and repent. Somehow, I pray that You would turn this situation around and work it for Your glory. Please keep the young girls that looked to her as a role model safe from the pull of this world that would tell them that appearance is everything. Continue to raise up a generation of people who are so focused on following You that avoiding the appearance of evil is simply a natural fruit of the way that they live. Amen"

Trust in the Lord

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Prov 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Do you trust God? (After-all, our greenbacks even declare, "In God We Trust") Before you answer this question, consider the definition of "trust." "Trust is an assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something." So, when it comes to God--how deep does your trust run? Can you with confidence declare the words of Job? "Though He slay me, yet will I serve Him!" 

I have a strong dose of self-reliance that was handed down to me by generations of ancestors who were determined people. When faced with life's challenges, I generally take it on--head on--foolishly fearless in the face of problems that I often have no power to solve. Let me suggest to those of you who are already wiser than myself. "Trust in the Lord and wait until God speaks before you act!"

Here is a true saying, "With God all things are possible. He can do what is impossible for you to do." What can we do in the face of the impossible? Isaiah gave us great advice when facing the happenings of life: "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) It is difficult to surrender your intellect and will to God in the best of times, but when situations demand action, it is very difficult to be still and wait. It all comes back to the question: "Do you trust God?" Never forget--"He shall direct your paths!"

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, trusting in You is something that is easy for me to acknowledge and see the wisdom in the concept--it is much harder for me to put into practice. I want to fix and control everything around me. You have proven to be trustworthy, so help me to once again surrender my will and submit to that which I may not understand. Lord, in my life, I pray that Your Kingdom would come, and that Your will would be done! Amen"

Favor and High Esteem

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Prov 3:3-4 (NKJV)

Do you get along with other people? Everyone has those few impossible people, but as a general rule, do you get along with the people around you? If trouble is always swirling around you--if controversy is typically trailing in your wake--if you can not "hear" certain names without flinching--if you involve yourself in gossip on a regular basis... Then you are without a doubt a part of the problem. Please hear me--you can begin to turn it all around by embracing and putting into practice some wisdom that comes from God.

Make a choice to live a life full of mercy and truth. Let mercy and truth be at the center of the relationships that you develop in life. This starts with your family and extends out to the very edges of people that you are barely acquainted with. Pour out mercy; meaning, YOU stop being judgmental. Too often, we judge others unfairly and then compound the problem with confrontation and/or gossip. We are so effective when it comes to picking the speck out of someone else's eye, but too easily forget about the great log that makes it impossible for us to see clearly. Was Jesus right by calling us "hypocrites" in this matter? "Yes," Jesus was always right!

How do we discard hypocrisy? It starts by accepting the truth about ourselves. When the Holy Spirit gives us His honest evaluation, the result will be a new baptism of humility. We will never fulfill the Apostle Paul's call to "Esteem others as better than ourselves," unless we have an honest, truthful view of ourselves. Humility allows us to extend mercy and grace when others fail to live up to our expectations. Humility allows us to speak the truth in love for the purpose of reconciliation. When we walk this way, the Word tells us that we will, "find favor and high esteem in the eyes of God and man." The result is worth the effort!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I have to be honest, I find it easy to evaluate and judge others, and no doubt, I am somewhat blind to my own failures, weaknesses and sin. I know that I need to walk with more humility--acknowledging Your wisdom and expressing mercy when it comes to the people around me. Am I that impossibly difficult person that makes life harder for the people that I love? May that not be the case...Lord, help me to be a person of mercy and truth who brings healing to difficult relationships. May I walk in a new dimension of Your humility. Amen"

Smarter than God?

My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Prov 3:1-2 (NKJV)

Wisdom starts with this understanding: "I am not smarter than God!" (And neither are you!) One would think that everyone would understand this truth, but we live in a world that is full of itself, and of intellectual pride that believes itself to be enlightened beyond the "primitive" thinking found in the Bible. Thus far, such intellectual audacity has only proved man's pride to be nothing more than folly.

One truth that was established at the dawn of man's creation is that man was created to be gender specific. What does that mean? That mankind is divided by gender to be either male or female. No sane person would dispute this truth and yet there are political and philosophical blocks within our culture that have been pushing for a gender-less society. Meaning that male and female should be viewed as virtually the same. If I was to suggest to these well-meaning folks that the genders are different, but equal--they would disagree with that assessment.

As our culture, in its great wisdom, (sarcasm) has embraced the idea of a gender-less society, what has been the result? Increased gender confusion--men fathering children without serving their children as fathers--more single parent homes--more women in the work force outside the home--increased divorce rates--lower marriage rates--more children born into poverty--and a general breakdown of the traditional family. It could be argued--with statistical support--that the wisdom of man has led us to the brink of disaster as our culture has embraced this enlightened thinking. It is just one of many examples of how thinking that we are smarter than God WILL lead to destruction.

Please hang on to this truth concerning God's wisdom and commandments: He wrote them for our good. You can kick against them--rebel against them--turn away from them; but in every case, society loses when left to its own devices, because God is smarter than man.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, just like the typical man--I often act in ways that indicate that pride is somehow trapped in my heart and in control of my decisions. I hope to humble myself before You are forced to step in and intervene. I acknowledge that You are superior in every conceivable way, starting with wisdom. May I obey You and walk according to Your Word. Lord, do not let me lean on my own understanding, but send Your Spirit to challenge the vanity of my thinking patterns and intellect. Amen!"

Happy is the Man

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. Prov 3:13-18 (NKJV)

"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding." That is one powerful claim--is it true? Are the people who live according to God's wisdom appreciably happier than those who live life according to their own natural desires? Years ago the great Andraé Crouch wrote a song titled "If Heaven Never Was Promised to Me." (I'll let the lyrics speak for themselves)

       You may ask me why I serve the Lord. Is it just for heaven’s gain?
       Or to walk the mighty streets of gold, And to hear the angels sing?
       Is it just to drink from the fountain That never will run dry.
       Or just to live forever, ever and ever In the sweet ol’ by and by.

       If heaven never was promised to me, neither God's promise to live eternally.
       It's been worth just having the Lord in my life.
       Living in a world of darkness, You came along and brought me the light.

       If there were never any streets of gold, neither a land where we'll never grow old,
       It's been worth just having the Lord in my life.
      You've been my closest friend down through the years,

       And every time I cry You dry my tears.

I remember well a conversation that I had with my mother years ago. She told me to live life in light of the legacy that I would be establishing. In other words--what will be the fruit of my life when I come to the end? Will my life have counted? Did I encourage and help others? Will my children and grandchildren want to follow in my footsteps? Did my life make a difference or did I just live for myself? I took my mother's advice--and some would say that I've missed out. But, what did I really miss? No one night stands--no DUI's--no hangovers--no messed up children--no divorces... I must stress that I have not lived a perfect life, but I have fully embraced the idea that living according to God's wisdom does indeed lead to a better life and an exponentially superior legacy. (It is not even close) To live a life that has very few regrets is the life of a happy man.

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Your wisdom. Your ways are not the ways of man. Your wisdom makes the wisdom of man seem foolish by comparison. You see the whole picture of life's process while we are trapped in the moment. We want our pot of beans and You are promising a birth right beyond comprehension. May I follow and come to love Your dictates and not lean on my own limited understanding. May I walk in Your footsteps and enjoy the abundant life that You have planned for me. Amen"

Prayer Changes Things

"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." Matt 6:5-8 (NKJV)

"Prayer Changes Things," declared the bumper sticker on an impossibly old VW Microbus. Although I ultimately agree that prayer can make a significant difference--prayer is neither a scientific formula nor a magical solution. (Please keep reading and hear me out) I have listened to a plethora of teaching on the subject of prayer and am surprised of how often it misses the mark. Prayer is not scientific in that we can not replicate a specific formula that always delivers the same result. Prayer is not magical in that we are not binding the power of God to do our bidding. We should also avoid deifying prayer--making prayer the object of our affection and worship. Still..."Prayer Changes Things!"

What does prayer change? Let us start with you. If you are entering into a deepening conversation with God--where you are engaged in listening to His voice--prayer will change you. Prayer is simply the conduit by which we communicate back and forth with God. When you grasp the beauty and the intimacy that can and should define our relationship with God you will find that your prayer life will lose all semblance of superstition. Jesus instructed us, "When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words."  (Just ask the 400 prophets of Baal how that worked out for them)

Here is my point: Prayer is about relationship--it is about talking to God--it is about hearing His heart and acting in obedience--it is about expressing our love, and lavishing our praise, gratitude and heartfelt affection on our "First Love!" When prayer cracks open the possibilities of what it means to be joined to the power and purposes of God; it is in that place of spiritual unity with our Father that impossibilities become possibilities and the prayer of the "righteous man" changes things. It is in that intimate place with God where we discover that our Father who is in heaven will give good things to those who ask Him!

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, blessed be Your name! In all of time, space and creation, there is none like You. You hold an unfathomable creation together by Your will, and yet, You make the time to talk to me. Who am I that You would consider? I am of little value and yet You value me and sent Your Son to rescue me. You have paid and redeemed me by the power of Christ's blood. I shall be forever grateful! Amen"